Don't Bully Me, It Won't Work...

I suppose the blog has become a place for rants and raves, so I am going to take advantage of the medium.

I am tired of people (i.e PR people) trying to bully me into writing stories how they want them. If I say I am not including a project in the magazine, do not call/email me to harass me as to why...you will not like the answer.
You should just take it as what it is a a simple rejection, not everything can run, so pitch it somewhere else. If you ask me why I won't run it, I can't sugar coat it for you, and you won't like what I have to say.

The first response you will get is "It is a matter of taste, and it is not a good fit."
The second response you will get, if you keep pestering me, is brutal honesty, and then we might not be able to work on other projects because you will hold a grudge.

So don't try and bully me. I may work for a fashion magazine, but I am a trained journalist and I will not write you a puff piece that is a complete lie. If I write the story I will write it as I see fit, and you might not like it or me after.

So don't bully me, it won't work, and you won't like the results.
Other than that, have a nice day!!

Turn on the sun please and thanks....

What happened?? Why is today so drab??

It was a beautiful weekend here in Toronto, lots of sunshine, wandering the streets and a bit of shopping... I really shouldn't have, but they were just soooo beautiful I couldn't stop myself. I only went in to say hi to Bosco at Chasse Gardee and I came out with these beauties:
I am not going to lie, and I know it sounds vapid and horrible, but looking at them makes me smile. They are just sooo pretty. And they are kinda ecologically friendly, the heel is made from reclaimed birch wood and the black leather is actually fish skin leather! Pretty cool huh! And besides we all need a bit of pretty on a dreary day like today.

This weather is killing me. I need some vitamin D, so please, please, please turn on the sun. I would like that perma-smile feeling I get when the sun is out and I can feel it beating on my skin! I long for the days of walking down the street and seeing people in less clothing and excess amounts of exposed skin!

So please turn on the sun please and thanks.

Update me P.L.E.A.S.E!

So I am sitting at work, toggling between the tasks of writing a review, checking email, looking at new photographers sites,having meetings etc....But I find myself constantly checking my personal email, ichat and worst of all facebook, which has been rightly termed "crackbook."

As I do that today, which I hate to admit is no different from most days, I am dumbfounded by the question of why do I need to be CONSTANTLY updated on who is doing what, and is there a new event or message on my facebook that I need to respond to? Has someone put up pictures of something or someone that I might be interested in? Is there a new band or song that I NEED to know about??

Since when did life and mine especially have such an A.D.D quality that I can't stick to one simple task, like writing the easiest book review ever and filing it off?

Why do these things that don't actually matter to me at all, take up so much of my time?? Even now as I am writing this, I quickly responded to message on evil Facebook. What is going on here??

And the things is I am not alone. The message I just responded to was about dinner plans from a friend who works in just as intense a job as mine! What are we doing? Why do we need to be constantly updated? And who can I blame this on? I didn't even have a cell phone when I graduated university in 2001...Now I am constantly plugged in, I have my laptop on probably 18 hours a day, my iphone is NEVER turned off, it's my alarm clock, phone, scheduler, email access device for those odd times when my computer isn't attached to my side, my weather checker, it's everything!


So are these guys propelling me forward or holding me back?? A bit of both maybe??

Do I need all of this?? Probably not, but do I feel totally lost without them?? YES. Is that natural or good??? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Am I going to change my ways tomorrow? Honestly, no. But I am conscious of this ridiculous obsession with the need for constant up dates and it scares me a bit.

It's not just me, I see how my friends are too and everyone around me. We all need immediate gratification. We know that when we send a text message the receiver has got it within seconds, so why don't they respond right away?? We all have our phones on us at all times. For the love of God, where has our patience gone?

The text message and twitter is proof positive that it has gone. Have I become a tweeter? No. Am I planning on it? Absolutely not, I need to draw a line somewhere, and I do not need that kind of immediate updating. BUT I do see it's validity, Look at what happened in Mumbai in November, because of twitter people knew about the attacks within minutes.

But do I need to know a friend had a grilled cheese sandwich with a side of bacon for breakfast? Once again the answer is no. How self-indulgent have we become???

I have another beef with the instant text as well, and I am just as guilty as the next person, what the hell happened to the phone call?? The need or want to hear another person's voice? To actually connect beyond a technical interaction. We have begun to use the text message as a cop out. It's less intrusive than a phone call, but it's also far less intimate, an honestly sometimes it bugs the hell out of me. It's ok for the quick update, but text conversations make me insane! Call me! Talk to me!

But I digress...Once again I am not sticking to the task at hand, the need for the constant update. I know most of you out there start your day when you get to work by checking your email, then your facebook, answering messages and commenting on statuses, photographs, replying to event invites, peeping exes profiles AND THEN maybe starting some work, after an ichat or two...

