Kindly Me

CHALLENGE  ACCOMPLISHMENT SUMMARY

THE RESOLUTION: Random Kindness

Opportunities are everywhere!

Without a doubt, it has been faster, easier, more fun and definitely more rewarding to complete ThirteenSquared’s Random Kindnesses resolution than the ever more effortful volunteering campaign. I even find myself continuing to look for these altruistic chances beyond my ThirteenSquared goals. The true goal of every resolution is to ignite great future life changes. 

My summary list:

1. One of my most honest and vulnerable entries. http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.com.es/2013/03/the-weight-of-issue.html#more

2. Simple beginnings start with tea time.  http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.com.es/2013/02/january-in-review-part-i.html

3. What’s more Canadian than stopping to help others push their car out of the snow? 

4. Meter maid                              http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.com.es/2013/05/meter-maid.html

5. You don’t need a degree in geriatric care to improve the health of neglected elderly people. An hour of simple conversation and a lot of laughter flushed the colour back into Fernando and Horace. 

 -> This one made a surprising and lasting impact for me. Taking the time to visit with them took no particular effort and no expense. In fact, I enjoyed the time with them, Fernando was a particularly “filthy old fart” who soon had my belly aching with laughter. He had been saving a lifetime of jokes for anyone who would just listen to him. But before I could leave, both Fernando and Horace turned serious and emotional. They thanked so profusely for having taken the time to share and laugh with them that I often think back to them, hopeful,that there will always be someone else willing to listen to their jokes. 

6. This cupcake story even got its’ own 2 part double feature.

• Story:                                 http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.com.es/2013/05/st-patricks-day.html
• YouTube:                              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI5MbW1l77I&feature=player_embedded

7. There aren’t too many people who would place doing laundry very high on their list of favourite activities. But this month, a few lucky people will find themselves the lucky recipients of my latest random kindness: prepaid washing machines! Good luck :)

8. Some kindnesses present as learning opportunities. For me, it involved one badass motorcycle and its gentle rider get out of a jam. Thankfully, my trustee truck came equipped with jumper cables. Not so helpful, my lack of instruction on how to operate said cables. No worries, as long as I could provide the materials, the Harley man was more than willing to show me how to properly bring the roaring engine back to life. 

9. An oldie but goodie. Stopped by my local Tim Hortons for a coffee... and treated the following customer, a disheveled looking lady clearly in need of a pick me up. Enjoy stranger :)

10. More a of a volunteer situation than a random kindness due to its more organized nature (if I am to follow my own criteria), but couch hosting Nishant on a last minute request makes #10.                                     http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.com.es/2013/05/hosting-nishant.html 

11. It was a particularly festive day, nevertheless, fireworks rang out from the parking lot beneath us. Minutes later a scary old doggy pawed its way past the back trailing what was left of stinky, rotted leash behind. Spooked by the loud noises, he made a break for it snapping the leash tying to a pole outside the shop while his owner was inside buying coffee. With major trafficked on all four sides, waiting around for his master to notice was much to risky. I sprang into action catching up with the pup half a block away. This is when the realization this anxious mutt may not be feeling to keen to make a new friend. No fret though, I let him sniff me a bit before taking hold of him and guiding him back to the man who was now calling for his dog from the parking lot. 

12. Writing a simple message can be a great way to turn someones day/week around. People who feel good spread that energy with others. It’s a bit harder to know what to say when you are writing to strangers and leaving the notes on their windshield. It is even harder to say something great to a person who is notoriously rude, mean and without compassion. I hope my note makes her a little nicer. 

13. Finally, the story of Justin, the not so wandering hungry person I shared a pizza with.  http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.ca/2013/10/hungry-hungry-hippo.html

The first fully fulfilled and documented list for ThirteenSquared is now complete. Only one month to go and 12 more lists to present! Yikes!

One woman. One year. 169 Resolutions. 

We are LIVE!!!!

I know you have all been waiting with much anticipation for your chance to make a difference in this world. Your chance is now here. My campaign to help the children of Casa Guatemala is now LIVE @ igg.me/at/heroesforguatemala and your contributions WILL bring better health, nutrition, education and joy for them. Please check out the campaign link. Anything helps. Wether you skip your morning latte this week or you buy yourself one less present this Christmas, the impact your donation can make is sure to be amplified. 

