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What is Your World View? (updated)
May 26, 2005
sucker for online quizzes
You scored as Cultural Creative. Cultural Creatives are probably the newest group to enter this realm. You are a modern thinker who tends to shy away from organized religion but still feels as if there is something greater than ourselves. You are very spiritual, even if you are not religious. Life has a meaning outside of the rational.
What is Your World View? (updated)
What is Your World View? (updated)
May 25, 2005
beautiful world
My friend and colleague Manoj (Bob) Bharij is a gifted photographer, a charity founder and an all around inspiring person. He has travelled and created a photojournal of his travels to Japan, Ladakh, Iceland, Cambodia, Thailand and India. Please do stop by his website and have a look: http://www.photo.beautifulworld.org.uk/. His photographs are amazing.
Khmer Musician
Iceland
He also runs a charity called a Beautiful World, a charity he started after he spent time teaching English to the monks and nuns in Ladakh.
Beautiful World is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that offers enthusiastic individuals the unique opportunity to teach English to Buddhist monks and nuns in the starkly beautiful region of Ladakh. Situated in northernmost India, Ladakh is one of the few remaining strongholds of Tibetan Buddhism in the world, possessing a culture that has remained intact for thousands of years.
Well done Bob!
Khmer Musician
Iceland
He also runs a charity called a Beautiful World, a charity he started after he spent time teaching English to the monks and nuns in Ladakh.
Beautiful World is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that offers enthusiastic individuals the unique opportunity to teach English to Buddhist monks and nuns in the starkly beautiful region of Ladakh. Situated in northernmost India, Ladakh is one of the few remaining strongholds of Tibetan Buddhism in the world, possessing a culture that has remained intact for thousands of years.
Well done Bob!
May 23, 2005
the forgiveness project
Forgiveness does not mean condoning what has been done. It means taking what has happened seriously and not minimizing it; drawing out the sting in the memory that threatens to poison our entire existence. In these forgiveness stories there is real healing.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
The Forgiveness Project is an organisation working to promote conflict resolution and restorative justice as alternatives to the endless cycles of conflict, violence and crime that are the hallmarks of our time.
I found this inspirational website today and am reminded of a fellow I met a year ago in the Rwanda Forum I went to. He was one of the speakers and he talked about his need to forgive the Hutus for the death of his family and for the trauma he had to face to survive.
I have not had to face such personal atrocities yet I know I carry a lot of unforgiveness. I see the violence in my heart and know that it's time to let it go. Yet it's difficult. I have not felt justice. Yes, I was wronged. And nothing has made it right as of yet.
But is that truly what I want? To live with anger, defensiveness and such bitterness that my life and possibly others lives would be robbed of true life?
I know I can forgive. If the Rwandan fellow forgave for the death of his loved ones. If Jesus forgave for his own death.
The Forgiveness Project is about people's stories of forgiveness. I know I'll have my own.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14.27
May 21, 2005
bigger than life
I shook Sir Elton John's hand the other day. I met Dame Anita Roddick, Body Shop founder and a woman I admire, in the loo. But the real highlight for me were James, Sarah and some of the other Amnesty employees.
My flatmate Nicky invited me to an Amnesty International event on behalf of her dad who was invited to this exclusive building launch. I knew Elton John was going to be there, as it was so creatively called the Elton John Tour.
Nicky and I walked towards the building and noticed a section where the paparazzi were, which made me wonder how big this event was. We then walked into the reception area where Nicky was naming off TV presenters, comedians, actors, columnists and football players who I did not know. We were giddy, intimidated school girls so we headed to the washrooms, as women often do together. While chatting and touching up our lipstick for the #nth time Anita Roddick walks in. We then were quiet as I was trying to think of something smart to say to her, when she then looked at us and asked if she interrupted anything. I smiled, said no, and very intelligently said, 'you look very familiar to me', as though I did not know who she was. Nice one Anj [note the sarcasm].
The evening started with wine and cocktails, a speech by Elton John, a short play and a testimonial. We were then taken by groups on a tour of the new Human Rights Action Centre. We were then led to a reception area for more wine, canapes and a chance to look at some displays, including an exceptional photo display by Carlos Reyes Manzo, who was a former prisoner of conscience during the Pinochet era in Chile. Elton John gave a closing speech but I kept looking around to see if there was a piano around as I was hoping he would play something, but the evening ended with his speech and a chance for me to go up to him right after and shake his hand, which I did.
There were a lot of 'thank you for your support', which made me a little uncomfortable since I did not support Amnesty financially in the way these people did, but I'm sure Nicky passed on their thanks to her dad.
I came out inspired. Not so much by Sir Elton's speech, or my celebrity host (whose name I forgot); the employees there were the real source of inspiration. This is not an easy job - it takes an idealist to see the worst part of humankind and know they can offer a better world. It was my conversations with them that I will take with me. And the many thanks really goes to them for seeing that a new and just life can be offered to people like Carlos Reyes-Manzo. Cheers.