So what is next for us?? Are we going to have microchips in our clothes or skin that we can access anything anywhere and have anyone access us as well?? Do we want that? It would be convenient right? But what is the cost?? The art of conversation and language is disappearing before our eyes. I mean for Christ sakes, I have gotten articles from writers with LOL in them!

Are you kidding me??? An article is not a text message. Don't be so damn lazy! In the world of emoticons, IMing, text messaging, facebook friends and twitter, do we have hope to make it as real formed people?? I don't know, but I sure as hell hope so!

I'm back and I'm gonna blog dammit!

So I keep saying I am going to blog more and I think I actually mean it this time. Get ready to hear my thoughts, opinions and ramblings...

Time to commit to something right?!



I took this photo on a recent trip to Mexico, this tree is in a small Mayan village called Coba, the roots were exposed and strangely beautiful and intricate. A symbol of commitment, I think so...

What Would You Do?

This evening I watched a program titled "What Would You Do?" on ABC. It's an interesting concept where they hire actors and put them in precarious situations to see what the general public will do.

One of the situations involved a racist white female real estate agent (who I remind you was an actor) who was showing a 1.4 million dollar house to a black couple and then to a Muslim Egyptian couple. The things she said to them were so appalling that is was very difficult for me to watch, even knowing that the situation was a 'set-up.' It floored me for so many reasons. One that not EVERYONE jumped in when she spouted the first racist slur, two that this happens all the time.

Although this particular situation was a set up, the situation isn't that unusual. And I have seen it and experienced it first hand. I am still really bothered by what I saw. BUT the good thing is there were a few people who got involved and really gave the woman a verbal lashing. I don't know if I am extra sensitive about this kind of situation because I am an Egyptian Canadian woman, or if it is because issues of human right and equality are something I have been passionate about for all of my adult and teen years.

It's two hours after I saw the show and I am still thinking about it, which I guess is what they are trying to do, cause a discussion. I mean don't get me wrong, the sensationalism of the show is not hard to find, but that particular subject matter of racism is something I get very emotional about.

I have spent more time than I care to talking in circles to people who don't seem to understand not all Muslims are terrorists, not all African Canadian/Americans are thugs, not all Koreans own variety store etc. These stereotypes and generalizations make me angrier than anything I can think of, because they are the most ignorant and close minded preconceptions AND are actually damaging to the world we live and the world we are trying to create. Which is why I feel like I need to vent my feelings here.

There are so many excuses people give for throwing racist, sexist or homophobic slurs around, and I can tell you now, they are all complete and utter bullshit. I know tons of white people who grew up in small town Ontario who are some of the most amazing and well rounded people I know and the issue of tolerance would just be offensive to them, as it is not something to even think about, you just treat everyone as they deserve to be treated.

It's a lie to say we don't see race. Of course we see it, but it is not something that is taboo, different races, ethnicities, religions, creeds, sexuality, you name it, it should all be celebrated. Because let me tell you, without variety in our world, this would be a pretty dull place.

It's a sad fact that we need show's like ABC's "What Would You Do?" to show us what appropriate behaviour is. It's time to angry and show others that racism in this day and age is absolutely not to be tolerated in any form. I am hoping that Barak Obama's presidency will help change things. It won't happen in a day, but I hope the change the US population voted for happens sooner rather than later.

This show also addressed other precarious situations, such as suspicious predators in the park approaching young children and how nearby adults reacted.

After Eight Years of Wrong, Today Something is Right

Today newly sworn in President Barack Obama delievered a speech that was passionate, moving and incredibly well spoken. He has a voice that touches people and speaks with great resolve and confidence, it's hard not to get the chills when he addresses the people.

Luckily for me my good friend Henri, is great tech head and always on top of things. He quickly updated his own blog, The Newest Era, with a link so everyone can download President Obama's Inauguration Speech. I grabbed the link for you too (and also downloaded the speech) so thank you My Man Henri!

President Obama is quite humble and noted that today was not about him, but about the American people. But what he didn't address, which of course he couldn't, is that today is not just about him and the American people, his presidency will have an affect on the entire world, and in a positive way. I can honestly say, while it would have been great to see a woman as president, I would not have such strong emotions if Hilary Clinton was elected.

Because it is not just that Barack Obama is African American that this was a great day in history, it is that he is a man who wants to make a difference and shows his passion in his humility. He has that Je ne sais quoi and charisma of a leader that makes you believe good things are to come.


Watching President Obama give this speech was yet again another emotional moment. I feel strong sense of hope that things will change, I know I sound just like his campaign, using the words "Hope" and "Change" but that's what he evokes. I think Barack Obama is the first politician in my lifetime that I actually want to meet and know.