If you can't contribute to the funds, (and I completely understand that many of us are struggling to keep afloat in our own lives) remember that there is ALWAYS a way that you can help. Start today by sharing the link (igg.me/at/heroesforguatemala)  with your friends and family. Giving children an opportunity to thrive and live in a safe environment is always a great cause. 

YouTube film: http://youtu.be/MissionGuatemala

The campaign will be live from November 25th to Christmas Day (December 25th) 2013. Don't miss your chance. 

For any other questions/comments or if you have thoughts and ideas regarding this or anything else at all, please feel free to contact me at karinasextraordinarylife@gmail.com. 

Kindest regards and thank you all for your support. 

Karina


*Remember, April and I will be documenting this expedition right here on ThirteenSquared so you too can experience the adventure and witness the effects of these kind givings. 

Heroes for Guatemala

UPDATE: The campaign is now LIVE !!!! (November 25th - December 25th, 2013)

Please visit igg.me/at/heroesforguatemala.
Don't forget to share, like and donate :)
Thank you all so much for always supporting me.

The following campaign was supposed to go live tonight on the eve of my birthday. Because it's a big one this year, I was going to ask every one of you to save that spare change you were going to use to buy me a birthday beer to help me 'be the change you hope to see'. So I'm still going to ask you to be a hero and help fund this mission -- the launch has just been temporarily delayed as I struggle (as usual) with the technological aspects (aka I still have a long long way to go as I learn to navigate all things computer/internet related).

In the meantime, here is a sneak peek at the mission and how you can make a change. Remember to check back (or subscribe) for updates and links. 

Me and my mission: 

My name is Karina. I am a Guatenadian (Guatemalan-Canadian) raising funds for a remote orphanage in Guatemala (I first visited and spent some time volunteering at Casa Guatemala in 2010.) I plan to use the funds to make necessary purchases for food, medical/school/hygiene supplies in local markets and personally transport and deliver them into the bedrooms, kitchens and classrooms of Casa Guatemala. This of course eliminates a single penny lost from the middle men/organizations and ensures needs of the children are met directly. 

My longer story:

When I first started traveling as ragtag solo backpacker on a shoestring, I had a dream of making a positive impact everywhere I could. All around me there were worthy causes pleading for donations and volunteers to build homes/schools, save the rainforest, protect endangered species, or work with impoverished populations. 

I was quickly disappointed at the excessive funds being asked of me in order to ‘volunteer’ at most of the international organizations. Money was more highly valued than the time and personal effort which was all I was able to give. 

In 2010 I returned to my birth country of Guatemala and found Casa Guatemala. This jungle island orphanage is fully funded by donations and international volunteers educating and caring for dozens of children who were orphaned, abandoned or rescued from poverty, abuse and violence. Through my short term volunteer project, I learned more from this kids than I thought possible. Their passionate happiness stems from what little they share. Their smiles and gratitude for my simple presence moved and inspired me into further action. I shared my story with friends and family in order to collect donations and money to help them further. Within a few weeks, I was able to make the long trek back with a boat full of supplies: sacks of rice and beans, diapers, baby formula, basic medications and first aid, hygiene supplies, mosquito nets, food supplements, clothing, shoes, sports equipment and toys. My presence ensured that every item reached its place without a doubt that those who needed them would find it. 

This Christmas I will be making a similar trip to visit Casa Guatemala and I need your help to make it a success. I will once again take responsibility to ensure that nutrition, education and good health reaches this corner of the world. It’s a small step, but we all have to start somewhere. 

Please donate to my cause and be a hero to these kids. My humble goal is to reach $500 for supplies like the ones listed above. Money raised by December 25th, 2013 will also be used to help pay for the transportation of these items from Guatemala city to Casa Guatemala. Remember that any small amount can go a long way in a third world country. 

I will be publishing a photo-journal article on my blog at the completion of the project so you may see how your funds helped to change and improve the lives of the children of the Casa Guatemala orphanage. 

