Shizmo on journey

The secret brother of Gizmo is again on a journey. Taking the flight over the clouds. 

Spring is already in Berlin, will this be the same in Stockholm?

Now back to Stockholm another time- Shizmo felt happy and did not waste any minute. 

Visiting friends and being in the Globe to see a concert. 

He visited the Gamla Stan and eat in exelent coffees the Gladkaka and enjoyed the view over town, the Vasa Museum and the park Skansen. It is always nice to walk through Gamla Stan and being in the clubs at the evening to drink a beer with friends. 

Of course you must be also on the other side of the river and therefore from Gamla Stan.  

Shizmo could shop and look for vinyls there and end up near the Theater. 

But again he went to the Gamla Stan as there is also the castle, the parliament and the wonderful views in the afternoon.

click on the pics!

click on the pics- this is Parliament house

click on the pics! and there getting big!

Later it was taking a walk around one of the Islands where the salt water meets the sweet water. Where modern houses meet the old typical swedish Sommarstuga. Where the train is next to you when you take the brigde.

Underground driving next to you- same with cars and behind us is Gulmarsplan station

So yes, spring has arrived in Stockholm like you can see on the pics and there is wood to in town. The air is therefore better then in many big towns. By the way Shizmo felt that it is true, that Stockholm is expencive. But always worth a try. Like London. Thought those towns are different and better not to compare.

After all this he went on with the train over the whole south of Sweden to see that it is in fact true what you read about Sweden. All those typical houses. Well, gets a bit boring after a while. Nice but not much differnece between the towns, villages and so it is to enjouy the nature, the fact that the train drives next to lakes. In fact sometimes just two steps away. And he has the luck that nothing went wrong with taking the train as there is the warning that each second time you'll have to expect something going wrong or similiar.

Gothenburg/ Göteborg Central Station

Gothenburg it was then and here spring had arrived a bit earlier and anoter view and wonderful days have been to catch. All is smaller, but cheaper and more calm. 

Well Shizmo was at friends and brought them also flowers of spring, which cost three times more the in Berlin. Beauty can cost money, but are we lucky to have friends, so we don't care about prices. By the way one or better two of the best vinyl stores is near the Järntorget Place.  Now the last pics and we wish you a wonderful spring and week.

Love and Light

The Epic- music

We all like to discover new music and see if it was or is worth our time and to listen to.

Going through the stores and catching the covers and hoping this might be something good.

The thrill of searching for something special. The joy if you found music you like from the first moment and even more if it is not one song.

The thrill to just buy something without knowing if it is really that good and to see your hopes fulfill. 

This music I am now writing about for you is Jazz.

Jazz is not everyones cup of tea, but this is not the usual Jazz.

It's not that unerving easy listening music and not classic Jazz alone, or even called so. It's not techno Jazz or modern Jazz, even thougt many have no idea what modern Jazz is. It's like with those modern art/ paintings. It is actually old art now but was modern that time when it came out.

The Epic is from Kamasi Washington. Actually it came out last year in May but this work is one of those albums who need time to climb up and be heard.

One reason is for sure that it is not a simple CD or LP- no, there are three of them! In one package.

You get already now the idea that this could mean it is something good to try.

And indeed this work of art is very much worth your time.

To the background. Kamasi got the inspiration from a story of a book about a warrior who stands and protects the gate until someone comes to take his place. The fight is to win or die.

Epic story and so is this music.

It starts smood and relaxed but getting deeper and using the classic elements of Jazz.

Then later like the story the music turns up, gets harder and more colorful. A mix of Jazz, Funk and Swing comes alonge and makes you fly deeper into the ocean of this story of music.

Then it gets lighter, softer again to cherish the wind being low before the storm comes, and like in an opera, the chorus of singers start to impress and take you with a big hand to leave you somwhere where soul is to be heard and then you land after the explosion of feelings soft with your feets and it is like waking up from a dream.

Sounds unbelievable, but The Epic is as the name suggest.

The music has a story, has a message and its way.

It is indeed and outstanding Jazz work of art.

Something I can absolutely recommend.

So enjoy this peace of art. 

LOVE & LIGHT

journey through a year

Every year is an adventure, is a new journey in your life.

Some years have more to give to you, then you'll expected it. 

Some years are less dramatic and others have many changes on the way.

My year was literally a journey to different places, old and new ones and also in making decision where and how to go on. 

Starting with a new job in sight, I flew to Thailand to visit a friend and to discover a new and different country. I went from Bangkok to the South coast and then through the whole south from near Malaysia up to the "James Bond" Island, over to Phuket and then with the plan high up to the North and landed in Chiang Mai and took the bus down again to finally be back in Bangkok. 

A fantastic journey where I not only got to see wonderful places, but also met new people and tasted food I never eat before. But this you can read and follow from my post from this year after January. http://one-thing-to-remember.blogspot.de/2015/02/thailand-journey-part-1.html

Then back in Berlin, Germany I discovered that things went another way then planed. The job as a teacher would not become true yet, as the whole school did not open. Seemed the boss got cold feet about the financial challenges. So starting searching for a new job as I have just left Sweden. 

