annynews

I have plenty of excuses, but nothing I can say changes the fact that five months have passed since my last post. The most obvious reason for my lapse would be that I’m at home in Winnipeg, but that’s actually invalid as I now also have two other homes in Bangkok and Prince George, as well as a sprinkling of lovely people all around the globe whom I hope wonder about me on occasion.

Hi. (waves)

Let’s do a run-down, shall we? (These always remind me of my conversations with Liam. We never fail to talk about love, work, and life in equal measure.)

Life

After a whirlwind holiday in Winnipeg, I returned to Prince George for a final three weeks with my beloved roomies, Alison and Charelle, and the fam, Gustav, Jesse, Adrian, et al. They are fantastic people, and I miss them! Alison and Charelle were absolutely awesome when I told them I’d decided to move back to Winnipeg. They threw me a great going-away party, and I’m determined to get back up to the Peeg sometime in the next year.

Highlights of my final days in Prince George:

• Falling in love with Craig Cardiff(’s music); I am only half joking
• The market every Saturday morning with Alison
• Coining a new yoga pose called “The Anny,” which is essentially a face plant - named in honour of my icy skid at Otway
• Weekend brunches with the boys, followed by cuddling, a nap, and yoga in the living room

After saying goodbye to Prince George, I’ve spent the last three and a half months living at the Soi, a lovely home with three even lovelier roommates. It’s been a really great way to transition back to Winnipeg life, and I’m glad to have had the time to get to know Karyn, Jaymi, and Rachelle better. I’m looking forward to girls’ night this coming Friday (exotic bingo!) and T3 Cubed in late August. You see, the three of us met during our teaching practicum in Bangkok. Living, working, and traveling with a group of people creates a pretty special bond. They are amazing women, part of a larger group of equally amazing people, and I’m lucky to have them all in my life! Since our time together in Bangkok, people within the group have become best friends, explored the world through other travels, traded off bedrooms at the Soi, and started an annual girls’ road trip to Thompson - T3 equals Thompson Thai Times - before the school year. I missed v2.0, but this year I will be there!

My final hurrah at the Soi (as it turns out) was my 28th birthday party. I had a costume party themed After-School Special, and it was a lot of fun. I’m not convinced that large birthday parties are for me, particularly as a single host, but it was fun to see people dressed up and connecting between groups. I’ve always been the type of person to have divergent social groups but be completely unafraid to just plop everyone in the same room. I may not be the best host, but I think awkwardness tends to be more fun than terrible. (My friends may disagree.)

Here’s me in my 90s attire, straight out of my mom’s closet:

In the next couple of days, I’m moving back downtown. I’m sad to say goodbye to my beautiful bike commute and the independence of living with friends, but it’ll be nice to be closer to other good friends, work, and the places in which I love to spend time. Ben and I are halfheartedly shopping for a house, so that’s an exciting development! I’ve got my eyes on West Broadway or the very east side of Wolseley. I’m open to other centrally-located neighbourhoods, but something about West Broadway interests me. 

If I’m shopping for a house (albeit halfheartedly), you ask, does this mean I’m staying in Winnipeg? Why, yes! To quickly catch everyone up, back in the fall, I spontaneously decided to apply to grad school at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) and UBC (distance education). I received an offer from OISE much earlier on and was banking on a move to Toronto, but when a letter from UBC came along, my world became a little unsteadier. However, just this morning, I took the leap and decided to stay in Winnipeg and pursue my Master in Education through UBC’s distance program, Adult Learning and Global Change. I’ve been struggling with this decision over the last month or so, but I’ve had a few pieces of wisdom handed to me in the last week, capped by a succinct conversation with the discerning Adriane, and I’m sitting in the knowledge that professionally, staying makes a lot of sense.

To quote Amy, who is perfect

You will enrich connections you already have there, and continue to expand your network in Manitoba, which is where you ultimately want to be. […] You have moved, and moved again, and moved again and again, around the world and back again. Maybe the bigger personal challenge will be staying in one place for a while, and finding ways to challenge yourself in comfortable surroundings.

I’m making a public promise to all of you that I will challenge myself to make this decision a great one. It’s time to change the world, starting at home. Who’s in?

Side note: As some of you know, Amy was my project coordinator while I worked for Katimavik. Somewhere near the beginning of my first contract, I said aloud - to Amy - that she was perfect. I have yet to be disproven and she often brings it up. (wink)

Friends

I have really enjoyed moving back to Winnipeg. Really. I don’t think I could have predicted how cool it is to be in my late twenties in this city, surrounded by other people who have chosen to stay here. I am proud to know that my friends are movers and shakers, and I feel really lucky to have made all these new friends, both in Prince George last year and here in Winnipeg since February, and to be deepening existing friendships. Granted, people seem inordinately busy these days, but that’s what happens when you’re a mover and a shaker, right?

