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.

At Home

I am at home today. I have a day off and I am not feeling that well. I woke up in full denial passing off the cough and stuffy nose as nothing more than a bad thought in my head. Then I recalled a phrase by Eckhart Tolle, which in part is “what you resists persists!” So I decided not to resist. I admit, I have a cold and I have to be in tip top shape not only for dose two of the Dukoral but to get on the plane.

Lucky for me I have great friends. I am taking Alli-max and I bought some good food. I bought some junk food too; I can’t go cold turkey! I am staying in and I am working out the financially details of my trip. I have no idea how much money to bring, which of course, is a moot point considering I have a limited budget in the first place.

I want Rupees (INR), USD and some Euros. I also want to pay off my PC Mastercard and make sure I can pay the rent when I get back. All doable.

I am not looking forward to the 16 to 18 hours of travel time but I am looking forward to riding an elephant in Jaipur. I am also looking forward to seeing Taren. I am also looking forward to seeing if the ride from the airport to the hotel is as harrowing as Justin made it out to be.

In the immediate future, I am looking forward to getting better fast. I am all ready to go with the exception of the INR’s. My plan is to get those tomorrow after work or maybe even later today.

I think I will go and start packing!

India

I have been planning on tripping off to India (click the picture but come back and read my blog). I am leaving on November 7 for 21 days. I have asked everyone in asking range about India and what I should expect. I have had lots of advice and some great tips from everyone from the employees at MEC to famous world travellers (well one famous world traveller). I have purchased a small pharmacy, a new digital camera, cargo pants and more tissue than I would use in a year. I also have a rolling piece of luggage I borrowed. I am going to purchase a pair of Keen Sandals and that should set me on my way.

Since my Wanderlust friend started me off on this journey I have come to learn that India is overwhelming; I will return a different person. I tell myself that I am okay with that, when I consider the past few years a different person inside me will be welcome. I am also telling myself that I can manage the poverty and the dirty water. I am telling myself that I can accept another culture and I will be okay seeing dead cows floating down the Ganges. I am telling myself that armed with this information I will be able to avoid the meltdowns that others have had. I will walk in eyes wide and take in India’s amazing and ancient culture. I will be okay.

I wonder. Spain and one day in Morocco years ago will not compare. As I sit here typing this I am thinking about seeing the amazing sights. I cannot begin to imagine poverty on that level or the other things I have heard about. It is simply not part of my life experience. One well-travelled friend told me not to be one of those people that comes back and gets pissed at people that complain about their lattes. I will endeavour not too but I am not sure I can make any promises. I hope she can forgive me.

With exactly two weeks to go I am coasting into the experience. I am ready to go. I need to take the Dukoral vaccine tomorrow and then again in 7 days. I have all my shots; the Typhoid vaccine knocked me down but I am back up and ready. I am not sure there is anything else I can do to prepare.

My pictures coming soon and my Departures in 14 days and counting…

Responsibility

That title makes me want to crawl under a rock. Who really wants responsibility? It is really annoying. The thought of blaming someone else or our government is so tempting. The truth is it's all my fault. Sometimes we just do things without thinking of the consequences. Sometimes we act on impulse and sometimes it's just a lack of planning. Regardless, when you decide to take responsibility for every aspect of your life it is somehow painful and liberating all at the same time.

Imagine that. It's not the governments fault or your parents or some random stranger. It is your fault, or better still your responsibility. You may want to argue the point with me and feel free, I'll listen, but it is futile. Just accept the fact that it is your responsibility. The upside to that is that you have the power. You can choose to change directions.

On a larger scale what I find frustrating is that we make things more difficult for those of us that do take responsibility. We create rules and laws with the mistaken idea that these laws make it more difficult for the less responsible. The reality is it just causes the responsible more time and energy. Here is a news flash, the irresponsible don't care about our rules, they are after all, irresponsible. So, we can create laws and rules and do all kinds of things but the bottom line is if we don't hold ourselves and others accountable the entire exercise is moot.

Geez, where is all this coming from? Well I'll tell you. Last night I called the Toronto Parking Authority and had a vehicle towed off the property of the complex where I live. This unknown person had decided that he could park his vehicle anytime for hours on end in our courtyard. The vehicle blocked the entrance to our laundry room and an emergency access route. The person had been ticketed once before and given a warning letter. Still they park. What really got my goat was that many of my neighbours complained bitterly about this. Why did this person think they could park there? The rest of us have to pay to park on the property! What makes this guy think he can just pull up here, park his car and walk away?

