Around The World

Ivan M. Granger March 4th, 2008

Updated November 25, 2008

From it’s beginning, I have given the Poetry Chaikhana web site the tagline “Sacred Poetry from Around the World.” I am regularly reminded that the Poetry Chaikhana community is also from around the world — but I don’t share that enough with everyone else. I’ve started to pay more attention to the web site visitor statistics, and those statistics have inspired me. (Inspired by statistics? Maybe I’m revealing too much of the computer geek in me. :-) I do, afterall, support myself by working as a computer programmer when I’m not posting poetry, commenting on poetry, reading poetry, researching poets, or maintaining the web site.)

Since the beginning of 2008 , the Poetry Chaikhana has already had visits from 203 different countries and territories!

It’s much easier to list the dozen or so countries that haven’t visited the site recently than it is to list those countries that have… but it’s much more fun to list those that have! So, here goes! In order of visitor traffic…


United States
India
United Kingdom
Canada
Australia
Pakistan
Philippines
Germany
Ireland
Netherlands
Turkey
Italy
France
Spain
Malaysia
Singapore
South Africa
Brazil
Sweden
Norway
New Zealand
United Arab Emirates
China
Japan
Belgium
Poland
Romania
Mexico
Iran
Bulgaria
Portugal
Switzerland
Israel
Indonesia
South Korea
Saudi Arabia
Greece
Hong Kong
Denmark
Argentina
Taiwan
Russia
Bangladesh
Austria
Finland
Thailand
Hungary
Egypt
Chile
(not set)
Czech Republic
Croatia
Kuwait
Colombia
Serbia
Puerto Rico
Slovenia
Mauritius
Morocco
Peru
Ukraine
Qatar
Vietnam
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Jordan
Trinidad and Tobago
Sri Lanka
Lebanon
Bahrain
Macedonia
Venezuela
Estonia
Slovakia
Serbia and Montenegro
Lithuania
Latvia
Afghanistan
Oman
Costa Rica
Nepal
Azerbaijan
Panama
Nigeria
Algeria
Ecuador
Jamaica
Kenya
Cyprus
Malta
Dominican Republic
Luxembourg
Syria
Uruguay
Iceland
Guam
Yemen
Palestinian Territory
Guatemala
Bermuda
Ghana
Tunisia
Netherlands Antilles
Ivory Coast
Maldives
Albania
Tanzania
Georgia
Uzbekistan
Bhutan
Senegal
Moldova
Sudan
Bahamas
Honduras
Kazakhstan
Cambodia
Iraq
U.S. Virgin Islands
Belize
Bolivia
Fiji
El Salvador
Armenia
Barbados
Ethiopia
Myanmar
Brunei
Cayman Islands
Grenada
Dominica
Cameroon
Macau SAR China
Belarus
Libya
Saint Lucia
Nicaragua
Namibia
Guyana
Guadeloupe
Botswana
Aruba
Suriname
Zimbabwe
Tajikistan
Reunion
Antigua and Barbuda
Uganda
Mongolia
Paraguay
Mozambique
Malawi
Northern Mariana Islands
Montenegro
Niger
Gibraltar
Zambia
Kyrgyzstan
British Virgin Islands
Papua New Guinea
Turks and Caicos Islands
Djibouti
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Mali
Angola
Madagascar
American Samoa
Eritrea
Monaco
Rwanda
Mauritania
Gambia
Kiribati
Andorra
Cuba
Micronesia
Haiti
Faroe Islands
Lesotho
Laos
Burkina Faso
Benin
Seychelles
Vanuatu
Turkmenistan
Togo
Greenland
Martinique
Vatican
New Caledonia
Burundi
Sierra Leone
Tonga
Samoa
Gabon
Congo - Kinshasa
Somalia
Palau
Guernsey
Anguilla
French Guiana
Solomon Islands
Maldives Islands
Comoros

We make up quite a community, don’t we? Through the Poetry Chaikhana, we are all connected to every part of this planet we share.

The next time a poem touches that warm ember deep in your chest, and your thoughts stop, and your mind clears, and a quiet smile spreads across your face… reach out and feel who else on this planet is feeling exactly the same thing. Could be someone who wears different clothes or different colored skin, someone who speaks with a different accent or an entirely different language, someone who sits or kneels or bows to worship. Reach out and recognize that person as a brother or sister who, like us all, is walking through the human journey, pausing occasionally to sing songs of the Divine.

45 Responses to “Around The World”

  1. Maria Paula Fonsecaon 06 Mar 2008 at 3:11 pm

    I there, you’re very wellcome a’board this nice ship, this big and wonderful communnity–ALL OF US–And attencion:
    Never forget the “other” he’s/she’s is right near us.
    Paula

  2. Riteshon 11 Mar 2008 at 4:39 am

    Hey Ivan,
    I admire your work, I admire your dedication and love towards poetry. I also hope to be spiritually strong like you some day, but I am a bigginer and dont know much about spirtuality.

