http://www.arcosanti.org/

Arcosanti Project History

Setting Rebar during Construction of the Vaults : Photo : Cosanti Foundation In 1970, the Cosanti Foundation began building Arcosanti, an experimental town in the high desert of Arizona, 70 miles north of metropolitan Phoenix. When complete, Arcosanti will house 5000 people, demonstrating ways to improve urban conditions and lessen our destructive impact on the earth. Its large, compact structures and large-scale solar greenhouses will occupy only 25 acres of a 4060 acre land preserve, keeping the natural countryside in close proximity to urban dwellers.

Palol Soleri will be 90 years old next month. How will his vision live on?

Arcology is Paolo Soleri's concept of cities which embody the fusion of architecture with ecology. The arcology concept proposes a highly integrated and compact three-dimensional urban form that is the opposite of urban sprawl with its inherently wasteful consumption of land, energy and time, tending to isolate people from each other and the community. The complexification and miniaturization of the city enables radical conservation of land, energy and resources.

An arcology would need about two percent as much land as a typical city of similar population. Today’s typical city devotes more than sixty percent of its land to roads and automobile services. Arcology eliminates the automobile from within the city. The multi-use nature of arcology design would put living, working and public spaces within easy reach of each other and walking would be the main form of transportation within the city.

An arcology’s direct proximity to uninhabited wilderness would provide the city dweller with constant immediate and low-impact access to rural space as well as allowing agriculture to be situated near the city, maximizing the logistical efficiency of food distribution systems. Arcology would use passive solar architectural techniques such as the apse effect, greenhouse architecture and garment architecture to reduce the energy usage of the city, especially in terms of heating, lighting and cooling. Overall, arcology seeks to embody a “Lean Alternative” to hyper consumption and wastefulness through more frugal, efficient and intelligent city design.

Arcology theory holds that this leanness is obtainable only via the miniaturization intrinsic to the Urban Effect, the complex interaction between diverse entities and organisms which mark healthy systems both in the natural world and in every successful and culturally significant city in history.

She rests...

10 weeks, 3 countries, 4 currencies, countless planes, trains, buses, tuk tuks, cyclos, taxi meters, motorbikes and a bicycle.

It's been an amazing, soul searching, heart finding, magical journey. Many blessing to all who I met and to all of the sights that have awed, dazzled and open this girls very wide eyes, I'm humbled & grateful ~*Thank You!

It’s been my intention, as my blogg is titled, to seek; Peace ~ Love & Wide Wings, within myself through this adventure. Traveling for me, was of course about seeing new lands, meeting new people though, more importantly, it was about placing myself outside my norms, stepping away from my daily routines and pushing beyond my comfort zone. I knew there would be great excitement around each corner but, I also knew that there would be challenge. I knew there would be places and events that would cause unease, even frighten me a bit, cause sorrow and leave me wondering and questioning my own reality. It has been with this that I learn more about who I am, what I am capable of, and just as important, what and who I am not.

Peace came with ease, early on. True love was also found, within my soul. And those wide wings, I feel have also take sprout. Time to take them all for a spin in the next chapter in my life.

After a few daz of transition & thought about how to carry the enlightenment into each new day, I look forward to finding a new home in San Francisco, starting school and working on my future business which, ta-da has its' new name; Avalon! A word, a place that has had great meaning to me. I feel it suits my vision.

Thank you so much for following my whereabouts and supporting my enthusiasm. I may continue to add to this blogg as, many life adventures are still to be had.

Thank you,
I love you,
Good luck to You!

Phnom Pen, Cambodia ~ It’s exotic, it’s chaotic, it’s beguiling, it’s distressing, it’s compulsive, it’s repulsive. Every day brings a different experience, some shock the senses, others bring a smile, some confound logic, others wrench the emotions. Many cities are captivating, but Phnom Pen is unique in its capacity to both charm and chill to the bone.

It’s barley been 30 years, much less in true peace time. The senior population still alive, hold heavy sighs, younger, my age were small children, lucky to survive…I have attempted to but, there is no way to know such tragedy; this country has been to hell and back. The glamorous ‘pearl of Asia” in Sihanouk’s 60’s, it was evacuated then eviscerated under the Khmer Rouge, only to rise from the ashes of civil war. Today’s Cambodia, a large village, a city is rising.

The once sleepy streets are developing into a chaotic mess of motorcycles, cars, minibuses, ox carts and remorques battling for space. Poverty is endemic and one not well addressed at all by the country's largely dysfunctional government yet, Phnom Penh is a charming spot.

