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New York!! ( My Shoegasimic Place)

2009-09-08T20:52:34Z

In 1999 ... I travelled from LA across america to NewYork .. and I had the time of mylife....been to tiny towns arcross route 66 coming to New York was awesome... and who would have thought I been there several times over.

There is something about the energy in NewYork that makes it so exciting ... i have my favourites and now I have some awesome friends there.

I didnt plan on going to newyork this year , in conversation ( its amazing how in conversation so much has happened in mylife)... in coversation , I said to my friend Yi hey .. I am looking for a place to go for the long weekend .. prereq. Sun shine!!.. she said hey I am going to be in New York for work comealong ... and I thought hey WHY NOT ..Europe can wait .. a few more weeks...

There are a few things ... I like doing in NewYork my favourite things ....
[1] River Cafe... this one my my favourite resturant in the world.....
http://www.rivercafe.com/
[2] Favourite Dress shop in Greenwich
[3] Shoes - dont ask probably 6 pairs!! this time lovely Calvin Klien shoes!!
[4] Pedicures - The best in the world
[5] Korean Food and the Korean street
[6] Awesome Church by Borders ....
[7] roof top ....High Bar crn of 44 and 8th Street ... Love this joint ... my friend Susie and I hang out here , everytime I come to newyork ... http://www.highbarnyc.com/

It was great to just walk down the street all dolled up going to meet friends. being in my own element no city quite has it (may be florence)...... and watching people (guys) neck turn!!... this city truley a sexy city!!..

and I will be back!!...sooner!! (mauh!)

SARK : Unusual but interesting ........( Read On!)

2009-09-08T20:49:40Z

Sark is a small and unique island making up part of the British Channel Islands, situated about 160 kilometres from the south coast of England in the Gulf of St Malo.Sark enjoys a moderate climate with mild winters, and warm summers, making it a gardener's paradise. The island is approximately 2 kilometres by 5 kilometres and is made up of Big Sark and Little Sark which are linked by the spectacular causeway of La Coupee.

Sark is renowned for its spectacular coast line and crystal clear waters and boasts several fine beaches. Cars are banned, so transport is restricted to horse and carriage, bicycles and walking, making the island a haven of peace and quiet. Tractors are used on the island but are strictly licensed and are only used for agricultural work and carting goods around the island. Tractors can not be used as private transport.SARK has a population of about 603.

Details and pictures to follow

Vivid Sydney

2009-09-08T20:28:34Z

I cannot explain the feeling that takes over me when my plane touches down in Sydney .... there is no place in the world like ... correction... there is no place in the world like HOME!!!!! and as always .... its SO SO SO SO lovely at immigration ... when the person behind the desk says ' Welcome home Ms. Rebello'and my response always with the biggest smile and heart so overjoyed and possibly a wink ' THANKS HEAPS !!!.. its great to be back' ... who would have thought I be back ... in less that six months... and to my fortune when people enjoyed the only day of snow ... BA flight could'nt land in London from LA for me... so!!... I asked for my money back and it was the cheapest flight to OZ £60 pound return!! and I clocked all those miles!.

Well... there loads to tell you about Sydney, it always great to see family an friends and go to some of my fav.cool spots like just walking along the city, Bronte beach and simple things like eating soft shell crab at China town or my fav. Laksha..... This time Sydney was different ... or was it that over the years... I changed.... I dont make eye contact with people at shops, resturants, groceries store....has london make me cold?. I didnt thank the bus driver when he stoped at my stop. Has London made me cold?. Also my sister said to me if your going out please dont wear jeans .... Girls dont wear jeans .. you gotta dress up!.. has my city become pretentious or have I become cold, boring and dull like London!!... its been 6 Years lots has changed... I asked myself loads of questions... and even though cities changes and people change... my spirt will always be Australian ....

This time ... Sydney was up in lights ... a Creative festival called vivid sydney and it made my city more beautiful that ever... check this out
http://vividsydney.com/

Bloom in Gloom : Art Auction for www.kiva.org

2009-04-27T15:15:39Z

Hi Guys,

A few of us Artists (Mel Larsen ,Caroline Lee, Frazer Lewis, Lynette Dias, Hannah Sasson) are displaying and auctioning our work at the First Edition, 25 Cabot Square , Canary Wharf on Monday , 27th April 2009 at 6:20 PM .Half of the proceeds from the auction of the Art work will go to www.kiva.org and the other half given to Artists.

Kiva allows you to lend to a specific entreprenur in the developing world to empower them to lift themselves out of poverty.The loans / Microfinance that is given to kiva is not just a hand out it is actaully repaid back to you online.

We are currenlty in the gloomiest economic climate, we can sit back and watch or we can do something clever about it. The idea of this evening is to create a WIN/WIN/WIN situation for all and its a party really!!. There will be a saxophone player throughout the evening. The Auction will commence at 8:00PM.It will be a Blast!.

Also should you wish to donate and not buy Art work , here is the team website and you loan as an individual. http://www.kiva.org/community/viewTeam?team_id=6057 />
It would be great to see you all there and please note you can forward this evite to others you wish to bring to the PARTY!!.

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Ciao,
Tracey Rebello
www.traceyrebello.com

Sold 4 Pieces at the Art Auction

Lights all went out not in Massachusetts, Canary Wharf instead: The G20

2009-04-02T12:26:39Z

G20 Summnit

I have never seen the lights out on the canary wharf skyline, some protestors suggested that they switch the lights off or the will switch it off for them.

More details to follow regarding my thoughts on the G20.

John Howard in the Elevator with me at BA Lounge Los Angeles airport

2009-03-17T21:50:27Z

One of the things I learnt in my Partnership Exploration Course in LA is that  'Eveyrthing you regret is a desire to express'

I arrived at BA lounge after a real long , final LandMark Partnership course, I was with Anne and Gita. I see this couple scurry into the lift whilst I am checking my email on my blackberry and I turn my head to the right and raise my eyes a little,I see this woman I recognise , may be a friends mother ,may be some who knows me and she smiles at me , nice lady.

I went back to my blackberry and now slowly move my head straight ahead about to see the man in front of me who she is with , I raise my eyes slowly , they have luggage , he is in a grey suite, my eyes slowly screening upwards ...now at the tie level and its Red , I always look at a mans face when he wears a red tie. I thought to my self who wears a red tie on a Sunday afternoon?. I instantaneously looked at the man.......John Howard!!!!....

OMG .....Little Johnny Howard!!.

THIS CANNOT BE

.... Strewth!!!........ my mouth dropped and my eyes popped out and popped back in.

I have to SAY SOMETHING FAST .......this lift is going up only one floor .What do I say to him? Finally I meet a politician and I have SOOOOO much to say , It's been Dream to get into Politics, local governement perhaps when I get back to Syders.    Back to Little Johnny Howard Yes he is little, few inches taller than me ...... My mind rushing I dont know what to say!!........ I always have something to say and YES....Johnny is staring at me thinking .... Crickey ... SAY SOMETHING!!!... thoughts rushing Cricket , The Ashes - we both know the Aussies are going to win, the Ashes belong to us, no point talking about this. The Economy , thats boring at the moment . Kevin Rudd current Aussie PM ,I like Kevin , Johhny probably doesnt because not only did he lost the election, he lost his seat. Then I thought I should ask him what he is doing now, nah!! bad idea, what if it boring!!...What do I say??... Tracey Rebello open your mouth and speak!!.... say something!!!

