Occured to me

Recently, I have noticed lots of people that look like people I know. I saw a young girl this evening that looked a lot like a girl I went to school with. I have seen others as well that, at least, remind me of people I know.

I guess the universal gene pool is drying up, so repeats are necessary…

Working Underground

I am unexpectedly at work this evening. I have less than an hour to go and I find myself a little tired and a lot bored! I do not really like working at this location. It is really small and it is underground. No light, no air. Two reasons I said okay and took the shift. One, the money will be nice on pay day and two, a friend that works here offered to take me for dinner if I came in. How could I say no?

This Morning on TMZ

Well folks, today is my Friday and I as a treat I bought a tea and chocolate croissant. I also reviewed the latest happenings on TMZ. Lets begin.

Madonna's "old" journals were pulled off of Ebay last night. I would love to read those! Can you imagine? I wonder what the story is behind that; how did her old journals end up floating around??? I hope no one ever finds mine...

Lindsay L. left a lawyer's office, yesterday, after a 7 hour deposition. Apparently, she held some people hostage as she drove down the highway. I don't know, but it seems to me if you got in the car and you are older than 10, you would have known that Lindsay wasn't going to stop on the highway and let you out. Anyway, what really gets me is that her "fans" waited outside the Lawyer's office to get pictures when she left. Her fans? How is it she has fans?

As for the rest of the TMZ stories, I can relate to the latest on Tiger Woods. Have you seen the latest shot of him? Now that's a serious case of swamp ass! I suffer from that, from time to time, and it is not fun. The upside for me is that no one has ever taken a shot of it!

Check out the TMZ site. Lots of interesting distractions.

Close Calls

My roommate walked out the door this evening around 6:30. I immediately thought; music! I got up and grabbed my cd changer and popped it in. P!nk, just what I needed. I was about to start cooking when I decided to straighten up the dining room table. One thing lead to another and next thing I know I am in full swing clean up mode.

Every trip downstairs was in full capacity; taking something down when I needed to get something to bring back up. I had the vacuum cleaner in hand on one trip and next thing I know, I am using it to dust the shelves. As I was cleaning my car collection I realized, this cleaning thing might just be an avoidance tatic. Although my place is in need of a deep spring clean, I thought, I might be in the grip of a distraction that is taking me away from the real issues.

As I realized this I quickly brought myself out of clean up mode. I finished the shelves I was working on wrapped things up. I took the garbage out and I put a pot of water on to boil. I took one more trip downstairs, to have a shower. I came back and made a quick dinner. As I sat down to watch an episode of Xena and eat my meal I thought, wow that was close. I almost got lost in that clean up frenzy at the expense of just sitting back and having a quiet evening.

Hospital theft follow-up

According to the National Post, one of the two bottom dwellers has been arrested. He is on probation. No surprise there. I wonder what his sentence for this crime will be? If there is any justice he will be behind bars for a few years, but why do I think he wont be? Let's get the second guy so both of these losers are accounted for.

A Special Category

I read this article this morning in the Globe and Mail. I really believe that people like this desire a special category of punishment. I wonder why we moved away from shunning. This is such a despicable crime; stealing from old dying people. I have no idea the deep character flaw required to do such a thing. I am reminded of an episode of Star Trek TNG where Worf suffers the fate of the dishonorable. All the other Klingons turn their back on him and his family name is never to be spoken again (of course, Worf was wrongly accused and accepted "discomendation" to preserve the Empire). I think they are onto something, the Klingons, shunning the dishonorable. When these two are caught they should be publicly shamed, imprisoned for a very long time and then shunned.

Photo: A surveillance photo released by Toronto police of suspects in the Mar. 16 robbery of a woman in palliative care - Taken from the Globe and Mail

Some People

This article inspired a blog entry. I have to wonder about people that actually thought the family in the Tim Horton’s commercial were real, real as in a real family. It is called marketing. When I saw the commercial, I did not notice that it said “based on a true story” regardless, I would have dismissed that. Based on means just that and the commercial likely only tells us that part of the “true story” that will get us into Tim’s buying coffee.