The kids are just trying to be kids…lugging around heavy books, stories of the tragedy their parents lived through. Running the streets, hoping for just 1 US dollar in a long days’ work, squeezing in moments to laugh and play with friends…who also, pound the same bumpy pavement, begging strangers/tourists who have so many more dollars…who’s happier?

Good luck to you!

Ancient Angkor

The history of Angkor, as they know dates back to the ninth century. The ancient civilization of what I feel was a utopia of higher living, thrived in a heaven like condition of abundance. Without going into the history, I will say; they lived a beautiful, amazing, plentiful life. This 'lost city' still stands for us to come and listen to the love, light and magic that is all very very real.

My experience here is still being processed. This place has moved me like none other. A pilgrimage that will stay with me always is an extremely profound way. I look forward to sharing many stories, thoughts, beliefs of what was, how this relates to now and what we take into our future as humans here and now. The temples of Angkor Wat~ divine inspiration!

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Up at 4am, 6 hour standing only train ride from Bangkok to the boarder of Thailand, tuk tuk to immigration, visa office, touts that 'seem' to offer help, another bus to a 2 hour taxi into Siem Reap, Cambodia... phrewww, so glad my guest house guide help me through most of that! It's a 1000 degrees...

This is the most raw place I have been so far. They literally just finished paving the Hwy on Sunday. Most roads in this bustling, net savvy city are still rocky, bumpy, dirt dirt dirt. This country is still crippled by a short term outlook that encourages people to lives for today rather than thinking about tomorrow, because a short while ago there was no tomorrow.

The people are warm, friendly, great sense of humor. We're all just trying to get along in this world, yes!

I've not yet been here 24hrs...

(Off to the Angkor Wat temples for the next 3 days)

Laos

Via the ”slow boat” to Luang Prabang is the ancient capital city of the Lan Xang Kingdom. This is an eponymous capital, one of the most atmospheric and popular destinations in Laos.

The long trek into to Laos began with a 6 hour van ride from Chiang Mai, up through Northern Thailand, close to the “Golden Triangle;” where the borders of Burma, Thailand and Laos all meet. We stop for an overnight stay in the Wild-Wild-Asia/*Steam Punk* port town of Pak Beng. The border of Laos gleams with early morning color from where I’ve slept, across the Mekong River. We first ferry across the river arrive at the beginning of Laos Immigration. Officially entering this country is a head dizzying experience. Fill this out, give your passport to this official and then that one and then another. A game of guess where to go and who has my passport, went on for a good 2-3 hours. At one point, I was stopped with little explanation. While reviewing my written form, the officer closed my passports and slammed it down on his wood desk, “You stay!” I stand, I wait, my legs are numb. (sorry no pictures of that wonderful moment ;) Eventually, another informs me that I have overstayed my 30-day visa (phrewww) by 6 days, 3,000 Baht, oo-ouch!

By now I have a great new group of friends; Charley (Charlene) & Arthur from London and Olivia & Mark from Switzerland. We form a great group, each decoding different areas of confusion and extra eyes to catch all the blurry information being thrown at us and loads of laughs to take the edge off. This head sweltering heat maze only seems to make sense in that, it is one way to employ the entire town in the immigration process. It’s now noon, we finally board the long wood boat with 100+ others fellow back packers. Funny, no where mentions the difficulty we just went through. The next two days down the Mekong must wipe all that from memory, it does.

The Mekong River is one of the world's 10th rivers in its river length. The source of the Mekong River is in Tibet mountains and is called Dza Chu River (River of Rock). There can be few more enchanting places on earth than the ancient Lao capital of Luang Prabang, sitting at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, surrounded by glittering temples , a profusion of tropical palms. Its charms are as soothing as the temple bells that echo along its narrow lanes at dawn.

Our group stays together through our stay in Luang Prabang. Our stumblings into local life are likely to be some of my favorite moments on this whole adventure; sitting and watching a guy climb and pick coconuts, then buying one and meeting his sister. She spent 19 years in Tennessee. Lao/Southern accent, built for laughs. Then just blocks down, we are invited to join in on a celebration that has meeting the family and stumbling into a welcome home celebration where, three of the guys had just come back to Lao after living in San Diego for the past 29 years. That’s a story I’ll have to tell off the record. The emblem attached is there old flag.