So after my accelerated thoughts and flabbergasted expression I said..... HI!!!!!... I am from Sydney!!!!.... and they said hi back .His wife ( Ah Janette!!) was really pleased another aussie , we are eveyrwhere!.. The lift opened , he gave me way and I said Thankyou and as I said Thankyou. ... I regreted not asking ... 'Johnny why was is so hard to say 'Sorry!!?'. http://www.unolympics.com/reconciliation/sorry.shtml especially after watching the movie Australia on the plane twice and I thought to myself , ' Pride is not Power Johnny' and all this time  ... my friends in the lifts had no idea.... that we were in the lifts with Johnny Howard!!!.... Australia's 25th Prime Minister.

As I ran to catch my plane he reconised me and I him and I just kept walking .....

In hindsight , I should have bought and read a copy of this http://harvardbusinessonline.hbsp.harvard.edu/b01/en/common/item_detail.jhtml?referral=1145&id=C0201E

Completing 2008 & Creating 2009, A Year to Arise and Shine:Possibility of Passion & Inspiration

2009-01-27T15:48:14Z

This Picture was taken on 1st Jan the first sunrise of 2009 from Mt.Sinai , this is one of my personal best photos. Sinai is a special place for me, there is something about this place that ressonates and provides me with the direction I need .........'Dare Mighty Things'..............

~ Come to the Edge ~

Come to the edge, he said.

They said: We are afraid.

Come to the edge, he said.

They came.

He pushed them and they flew.

by Guillaume Apollinaire

2008 has been a very interesting year , some people have branded it as the year of Chaos, a year of turbulence , for me it was the year to Celebrate. Before I go into the details of my year, there are a few things I need to complete. Someone read my journal a few years ago and said wow, you have an opinion on everything and I thought about this and I stopped sharing, like really sharing, this journal is for my kids and my grandkids cause one day I may have amnesia and may not be able to remember how AMAZING my life has been and that anything is possible, if you believe. My Grandmother has a diary, which I have and its one of the most precious items I have. It shows me how a woman in her time felt, thought and operated. My Grandmother now has dementure, this gusty, passionate, creative woman cannot remember and her passion of life lives on, through me. Because that is one thing I have learned from her to follow you passion no matter what. So there you go!

I declared 2008 to be the year of celebration, not knowing what would show up. 2008 ended up being a real celebration of the things that are important for me.

Ultimate Adventure : This year I have travelled to more places that I ever imagined to accomplish in a year , it was different though I didn’t travel alone which I normally am so used to.

Cuba
Nepal
Madeira
Toronto
Bergen , Norway
New York
Croatia
Greece
Ibiza
Boston
LA 6 times for my Landmark course
New Zealand
Sydney -OZ
Singapore
Riga
Egypt.

Come to think of this people travel to these places in a life time, this is the Ultimate Adventure I created in my Dream book along time ago. Travel is now a Business, in-fact its ART www.traceyrebello.com and my passion, it was awesome to celebrate this.

Work has been really interesting, this year I delivered 3 Projects for Thomson Reuters, yes no more Reuters alone. Integration / Mergers is quite interesting especially from a contractor perspective to see how the tables turn and the seats being shuffled around, whilst delivering projects and keeping true to purpose in delivering no matter what the surroundings , almost like landing a plane and building the runway at the same time, Exciting!. I delivered 2 projects in the Merger, I wasn’t interested in there politics, other than being a distant viewer, my focus was doing a good job and delivering. One thing I am proud of, that I am still there as a contractor, as many contractors were let go and I asked for a pay rise just after the merger and got it! That I say takes something. So far this year 3 projects successfully delivered. There have been loads to celebrate around taking the team globally across the line. There has been talk about being a Full time employee and I have been here for almost 4.5 years contracting now, let’s see the right thing will find me.

Family, my parents came to London and went travelling around Europe. One thing I remember when I met my parents in New York is that my mum said to me by the statue of Liberty, wow Tracey, I have always dreamt of being here... and I said now that you here, I think its time to Dream Bigger. So , I know that my mother always wanted to go to Prague and I gave her , her 60th Birthday present / anniversary present a trip for mum and dad there. Parents sacrifice allot for there kids, sometimes we don’t know all the sacrifices that have taken places and the least I can do , is create opportunities for them to realise there dreams that they didn’t think possible. Following this we went to Toronto on the weekend for my cousins Amanda wedding and caught my with my dad brothers and sister / cousins, was lovely.

My sister on the other hand surprised me this year as she decided to travel / bag pack around Europe, calls me and say hey Trace, I am going to be in London for a Day! Wow, now even I am impressed. Whilst Rochelle travels around Europe, Budapest, Berlin, she has issues with Euro star to come to London, says to the taxi driver in France the Airport please, gets her self a flight and makes it on time to London, so that we could catch up with our cousins Andrea, Sharon Shane, Oriene, Fiona, myself at Andrew to enjoy our favourite Dish called Laksha at China Towm. Impressive I say. The course I have been doing at Landmark, says, where you network / circle of friends attitude changes and how they do things, what they say and how they progress and have victories over the past and forge forward, the quality of your life changes. I am celebrating this! :-)

Raising Humanity : We ( Yi , Tunde , Andrew and I) did the 3 peaks challenge and raised over 2000 pounds for charity, this walk was tough and you can read all about in my detailed blog entry.

Kingsbridge Court, I decided that when I finally move into my apartment, I would cause a community around it. Last year I organised a BBQ at the sailing club across where we live and this year, I asked another Neighbour Marcus to take the baton / lead and I would assist / cause him. This way someone else has a go in leading and learning about themselves as leaders. It was lovely and great to have a community because in London people don’t know there neighbours, they hardly look people in the eye, yet alone say hello. Now at the bus stop in the morning, not a group of neighbours gather but a group of friends. Nice one I say! I want more in this area...I want to taken on the Isle of Dogs! Watch this space.

Two Awesome weddings, My Cousin Amanda in Toronto I was one of her bridesmaid and My friends Kim and Adam in Queensland and I was Bridesmaid for them as well. I like this idea of flying into a country trying the dress the day before and being sorted - easy peasy!.

Colour your world : I didn’t spend much time on Art work this year, I took loads of photos , Displayed work at the Space on the Isle of Dogs , Canary Wharf and went international , my work was in New Zealand. Next year, I plan to explode my creativity.

Key Events in 2008 and my thoughts!

Facebook : A word not in our venacular and now people on the bus have started to say ' See you on Facebook'.

**Details to follow

Google bought utube : Media is about to change.... ready or not
**Details to follow

End of Capitalism
The individual is bankcrupt and no longer is getting, more important than giving.
**Details to follow

US election : A half white President makes it to the white house
**Details to follow

[2] Israel invasion of Gaza ( This was coming....! )
**Details to follow

As the world changed, we have seen the highest high and the lowest low, Oil Prices check this graph out from 1861 to 2008 http://www.forbes.com/2008/05/13/oil-prices-1861-today-real-vs-nominal_flash2.html . The US dollar lowand then high, The housing market fell , intrest rates the lowest its been. Leman Brothers vanished!. 2008 has been an awesome year for me it's been an Exceptional year for me , Incomparable

I declare 2008 the year of celebration complete and 2009 .... well since I am climbing Mt Sinai to see the sunrise on New Year Day . I declare 2009 as the Year to Arise and Shine ( for my light as come) , A year filled with Passion and Inspiration.

Goals for 2009 : Publish a Book , Art Exhibition , Travel to some amazing places - Brazil perhaps!.Raise money for Charity by doing the Incan trail. Create a New Dream Book!.