    Keep up the great work, you Rock.
    Ritesh.

  3. omio Chatterjeeon 13 Mar 2008 at 1:46 am

    Hi the adda ,

    perhaps many of are not familiar with the word ” ADDA”. It simply means apurposeless gathering with no prefixed agenda or objective But somehow the adda becomes a strong bond between the varied group of travelling community.During our journey we laugh we cry we distance ourselves from our “Beloved”only to find that we are closer to our beloved. I Simply love to be in the chaikhana adda

    omio

  4. Joanneon 15 Mar 2008 at 3:54 am

    Hi everyone!!

    It’s great to know there are so many people out there from all corners of the world reading the Poetry Chaikhana daily poems and blogs-it is easy to lose the feeling of connection when you sit alone in front of a computer.

    Thanks Ivan for reminding us that we are connected (and thanks,too, for connecting us through your site).

    warm regards to all,

    Joanne

  5. keyvan ghanbarion 29 Mar 2008 at 8:56 pm

    Hi everyone !

    I am a new member … thanks for your passion … support me please …

    with the best wishes ;

    ” Silent Warrior In White Focus ” ( keyvan )

  6. Randhir Bhanon 04 Apr 2008 at 8:56 pm

    Love this Tea Stall (Chai Khana)
    Love the Poetry
    Love the music list
    Just love everything about this.

  7. Yvonneon 14 May 2008 at 2:05 pm

    It’s wonderful to know that the Poetry Chaikhana is connecting so many people.

    Love to all ♥♥♥♥♥

  8. saqibon 19 Oct 2008 at 7:25 am

    Hi Ivan!
    I am a silent admirer of this site and your work. As english is not my first language so I avoid posting comments on intellectual topics. But just to remind you about the far reaching effect of your hardwork; I am from Pakistan. Your site keeps us informed about the fact that although we may differ in colour of skin, but our origin and our destination is one. We all our sons and daughters of Adam and this oneness is enough to make this world a peaceful place to live. Peace and love from Pakistan.

  9. Theresaon 29 Oct 2008 at 5:30 am

    Hey there -
    Please add Niger to your list of countries. I found your website by following a link from a friend who also lives here in Niamey. Lovely job you are doing!
    Theresa

  10. Ivan M. Grangeron 25 Nov 2008 at 1:59 pm

    Thanks, Theresa, for the reminder to updated the list. I just checked, and people from an *additional* 50 countries and territories have visited the site since I last updated the list in early summer. Niger now has a place in the list…
    Ivan

  11. Mithraon 01 Dec 2008 at 2:52 am

    Hi Ivan

    This is a wonderful site. Brings every one together in love of poetry. Love the name too as Tea drinker. You have inspired me to have a poetry reading tea evening.
    Mithra

  12. Sam /Zahidon 16 Dec 2008 at 10:58 am

    A return Seasons Greeting to All-

    The conference of birds still at work for Peace & Understanding growing unseen branches from the poetree. What a card !

    keep the faith,
    Sam / Zahid

  13. katie roseon 16 Dec 2008 at 11:34 am

    thank you, Ivan, for your light-filled energy and loving heart, for sharing that with all of us and facilitating the coming together of so many folk across this planet in remembrance and celebration of the divine, and the recognition of the unity in diversity that is who we are. your posts, and especially your commentaries, are often truly inspiring. much gratitude and appreciation to you.

  14. Lindy Warrellon 16 Dec 2008 at 11:45 am

    All I can say after seeing how your love of collects people from all parts of the world is, WOW. What a remarkable thing love is!
    Lindy

  15. Lucienneon 16 Dec 2008 at 11:46 am

    Hallo Ivan,

    I am from the Netherlands. An on line friend of mine from N.Y. brought your website under my attention.
    I am really amazed at learning that people from so many different countries are enjoying the poems as well.

    Thank you for your wonderful service as well as the pretty postcard.

    A very blessed Holiday Season for you and your loved ones.

  16. Janiceon 16 Dec 2008 at 11:55 am

    thanks for sharing this good news here Ivan
    with us all around the world .
    we truly do live in a global world
    on one beautiful , gorgeous planet earth
    and need to preserve and appreciate each of our human lives just as the planet and all it wonderful creatures , plants , animals , trees ,flowers , beautiful bounty of life alive
    heaven on earth can trully be found
    starting by looking within our very own sweet hearts ~
    love and blessings to all , everywhere
    we are so blessed to be here alive for a short time
    may we realize it , enjoy , live well ~ from the inside out ~
    love and peace , janice

  17. Noor-Malika Chishtion 16 Dec 2008 at 1:02 pm

    Greetings of peace, Ivan and sisters and brothers around the world!