Interactions I am particularly excited about:

• Photography club with Jaya and Lukas
• Couchsurfing meet-ups and book club with Stefan and the rest of the crew
• Enjoying things without irony and talking about boys and not talking about boys with Melody and Susie
• French club! with Melody et al.
• Robo Rally with Paul and Stephen
• Walking Sadie with Colleen
• Impromptu lunches with Carlee
• Kerri, during and post Peachland (love)
• Forcing Derek to dance and do other things that are uncomfortable for him (grin)
• Realizing Ben and I have everything in common (looking for communal housing, say what?)
• Hearing my dad rave about a restaurant to which I took him! (proud)
• Becoming friends with Nic again (smile)
• Becoming even better friends with Mellanie (love)
• Really cool coworkers, particularly Melissa and Marvin

Work

Speaking of which, I started working at Entry Program in April. I teach a high-beginner class (CLB 4-5 for anyone who cares) in the evenings Monday through Thursday, and I’ll also be teaching a basic class (CLB 1-2) in the mornings Monday through Friday starting the last week of May. It’s a really interesting program and has been a large factor in my decision to stay in Winnipeg. Basically, Entry Program provides settlement orientation to newcomers, both refugees and immigrants. Over the four-week program, students learn about Health, Employment/Education, Law, and Places To Go in thematic weeks. I’ve learned a lot from my fellow teachers, and I’m excited to be part of curriculum writing and the foundational settlement services in our province.

I’ve also been subbing at Winnipeg Technical College in their EAL program, since I did my teaching practicum there. I really love teaching EAL. It’s really rewarding to deliver a student-centered curriculum, and I can only imagine how much more I will love it when it is integrated with ongoing settlement education and work experience. I’ll admit, it’s been nice not to have homework or assessment! 

Also, my love for Iranian people has only been reinforced at Entry! (smile)

Now and the future

I just got back from a long weekend in Peachland with Colleen and Kerri. It was a luxurious weekend. We booked an entire bed & breakfast. Colleen and I have previously stayed at the Okanagan Oasis, and we’ve tentatively agreed to an annual trip. It’s a beautiful spot about thirty minutes north of Kelowna. There are only three suites, so it’s easy to guarantee exclusivity. With a hot tub, heated saltwater pool, bocce ball lawn, and fire pit, as well as in-room jacuzzi in two suites and a gourmet breakfast, it’s not hard to justify the heftier price tag. We spent a day hiking and marketing, another day touring wineries, and a cumulative 15+ hours in the hot tub. I am dehydrated. (laughs)

There’s a lot to look forward to in the future: June holds two weddings and a hopefully successful video/photography shoot for Entry Program; July’s got Folk Fest (the line-up is amazing), Free Portrait v2.0 (hopefully), and sees me off to Europe with my family (very excited to see Aurore); August brings me home to Winnipeg and beginning online courses on the 13th. I’m starting to get excited about the flexibility of this degree and all I could do within it. Get ready, people. It’s going to be a wild ride!

Love,
Anny 

The past two months have been the best of the entire year - what a way to end 2011!

Believe it or not, as a teenager, I never imagined myself to be a person who could be away from her family and friends for months at a time. Of course, my track record has been completely contrary to that naïve estimation, and now I find myself caught between two lives, desirous of home and routine, friends and work but then feeling my heart twinge at every mention of travel or another exciting program. Sometimes I feel like the pup from Up!

Hi, I’m Anny! It’s so nice to meet you… Squirrel!

I’ve been away for five months this time, the longest absence since my year in Thailand, and I have revelled in each reunion during this holiday visit - sleeping little and smiling lots. From my last post, you’d think this would’ve been my return home, rather than just a visit, but I’ve taken myself on a rather circuitous route that’s landed me back where the last post is still accurate, if a little postponed.

As September turned into October, I spent a couple weeks agonizing over my next step. In the end, Nic really helped me to see myself clearly and I decided going home to Winnipeg come January would be the right choice. I wanted to create the best environment to learn some necessary life lessons - how to create or find a community of like-minded, passionate people; how to open myself up to new love and friends; and how to be in a place, be settled in the best sense of that word. But then! Then life got so good in Prince George.

I finally felt settled in the Peeg, having met new friends through Alison, couchsurfing, and Katimavik. As my contract neared its end, I became closer with my coworkers, particularly Taryn and Rachel. Amy’s been a dear the whole time but we most definitely switch off work-mode more often now and I’ll catch her up on my social life and she’ll catch me up on her future plans. Taryn’s my five-year-non-plan twin, and Rachel and I have great laughs over boys and life.

