Window to the world

Edge of the world

2011-06-29T00:10:00.003-04:00

One of the things I love the most about living by the lake is the many different ways it can look depending on the time of day and the weather. On sunny days, you can see far and clear into the horizon and be amazed by the sheer size of it and how peaceful it can be. Inclement weather brings on powerful waves that clash against the shore, spraying water high into the air, whereas cold winter days make it appear desolate and uninviting.

On vary rare occasions, be it before a powerful storm or right after it, there is a moment where fog moves in and overtakes the lake, engulfing it in a blanked of greyness. It is at that very instant that the sky and water blend in together as one and create magic. This is my favourite time to be by the lake because it creates the illusion of standing at the edge of the world. There are no sounds of birds, wind or waves as everything stands still.

This is the moment when my imagination takes over and even though I know that the world is far from flat, the feeling of nothingness in front of me really makes me feels like I’m standing on the edge. There is certain magic about it that is hard to duplicate or explain. Sometimes, though, when there is no sound, you have to supply your own soundtrack and after a friend’s recommendation, I found mine.

Some consider Leaving Hope by Nine Inch Nails as a perfect reflection of depression and hopelessness. To me, there is something medieval and peaceful about it that evokes images of knights and dragons and long forgotten worlds. I almost expect something to appear through the mist, be it an abandoned pirate ship, full-blown sea battle from centuries past or some sort of a mythical creature.

Music is a very powerful tool that can affect people in different ways. The same can be said about nature and the combination of the two can create quite an effect if you stop and enjoy it. So next time you stand overlooking something beautiful, take a moment to savour it.

What a weekend it was

2011-05-04T21:56:00.000-04:00

As far as news goes, the past weekend was a four-day jackpot extravaganza. Media outlets around here surely must have felt like a kid in a candy store. From the anticipated Wills and Kate royal wedding on Friday, first ever sanctioned UFC fight in Toronto on Saturday and beatification of the previous pope to the announcement of Osama bin Laden’s death on Sunday and Canada’s historic federal election on Monday, it was a long-weekend of news gold.

Part of me needed to make sure I witnessed at least some portion of each event as they all presented one of those “where were you when this happened” moments. I say part, because not all events were of crucial importance to me.

The royal wedding was definitely one of those historical moments that needed to be seen, although I didn’t wake up at the crack of dawn to watch it. Thanks to the wonders of technology (and repeated showings of the event), I didn’t miss a thing. It wasn’t the wedding itself that sparked my thirst for witnessing it, but the historical nature of the affair. Being a history major with a long time fascination of British monarchy, I saw this as a chance to witness a ritual that probably changed very little from centuries past.

In the past, royal wedding offered commoners a chance to see their monarch and it was quite a significant rite for the masses. Those monumental events weren’t exactly that common (unless you were Henry VIII of course) and it was an important part of life. While the role of monarchy has evolved largely to that of a figurehead, the pomp and circumstance that went along with it was surely a site to remember and something that doesn’t happen too often. In my book, it was definitely one of the things to see in my lifetime (I didn’t witness the union of Charles and Diana who got hitched when I was still in my diapers). And let’s not forget all those hats!

As far as the UFC and the canonization of the pope go, those two events fall under the less important category for me. UFC was prohibited in Ontario until now, so this first ever event merits a mention, especially since it was attended by record 55,000 fans that came to watch Canada’s golden boy George St. Pierre validate his fighting prowess. It was also a nice boost for the economy, which I’m sure, was substantial.

Jan Paul II was a pope for so long it was said many people didn’t know any other in their lifetime until his death. For various reasons, the church decided to canonize him in record time. It’s very rare for someone to become a saint, so this was a significant event for that alone.

Then there was Sunday. The glow of the royal wedding was still fresh and Canada was getting ready to vote. Then Obama spoke and a new frenzy blazed through the world. I was about to go to sleep when I got the news that the most wanted man in America was dead. Having witnessed the September 11 attacks almost a decade earlier, the significance of this was not lost on me. Will this compare to the shooting of Lee Harvey Oswald? Not sure, but it’s huge and will definitely have implications on the future.