Greece :Athens , The Greek Islands and Epheusis Turkey

2008-09-14T12:03:15Z

Greece has been described as the seat of the soul, Greece like any other ancient place has always intrigued me. The Richness of History, stories of brave warriors some fact and some myths.

I have been to Greece and the Greek Islands before and my 3rd time to Ephesus, never did I imagine , I would travel as much as a have in my life, the Adventures have been great..Greece is a really inspiring place, my fondest memories have not only been of the ancient runis but of Greek Hospitality, the people are awesome, very friendly and very accomidating.

Homer's Odyssey and IIiad Poems and Ancient Myths ( Jason and the Golden fleece the Trojan House)

Ephesus, Story of John , his preaching to the Ephesians. How Cleopatra was invited my Mark Anthony to Ephesus where he requested that she Dance in front of the Ephesians at the Amphi theatre in Ephesus.

Turkish Carpets - Here is the deal ....... ( more to follow)

Opedius not your ordinary Hamlet, In high school when I studied Hamlet, My teacher Mr.Jones , really got the class intrested in looking beyond the plays / text we studied. He told us about looking into Greek Tradgeies at that time the interet was not commercial and the school and local libraries did not have the kinda on material avalible today. Apparenlty shakespear based alot of his plays on Greek and Roman Tradegies, stories which we acted out and played before his time. Oedipus Tyrannos by Sophocles is one of them , hamlet character was molded from Oedipus. Andrew and I are going to see this play in London staring Ralph Fines (http://www.whatsonstage.com/index.php?pg=211&id=4563),should be intresting and looking forward to this.

I came across this poem when I heard it was read for Jackie Onasis at her funeral its by a Greek poet Cavafy. Enjoy....

ITHACA

When you set out on your journey to Ithaca,
pray that the road is long,
full of adventure, full of knowledge.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the angry Poseidon -- do not fear them:
You will never find such as these on your path,
if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine
emotion touches your spirit and your body.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the fierce Poseidon you will never encounter,
if you do not carry them within your soul,
if your soul does not set them up before you.

Pray that the road is long.
That the summer mornings are many, when,
with such pleasure, with such joy
you will enter ports seen for the first time;
stop at Phoenician markets,
and purchase fine merchandise,
mother-of-pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
and sensual perfumes of all kinds,
as many sensual perfumes as you can;
visit many Egyptian cities,
to learn and learn from scholars.

Always keep Ithaca in your mind.
To arrive there is your ultimate goal.
But do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better to let it last for many years;
and to anchor at the island when you are old,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.

Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.
Without her you would have never set out on the road.
She has nothing more to give you.

And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you.
Wise as you have become, with so much experience,
you must already have understood what Ithacas mean.

C.P. Cavafy

Location: Greek Islands (Myknos, Santaroni, Patmos, Crete) and Turkey (Ephesus).

John Keats. 1795–1821 , Composed an Ode on a Grecian Urn...

We can't be sure of what John Keats had in mind when he wrote "Ode on a Grecian Urn", but we know that he was inspired by its beauty. It is believed he wrote the poem in 1819 after visiting an exhibition of Greek artifacts.

Story has it that Keats was dying and when he saw this urn , a Greek Urn that surived from Knosis, whilst the entire Mionian civilisation was erridated. In this poem Keats communicates that we will never be able to tell our tale to anyone and that even though we dont know the figues on the urn, now as part of beauty and art they will live like that forever and we will not. Hence the famous last two lines of this poem ' Beauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know'

625. Ode on a Grecian Urn

THOU still unravish'd bride of quietness,
Thou foster-child of Silence and slow Time,
Sylvan historian, who canst thus express
A flowery tale more sweetly than our rhyme:
What leaf-fringed legend haunts about thy shape 5
Of deities or mortals, or of both,
In Tempe or the dales of Arcady?
What men or gods are these? What maidens loth?
What mad pursuit? What struggle to escape?
What pipes and timbrels? What wild ecstasy? 10

Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard
Are sweeter; therefore, ye soft pipes, play on;
Not to the sensual ear, but, more endear'd,
Pipe to the spirit ditties of no tone:
Fair youth, beneath the trees, thou canst not leave 15
Thy song, nor ever can those trees be bare;
Bold Lover, never, never canst thou kiss,
Though winning near the goal—yet, do not grieve;
She cannot fade, though thou hast not thy bliss,
For ever wilt thou love, and she be fair! 20

Ah, happy, happy boughs! that cannot shed
Your leaves, nor ever bid the Spring adieu;
And, happy melodist, unwearièd,
For ever piping songs for ever new;
More happy love! more happy, happy love! 25
For ever warm and still to be enjoy'd,
For ever panting, and for ever young;
All breathing human passion far above,
That leaves a heart high-sorrowful and cloy'd,
A burning forehead, and a parching tongue. 30

Who are these coming to the sacrifice?
To what green altar, O mysterious priest,
Lead'st thou that heifer lowing at the skies,
And all her silken flanks with garlands drest?
What little town by river or sea-shore, 35
Or mountain-built with peaceful citadel,
Is emptied of its folk, this pious morn?
And, little town, thy streets for evermore
Will silent be; and not a soul, to tell
Why thou art desolate, can e'er return. 40

O Attic shape! fair attitude! with brede
Of marble men and maidens overwrought,
With forest branches and the trodden weed;
Thou, silent form! dost tease us out of thought
As doth eternity: Cold Pastoral! 45
When old age shall this generation waste,
Thou shalt remain, in midst of other woe
Than ours, a friend to man, to whom thou say'st,
'Beauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all
Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.' 50

Hvar ( Croatia) - Second time round

2008-07-17T23:28:37Z

Crotia - been there before , island hopping. I prefer Greece , island hoping over this. However, Andrew's friend were meeting up and he invited me along.

Details to follow....

Yours,
Tracey Rebello

Raising Humanity : Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge : No walk in the park

2008-07-11T20:27:48Z

http://www.justgiving.com/raisinghumanity --- THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!!

Every year I take on – a physical challenge to raise awareness and money for a charity of choice, this is an area of my life I call - Raising Humanity. Over the years it’s been various challenges: 60 km walk over two days, the 44 km walk , even Art Exhibitions. Nothing prepared me for the 3 peaks challenge, this was no walk in the park.

This time round, I thought it would a great idea to do this as a team, I put the word out there and a team was formed. We split the work load and just got on with the job, Tunde organised the transport, Yi organised the accommodation, Andrew organised the sight seeing for Sunday and I put together the just giving website, encouraging and supporting the team to make this a success.

Our goal was to raise £2000, so far we raised £ 1,058 on our just giving website (and people still keep donating.. Thank you!). Tunde secured cash donations on £150.00, Reuters will sponsor £250.00 pounds and Meryl Lynch will match us pound for pound on our just giving website, together we have exceeded our goal £ 2000 for Marie curie cancer care. Thank you all, it is the smallest things that make the biggest difference and together, yes together we will see the eradiation of cancer in our life time. Anything is possible! Thank you for support as we move forward in making a difference and raising humanity.

To give you some insight on Marie Curie
‘ The result of the Curies' work was epoch-making. Radium's radioactivity was so great that it could not be ignored. It seemed to contradict the principle of the conservation of energy and therefore forced a reconsideration of the foundations of physics. On the experimental level the discovery of radium provided men like Ernest Rutherford with sources of radioactivity with which they could probe the structure of the atom. As a result of Rutherford's experiments with alpha radiation, the nuclear atom was first postulated. In medicine, the radioactivity of radium appeared to offer a means by which cancer could be successfully attacked.[21] ‘ Wikepedia

The Three Peaks Challenge: I was all prepared for the walk; I had the right shoes, reserves of water, deep heat (balm), fruits and nuts, chocolate, spare socks, spare clothes. I woke up, slipped on my gear, grabbed coffee, scoffed down some breakfast and was ready, even had my trekking sticks ( after Nepal, I invested in some trekking gear) however it just so happened to be the day when I preferred to sip camomile tea and cuddle a hot water bottle.One of those days ladies. I could’nt let my team down and Girl power was on the GO!!.