Amy and I laughing over the volunteers at the Quesnel Farewell Party

Alison, Charelle, and I spend entire evenings laughing until someone nearly pees their pants. Whenever I think of Prince George in the future, I will think of our kitchen island, sitting in those uncomfortable chairs, and just laughing, laughing, laughing. Alison and I have a routine of going to the market on the weekend, even if we’ve been up until the wee hours of the morning the night before, and we create masterful meals to share with Charelle when she gets off the beat. Most evenings involve a trip to the local Y, boot camp, or yoga for a dose of endorphins. We run into our friend Jesse at every turn, which is hilarious, and we go out dancing with “the boys” way more than any of us should. We’ve hosted one rockin’ party and several delightful social evenings and mornings and I’m looking forward to Wholesome Family Fun Nights in the near future.

Erin and I rockin’ out at the Moustache and Cleavage party!

Roomies at Nancy O’s, a great local resto

A beautiful omelette…

prepared by Gustav!

Phô Fest - a product of two patient days of simmering

Georg and Marisa looking suspicious

Jesse, super excited for a gigantic bowl of phô, as was appropriate 
Dessert! Espresso-spiked chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting

I couldn’t ask for a more fun, full-of-life circle to be part of. I’d just started to accomplish in Prince George what I was planning to accomplish in Winnipeg. How could I leave? So I spent another couple weeks agonizing over whether or not to stay, consulted a million people, and finally after talking to Lewis, I decided to stay.

But I’ve become that person. That person who can’t really plan ahead anymore and is learning that sometimes, life falls into place and you have to go with it. I’m learning that people who want to be in your life, will be, and that the next step will appear if you continue to work towards it and aren’t so rigid in your expectations. I’m learning it’s okay to Jump! and there will always be somewhere to land, and it’s not so much the place you land that matters but rather how you handle it.

I landed in Winnipeg, ready to register for distance courses through the University of Winnipeg and ended up registering for in-class courses starting January 30. I visited my girls at the Soi and discovered they were looking for a roommate to take over Andrea’s room, and I’m moving in for February 1! I guiltily sent off an apologetic email to my dear roommates in Prince George, and they hissed and boo’ed (as they should have) and then promptly created a fb event for my going away party. I can’t believe I’m so blessed.

I get to live here! (squee)

With these awesome people! (Gotta love Photoshop!)

So far, this holiday season has been filled with love. I’ve had some wonderful conversations with dearly missed loved ones and will be seeing others in the near future. I’ve had the pleasure of attending Carolyn and Jordan’s wedding and will be celebrating with Andrea and Tyler very soon! I’ve laughed and chided my parents over our crowded family home, packed with “just in case” items, and the endearing, idiosyncratic high volume at which they speak to each other at seasonal festivities (okay) and cemeteries (not okay). I’ve eaten too much too many times in the last week and plan to rinse and repeat for another.

Carolyn and Jordan looking happy; photograph taken by Lindsay Turbett

My dates, Colleen Holloway and…

Aaron Apperly

My mom with the restaurant feast on Christmas Eve

My brother, the eligible bachelor

Thank you, everyone. You are amazing and you are what makes my life amazing. See you all in 2012!

Hello everyone, especially the loved ones. I miss you.

It’s only been a month since I last wrote but what a different place I find myself to be mentally and emotionally. I’ve had my different worlds collide recently and this sharp reality check has me scrabbling for some stability. Thank you to everyone who has offered thoughtful words and quiet support. It’s lovely to see who still knows me and knows what to say and do.

September was an absolutely packed month as we geared up for rotation in Katimavik. Though self-doubt seems to infiltrate every other aspect of my life with its questions and annoyingly astute observations, my work with Katimavik has been consistently satisfying and I am happy with where I am. I suppose part of that is the validation I receive from Amy, my coordinator, in addition to just seeing myself reflect and grow and try to do better. I know that my work is good for me when I am intrinsically motivated to improve myself, when a challenge presents itself and my natural response is to rise up to it, not turn away. I know that my work environment is good when I can ask about my insecurities, check my interpretation of a situation, and just speak up in general without the fear of retribution.

Sometimes I go off on this Katimavik love story of mine, usually ending with someone saying, “You’ve really been indoctrinated, hey?” True story.

As I mentioned at the end of my last post, I was lucky enough to take a working holiday down to Kelowna and Vancouver, where I spent a romantic few days with Colleen. I’m glad to have been there for her, and it was just a lovely side trip in general. I highly recommend the Okanagan Oasis for any and all planning a trip to Kelowna. Photos courtesy of Colleen!

Beautiful view from the three-tiered deck, housing the pool, hot tub, swing, lawn bowling, and fire pit

We may have gone sailing. How posh of us. (It was a very wee sailboat.)

Delicious gourmet breakfast served every morning; pictured here, stuffed French toast

Colleen and I rented bikes and explored the Myra Canyon Trail. Very pretty!

We stayed in two nights, opting to shop for groceries and cooking all sorts of delicious messes on the barbecue

Rooms and flights are booked for next May!

After my trip down south, it was a sprint to rotation. Rotation Day is the same for Katimavik nationally, which means that all Katimavik volunteers fly on a specific Wednesday, moving from one host community to another. The days leading up to rotation are filled with debriefing activities to help them recognize learning and look forward to second rotation.