Thank you, 

Karina

www.thirteensquared13.blogspot.com

If you want to learn more about this or any of my other endeavors please feel free to contact me at karinasextraordinarylife@gmail.com

Watch a short film from a previous visit to the orphanage on my YouTube channel KNExtraordinaryLife: http://youtu.be/cj2VD-ApF1k

Cataratas de Iguazú - A Photo Journal

CHALLENGE  ACCOMPLISHMENT # 8

THE RESOLUTION: Travel Stories

WELCOME TO IGUAZÚ

I could start off with words like magnificent, striking, awesome, thunderous, phenomenal, spectacular, or breathtaking. These would all be accurate if understated descriptions of this wonder of the world.

Without speaking to the constantly admired qualities of the waterfalls themselves, I want to praise another impressive aspect of Argentina's Iguazú National Park: the protective ingenuity and creativity that went into the creation of numerous circuits, footpaths, platforms, and extraordinary viewpoints of the nearly 300 individual falls.

The Upper Circuit is a kilometre long footbridge to the mouth of 'Devil's Throat' 

The platform here gives panoramic views of the roaring falls battering all your senses at once. Though be prepared to fight the crowds for a good photograph. 

       The liquid deluge is collected 80 metres below and carried away by the Rio Paraná.  

All along the Argentinian crest there are proper paths with well designed platforms posed at different levels; each giving innovative new perspectives of the cascades. 

Multiple cliffs and islets divide the water streams into separate waterfalls ranging between 60-80 metre drops. 

Views from down river show the vast area consumed by these falls. The right side, including Isla (Island)San Martín pictured in the centre is Argentinian land. The landmass on the left is Brazilian territory.

  A mid-level display of raw power and the most brilliant, colour saturated rainbows I've ever encountered. 

Apart from the labyrinth of paths, there multiple ways get up close and personal both above and below the falls. Mellow rides through the jungle above and more adrenaline activating power rides are available departing from both countries. 

Just in case you were thinking "it doesn't look THAT big!" 

        My face to face with Iguazú on the lower level. Just you try and keep you camera dry for this shot!

If rushing white water inches from your body doesn't sound like your thing (or all the above simply is not enough for you), head over to the Brazilian side and take to the skies for jaw dropping sights you won't soon forget. 

Argentina (to the left) tends to be much more highly regarded than its neighbours' views and activities. 

 In a closer shot you can easily observe the Argentinian platform at the Devil's Throat (top centre).

 In the co-pilot seat overseeing the grand
Waterfalls of Iguazú.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Center in 1984, the Iguazú National Park is also home to an extreme diversity of plant and wildlife in an increasingly threatened environment. 

 Aerial wildlife includes birds of unusual evolutionary colours such as this plush-crested jay. 

On land there is a plethora of easily spotted small mammals, though the elusive big cats of South America such as pumas and jaguars also lurk the jungles. Beware of these cute, confident and overly comfortable Coatis. Close relatives to the raccoons, they've been known to attack, though it was a guilty pleasure of mine to watch tourists squirm and run when they got too close. 

As I followed the footpaths over the plentiful wide streams leading to the mouth of Iguazú, I spotted dozens of turtles sunbathing on rocks, logs and the stone ruins of the previous footbridge; long ago razed by the river currents. Other surprising sights were massive and clearly powerful catfish that seemed to somehow be swimming in place against the strong waters washing them towards the falls. 

One woman. One year. 169 Resolutions. 

Hungry Hungry Hippo

CHALLENGE  ACCOMPLISHMENT # 6

THE RESOLUTION: Random Kindness

Sometimes random kindnesses require more action. It is more than just giving, it is involvement. Take today for example. April and I pulled into a plaza to buy, something. I don’t even recall what the item was, obviously it never ended getting purchased, but as April pulled her shiny Honda shadow off the main road I spotted a familiar sight: a filthy rag-tag green 65L backpack. Attached to it was a similarly unkempt and sad looking man. In his hands, a large cardboard sign reading “HUNGRY, HUNGRY, HIPPO”! 

I’m not sure I actually like the board game (yes, there is a game called ‘Hungry, hungry hippos’) but I sure have fond memories of the commercial. It is not usual for me to burst out with that line with the same over-acted joy the children in it had. I considered this a good omen and asked my fearless driver to pull a u-turn so we could invite this undoubtedly interesting man to join us for pizza. 

