"Journey with an open mind and a gentle heart. Accept with grace and gratitude the diversity I encounter. Revere and protect the natural environment which sustains all life. Appreciate all cultures I discover. Respect and thank my hosts for their welcome. Offer my hand in friendship to everyone I meet. Support travel services which share these views. By my spirit, words and actions, encourage others to travel the world in peace." --International Institute for Peace through Tourism
(found in New Hazelton, BC. August 2009)
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Dutch Bingo
It continually surprises me that everywhere I travel in this crazy world, there seems to be someone who knows someone who knows someone I know. In the Dutch world, we call this "Dutch Bingo." It is highly regarded among the Dutch Community and among the first "game" that we play when we meet people.
For example, when we were in Wells, we stayed at a Hotel which had a hot tub on the roof. Dan and I went up one night to check it out. We ended up meeting this couple from the Okanagan. We did the name introductions, as well as where we were from. Then it started. We are from Abbotsford, where their kids when to Columbia Bible College. A few more connections, and we discovered that their last name is Vegt. Then I asked the question, "Do you happen to know Margo and Bert Vegt?" BINGO. "Bert is my brother" was their reply. Its these types of connections that remind me that the world is a smaller place than I think it is.
Today, at church, April (our pastor) was talking about unity. She read a passage from Ephesians 4:1-6, which emphasizes the need to keep the unity of the Spirit. April read a quote that someone from Mennonite World Conference said about the same passage which stuck with me. "Unity is not something that is created, but something that must be maintained."
It amazes me that the first thing that we do when we meet people is try to find something in common so that we can continue on in conversation. Instead of dividing ourselves, we try to unite ourselves. We want to remain in community with people, even if it is only temporary (like the couple in Wells). But unity is not something that we have to create. The Spirit has already created it, we just need to maintain it. Hence, the reason we should play more Dutch Bingo.
For example, when we were in Wells, we stayed at a Hotel which had a hot tub on the roof. Dan and I went up one night to check it out. We ended up meeting this couple from the Okanagan. We did the name introductions, as well as where we were from. Then it started. We are from Abbotsford, where their kids when to Columbia Bible College. A few more connections, and we discovered that their last name is Vegt. Then I asked the question, "Do you happen to know Margo and Bert Vegt?" BINGO. "Bert is my brother" was their reply. Its these types of connections that remind me that the world is a smaller place than I think it is.
Today, at church, April (our pastor) was talking about unity. She read a passage from Ephesians 4:1-6, which emphasizes the need to keep the unity of the Spirit. April read a quote that someone from Mennonite World Conference said about the same passage which stuck with me. "Unity is not something that is created, but something that must be maintained."
It amazes me that the first thing that we do when we meet people is try to find something in common so that we can continue on in conversation. Instead of dividing ourselves, we try to unite ourselves. We want to remain in community with people, even if it is only temporary (like the couple in Wells). But unity is not something that we have to create. The Spirit has already created it, we just need to maintain it. Hence, the reason we should play more Dutch Bingo.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
"What are you looking at?"
On Saturday night (after we had just returned from the road trip), we went out to get some much needed groceries with our trusty cart and also go to the Bank. We were by the KFC on Clearbrook when things went horribly wrong. We both casually glanced down at the sidewalk entrance to KFC and saw a man wearing army short and dreadlocks walking his mean looking German Shepherd dog. The man yelled at us, "What are you looking at?" We jokingly said, "You." He asked us, "Why" Dan replied, "Cuz you are there." That's when things got out of control. He raced towards us calling his dog to follow him and yelled, "What are you looking at? Why are you looking at me?" Realizing that he didn't like our joke, we innocently explained that we were looking at the bushes and he happened to be there. He didn't seem satisfied with that answer and stormed towards us calling his dog. He eyed up our cart, all the while yelling "What are you looking at?" We worried he was going to steal Amanda's purse or our groceries. We also worried that he was about to get violent. We calmly, but rather quickly walked away. He continued to follow us and yell, "What are you looking at?" His dog, thankfully didn't follow him (and didn't listen to him calling his name), so the man went back to get his dog. We walked quickly away, looking back, without making it look like we were looking back. We made it home safely, while warning fellow pedestrians to avoid looking at the man in dreadlocks. We are so thankful that this incident didn't turn out worse. It was quite scary, but we are happy that we are okay.