I survived my first Rotation Camp, a lively two days of managing 28 young adults in their reflection and volunteer painting activities, and remembered vividly the patience and energy needed to be a Project Leader. When Amy asked me how I felt about camp at the end of it all, I felt completely at a loss. To me, the whole time had been hectic with so much room for improvement, but according to Amy, it went well. Well then.

Reading over that last paragraph and my audacious implied complaint of having to manage 28 youth, it hit me very suddenly that the residue of anxiety and powerlessness I felt at camp was what I feel in front of a classroom of 28. Honestly, all my admiration to my teacher friends who do it every day with a smile.

Immediately after camp, I found myself boarding an incredibly expensive flight up to Whitehorse to support Jason and his new volunteers. It was really wonderful to have a luxurious 1.5 weeks to get to know his volunteers and I remembered all the great points of project leading. I also reaffirmed for myself that I am a good leader and could do this again. I pushed myself to bond quickly with the volunteers and I think I succeeded. It’ll be really interesting to watch them develop this rotation.

Ben and César riding the trolley during Culture Days

Being up in Whitehorse was also a very personally meaningful time because of necessary life decisions and important final conversations. I had a few personality traits I suspected in myself confirmed, such as the complexities of my socializing skills (or lack thereof). I did have a great night dancing with new folks and listening to blues played by Ryan McNally, partner of Vivian Belik whom I ran into randomly at an NDP panel.

Ryan McNally

While in Whitehorse, I received a job offer for Project Leader in Yellowknife, starting in late December, which I ended up declining very soon after I posted the following question on fb. It was somewhat alarming to see more and more votes roll in for Yellowknife after I’d already declined the position.

I’m hoping that a position opens up in Winnipeg, as I’m feeling an incredible need to go home. This paragraph can hardly summarize the many conversations and inner monologues I had about this decision, but it does say what’s most important. I’m going home.

I just got home (Prince George) a couple days ago. It was such a good decision to pay the extra rent and live with roommates. Who cares about having furniture when you have people to come home to? I lucked out with two easygoing roommates that are easy to relate to and talk to, and I’m glad to have had them to celebrate Thanksgiving with.

There’s a lot I have to be thankful for in my life. My work. My friends. My family. My abilities. My health. Now, just to move ahead with strength and confidence.

Love to everybody who needs or wants it. xo

I can’t believe it’s September already. August was an honest to goodness blur.

I hit the ground running and basically didn’t stop until this past week. You see, my supervisor Amy left on a well-deserved two-week vacation, which meant that I got a taste of her coordinating job. Last year, I had mentioned to Amy that I have no desire to be a project coordinator, and she responded by saying, “Why not? I think you’d be good at it.” Well, after this short while covering just a wee bit of her duties, I’m even more convinced that it’s not for me. Too many schedules to juggle, too much tact put to use, too much time on the phone and Internet and not enough with the volunteers.

Then again, I was equally convinced that I’d be a terrible project leader, but I loved that role.

One perk of being a project support leader has been work trips. Early in August, I had to drive one of our old eight-passenger vans to auction in Vancouver, which gave me the chance to see Travis! We had a great Thursday night at Café Deux Soleils’ open mic night and spent Friday afternoon resto-hopping. The weekend was a last-minute excursion to a Sundance Ceremony near Merritt, BC, which was an amazing ceremony to attend. We witnessed and provided spiritual support to sun dancers offering physical sacrifice to humanity. 

Once back in the Cariboo, I spent some quality time with the volunteers reflecting on their experiences so far and going on excursions to Barkerville and Music on the Mountain.

Barkerville is a historic goldpanning town that’s been preserved as a heritage tourist site. During the summer, the town is filled with reenactors and the buildings are all open to the public. What a great way to learn about history! The Quesnel group visited during the Mid-Autumn Festival (also known as the Moon Festival), and we learned about the history of Chinese immigrants in the region, as well as all the interesting and bawdy stories of goldpanning days.

Music on the Mountain was a great opportunity to discover new music. I struggled less personally about my presence, thanks to Amy’s great advice, and I was able to enjoy the festival. Festival highlights for me were Scott Cook, Party on High Street, and Ingrid Gatin. Scott Cook has this fantastic, gravelly voice. It’s the kind of singing that settles into the crevices of your bones and makes you smile to yourself. Party on High Street has some really fun funk tunes. Ingrid always rocks my socks.

The long weekend has been a really lovely way to recuperate from the hectic pace of August. I finally got back to Chinook Yoga for another community class. On Saturday, I hit up the Farmers’ Market and library in the morning and spent a delicious afternoon napping and reading in the sun. Sunday was our first book club meeting - we just read The Forgotten Garden - and I got a last minute invitation to Janie’s potluck, so I did some reverse-recipe searching and whipped up a potato, kale, and sausage soup to share. It was a great evening in Janie and Andrew’s side yard garden with the quacking ducks, energetic pup, and cozy bonfire. Love making new friends!