I have no doubt this man will live up to the hype. He is straightforward and can speak without being fed lines. He is quick to answer questions intelligently. This man is what a leader and president should be. He has a tough road ahead of him, with a GIANT mess left to him and the USA by his moronic predecessor, but I think if anyone can do it, Barack Obama can. He has left his nation and those of us who are not American, fully charged. I have hope that foreign relations and this time of war will be rectified, maybe not immediately, but in good time.

It's time for a change people, and Obama is here to give it to us. Now if only we can get a man or woman like that to lead Canada!

Ok can can we please note how AMAZING Michelle Obama looked! Look out ladies Michelle O. is in the House!

Actually his whole family is pretty damn good looking!

**All images are from the New York Times

An New Era in Time...

Today marks a huge moment in history, and that moment at least deserves a bit of my time to update this blog that I have ignored for much too long.

Barack Obama is now, as of 10 minutes ago the official PRESIDENT of the United States of America. I might be Canadian, but I can't help smiling from ear to ear, my heart is swelling and I feel strangely emotional, almost to the point of tears.

It is not the first time, I cried the day after he was elected while looking through a photo gallery of people's emotions from around the world. He is speaking now so I will pay attention to his words and then continue this post....

Hvar and an idiot or two...

Our trip to Hvar has just ended and as before I am sitting on the ferry, this time on the way to Split for the day and then off to Trogir. As I thought Hvar was my favourite stop as of yet.
When we arrived at our apartment, which was very cute and had a fantastic balcony with an even better view, we were greeted by the owner of the building, who was a jolly man who slightly reminded me of Santa Claus, with a shorter beard and sans Santa suit, actually I only ever saw in him swim trunks and flip flips.

He kindly showed us the apartment and introduced us to his gigantic but adorable dog, which I nicknamed Bear. He told us we might find Bear lying in front of the door leading up to our apartment, but to just step over him and not push him out of the way, because Bear might think we didn’t love him.

Hvar was beautiful, the architecture was the same as Dubrovnik and Korcula; so we decided to spend our time here just lollygagging around (I love that word). The first day we found a nice spot on the rock beds and swam as much as we could.

Later I went for a stroll and picked up a few beers and snacks for us. Seriously there are few things that are better than beer, sun and swimming all wrapped up together.


On a side note, one of the things I like to do that I just noticed on this trip is look at the books people are reading to see what language they speak. It boggles my mind how many people are still reading The Divinci Code, hasn’t that fad died already???

Later on we picked up some red wine, proscuitto, fruit, cheese etc. and I made us a splendid batch of sangria and we dined and drank on the balcony of our apartment.


The next day we hiked down (oh yeah our apartment as a bit removed from the core of Hvar, so it was always a hike to and fro everywhere, coming home was uphill, and after a day in the sun, it was work!) to beach and jumped on a little wee boat so I could dive and Jen, Mona and Joyce could snorkel.

The dive was kinda funny, as I was the only girl, the dive guide was also an old German man who was missing a few teeth and the ones he did have were crooked and brown, and he didn’t speak a lick of English or any other language for that matter.

The best was he was smoking as he helped us suit up. I was going to point out that may not be the best idea since we had seven tanks of compressed oxygen next to his cigarette, but he wouldn’t have understood me anyway, c’est la vie.

The dive was nice, relaxing, but not too much to see in terms of aquatic life, we did however venture into a TINY and dark cave, that only two people could fit in at a time that was pretty cool, because if you looked up with your torch you could see air pockets. Oh and I lost one of my fins during the coldest part of the dive (I was in two vey thick wetsuits) I was quick and managed catch it and slip it back on.

That evening we went to Luna for dinner, which was by far the best restaurant we have been to in Croatia, the food has been pretty unremarkable in the restaurants, so this was a treat…clams in white wine with linguini☺



So we decided to hit the local hot spot, Carpe Diem that night since we had been pretty chill in our evenings. Let me tell you they most certainly were not seizing the day in terms of music. I want someone to tell me WHY in so many European clubs they are still playing shitty house music! There is so much good music out there, why do we need to be inundated with shite! But we made it fun anyway.

Yesterday was our last day, and after a leisurely morning we decided to check out Pakleni Island. If you ever make it to Hvar go to Pakleni Island. It is amazingly beautiful. The water is crystal clear, the beach is serene and the sun is pounding. Oh but if you are a bit bashful you might be in for a sight. It’s a nudist beach.



And let me tell you I got more than an eyeful of people old and young, and when I say old, I mean old. But it is the beach, so why not. Fancy that, the best beach in Croatia is nudist beach. Go figure.