Further, why would anyone want to know where the family is now? It is a Tim Horton’s commercial. If I was so inclined, Tim's would be the first place I would look for them. Are we so bored that we are moved by commercials? Really people, get a grip, it’s not about the touching little “based on a true” story it’s about selling coffee and donuts. I figure these same people spent much of their time looking for that poor little Ikea lamp that was abandoned, in the rain, curbside.

Just Another Thursday

I voted today. I wasn’t going to, I actually forgot about the whole thing. When I got back home, this morning, I had a reminder notice on my door – thank you Liberal Party. Still, I was not going to go vote. I did not want to walk the 4 blocks. I was also thinking, what’s the point? Who cares, they are all the same. Nothing ever changes. Am I right? I probably could get lots of support for that position.

Then I thought about all the times I have told others to vote. I also recalled my thoughts on this issue. I am an avid voter and I believe that everyone should vote, no excuses, no exceptions. We need to exercise our voting privilege. And it is a privilege. One that many fought for. One that not everyone enjoys, and one that we can lose. Yes, we can.

So, I voted. I walked the 4 blocks and cast my vote the best way I know how. I am sure it matters, of that I have no doubt. My voice will be heard, even if it is just a whisper. I also like the feeling of being up here, on this soapbox, with the other people that dropped the excuses and voted. Good for us! We also have the option of bitching and complaining. The rest of you, just keep your mouth shut. And I have these two things to say:

Shame on you.

Do better next time and vote.

My next pressing issue of the day is this. How in the world can paper towel be a “limited edition”? I went to the grocery store to buy some paper towel. An entire bag of milk leaked in my fridge. It all collected in a nice pool under the salad crisper drawers. It was a nice surprise to come home too. I figured the easy way to clean it up (and it was) was to get a roll of paper towel and soak up the milk.

I hit the Metro and noticed Bounty. I would not normally buy a name brand but it was clearly on sale. What screamed out was that this particular Bounty was a “limited Edition”. I was thinking, what the f, limited edition paper towel? What is limited about it? Are they going to stop producing Bounty? Do people really fall for that? Should I buy an extra package to sell of next year on E-bay? Limited Edition, give me a break.

Anyway, it was on sale – 4 dollars off – so I bought two packs. I brought it home and used most of one roll to clean the milk in the fridge. It worked wonders and the milk is gone. The upside to all this is that the milk soaked all the crusty stuff off the bottom of the fridge so it is sparking clean now!

The Taj Gallery

I just opened the Taj gallery. What an incredible place. If you ever find yourself in Agra, India, make sure you visit.

THE TAJ MAHAL!

Oryo...

Sad news. My sisters big bad cat passed away last night. He was a beautiful majestic beast of a cat. Only 8 years old. The Vet believes he (Oryo) had a heart condition that shows up in large male cats around this age. He was, however, surprised that it took Oryo so quickly - 11 hours from diagnosis to death. Oryo was a friendly great guy and he will be missed...

India Photo Gallery!

I finally have a gallery of photos ready to go. It is the first one I have created and there will be more. This one is photos from our first few days in Delhi. I hope you like the pictures!

UPDATE: New link, above and a new gallery has been posted. Check it out!

Bourbon's

Today, I cracked the second party pack of Bourbons. Bourbon's are cookies that I discovered in India. Well, not so much discovered as was introduced too. Let me tell you, in India, I was loving these cookies. So much so that I bought two party packs and brought them home. I have to say they tasted better in India. I wonder why!

These pictures are from our first day or two in Delhi. The view? That is from our hotel. The street? That is the street our hotel was on. The dog up above? Who knows, just a nice dog that was near our hotel and clearly wanted its photo snapped; I obliged.






The lotus temple (below). It was a nice spot in the middle of the Delhi chaos. So calm and peaceful. We gave up control of our shoes so we could enter the temple. It was well worth it. The temple was quiet and offered us a moment to relax and reflect. I wanted to scream. The roof line would have made for an entertaining echo!










On the same day we saw India Gate. Here it is without all the tourist brochure photoshopping. It was well worth the stop. We milled around and took pictures. The children love having their pictures taken and both Taren and I were happy to do it.