One super dizzy bus ride from Luang Prabang to the bustling capital of Laos, Vientian. I skipped tubing in Vang Vieng to get back over the boarder (much easier) to Thailand to meet DyAnn in Bangkok. Actaully, I'm sitting in our fancy (airport) hotel room feeling a bit at odds after living a third-world lifestyle for the past 7 weeks. First thing I did was jump in the pool, whoo-hoo! but, wait until she sees my laudry hanging all over our bathroom, Hehee, can't take the girl out... Sothern Thailand, here we come! Phuket to Krabi to Koi Somui ~ beaches, pristine oceans, fantasy islands!

Northern Thailand ~

Hot, sweaty, dirty, muddy, muggy, brush fires, afternoon rain ahhhhhh…lush Amazonian forests/jungle, banana trees, banana pancakes, orchids ~ delicious food, outdoor markets, in a bag, fruit wines, morning glory salads, happy, peaceful, beautiful people with smiles, wild animals; crawling, flying, biting, screeching buggies, ge-ckos, birds, frogs, dogs (oh, the dogs!), petite kitties, huge cows & the elephants, Oh My! backpackers, ex-pats, new friends, guests houses, bamboo huts, Tree House, metrics, baht, bargaining, maps ~ crazy driving, trying to cross streets, motorbikes, Tuk tuks, and mini truck buses, bouncy old busses, winding curves, on the left and 7-11’s! ~ Hill tribes, water falls, hot springs, caves, dazzling Wats on every block, Monks, Shamen & a spa at the woman’s prison ~ flip flops, hand washing my laundry ~ coconut shakes, massages, tattoo, swimming in shorts & t, tp/napkin "same-same" ~ thinking, reading, writing, hiking, relaxing, massage, meditation, "what day is today?" ~ Bankok, Mae Taeng, Pai, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Dao & back to Chiang Mai for Songkran “Happy New Year” (aka. Water Festival) & many blessings to you! Wide wings ~T~

Full Moon to Full Moon ~

I left America on the evening a full moon in March.
Tonight, almost one month later, it is again, a big full moon.
What has happen between those two astrological markings ~ I’ve been exploring Northern Thailand, with just a bit more to go, worked on a perma-culture farm, helped build an “earthen” house, met wonderful people locally and from around the globe, ate great food and most importantly; I’ve been slowing down, breathing, opening doors of thought, pealing back layers to get back in touch with who I am.

The honesty, love and compassion that is flowing through my being, served by my surroundings is a great gift and I am eternally thankful. I have more to learn, see and do. For now, I am embracing the gift of me; of who I truly am. I am loving that girl, that woman with all my being, proud of who she is, of who she is not, leaving the past far behind and looking forward to all the days ahead with great joy. ~T~

Taking an outdoor shower at sunset, looking out onto several grazing elephants just a few feet away, has to be the coolest experience so far on my great adventure.

Elephant Nature Park is a unique project set in Northern Thailand. Established in the 1990's our aim has always been to provide a sanctuary and rescue centre for elephants. The park is set in Chiang Mai province, some 60km from the city, and has provided a sanctuary for over 30 distressed elephants from all over Thailand. Set in a natural valley, bordered by a river, and surrounded by forested mountains the area offers a timeless glimpse of rural life.

Visitors can come out to the park for one day up to several months as a volunteer to help care for them. I decided to come out for an overnight visit. We were given some guidelines then, allowed to help with the feeding and bathing. Immediately, it is so obvious the gentle, wise nature of this animal. In the morning we took an educational 2 hour walk, learned more and were up close and right there with them.

Better than riding them or watching them paint pictures, visit them, give them a bath! Most people do not realize this situation -
http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/index.htm

Doted with red freckles (mosquito bites) dirt stains that won’t come clean and constantly wet n sticky with sweat…never been happier, more at peace and eyes wide open!

In just the past few week, so much has happened with me; truly a mind altering experience. Life on the farm is opening me up to intentional community life, the joys of perma-culture and the greatest of earthen home building. Discovering the near by city of Chiang Mai; great food, crazy outdoor markets, more wonderful people (added a few more pix to the C’Mai grouping)

Doi Suthep, there are 306 steps, bordered by a NAGA balustrade (the scaled low wall.) The temple has beautifully decorated buildings and a Lanna-style chedi covered with engraved gold plates, flanked by four ornamental umbrella. I receiving a blessing by a monk. I was moved to tears. Speechless...

*************

The Lil’ things ~
Bathroom means “bath”room! When out, you ask for a toilet, that’s what you really want, right! At home (guesthouse) you clean up in the bathroom; a room that contain a toilet, sink and shower head all within the same space, no separation, water goes pretty much everywhere.

