My most vivid memory of Paris is running. I woke by my watch’s beeping at 4:45 am for a 6:40 flight to London, the city I where would end my European summer. In a blurry, anxious haze I gathered my bags and squeezed my luggage down narrow hotel stairs that creaked with antiquity … Continued
BUCKET LIST BONANZA OR BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR My sister-in-law, a retired doctor in Atlanta, gave me the very generous gift of a trip which was on my “Bucket List”. I have always wanted to see the Northern Lights and she sent me … Continued
I love to travel. Experience the culture, the people, the food…I absolutely love it. Going to Europe is on my bucket list and I can’t wait until that finally happens. Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, London…I feel like they’re waiting for me to come and discover their grandeur. People have told me that traveling changes you; that … Continued
A few weeks ago, my toddler and I decided to take a trip into the city of Sendai. This would be special in that it was the first time we would go that far from our house without the comfort of a stroller. At almost two years old, my daughter has grown to a point … Continued
As the cell door swings open, I’m greeted by what I can only assume is a giant. This seems like a fair assumption, as the man standing in front of me is at least 6’7” tall and must weigh over 300 lbs. But I do not run, because he greets me with a smile and … Continued
Growing up in a country that practices the value of close family ties makes it hard living your life the way you want to. It teaches you that family comes first and somehow you are obliged to show them they are your priority. You are expected to build your dreams and aspirations to make your … Continued
My shoulders are burning. My ankles feel like they are made of broken glass. I still haven’t showered; my clothes are stubbornly holding onto the scent of burning wood and sweat. Probably why the seats adjacent to me on this bus are empty, despite it being rush-hour. I just got back from wild camping in … Continued
Canada: My Story- Why I do what I do…. I was born in New Westminster, while growing up I was faced with situations that have made me who I am today. School was a challenge, I did not start learning to read until I was in grade 3. I can remember asking my teacher … Continued
Back in 2000 when I first lived in Istanbul, most of my foreign female friends were blonde. Whenever we met for coffee they would regale me with stories of being followed by strange men and touched intimately and inappropriately on the shoulder or the backside. Perhaps I was more prejudiced than I realised or … Continued
The rental car cruises at a safe speed down a long and winding road as I sit squished in the backseat, sandwiched a nearly ten-year-old boy next to a car seat carrying my sleeping toddler. In the front, Elvis is blaring his heart out through the CD player, and we are making good time to … Continued