Road Trip 2009-Part 2
After visiting Prince Rupert, we went up to Fort St. James, outside of Vanderhoof. We visited the fort and had a great time learning about skinning the hides (it sure smelt something awful though).
Dan went fishing at Stuart Lake in Fort ST. James. He didn't catch anything, except himself. But he is still learning the art of fly casting.
Next we went to look at one of the oldest existing churches in BC.
Dan went fishing at Stuart Lake in Fort ST. James. He didn't catch anything, except himself. But he is still learning the art of fly casting.Later that night, after the winds picked up and Dan could no longer fish, we went looking for a waterfall that we had seen on a postcard at the Fort. The tourist lady had given us directions, so we went looking for it. We ended up 50km off the beaten path on a road less travelled. We didn't see a waterfall, but we ended up getting up close and personal with a beaver at some unnameable lake. It made the trip worthwhile to see the beaver in "its natural habitat."
Our next stop was Wells. We got to stay in a 1930's hotel. The hotel was beautiful. The pub it was on top of, not so much. The singer in the pub was horrible. The accordion accompaniment was terrible. And of course, the fact that this was all happening at midnight made it all worse. From Wells, we made a day trip to Barkerville. We took in a show about the fire, panned for gold and took a carriage ride. It was amazing to realize that our entire trip was along the gold rush route in the 1890's.
One morning, we took a moment to see the Bowron Lakes. I mean, we came that far, why not? We ended up renting a canoe for an hour and paddled around the lake. Dan got another opportunity to fish, but only caught some seaweed. But at least he can say, he fished on the Bowron Lakes.
After Barkerville and Bowron Lakes, we went down to Williams Lake, where we had planned a Jet Boat Adventure. And what an adventure it was. We were accompanied by the Cariboo-Chilcoton Tourist Center leaders, as well as Aboriginal Tourist Center leaders. It was meant to be a bit of a photographic journey for them, as they gained resources for upcoming magazines and 2010 footage (yep, look for us on TV!)
We all got an opportunity to deep net fish in the Fraser River, since our guide was an Aboriginal.
We got to taste authentic Aboriginal foods, like salmon and bannock. We also ate this amazing ice cream, that comes from berries that are only ripe for one week and when mashed end up fluffing up into a delicious ice cream.
We really enjoyed being out on the water and learning about the Aboriginal way of life and their culture from real Aboriginals.
We were on the water for 8 hours, even though our tour was supposed to be 6 (that was thanks to the photographers and their need for the perfect shot!) It was definitely the highlight of our trip.
We ended our trip with a brief visit to Penticton to visit Grandma. It was a nice way to relax. Grandma took us to Peachfest, so we could experience the nightlife. It was lame, by big city standards, but Grandma sure got a kick out of it. The night ended with free pizza which Grandma took full advantage of. We left the next morning to finish our journey through the Hope-Princeton and to our wonderful home. We collapsed in our own bed, exhausted but happy.
Road Trip 2009- Part 1
Dan and I, along with my mother, just finished up a 10 day road trip through our lovely province of BC. Our goal was to attend a wedding in Smithers, but why rush the trip? Isn't life about the journey, not the destination? Hence, the 10 days we spent meandering through BC. Here is a brief pictoral journey through the crazy things that we did and saw.
Our trip started with a brief and HOT visit to Hell's Gate canyon.
We continued on, and after a night spent in Prince George, we moved on to Telkwa, a small village just outside of Smithers. Here, we spent 3 nights at the Two Rivers Lodge, which backed onto the Bulkley River.
We toured a bit of Smithers, and visited Twin Falls. Fortunately we took a wrong turn and ended up clambering over rocks to find the falls. It turns out the view was way more impressive than the main trail and viewing platform. Just a lucky break!
Our main reason for heading up on this road trip: the wedding of Matt and Rachel! It was beautiful and totally reflected their personalities. Congrats you two!