We all registered, geared up, grabbed some power drinks (or sugar filled drinks, energy they call it) and walked…….
It was around 8 AM, the weather cool and cloudy, nice though, always nice to have some cool wind blowing on a trek. After a few kilometres and on an accent now, it started to get hot and my layers were slowly coming off. The first peak, my milestone, I can see this in a distance, YES this can be conquered - Pen-y-Ghent (This first peak) ,will be mine. The wind was blowing as I clbmed up the peak , I was glad that the wind was pushing me up and forward rather than off the cliff , cause it easily could. If I had wings, I’d fly up that mountain. The winds grew stronger and the clouds darkened, I knew what this meant – Rain! .At the first post, I thought best not to stop and continue walking.

It was about 10:30, now the reason being Andrew says ‘ Oh I have be on Landmark conference call’ and I thought to myself now.. Whilst we are dogging the yucky muddy waters of the Yorkshire Dales. Now?!... and in his dedication to be on the call…. Concentraining on the call…….. I see his feet step into muddy waters, by now the mud seeped water would have socked the bottom of his socks, slowly creeping, he would have felt the mud on his toes and now his entire foot. Grotty. Messy. Muddy watered socks to walk with for the rest of the journey and now its starts to rain. The second peak is not in sight and we started loosing people.

We kept walking, our clothes, started getting heavier with the rain and we stopped avoiding the muddy waters, we treaded right through them, what was the point, we were soaking wet. There was no sight of the second peak, it was a long walk through no where, I can’t describe it as the valley of death it was close enough. Walking aimlessly…

There were no toilets, so at the second check point the guys said, ‘we’ll everyone been going to the bushes’ – Bushes it was. I opened my bag for tissues only to find out that everything in my bag was wet. Thank god Andrew had some. Times I like this, I think men have a better deal.

My trousers we all wet and there was no way I could continue with wet trousers sticking me. I was so over it, I went to the side wore my shorts and left my wet trousers in the Yorkshire dales, cause there was no way I was going to carry anything wet with me.

We walked and walked and walked, no star bucks (for a toilet that is), we were walking in the not so great out doors. We walked through wet fields and valleys, with live stock all around us. Cows freely roaming and sheep everywhere. We asked where the next nearest shelter was and this man pointed us to this white house so we walked towards this white house, back on the road again closer to civilisation and looking forward to a nice hot cup of coffee and being dry. I was all soaked, we finally found Tunde and Yi sipping coffee at the third check point and I need to find a Toilet, we got to a pub, it was about lunch time, I was soaking wet and I decided at this point there was no way – like no way, was I going to get anywhere near that second peak. I had it!!, I was soaking wet!!, and there was no point to raise money for cancer research if I got sick / a cold. I was off to New York for work on Monday and there was no way, on this planet I would get sick because of this walk. – Enough!!!

Most people would find it hard to change my mind; most people would not go anyway near to try and change my mind, not Andrew (Boy Power). We ate, and had some soup, I did my best to dry my clothes, and Andrew gave me his spare dry shirt as his bag was water proof. Andrew said to Tunde and Yi, you guys go ahead and if you can do the third peak do the third peak we will see you at the end.

Was I going to let Andrew walk alone….No!
Was Andrew going to let me not walk …No!

So together like little hobbits ….we were on a quest to find Middle Earth, the second peak. At the start, the sun was out as we walked along the Ribblehead viaduct we hung our jackets on out packs so that it could dry with the little sun that was out.

We walked ,this was a long walk and the peak no where in site after an hour or so, it started to rain again after a few hours the second peak now in sight had a really long ridge and we couldn’t quite see the bottom of the second peak. As we walked along, we saw lighting all around the mountains, can strike anytime, the clouds changed from grey to a scary hailed fested black- The hails we coming … The hails were coming. We climbed and climbed, there was no one before us nor anyway behind us. We’ll who would walk in this weather.

I thought to myself, how would we be rescued, no helicopters, ambulance – No way. Bikes?. Out of the question. We would have had to walk down the same way we climbed up… stupid thoughts Tracey … just keep walking…. and we did , all along the ridge , we could not see the end , it rained it poured and we walked.

On the walk: Since there is so much time to let ones mind drift…I thought to myself …..Most people think , Ah- This wont happen to us – Cancer – is the faster growing disease after Diabetes. In the past, through the ages we have cured many diseases, why not this one. This can strike at any time and any at age, we see people like Kylie M , Lance Armstrong and say hero’s …….and admire there positive attitude and courage to keep going and fighting and never giving up , because nothing else matters . At this point in time, I had to forget the rain, the cold, the hail, my wet clothes, forget about my struggle , forget about the end of the second peak ,forget about my hands being really cold and my knuckles freezing, forget about being in New York on Monday. I stopped and took a good look at what was around me, I was on top of the mountain with Andrew , in the middle of a hail storm and we were eating chocolate for energy, holding hands, walking for charity ( not all at the same time). I stopped. To take one good look around, a deep breath, thought to myself, I am ALIVE, I walking with Andrew, eating chocolate and keeping warm. We are walking here to make a difference, rain or no rain, hail or no hail. Wet or dry. We said we‘d do this and we are. What a Privilege. How may people talk about things and never do it. How may people want to make a difference and don’t. How may people give up on there dreams because of circumstance… we were walking a good walk and we kept on going. I thought about this inspiring passge I read in a book by Paulo Cohelo from the Pilgrimage, which I would like to share with you all ... “It is the pleasure of searching and the pleasure of the adventure. You are nourishing something that’s very important-your dreams. We must never stop dreaming. Dreams provide nourishment for the soul, just as a meal does for the body. Many times in our lives we see our dreams shattered and our desires frustrated, but we have to continue dreaming. If we don’t, our soul dies

…The Good fight is the one we fight because our heart asks it of us… …The Good fight is the one that’s fought in the name of our dreams. When we’re young our dreams first explode inside us with all of their force, we are very courageous, but we haven’t yet learned how to fight. With great effort, we learn how to fight, but by then we no longer have the courage to go into combat. So we turn against ourselves and do battle within. We become our own worst enemy. We say that our dreams were childish, or too difficult to realize, or the result or our not having known enough about life. We kill our dreams because we are afraid to fight the good fight. The first symptom of the process of killing our dreams is lack of time… The Busiest people I have known in my life always have time enough to do everything. Those who do nothing are always tired and pay no attention to the little amount of work they are required to do. They complain constantly that the day is too short. The Truth is, they are afraid to fight the good fight… The second symptom of the death of our dreams lies in our certainties. Because we don’t want to see life as a grand adventure, we begin to think of ourselves as wise and fair and correct in asking so little of life. We look beyond the walls of our day-to-day existence, and we hear the sound of lances breaking, we smell the dust and the sweat, and we see the great defeats and the fire in the eyes of the warriors. But we never see the delight, the immense delight in the hearts of those engaged in the battle. For them, neither victory nor defeat is important; what’s important is only that they are fighting the good fight.’

