Holiday destinations are often best taken out of seasons ( written for ArraialBahia.com)

       Out of season holidays, or mini breaks, has to be the smart choice for some of us. The Sweeping Coastline of this part of Bahia. Brasil is one of the best examples you will find. As someone who is getting to know it very well, I realise how special it is. There is something about the whole area that just catches at your soul. For me, living in this pretty special holiday destination, by the bluest sea, the warmest sands, I know I am blessed with this spectacular coastline.

                                 A typical beach and beach bar, just up from the island

       I know, first hand how much the place changes once the majority of the tourists go home. In many ways for the better I might add. Yes, some things will close, or perhaps not open so often, but all of the natural beauty is still there. The beaches, the sea, a wide variety of pretty and comfortable beach bars. Naturally, those belonging to the hotels or Posadas, remain open at reasonable times. You have the option of wandering the small and unique places like Arraial D Adjuda (the island), or, past the golf course and select holiday park to Trancosa. Parking is easy, where you like, without the crowds of visitors making getting about more difficult. You are able to eat and drink at much cheaper prices as well as have more opportunity to perhaps meet the locals. Or, you can spend time in the old fishing port of Porto Seguro, visiting the larger shops, the cinema and even McDonalds if that is what you like to do. You will find little of the large and flashy anywhere, but you will find a wide diversity of amusements. But that is the charm of the place. The very uniqueness that draws people back, time after time.

       You can still discover many craft shops, assorted boutiques and live music still all open to tempt you. Wander the Indian village and open markets as you discover them within relatively short distances. Meander by foot, take a local bus or taxi, or drive along the long, diverse and quite spectacular coastline. Small fresh fruit and vegetable markets are tucked away everywhere. Sometimes under a stand of leafy trees, or within a local, dusty street. Fresh fish can be bought straight off the boats on some beaches, or at the busier, larger fish quay in Porto Seguro.  Which is the larger, livelier town scattered with even more beach bars and little restaurants. You are bound to find something of interest as the whole area is filled with musicians, artists and writers of every kind. 

        It's the coastline where Columbus originally landed, all three, five hundred year old plus historic churches are found nearby. With a little more planning you will be able to move from one pleasant accommodation to another. Choosing the cost and the comfort as you go, each one always different in style and location from the last. Many owners will often be willing to set you up with connections to another special place, as there are many places along the coast, or larger towns inland.The whole area is alive with well thought out, comfortable posadas, condos and private accommodation for your enjoyment and relaxation. Most furnished in styles you will love, giving you a real taste of tropical living. Fine lawn curtains, colourful materials, hammocks, tropical furniture all make most attractive and well thought out habitats. Almost all have relaxing areas both inside and out so you can make the most of the weather.    

        You may explore the countryside and the character of the place as you go. You will see donkeys and carts, young men riding their sweethearts of the crossbar of their bicycle and crowds of assorted, busy motor bikes going about their business. Pretty little churches sit on green spaces, or others, more meeting rooms/church halls, are tucked amongst the shops and housing. Brasil and particularly this stretch of the coast brings people back, time and time again. I know for a fact, that once seen, it plants a seed in your heart. Visitors can't seem to help but return to discover more, indeed why would you not.

                                      Coming into Porto Seguro on the ferry

         So, take a break, come visit out of season, experience the sights, the sounds, the music and the dancing that is Bahia. Eat the good food, the self service restaurants, fresh Bar B Q, or intimate inside or outside dining. The choice is yours, but you will certainly save yourself a fortune and collect some of the best memories ever. The coastline of Bahia awaits you.

Take full advantage of your amazing opportunities during this vital year.

        I'm not a professional Astrologer...but as a psychic, a spiritual person, I am merely an interested thinker in the obvious effects the planets seem to have on our lives. I can't help but notice over the years the patterns that repeat with me, of particular planetary movements. As a Gemini, I know that Mercury has a lot of influence in my life.. But it exerts pressure on all of all. Particularly when it is Mercury in Retrograde, which keeps hanging around. Let's face it it doesn't take much imagination to realise what something as strong as a Mercury going backwards instead of forwards, has to bring things to some sort of boil. We have had quite a lot of that in the recent past.