Oh and one last thing, it amazes me how much white people with dreads still annoys the piss out of me. I always want to walk up to them and chop them all off their heads and tell them they look like idiots.

Adventures & Excursions in Korcula

So I wrote this blog a few days ago...but had no Internet access...I will fill you in on Hvar tomorrow or the day after...

Korcula has restored my faith in the Croatian people and re-affirmed my theory of Dubrovnik. Everyone here was nice and pleasant, and Korcula is a beautiful island. We spent two days in Korcula, the first we took to the rock sides again and swam in the Adriatic, which is lovely and clear and coats you with a thin layer of salt each and every time.



The beaches in Croatia are not sandy beaches, they are all pretty much flat rock beds that jut into the sea, it’s actually quite lovely. Later on we went for dinner, which of course included some of the freshly cured proscuitto, mussels and other local delicacies like dates stuffed with fresh cheese.



After dinner we sauntered over to a bar that is in the rock wall… you have to climb up a ladder through the narrow hole in the ceiling to get to the drinking spot. It’s kind of hilarious and would never be allowed at home. As well once you order your drink the server attaches the order to a clothes pin and sends it down a rope, soon the drinks arrive via a pulley system from the floor below… a bit of a novelty yes, but worth the experience.



Yesterday was one of the favourites of the trip so far. We decided to go on an eco bike adventure, so the four us rented some mountain bikes and with our friendly bike guide, Zoran, trekked through the Korcula countryside. It’s been a while since I have been trailing but it was good fun. We also stopped at a secluded spot that was once part of a quarry for a little sunning and swimming. It was pretty picturesque, I’m not going to lie.




Zoran also found some female sea urchins, which he cracked open and presented to us to have a taste… it really wasn’t bad, an experience all to itself.

After our little break we hopped back on our bikes and rode through a lovely little vineyard, part of it was a bit grueling and uphill, but all fun and games. We took to another beach, a sand one this time for a very quick dip to cool off, but it was super crowded so back on the bikes we went.

After biking we were treated to a lovely and super fresh lunch at Zoran’s home of fresh salads, bread, Croatia wine, fresh cheese and proscuitto, and fruit. It was pretty much a perfect afternoon.


Later on we went to see some Croatian sword dancing and folk singing. Believe me the sword dancing sounds much more exciting and entertaining than it actually was. It was kind of disappointing to tell the truth. It was two teams of elaborately dressed men walking in circles around each other and then play fighting with wrought iron swords, it carried on for about 45 min. it was actually kind of humourous at times, all for the experience right!



So now it is 6:30 a.m. and I am exhausted and on another ferry on the way to Hvar, which I honestly think is going to be the best part of the trip. Apparently Hvar is where all the nighttime fun is, and where the diving is. So I am pretty excited, but not excited enough that I am going to keep typing. I need a nap.

Two days in Dubrovnik...

Today was our last day in Dubrovnik, so we decided to do the walking tour of the old city along the city wall. The wall encapsulates the entire city, so needless to say there were some pretty amazing views to take in. And best of all I got to do something every younger sibling always dreams of….



So after wandering the city and the city walls, we rightly felt some relaxation and sunning was needed, so we took to the rock beds by the water. The Adriatic is AMAZING!! The water is clear and wonderfully refreshing, not too warm, not too cold just right, like baby bear’s porridge.



Later we decided to get out of the old town and check out New Dubrovnik, so we went to Levanat Restaurant. It was nice, and had an amazing view…but they charged us each a cover charge… it’s not a bar, it’s a restaurant…very strange if you ask me.

So after dinner we made our way back to the old town, and were once again treated to live opera in the square, complete with full orchestra, it was absolutely beautiful. (Last night we saw them warming up… which was a treat in itself, actually we thought it was the real performance until we saw them all dressed up). It’s all part of the Dubrovnik Festival, which started on July 10th and goes to the 25th.



Yesterday was actually our first real day in Dubrovnik, and we decided to head over to Lokrum Island for the day. A quick ferry ride over brought us over to the island filled with peacocks and a botanical garden. The peacocks are as striking as they are brave. They let you get right up close, which was truly an experience all in itself.



Really there isn’t much to do there except walk around through the forest and by the coves, lie out on the rocks sunning yourself and swim in the Adriatic sea. Not bad for a days' work I have to say.



After our day of sun and fun we headed back to our apartment for some cold beer and nibblies of proscuitto, fresh cheese, real tomatoes and some tasty fruit. It was pretty surreal and amazing.

Later was dinner and a stroll though the old town, and as I said the treat of live opera.