As we walked back on the road towards the next check point , we were surprised to see loads of people Yi and Tunde , we thought they be on the Third peak by now. The third peak was closed due to bad weather conditions. So buses were taking people from the 5th check point back to Ribblesdale, where we started. Driving back was terrible too, there was no visibility.

Arrived at the starting point , had some soup, coffee, all really tired now , with a sense of accomplishment and proud of making a difference, we made our way to the King William IV guest house for a nice hot shower, put on some dried clothes wet out to eat some celebrate , we went to an Indian Rest. and off to sleep. Ah - The two peaks complete, mission accomplished.

Will I do this again, no. Will I recommend it, yes.

What’s next: I want to walk the Incan Trail - to raise money for a cause, more than Cancer this time, I would like to come up with a clever idea, something that will create a win/ win/ win situation for all . I have considered opening a non-profit organisation. Funds raised for the Incan trail will help with Education in South America, this is the possibility– watch this space!.

Till then …have the time of your life and live those dreams.

Yours,
Tracey Rebello

WE DID IT !!!
L-R Tunde, Yi , Tracey , Andrew

Mid Year Update 2008

2008-05-18T13:42:30Z

Its been a really interesting year so far, I haven't been in communication with loads of people and as much as I think of you all, life's preoccupation and also the lack on my part to make the effort. I apologise for this.

Life has been Wonderful... there is so much I would like to share with you.
My Travels to Cuba, which indeed was an eye open to see the plight of the people, personally Viva La revolution is over , its time for Fidel to step down and let his country evolve, its time for VIVA LA EVOLUTION.

After coming back from Cuba, I was given two exciting projects to Manage at Reuters for the Thomson Reuters Integration ( I wont go into the details). It was a great experience, never worked on an Integration project and I was really impressed how people came together to make things happen. I did bring many ideas from the Team Management and Leadership Program at Landmark, the concept of ' This Shall be! ' and 'Anything is possible'. Both projects on time. After Launching my Art Exhibition and my website on the 12th Feb last year, when your name is at stake and your work displayed in public, IT projects seem easy .....may be I need a bigger challenge. It's time to expand and grown and ....It will come to me.

Easter - Trekking in Nepal
Tibet has been on my Radar for over 2 years now.

Kathmandu Sight seeing and learned about the Royal Family in Nepal and its tragic past

Mouth Everest

4 day Trek

Pokara
Seeing hands - Massage place where the blind Massage, great concept.

Situation in Tibet
Whats really going on and why?

Andrew birthday , celebration of him becoming partner and him doing Landmark

Colour your world: Photography displayed at the Hubbub Cafe at the Space
Currently started painting as well.

Parents are over from Sydney - Travelling around Europe

House of Lords - Westminster

Anthony Robbins Wealth Mastery

My cousin Amanda wedding in Toronto

Three Peaks Challenge (Yi, Tunde, Andrew and myself)

Interesting Books :
Barak Obama : The Audacity Of Hope
Dalai Lama : Power of Compassion
Currently reading : The Language Instinct: How the Mind Creates Language

---------------------------

What Next >>>

--------------------------

Something Interesting I came across

Anyway

People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest person with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest person with the smallest mind.
Think big anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack if you help them.
Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you might get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

Dr. Kent M. Keith

Yours,
Tracey Rebello

Norwegian Fjords

2008-05-18T13:21:43Z

Bergen

Crusing around the fjords

The Ultimate Adventure ( There will always be more.....)

2008-02-28T22:59:30Z

Create your own travel map or travel blog

Visit TripAdvisor.com

Finding Shangri-la : Nepal (Kathmandu) to Tibet (Lhasa)

2008-02-04T00:10:16Z

Driving across Friendship Highway across the Himalayas from Kathmandu, Nepal to Lhasa, Tibet (aka the roof of the world)

See : http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/cultures/shangri_la_01.shtml
Legend has it that ....

'Shambala (aka Shangri-La) is a magic land, unlike any place on earth, and rests in the shadow of a magnificent white mountain.'

'The land of Shambala(aka Shangri-La) lies in a valley. It is only approachable through a ring of snow peaks like the petals of a lotus ... At the centre is a nine-storey crystal mountain which stands over a sacred lake, and a palace adorned with lapis, coral, gems and pearls. Shambala is a kingdom where humanity's wisdom is spared from the destructions and corruptions of time and history, ready to save the world in its hour of need.'

The Ultimate Adventure continues.......

CUBA : Viva La Evolution

2007-09-24T22:44:58Z

Cuba has been a destination on my mind for a long time.In today's fast paced world where yesterdays history is forgotten as a blink of an eye, we are sometimes, somehow poignantly reminded of hero of yesterday, who gave their lives up because they belived in the greater good of mankind.One such person is Che Guverra, you may here the name and say Che who?.. its this man below ....

.... the very same man who face reminds the world one very powerful sentence
' VIVA LA REVOLUTION '.... to learn more about Che .. I saw the motor cycle diares....the story of Che Guverra adventures on a Motor Cycles across south america ... http://www.motorcyclediariesmovie.com/ ... there as really intresting quote in this movie ...“Travelling changes us in a way or another. Sometimes we are aware of that change, other times we are not. Let the world change you and you can change the world”. Ernesto Che Guevara de la Serna in the Motor Cycle Diaries

Here is my favourite picture of Havanna(aka the crumbling Capital) - Cuba

Cuba - Viva La Evolution
I know so many stories of Cuba, in the 1960 (before my time); Cuba was known to be the Communist neighbouring enemy of America. Hero emerged like Che Guevara (His Face is the most widely worn face), the rebel who famous last words, arouse a certain sense of freedom, VIA LA REVOLUTION. Che is one of my heroes and as the world constantly revolves. After my travels to Cuba, after my own personal experience, Time has come. Viva La Revolution is over (gone, finto), It time for VIVA LA Evolution.

I arrived Cuba after Andrew Christmas party and in my rush to go to the airport early morning , I forgot to take my sexy little handbag in which had my credit/ debit cards and mobile phone. I had enough cash USD for a week and I had to make my money last for me.

First Impression, Cuban airport has an array of colour full flags hanging from the ceiling, I noticed the colour, the airport formalities we ok apart for waiting for my Back Pack, ok I didn’t my two life sources my mobile phone and my cards, not having my backpack with my clothes would have topped it off. It all worked out, one hour later, I got my back pack.

I took a cab and went to Hotel Seville (some background to this hotel: Many a famous authors lived here). My Cab journey was during the night, so I couldn’t see much, I did figure out that Cuba was going to simple and perhaps quite backwards. I called Andrew informed him I was ok but my cards and phone was still in London and that he would have to bring them across in a few days time. I slept well. Woke up and decided to get Orientated.

I walked and walked and walked, Cubans were quite friendly, in fact too friendly. This man approached me on the street, asked me where I was from. I found this really interesting as Cubans are not allowed to talk to Tourists and I wanted to know more about there life under the Tyranny of Castro. These people have not freedom, they cannot travel and leaving the country is impossibility. With all the architecture, the lack of technology and old cars. I felt like I was in a movie a back to the future move it was 1976, to be precise

Later on when I was walking around this lady approached and asked me if I saw the house of Fidel Castro Mother, where there is Salsa Dancing, so I went along she asked me questions about me and I questions about her, she was an economic student who taught salsa dancing (but surely she will want something from me sooner or later). So I asked her to show me the real Cuba and she took me to the local markets ,which was some sight, the smells and odours worse, it was a concussion of Raw vegetables with fresh fish and fresh poultry and meat all left out in the open to rot whilst the flies fed on them. I left in a few minutes.

