Brother Joshua

So my little one, my precious brother has been making some very nice things in Cairns. Mum, since you don't have facebook you might have missed out a few of his more recent creations.

He's living in a wee hippie village about 30 minutes outside of Cairns city, called Kuranda. It's probably a much cleaner and more calm environment than the city centre. Surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. I spent some time up there a few years ago and it's a melting pot of aboriginal artists, musicians and earthy old timers.. it's a very nice place!

So, in case you haven't seen the artwork and music he's made recently.. here are some photos and links. And at the end of this post are links to video of new songs he is planning to record.

I think he's working very hard at becoming someone unique and special....






These music videos are on youtube. To watch these links just click and they'll open in a new window, some of them are slow to load (3 minutes or so), so you just have to press play and maybe make a tea..

Untitled
www.youtube.com/untitled

The rain came down
www.youtube.com/theraincamedown

It's not your fault
www.youtube.com/itsnotyourfault

I heart couchsurfing

I lovecouchsurfing!

I enjoy living alone, but there is something about sharing your home and your love for your city with new people.

And there is something to be said for inviting wonderful strangers into your life, I've met more than a few.

Luke, a shamanista from Mexico who shared recipes for sour dough and painted beautiful pictures, and gave me an eagle feather.

Sharon and Israeli coming from India with stories of communes, workshops and flower healers, who read my astrology, shared stories and inspiration.

Lisa and Seb a couple of flower child hippies from Germany, who waltzed into my kitchen and made breakfast every morning they stayed.

Francois a French stilt walking clown, built a compost bin out of scrap wood and lost my house keys :(

Travellers riding their bicycles around the world, camp New Yorkans, French biologists, Polish anarchists, 60 year old vegans, Spanish hippies, Australian jazz singers and and and ...it's been a riot of information, color, humor and food..and a few beautiful friendships.

Of course the idea is an old one... people with houses giving a room to people with none...simple. I've had my fair share of perpetual house guests and I've crashed on more than my fair share of floors..or tents in the backyard ;)

Couchsurfing is organised , structured, informative. It gives things a form, a spirit and makes it easy! You meet like minded travellers based on their description, personality, interests and most importantly references from other people who have met them in person. More than a simple flatmate interview will do for you!

It's an online community, with a system of checks and balances. It's a spirit of sharing and learning..there's free accommodation!

www.couchsurfing.org

General Statistics

CouchSurfers	1,263,267
Successful Surfings (approx)	1,273,016
Friendships Created (approx)	1,457,026
Positive Experiences (approx)	2,333,104
Unique Countries Represented	232
Unique States/Provinces Represented	2,734
Unique Cities Represented	62,229
Unique Languages Represented	1,270

Alternative Jobs While Travelling

Travelling? Want to make money without teaching?

If you're like me - and the idea of travel writing is extremely annoying...get your ticker ticking and have FUN while earning a decent wage.

There are many ideas for working nomads on the net, but I'm simply not interested in online blogging, WWOOFing, photography, teaching, prostitution or begging...so I created my own jobs, things I like to do. And the best piece of advice is find something you already do. ..now. Something you will actually work at rather than just think about.

I don't need a great salary to live in Hanoi, or anywhere for that matter. So here are some jobs that have brought me income (in a relaxed, Tabitha friendly way!)

Dog Lover, Dog Walker
I posted an ad on an expat site offering loving attention to little or large puppies.

Being Australian, I am not Vietnamese, therefore will not kick or hit your dog, lock him in a cage or feed him chilli-prawn curry. I will pat him, wash his coat, take him for walks and give him the love he deserves!

House Sitting Havens
A good way to stay for free or earn a little dosh. Helps if you don't have your own rent! I recently stayed in a fantastic house, with a KFC/takeaway allowance and a little cash. It was like taking a holiday from my life..with lots of dog love included!

Cake Maker Extraordinaire
I like cakes. In fact, last month I made over 30 cakes. That's more than a cake a day!!

There's always hapless vegans who stumble across my path, hehe, I plan to put nicely wrapped cakes in guesthouses. An idea for creative types, if you make...make and make, think of people and places you sell items, no matter how small. Meantime, I'm eating too much cake - someone help me!!

Garage Sale Queen
If you like 'things', you might use the Perpetual Garage Sale ninja technique. It's a secret move, hidden for generations...much like the Perpetual Student or the Perpetual Job Seeker. Collect things you love, naturally, in markets, second hand shops and other garage sale and post ads on the local expat sites.

There are tons of newbies coming to town who:
a. can't yet get the local price for items
b. need furniture, accessories, a scarf or boots in a hurry
c. like your style!

...it will ensure you have lots of interesting people knocking at your door!

Workshops and Creative Stuff
Chris and I learned loads of traditional West African drumming rhythms, and decided to hold drumming workshops. While the main point was that we want to meet drummers, we've found we are making them! Donation only, since we aren't professionals and provide the drums. Chris has seven and a great space..so much fun!

Party & Event Entertainer
Witchy wolf women of Hanoi unite! Mie (Japanese), Fred (French-Indian), Tabitha (from English witch stock, and yes, there is another Tabitha, yes, she fire twirls, yes, she is alternative and gorgeous - what are the odds!!) and I have formed Ahimsa Fire Troupe. We fire twirl and drum and generally add a fiery-feminine-feisty-flavour to events!

So far we've opened hostels and pubs, a cruise ship, a 6-story rooftop party, art exhibitions and charity events - lots of free food and we're making some nice coin from it too!

So, get thinking, what do you LIKE to do. How do you like to do it...and go out and create the perfect job!

Here are some photos of the girls and I in accccttttion!!!

A School Year in Nam!

Can you believe it's been so long..

I've become comfortable life in a culture so dissimilar to my own. For the most part this year, my lesson been a journey on how to love. But I've learned many things.

For the past 365 days I've learned to live uncomfortably, let go expectations, withhold judgment, adapt my communication style, function in intense humidity. Bargained, acted, and smiled my way to new friendships, food and work.

14 things I've learned... a random, mixed bag (maybe I'll add more later when it's not so late)

1. Every human encounter is a unique and singular experience that will never recur in the same way ever again

2. To wipe my chopsticks before using them (even though it does nothing)

3. That I love children immensely and will be a good mother

4. That the world is very small and people can be very similar in fears, desires and flaws as well as love, compassion and open mindedness

5. That you can very easily welcome people into your life..you just open your door

6. To stop looking before I cross the road

7. I am not my friends, my false expectations, my partner or my bank account

8. If I want happiness..wisdom.. I have to continually seek and create it

9. Vietnamese are proud of their culture and sometimes feel a little sorry for Westerners (even though they also desire BMW's)

10. If a Vietnamese quickly and happily accepts when you offer a price, it's usually too high

11. Local wine is good, local vodka is pure acid

12. Always bargain hard, but remember there is a point you could be taking food off someone's table

13. Love can be found everywhere and anywhere if it is found within yourself first

14. No matter how small your budget, you can go from one backpack to an apartment full of crap in a short space of time...

I've learned to be extremely patient, find something positive in every interaction and did I mention extreme patience? It's been an intense year. But the more intensity the faster the learning.