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You probably thought I had disappeared never to be heard from again and certainly not in blog form. There were times that I kind of thought that too. However, after a wonderful trip to Africa, a nine month job search with a fabulous ending at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a cross country move and over two years of very hard work....the time has come to cross another continent off of our list.
After a lot of adjustment to our new environs and job, Joe and I found that we had a serious case of wanderlust. After much discussion, we decided to conquer Asia. Now, you may not realize this...but Asia is HUGE and full of infinite possibilities. After several arduous months spent pouring over travel books, web sites and old episodes of the Amazing Race..we finally narrowed our choices down to SE Asia. What did we learn from this? We learned that SE Asia alone is HUGE! Back the old drawing board we went and finally came up with a whirlwind sampler of SE Asia and in true Chiappa fashion...it is going to be epic.
Our journey began in San Francisco last night where we boarded the Cadillac of planes hosted by Cathay Pacific. Things were rocky at first as we realized we hadn't been assigned seats together (three years ago when we went abroad we couldn't check in online ahead of time...but now you can). Over 14 hours of flying on one plane and not together...I have to say this redhead was quite distressed. Luckily a kind flight attendant put in a seat request and we ended up with some of the best seats of all....bulkhead seats! We had nobody in front of us and I could actually rest my long limbs on the wall in front of me from time to time. Cathay Pacific also has these great seats encased in a shell that slide forward which means you don't disturb the person behind you.
The food was pretty good (and we enjoyed our Cup of Noodles snack about 8 hours in) but the best part was the Entertainment system. We have flown a lot, but never has there been a better system to stay occupied. They have over 100 movies, entire TV series, language lessons (Joe has now learned that the word for Cat in Thai sounds like "meow"....you can imagine what he is calling me now...) and loads of games. Joe and I even played trivia against each other (though we decided we were too young for some of the questions). Of course we got a little antsy..how could you not when flying for 14 hours...but overall it was a great experience.
We landed in Hong Kong about an hour ago and I am writing to you via the free internet station in the airport. Gotta love technology! It is very overcast (turns out we didn't leave the Monterey fog behind) but it looks like a fun place to explore. So many places...so little time... It will have to wait for another trip.
For now, it's onward Singapore..and almost four more hours of flying! Remember....Asia=huge. See you soon!
Cat
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Monday, March 30, 2009
Old Dreams and New! Welcome to my Blog!
If you had asked me the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" ten years ago my answer would have been hands down, "I want to be on Broadway." Performance whether vocal or instrumental has always been a large part of my life and always will be. However, while singing on Broadway is still a dream of mine it is no longer the dream. Would I still love the opportunity--absolutely, but it just isn't where my focus is anymore. Don't get me wrong, I'll still perform whenever I can, would still like to have a music room in a home one day complete with pianos and various other percussion instruments including a marimba and a xylophone, and will still jump at any opportunity to get paid to sing. However, pursuing performance as a career is no longer my main focus. It's an interesting realization to have since it has always been such a big part of me, but I also know that it always will remain a part of me.
Pursuing a professional career in music or theatre is perhaps one of the hardest tasks anyone could undertake. It requires hours of practice and single minded dedication. If I were to go down that path right this minute I would need to hire a new voice teacher, a vocal coach, take endless refresher dance lessons, prepare monologues....the list goes on and on. It would then be followed by hours of standing in line for a chance to be seen let alone to be heard by a panel of critics and endless calls of rejection peppered with the occasional acceptance....hopefully. It is more than a full time job and while worth it, just isn't where my heart is. I have always had trouble with that single minded dedication because I have always had a million other things I have wanted to do as well. For those of you who know me well, this will not in any way be a surprise to you! So, while I will always jump at the chance to perform and still have many parts I intend to play one day, I probably won't make a full time career of it...though you'd be surprised how well the skills I have learned from performing translate into all kinds of vocations.....