Here’s to an even better September! I’m planning to sign up for French class and joining Janie’s French club. I’d really love to find a dance partner and take some dance lessons, but if that doesn’t come through, I may sign up for bellydancing, go to yoga more often, or find a piano teacher. I’m heading down to the lower mainland again this week and looking forward to spending quality time with one Colleen Holloway in our romantic jacuzzi in Peachland, BC before polishing the cobblestones of Gas Town. I’m glad that we’ll get to see each other, Colleen!

Happy Labour Day, my loves!

Good morning, world!

I’m finally starting to feel settled into my new place in Prince George. I’m renting a basement room in a great house owned by my new roommate Alison. The room’s pretty, but it’s damp and chilly, so I’ve been loving on wool socks and sweaters lately. Either this house has great insulation, boding well for keeping heat in the winter as it keeps cold in the summer, or I’m screwed.

I’m excited to be back with Katimavik. For those of you who don’t know, Katimavik is a youth service-learning program, so groups of eleven 17-21 year olds live together and work at not-for-profit organizations in communities throughout Canada. Last year, I was a project leader, which is the staff member that lives with the volunteers. This year, I’m a project support leader who assists the project coordinator and leaders with their responsibilities. It’s exciting to be able to travel between communities, and it will also be challenging to learn how to better manage my time and develop significant bonds with three groups, though I’ll only see them 2-3 times.

The Prince George groups, of course, will be an exception as I’ve already seen the current group two evenings in a row! I hit the ground running on Wednesday with two meetings and a (semi-surprise) workshop. For future note, being the second workshop on the schedule for a bunch of tired young adults who have worked all day? Not so great. I left the workshop feeling disappointed with myself and the volunteers, so I forced myself to go back to do a reflection. I’m glad I did, as I feel like we both gave some constructive criticism, and hopefully this will make the next workshop more productive.

I think living in Prince George will be great. It’s my first time living with strangers (outside of Katimavik), and this will go a long way in developing skills for house management on a realistic schedule. My roommates and I get along well so far. Allison is really cute and reminds me a lot of Vanessa in her appearance and the way she laughs and makes faces. She works as a consultant at Allnorth and is really active and adventurous; think roller derby, mountain biking, and snowboarding! Charelle hails from Ottawa and has moved to Prince George to be a reporter at the Prince George Citizen. She’s into the arts scene and it’s been fun getting to know her.

The city itself has a lot to offer. On Friday evening, I got my butt kicked by the community class at Chinook Yoga. Every move today is reminding me to exercise daily. There are $5 yoga classes every Wednesday for the rest of the summer. Early on Saturdays, there’s a farmers’ market downtown with great, inexpensive produce and lots of canned foods, baked goods, and some crafts. I met a couple of new people off of Couchsurfing, and one of them has a book club that I’m going to join - first meeting today at lunch! Plus, there’ll be the theatre, French class, and local concerts. I think life will be good these next five months!

These are days you’ll remember
Never before and never since, I promise
Will the whole world be warm as this
And as you feel it, you’ll know it’s true
That you are blessed and lucky

- Natalie Merchant from “These Are The Days”

I was driving through the mountains on my way to Prince George, and this song came on over the radio. It was just such a beautiful day, and I was so glad to be back in Canada, that it stuck in my memory. I don’t believe that the world will never be as warm - I think there’ll be even better moments! - but it really reminded me to sit back and enjoy what I have. It’s a feeling I missed while being overseas. Canada is home.

The period between traveling and moving to Prince George was a whirlwind. I was in Winnipeg for less than three weeks and spent the remainder of the time on two trips - Minneapolis and Montreal. Some quality time was spent making a new friend and, more importantly, spending time with old friends and family.

After adjusting to the time change - the worst of it was falling asleep at 5pm and waking up “in the morning” at 7pm - I got my fill of folk music at Folk Fest. Next year, I’d go about it differently - a good friend or two to travel or camp with would be key, I think - but I discovered some great new music. Highlights for me included The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Shane Koyczan, Dan Mangan, and Twilight Hotel.

Young Performers’ Stage (Shady Grove) - Ingrid Gatin on the right

Around that time, I also made a pretty cool new friend named Dave! The first day we met, we set up an impromptu art gallery in Old Market Square.

Dave’s “happy place” - The strawberry fields that lie between his parents’ home in PEI and the ocean

Carlee and I had additional whimsical times downtown, including one evening by the river painting with watercolours. A random man came by to talk and I invited him to join us. That was fun.

I may be biased, but I think my favourite reunion was with the Lawrenz family. Everyone finds this lingering relationship really strange, but I love them. I was so happy to spend time breakfasting with “Mom and Dad” and being out at the cottage with Mell, Ian, and the boys. Nic and I also saw each other for the first time in a year, and it was so good to talk to him.

