Never Thought I'd Ever Be Here . . .

When I was young, it was the end of the cold war and Russia was a country to be afraid of. In my imagination it was a dark grey country, cold and war-torn. People lined up for bread and other groceries which were scarce and next to impossible to afford. The threat of war or attack from the Russians was something we were definitely aware of- whether it was a real possibility or not.

So, even 20 some years later, to hear I would be going to Russia- Krasnodar to be specific- raised a number of different thoughts and concerns. I knew of course the Russia I had heard of had seen a lot of change over the years, but the unknown is just that- unknown. That's why travel is such a good thing- travel opens our eyes to other possibilities, other thoughts, cultures and priorities.

Travel into Russia was the first challenge. Corrupt baggage handlers/ check-in personnel/ airport workers nabbed us for "overweight luggage" and although there was an exorbitant fee for said extra luggage, they- the people at check-in could handle that for us IF we wanted to pay them in Russian rubles or even better "Euros". I am unhappy to say that we did pay the extra fees as it is next to impossible to complain- report- or prove otherwise when you don't speak the language.

On our way to the terminal where we would catch the plane to Krasnodar, the airport bus we were on pretty much blew up- smoke roiling out of the back of the bus, oil leaking everywhere. We ended up walking the rest of the way to the terminal baggage in tow- of, and it was what 5:30 in the morning.

Our hotel, a major high rise building across from a major theatre,

New York Memories

My New York City trip made me very happy. I was so looking forward to really seeing the city and I was not disappointed. A friend and I were able to jam-pack a couple of days full of sites and sounds of New York. One night- yes, it is night time in the picture of the drummer, we came across this street performer who brought out his plastic bucket and wow!! This guy had incredible rhythm and even with the most meager instrument managed to impress a large crowd who had gathered after eating dinner out or travelling through Times Square. Why this young guy is not part of a successful band, I have no idea. Hats off to the street performers who somehow manage to make a life for themselves, but who also bring joy to New Yorkers and visitors every day of the year.

"Hey BIG SPENDER" . . . a familiar song lyric, could certainly apply to visitors to NYC. The bright lights of Times Square showcase all of the current theatrical productions. Companies spend a fortune to advertise their wares on these very high-profile street corners. I cannot even imagine the kind of money that gets spent in New York on any given day.

Having said that, I have to say how inexpensive our trip to NYC was. Staying ion New Jersey of course was less expensive than a NY hotel. And, taking public transportation into the city was not only simple but cheap and easy! Lakeland buses took us right into the Port Authority Bus station- right across from the New York Times building.

Street performers, sculptures, fountains and historic as well as modern architecture can be your entertainment. There is so much history, so many fascinating stories to

Contemplation 101

I think everyone knows a friend or family member who always needs to be around people- and/or always needs to have a boyfriend or girlfriend if they are not already attached in some way. I have never been that type of person, though I have certainly known a few.

Personally, I have always been the person who, when around a number of people for any length of time, needs to escape to somewhere on my own to regroup and gather my thoughts. This is particularly important since I work in a field where I am surrounded by tons of people for hours at a time. It takes me hours and hours to unwind at the end of the day.

I do not like to make rash or quick decisions- I like a thought to "evolve" and gradually come to see an outcome for a question I may be mulling over. I need for things to "feel right" and often let my heart overrule my head.

In order to think thoughtfully, [I know that sounds weird] but you can't force yourself to think- but need to be in a position to let your mind open up and let the trains of thought roll around a bit and sort themselves out. For me, I find being around water helps- be it a dock by a lake, a hot tub at the Y or lying on a beach in the hot sun. All of these situations are where I do my best thinking. I think this is where my mind is at rest; where day to day issues are left behind and real issues come to light. Give me rolling waves and a warm beach anyday.

Another Trip to Europe . . .

I have just been told that I have a trip to Portugal planned for a couple of weeks from now. I am blessed to be able to travel with many of the expenses being paid by someone else. In the past couple of years I have been very interested in travelling to Portugal. To me it seems similar to Greece- I may find this to be an incorrect thought-

As someone who loves sun, sand and warm weather, the south of Portugal- the Algarve region seems- like the perfect destination. I am looking forward to experiencing yet another country, with its unique architectural styles, customs, foods and of course meet its people. I will have about 5 days to take in as much of Portugal as I can and I plan on doing as much as I can to experience Portugal.

Of course, when I get back to Canada, I will post some of the pictures I take- showing parts of the trip that mean the most to me.

Lying in the Sun

When you have time to physically relax and do next to nothing, the lack of activity allows your brain to take over and explore the thoughts that come in and out of our consciousness throughout each day. I find lying under the heat of the sun one of the most beneficial things I can do. And although it can seem like a waste of time, when you could be accomplishing something, I find I am able to use that time to organize my thoughts, think about current events in my life and allow me the time to really see how I FEEL about my life.

Bright Lights, Busy Days, Time with a Good Friend

New York City is one of the largest, busiest, most diverse and well-known cities in the world. I had never had any desire to go to NYC. But, almost a year ago now, a good friend said he would be interested in going there for New Year's eve! Not being one for humongous crowds or big parties in general, this would not have been my first choice, but stepping outside my comfort level is something I have vowed to try and do more often of late. I was pleasantly surprised and had a great time at New Year's, but what I really was looking forward to was to visit the city during a warmer season when I had a little more time to really see and experience the city. The same friend was able to spend the Labor day weekend with me seeing a different side of one of the coolest cities in the world.

There is something exciting about heading out for the day in a new city, with some ideas, but no concrete plans. The day unfolds with no time constraints.

I for one rarely ever walk in the city I live in. I always seem too busy to take the time to, but it is amazing how much more we see when we travel on foot. But, travelling by foot in New York allows you to really experience the varied neighborhoods, the cultures and the "streetlife" that IS NYC. I was lucky enough to pack in so much in the 2 days we had there that I feel I really know New York.

Walking through Little Italy with all its outdoor, candlelit dining and the Italian xx being served from freezers right on the streets. Chinatown's bustle and the smells of the fish markets really made you think you were in a major Chinese centre. Soho, Greenwich Village, the Financial district, Broadway, Times Square, the Ground Zero site and the South Street docks all had slightly different atmospheres.

Simple Things

Life is busy, hectic, and often we get so wrapped up in day-to-day events, so much so that we forget to take time to enjoy our own lives. Work is work and of course can bring happiness, a sense of achievement and of course the money to allow us to do the things we WANT to do. But, it's our time outside of work, when we do the things we chose to do, the things we

get the most enjoyment out of that gives our life quality and gives us happiness. Whether it is spending time doing nothing at all with family or friends, or sleeping in and getting up when we feel like it, or gazing up at the clouds in the sky and looking for shapes, the simplest things can enrich our mental state.

I have a few pictures from my summer, where I have been able to feel so good doing the most simple things. Exploring a new city (New York City on Labor Day weekend) with a good friend, seeing sites previously only seen on TV or movies,

I have also been able to spend time at a cottage north of the city, just basking in the sun, jumping into the lake from the dock, watching boaters cruise by with waterskiiers in toe or canoers paddle softly by. There is nothing like quiet times at the cottage when you can catch up with friends and can really know your friends.

The beach, one of my favorite places in the world. There's something about walking barefoot, waves lapping steadily on the shore, with the sun beating down down and warming up your skin. There is something soothing and calming about being on a beach.