So tomorrow morning we head out to Korčula, which I am quite excited for, because although Dubrovnik was beautiful, it’s kind of a strange little town, one like I have never set foot in before. It’s the most touristy place I have ever been, and the people haven’t been so friendly, in fact in a lot instances they have been pretty rude.

But I am going to chalk it up to the fact that it is the most touristy place I have ever been, so they must have to deal with a lot of assholes and stupid people, right? So onwards and upwards I say... to Korčula.

En route to and finally in Croatia.

So I am finally on my first trip out of Canada since my travels to Egypt last year, and let me tell you it is long over due. I am currently sitting on flight on the way to Washington, to go to Frankfurt, to get to Dubrovnik. It kind of sucks to have so many connecting flights, but such is life and I am finally going away.

So as of yet our flight was an hour late taking off, which means sister Jenners and I will have to hightail it to make our connecting flight, which is scheduled to board pretty much as we land.
We are also on the smallest, most cramped plane I have ever seen, not to mention been on in my life. All for the adventure right?!

Oh and here is the best part of the flight, the flight attendant just got on her microphone and said is her heavy southern accent that they were about to start serving drinks, but “unfortunately we were not equipped with any ice on this flight.” Yes, yes I know what you are thinking, and you are right, ‘tis a bit of a shit show. So here begins the trip!

So next up is our flight from Washington to Frankfurt, which luckily we caught. It was one of the most turbulent flights I can remember ever being on. It felt like every half an hour or so our world was being rocked this way and that. So much so, that I had my hand gripping the wall of the plane for support, and I am pretty good flyer. And to make things even more fun, one of the most turbulent moments happened when I was in the bathroom, I did have to laugh at bit at the situation even as it was happening.

Oh but the worst part was the movies that were forced upon us… Definitely Maybe (lame cheesey romantic comedy), Be Kind Rewind, now I love Michele Gondry, but honestly the movie wasn’t very good the first time I saw it, the second was just painful, and finally a child’s movie called Nim’s Island, honestly not even worth explaining what it was about.

The eight hour flight finally ended and the flight into Dubrovnik was uneventful.

So we finally arrived, were met by our pick up guy, poor cousin Mona’s bag was of course the only one that didn’t make it on the flight (we finally got it today). So our pick up guy dropped us off at the gate of the old city told us walk down to the harbor and look for a guy in a blue t-shirt that said “ELITE” and went on his merry way.

Of course the man in the blue t-shirt was NOWHERE to be found, we wandered aimlessly for a bit back and forth and then some nice guy called someone for us and the man in the blue t-shirt coolly emerged from a restaurant and escorted us to our apartment.



After a much needed five hour nap we showered and emerged on the town, took it in and made our way to a bar, drank a few local beers at sunset at the Buza Bar which is set on the rocks overlooking the water. All is well that ends well right.

A Hard Week in the City....

So I have really been meaning to blog more regularly, and I have no good excuses why I haven't.

But I feel the need to write something now. This has been a strange and pretty sad week in Toronto. The devastating fire on Queen Street West and Bathurst was nothing short of tragic.




The fire took away some very special places to me. I worked in that neighbourhood for about five years and it became a pretty significant part of my life. I don't think a week has gone by that haven't walked down that part of the street in about seven years.

The first office for HIGHRISE Magazine, my first magazine job, was above Suspect Video. It's gone now, the whole building is gone, and I am sad about it. I walked by on Wednesday at around 2 p.m. and they were still hosing down the buildings that went ablaze after five in the morning.

When I was on my way home around 6:30 p.m. they were still hosing the buildings down. I couldn't really process what was happening so I didn't linger.

On Thursday evening I went to Radiant Dark, a design event put on by the lovely people from MADE on Dundas Street West. The event was supposed to take place on Wednesday evening, but the severity of the fire prevented it from happening, it took place at the Burroughes Building, which happened to be at the corner of Queen and Bathurst.

Fortunately, this building was not affected by the fire. But I did have walk by what was left of Suspect and Duke's, and all the other places I had grown to love over the years.

It was horrible, the shops were gutted and the apartments upstairs were just gone. I didn't linger this time either.

Radiant Dark was a really good distraction. It was nice to see so much creativity and beauty in a beautiful space. The event showcased up and coming Canadian furniture and industrial designers.

After the event I walked home, and I couldn't help staring at the icicles that filled the burned out shops, it was like nothing I had ever seen.

Today was the first time I stopped and actually took in the full magnitude of the blaze's destruction. I stood in front of the Shopper's Drugmart and just starred at what was left. A few days ago I saw the shops gutted, today I saw the remnants of what used to be the buildings.

I almost cried, and I don't cry very easily. But I really just couldn't believe it. Suspect is gone. Literally gone, like it was never there, and so is Duke's, and everything else.