This is in Moricetown. We saw the Aboriginal people deep net fishing. Amanda took this photo while hanging off a cliff. This man is tethered to the cliff. As the Aboriginal Tribal Ranger said, it was for "easy body retrieval". He was joking of course, but it made for a funny story. Little did we know, that less than a week later, we would get to try some deep net fishing while on our jet boat tour in Williams Lake.
After the wedding we headed out to Prince Rupert for the day. Yep, we drove 4 hours one way just to say we'd been there (it was mom's idea!). We ended up stopping along the way at the Hazeltons and went over the highest suspension bridge in North America. You can see it wedged between mom and Amanda in this picture.
At the tourist info center, we found this incredible Filipino cook. She made the most delicious pork kabobs and spring rolls we have ever tasted. They were hand made and melt-in-your-mouth good. We only wished we lived a bit closer!
Here we are in Prince Rupert. At some random roadside attraction. (okay, Dan says it was a memorial to lost seaman). This trip was full of roadside attractions though. We saw the world's largest skis, fishing rod, gold pan and many other attractions, even if they weren't the largest.
Another roadside attraction just outside of Prince Rupert. This is the shoe tree. It is where the townspeople and visitors alike have left their shoes on the tree and surrounding area. No one is exactly sure why or how it started, but the sign on the tree does say, "This is a place for Lost Souls."
No caption is really necessary for this one. This was taken in Houston (home of the world's largest fly rod).
Our trip started with a brief and HOT visit to Hell's Gate canyon.
We continued on, and after a night spent in Prince George, we moved on to Telkwa, a small village just outside of Smithers. Here, we spent 3 nights at the Two Rivers Lodge, which backed onto the Bulkley River.
We toured a bit of Smithers, and visited Twin Falls. Fortunately we took a wrong turn and ended up clambering over rocks to find the falls. It turns out the view was way more impressive than the main trail and viewing platform. Just a lucky break!
Our main reason for heading up on this road trip: the wedding of Matt and Rachel! It was beautiful and totally reflected their personalities. Congrats you two!
This is in Moricetown. We saw the Aboriginal people deep net fishing. Amanda took this photo while hanging off a cliff. This man is tethered to the cliff. As the Aboriginal Tribal Ranger said, it was for "easy body retrieval". He was joking of course, but it made for a funny story. Little did we know, that less than a week later, we would get to try some deep net fishing while on our jet boat tour in Williams Lake.
After the wedding we headed out to Prince Rupert for the day. Yep, we drove 4 hours one way just to say we'd been there (it was mom's idea!). We ended up stopping along the way at the Hazeltons and went over the highest suspension bridge in North America. You can see it wedged between mom and Amanda in this picture.
At the tourist info center, we found this incredible Filipino cook. She made the most delicious pork kabobs and spring rolls we have ever tasted. They were hand made and melt-in-your-mouth good. We only wished we lived a bit closer!
Here we are in Prince Rupert. At some random roadside attraction. (okay, Dan says it was a memorial to lost seaman). This trip was full of roadside attractions though. We saw the world's largest skis, fishing rod, gold pan and many other attractions, even if they weren't the largest.
Another roadside attraction just outside of Prince Rupert. This is the shoe tree. It is where the townspeople and visitors alike have left their shoes on the tree and surrounding area. No one is exactly sure why or how it started, but the sign on the tree does say, "This is a place for Lost Souls."
No caption is really necessary for this one. This was taken in Houston (home of the world's largest fly rod).
Friday, July 31, 2009
This is what life means...
A quote from George Leigh Mallory, a famous Everest climber, who fell victim to the harsh climate of the mountain. We found this a the bottom of Twin Falls in Smithers, BC, up a little pathway on a plaque commemorating the life of Eric Paul Buss.
"...if you cannot understand that there is something in man that responds to the challenge of this mountain and goes out to meet it, that the struggle is a struggle of life itself upward and forever upward, then you won't see why we go. What we get from this adventure is just sheer joy. And joy is, after all, the end of life. We eat and make money to be able to enjoy life. That is what life means and what life is for."