Truth
Traveling seeks Truth~ We venture out into the world because we are curious. Interested in other cultures, landscapes, ideas. A chance to see, hear think for ourselves. To meet the people of other lands to listen, learn…Create our own collectionsof thoughts about the world around us.

Dusk~

... a space in the day where peace dwells. The warm colors as the sun sets low. A long breath of transition. The time in between the days activities and the anticipation of what the evening may bring. On the farm, the days are filled with work though, here it does not feel like a job but, more like tending to the care of our food, our shelter and our spirit.

Today I am filled with more physical energy having healed from the daz of illness. Today I get to do what I have really looked forward to; really getting my hands dirty or that be muddy! I help with the construction of an ‘earthen house.’ (the picture of a brick house, no roof) We began mixing a new batch of plaster; earth, sand, rice husk to plaster to spread thick on the walls. We pour the mixture in the large trench and not with big fancy tools, we jumped in bare feet and stomped it into the right consistency. Then trowel and hand spread a thick layer on the interior and exterior walls leaving a heavy red texture that later, a finer finish would be added.

The are many aspects of my stay on the farm Pun Pun that I receiving great reward from. To speak of for know, the greatest has been slowing down. Taking time to absorb all the natural details, the conversations, tasting each bite of amazing fresh foods and simply breathing.

Pun Pun

Pun Pun means; “variety”
"We run our farm, community, and programs based on an experimental and experiential learning approach..." http://www.punpunthailand.org/

Sa wat dii (hello) Arriving back just before noon when the truck to Pun Pun will leave. No scheduled bus system here, just the kindness of others. I meet Lara & Phil also heading up to the farm. A recently married couple from Main. We chat, get to know each other as we bump along the 3 hour journey. The truck makes frequent stops; pick up a load of fresh goods and a few vendors from an open food market, deliver those goods &/or people to another open market, pick up a friend who needs a ride home, it’s a wonderful introduction in how to efficiently get good and people where they need to be. Lara does permaculture and Phil is a musician who were just in India for a month, a lavish honeymoon. I am so happy to meet my first new friends and so glad to share to search for Pun Pun.

Finally, off the truck and through the paddy fields, we arrive. Immediately, we happen to see Patty, one of the owners of this land. Patty and her husband Joe, a partner bought the land and simply intended to have a family farm. A beautiful piece of land stretching over rolling hills, lakes and reservoirs that they’ve built it up over only the last six years. It’s amazing to see what has sprouted so quickly just over the past six years, very fertile land. Joe and Patty both have an extensive knowledge of natural building and farming, having both grown up on farms. Her in Colorado and him just north of here in Thailand. Pun Pun means; “variety.” There is a small jungle of fruit trees, vegetable gardens and now over a dozen mud, straw and bamboo structures. The word variety though, to the Thai extends beyond flavor and choice, it applies to people, ideas and beyond which, I finding this magical place holds much of.

I have been working in the gardens; seed saving; taking the seeds from planted vegetables and setting them aside to gift and next years harvest. I will also be helping to plaster to the earth house almost complete. My little home away from home is the little adobe structure with the thatch roof and hammock out front.

I rained last night and bit through the morning. Very welcomed, it has not rained since last October. Just a light shower to cool things off, water to ground and clear some of the smoky air. They have controlled burns this time of the year to clear paths through the forest but, Patty speculates that there has been extra intentional fires to cover up opium growing to the federal helicopters that seem to fly over a few times per day. A small Humbolt of Thailand. The rain does clear the air some and now the view stretches for many more miles.

Tahn, their son is a sweet vivacious 4 year old. His name is Tahn, Tawni. Tan or Tawn in Thai means “to give.” :) Oh what it would be like to grow up here! I think I am learning as much from him as any others; cooking tips, language and great paper airplanes.

I am enjoying slowing down, eating all garden fresh meals, reading, reflecting and listening to the wildlife sing. There has been a funeral 5 day funeral across the valley. We’ve been listening to the music, chatting, prayers and celebration of life. I took one full day off and taking it slowly here and there to heal this flu buggy that is still with me. This is a wonderful place to heal.

A typical day so far, includes working in the gardens; replanting, seed harvesting/saving, watering (by hand; building big muscle, errrrr) evenings; I read, write, share stories with other guests. Go to bed early; the lil’ mud hut w/ thatch roof is my home.