        At last, after the year of 2014 where everything around you, as well as every doubt in you, was made to surface, things are able to change for the better. Last year was a year where most of us with any kind of sensitively for such things, began to realise that life was not as we wanted it. That a great deal was now outdated, unsatisfactory and simply not working for us. Many were in some kind of rut, or at the least knew they needed to make changes.. Or felt something was missing, but many of us struggled on until we were pushed. Some of us are still trying to maintain the status quo...which is unlikely to stay dormant for the entirety of this year. Neither should it be allowed to, because change is needed, change is actually very good for all of us right now. Or, we run the risk of being left behind in World  consciousness. It was often a complicated year, we were thrown into unfamilier situations, with targets or requirement that were difficult to achieve or maintain. Many were forced, or coerced into new jobs or unknown areas, even into new countries. 

        Certainly for me, it was a very unsettled year. I like many others, ended up in a different country to where I began the year. Despite the usual high and low spots associated with change and ongoing struggle, there was some fun to be had...but it unsettled many of us. We looked at the pattern of our lives...we probably attempted to make the people in it fit...but often they just didn't. Hardship often worsened, plans not working, confusion and uncertainly, with everyone at least a little off kilter. We renewed ties, we broke ties, we looked quite a lot at our old lives. Then, many of us, those that were a little rasher, jumped. Many others, attempted to recreate how they began last year. Now, we are already into April of 2015, deeper changes within us continue, so... off we go again. Except, this year is vital to you all. A year not to missed, or wasted.

         The balance of the world is a complicated affair. It's flow and ebb effects us all, as it must. The natural rhythms exist for an important reason, we do better when tuned to them. The trick with life, is to achieve a balance within yourself, then hopefully sit within your world in an easy and comfortable manner. At ease, in abundance, at spiritual peace and happy with who you are. Yes, I know, it is quite a trick to get right. Imbalanced, angry or unfulfilled emotions do not make for happy days, or peaceful nights. This is the year all of us can achieve that...everything is set up for making the most of who we are and who we want to be. The planets, with Mercury once again pushing us to explore even deeper into our psyches, force us to admit, we need to know. So, be prepared to dig deep, it's a time to persue your passions. Numerologically, it's a once in a lifetime year, a year not to be missed. Or, in years to come you will say, "that was my chance, I should have done it", or, " I'm not the person I should/could have been".

         It is, in effect, another step up for humanity on the spiritual ladder of development. Something that has been happening since the new millennium of fifteen years ago. Special children have been born and will continue to be so, awareness has spiked... it's  a 'spiritual shift'. Unfortunately so has violence, terroismn and oppression spiked during those years. But the best response to hate, has always been and will always be love. I know....its bit airy fairy and I am a well known sceptic from way back, but still, it is what it is. I have had to admit over the years that facts are facts, on my own spiritual journey I demanded proofs and I got them. Time and time again, so for me, whatever anyone thinks of me, or believes is possible, I am content with my spituality. Each of you is on your own personal journey and I would never say that mine is the only, or true way. That particular single minded vision is at the root of most of the unrest in the World today. 

          Therefore my friends and fellow travellers, your soul searching has gone on all this year so far, with too many blocks still in place to be able to further your plans or dreams a great deal. I nevertheless hope, for your own sakes that you are setting plans in place, ready to take the next steps. Because the energy around us, is starting to move and so must we. If you don't yet know your dream, what makes you happy, search for it, ask to find it, be in tune with your soul. Think about what you love to do. But rest assured the answer is within you and not another. No one else can make you happy, you cannot 'make' anyone else happy. Your joy, balance, spiritual, physical and emotional wellbeing are already there, within you. Once you encourage its growth, then you can share it with another, with friends or family or with the world. It depends on what you decide your dream to be, your aspirations.

           This year, invest in the Earth, a perfect message for the Earth Day just gone. Invest in the Earth, or its people. In whatever way you decide to invest this year, do it with honesty, with hard work and diligence. Ask for your answers and they will come. Make the most of this special year because by the end of it...you and I, can be firmly entrenched on our life's path. On the way to security of whatever kind we wish, as well as spiritual enlightenment. Share your love, mould your love and send love out to anyone, any place, still lost or separated from their own light. 

           Love and light to you all. Love and light to the World. May our dreams all come true. Use this special, unique year to become the best person you can be, the happiest, the most joyous. Send out the most love to the earth and it's people and you will surely get the most love and success back.

           Lots and lots of love everyone.....I believe in YOU.

        

        

Sleeping problems...INSOMNIA

      I'm sure it's something we all suffer from at some point in our life. Me...well like my father and other family members, I'm quite the professional insomniac. Unpaid, you understand. Or, is it paid in frustration? Well of course to be unable to sleep and with mounting frustration recently because of it, is doubly futile....