"...if you cannot understand that there is something in man that responds to the challenge of this mountain and goes out to meet it, that the struggle is a struggle of life itself upward and forever upward, then you won't see why we go. What we get from this adventure is just sheer joy. And joy is, after all, the end of life. We eat and make money to be able to enjoy life. That is what life means and what life is for."
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Celebration of Lights
What a light show! I'm sorry South Africa, but God's light show took the cake. He won hands down! (come on, His light show lasted way longer and was way more intense!) Dan and I found it interesting that people were oohing and ahhing at the fireworks, but when a bolt of lighting flashed across the sky, the crowd went crazy! I think everyone loved the lightning more.
Dan and Matt went to take some pictures of the pre-fireworks show. They caught quite a few pictures of lightning and the sun setting. Good job boys!
The Harbour looked beautiful. These photos were taken from the Burrard street bridge.
Crazy things from the evening: People stopping on the Burrard street bridge during the fireworks, then proceeding to get our of their cars and crossing four lanes of traffic to watching the fireworks. (some even stood on the roofs of their cars to watch).
A little bit of South Africa's show!
Dan and Matt went to take some pictures of the pre-fireworks show. They caught quite a few pictures of lightning and the sun setting. Good job boys!
The Harbour looked beautiful. These photos were taken from the Burrard street bridge.
Crazy things from the evening: People stopping on the Burrard street bridge during the fireworks, then proceeding to get our of their cars and crossing four lanes of traffic to watching the fireworks. (some even stood on the roofs of their cars to watch).
A little bit of South Africa's show!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Walk Score
I found this interesting site today, called walkscore.com. You put in your home address and it tells you how walkable your city (or area in the city) is. The purpose is to find a walkable city to live to better improve your health, cut down on greenhouse gases, and improve your local economy by supporting local businesses.
The website fully admits its flaws, such as using direct distances, not walking distance (aka, they draw a straight line from place a to place b, instead of using travel directions). They also don't take into account public transit, weather, hills, walk ability of streets, bodies of water or major highways (you might just find yourself swimming to get to the grocery store). But what they do have going for them is finding places that are walkable based on a city center, density of businesses and residences, parks and public space, nearby schools and workplaces.
To quote their website:
"Walk Score helps people find walkable places to live. Walk Score calculates the walk ability of an address by locating nearby stores, restaurants, schools, parks, etc. Walk Score measures how easy it is to live a car-lite lifestyle—not how pretty the area is for walking.
Your Walk Score is a number between 0 and 100. Here are general guidelines for interpreting your score:
90–100 = Walkers' Paradise: Most errands can be accomplished on foot and many people get by without owning a car.
70–89 = Very Walkable: It's possible to get by without owning a car.
50–69 = Somewhat Walkable: Some stores and amenities are within walking distance, but many everyday trips still require a bike, public transportation, or car.
25–49 = Car-Dependent: Only a few destinations are within easy walking range. For most errands, driving or public transportation is a must.
0–24 = Car-Dependent (Driving Only): Virtually no neighborhood destinations within walking range. You can walk from your house to your car!"
I put in my current address and score a 58 or Somewhat Walkable.
Our previous residence (only 0.9km from our current location) scored a 43 or Car-Dependant.
They base points on amenities being within 1 mile (1.6km) from your home. If amenities are within 1/4 mile (or 0.4km), the points are higher. No points are awarded for any amenity that is over 1.6km (1 mile) from your home.
My Observations:
Our current location is only 2.2km (using roads and not cutting through parks etc) from Seven Oaks Mall. Its about a 25 minute walk Maximum (while using the road and NOT shortcuts). I find it very weird (for lack of a better word), that our locations are considered car dependant and somewhat walkable. I consider them to be VERY walkable. I am in shock that our previous house was considered car dependant. I lived there for 4 years and had no car for 3 of those years. It was very walkable. At times, it was annoying to hike for 30 minutes one way carrying bags of groceries in a foot of snow, but we made it. And now, i wouldn't have it any other way. We have all amenities within our reach (30 minute walk max). And when things are out of our reach, there is public transportation that can take us there.