As for the Bourbons. Well, I have three quarters of the party pack left in my cupboard. I will eat them. If you want one, let me know and we can share one. A little taste of India. And, if you are really lucky I could make some Masala tea to go with them. All you have to do is ask.

My Shirt has Spaghetti on it!

I'm Home

I have been back just shy of a week. I was exhausted after my journey home and I caught a cold. The past couple of days I have been taking it easy, eating well, and resting.

India is fading into my memory and today I was actually thinking about going back. Is that something I would ever do? I am still undecided. The pollution puts me off, as does the constant badgering from people wanting money. However, I would like to see the south and, more so, Leh Ledak.

I was reviewing some of my pictures and I can see in the pictures the contrast and contradiction of India. The amazing beauty reflected in the Taj Mahal and the incredible mess, reflected here in this street picutre.

On the way home I spent about 2 hours in Paris. What an incredible place, and such an oasis after my time in India. I wandered the streets, not straying too far, as I had a plane to catch and the threat of rain was looming. I did find a wonderful street with little cafes and food shops. I love the picture of the shop with the little dog tied inside. He is waiting while his owner shops. Here are the first pictures of Paris.

I also wanted to share these two photos. Because one shows my travelling friend Taren, at the Taj Mahal, and the second shows Taren, Alanah and Sarah. Take in that photo and how these women stand out, 3 beauties among the chaos. We eventually lost site of them as their ricshaw driver raced away ahead of us. We did, finally, catch up to them back at our hotel.

Agra

I saw the Taj Mahal. What an amazing place. It is just spectacular. When I get home I will post my pictures. Well, not all of them I took well over 100 pictures of the place! The Taj has made this whole trip worth the effort and pain! :) Off to Varanasi tonight on the overnight train. 3 days there and then back to Delhi.
I am looking forward to being home...

Jaipur Day 2

We had a good day. We went to a paper factory, textile factory and a pottery factory. We met some local people and had tours of each place by the people that run them. We then went to see the Hawa Mahal. Interesting place, although, it too, is falling apart. It is sad really.

I am back feeling like I want to leave. I need fresh air! I need a good meal. When I buy groceries I want them to be clean! Oh well, when in Rome, as I keep saying.

Tomorrow we leave for the Taj Mahal. We are catching a train at 5am. I think the trip is about 5 hours. That should be a breeze! I am looking forward to the Taj and we all have agreed the 750 Rp fee to get in is worth it. How can you come all this way and not go in?

I am off now. I am only paying for 30 minutes of Internet time. I am going to go relax. Update again when I can.

Pushkar

We left this morning and not a moment too soon. This little town in the mountains is the Holy City. Interesting rules like, men and woman cannot embrace in public. You cannot take pictures of anyone in the lake. This is the holy city of India.

Right.

There are drugs on every corner and anything else you may want to get into it. Apparently it has the highest rate of HIV in the country. Lots of foreigners go there just for the drugs and sex. The dirty gypsy look is high fashion. It had an under tone that I happen is behind us.

We took our last bus trip. 4 hours. It was the express bus so it only stop 92 times! The roads are fun if you are into racing and playing chicken. We are now in Jaipur. It is another crazy city. I was a bit disappointed with the Hawa Mahal. It is not such a grand palace. It is right in the middle of the chaos!

Our time is drawing to a close and I am looking forward to heading home. However, there is still the Taj Mahal and Varanasi. I am looking forward to both. And with any luck Paris.



This picture was taken by Taren. It is us at the top on a mountain. There is a temple behind us and we climbed all 2000 steps to see the sunrise. We were worn out and wondered why the hell we did this. A 5am climb in the dark up the side of a mountain. In the end it was worth it. One good memory from Pushkar...

In the picture left to right... Tom; me; Krishna; Sarah; Shivani; Taren

Udaipur India

We are on day 9 of our journey. This city, Udaipur, is a beautiful place. The Lake Palace is amazing and is the home of the current Maharahan - I am not sure I have that term correct but it means he is the King of King's. His Palace is an oasis of peace in this very busy city. Having said that, I must say, that Udiapur is actually peaceful in comparison to the places we have been. Perhaps it is the lake, or the gardens, or simply that I am coming accustom to the many tuk tuk's and motorcycles.