      If I look back over the years, I've actually tried every remedy ever suggested. As well as quite a few solutions of my own. On average I slept four hours a night, those being often from three until seven.  Often, I slept even less, but as long as had a couple of hours it seems I was able to get through the next day fine. I might have a quick half hour nap when first returning to the house in the evening, but nothing more. When I was younger and life was hectic with work, family and a sort of social life I really thought it was a gift. I didn't seem to need the sleep, so I didn't worry. In the midst of a house always busy and noisy, my quiet nights really were a gift. They were for me.

       As I spent years studying to improve myself and my employability, it was a good solution. A few hours all to myself in the middle of the night...what could be better. I studied, I wrote essays, I even painted as part of another course. Once qualified, I made lesson plans, teaching aids and whatever was necessary for the next day or week. All this before the days of the laptop or iPad. I can honestly say I enjoyed my nights. They were my gift to me, I made the most of them.

       I'm not sure when that attitude changed, or what caused it to change. It was probably getting a partner, trying to go mainstream, attempting to conform to the idea of a normal night. (Or is that pretending to be normal) I do know that thrashing about next to someone, or even reading, does not go down well. Perhaps I made the mistake of trying to be normal...when I clearly was not. Even sliding out of bed to be discovered later by an owl eyed tired man, wasn't a good idea either. He always seemed to think if he took me back and saw me comfortable, then my inability to sleep would disappear. It hardly ever did of course. Why did he always wake up, I wondered. Why wasn't he a heavy sleeper so I could do what needed, chill, relax, have time for me.....perhaps it was selfish, he seemed too think it a problem.

        I didn't mind if he snored, took all the bed, but no. After a few years, (did I ruin his sleep patterns?) after finding me awake, sitting in the silence, he began to commandeer the living area, watching TV. (Straightaway, silence gone) I got drawn into it sometimes, the programmes in the middle of the night were often far more interesting than the evening ones, educational even. Although it really wasn't my style, it actually stimulated me even more. I got this picture of myself, with big, round eyes, mind spinning crazily for things to do, whilst pretending to gaze at the box. Sewed to the seat somehow, by the seat of my pants, or is that P.J's. Often, during the night back then, I was reading...because my home was no longer set up for my night excursions and life changes. By then, the children had flown the nest, some to begin their own patterns of insomnia. You know the Apple does not fall far from the tree, as they often complain to me.

         But my joy in the nights awake had gone...lost somewhere along the years. My partner took to knocking back neat rum as he watched his middle of the night TV. Denying it had any effect on him the next morning, but I couldn't join in that either. True, he was always up and out the door early, me not so much. It was just that my nights were becoming a trail, rather than a joy. I was needing my sleep more than I had, perhaps worn down by attempting normality, or just getting older. Whilst clearly,  my efforts to sleep regular hours as other people do, wasn't working.  Sporadic ill health had ruined my inexhaustible vitality, exams were long gone and although the new technology was everywhere, it didn't fill the gaps somehow.

          Insomnia still rules my life. Even through I've tried remedies for sleeping of every description, oils, natural herbs, teas...never sleeping tablets or tranquillisers...I have enough problems without those. Sometimes I sleep all night and IT is a gift.. I wake in surprise that it's morning, I did not experience the night at all. Often I sleep a little, or not for days, I never know, but I'm still trying. I'm on my own again now, the partner gone off to drink his rum and watch his tv when he likes, where he likes. I'm not sad about that. However, with no family in the house, I no longer need the quiet of the night for me. I have the days of quiet too. I'm not complaining, I know life keeps changing....but I wonder. Why did I try to conform to what was expected, why didn't I just do my own thing. Surely we could have worked through it, together, better than we did. Or, maybe it was just an impossible situation that could not be resolved. Two vastly different people, trying to meld lifestyles. How often do we ask..."how do you sleep?".

           Either way, here I am, the insomniac from way back, the nights are mine.....if only I knew exactly what to do with them. Who knows which cycle might come next, I don't. I've already lived in many different time zones, nothing changes the fact that when night comes......what follows is a mystery.....but I'm determined not to be upset if my plans to sleep don't work. Being involved in a mystery every night, and able to do exactly what you want....can't be bad can it. 

          Good night everyone , especially you insomniacs, I know there are many of you out there.

Make the most of your sleep patterns whichever way it goes.

           N.B. I have just had three nights of wonderful sleep. What did I do..I wonder?