I find it interesting that a gym is considered a necessary amenity (and oddly the furthest "listed" amenity on our list-although there is a closer location, but only for woman). But if i am car-INDEPENDENT, then why do i need a gym? I get all the exercise i need walking everywhere and carrying groceries home. (or at least i hope so!).
Perhaps, walkscore's method isn't incorrect, its the maximum distance that they consider "walkable" that needs to change. And maybe its our 'American' mindset that needs a bit of changing. We consider that it takes too long or is too far for us to walk, when in reality its probably not. Its just our laziness and busy lifestyles that don't allow us to break the mold and leave our cars at home.
Another website i read today suggested a few ways to increase the amount of steps we take in a day. (Thank-you wisebread.com)
1: WALK from the back of the parking lot.
2: WALK up and down the stairs.
3: WALK on your breaks.
4: WALK your dog (or someone else’s).
5: WALK to the beat. (or your mp3 player)
Perhaps I may add a few more suggestions:
1. Walk between stores that are in the same vicinity, rather than taking the car.
2. Walk one of the beautiful trails that Abbotsford has (and try walking to it, rather than driving)
3. Find one amenity near your home and walk there instead of drive. Look up the distance on google maps when you get home to find out the distance. You'll be amazed at how far you can walk.
4. Walk to church. Or bike. Or take transit.
5. Choose to leave your car at home and find an alternate mode of transportation (bike, transit, walk etc). It'll do you well.
But most importantly, don't let numbers or website decide if your city is walkable. You be the judge. And then, even if you think you can't do it, Try. Choose to change your life, one step at a time. As all these website keep telling me, "your heart will thank you!"
The website fully admits its flaws, such as using direct distances, not walking distance (aka, they draw a straight line from place a to place b, instead of using travel directions). They also don't take into account public transit, weather, hills, walk ability of streets, bodies of water or major highways (you might just find yourself swimming to get to the grocery store). But what they do have going for them is finding places that are walkable based on a city center, density of businesses and residences, parks and public space, nearby schools and workplaces.
To quote their website:
"Walk Score helps people find walkable places to live. Walk Score calculates the walk ability of an address by locating nearby stores, restaurants, schools, parks, etc. Walk Score measures how easy it is to live a car-lite lifestyle—not how pretty the area is for walking.
Your Walk Score is a number between 0 and 100. Here are general guidelines for interpreting your score:
90–100 = Walkers' Paradise: Most errands can be accomplished on foot and many people get by without owning a car.
70–89 = Very Walkable: It's possible to get by without owning a car.
50–69 = Somewhat Walkable: Some stores and amenities are within walking distance, but many everyday trips still require a bike, public transportation, or car.
25–49 = Car-Dependent: Only a few destinations are within easy walking range. For most errands, driving or public transportation is a must.
0–24 = Car-Dependent (Driving Only): Virtually no neighborhood destinations within walking range. You can walk from your house to your car!"
I put in my current address and score a 58 or Somewhat Walkable.
Our previous residence (only 0.9km from our current location) scored a 43 or Car-Dependant.
They base points on amenities being within 1 mile (1.6km) from your home. If amenities are within 1/4 mile (or 0.4km), the points are higher. No points are awarded for any amenity that is over 1.6km (1 mile) from your home.
My Observations:
Our current location is only 2.2km (using roads and not cutting through parks etc) from Seven Oaks Mall. Its about a 25 minute walk Maximum (while using the road and NOT shortcuts). I find it very weird (for lack of a better word), that our locations are considered car dependant and somewhat walkable. I consider them to be VERY walkable. I am in shock that our previous house was considered car dependant. I lived there for 4 years and had no car for 3 of those years. It was very walkable. At times, it was annoying to hike for 30 minutes one way carrying bags of groceries in a foot of snow, but we made it. And now, i wouldn't have it any other way. We have all amenities within our reach (30 minute walk max). And when things are out of our reach, there is public transportation that can take us there.
