Oregon Adventure: Vegan Eats and Sea Lions

After I left my Vipassana retreat (read about it here), I spent some time alternatively between Portland and the Oregon Coast. Sadly, my trip was filled with many hiccups including my carry-on bag breaking, my purse breaking (resulting in me using a Whole Foods Bag for both), my GPS breaking on the last day, meaning I never got to visit the art gallery, the beach being a cool 55 degrees and drizzle my first and part of second day, and my luggage being stolen at the airport in Kansas City. A wonderful ending to a disappointing trip. Fortunately, my luggage has been discovered, a kind older woman took the wrong bag, has returned it to the airport, and they are delivering as we speak. Thank you Universe!!! There were some highlights, including visiting the Sea Lion Caves, a Dune Buggy ride through the Sand Dune National Park, my final beach day sunny and early 60's so I got to dig my toes in the sand after all, Powell bookstore, discovering some amazing pizza (not-vegan) and several vegan restaurants plus an entire vegan strip mall.

The beauty of the ocean, as seen from my balcony

Sea Lions are very chatty!

Local Portland Pizza, creamy garlic sauce, artichoke hearts, spinach and tomato

Spicy Butternut and Black Bean Chili Vegan Quesadilla from Blooming Lotus

Peaches and Cream Smoothie from Blooming Lotus

Spicy hot chocolate with rice milk from Red and Black Cafe

Anarchist Vegan Grandma in Dominatrix Heels at Red and Black Cafe

Vegan deliciousness from Sweet Pea Bakery
(Chocolate cupcake, apple spice coffee cake, cinnamon roll, banana bread and hiding, a brownie)

Closer look at that cupcake!

Vegan Strip Mall view of Herbivore and Food Fight Grocery

Cacao smoothie from Prasad

Chili Bowl with rice, vegan chili, avocado, and steamed greens from Prasad

Have you been to Oregon? Share your trip experiences here!

Why Vipassana Meditation Made It On My 2011 Intentions

What frightens you? What are you hiding from? How well do you really know you? Vipssana is a 10 day meditation retreat that consists of Eat, Sleep, Meditate and Poo, according to a blog post I recently read on Elephant.  Basically, you take a vow of silence, and do virtually nothing but meditate from 4:30am-9:30pm during your 10 day experience. No cell phones, laptops, CD players, TV's, books, or journals. You come with comfortable clothing and basic personal care items, and that's it. Simple vegetarian meals are served at breakfast and lunch, and dinner is optional. Most people just drink tea.  Part of your time is spent alone, meditating in your cell, while the rest is with a group, lead by a teacher. 10 days without speaking to another human being and not being allowed to do anything but sit with your own thoughts, how could you not get to the deepest darkest parts of yourself? 

I am equally fascinated and terrified by this concept.  I meditate daily....for 15 minutes to a guided meditation CD.  Yikes! However, I'm a big fan of facing one's fears, and really getting to the heart of the matter.  I truly feel this is an important step in healing myself.  Vipssana may seem extreme to some, but living in silence, no distractions, and just being, there would be no where to hide and release would be imminent.

I'm looking at a program in Oregon that starts June 1st.  Why Oregon? So I can spend a few extra days before or after the retreat swimming in the ocean, playing on the Sand Dunes and gorging on kick ass vegan fare in Portland.



Do you Meditate? Would you be open to attending a Vipssana retreat? Are you interested in taking some vacation time in June and traveling to Oregon with me?