    Thank you for this wonderful website and for the great meditation you suggested, to consider others who may find a certain poem has just the right message for them, as it has for me.

    These words of the Sufi teacher Hazrat Inayat Khan seem appropriate for your message:

    “Toward the One, united with all,”

    sister Noor-Malika,
    Los Angeles (City of Angels)

  18. Julieton 16 Dec 2008 at 4:19 pm

    Thanks so much for you website, Ivan. On the days when I have time, I open up your daily poem and I feel a moment of peace and stillness and now I will think of all these people all over the world doing the same thing - my heart feels larger just thinking of it.
    So many words have spoken to me but I’ve carried around these words from Rainer Maria Rilke for most of the year
    “The inner — what is it?
    if not the intensified sky, hurled through with birds and deep
    with the winds of homecoming.”

    Wishing a sense of homecoming for all and for myself

    Juliet

  19. Jimon 16 Dec 2008 at 4:51 pm

    “What it is that dwelleth here,
    I know not.
    But my heart stands in awe
    And the tears trickle down.”
    11th Cent Japan

    But Ivan knows as do all that feel the glow of Love in the Poetry Chaikhana. Thank you Ivan for widening this community for Peace. Jim, Dallas

  20. CAROL FULLERon 16 Dec 2008 at 4:55 pm

    ivan, i wish you blessings daily, and through the year i love this site:-)..it brings me such joy and peace..i have been ill these last months and am on the mend, but the journey is slow…i look for my poetry in my mail and i am gleefull the moment i see it..thank you for being you and being there..you give us much…
    love and hugs, carol

  21. Yewtreeon 17 Dec 2008 at 2:52 am

    A merry Yule / Solstice / Hannukah / Kwanzaa / Christmas / Dies Natalis Sol Invictus / Mothernight / Sacaea / Alban Arthuan to everyone, and many thanks to Ivan for creating the Poetry Chaikhana and the uplifting daily emails.

    Bright blessings!

  22. Nancyon 17 Dec 2008 at 5:01 am

    Ivan, You are a treasure! Thank you so much for putting this site together and being such a warm and generous soul. Many blessings to you and your family, and to all in this international community. Nancy S.

  23. Ivan M. Grangeron 18 Dec 2008 at 4:03 pm

    Carol,
    I didn’t want to let your note pass without saying that I hope you continue to feel better — on all levels.
    Love and hugs to you too!
    Ivan

  24. Safiyyaon 09 Jan 2009 at 4:37 pm

    Hi !
    Just to say…. by your words you brought tears in my eyes…
    May Allâh Must High protect you and bring you in good health ya Ivan !
    Thanx a lot !

  25. Maryon 25 Jan 2009 at 7:49 am

    Hello Ivan: Congratulations on the success of your wonderful ministry. I enjoy your poetry daily and you’ve introduced me to some poets that I’ve read more of. Bless you on your journey!

  26. Moogumon 31 Mar 2009 at 1:44 am

    I am reminded of the words of J Krishnamurti who used to say that WE ARE THE WORLD. Really there is no distinction to make between a person who lives in Alaska and another one who lives in Timbuktu. People are the same everywhere, living with the same desire and envy and inhabited with the same fear and anxiety.

    Poetry Chaikhana is the meeting place for those who aspire to live a different life, guided by the teachings and mystical poetry of enlightened beings.

    Bravo Ivan.

  27. mohsin bilalon 19 Apr 2009 at 9:09 am

    i am mohsin bilal from pakistan,and doing job in a private media organization.poetry chaikhana is a great website for the permotion of sufism.

  28. Shernazon 15 Jun 2009 at 7:16 pm

    Dear Ivan,
    I have been hooked to this site from the time I found it through a link a friend sent me. It is almost the first site I visit daily and as I continue to be awed, inspired, taught and enlightened I bless you, my friend Sunil and from today will send out a special message of love and peace to all who are connected to us through this site. Thanks Ivan and love to everyone out there.
    Shernaz

  29. Suhanaon 31 Aug 2009 at 10:54 am

    Ivan,

    your site and your work is a treasure! much as I love poetry, oftentimes, the meaning escapes me and it is your words that throw light where there was darkness before… I have gotten to enjoy lines from so many unseen, unknown poets and every time an old favourite friend like Rumi, Kabor or Gibran came visiting my inbox, I rejoice! :-)

    may your journey ahead be more blessed than you can imagine !!!!!

    love,

    suhana

  30. Suhanaon 31 Aug 2009 at 10:56 am

    Ivan,
    your site and your work is a treasure! much as I love poetry, oftentimes, the meaning escapes me and it is your words that throw light where there was darkness before… I have gotten to enjoy lines from so many unseen, unknown poets and every time an old favourite friend like Rumi, Kabir or Gibran came visiting my inbox, I rejoiced!

