France (March, 2022) – It's been an interesting week, being back in the ancestral lands. Clearly things have changed, France is still struggling with its politics, its protests and restructuring due to the pandemic. We took the train into the city centre, peregrinating past the new facade admiring the distorted reflections of the art nouveau architecture across the street on our way to lunch at Chez Gladines.

India (December, 2016) – Almost two decades after my first experience in Varanasi, I returned with new excitement. My first experience, namely consisted of a warm clean bed, bed toast and tea for several days as a result of consuming questionable samosa's in a rather desperate act due a 12 hour delay at a train station. My second time around was much more adventurous, though the most appealing part was the calm moments taking in the culture, the architecture and floating atop the Ganges.

 

 

Canada (February, 2022) – As the world opens up and restrictions ease, the longing for exploration begins to take shape from within. While waiting for the next flight out of hibernation; I amused myself in a simulated space, watching the changing graphics, creating and recreating a virtual art nouveau dreamscape of Klimt's artwork.

Canada (February, 2022) – As winter persists with its freezing temperatures, the desire to exit hibernation is increasingly heightened. The eagerness to reconnect with the cosmos, with friends, with life in general is an urgency during the dark winter months. It was a pleasant afternoon; walking along the beach, enjoying the laughter of great friendships and taking in mother nature's icy scenery. 

Uzbekistan (November, 2019) – After our first visit I started reading more about the Shah-i-Zinda, I suspect the bewilderment of repeated teal and turquoise mosaic patterns tiles and the magical light dancing around, added to the intrigue. On our second visit (after confirming with the local imam) I wandered back around to find the Socrates inscription, decorating the door way to one of the 12th century mausoleums. The translated text, simply expanded the mind.

India (December, 2016) – We are currently in a deep winter freeze, after being confined in hibernation for several months, my mind keeps wandering to scenic panoramas far away from the comforts of home. The memories of Sikkim, seems to help to boost my mood, often those thoughts return to the bumpy route towards Changu Lake. Including the teal-blue cast over the delectable mountain ranges and the fresh crisp mountain air along the way.

Morocco (September, 2014) – After a few days we started to recognize familiar faces along the path from the private riad to the Jemaa El Fna. We easily navigated warding off rowdy vendors by joking around.  With the carpet merchant; we insisted we would only enter his shop if he had flying carpets because it was a critical need. With the potter it was much the same, although my request was for a genie in a bottle. I suspect all he really wanted was some company, instead of trying to sell me stuff he invited me for a cup of tea. What I discovered was that being a silly and playing into the tourist stereotypes meant the vendors stopped asking for our attention in the normal sense instead we had funny encounters, and after a few days the added wave and 'le bonjour'.