Over the past couple of years I have realized a new dream from which goals are starting to take shape. Now my passion revolves around travel, education, and wildlife conservation and the desire to get people to go out into the world to enjoy, learn, and protect what is out there. I have been very fortunate in the adventures and experience that I have had, and I want to share them so others can feel that joy that I have. Some of my new goals and ideas are:
1. Visit every continent...hopefully multiple times! I've already hit N. America, Australia, Europe and Africa.....3 more to go! I think Asia or S. America will be next...though I do love Australia and Africa...who knows....
2. Start a travel company that gets people out there travelling...especially those who wouldn't normally be able to afford it. I can't go in to too much detail because someone might steal my idea..and then where would I be.........:-)
3. Obtain a position in a Zoo/Aquarium or wildlife organization that allows me to educate the public about wildlife conservation and all the animals that I love. Being able to get involved with the Special Events and Travel depts. would be a bonus too! Hire me...please.....:-)
4. I saw Jack Hanna yesterday and told my husband Joe that I want to be "Cat Chiappa." He told me that I already am.....because I married him......That wasn't quite what I meant......I'd love to be like Jack Hanna and Jeff Corwin and get paid to travel the world teaching people about wildlife and geography, and voluntourism...but I'd like to bring other people with me!
5. Continue to get paid to perform....hey maybe not Broadway...but I'll take it where I can get it....;-)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Africa: An End to the Beginning
It is hard to believe that is it has been six months since I left Africa. I had a wonderful adventure and I would encourage absolutely everyone to go. I know I yearn for it every day and would go back in a heartbeat if I could afford it.
Harnas Wildlife Foundation in Namibia is a magical place. I realized it while I was there but you don't fully appreciate it until you come home. Unfortunately I made the decision to come home two weeks early, which while I felt it was right at the time, in retrospect was one I wish I hadn't made. When I arrived it was a shock to my system. I missed Joe and was concerned because I couldn't get in touch with him for the first few days. I felt old as many of the people were 19 and 20 and taking time off from school etc. The first night there was a crazy party and people were drinking and vomiting etc and I just remember thinking "oh no, what have I gotten myself into." I'm not much of a drinker and I prefer small groups to parties, so it wasn't something I was used to. It also took a lot for me to get used to (and truthfully I never really did) cutting up fresh horse and donkey meat. So, I decided that while it was a place I was glad that I was able to visit, 4 weeks would be too long. Of course, as time went on I made closer friendships and fell deeply in love with the animals and was excited to return home to Joe but sad to leave after the 2 week period. I also found out later that the night I left the 4 lion cubs had been born and that the next day they had to take them away from their mother for fear that the father would kill them, so I could have spent my last two weeks playing with baby lions cubs!
When I arrived in the US is was really hard to adjust. I desperately missed Africa and everything was so different. The smells of the city were abrasive and the noise was so loud. It was culture shock I hadn't felt before and it was interesting that I felt it upon returning to surroundings of which I was familiar.
I think what I miss the most about Africa is the sounds. At Harnas I was lulled to sleep each night by several roaring lions and the occasional horse whinny, jackal call, and warthog grunt. On one night I was even lucky enough to sleep next to two beautiful cheetahs who soothed me to sleep with their thunderous purring. In Zambia we heard hippos "laughing" at each other throughout the night and in Kruger we listened for the haunting call of the hyena.
When I got to Africa I thought, alright this is nice, but I don't love it the way I love Australia. I knew it was something I would enjoy and could picture myself going back but I didn't feel the same heart wrenching tug that I do for Australia. However, after spending 6 weeks there I found that Africa had infiltrated not just my heart, but also my soul. A piece of my soul will always belong to Africa and it is a place I hope to return to many times throughout my life. I'd love to visit Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, travel through Namibia and take the Garden Route drive in S. Africa. I don't picture myself living there like I do Australia, but who am I kidding...I am always thinking up crazy ideas and usually execute them so I won't rule it out!