I still remember sitting in the sweat den that was the HIGHRISE office just looking out the window. I really can't believe the window is gone.

Those buildings and the occupants were historic, not just to me but to the city. I can't believe I am not going to walk into Suspect Video and see Daniel sitting at counter, have a few laughs and walk out with something he recommends. I can't believe I am not going to walk into Duke's and get some gear for my bike. It's surreal.

And my heart goes out to everyone who lost their homes, I can't even imagine what they must be going through.....

I just hope the City doesn't use this fire as an excuse to let the big developers come in and throw up more cookie cutter condos and big box stores. This neighbourhood has an endearing character, and although it will never be the same, I only hope whatever does fill that gapping hole works with the neighbourhood.

I have heard that Duke's is planning to rebuild, I hope they do.

But on a happier note, after I took in the ramifications of the fire I walked over to the Gladstone Hotel for the Come Up to My Room event, which is an annual design event that also showcases the work of some of Toronto's most talented artists and designers. I needed to see some pretty things, badly.

It was fantastic! Pamela and Christina curated another brilliant show. And once again I was slapped in the face with amazing design and creativity. While I admit I liked it all, my favourite rooms were Dennis Lin' s and db johnson's.

Lin's room was filled with amazing wooden sculptures and cement cast numbers on the walls, where visitors were invited to take one. Underneath each number was a little saying Lin wrote on the wall. I took a number 2 and underneath it said "Air Raid Freshman!!"

Which, in case you don't know, is the a classic line that Parker Posey drunkenly orders a freshman girl in the movie "Dazed and Confused." Brilliant. Just brilliant.

And P.S., I LOVE Parker Posey, so it was perfect. Oh, and one of the sayings on the wall said "I Lover Parker Posey!" Lin loves her too.

db johnson's room was like a scene from the enchanted forest. The room was centered around a giant human sized bird's nest and full of feather's and the like. I only wish I had my camera so I could share what I saw.

Hello 2008, nice to meet you.

So I haven't blogged in a dogs age, and yes I did just use the term 'dog's age.' But it is a new year and I have decided to get back to the blog. 2007 was a good year, there were ups and downs, but overall, I have no real complaints, I did spend a third of the year traveling, so, things could have been worse. As for resolutions for the year, I have a few, but I am not sharing them just yet, it's bad luck you know.

Bringing the New Year was pretty good, I spent it with good friends, drank some bubbly, danced a little and laughed a lot. What more can a girl ask for?

Now I just have to make sure that I actually put some effort into making 2008 the year I want it to be.....it's all up to me this time....

All good things come to an end, my 15 weeks are up

So right now I am sitting on the cold hard floor in the Frankfurt airport (all the seats at the gate are taken) and it’s a million o’clock in the morning. I didn’t have time to update the blog after the massive Greek entry so here goes.

A day and a half after I got back from Greece I was whisked off to the North Coast for a last weekend at the beach, Sahel to be precise. It was hot sun, white sand and crazy waves. There was one point when I got caught in a breaking wave and got tossed and tumbled into the Red Sea. Lucky for me there were no rocks there. But really it just adds to the fun and games of the day.



The beaches were once again populated with Cairo’s wealthy and beautiful youth. Music blasted from competing stereos and Heinekens were ever present. Any ideas you may have had about the Middle East and drinking do not pertain to this crowd.


Generally I found that the higher up people are on the socio-economic totem pole, the more ‘westernized’ they are.

But I digress.

After beaching for a few days we headed back to Cairo late in the evening. But the weekend wasn’t over, so a night a La Bodega, a popular bar in Cairo for locals and visitors, was in order.




Now I know you are all wondering how I could have gone to Egypt for 15 weeks and not have visited the pyramids of Giza. But don’t be silly, I just saved them for last, so I would have a good closer to the Egypt and beyond era of the blog.



Monday was the day dedicated to the pyramids and one last trip to Khan Khalili. And yes we did ride camels, which my cousin Dina is still cursing me for as I type this.



But let me tell you a little something about riding a camel.....

It’s REALLY scary when you are sitting on one and he goes to sit down so you can get off to take pictures or what have you. You feel like you are about to fall flat on your face down the camel’s neck, and then if you manage to hold on, and he puts his back legs down you feel like you are going to slide off and land smack on you butt at his butt.




So, yes a few little shrieks of fright did pass my lips as those moments occurred. Camels are funny beings though, they always look like they have been smoking something they shouldn’t and smile at you with a dopey grin….even when they are passing wind. And yes they did that several times. It was a sound I could have lived my life without hearing and been just fine. This is one time I will skip the details for you.