My flatmate Nicky invited me to an Amnesty International event on behalf of her dad who was invited to this exclusive building launch. I knew Elton John was going to be there, as it was so creatively called the Elton John Tour.
Nicky and I walked towards the building and noticed a section where the paparazzi were, which made me wonder how big this event was. We then walked into the reception area where Nicky was naming off TV presenters, comedians, actors, columnists and football players who I did not know. We were giddy, intimidated school girls so we headed to the washrooms, as women often do together. While chatting and touching up our lipstick for the #nth time Anita Roddick walks in. We then were quiet as I was trying to think of something smart to say to her, when she then looked at us and asked if she interrupted anything. I smiled, said no, and very intelligently said, 'you look very familiar to me', as though I did not know who she was. Nice one Anj [note the sarcasm].
The evening started with wine and cocktails, a speech by Elton John, a short play and a testimonial. We were then taken by groups on a tour of the new Human Rights Action Centre. We were then led to a reception area for more wine, canapes and a chance to look at some displays, including an exceptional photo display by Carlos Reyes Manzo, who was a former prisoner of conscience during the Pinochet era in Chile. Elton John gave a closing speech but I kept looking around to see if there was a piano around as I was hoping he would play something, but the evening ended with his speech and a chance for me to go up to him right after and shake his hand, which I did.
There were a lot of 'thank you for your support', which made me a little uncomfortable since I did not support Amnesty financially in the way these people did, but I'm sure Nicky passed on their thanks to her dad.
I came out inspired. Not so much by Sir Elton's speech, or my celebrity host (whose name I forgot); the employees there were the real source of inspiration. This is not an easy job - it takes an idealist to see the worst part of humankind and know they can offer a better world. It was my conversations with them that I will take with me. And the many thanks really goes to them for seeing that a new and just life can be offered to people like Carlos Reyes-Manzo. Cheers.
May 14, 2005
on to trento
After two days in Venice, Rick and I went to Trent to take up our new friends' offer to come and visit the Italian Alpine region. Of course, a day and a half in Trento is insufficient to truly appreciate it. I did however appreciate the quietness of the town after coming from both London and Venice. We arrived in Trent in the early afternoon, while most people and stores are in siesta. While waiting for our hosts, whose names we did not know at this time (and likewise, they did not know our names!), we decided to walk around the town a little. It's a quiet town hugged by mountains, bearing a mix of medieval, gothic and renaissance architecture. Trent is rich in history, being site for the 16th C Catholic counter reformation movement (Council of Trent) and used to be part of Austria in the 19th C, then becoming part of Italy.
We met up with our excellent hosts and they took us for dinner that night. They opened their homes to us, all the while neither party knowing each other's names (at least not until the following day when we were getting ready to leave). We stayed in Trent for one night before we headed to Cinque Terre, through Verona.
Trent's historical centre is a car free zone, so instead of seeing businesspeople in suits driving BMWs, we saw businessmen with a cigarette in one hand, bike handle in the other, pedalling through Trent in their silk suits.
Rick and I were waiting for our hosts by the baroque Neptune Fountain (above and below) in the Piazza del Duomo. The piazza is right in the historical centre and is claimed to be one of the most beautiful piazzas in Italy. The buildings surrounding the fountain were the Cathedral of San Vigilio, the Palazzo Pretorio, the Torre Civica (which was built in 1200 on the ruins of a Roman gate), and the Palazzo Balduini (dating back to the 15th C).
These are our generous hosts (below). One of the most memorable things about the trip was this couple's generosity. All it took was for Rick to offer his seat on the bus, and we end up in this beautiful town, sharing such a wonderful moment with strangers.
This is a picture of the Torre Verde (below), which is a medieval tower built to defend the port on the river Adige. Where the road is today used to be where the river Adige flowed before it was diverted in the mid 19th C (talk about advanced technology!). This is a place where ships loaded with goods and where tolls were paid to the prince-bishop, but according to our host, this was also the tower where 'bad christians' were thrown off as a means of execution for such hideous crimes such as not going to church...
Here's the view of Trent from the the Castello delo Buonconsiglio, which was one of the more interesting castles I've been to. It has a mish mash of architecture, with different wings built in phases.
The selling point for me deciding to take their offer and hop on a train to Trent is something our host said - apparently it was in Trent (in this castle) in the 13th C where it was decided that women have souls (although I haven't found anything to support this). Now how's that for historical significance.
Trent is definitely one of the most beautiful surprises of our trip. Enjoy these pictures as they are the last digital pictures we were able to take. From Verona on, we were relying on our yellow disposable camera. I'll post those pictures once I see them and get them digitised.
ciao bellos!
Apologies for not filling you in sooner about Italy. My procrastination (as has been the subject of this blog at times) and my sore-just-started-bikram-yoga body has kept me with jello limbs and an all too clear mind (ha!) But here's a little of what happened in Italy.