So I asked her to show me the bus stop and she walked with me all around and no bus stop in sight. So she asked me if I wanted to exchange money (AH!!).. So I said show me where the exchange is I have some Cuban currency but not allot, she says well they only exchange a min of 1000USD and I replied well I have only 20 USD. So took me to a side street and said I have a son.' Do you want to give me money for him' and I said I only have 20 and I need it for myself. Sorry, I had no worries in giving money but not like this. Too bad this is not what I wanted to encourage.

I walked along the street by myself and discovered the poverty and crumbling building people live in but despite this there is music where ever you go. I think Cuban people escape from reality in the mesmerising music they play, listen or dance too. Anywhere but Cuba.

I came back to the hotel and decided to stay one other day, this time my mission was to walk to a bus stop. I walked over 7km arrived at the bus stop and queued with the locals and with my rubbish to basic Spanish I asked to get on a bus the cost and all. No such luck I had no idea why these people weren’t serving me, what was the issue for me to get on the bus? really. So I started asking people questions, eventually I got pointed the tourist office and it dawned to me that there are separate buses for locals and tourist, but people perhaps confused me for a local. Got my ticket for the next day and decided to go to PInar Del Rio.

They put me on a local bus and not a tourist bus which was ok. I arrived Pinar Del Rio (aka - Tobacco town). I got off the bus a followed the book to stay at a local hotel. This was an ok hotel and I went to my room and there was not proper lock from the inside, I could not bolt the door from Inside which was a bit scary, I left my stuff and walked down to the local street. This town was poor and the energy was miserable. I went to the local shop and got my self an egg sandwich, the locals looked at me weird but what else was I to do. They has scales in shop like they did in the olden days and I think may be food was rationed. There were not corner shops like we are used to.

I went to a local restaurant and got some pasta and boy was it horrible, the cheese was all wrong ( I don’t want to sound like I am complaining but they should have opted to remove the cheese). My bill was next to nothing. I went to local tourist office to find out where else I can go and decided to take the early morning bus to Playa Maria La Gorda. I went to my room and rested, then I hear the door bang, someone is try to get in or calling for someone. I was scared. So I opened the door and the boy left, as he was looking for someone else. I barracked the door and couldn’t sleep. I wanted to just get out of there.

Early morning bus and about 3 to 4 hours drive arrived at Playa Maria La Gorda, this was an expensive resort since I didn’t have much cash on me. I spend the time chilling out. Watched the lovely sunset (see pictures) and jus chilled out. Had an awesome shower and went to bed early.

The next day I made my way to Vinnales, this was a lovely place and I stayed and a nice hotel....met loads of other travellers. Spent most of my time reading / pondering and taking pictures, I stayed at this place for 2 days before I made my way to Havana

Local Transport, people stand on the side of the street and if a local has space in there car they are meant to car pool. - Good for the environment

Once in Havana I joined my tour group for a day, met some lovely ladies and informed them that I wont be joining the tour as Andrew was going to come to Cuba so we rough it out and do our own thing, stay with locals and all.

St John Hotel and the Hokey Pokey - No hot water. I had to create something to have a shower.... Put your right hand in ... out your right hand out.... etc etc... it was tough not having cold water. There were repairs going on at this hotel and water was available and certain times.

Andrew took the same flight with Kelvin and Anna. Which was a bit bizarre......? I met Andrew at Kelvin Bucks night and few months’ later Kelvin rocks up at Reuters; I email Andrew going hey your friend Kelvin is on my floor. What’s his last name, I email both Kel and Andrew to find out it was the same Kelvin. Kelvin mentioned to me that him and Anna were going to Cuba for Christmas and I said no way - I am going to Cuba for Christmas. Kel and Anna were going the resort part my plans were to see all the remote places and then Andrew chooses to come to Cuba on the same flight as Kelvin and Anna Bizarre Coincidence or may be perfect set of events.

The plan was to meet at Melia Cohiba. Andrew arrived late; I was glad to see him and was even glad to see my cards and mobile phone.

Havana

Trinidad - This place is really pretty, cosy and heritage setting. Stayed at a Casa Particulars. The music was awesome, rythmn. People all having fun and dancing.

Early morning stopped a Coco Taxi (like a Rickshaw / Tuk Tuk). Bargained a price he took to the beach where we went scuba diving / water cycling saw a ship wreck and met loads of tourist. After Scuba we hung out at the beach and there was a group of people, sitting on the beach with a guitar. So I went up and introduced myself and Andrew and I hung out with these guys. We sang O'lare and loads of Spanish songs, I knew, la babama and all sorts. Everyone was later going to Casa Del Musica- the house of music - live Salsa.

Now I may not be the professional dancer, I have rhythm. I danced with a few locals and then I said to Andrew lets go dance. We walked onto the dance, it was a bit of an amphi theatre where people all around can see you and everyone left the dance floor as soon as we arrived. Now I wasn’t going to leave .So I said to Andrew, you lead, whatever way you want I will follow. I waited for a song. They played this song, slightly slower than Salsa. Andrew lead and I followed (Not very often I can let someone lead and I follow ... people were watching). There were no steps to get right, just dancing, enjoying the moment. I felt like we were like two magnetic balls dancing around each other. I wasn’t worried about the people around or the music; it was really amazing dancing like that at the Casa Del Music (The House of Music). At the end of the song I can't remember if people clapped or not. It was just really awesome.

Following the Casa Dela Musica our newly made friends from Scuba Diving told us about a Cave Party - in a real cave. I have been to making cave parties before in Spain/ Sydney etc. This Cave was huge, even smelt like a cave. The music was load and funky - it was a disco cave. We hung out for a while and then left.

The next day, Andrew got all these complements the next day at the bus stop - ' Wow we didn’t know you can dance like that!’ We caught the local bus - Bye Bye Trinidad - Opps we forgot our Visas at the Lady house , as she kept them for safe keeping , in case we didn’t pay ,we talking 14 Euros accommodation night each Will not having our visas cause us pain. We are yet to find out. (Stay Tuned).

Camagüey - The two gay guys were eyeing Andrew. Since gay marriage are not legal or recognised these two guys when into Business together. Andrew was like a lamb in a lion cage, they were eyeing him, being all silly around him, fresh meat he was. I said to Andrew It’s easy to compete with women with a man in this area bit hard huh (no pun intended).

Cuban Street Dancing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d2x8MJIQM0

More details to follow............

ALSO CUBA HAS BEEN SUCH AN EYE OPENER --> I am in the process of putting a book together (WATCH THIS SPACE!)

Buena Vista Social Club
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fohk94TTg38

Yours,
Tracey Rebello

44 Km - Walk ... It's not the destination, it's the Journey......(Walked the Walk)

2007-09-10T22:34:23Z

http://www.breakthroughwalklondon.org.uk/page.php?id=7

“When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. ” Paulo Coehlo

I arrived late, I was really honest and straight I think some people were shocked and some people really got how straight I was being with them. I partied the night before, I did'nt plan too but I met up with my cousin's at a cool Brazallian place called www.guanabara.co.uk I did dance alot , the music was bloody awesome. I saw this musican play the Brazallian drums with his eyes closed , he was so passionate in the way he played I have'nt seen this much soul since Granada where the flameco guitarit play there music in caves and everyone just sits and stares and is in awe. I was in Awe and I was moved and inspired. I wanted what that guy had....this sense of Soulness and Passion

I decided it was the journey not the destination and I would not let even 1 negative though enter my mind. I would not waist time talking , stopping and would choose my toilet brakes carefully. NOTHING WAS GOING TO BREAK MY STRIDE, NO ONE WAS GOING TO SLOW ME DOWN .......I HAD TO KEEP ON MOVING..