The short answer is we do. We have not enforced our own rules. There is no accountability. So, I decided to take action instead of just being part of the whine and complain patrol. Why are we so afraid to take action? In the end I did. I had enough. The rules - no parking you will be towed away - are posted very large and very clear. On top of that, they were given a warning letter and ticketed once. So, last night I watched as the vehicle was lifted up and towed away. I did not feel good about it and if I encountered the person I would probably feel even worse, I am Canadian after all. But, when I think about it with a clear mind I know that this is what responsibility is. The courage to not only accept the consequences of our own actions but to stand and take action when required.

Is it cold?

I think my internal temperature gage is broken. This morning I noticed lots of people wearing coats. What's with that? I am walking around in a short sleeve polo style shirt and jeans wishing I had shorts on! I look to the men for cues on this as women are always freezing (my friend's wife used to crawl into my fire place to stay warm). The men are also all wrapped up! Coats on zipped to their throats some are even wearing woolly hats!

I must admit I packed a sweat shirt into my backpack just in case. But when I exited the subway at St. George I was glad I had not put it on. I found it quite warm on the subway. When I got to work the AC was off, why? I turned it on, although I will adjust it as the day goes on.

I have to say I wish I felt the cold. The AC is now off in my building at home and that makes for warm nights and uncomfortable days. I figure I wont be comfortable again until next May when the AC goes back on. It is far easier to warm up than cool down. Fans just blow hot air around and unless I want to buy and install an AC unit there is not much I can do.

So I sweat. Too bad that doesn't lead to weight loss!

Gay Marriage

I believe we are all equal. It's pretty simple. We are all human, therefore; we all have the same rights and freedoms. Of course my view is not shared across the board. I just read this article in The Toronto Star. I suppose you should be careful what you wish for. However, I do not really see what the issue is. They split all their assets and came to an amicable settlement. So move on. If you really want a divorce do what the Carnies do and ride the merry-go-round backwards.

In response to Andrea

Andrea, thank you so much for pointing out the other day at dinner that I have waffled on the Starbucks issue. Yes, about 4 months into my Chai free life I caved. When I went to Virginia in June I stopped into a Starbucks and that was fatal. The American Chai Latte was always a bit different in flavour and this small difference got me hooked all over again.

Therefore; Andrea, I have not saved any money. I have returned to my old ways; I am spending away my future on a 16oz steamed tea. Then, this morning, I dropped into the SB at Queen and Yonge. They were almost out of soy, however, the Barista said she had just enough....I was concerned. Then she pulled out SILK SOY! I was thrilled. They had to go out and buy soy to bridge the gap in their inventory and they bought the original Soy brand; Silk. Was I ever so excited to have my original drink!

Then I took a sip. It was a betrayal all over again Andrea, but in reverse! It just does not taste the same and same is what I am looking for. In this uncertain life I crave something that I can count on. I need to know that everyday I can get and enjoy the same drink I had enjoyed the day before. I don't want something new and different. New and different is for careers and cars. Same. I crave sameness and SB is messing with that.

So, Andrea, still I struggle. I would like to give it all up but I just can't. I toy with myself and say I will not have one until the weekend. But then something happens, like they ask me to work overtime. I say yes and then I need to the sameness of my Chai to work through the extra hours. Or, I get bored, which is fatal for me. I need to have or do something so I go get a Chai.

Today, I am already considering getting another Chai at lunch. I need to experience the sameness of the drink I love, or have come to love. Or is it the drink I have trained myself to love. I am not sure but regardless Andrea, I think we should leave that alone and accept and understand the need for sameness. Today at lunch I will set the world back on its axis, get the train back on track and set myself down the path of sameness by ordering a Chai with the new and different Soy.

Andrea, now that you understand my need for sameness I am sure you will refrain from pointing out the contradictions of my life. I realize I pour it all out here on my Blog but that does not mean you have to draw attention to my obvious flip flops. I am always up for close scrutiny and confrontation but not about me or my life. However, I understand why you would do what you did. If the tables were turned I would have done the same thing.

Pandas

I had to post these pictures. These Pandas are in China, safe and protected. The photgrapher is a friend of a friend, although I did meet him via Skype. Amazing pictures and more on his site.

Check out his site Adam Martin.