So after a day of camel riding and pyramid browsing we headed back for dinner at my Grandma’s….we were very late, camels are also very slow animals so the pyramids took far longer than expected. As well our ‘guide’ took us through the back way, it was all very scandalous, but being Egyptian has its benefits in Egypt I guess.

So after dinner a quick jaunt over to the markets was in order to pick up the final gifts and trinkets of the trip. I still get such a kick out of the Khan. There are all sorts of spices drifting through the market and lots of shimmer and shine to catch your eye.

All in all, a good fun and tiring day.

So now I am still sitting on the cold hard floor in the Frankfurt airport with a bit of time (five long hours) to reflect on the 15 week trip that has brought me into four countries and through parts of Egypt I had yet to see.

Things I will miss:

My aunt Suzy, Cuz Dina, Uncle Hassan, and of course my Nana (grandma)
The Egyptian hospitality
The people I met and really liked (throughout my travels)
The fruit, seriously, it’s amazing
The beaches

Things I am excited to go home to:

Everyone I love
My bike
Coffee with soy milk and honey
Trinity Bellwoods Park
Reading my newspaper in the morning on my rooftop


I am sure there are lots more that go in both categories but I am delirious from no sleep, so see you in Toronto.

Hail to the Greeks: This is the Mother of All Blog Entries!

Well hello again. I am sorry I stayed away so long, but life stopped me from updating the blog.

I have been in Egypt for about a week after a 16 day adventure in Athens and the Greek Islands. And what an Adventure it was.

I started off at the Athens Backpackers' Hostel, which is one of the best hostels I have ever stayed in. It's run by Aussies and right by the Acropolis, aka lots of fun and great location. When I got there I dropped off my pack and headed out. I stopped by a little sandwich shop grabbed a wrap and Heineken, and sat at the foot of the Acropolis, and had myself a nice little lunch.



This should be a good preview of what's to come. Honestly this little trip started off great and stayed that way. The Acropolis was fantastic.....but I have to say I was disappointed to see it covered in scaffolding.

I know it's a necessary evil, but after taking Greek history classes and having a slight love affair with Greek mythology it was pretty disenchanting to see the ugly metal claws engulphing the Parthenon.



C'est la vie.

So that night I met the six lovely ladies, Steph, Cassie, Louisa, Maria, Renée, and Natalie, who were sharing dorm room number 11 at the Athens Backpackers' with me. These ladies were all expats whose families lived in Hong Kong and in my opinion the best girls in all of Greece.



We quickly bonded and made plans to meet in Ios.

The next day I took a little trip to see the ruins and temples of Athena and Apollo in Delphi. It was three hours on a bumpy and not so fun minibus. But in the end it was worth it. Above the temple of Apollo is the best preserved stadium in all of Greece where the Olympic Games were held.





So of course we had to do a little test run of the stadium.



In ancient times the Greeks regarded Delphi as the centre of the world, and according to Greek mythology, Zeus released two eagles at opposite sides of the world and they met in Delphi. And in the centre of the world is the earth’s belly button, which as legend has it, if you touch it, you are supposed to have ‘strange’ dreams. So of course I touched it. But I don’t know if legend is right or not. I actually didn’t sleep at all that night, although I tried.




Late that night or early that morning, which ever way you want to look at it, I jumped on a ferry to Ios.

Ios was the most fun part of my 16 day Greek adventure. In Ios I was reunited with the best girls in all of Greece, and I met up with my Kiwi friend Chris that I met in Luxor a few months ago.

Day one in Ios started off with a well deserved lazy day at the pool. It was glorious.



After a bit of sun and fun we retired to our rooms to grab a bit of downtime before the night time festivities, which are never lacking in Ios.

Oooh, but let me tell you about the ‘rooms first. This was not a trip of luxury and pampering, it was a trip of fun and experiences. We stayed at The Far Out Village, Hostel & Camping grounds. The ‘rooms’ we stayed in were tenderly termed ‘dog boxes.’ Dog boxes are very small tin and wood boxes (tin from the outside and wood from the in) that have canvas/tent style roofs. AKA small little saunas to sleep in, with two very small little ‘beds.’ I am still kicking myself for not taking a picture.

Anyhoo, I digress. That evening Chris and I went out with Jeff, who Chris met in London, through Fiona, one of the girls on the trip he took through Egypt and the Middle East ( I know I tend to give more details than necessary, I am working on that).
We bounced around several bars, met up with the lovely ladies, and tried something called a Flaming Lamborghini. Yowza is all I can say. It was a fun night.

Next day more lazing around, this time at the beach, mmm, it was nice. That night was more of the same, with the addition of the boys dancing on the tables, and another Flaming Lamborghini, some people don’t learn.