I felt a bit like Forest Gump, for him there was nothing else to do but run for me there was nothing else to do but walk just walk. I did'nt have to prep myself , I was clear and really passionate. It was the journey and I was going to allow nothing and I mean nothing to taint it. I sung to myself ' Nothing going to break mystride ...no one going slow me down OH NO I gotta keep on moving' .

- There was no need to stop, not even for lunch
- Met many people along the way who applauded and uttered encouraging words, I just thought to myself I dont want claps , I want you to walk with me....
- People stoped to say you doing the 44km walk and I said yeah ... 'Well someone gotta do it who else is going to do it.
- I felt GREAT walking this walk.... people stop to ask me ' Are you ok?' and my response was ' I am Great!' and you.?....... I dont know what came over me. In the Introduction Leaders Program we learned to be 10times more excited about life and you know it works ......I feel like a live wire. (and I know what a live wire feel like... I touched a live wire, as a little child)

- Mentally I was focused, passionate, I was a Rolling Stone, I felt I flew from Richmond to Tower Bridge and retested there a bit ....... I was not intrested in the time or the distance. I was'nt managing my time or speed , I was extreamly presented to what I was committed to. Things happen faster when you manage your commitments over your time.Try it!!.

I cried me a river , when I saw these two girls running up to there mom after 42 km mark and they ran up to her and gave her the biggest hug ..... She walked for them and for herself so that one day they get to experince two girls running up to them .... being really proud and in admiration... at that moment in time I have no idea / not even the slighest clue why I cried... It was a moment.... no words can articulate nor conjure that emotion, no picture to tell a story. It was just that purest form of unconditional love between a mother and her daughthers..... A moment my mind eye would like to engrave in my brain forever.

My friend Yi and myself went to Smokensky to celeberate over a Dry Martini and somecocktail and Yi said they most profound thing to me , which she heard.. 'Do you want to Die with Potential or Die being Fullfilled?' The answer is very clear for me.

Some of you have asked me if I'd run a marathon because 44km is over a marathon, The first thing that comes to mind is that 'I can't run to save my life' and then after I think about it somemore ... 'I probably could run to save mylife'. Anything is possible.

I would not normally say this cause it would sound like I am blowing my own trumpet ... 'I walked a bloody good walk and am really proud of me' and a cure for cancer will be found in mylife time.

Sydney, for a week again I can't wait

2007-08-20T11:31:20Z

Its been over a year since I've back home to Sydney. People tend to think is so far away, only 24 hours though. Context my dear people 24 hours to see you family and friends and to enjoy quality life, bigger picture not 24 hours.

Btw - those 24 hours travelling is something I actually quite enjoy, no one to disturb me , no phone calls, great time catching up on some of my favourite books, brainstorming and planning some of my ideas. Catching up on movies. I find it quite relaxing and I am the sort of person who is used to roughing it out so sleeping on the plane,is easy.

For those of you travelling to Australia and New Zeland, I would so throughly recommend you stop over in Bangkok over other Asian stop over, this is is your stopping for a few hours. The reason I say Bangkok is because you can get a Thai Massage at the airport and there are so many of these massage places its not funny and you can stop over and taste the local thai cusinse whislt at the airport. A rub before heading to sydney always a good idea.

Catch up with my fav people/ things

[1] Laksha @ Pitt Street mall
[2] Walk across the harbour bridge
[3] Go to the Sydney Obsevatory
[4] Bronte beach , probably hang out with my Grandmother
[5] Korean bath house

Shangri-li Friday night 31st Aug

Rochelle B'day on the 1st Sep a good old BBQ in our backyard

Fathers day on the 2nd Sep

Fly out 2nd Arvo

This time round I am going to investigate what it would take to do an Art Exhibtion in Sydney.

Sydney was is and always will be Awesome. I had a really good flight to Sydney arrived early Sunday morning nothing changed everthing was still the same. I suffered from really bad jetlag this time, I slept most days at 7 in the evening.

I caught up with my cousin Charelene on Monday and we hung out in the city and ate Laksha and walked around the city.. walking around the city I felt that so much has happend in mylife and even walking around the streets, Bruce Springsteen song came to mind ... these words....

' I was unrecognizable to myself
Saw my reflection in a window I didn't know my own face....

I walked the avenue till my legs felt like stone
I heard the voices of friends vanished and gone ...............

Ain't no angel gonna greet me
It's just you and I my friend
And my clothes don't fit me no more
I walked a thousand miles
just to slip this skin

The night has fallen, I'm lyin' awake
I can feel myself fading away
So receive me brother with your faithless kiss
or will we leave each other alone like this
On the streets of Sydney '

It was great to see my family and friends. It was certainly cool to hang out with my Grandmother and play Bingo with her.

On Friday night I met my friends at a really cool trendy place called the Horizon bar and it was great to see everyone.

I think this time round ... evening though Sydney is beautiful , I am not ready to go home yet and I need something big to back home to Sydney.. like something worth fighthing for.Dont know yet.....

Sydney was great..is and will always be ... so if you have'nt been .....well... GO!

Trace

Scilcy : Where La Docle Vita is a way of life not just a festival

2007-07-05T21:03:03Z

Details to be posted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Weight Is Over : The future is lite

2007-05-19T22:45:30Z

This has been one of the most exigent personal project, defying my cravings whislt gaining insights behind the Psychology of my eating patterns. A Battle, challenging my will and mind focus being selfcontrol and discipline.

Lost 7 kilos .... details to follow....dropped a dress size and feel like a different person.

China : The Year Tracey's discovered it

2007-03-27T16:04:44Z

Going to China was really intresting, I spent many nights on messenger negioating prices for our trip with the loacal agent in China. This went really well and I was really pleased with the final price.

My sister Rochelle to fly from Sydney meet me in Beijing and I was to fly from London. It was our Adventure to a world we know we should get familar with sooner rather than later.

Arrived in Beijing , friendly , nice and very straight forward. I got picked up from the airport. The weather was dry and cloudy it was winter. One thing I noticed the infrastructure is China is amazing, nice road, great trains. Concrete put to very good use. We picked my sister from her hotel and proceeded to our hotel.

It was great to catch up with my sister and chat , we then decided to take a stoll and work out what we were going to do.....We decided to grab some food.
Went to local supermarket picked up some two minute noodle soup, water and biscuits.

Beijing
( The Great Wall)

Xian
Terracotta Warriors

Shanghai
Those Pork Dumplings!!!.

China and Chairmain Mao.

Chairmain Mao'In the world today all culture, all literature and art belong to definite classes and are geared to definite political lines. There is, in fact, no such thing as art for art's sake, art that stands above all classes, art that is detached from or independent of politics. Proletarian literature and art are part of the whole proletarian revolutionary cause; they are, as Lenin said, cogs and wheels in the whole revolutionary machine.

All our literature and art are for the masses of the people, and in the first place for the workers, peasants and soldiers; they are created for the workers, peasants, and soldiers and for their use.

Our purpose is to ensure that literature and art fit well into the whole revolutionary machine as a component part, that they operate as powerful weapon for uniting and educating the people and for attacking and destroying the enemy, and that they help the people fight the enemy with one heart and one mind. '
See:http://www.paulnoll.com/China/Mao/Mao-32-Culture-Art.html

Finally Home Sweet Home

2007-03-14T23:43:44Z

After extensive amount of searching, struggle and indecision on where to live in London (esp after living in Sydney), no place really felt like home. It has always been my dream to live by the water and be 10 minutes away from work, I only thought this was possible in Sydney (goes to show you the limits of my imagination!!). This dream has finally come true...