Khawp Khun, laa kawn (Thank you, good-bye ;)

Bangkok (Part I)

Once I acclimated to the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, and let the worry of my new surroundings wash away, I begin to really enjoy this maze of diversity that is Khao San Road. Landing during the late night with it’s young and drunk, in full swing and my dizzy head from a long travel, had me feeling like I was in the wrong end of town. Though, waking the next morning to a lively open street market, changed my view immediately. Khaosan is a backpackers haven; young travelers from all far reaches come here to meet, drink, shop, share notes, plan the next leg of their journey. Also a haven for great deals on great clothing, jewelry, massage and the food; a haven of wonderful soups, pad thai and fruit drinks.

I got a full day with Danielle and Lydia. As Danielle went to finish some dental work, Lydia and I went to see Vimanmek Teak Mansion. http://cacarot.multiply.com/photos/album/36/The_world_Largest_Golden_teak_Mansion_Prateenung_vimanmek


After bouncing from one urban jungle to the next over the past week or so, I happily jump on the night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. From there, I will take a 3 hour local truck up to Pun Pun, the community farm I stay with for a few weeks. It will be so nice to be out of city life and simple be in one place for awhile. The flu buggy seems to have subsided, just sneezy & snotty, city muck not helping me grab a fresh breath.

Bangkok

I touch down in Bangkok, 1am with…ta-dah, the Flu! Errrr! Crazy cab ride, zooming through highway, red light means; go faster, the speedometer does not register speed. I’m sure he’s driven this stretch a million and a half times, I’m in good hands, yes?! He drops me off a few blocks to where my hotel is “cannot drive through street, you out here.” I am staying on Khaosan Road, a well known back packers haven. Great place to meet young travels from all parts of the world. My first reaction is to think TJ, no no now…The street party is going strong, I deliriously drag my heavy pack through the festive streets, settle into my simple room, yeah; I have my own bathroom. I step out for a beer,the late night revelers are young and happy. One group sprawled on the street tries to include me. I kindly decline, I go up to sleep. I wake the next day completely beaten with flu, I try to venture to the Grand Palace, settle for my first Thai massage (ouch!) and off for a day slumber I go.

Sunday morning after much rest, still a bit weary but, much feeling much better, first task; get international phone card and figure out the internet situation. Yeah, got both working! Stop for a bite to eat; great street vendor food, even better people watching~ people from all parts of the globe. And I must mention all the lil' kitties everywhere. They are little, as if still kittens though, full grown. I see the live on rice... like the Thai humans, small, slender like kittens. I want to take them all home… Off to the Grand Palace. WOW! http://www.bangkok.com/attraction-palace/grand-palace.html

I have now just sat down to write lengthy emails before another rest BUT, Danielle and Lydia (who I had given up on finding just walked in the door to the hotel, yeahhhhhhhhh!)

Had a wonderful visit with Danielle & Lydia who are on there way back to SF after being all over Thailand the past months. Goods tips, nice to spend time with loves in distant land.

On the night train to Chang Mia tonight!!! To Pun Pun, see pic link to their web site. Very excited about working (building/farming) with them over the next few weeks.


Ps~ Oh yeah Hong Kong. (layover on my way to Thai) Well, I was only there for 2 dazzzz so, forming any sort of response would not be fare. And unfortunately, as you see in the pics, it was over cast, bummer. Because that cut out what I really wanted to do; shot climb Victoria Mountain. Over looks all of Hong Kong. Highlights; The Skyline!!!! Hard to see in pics but, Hong Kong is ALL very HIGH RISE, walls and walls, towers on towers...very dense living. Well, it is an island and only so much will fit. Oh, my "builder favorite of the day"; they use bamboo poles as scafeling. Strong stuff a rapidly renewable resource! (there's a pic) I am finding, environmentally concsious minds are strong around the world, yeah! Sadly, I get one reason they often wear masks, smoggy! I really felt like Hong Kong is the LA of Asia but, that's not fare, I was barely there. I did get a taste of the culture; eating very local (could not order off the full character menu, just pointed to what someone else was having ;)~ street vending, history museum, parks, subways...lots of walking.

(OURSpace) new name coming...

OURSpace.com
Unfortunately another collective snatch up this great name before I did so, another with greater adoption is on its' way. It's good to evolve. Open to your ideas, feel free to comment, it is OURS!

My/It's first words;
http://ourspacesf.blogspot.com/

As this dream grows into full fruition, ...

The Muse~

Easy Being Green ~ living with Mind

You~Me & a bottle of wine~

~*~Soul chat~*~ Good friends/Family

Evolution Through Exploration