I find it interesting that a gym is considered a necessary amenity (and oddly the furthest "listed" amenity on our list-although there is a closer location, but only for woman). But if i am car-INDEPENDENT, then why do i need a gym? I get all the exercise i need walking everywhere and carrying groceries home. (or at least i hope so!).
Perhaps, walkscore's method isn't incorrect, its the maximum distance that they consider "walkable" that needs to change. And maybe its our 'American' mindset that needs a bit of changing. We consider that it takes too long or is too far for us to walk, when in reality its probably not. Its just our laziness and busy lifestyles that don't allow us to break the mold and leave our cars at home.
Another website i read today suggested a few ways to increase the amount of steps we take in a day. (Thank-you wisebread.com)
1: WALK from the back of the parking lot.
2: WALK up and down the stairs.
3: WALK on your breaks.
4: WALK your dog (or someone else’s).
5: WALK to the beat. (or your mp3 player)
Perhaps I may add a few more suggestions:
1. Walk between stores that are in the same vicinity, rather than taking the car.
2. Walk one of the beautiful trails that Abbotsford has (and try walking to it, rather than driving)
3. Find one amenity near your home and walk there instead of drive. Look up the distance on google maps when you get home to find out the distance. You'll be amazed at how far you can walk.
4. Walk to church. Or bike. Or take transit.
5. Choose to leave your car at home and find an alternate mode of transportation (bike, transit, walk etc). It'll do you well.
But most importantly, don't let numbers or website decide if your city is walkable. You be the judge. And then, even if you think you can't do it, Try. Choose to change your life, one step at a time. As all these website keep telling me, "your heart will thank you!"
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Walkers, by nature
As walkers, it amazes us how often we are in the possession of a vehicle and still choose to use our feet. Tonight, we have the Honda Odyssey (seriously, my favorite mini van!). Yes, we used it to drive to Wal-mart and Zellers-ish area but we still chose to walk between stores. More than once, we have seen people drive from Wal-mart to Home Depot. A mere few hundred feet away. But we choose to walk. I mean, who would want to waste gas on that? (the funny part, is that we don't even pay for the gas, and still choose to walk!) We also walked from HomeSense/Winners to Home Outfitters to Zellers, still just hundreds of feet away from each other. It takes about the same amount of time to walk or drive, but still people choose to drive. Not us! Perhaps its just something that's ingrained in us. Its kind of an enviromental choice, but more often than not a lifestyle choice. We just love walking. And we've realized that we don't need to be in a park or on a trail to enjoy it.
Side Note: It truly does amaze us how often we are in possession of someone else's vehicle. We just counted it out and we will in July have possession of a car for 15 out of the month's 31 days. (these aren't necessarily full days, but rather evenings or mornings use) It's kinda scary actually. It never seems like we have a car that often, but obviously we do. Yet, we still walk for our Starbucks, instead of driving. And we still choose to walk if we can. The cars often sit idle or are used to visit friends far away or for vacation use and rarely for errands and daily use.
Side Note: It truly does amaze us how often we are in possession of someone else's vehicle. We just counted it out and we will in July have possession of a car for 15 out of the month's 31 days. (these aren't necessarily full days, but rather evenings or mornings use) It's kinda scary actually. It never seems like we have a car that often, but obviously we do. Yet, we still walk for our Starbucks, instead of driving. And we still choose to walk if we can. The cars often sit idle or are used to visit friends far away or for vacation use and rarely for errands and daily use.
Car-whore
I've come to realize, that I am a car-whore. I am not faithful to any one vehicle, nor to any one brand of vehicle for that matter. In fact, in the last month, I have driven 5 different vehicles. For work, I have driven both a Honda Odyssey (my fav) and a Ford Explorer (most hated). I've also driven both a Toyota Yaris and Toyota Echo, as well as a Tempest (i think). In my short driving career, I have dabbled with many different vehicles. I cannot even count how many different cars I have driven. I guess that's the downfall when you don't own your own vehicle and borrow from anyone who will lend you a car. The upside is that I am somewhat aware of the type of vehicle i would like to own when the time comes. But needless to say, until that day comes, i will be either a walker or a car-whore.
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