I want to share ......

Since coming to London 3 years ago I wasn't sure if I was going to stay or go back. Once I decided I was going to stay, I decided I was going to buy.
The first Mortgage broker that I spoke with at HSBC , she was misery and gave me Grief (She did not know what she was doing) and did not know how to work out how much to lend I cause I am contracting. She prolonged my process and wasted my time earlier this year.

Then I found someone who knew what they were doing at HSBC who worked everything out for me. I put an offer for a place in Putney, I decided that it would be a good idea to live close to my cousins (even though my mother and my ex manager, seriously stressed all the time and every time that I should like closer to work and I really did not listen nor did I want my mom to be right! (My mom is on this email list!!).

Life has a funny way of working out, especially for me!!!. At the time place I was renting at Tooting, the land lady asked us to either sign up for a Contract for a year or move out cause her Husband had Cancer, because she was going to spend time in the hospital she couldn't deal with the place and preferred to have a Management agent to look after this, I would do the same so I understood. I wasn't going to sign this cause I was going to buy. It was just how long the paper work would take.

So, the place in Putney, I started to get myself organised to move slowly BUT (A BIG BUT), the person selling the place would not show me financials (that there were no outstanding management services fee, this is standard procedure) and knowing me ... I called the sellers solicitor, I called the agent, I called the Management Company I called everyone under the sun to tell them to get their Act together. The owner was played dumb. I even was so direct and explicit with the seller solicitor that I had to spell out that my lawyer wants to see this information and that if her Fax machine jams with 70 pages, to split the damn thing in 7 lots of 10. (I felt bad to do this BUT you can't assume with people!!). There was loads happening at this time my sis was here from Sydney, My friend Judy and her sis was here too and I was going backpacking.

The property fell through they decided to take the property off the market and rent it. Was I Disappointed, YES OFF COURSE? I gave it up being committed to having a place but not attached to the place that fell through.
Since I had to move to rent , I decided that I am going to save time travelling and move close to work (10 hours min each week , 500 min hours each year( My mom was finally right!!!) extra sleep time!!). Saw two places and fell in love with the second place .My flatmate Yi was great and very cool. Agreed to move in after my travels and agreed that if I found a place I could move out anytime (Yi and I have become such good friends and it’s awesome to have such a cool neighbour)

The more I stayed in this apartment the more I just loved it.
I decided, if an apartment in the same building was available I would buy and I did. I didn't get all too excited about this one until the paper was all complete. Things were easy and smooth (the way things ought to be). I saw the place lunch made and offer, excepted, the guys delivered the keys to my work. Easy!!

I always wanted to also have a mini renovation project. So I called a local builder many of my friends in the area use... I asked him to change the locks and then I asked him to quote how much it would take to paint, since his price was so reasonable and his willingness to start two days after I moved it’s all happening (I am floor boarding the entire place) and it’s so much fun. I now really enjoy going home and even staying at home . (How thing’s Change!!, ….omg … My 7/11 routine of not being at home! Some of my ex flatmates will identify! )

So guys, Never give up!!....... give it 150% ...... if its meant to be yours it will and if not something better will come your way. DON'T EVER GIVE UP and DON'T SETTLE FOR LESS!!

Oh, its a 2 Bed/2bat... closet tube ..Canary Wharf see the views for yourself. (My night photography is Rubbish!!) .I will be looking for a flatmate to rent out the second room..... next year sometime so if you know anyone in the area let me know.

Go on.......Live the Dream,
Tracey

New York - Yet Again

2007-03-14T23:25:31Z

Details to follow

Whistler

2007-02-20T19:45:01Z

2007 - The Year I have been Waiting for ............

2006-12-09T00:39:37Z

I have accomplished everything and more I came to London for. Now, In 2007, I am going to attend the Introduction to Leadership Program at Landmark education, many of my friends have attended this course and it is quite challenging and confronting this program and once I complete this, I will create what next. The reinvention!begins.

In the domain of the Ultimate Adventure I plan to go from Beijing to Kathmandu. Cuba ( before Fidel goes) and South America ( I have been talking about South America for far too long). I am definitely going to go to Whistler Skiing and to Scilly.

Colour you world is launched and so has my first solo exhibition. I have been asked by the Manager of the First Edition to do another exhibition in summer, at this stage I have not thought about the theme and /or if it will be photo or paintings.

In 2007, I am going to look at health and fitness, this project is called 'The Weight is over' (lol) a friend of mine has asked me if I would like to be coached to run a marathon (Don't know yet ... and I know nothing is impossible).

I am going to start writing this year , the next Big Launch will be a Book Launch. Don't know what about yet (But watch this space).

I have learned a few things from my Wisdom course this year. I have learned that the conversations you have with people are very important they create the future. Learned that when you put yourself aside and raise the people around you, the quality of your life automatically increases I learned that we carry past based conversations with us from our childhood with us as adults and this stops our growth and development for example. I must have said ' I am just a girl ' as a twelve year old'.... I am just a girl does not hold any truth now. I have learned to go beyond where I would once have been stopped and to have new conversations about thing I have never imagined doing and to stand and create things in the world where even I cannot recognise myself.

I am looking forward to 2007 and whatever shows up is what ever shows up. I declare 2007 as the year of Love and Miracles.

Will update this journal and keep you all posted as I go....

Something I came Across from the Hopi's (Native American's)

Timely Hopi Wisdom

You have been telling the people
that this is the Eleventh Hour.
Now you must go back and tell the
people that this is the Hour.

And there are things to be considered:
Where are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Are you in right relation?
Where is your water?
Know your garden.

It is time to speak your Truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.
And do not look outside yourself for the leader.

This could be a good time!
There is a river flowing now very fast.
It is so great and swift that there are those who will be
afraid.
They will try to hold on to the shore.
They will feel they are being torn apart, and they will suffer
greatly.

Know the river has its destination.
The elders say we must let go of the shore,
push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open,
and our heads above the water.

See who is in there with you and celebrate.

At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally.
Least of all, ourselves.
For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and
journey comes to a halt.

The time of the lone wolf is over.

Gather yourselves!
Banish the word struggle from your attitude and your vocabulary.
All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.

We are the ones we've been waiting for.

--The Elders, Oraibi, Arizona Hopi Nation

Have an awesome 2007!!
Yours,
Tracey Rebello

Completing - La Dolce Vita 2006

2006-11-26T23:09:15Z

(Draft)
I declared that 2006 would be La Dolce Vita (itallian) .. in English that translate to the Year of the Sweet Life.

Its been nothing but .......and where and when life and thrown challenges this year.... life has delivered nothing... but sweetness like a breath of fresh sweet air.

At the completion of this year, I'd have achieved everything I came to London for and more. Sometimes.... I dont belive some of these are real,sometimes it feel like i am in a dream and any moment I may wake up and .....Sometimes things happen and I can't belive it me! and there is no attachment cause today accomplishment is Yesterday's Ego!!.

(** Creating Whats next!!.... What dreams have I given up on that I should be going after now!!, where am I stopped in Having it All)

I know that feeling of accomplishment. When you know you have completed what you set out to do. But the next step seems blur......you become restless because you know there is more in you that needs to be released.South America a calling like no other!!!. I dont even know what I am going in search for... I did'nt know what I was going out to Spain for a few year ago, all I know that in ground hog day, I will find nothing but more of the same.

More to come........