Monday brought us another federal election that changed the Canadian political landscape. This marked the first time in Canada that the Green Party got a seat in parliament. It also gave us a Conservative majority, marked a crushing defeat of the Liberals and almost obliterated the Bloc, while the NDP soared in popularity. This might not make sense to you if you’re not Canadian, but trust me, it’s significant.

Having said that, I think I’ll make a list of other significant events that I have witnessed in my life. Stay tuned.

Travel envy

2010-10-06T22:56:00.000-04:00

Every time I go somewhere in the world I marvel at the things I see and experience. I try to squeeze two or three trips a year, which is more than your average person, however, I don't see it that way.

When I read of other people's stories of visiting foreign lands, places that I have yet to see, I get a little ping of jealously. The little green monster rears its ugly head at those times and all my travels pale in comparison. I have identified this phenomenon as travel envy.

Normally, I'm a rational person who is capable of realizing that different people experience things at various levels and times that result from their actions and available means, but when it comes to travel all reasoning disappears. I envy those who have seen things and places I have always wanted to, but haven't yet had a chance to. My first urge is to run off and book as many trips as I can while packing my bags as fast as I can.

The condition, more of a temporary madness really, diminishes once the reality kicks in and I come to terms that that is not possible. My brain spins at a million miles a minute while I ponder how to free myself of all obligations and just wonder the globe. I think I have planned my trip around the world thousands of times, identifying best routes, methods of transportation and best times to go. Oh, the possibilities!

Looking back, I realize that there were some opportunities I have missed - student exchange programs, study abroad opportunities or teaching overseas - that would've provided me with a chance to see a bit more of the world. If I had to do this over again, I would definitely jump at the possibilities.

While I envy others' travels, I also enjoy reading about them and am happy that I can learn from their experiences and gain valuable tips and insights. After all, you have to find the silver lining somewhere.

Travel writing

2010-08-30T16:34:00.001-04:00

As I started this blog I had no real intention of where it would go. I like to write and thought this would be a good outlet for me. Travel has always been one of my favourite things to do so writing about it wasn't exactly a stretch.

Growing up, one of my dream jobs was to be a photojournalist for National Geographic. I couldn't imagine a better way to earn a living. Unfortunately, my dream has never materialized and I had to find other means of employment.

Lucky for me, thanks to modern technology I got an opportunity to share my stories on Tripatlas.com. It's an exciting and fun way to document my travels and share them with others. Ultimately, it's all about reliving my trips as I write about them. I am fortunate to be married to someone who shares my passion for travel. We plan our trips on a whim and without real destination in mind. Those impromptu get-aways are always fun and give us a chance to see the world, one destination at a time.

My bucket list of places I want to see includes pretty much the whole world. On the must-see list are the Pyramids in Egypt, the Amazon, all of Australia, the desert in Africa, all the placed in Europe I haven't yet seen, the Great Wall of China, Machu Pichu, Japan, Brazil, Turkey and pretty much all seven continents ..... as you can see this list will go on forever.

While my dream job never came to be, I think I found a good alternative and that's pretty darn good!

Heartbreaking beauty of Havana

2010-07-27T08:50:00.001-04:00

I've been to Cuba three times now, but it was on my third trip that I made it to Havana.

Cuba has a long history, full of rich culture and many influences. You can see that everywhere on the island, but it's particularly evident in Havana. As the capital city of Cuba, it's also the largest. Here you find centuries old and beautiful buildings erected when Spanish Conquistadors ruled with iron fists and gold was king.

As beautiful as those buildings once were, many are now in ruin due to decades of neglect and disrepair. Homes, once stately and ornate, are now decrepit and often on a verge of obscurity. If you look past the crumbling portions, boarded-up windows or hollow shells and faded colours, you can almost imagine the wealthy Spanish settlers and rich Americans that lived there in another time.

Among the very old and once glamorous, are the structures of another time. These Soviet-era atrocities rise above the horizon like the concrete monsters they are, built with little imagination and zero creativity. Those who made this city proud and glorious in previous centuries must surely be weeping in despair, their desire to awe with wealth and power, long abandoned and forgotten.

There is something hauntingly beautiful about Havana, with the glory that once was and maybe once again could be. The Cuban government has done a great job of rebuilding the Old Havana, meticulously restoring whole blocks, bringing out the beauty once again. It's a process that won't be completed overnight, but it's a great start. Many of the refurbished buildings are turned into galleries, hotels and cafes. Tourist have always come here, but I hope this will bring even more. Here you can feel like you've traveled through time thanks to the restoration projects. It's easy to imagine what can be and what once was.