Tomorrow morning our journey will continue. We all meet at 5am to catch the train to Pushkar. I believe it will be a 5 hour trip. We are all thrilled that, on this ride, we will have access to a washroom! It takes some planning to ride a bus for 10 hours with only one pee break!

Today, I am taking it easy. I am attempting to get rid of my cold. It has become a night time cough and I would like to shake it off. Everyday is so full of activity and rest, is really, not part of the agenda. I left Taren at the Palace and I headed back to the hotel. I met up with some others from our group and had lunch. I had a brownie with ice cream! Is that a lunch? It was a fortune at 250 RP's! Buying any kind of imported drink is very expensive (before you get on my back about having a brownie while I am suffering with a cold, that is the exception. We had a great breakfast at the home of our tour leader. And, for the most part, I am eating well).

But enough of my lunch choices, back to the adventure of India.

The strangeness of India is starting to change. The other day while shopping, one of the girls casually said to Taren, "watch out there is a cow coming". They both kept on shopping without giving that a thought! I laughed and thought, you know you have accepted it when warning someone of an approaching cow, while shopping, has become common place.

Still, I find myself in amazement of the history, the people and the activity. As I take in the country I have been struck by the two extreme opposites that exist here. The ancient history, traditions, temples, the monarchy and then there is the impact of the modern world. It is like these two parts have collided and the chaos was born from it. I think the Indian people are faced with a choice. Let go of the past and embrace the future or remain in this chaos. Or, perhaps they can find a way to merge the two and truly create a unique and vibrant lives for themselves.



This photo of me was taken the other day in Jodhpur. We were in the Vishnu community and these children took a liking to me. They had many questions for me. Where was I from? What was my name? What was my religion? I had easy answers for the first two questions, but they did not understand that I had "no religion".

As our journey continues, I find I am more and more open to the culture and this experience. I had my difficult moments with this, accepting that people live in such poverty and filth. I was warned, before I left, but it is something you simply have to experience and then work out for yourself.

I have lots of pictures. I do not, however, have a way to get them off my camera! The picture posted above is one I took off Taren's blog. She has the whole set up so she can upload pictures. Check it out as we often have similar shots and she has some pretty good ones of me and her and our India trek.


Taren's Wander Lust Blog

Until I can blog again...

7 hours

I am ready to go. I think. I still feel like I have a cold and my anxiety level is so high, I needed a kick in the ass to get out of bed! I am packed and I have all the things I believe I need. Now, if I can just calm my nerves.

I think part of the anxiety is that I am not in control of when I leave. That is why I love road trips. You can get ready, take your time, and then leave whenever you want. I am also all worked up about the unknown. Actually, the truth is, I am worked up about losing all my creature comforts. I like my bed and my safe zone here in Toronto. I know my way around and I know what I need to do and when. Why would I leave all this comfort, to travel in a foreign place, where I can get sick from drinking the water? Oh, right, because you only live once and having some adventure, is good for the soul.

Apparently, this is exactly what I need. No doubt, in 2 days, I will be having a great time and all this will seem ridiculous. I am looking forward to seeing Taren and I am looking forward to the adventure. I guess I just wish the adventure could happen from the comfort of my own bed!

India Images

This picture triggered an old familiar feeling inside of me. It is a tipping point of sorts that can take me onto the road of depression. I am saddened by this picture because I imagine this man’s life to be sad. One wasted in poverty and uselessness (I just reread this and I wanted to point out that my comment is not the he was or is wasted and useless just that sometimes our lives can be... or at least it can feel or appear that way). It makes me remember that I wanted my life to be fulfilling and worth something. I think that I am going to make the choice not to be dragged down by the feeling. I will feel it and nothing more.

Next week at this time I will be in Delhi with a great friend of mine. I will see first hand how the second largest population on Earth lives. I will get sick at some point and get over it. I will be tired and up but not down. I will not be down because I will be having an adventure. Something I have wanted to do for a long time. I will take pictures of old sad men and I will think of ways to improve the human condition. Who knows, maybe when I get home I'll start a website.


Check out Jennifer Wells's blog on India (photo taken by Jennifer Wells) and Taren's on Thailand. But come back to mine and comment and read more things.