    :-)

    may your journey ahead be more blessed than you can imagine !!!!!
    love,
    suhana

  31. jag1ton 31 Aug 2009 at 5:24 pm

    Thank you Ivan. Keep up the good work.

  32. Moogumon 01 Sep 2009 at 3:32 am

    The sacred poetry community can only grow as the divine consciousness expands and permeates the human space. If we could all detach ourselves from the planet and look at it from a distance we will see how our small and how inter-connected we are.

  33. Nancion 01 Sep 2009 at 8:26 am

    Ivan,
    Poetry is life to me. I love the idea of all of us all around the world sitting down with a pot of tea to drink in your offerings of poetry and your comments, which lead me to the depth of each line. Across time and space without any boundaries at all! What a wonderful gift for the world.
    Thank you!

  34. […] Around The World […]

  35. nitinon 10 Mar 2010 at 12:28 pm

    Ivan,
    reading all those wondeful poems (words of truth, wisdom, light) makes me smile and encourage me to keep floating, sit in silence and pray. i hpoe all of us find our BELOVED and He never leaves us……..
    may god bless us all…
    THX for sharing……
    luv nitin

  36. Nikkion 10 Mar 2010 at 12:40 pm

    Ivan,

    The highlight of my day is reading your email. I enjoy the poetry, and I also enjoy the music selections you send along.

    Thank you for your wonderful work!

    Nikki in Kansas

  37. Mariaon 10 Mar 2010 at 1:17 pm

    Thanks Ivan, for your efforts! Poetry reaches those profound places I oftentimes won’t let myself experience on a daily basis. And so with your posts I can touch those places far more often than I could if left to do it on my own. Thank you-
    Maria

  38. Alexsandraon 10 Mar 2010 at 3:09 pm

    Thank you Ivan for the Poetry. It nourishes me and inspires me to become more true to who I really am.
    I share your website with whoever is interested in the hope that it will bring to them the variety of love beauty, and spirit that it brings into me.
    Alexsandra from Australia

  39. Lois Holubon 10 Mar 2010 at 3:37 pm

    Ivan, thank you. Not only for the words, insights and beauty of Poetry Chaikhana, but for providing a sacred space where previously unknown friends can connect with one another. It is such a gift!

  40. Moiranneon 10 Mar 2010 at 5:42 pm

    Ivan, I can only endorse the thoughts and comments above and express my gratitude for the journeys within that your poetry evokes, Ivan. I am a “late comer” to the appreciation of the depths, the sensitivities, and subtle power of poetry, but Poetry Chiakhana I believe has truly touched my heart or something within, along with Elizabeth Rosins book mentioned by your good self some few weeks ago, a thing of beauty, a gift indeed. I am looking forward to the journey deepening, stretching, expanding…… in the future. Thank you so much.

  41. qazion 10 Mar 2010 at 9:06 pm

    thats great…every morning i come in the office and forward ‘poetry chaikhana’ mail to my friend…some of it is outstanding…
    good work Ivan

  42. nasihaon 11 Mar 2010 at 3:32 am

    hello Ivan,

    love your work and love the beautiful poetry in each mail that i’v received, since i joined last year. And I would love my country to be included in that long wonderful list ‘around the world” - maldives islands please!

    sacred are all words , therefore utter wisely or fade into silence.

    from a student..
    wish you all the best
    nasiha

  43. isabel tippleon 11 Mar 2010 at 3:39 am

    `Dear Ivan,
    Through your gracious wisdom, love and generosity, you have let a pure drop fall into the ocean and its ripples have sent a wave of love around the ocean. This energy of delight spreading amongst us all, as, at any time of the day or night, one of us may be reading/ imbibing the poetry chaikhana and embrace the great emptiness and fullness. Thankyou to friends in this blogosphere, as yet unknown in person, but a spiritual family in heart and always connected. Peace and blessings apon you all for ever.

  44. dilip karkareon 11 Mar 2010 at 5:07 am

    dear Ivan,

    For a long time i was considering “browsing on net as waste of time,i preferred reading.Around 2008 my son gave me a big-screen laptop,& now i am hooked to it,thank god wonderful people like you are around to help us in reading beautiful material.
    My wish for you is “MAY YOUR TRIBE INCREASE-PRAY CONTINUE”

    dilip

  45. tanviron 11 Mar 2010 at 12:51 pm

    congratulations!!!!
    u deserve this….thanks for making those 10minutes of our day so special.
    all d best Ivan!

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