Day three we decided to check out the island of Ios. After many failed attempts to rent scooters, we opted for a car. Unfortunately I couldn’t drive, I never learned to drive manual, c’est la vie. We spent the day driving around checking out the sights (Homer’s grave was one of them) and the beaches.





We also stopped in small little restaurant somewhere off the beaten path and had some dinner. This restaurant had the best Greek salad I had on my trip, and I had lots of them! It was a really nice day, and we saw a beautiful sunset.




That night would be our last all together in Ios: Steph, Cassie, Louisa, Maria, Renée, and Natalie were off to Mykonos in the morning, Chris was off to Athens the next evening, and I headed to Santorini the day after that. So we did it up in style….lots of dancing, drinks, and hopping from one place to another…fun times.



The next day was an afternoon I won’t soon forget. The Kiwis (New Zealanders in case I forgot to say that earlier) were playing the Aussies in the Tri-nation rugby cup. It was quite an event. Those Kiwis don’t mess about when it comes to rugby, and there were lots of Kiwis at Far Out. The Kiwis won and the festivities began very early that day and continued until Chris left for the ferry.



During the festivities I met Mike and Rachel, two more Kiwis, who would be my travel buddies for the next little bit.



I don’t know what it is about the Kiwis, but they are pretty similar to Canadians, they are laid back, and fun to be around, maybe that’s why I haven’t met one I haven’t like so far. Kiwi Katie, one of Chris’s traveling buddies, was supposed to be traveling with us, but in the end she decided to stay at Far Out and work in the kitchen with Jeff for a month, which was too bad, I would have liked to travel with Katie, she’s a doll.

Santorini was beautiful. Ios was the most fun, but Santorini was the most picturesque of the islands I visited. The beaches are either black or red, from the volcano eruptions and lava deposits.



Mike and I managed to rent scooters in Santorini, but my scooter driving ended in about five meters. I had a slight mishap. I have never driven or been on one before, so I didn’t realize there was a lag before it kicked in, so I revved it again and off I went. I mean literally off I went. Now I bruised my ego more than I did myself (thankfully) only a little road rash on the knee and elbow. I ended up on the back of Mike’s scooter.





Day two I got an ATV to drive around on.



It was much slower than the scooter, boo, but I stayed on it. We zipped around Santorini all day and took in all its beauty, which is ever present. I have a bit of a love affair with the Greek Architecture, so all the white and blue houses and buildings made me giddy with joy. I was one of those people oohing and ahhing, mind you to myself, all day.







At the end of the day we took in the sunset at Oia, which is supposed to be one of the best in the world. It is.





The next day Mike and I headed to Crete, Rachel went back to Far Out to work for a month.

Crete is huge. We landed in Iraklio, and after a daytime snooze we hit the happy trails and went to see the sights. We toured around the city for a bit, and then headed off to Knossos. I hate to say it, but, Knossos was pretty disappointing. The recreations of Sir Arthur Evans, the British archeologist, were, for lack of a better word, cheesey. I expected grandeur and instead I got the creations of Evans’s vivid imagination.



Like I said, c’est la vie. But I did get a straw cowboy hat there!



The next day we rented a car, no I couldn’t drive this one either, and took in a bit more of the gigantic island. I was not disappointed that day, there was much to see and do, and the beaches were great. One of my favourite parts of Crete was driving through a tiny little village town and seeing the cutest little Greek nona shucking green beans on the side of the road smiling. We were stuck behind a car so I rolled down the window and said hello. She was adorable and let me snap her picture.



The next day I headed to Naxos by myself. It was time for a little chill time. Naxos is relaxed and quaint island, with an underrated beauty. The day I got there I went to the beach and strolled around a bit. During that stroll I ran into a few more Kiwis I met at the rugby match in Ios. I am a Kiwi magnet, which I think is a good thing. They were off to Paros and we planned to meet in Mykonos in two days.

I took an organized tour through Naxos, which was actually very nice. The villages are full of the architecture I love, and the people are fantastically sweet.



While I was wandering about I came across three Greek men having a late morning beer (11:30 a.m.). They invited me to join, and kept offering me their own beers, if the bus hadn’t been leaving in five minutes I would have. But they did let me snap their picture.




The rest of the day was filled with the beach, a stop at one of, if not the world’s oldest church, and more history of the island. Naxos was a good island to have a little chill time on.












Last stop of the trip was Mykonos. What’s there to say about Mykonos? Beach and party island about sums it up.





Oh, and it’s the most expensive island in Greece!! But the little town was lovely….more of the architecture I like.

All in all it was a great trip, probably one of, if not the best I have ever taken. I have to say of all the people I met on my travels, I miss the ones from Ios the most.