Rick and I started out in Venice. From the airport I thought I had figured where we were going, but realised we got on the wrong bus. Fortunately it took us where we wanted to go but in a roundabout way. Anyway during this hour long bus ride, Rick offered his seat to a fellow and I got chatting with him and his wife, who were returning to Italy from Sydney (yes, a two day trek for them). They offered us some espresso to thank Rick and two days later we end up in their house in Trent. But I'm getting ahead of myself a little.
Venice is beautiful - narrow winding streets that could take you nowhere and everwhere. It's easy to get lost, something Rick and I didn't mind...unless I was hungry. Rick made sure to have some emergency food in his backpack because, though I tried to exhibit some maturity and self-control, I turn vicious when hungry + tired.
Rick and I spent two nights/days in Venice. I booked our accommodations the day before we left, which remained our only pre-booked accommodations for our 9 night stay in Italy. It was very good accommodations for the very low price we paid for it though I wasn't sure if it was very good or if I was prepared for anything thanks to the many youth camps and church retreats I've been to. Since there were a couple of unexpected towns/cities we went to, it's a good thing our itinerary was quite flexible.
We spent the two days in Venice exploring the long narrow passageways that lead to more winding streets, seeing what interesting place it would take us to next. There are a lot of things one can do in Venice; Rick and I opted to walk around, eat, sit in piazzas and watch well dressed Italians and confused tourists, eat gelato (which is probably the only consistent thing we did in Italy) and drink espresso instead of going into the museums and galleries. There's nothing like the gelato and espresso in Italy.
Venice is busy, overrun by camera happy tourists like me. Even in its busyness though, it was a city of ghosts. An old city with old buildings, each filled with centuries old stories. It's no wonder many artists have found inspiration here. Given the time, I'm sure we would have tapped into some of the Venetian inspiration - alas, two days is enough to see the city, but not enough to truly explore it.
Rick and I started out in Venice. From the airport I thought I had figured where we were going, but realised we got on the wrong bus. Fortunately it took us where we wanted to go but in a roundabout way. Anyway during this hour long bus ride, Rick offered his seat to a fellow and I got chatting with him and his wife, who were returning to Italy from Sydney (yes, a two day trek for them). They offered us some espresso to thank Rick and two days later we end up in their house in Trent. But I'm getting ahead of myself a little.
Venice is beautiful - narrow winding streets that could take you nowhere and everwhere. It's easy to get lost, something Rick and I didn't mind...unless I was hungry. Rick made sure to have some emergency food in his backpack because, though I tried to exhibit some maturity and self-control, I turn vicious when hungry + tired.
Rick and I spent two nights/days in Venice. I booked our accommodations the day before we left, which remained our only pre-booked accommodations for our 9 night stay in Italy. It was very good accommodations for the very low price we paid for it though I wasn't sure if it was very good or if I was prepared for anything thanks to the many youth camps and church retreats I've been to. Since there were a couple of unexpected towns/cities we went to, it's a good thing our itinerary was quite flexible.
We spent the two days in Venice exploring the long narrow passageways that lead to more winding streets, seeing what interesting place it would take us to next. There are a lot of things one can do in Venice; Rick and I opted to walk around, eat, sit in piazzas and watch well dressed Italians and confused tourists, eat gelato (which is probably the only consistent thing we did in Italy) and drink espresso instead of going into the museums and galleries. There's nothing like the gelato and espresso in Italy.
Venice is busy, overrun by camera happy tourists like me. Even in its busyness though, it was a city of ghosts. An old city with old buildings, each filled with centuries old stories. It's no wonder many artists have found inspiration here. Given the time, I'm sure we would have tapped into some of the Venetian inspiration - alas, two days is enough to see the city, but not enough to truly explore it.
May 08, 2005
buon giorno
Back from the land of Italy and back to somewhat regular life in London. After a two week visit Rick got on a flight back to Vancouver this afternoon. After seeing him off at Heathrow Van and Omar had me over their place to cheer me up. We decided to watch The Godfather, which is somewhat a strange and even warped choice if one is looking for something fun and cheery but I guess it follows on the Italian theme of the past couple of weeks, and is a brilliant movie anyway.
Our trip to Italy was so full of surprises. We visited Venice, Trent, Verona, Cinque Terre, Florence, Siena, Certaldo and Pisa. Quite a few places in nine days. All of them packed with vignettes, some of which I'll blog about. As for now, it's time for me to get to bed, and get ready to put in a full day's work tomorrow.
Our trip to Italy was so full of surprises. We visited Venice, Trent, Verona, Cinque Terre, Florence, Siena, Certaldo and Pisa. Quite a few places in nine days. All of them packed with vignettes, some of which I'll blog about. As for now, it's time for me to get to bed, and get ready to put in a full day's work tomorrow.
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