Justin was actually born right here in the Hammer (aka Hamilton, Ontario) but for the past 12 years he has been traveling all across  North America by any means. Hitchhiking is no stranger to me now so the exciting part for me was his stories about train hopping. There was a spark of life in his eyes, aged way beyond his 30 years, when he spoke about the excitement of eluding authorities across international boundaries. His experience revealed a similar culture to that of other travelers. Justin often joins other vagabonds for short term periods. They help and caution each other on specific routes - and most importantly, they all love to drink together. 

When J.R.R. Tolkien said, ‘Not all those who wander are lost’, he was NOT talking about this man. Justin is lost. He is a serious alcoholic, hardly able to control the shakes running through his entire body even while he pounds back his vodka mix drink. He admits it is a serious interference in his ability to hold down a job and has tried several times to stop drinking. His lifestyle has also taken a toll on his body and he admits he just can’t do it anymore. Not surprising considering his staggering $50 a day alcohol addiction. 

It is sometimes difficult to keep his attention while we chat over pepperoni pizza. Sometimes it seems he can barely hold on to his slice let alone stomach it. But he is open and honest as April and I  put forth some difficult questions. I don’t judge Justin nor how he chooses to live his life. It is clear he wants more. He wants better. I truly believe that just hearing yourself say that out loud can be a start - but you need someone to ask you first, someone that’s listening. 

Justin has now returned ‘home’ to try and settle down. The Canadian government has even provided him a home for now, but his income still comes from begging. I hope very much for him to find his way again, to make the choices to get back to a healthy life.

One woman. One year. 169 Resolutions. 

Home Sweet Home

So I've been home nearly a week now. I can't say that it is ever easy - welcoming, absolutely - but not easy. More than anything it can overwhelming and confusing. 

What now? Should I finally jump on the career wagon? Temp work while I focus on writing? Should I even bother unpacking? Well at least I can start by doing laundry. Phew!

Aside from having innumerable fantastic experiences to draw from and thousands of images to sort through for ThirteenSquared, the real world still beckons. Until the moment of my impending discovery as a unique and talented traveler/writer/photographer (I'll take any and all please) I must still find a way to feed myself and my expensive habits! Either way you are all free to shower me with gifts :P

Back to business. My dedication to the Thirteen Squared project continues and the  pressure is on. Only 3 months left and, well, I don't even want to count how many challenges still to go right now. Don't even get me started on the pending stories. At least the last 7 weeks of travel   produced a wealth of exciting material for me to start mining (some real gems in there). As if traveling isn't sleepless enough, I worked tirelessly to documents all sights, scents, sounds and feelings from 8 countries visited - 5 of them completely new to me - that I can't wait to share with you. I'm sure by now you have all gotten tired of re-reading the first 3 travel diaries  published including my very own 'mini travel guide to Guyana' (http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.ca/2013/08/my-extraordinary-guide-to-guyana.html). Let me tell you though, it was tough on me trying to lead a fast paced super adventure all-day-long kinda life and then trying to stay awake all night to write about it. I'm sorry I wasn't able to bring you all along on my journeys in real-time. I was stretched too thin and the quality of everything, especially my life, begins to suffer. I am grateful for your patience in this months' blogger gap and I am now ready to bring you more news from an extraordinary life.

Don't forget to subscribe for all the latest update (just post your email in the "Don't Miss Another Moment" box on the right hand column and keep in touch at: karinasextraordinarylife@gmail.com

I also have a brand new Instagram account (better late than never). Look me up at http://instagram.com/karinas_extraordinary_life

Check out all three travel stories so far:

My Extraordinary Guide to Guyana
http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.ca/2013/08/my-extraordinary-guide-to-guyana.html

Santigron
http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.ca/2013/08/santigron-maroon-villages-of-suriname.html

The Suriname Files
http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.ca/2013/08/the-suriname-files.html

The Suriname Files

What a difference a single river crossing makes. If you ever wonder why every country, no matter how small or unknown is worth a visit, then the stark contrast between the two tiny young nations of Guyana and Suriname would be an exemplary answer.