Blurry, but it was such an adorable moment - Joel starting his “lawnmower”

Joel and Evan enjoying birthday cake - Joel turned 3! - Nice legs, Mell ;)

I fringed this year, as usual, but it wasn’t as spectacular as last year. I’ll definitely continue team leading whenever I’m in town, though. Next year is the 25th anniversary, so I’m hoping for greatness. 

Right before my trips, I had a series of great evenings with Mellanie making strawberry-rhubarb jam, at Peasant Cookery with supper club, and taking engagement portraits for Carolyn and Jordan. I hadn’t spent very much time with Jordan but shooting their portraits made it clear that he loves Care a whole lot.

Carlee, Meghan, Dan, and I took off for a road trip to Minneapolis. I’d only ever been to Minneapolis on Mall of America-centred trips in the past, and this trip was the awesome antithesis of that. We got to explore a bit of downtown and uptown Minneapolis, as well as the Walker Art Centre and the Science Museum of Minnesota. 

On our last evening together, we had supper at Galaxy Pizza. This little joint was super cute with a 3D menu, yummy appetizers like the Italian Egg Roll, and just a great vibe. Plus, draft was 50 cents that night!

After dropping Carlee back off in Winnipeg, I caught an excruciatingly early flight to Montreal. The redeeming note was flying Executive Class! Three cheers for Aeroplan miles. My grandma recently had a minor stroke - she’s recovered now - so, we went for a family visit. As is tradition, we took family portraits. It was great to see my cousins again. I also got to see Jean and Natalie! We took a day trip to Ottawa - lots of fun.

My immediate family, my paternal grandmother, and my aunt and her kids

A hilarious moment where my father and cousin devise how to capture a wasp’s nest to make some medicinal wine

Natalie! She’s 19 and I’m 27, but our souls are the same age

Jean being Jean

Katimavik flew me straight to Calgary from Montreal, which was lovely and helped me to maximize my time with family and friends. In Calgary, I was picked up at the airport by Louise and greeted like an old friend (I’d never met the woman before). From there, I drove the new Katima-car through the mountains to Prince George. It was such a beautiful drive. I’d like to do it again with loved ones and no schedule.

Lake Louise from Fairview Point

Me with the Edith Cavell Glacier in the background

Path of the Glacier

And, we’re all caught up!

It’s been a month since I returned to Canada, yet my last post about Asia still has me sitting in Manila. From there, I did move on to Palawan, where I explored Sabang, Port Barton, and El Nido, and Northern Luzon, where I saw the beautiful terraces of Banaue, Batad, Bontoc, and Sagada. After the Philippines, I visited Myanmar for just over two weeks, traveling from Yangon to Hsipaw, Mandalay, Bagan, and Inle Lake.

I’m not quite ready to write about my trip yet. I feel like I’m still reflecting on what I learnt and I’m not sure how much I want to share of this personal journey. This trip was definitely a lot more than backpacking overseas. In fact, I feel like the places I saw meant far less than the experience of being alone and away, and I still have to find the words to explain how I felt then and now.

For now, here are some of my favourite portraits from the trip.

My best friend! We spent a week (mostly relaxing) in Chiang Mai during Songkran.

One of the big reasons I wanted to return to Southeast Asia was to go on The Gibbon Experience. I’m not sure I can adequately describe the way it feels to rush through the air 200 m. above ground level dangling from a cord, especially when there’s fog rolling out around you.

I continued traveling in Laos with my treehouse. One day in Nong Khiaw, we decided to go for a swim in a nearby waterfall. Soon enough, about thirty schoolchildren on their lunch break joined us!

One night in Nong Khiaw, we missed our bus to move on to Sam Neua. Deen, the lovely man who owns the only Indian restaurant in town, let us sleep on his floor!

Perhaps my favourite moment in Myanmar: This is the head mistress of a school in a village outside of Hsipaw, where I spent a lunch hour chatting with a few lovely teachers.

While in Nyaung-U, the village outside Inle Lake, I went on a hike with a few of the other guests. We met this sweet, old lady at the house where we had lunch. She kept rubbing my legs and exclaiming at my plumpness and warmth. It was really cute.

I am traveling alone.

Well, technically, I am sitting at Al Batra with Edgar, using their WIFI after eating a budget meal.

Nevertheless, I left for the Philippines solo and am braving the crowds of Manila on my own. Nearly everyone I’d spoken to about my Philippines trip shot me a concerned look and/or question about traveling alone, including the border guard at the airport! His exact, incredulous words were, “You have no friends or family in the Philippines, and you’re traveling alone?” My answer was a laugh and a cheerful yes. 

The theme of today was “transportation.” My suspicion that my indecisiveness would prove difficult has come into fruition. I find my inability to confidently choose a path painful to observe, yet I continue to pursue the back and forth. I will get better at this, but today was not the day. I spent the early morning at the airport, eating terrible food and using free WIFI (there’s a theme here), and finally dragged my butt into a taxi at 9:30. I wheedled my way at the front desk and got the staff to keep my bag for the day, and then I set out confidently towards the ferry.