The bottom line is that while it was an expensive decision and a sometimes stressful experience (I'd probably have a job by now if I hadn't gone) I wouldn't trade it for the world and if I had to do it all over again, I would make that decision every time! As for Harnas, I think I'll go back. I hope that when I do find that perfect job, it is one that lets me take leaves of absence from time to time to volunteer with animals in places like Harnas, and I hope to be able to show it to others one day. For now I will just have to be content with my pictures and my dreams.
Harnas Wildlife Foundation in Namibia is a magical place. I realized it while I was there but you don't fully appreciate it until you come home. Unfortunately I made the decision to come home two weeks early, which while I felt it was right at the time, in retrospect was one I wish I hadn't made. When I arrived it was a shock to my system. I missed Joe and was concerned because I couldn't get in touch with him for the first few days. I felt old as many of the people were 19 and 20 and taking time off from school etc. The first night there was a crazy party and people were drinking and vomiting etc and I just remember thinking "oh no, what have I gotten myself into." I'm not much of a drinker and I prefer small groups to parties, so it wasn't something I was used to. It also took a lot for me to get used to (and truthfully I never really did) cutting up fresh horse and donkey meat. So, I decided that while it was a place I was glad that I was able to visit, 4 weeks would be too long. Of course, as time went on I made closer friendships and fell deeply in love with the animals and was excited to return home to Joe but sad to leave after the 2 week period. I also found out later that the night I left the 4 lion cubs had been born and that the next day they had to take them away from their mother for fear that the father would kill them, so I could have spent my last two weeks playing with baby lions cubs!
When I arrived in the US is was really hard to adjust. I desperately missed Africa and everything was so different. The smells of the city were abrasive and the noise was so loud. It was culture shock I hadn't felt before and it was interesting that I felt it upon returning to surroundings of which I was familiar.
I think what I miss the most about Africa is the sounds. At Harnas I was lulled to sleep each night by several roaring lions and the occasional horse whinny, jackal call, and warthog grunt. On one night I was even lucky enough to sleep next to two beautiful cheetahs who soothed me to sleep with their thunderous purring. In Zambia we heard hippos "laughing" at each other throughout the night and in Kruger we listened for the haunting call of the hyena.
When I got to Africa I thought, alright this is nice, but I don't love it the way I love Australia. I knew it was something I would enjoy and could picture myself going back but I didn't feel the same heart wrenching tug that I do for Australia. However, after spending 6 weeks there I found that Africa had infiltrated not just my heart, but also my soul. A piece of my soul will always belong to Africa and it is a place I hope to return to many times throughout my life. I'd love to visit Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, travel through Namibia and take the Garden Route drive in S. Africa. I don't picture myself living there like I do Australia, but who am I kidding...I am always thinking up crazy ideas and usually execute them so I won't rule it out!
The bottom line is that while it was an expensive decision and a sometimes stressful experience (I'd probably have a job by now if I hadn't gone) I wouldn't trade it for the world and if I had to do it all over again, I would make that decision every time! As for Harnas, I think I'll go back. I hope that when I do find that perfect job, it is one that lets me take leaves of absence from time to time to volunteer with animals in places like Harnas, and I hope to be able to show it to others one day. For now I will just have to be content with my pictures and my dreams.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Cat's Animal Adventures...
As far as I can tell, Cat is having some great animal adventures. Here are her comments:
Aug 29th
Wednesday afternoon was pretty funny though because they wouldn't let me get out of their cage! Unlike the other times when you stand up and they run, this time they decided that I was their human jungle gym and I had all of them running up my leg to my shoulder and jumping on my white hat! They didn't want to get down and I wasn't really sure how I was going to leave....
Today I went in with the squirrels and they were very frisky. I think one is in heat so they were chasing each other and making noises. I drew the line when two of them started to have sex on my leg though! So...I left.