So starting again was not my problem as I did this several times. You know I always believe that you have to go your way and it will bring you to the places and experiences you need and want to go. Sometimes time is ready, sometimes you are not. So it seemed in this case that I won't be lucky in Berlin and so I went back to Sweden and there I was very lucky. Just there was again a promising job or two in Berlin. Now it was time to think and write down what to do and how. Finally I decided for Berlin as it did look better. Turns out the job they wanted to give me is different then what they told me. http://one-thing-to-remember.blogspot.de/2015/03/up-and-down-back-again.html

I declined but then was without a job. Starting all over again.  

Now many people would feel that everything is going wrong and whatever you do, you seem to choose wrong, but I believe there is a lesson in everything and one is to believe and have patience. 

While searching again I worked at my personality. Things which I wanted I did and some things I wanted to change, I went to people who could help me. You know sometimes you need other people to look from another angle. 

I also made another interview and wrote a lot this year on my blog. http://one-thing-to-remember.blogspot.de/2015/04/jan-bo-vinter-poulsen-interview.html

That did indeed help. And I had -like it seems - the universe also working for me. A love came into my life and two people left my space. 

I still think about them, but less now and let them go there way. Though we did not parted the nicest way and a misunderstanding led them away, but sometimes you just have to let it go. People have to make their own experience and must always pay for what they do. You can't always safe or change or make it better. Sometimes you have to trust and which the best inside you for them. 

This is also a journey.

Then I discovered my own town again. Like a tourist. Strange in a way. 

http://one-thing-to-remember.blogspot.de/2015/04/berlin-walk-secret-way-with-me.html

Finally having my new job and getting also the experience that working as usual is never again the solution, I began a new chapter and also started to go to university again. Well, not again, the first time and will do so the next three years, next to my job. 

In the same time I missed my Sweden and therefore I flew back to meet my friends. 

http://one-thing-to-remember.blogspot.de/2015/09/make-break.html

When I came back again to Berlin, I realized that my love affair with Berlin is over. Also I already moved another time (the sixth in one year) and started living in an area I have never been much before. It's a nice area and quite. 

Now living with my love is something new for me, as I always lived alone at my very own place but it is nice and wonderful, thought a challenge for both of us too. 

But like in the last years I have become a traveler. 

Manchester was it in autumn and London. Something new and something old- like the saying goes. 

That was exciting, beautiful and lovely. 

http://one-thing-to-remember.blogspot.de/2015/11/manchester-united-or-visite-in-red-town.html

Now that the year has nearly gone I have worked at my new working place a while and had a lot of challenges. A lot stress and a lot to think about. A lot to deal with and try to figure out how to do best, as I lead a team and manage the quality and also doing nursing. Quite a lot and then I have to keep in mind there is a dog home, a love and then my friends. Stay tuned to what they do and how they feel is something I try to fix as good as I can, while learning and doing everyday things which have to be done and also christmas presents will be bought and wrapped. 

To get christmas feelings is something I still wait for.... It is not really coming up..  Am to much bussy. Very much like in the last years it takes  a while. But don't worry, the spirit comes along...always. 

http://one-thing-to-remember.blogspot.de/2015/12/the-holy-family.html

Yes, this year also had its dark political effects. The racism came back into open field and the hate, the gun shootings have become kind of everyday thing and the bombs inside our heart have tried to destroy our faith in democracy. The results of mistakes come to real danger now as one of the mistakes was to keep people stupid in many ways. But also we had many light hours, hours of hope and courage and people seem to awake from a coma they have been or getting away from being blind to being more the seeing eye. 

Sure next year is a leap year but also a year for decisions. Again, we face important times and the decision we will make will more then ever lead the way for the next future. 

So what future do you want?! 

Meaning, it is time to stand up and even when we fear one or two things could go wrong or go a way we don't like. But let's be true, a change never leaves you without the question what to let lose and give up. A change is only possible if you leave things behind and that means also things we are used to. Sometimes we have to free our self from things to get free and to be able to do the next step, even when we fear the future, because if we don't we come to the point where we must and then it won't be that easy, that nice, that way you like to have it. Now you still can decide and go the way, find your way easier then later. 

That is also why christmas is a god start to be grateful and think about what you have as most of us are really rich, and some are rich for the wrong reason and others believe them self poor for the wrong reason. 

Many things come a bit later then we believe or should I say expect, but they do come true if you hang on. I can tell you from my own experience. Many things come when the time is right, when you are ready and the situation is as it is needed. Therefore have patience and go on the way you want to. Keep your goal in mind and do all on the way which gives you what you need and want. A bit planing is also good and then be flexible. That way you can react and catch what you need and come along the way you desire. Make your own path. It's true, it is the only you'll become happy. Which does not need we can go together, cross our ways, but just remember, you have to walk alone on your own way. 