Except I really didn’t know where I was going, and neither did half of the people whom I asked for directions.

Two very long walks later, I decided to abandon my day’s plans to ferry to Intramuros for a self-guided walking tour. Instead, I spent a good amount of time de-sweating at the Power Plant Mall in Makati City and recharged with a Starbucks frappucino (seriously, where am I?) before setting off on plan B - walking tour of Qiapo and Binondo - which slowly turned into plan C - supper in Binondo - when I realized how slowly traffic was moving and how far Binondo was from Makati City.

Two jeepney rides, two kind ladies, and two nice drivers later, I found myself navigating the labyrinth of Binondo. It’s a jumble of gold dealers, bakeries, and Chinese pharmacies - with storefronts lined with people using the eaves to stay out of the rain. After missing a few turns, I finally found my way to my intended dim sum destination, Wai Ying Fast Food, and had some of their famous roasted duck and sio mai.

Stomach completely full, I noticed that the rain returned full force just a few steps out of the restaurant. Rain visits Manila with a vengeance, I’ve found. The drops hit everything with such force that it honestly looks like the water’s dancing - in puddles, on cars, on pavement. Small rivers form on the streets and sidewalks and gushing, pointed waterfalls are found on each building corner.

I decided the LRT would be a safer (drier) choice to get home and was pleased to learn how close Carriedo station was to Binondo. The first stop seemed fine, though I was already too far from a post to hold on. By the third stop, though, I realized exactly what riding the LRT would be like - sardines - and thought to myself, Here’s a taste of India.

I managed to fight my way out of the car at my desired stop, hopped on a mystery jeepney (Buendia seemed like a familiar name), and managed to get back to Makati City without too much incident - I might have jabbed someone in the back with my lens barrel, set the lightbulb swaying in the jeepney, and tread on a few toes on my ungraceful way out - but everyone lived and I called out, “Sorry! Sorry!” That’s got to count for something, right?

So, this is the start. I’ve got another day and a half in Manila, and then I fly to Puerto Princesa! It felt really good to make the decision to go off to the islands first. It’s just my luck that Luzon’s second typhoon is set to hit on Thursday, right when I was planning to head north to Banaue to see the rice terraces of Batad. That’s bahala na for you, I suppose. You’ve got to go with the flow when you travel in the Philippines.

Rained out. We rented motor bikes for the second time here in Pai, planning to drive out to the national park, but I’m back at the guesthouse, writing this entry and watching a movie instead.

It’s the middle of dry season, but it’s rained every single day that we’ve been in Pai and Nam Khong. It’s not just a sprinkle, either. Today, for instance, it’s been raining steadily for most of the afternoon with no sign of abating. A couple of nights ago, the rain washed away several bamboo bridges in the night. The Thais are confused. Last year, the dry season was so dry that the forests were burning. This year, the dry season is positively wet.

After routing back through Bangkok for some shopping at the always overwhelming Chatachuk Market, Dave and I picked up Lewis and took an overnight “VIP” bus to Chiang Mai for Songkran. Songkran was exactly what I expected while also being less than I expected. We spent a few days in the water fights on the streets - avoiding klong water as much as possible and delighting in splashing ice water on the farangs. The tradition was missing, though. Later on in the week, I met another traveler named Thomas who had couchsurfed in Chiang Mai and participated in a village’s traditional ceremonies. That would have been amazing!

In Chiang Mai, I did spend a day at a cooking class and another at a massage class. Both courses were fairly basic, but I’m excited to cook Thai food at home and find some willing subjects to practice massage on. Who’s up for a Thai dinner party? I know how to make my own curry paste now!

At the end of the week, Lewis split ways with Dave and me, returning to Bangkok. Dave and I continued onto Pai down a very windy road (762 turns!), which I mostly made with my eyes closed. We met a new travel partner, though, named Thomas, from Germany. With him, we found the best restaurants in Pai (The Link, Baan Pai Village, Witching Well) and saw Mor Paeng Waterfall and Muan Paeng Hot Springs. It’s beautiful countryside, especially by motor bike. I just wish going 60 km/h was more conducive to photo-taking.

Traveling seems to be all about people passing in and out of your life. After a few days in Pai, we left Thomas and took a mini-van halfway to Mae Hong Son, seeking out the Wilderness Lodge and a curious man named Peter. Peter’s lived at Wilderness Lodge for just two years, trying to make a go of it as a farmer in the Thai jungle. He seems a little lost from that goal, what with being the sole person on a big piece of property that’s constantly battling nature.