The view from my mini-bus window on part II of the Georgetown, Guyana to Paramaribo, Suriname trip has changed dramatically. The first real hint occured when I was actually able to look out the window without fear that my face would go through the glass on the next major pot hole we hit or yet another major near-miss traffic situation. Looking through the front windshield I saw a paved road with actual signs and even paint demarkating the lanes! The country suddenly feels tropical but with a definite sense of purpose. All the land is being utilized for cultivation or has actual pens for the animals they rear. The donkeys are being cared for, not tied to the side of the road creating hazards. Bananas and coconut bloom from the palms beckoning you to be refreshed. The homes are all in more than livable condition. The style of the older colonial homes is not as elegant and elaborate as in Georgetown but they are cared for here. Fresh paint, no rotted wood or plastic covering to holes. There are gardens.

Suriname is younger than Guyana earning its emancipation from the Netherlands in 1975. The language is still Dutch and the European influence is very strong here. Politically, this country of 500,000 people has more connection to Caribbean and Europe than to its neighbours directly South - it is not even possible to cross into Brazil from Suriname despite their shared border! It's interesting to note that in addition to the Dutch being the last nation to abolish slavery in 1863, they also have a reputation for being the roughest and toughest master. Here in Suriname, all emancipated slaved were still forced to labour for 10 more years - for free - following their liberation. Seems the only real difference that followed 1863 is that the African people were actually recognized as human beings, not just property. Of course the Dutch, like the British in Guyana, also brought indentured workers from around the world - mainly other Dutch colonies like Indonesia.

*It's cheaper for locals to fly from Paramaribo all the way to Amsterdam, Holland and then back to South America than to try flying directly to another country within the continent (outside of neighbours - British and French Guyanas).  WOW!

*Check out my story on the Maroon people of Santigron @ http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.com/2013/08/santigron-maroon-villages-of-suriname.html Maroons are the direct descendants of escaped slaves.

My time here in Paramaribo is coincidentally punctuated by Carifest XI. It is supposed to be the Caribbean's biggest cultural event bringing together arts and crafts, music, performances, culinary and writer word arts. It is the first time it is held in 5 years despite its biennial schedule and while its opening ceremonies may have been a political success on TV, locals and tourists alike, who traveled here for the festival were left feeling angry and unimportant. The entire bleachers filling Independence Square were composed of delegate representatives from every nation involved in the festival who were given special invitations. The problem is that the people responsible seem to have neglected to inform the people who traveled from near and far that they would be locked out behind massive barriers without a chance of experiencing or watching anything. After the show ended we took to the street once more hoping to revel in festival atmosphere but the crowds of well dressed, calm and proper youth of every background seemed to just disperse into the night. I would call it an interesting phenomenon, but that only seems to be the norm. The festival will continue for 10 days - sorry to say I won't be here to tell you all about it as my journey continues East into French Guiana, the only piece of European Union land in South America.

For an easy evening trip in Paramaribo, try a dolphin tour. Boats take you out on the river in search of these beautiful pink bellied dolphins unique to the Amazon areas. They like attention so make some noise and they could put on a show for you with aerials and acrobatics. Other activities to do in Suriname are similar to those of Guyana, specifically involving going into the interior to do trekking, wildlife or waterfall viewing. My personal opinion is that the Guyana jungle is more of a virgin forest so densely packed with wildlife, for now. As international companies make their way into the Amazon of Guyana to mine for gold and export their ancient lumber the situation will undoubtedly change.

*Dolphins tour are offered by Waterproof Paramaribo for 27 Euros.

Pros: Excellent service by our guide Anna and delicious traditional snacks served during a short village visit up river. A beautiful sunset on the water doesn't hurt either.

Cons: You have make your own way to the docks. Taxi costs 20 Suriname Dollars each way. (That's about $7US at current exchange.)

Waterproof Tours Suriname www.waterproofsuriname.com

info@waterproofsuriname.com

Santigron - Maroon Villages of Suriname

Read the whole story and view the images on my new travel blog @ http://karinasextraordinarylife.com/2015/01/21/santigron-suriname/

The big story, the token article for Suriname was supposed to be the much anticipated Carifesta XI taking place for 10 days in Paramaribo during August 2013. I would have never known of the existence of the Maroon people and their villages if not for picking up travel tips and advice from every traveler we meet - which has been a rare occasion since arriving in Guyana. In fact, I came to the Maroon village of Santigron, hardly a drive from the capital city of Paramaribo, without much knowledge still of what or whom I was coming to see. Mr. Gilles and the most helpful Ms. Bianca at Access Suriname made every neccesary arrangement to bring us to the village despite our unscheduled, last-minute request. This would only be the beginning of many delightful surprises and exceeded expectations.