That means sure not to care to much what people say, but listen to them is necessary. It gives you the information you need to reflect yourself. 

Now, let me send you some love and light and which you a merry christmas. Whatever you do, wherever you are, make the best of it. I will be working most of the holidays but am happy anyway. Be happy, be grateful and try to shine and let the sun shine in your heart. Make yourself some beautiful moments, just because YOU deserve it. Do it all for you, instead for the others. Do what makes you happy. Do what you like.  If it is just to give a smile. 

LOVE & LIGHT

Thailand- my tips and what you should know

So guys, this is it. The last entry about my journey to Thailand. As I promised, I will give you some advise. Some classic, some of my own.

Thailand is best to travel to between January and May, as it is the try period. That does not mean it won't rain, but chances are it will much less and shorter. 

It may be very warm- around 30°C but be sure to have warm cloths with you. Trains, hotel rooms and underground, even shopping malls can be quite cold. And when you travel in the North, nights are much colder then in the South. So better have something to wear which can warm you.

As you may already expect, visiting a Wat or a Temple means to not show your knees and shoulders. Sometimes you even have to take off your hut. In Bangkok you must wear long trousers and they should be white/ large as all clothes which shows your body is not welcome.

As you travel, be sure to take your time. Busses are going often and there is usually no need to buy a ticket earlier then the day itself. It is cheap but has three different categories. Simple- which is better not for you, then the usually big busses and the mini bus. Mini busses are always the thing when you are going to Bangkok as it goes much faster. 

Taxis/Caps are usually easy to get but not everywhere they work with taxameter. Sometimes you have to fix the price before you drive! 
In Bangkok they all have to take the Taxameter and you should keep an eye on that when you get into a taxi. Always remind them to put them on. If they don't then tell them to stop and leave the car! 
Mostly the driver can speak bit english but always have your hotel or the place you want to travel written on paper in Thai. 
Airport taxi is the best way to get into town in Chiang Mai, right behind the baggage claim they will get you a taxi for the same price, always.

Well in Bangkok you can also take a motorbike. (I don't mean hire one- to much traffic!) Here you must also make up the price before and be sure to have enough with yourself but also make sure they don't see how much you have. So you better take out the money you are willing to pay and leave the rest hidden.

As we speak of money, as always make sure you keep an eye on it and keep it save. 

Make also sure to always have a copy from your pass and license and put it in another bag. 

The money must be exchanged- best in Thailand, best not on the airport, thought in the South it is no problem to exchange, in the North it can be a problem. In Chiang Mai you have to look out in on the Island, otherwise it is hard to find an exchange. Sometimes you can change in hotels too. Actually they should make it possible for you. 

What more? There is a rule about food- nothing is save and you always have to be prepared for that you can get bad food. So have some medicine with you (for fever, flue and the rest of the classical).

Drink if able always with a straw. 

You maybe will read in travel guides how to eat but actually eat as you know it. No special rules these days. The same is with the Buddha thing. They say it is not allowed to make a tattoo of a Buddah. They even claim to not have Buddhas at home, but it is because Buddhism has become a religious and so they try to play with power. So don't worry if you have a Buddha Tattoo, just don't show it at Temples and Wats open and absolutely not in Bangkok. 

But back to the Busses, as there are those little open ones in towns. Mostly they cost about 10 Bath, but can be much more expensive, so ask in your hotel. At least ask before you drive. 

By the way Hotel staff. You may expect that they know best, but no... Exception is when you are in an exclusive or four and more star hotel. 

If you haven't planed any tours with your travel agency home, it is not a problem to plan some in Thailand. Most hotels offer tours. 

You can even book fights over t.ex.: http://www.thaismileair.com/en/flights

It is also very good to book rooms and hotels on: http://www.booking.com/index.de.html?sid=495ea52d61ca2b653567baff9768595f;dcid=4

So... how much money a day should you plan in?

1000 Bath for one person. Sometimes you will need more, sometimes much less but at the end, it will make sure you can go on with your journey in an easy way and without worrying, even thought you should keep an eye on your economy.

Wanna hire a private guide? Look out on Facebook, ask friends and search on the internet. 

Important thing is- make sure as much you can- all the prices and what you wanna do, when you wanna do it and so on. The guide should write you a plan, the prices in an e-mail and best you pay as near the time you can and not after. Be prepared they are not exact and can be unprepared the day you move. They are very flexible, but bad at communication and so just make sure the result is what you want. They are flexible and don't like critics as in Asia it is important to keep your face. Don't discuss much, but say what you want and what not. Calculation can get up and down, this is normal, just keep an eye yourself on all this. Have patience when you travel with them. Sometimes they have a reason, sometimes things just take a longer time. They are flexible, but so you must be too. Then a privat guide is a plus. 

So.. I guess that was a lot again.. ask me, write me, give comments, leave a massage and follow my blog with writing your e-mail on the right side of this entry---------------------->

You can also follow me now on Twitter under: @SebastianisLove

Now some more pics and as always have a great time...

LOVE & LIGHT