Roatan - my little slice of heaven

2010-07-26T14:00:00.000-04:00

When I first started this blog it was with the intention of writing about travel – it’s not only something I love, but it’s also my biggest weakness. If necessary, I can abstain from other things, but can’t refuse a good trip. It’s a tortured life I lead, with temptation everywhere :-)

I’ll start this series with my 2008 trip to a small island off the coast of Honduras called Roatan. A long time ago I was planning a trip there, but due to scheduling conflicts ended up elsewhere. Not long after that while on a cruise, we made a stop on this charming island and spent a day on the West Bay beach.

Ahhh … the memories. Roatan will always remind me of heaven on earth. Pristine white beaches, surrounded by clear, turquoise water offer an escape from everyday life. Like in the Corona commercial, all you want to do is relax with a cold beverage while watching people and nature before you.

The water is not only pristine, but engulfs your body like a warm blanket on a cold day. It almost feels like you’re stepping into a bath that is just starting to cool off, but it’s still warm enough to enjoy. As I write this, I can almost feel the warm breeze and sunshine of that moment.

Roatan is known for superior snorkeling and scuba diving. I don’t dive so I can’t speak directly on that experience, however, based on what a friend said, it lives up to its reputation.

Here you’ll also find wonderful people, beautiful art and crafts, and exotic wildlife. Whether it’s in or on water or on land, there is something to do for everyone. I really encourage you to visit this small island and experience it for yourself.

As I’m planning my next vacation, Roatan isn’t far from my mind. I plan to return there for a longer stay and explore the island in more detail. The possibility puts a smile on my face.

Heros, idols and villains of World Cup 2010

2010-07-12T23:13:00.002-04:00

And so it ends. With Spain being crowned the new World Cup champions things will quiet down until the madness starts again in 2014, this time in Brazil. I imagine it will be a constant party like no other and maybe in four years I'll be able to afford to travel there.

This Cup was an outstanding one. From Paul the Octopus to coaches with personal agendas and superstars who never lived up to their names, it was one heck of a month. There are those who walk away being recognized for their talent including Thomas Muller (Best Young Player Award and the adidas Golden Boot winner), Diego Forlan (adidas Golden Ball winner), Iker Casillas (adidas Golden Glove winner), Andres Iniesta (the last Man of the Match) and all others who made these games. However, for all those with laurels, there are many who walk empty handed. The lackluster performances by Ronaldo, Messi and Rooney (including a gaffe by Green) left many fuming and shaking their heads in disbelief, while Paul the Octopus made waves with perfect predictions of the games. His predictions even sparked death treats which just proves once again that soccer fans are a passionate bunch.

This passion translates to the longevity of the careers experienced by soccer coaches. After an unsuccessful run for the trophy, Brazil, France and Italy will bid their coaches adieu while many others await their fate. That is the nature of the game, although I always said that a coach can only do so much. It's the team that ultimately influences the outcome of the game with their performance. As the saying goes, you can bring a horse to water...

I loved watching the games. There was a lot of fantastic talent that I think will continue to keep this game as exciting as it gets. I was disappointed that Germany didn't make it, but I think they played well. They'll be back, better and stronger. Wait and see.

Excitement of the World Cup so far

2010-06-29T22:29:00.001-04:00

Thus far the 2010 FIFA World Cup is proving to be as exciting as can be. From the drama of the French team and the shocking (well, not to everyone...) elimination of the Italians in the first round (who also happen to be the defending champions) to the controversy over FIFA's refusal of using replays, it's been one hell of a ride.

Let's not forget to mention the enigma that is Diego Maradona. Watching him on the sidelines is like watching a train wreck - horrific yet mesmerizing. I'm drawn to his living-on-the-streets-with-recent-attempt-at-a-makeover look that is giving him a living wax statue appeal. Yet, the good old "Hand of God" Maradona is doing something right as Argentina sweeps through the games. Well, until Saturday that is when they will face off Germany - home favourite in our house.