Before we even arrived in the village we began to understand what this 'tour' was all about. A man, who fell in love with this community, and has spent years of his own sweat, tears, money and provided a voice for people here. He opened up a channel so that tourism could come here - profits going to the people and proliferate the traditions of a dying culture. The children are once again learning the dances of their elders so they may perform them for visitors with an invigorating energy. Mr. Gilles has founded the 'eco park' within the village but every single person associated with it is a local Maroon. The park itself is a tiny and exemplary...

Read the whole story and view the images on my new travel blog @ http://karinasextraordinarylife.com/2015/01/21/santigron-suriname/

My Extraordinary Guide To Guyana

When research began on the Guyana portion of my South America journey I immediately found information hard to come by. Often there is a complete lack of info, contacts, and the links only led to dead ends. With this in mind, I decided to create my own mini guidebook for travelers' looking to come to this little tropical haven. 

*This extraordinary guide has been transferred to my new travel blog. Please follow the link for all tips and insider knowledge for travel to Guyana :)

http://karinasextraordinarylife.com/2014/04/28/guide-to-guyana/

The Most Unprofessional Entry Ever

 *Please do not consider the following entry a candidate for my travel writer resume*

I can only call the following a candid and emotionally driven review of today: the first day of travel. The notes are more like my personal thoughts scribbled on an airplane napkin than a planned entry of any kind. I guess I´m posting them because I made a promise to so many people to keep constant and current updates while I travel and the truth is, not every aspect of travel is quite like a dream. Particularly all the work, stress, prep and research involved before the journey even begins (like the last week for me). When disaster strikes despite all your careful plotting and planning, I'd venture to say you'd be sufficiently upset as well.

July 29th, 2013 Summary

• 2:30am Still awake dealing with last minute reminders such as backing up computers, updating ipod, uploading anything I'll need access to internationally.
• 6:00am Wake up in a panic to call Denmark in order to sort out issues with coverage and insurance.
• 8:30am Joe arrives to take me to the airport.
• 9:00am I'm still running around like a chicken without a head; double checking all lists and triple checking pack... meanwhile I'm still dealing with insurance issues online.
• 9:30am Times up. Throw your hands up in the air, grab passport, wallet and backpack. Anything forgotten is not needed.
• Drive to Toronto, pick up breakfast, drop me off at the American Airlines check-in.
• 2:00pm Board flight 1485 to Miami International
• 7:00pm Board flight 2145 to Guatemala City, Guatemala

Napkin Note Confessions
"Shit has hit the fan before even landing at my first destination. My brand new camera, the source of endless stress, fear and major financial debt has broken before I even get a chance to use it. I just wanted to take a picture of the stupid-ass alligator statue. Now I hate the alligator. Ok fine, it's not the alligators fault."

"You don't have to do or see much more than just the Miami airport to recognize that this place is unique. The Latin vibe dominates unquestionably.  Everything is done with more flare - more drama, more judgement... more sex! Must be a wild life - but it is not for me. I enjoy being a slob mostly and I love the lax Canadian attitude of 'who gives a f*ck'. (Pajamas to class? No one bats an eye) People tend to mind their own business more in Canada than in most Latin cultures and you certainly don't feel ~those eyes!~
Did I mention I'm still in U.S.?! Ah, well maybe it's an immigrant thing! My view of everything is mostly warped from too many filters and acculturations. I see and feel everything with a different light and judgement than either locals and tourists. Sometimes I even think I know how something works because I was once a part of it. Truthfully though, I don't know or understand how Latin society works nor why so many of these perfectly manicured females are giving me evil looks. I figured its my dirty Thai fisherman pants and flipflops. Or it could be the lack of makeup, fake boobs, or really any other indication that I care about my appearance. My best friends would probably just tell me that women hate me cause I'm an effortless beauty'.
I have really good friends!"