Wilderness Lodge was a pretty new experience for me. We lived without electricity (if you don’t count all our head lamps), cooked over an open fire, and showered in the open with water pumped by gasoline. A few people wandered in and out of our lives out at Wilderness Lodge, too. When we arrived, the owner, Doi, was there visiting with her daughter Dang, her boyfriend Rich (from Edmonton), and a whole posse of travelers (Ton, Will, Rudy, and Roman). Before we left, Janine, Henry, Melanie, and Taylor also showed up - all hippies without ”homes” traveling across the world. I probably connected most with Peter and Nong the most. Peter seemed to take a liking to me. We spent a lot of time talking about my work and other sundry subjects, and he taught me a bit about sculpture and oil painting.

Now, we’re back in Pai. On our second day, we met another temporary travel partner, Jen from England. We visited Pembok Waterfall yesterday and caught the sunset at Pai Canyon. It really was gorgeous and might just be my favourite sight so far. In the evening, Dave went onstage at Edible Jazz for their Open Mic Night, and then we played a few games of observation with a couple new blokes, Aaron from England, as well, and Simon from Germany.

Just a couple of hours until our bus. I may go have some food. Wise choice? Perhaps not. Wish me luck!

It’s been a month! I can hardly believe it. I was lucky enough to catch Carolyn on Skype last night (her lunch hour) and she remarked on how it’s possible for time to both drag and fly by. It’s so true. This month has both dragged and flown by. There’s so much that I’m learning about myself and so many things I want to change.

Dave and I left Winnipeg on March 22, but we spent another week in Canada. Vancouver turned out to be a really pleasant time, especially since the weather gods decided to be kind and bless us with several days of sunshine or, at the very least, light to no rain. We had some remarkable times, and I could see why people love the west coast.

A few remarkable memories:

• Hiking “The Chief.” Just 600 metres up, this steep climb really made me aware of my lack of fitness. Though there are stairs at the steepest points, even they reminded me of the gigantic, bow-inducing steps of the Angkor temples (in size, not appearance or historical significance). Near the top, the wood and plants gave way to pure rock, which made for the most interesting climb I’ve ever had with metal chains and crevices that you had to cram your toes in. (I have a feeling that rock climbing could be really, really satisfying.) The view really was worth it.
• Cafe Deux Soleils on Commercial Drive is pretty awesome. After a recommendation by Ezra, we walked in on an open mic fundraiser that had great music, spoken word, and stand-up. It’s got a good vibe! We also enjoyed beers at The Alibi Room in Gastown and Augustine’s, also on Commercial Drive.
• Seeing Rachel, my second Katimavik Project Leader, was so great! I was reminded of what a wonderful person she is - thoughtful and helpful and natural. No wonder she’s my role model as a PL.
• Seeing Jess, one of my volunteers, on her home turf. I warned them I’d visit if I was in the area! I also talked to Chris but unfortunately couldn’t meet up with him.
• Couchsurfing for the first time with Andriy! We spent the night working on his art project, and then the next morning, we hit up Nice Cafe, where he’d be exhibiting his work. I really like how couchsurfing lets you see a city from a local perspective. I hope to do some couchsurfing after Dave and I split ways; he’s less keen.

We finally left Canada on April 29, Thailand tourist visa in hand. In hindsight, we were probably being too careful in getting a visa. I don’t think anyone actually checked, but it’s always luck of the draw. The trip was fairly painless for me, though I think Dave found it to be a long day. We arrived in Bangkok around midnight to “a very cool 22 degrees,” to quote the pilot. A fairly quick taxi ride, and Dave and I were “home, sweet home” at Kornkarn.

What I hadn’t expected, which did overcome me, was this feeling of coming home. Every step of flying into Bangkok - walking through the airport, hailing a cab, giving directions onto our soi, walking into the apartment - just felt natural. Then, the next morning, as soon as I heard Lewis, I leapt out of bed and attacked him. It was so good to see my best friend again. I spontaneously decided to go to work with him that morning, and that was also wonderful. Being recognized by people at Lertlah, on the soi and in the market, and at Kornkan - all wonderful! I didn’t have words.

We spent a few days in Bangkok while Dave recovered from jet lag, still making the most of our time. I visited Lertlah, had Korean barbecue with Ms. Bee, hung out with Ramon, and took Dave to Chatachuk Market, Khao San Road (day and night), and the Holland Brewery.

The big city was getting to Dave (and his birthday was fast approaching), so we escaped to Koh Chang for a few days of peace and quiet. We spent all of our time at Cliff Cottages in Bang Bao, which is the pier on the far side of the island. Dave really liked the landscape, and I got my first taste of “cheap” Thai accommodations - bamboo hut! I chickened out on renting a motor bike (the hills are crazy) but I’ve since remedied that in Pai. I’d like to explore more of Koh Chang. I felt really reserved and I’m going to go ahead and admit that I’m still adjusting to the different accommodations (how can you tell I’m aging?) and was having some culture shock in terms of post-Katimavik reintegration. Communicating what I wanted was near impossible. I just wanted familiarity and everything was new.

This has been the theme of my month. Wanting home and being so, so far away.