This is definitely the most fun tournament yet. Thanks to social media, fans all over the world are tweeting and blogging live, commenting on every single aspect of the game. I love every part of it! Quick trips to the various sites during the day have kept me happily in the loop. Scores, updates and reactions are streamed online feeding people like me who are not always able to watch (the thing called work sometimes gets in the way....)

As I've said before, I cheer for Germany. This year's team has proved a force to be reckoned with. They play methodically, precisely and fiercely. Except for the Serbia game... Don't know what that was all about. I guess everyone gets to have a bad day. For some though it's worse than for others. We saw that happen for both USA and England. Well ... there is always 2014.

As far as predictions go, I think it will be an exciting end. Both Argentina and the Netherlands have been proclaimed the teams to watch and had the most points going out the group round. If they manage to get past Brazil and Germany, anything is possible. This will definitely be an exciting weekend!

Why I love the World Cup

2010-06-15T16:25:00.003-04:00

It happens every four years and delights many across the world. It's addictive and fun, and it celebrates the talents of the best soccer players on the planet. It's the World Cup, soccer's answer to Oscars and a forum for fans to proudly display their allegiances to their favourite teams and homelands. To some, it's a religion and a way of life, to others, it is simply the best game in the world.

As far as I can remember, the World Cup was something I have always watched with my dad. We would sit together, cheer for our favourite teams and comment on their abilities as all spectators are known to do. Although I don't live with my parents anymore, I still love watching the games. My dad and I still talk about the matches we watch, and we're still as unqualified to comment on the way the game should be played as we always were, but that doesn't stop us from enjoying watching it.

The allegiances in our house are varied, but I have always been partial to Germany and Brazil. Some might say it's boring and predictable, but statistically speaking, those two countries have been the most consistent with their games and I favour them for that reason. As the recent game against Australia shows, Germany is a well-oiled fighting machine that delivers a killer game. With Brazil you can always count on a good party. Being a country that's won the most World Cups, they can't do that bad. At this point, it's too early to tell.

Then there is Italy, and I say that because it's a team my husband favours and it's his pick for the winner. As defending champions, they do have a thing to prove and they do know how to celebrate. Does that make them winners? We'll have to wait and see :-)

In the end, the best part of soccer are the fans. Not even the Olympics can make flags appear on cars, houses and clothes as the World Cup does. People gather in bars to watch the games, listen in cars for updates and there are fans everywhere you look. The most predictable thing about the World Cup is that there always is a good party guaranteed no matter which country is the winner!

Why volunteer?

2010-05-11T18:09:00.005-04:00

Volunteering is about committing your resources - be that time, talent or services - to a worthy cause without financial reward. The idea behind it is to better and/or improve the quality of life for those around us. But being a volunteer also provides an opportunity to meet new people, gain new experience, see new places and have fun.

Organizations who profit the most out of voluneteering are those with little or no resources. By committing ourselves to those causes, we make a huge difference. What to us is a few hours a day/week or month, could mean significant benefit to the group we volunteer for. Our work may not generate actual dollars, but it contrubutes to the economic well being of our society through the generation of social capital. While our resources create oppotunities, volunteering provides us with a sense of pride, accomplishment and a new range of skills.

I didn't start volunteering until I finished school and entered the workforce. Before that I had little time to volunteer on top of work and school. This is different for everyone, but we are all united in the feeling that we get from committing our time to a cause that wouldn't be the same without us. I devote my time to a number of causes, some work realted, some personal. To this date, I've met a number of great people, honed skills I woulnd't have otherwise had a chance to use and built an extensive network of contacts.

Couple of years ago I was approached by one of the directors of the Durham Community Foundation to join the organization because she was impressed with my work. Being recognized for your skills is the ultimate acknowledgment of one's abilities and it makes volunteering that much more rewarding. I still continue my work with the Foundation and I'm happy to do so.

Gardening: stress relief or stressful?

2010-04-29T20:46:00.002-04:00

When I lived with my parents gardening fell under my mother's dictatorship. She ruled the backyard like a true oppressor and I was never allowed to decide what would grow where. I was just there to do the digging, cutting and weeding when told to do so.