"The stress and hunger is really dragging me down. Thankfully Guate can act as a buffer zone and allow me some recuperation time... it is always just comfortable and strange enough. The opportunity to return to my birthland to see my large family is both rare and exciting. Specially for this momentous occasion: the first big wedding of our generation! Of course it will be 6 days of being on my best behaviour and dressing proper. Small price to pay for love."

Closing thoughts:
"This note is so al dente it's basically raw! In the end, only sleep and food matters and I'm severely deprived of both."

The Great Outdoors Eh!

CHALLENGE  ACCOMPLISHMENT # 7

THE RESOLUTION: Something New

CHALLENGE  ACCOMPLISHMENT # 1

THE RESOLUTION: Travel Stories

One of the funniest inquiries I get when I’m traveling around the world questions what Canadians could possibly do for fun when we live on a sheet of ice surrounded by hostile polar bears that want to eat our penguins!

While the stereotypes of the Great North can be downright hilarious and generally overindulged, most are seriously wrong. Yes, winters can be cold. Polar bears do roam in the upper corners of our great country, but the chances of your average Canadian running into one in their entire lifetime are, well, zero! Dog sledding is pretty much reserved for extra-curricular activity and (sadly) we have no penguins.

What we do have in extreme and stunning overabundance is the great outdoors. Mountains and valleys teeming with nature and wildlife. Lakes larger than countries and rivers that could could cut across continents. With the thawing of Spring city Canadians mass exodus to the wilderness in their short-shorts and sunglasses before the snow even gets a chance to melt. Every weekend families escape on all terrain vehicles to cottages, trailers and campsites dotted all across the vast and remote spaces populated only by deer, elk, moose, bears, wolves and an array of bird and water dwelling folk. 

Chris, Jess and baby Dan on the way

As the city temperatures in Southern Ontario roast the citizens with more than 40 degrees of heat and humidity, my friends Jess, Chris, April and I enjoy the subtle licking from the flames on this cool summer night ‘up North’. The breeze is crisp as it flows from Lake Bernard. We are hardly 15 miles from Ontario’s famous Algonquin Park. A legend amongst Canadian parks being the oldest (established in 1893)and one of the largest. With over 2,400 lakes and 1,200km of dream worthy rivers, there will always be a trail to explore whether you are hiking, climbing, paddling, or cycling. 

For us city folk, the quiet and absolute stillness of a canoe ride down the river can be a dominating factor. Of course a disturbance in the peace up here is not accompanied by the anxiety of the suburbs but by the joy and excitement of nearby wildlife. There is even the chance of encounter with other humans; this of course is met with absurdly polite greetings before continuing on our way. We are still in Canada afterall :) 

One woman. One year. 103 down. 66 to go.

Social Butterfly

Mitja, Me, April and Jonas

This last month has been jam-packed with events, socializing, comings and goings, new resolution completions and trip research for South America. The Manifesting Magic workshop (story at http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.ca/2013/06/manifesting-magic-forest-festival.html) opened a whole new world for me and took me East of Ottawa. Only one day later I was in the Rockies with family (story at http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.ca/2013/06/surprise.html & http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.ca/2013/06/graduation-surprise-part-ii.html). Upon my return, more exciting opportunities would have me back on the road touring my own backyard astride a couple of imported Harley’s and one sexy Honda Shadow. 

Couchsurfing? Crashing on random peoples couches. The cheapest and most illuminating way of traveling. To see another instance where I hosted: http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.ca/2013/05/hosting-nishant.html

Let me rewind for a moment.

As I was loading my bags into the car for my impending flight to Calgary, I received a couchsurfing request from a couple of German bikers determined to crisscross North America on their motorcycles. It broke my heart that I wouldn’t be here to meet them but I could not let this opportunity slip through. Hosting couchsurfers is much more to me than giving back to my traveler community, it’s a chance to travel and learn about the world through others. I passed on their request to April, a fellow biker and aspiring film-maker (remember the videos she’s made for ThirteenSquared? You can find them all on the YouTube channel ‘KN Extraordinary Life’). Did I mention these boys are making short films about their journey as they go? It was a match a made in heaven.  

The real surprise though revealed that Jonas and Mitja decided to stay in town for 6 whole weeks! 