Yesterday I went on a cheetah walk with Cleo and Pride. They walked for a bit and then just laid down for the rest of the time… Tonight I sleep with Cleo and Pride so I am mentally preparing myself to get peed on.
Aug 30th
Sleeping with Cleo and Pride was awesome. They are very cute though and come over right away and snuggle with you all night. However, wild dot dots are TERRIBLE bed hogs and both Dawn and I only had about 6 inches each for our mattresses and every time I moved Cleo would let out a big sigh. It was a really really amazing experience though.
Today I went into the caracal and wild dog enclosures to pick up discarded bones. I had to fend off 8 wild dogs with sticks! We were told to watch our backs so they don't separate us and try to eat us.....ah just another day at the office!
Aug 31st
I was on food prep in the morning and then spent the afternoon hanging out with the animals. I finally went in with Lose the leopard and Asem the vulture and Finn the one winged eagle. I also said hello to my cheetah girls too, oh and I met Zebe the zebra and saw the rabbits.
Sept 2nd
I played with the foxes again last night. One of them came right over and sat with me and then flopped over on his back so that I could scratch his tummy and he made fun grunting noises. They are officially my favorite animals at Harnas and I will be sad to leave them.
Today I thought we were going to have to go to the waterhole but we haven't yet. I got to go on a cheetah walk with Cleo and Pride, though it was more of a cheetah flop as they walk for a bit and then lie down under a shady tree. It was still fun, but I did sit on a bunch of burrs which I am still currently extracting from the butt of my jeans....good times....
--------------
Good times indeed.
Also, don’t forget that there are plenty of YouTube videos up from the first 3 weeks. We are at 13 and counting!
www.youtube.com/catchiappa
Thanks,
Joe
Aug 29th
Wednesday afternoon was pretty funny though because they wouldn't let me get out of their cage! Unlike the other times when you stand up and they run, this time they decided that I was their human jungle gym and I had all of them running up my leg to my shoulder and jumping on my white hat! They didn't want to get down and I wasn't really sure how I was going to leave....
Today I went in with the squirrels and they were very frisky. I think one is in heat so they were chasing each other and making noises. I drew the line when two of them started to have sex on my leg though! So...I left.
Yesterday I went on a cheetah walk with Cleo and Pride. They walked for a bit and then just laid down for the rest of the time… Tonight I sleep with Cleo and Pride so I am mentally preparing myself to get peed on.
Aug 30th
Sleeping with Cleo and Pride was awesome. They are very cute though and come over right away and snuggle with you all night. However, wild dot dots are TERRIBLE bed hogs and both Dawn and I only had about 6 inches each for our mattresses and every time I moved Cleo would let out a big sigh. It was a really really amazing experience though.
Today I went into the caracal and wild dog enclosures to pick up discarded bones. I had to fend off 8 wild dogs with sticks! We were told to watch our backs so they don't separate us and try to eat us.....ah just another day at the office!
Aug 31st
I was on food prep in the morning and then spent the afternoon hanging out with the animals. I finally went in with Lose the leopard and Asem the vulture and Finn the one winged eagle. I also said hello to my cheetah girls too, oh and I met Zebe the zebra and saw the rabbits.
Sept 2nd
I played with the foxes again last night. One of them came right over and sat with me and then flopped over on his back so that I could scratch his tummy and he made fun grunting noises. They are officially my favorite animals at Harnas and I will be sad to leave them.
Today I thought we were going to have to go to the waterhole but we haven't yet. I got to go on a cheetah walk with Cleo and Pride, though it was more of a cheetah flop as they walk for a bit and then lie down under a shady tree. It was still fun, but I did sit on a bunch of burrs which I am still currently extracting from the butt of my jeans....good times....
--------------
Good times indeed.
Also, don’t forget that there are plenty of YouTube videos up from the first 3 weeks. We are at 13 and counting!
www.youtube.com/catchiappa
Thanks,
Joe
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