Finally one day, I rebelled. I refused to lug any more planters, bags of soil and any other paraphernalia associated with this activity and walked away, leaving my mother standing among her pots and plants watching me with a weary eye. My mutiny resulted in a compromise which allowed me to plant selected items strategically around the garden. It was then that my gardening dilemma sprouted.

I love flowers and am especially fond of roses. I have certain colour preferences and tend to steer towards purples, deep reds and dark pinks. I am also very decisive in what I don't like growing in what is my back yard.

The problem is, I will never join the upper echelons of master gardeners. I hate weeds, bugs and my dogs trampling over the flower beds. Having to plant things and maintain them causes me to grind my teeth and break out in sweat. I don't know what to plant and where. What flowers like to grow with others and should they go in shaded areas or sunny ones? Do I trim everything in the fall or spring? There are so many points of view out there and so many guides, all of which overwhelm me.

I discovered that gardening is sometimes about luck and has nothing to do with one's ability to fully understand all the ins and outs of horticulture. So far, most of the things I've planted survived and even flourished. But I don't feel relaxed when I garden. I understand that for some people it's therapeutic, but I have a hard time understanding that concept.

Last fall we moved into a new house so I'm starting with a clean slate. The stressful part right now is trying to figure out what's growing here already and what I should plant next. I have a feeling I will be revisiting this topic in the near future.

My love affair with Internet

2010-04-21T21:09:00.003-04:00

I must confess that I'm a total Internet junkie. I can't imagine my world without it and can't really recall my life before it. I love technology and embrace the World Wide Web and everything that comes with it with wonder and awe. I love having access to every possible bit of information at my finger tips and knowing that I can find anything with my computer.

As social media evolves and gains popularity, there always will be those who love it and those who hate it. I think that applies to everything. There was a time when people saw computers as tools of the devil and fought hard against them. If that mind set prevailed, we all would be sitting in our offices with typewriters and ink stains. A reality that horrifies me just thinking about it.

In its own way, social media is seen in a negative light by many. Yes, it can be an invasion of privacy, but only if you let it. When it comes to the Internet, you have a choice of what to post or even if to post it at all. There is no need to put your address, contact info, where you work and what your hobbies are for the world to see, and then announce that you're going on vacation. Would you leave your front door wide open with a big sign that says Empty House! Come and Get What You Want? No, you wouldn't. Same rules apply online.

Another reason people are weary of the social media platforms is because they see them as replacing real life interactions and contact. Is it really? I see it more of a practicality. If you work for a large company located in a large building and you need to talk to someone on another floor or in a different department do you get up and walk over to see them every time? No, you can call, and if they're not available, leave a message or send an email. The thing is, we don't always have the luxury of leaving all the pertinent information in a voice message and sometimes an email or instant messenger is the better choice of communication.

Same applies to friends and relatives. Not everyone is always available at the same time or even in the same hemisphere. If there is a drastic time difference and you can't always call or see them in person, is it not easier to send an email? Post pictures for those who can't be here to share that special moment? To me, it's better to keep in touch via email or Facebook than to have no contact at all.

Unfortunately, we live in a world that is very demanding and we can't always fit all out activities in one day. I can't always call my friends when I want to touch base and see what's going on. Either they have obligations and/or duties that require their attention, or simply what is my free time is not always their free time. Do I give up the contact with my friends and family because I shun the delivery method? No, I embrace it and make it work for me.

As the saying goes, better the devil you know...

To blog or not to blog?

2010-04-13T18:55:00.003-04:00

I have always had an aversion to sharing my thoughts and opinions by writing them in a diary. It was unappealing when that diary was a book with a locking mechanism whose intent was to keep others out, but it took on a different dimension all together when that "book" became an Internet portal accessible to the world.

Am I a hypocrite for giving in and doing, in essence, what I detested the most? Or maybe I'm just evolving? I must admit there were times when I really felt the need to share with someone my impressions, opinions or observation after watching a seriously intense episode of LOST, reading an article in the paper that just blew my mind or giving up in frustration on my gardening efforts. Could blogging then be little different than doing the same thing around the proverbial cooler at the office? The more I think about it, the more sense it makes. After all, I don't have to share anything that I don't want to - blog or no blog.

So, can I blog bravely in the cyber world with the possibility of unleashing me on the world? Well, I got this far. As the wise Yoda said: "Do or do not. There is no try."

Here we go...