My return from Alberta marked the beginning of a record breaking week for resolutions accomplishments. It all began with our very first meeting:

CHALLENGE  ACCOMPLISHMENT # 6

THE RESOLUTION: Meaningful Hangouts 

CHALLENGE  ACCOMPLISHMENT # 5

THE RESOLUTION: Food from 13 Countries

Jonas and Mitja rented a place to stay not even 5 minutes away from me. An excellent choice seeing as I would be spending more time with these two bad-ass looking bikers in the next few weeks than my usual yearly ration of socializing combined. Of course they made an excellent first impression when they invited April and I over to their new Canadian pad for a home-cooked German meal. I would surely butcher any attempt to name and positively identify the kind of bratwurst we were so generously served (there are dozens of varieties!?) Even the beer’s name had about seventeen letters in it. But the entire meal was delicious. The potatoes were soft and gooey like a dumpling (which is, in fact, a staple of German cuisine - I looked it up). There was sauerkraut and gravy. And the funnest part, the bratwurst you have to peel like a banana.

Not only was this ‘meaningful hangout’ a start to our blossoming friendship, I accomplished a fifth checkmark for food from around the world in a much more unique fashion than trying out a local restaurant. 

The stories will continue in the next episode of ThirteenSquared :)

One woman. One year. 85 down. 84 to go.

P.S. I just found out the sweet little sausage thingy wasn't even bratwurst! It was something something/w?$#???? *()!@>????wurst :) Ya, something like that. 

Brain Food

CHALLENGE  ACCOMPLISHMENT # 3

THE RESOLUTION: Cook / Bake

Kale

Now here is a vegetable that has never made it into my kitchen before. I didn't even know it existed until recently which is a bit of a surprise considering how it's jam packed with vitamins, antioxidants and bursting with health and immune system benefits. 

According to WebMD (www.webmd.com)

"One cup of chopped kale contains 33 calories and 9% of the daily value of calcium, 206% vitamin A, 134% of vitamin C, and a whopping 684% of vitamin K. It is also a good source of minerals copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorous."

In addition, it is rich in anti-cancer and eye health antioxidants AND lowers cholesterol and risk of heart disease! 

WOW! 

As for cooking these long, leafy greens, well there is no shortage of options. My first attempt will be: Sautéed Kale.

Ingredients:

• Kale
• Broth
• Virgin Olive Oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Garlic

Coarsely chop Kale. Heat oil and garlic until garlic is soft. Raise heat, add stock and kale. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Season with salt and vinegar. 

The kale bunch I cooked produced over 4 cups of this awesome health potion and I actually have to admit... for a vegetable, it was quite good. 

Eat your heart out Popeye! :P 

One woman. One year. 99 down. 70 to go

Sautéed Kale on the bottom, Chicken Teriyaki up top.

CHALLENGE  ACCOMPLISHMENT # 4

THE RESOLUTION: Cook / Bake

Chicken Teriyaki

Making it yourself is sometimes the only way to improve upon an old favourite. Steak teriyaki has always been a go-to meal for me as a way of improving my vegetable consumption. Alas, there was no steak in the house which in a way increases the health value even more by eliminating the hard to digest (but still my favourite food in the world), red meat. At least the chickens still came out to play! (I'm a bit of a carnivore in case you haven't picked that up yet.)

There is no set recipe. Or even a list of ingredients per say. 

• Choose your meat and chop into bite-sized chunks. Drown it in soy sauce and let it soak up the sauce for a bit. 
• Select all the colourful vegetables you can get your hands and chop those up too. 
• Sautee some onions and garlic in virgin olive oil then add the meat. 
• Once your meat is cooked properly, add vegetables (make sure you use the largest pan in the house. 
• In a separate pot, cook 1-2 cup of your preferred rice (Remember: 1 cup of rice = 2 cups of water)
• Add soy sauce or alternate spices to your giant bowl of meat and vegetable and continue stir-frying until you can't hold back the drool. 
• Also optional is adding some flax seeds to the mix (as if it wasn't healthy enough already).
• Serve over rice. 
• Also try adding the above sautéed kale to the mix.

Review: Best meal I've ever made and works with water random,   pasta, meat and vegetables you have around the house :)

One woman. One year. 98 down. 71 to go.