the africa adventure...

greetings friends and family. just wanted to update you on my world right now....

things are swift and wonderful. dull moments rarely exist these days. currently back in Houston where I am working for a yoga inspired clothing company- lululemon. it is a Canadian co. (Vancouver based) and is just blowing up globally. it is amazing to be a part of this co.'s growth. check it: www.lululemon.com.

i am leaving for Ethiopia next thursday. (September 6th.) and will be there for a month celebrating the Ethiopian Millenium, exploring the country, eating fabulous food and learning the culture. here is a quick run down of our expedition:

**From Addis we will begin our journey to Bahr Dar a city located on the bank of Lake Tana the headwaters of the Blue Nile. Here we will take small boat rides on Lake Tana to islands to see 14century Coptic Orthodox monasteries. Lake Tana is known for its wide diversity of birdlife among many other things. Near by Lake Tana we will go to The Blue Nile Falls. We then continue North to Gondar one of Ethiopians ancient capitals here we will check out a medieval Ethiopian castle (a world heritage site) and few other historical spots. From Gondar we continue North to the Siemien Mts and camp out for a couple of days, on the way there we will visit the Felasha community (Black Jews, descendents of the Lost Tribe of Israel). We will take hikes to the top of Mt Ras Dashen (Ethiopia's highest point and Africa's third highest Mountain.) In these mountains we will see endemic plant and animal species along with visiting Mountain people and experiencing traditional coffee ceremonies.From the Siemien Mountains we will continue North to Aksum. (This is Ethiopia's first capital and the land of Queen Sheba.) From Aksum we begin heading South to Lalibela- visiting a rock hewn church (Lalibela) and other historical/Spiritual spots. Back to Addis, where we will head to the Bale Mountains- known for having the largest area of Afro-Alpine habitat in all of Africa- Omo National Park. We will check out the Suma and Mursi tribe with woman that wear lip plates, Mago National Park, Langano Lake, Shashemane (land/town designated by King Haile Selassie for people from the Diaspora to repatriate), Arba Minch(40 springs) and other natural spots.**

needless to say, I am extremely excited to be fulfilling this manifestation. I am traveling with a solid group of friends from my Missoula, MT dayz. we talked about this trip six years ago- now it has actually materialized. thanks to my dear friend Ahmed who is taking us on the trek. blessed!!

So stay in touch with me. i've set up a blog spot where i'll be posting frequent updates and photos.
www.swatijr.blogspot.com

my weekly radio programme will also continue. i'm hoping to record and feature as much of the sites and sounds as possible. tune in sundays 12-1:00 central time. audiostream @ www.kruufm.com

there could be some podcasts as well so check my blogs for more info.

massive love and light to you all.

bless up!

sarah jahnelle*

the biggest illusion yet...

sitting atop the clouds. now flying high. after three days in New York City, a new state of mind. fresh consciousness and an expanded heart. fixed. fixated. this is my ride. i cruise with multiplicity. i choose my experience. i have chosen life.
full moon power. the city illuminated at dusk. now i see the filth of the city. with all its intricacies, sights, characters, odors, pleasantries and clamor. no dullness. only completely dulled out and ringing. clearly for upliftment. zen. space. place. existence. and in this…. perfection.
bright doors, and varied signs. lucky patches of greenery. trees that tell stories and reach their arms to you. like a long lost friend. concrete yards filled with flowers. fruit stands with variety. shades of grey and greys and brown and blacks. concrete. brick. peeling paint. skeletons. history and birth. rebirths and death and deaths. over and over and over again. every foot in the city pounding out a rhythm. adding to the rhythm of life. the pulse. of the planet. fulfilled. flowing. strong.
i leave this Time. a different step in my stride. hips sway. eyes wide. a smile. a stare. a glimmer. the future is full and bright and vast. the gates have swung wide. the light is upon us and i continue to fly. knowing. seeing. feeling. hearing.
Life: a grande illusion.
this is the biggest illusion yet.