How would it be to visit New York City without seeing a Broadway show? The view from the Empire State Building? An Opera or Ballet? Would you still go? Would it be worth it? New York conjures up images of high fashion, live entertainment, famous landmarks and incredible museums. But what about the ‘other’ New York,…
Travel Blog
Oh, Sandy
We all have memories of life-changing moments in history. Remember when Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon? When the planes hit the Twin Towers? In December, 1980 a bunch of us came to New York City. It was two days after the shooting death of John Lennon. I remember it well. Now, after Sandy’s onslaught,…
Living the Life of Riley?
Sometimes our past is done before our future seems quite ready. ~ Julia Cameron Four months have passed since my return to Canada and a decidedly wonderful way of living, without routine or constraints, continues to be my daily blessing. Some say I’m living the dream. I call it the second dream (the first was…
What’s in a Name?
3:10 pm Friday afternoon, Mooloolaba, Qld, 1998 Teachers scurry down to the staff room, down a few XXXX beer, then dash off to surf, swim, or continue imbibing at the local surf club. As with all things ‘travel’ you figure out how people have fun in their part of the world. This pre-weekend Aussie ritual…
Problems Getting Back in the Saddle?
Ever had those icky post-vacation blues? Back from a long holiday, wandering and wondering where you fit in? Somewhat like an ill-fitting sweater, one that’s outgrown itself? Me too. Even landing in Vancouver last month failed to rally the usual excitement. A place laden with memories of another life time, where we ‘did this’ or…
Rock Me Gently
Rock me gently, Rock me slowly Not having been much of a Neil Diamond fan I was surprised to find myself humming these lyrics as I awoke a few weeks back. Most likely my body’s way of telling me to go gently on myself as I transition back into life in Vancouver after nine months…
In the Absence of Eggs
It’s been three weeks now and the chooks aren’t putting out. Well not as far as I can tell. If they’re laying, they’re not letting on. “Look out for eggs in strange places,” the homeowners cry joyfully, Quantas bound. Thing is, I have been looking: under boulders, piles of grass, roosting spots, but no eggs….
I’m Not Racist But…
F**k Off, We’re Full announced the windshield sticker on a Perth hatchback. In the 14 years since first visiting the land Down Under, an insidious undercurrent of fear has taken a firm hold on the national psyche. Not the increase in skin cancer or shark fatalities, but the fear of a Chinese take over. In…
Stealing India
Rx: Breathe in. Breathe out. Repeat as necessary for optimal results. The unbidden prescription that launches and sustains life. An adequate supply of oxygen and clean air is medicine we rarely question in our Western world. Inhaling the good stuff in the pristine wilderness of BC, it’s easy to grow complacent. Until India. With a population…
Here, There, and Everywhere
“I see blues and greens,” she proclaimed pressing her palm against my swollen belly, “…and a beautiful soul.” As if startled with revelation her eyes welled up, her voice choked. Had this wise woman intuited something she couldn’t share? She was indeed all blues and greens. A natural swimmer blessed with lithe, slender limbs and…