Dear Canada,

Happy Birthday! Today you are "officially" 152 years old.

There has been a lot of hype around your official birthday in the last couple of years. Especially during Canada 150. Like many countries around the world, you have a shadowed history with skeletons buried only as deep as last season's fashion line. I wish you didn't, true, but I can't just ignore and pretend they're not there.

An appropriate shirt for the day.

As I've been spending time away travelling through other countries and meeting all sorts of people, I've been thinking a lot about what being Canadian means to me and to our identity. Why do I celebrate Canada Day? Here is a very *very* abridged timeline:

We are a country of blended (and chaotic) beginnings. With the race for colonization and imperialism, both the French and the English fought for ownership over the land and the native populations. It was an era of nationalism and the clash of prides. That history is littered with the fragments of broken treaties and unkept promises--from multiple parties.

In the mid-late 1700s, after many battles between the French and English (with First Nation allies on both sides), France lost the war and ceded ownership of what is now Quebec to England. The lingering sentiment between the two languages and people wasn't so "easily" settled by the shake of hands and French communities were not treated as well nor always respected by the English settlers.
But who were we then? Not a country yet... Just a gathering of settlements amidst clans of aboriginal tribes in a country the English claimed as their own.

To the south, the US claimed their independence from England with the bravado and volume they have become known for world wide. We were like a young toddler waddling along next to the 19 year old moving out and off on a motorcycle while mum and dad weren't looking. There was a fear that we would be invaded and absorbed, ripped from mummy's hand. This fear, along with a number of other factors that are too numerous for this abridged account, eventually led to acquiring our own independence on July 1st, 1867. Most people in Canada often say that the US had an exciting beginning whereas we just talked and talked and talked and then became a country. If they only looked deeper, they'd see the intrigue and plotting... and the planning of genocide.

In addition to the conflicts between the English and the French (with a predominantly English government enacting discriminatory policies that limited the growth of French like in Manitoba and Saskatchewan), the government oppressed AND continues to oppress native communities through policies (ie. residential schools) and the distribution of services (communities that are without water, stable education, or goods). A quick internet search today can yield a slew of articles on injustice issues and so really, it's no wonder that your birthday gets people riled up. What are we celebrating when so many of our own people--and some of the people who've been here the longest--are being mistreated and misrepresented? That needs to change. No birthday in the world can change that.

Canada, I know you can be better. I want us to be better.

 I think of all the people who live off your land today who are from countries all over the world. Whether they've moved because they want to or maybe because they've had to, you have become a safe place and a home for many. You unites us, and in the same way, you allow many to promote and share their own cultures.

So, Canada, you are far from perfect, but today on your birthday, I want to celebrate what we have come to stand for at our core, and our potential for the future.

Love & Hugs

Thoughts from la Belle Province

Walking through Haut Québec late in the afternoon.

I love the initial observations you notice when you travel. The things that immediately stand out because they are new and different from what you may be used to. Quebec reflects a different time and style of life in comparison to Toronto, and it is beautiful to explore! If you are planning to drive in like we did, I'll tell you upfront: yes it's possible, but watch out for those one-way streets. Confusing without our GPS and I almost turned the wrong way more than once. Also, you cannot turn right on a red light.

Walking down Rue Champlain with all the other tourists. The buildings are just gorgeous.

Jenna and I enjoying Montmorency Falls

Quebec city is rich with vibrant history and culture. Absent are the gigantic sky scrappers that populate other cities that I've visited (like Toronto, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei) and with the river running at its side, there are some stunning views. Plus like in Niagara there is a magnificent waterfall located a short drive away and a whole island of breweries, wineries, cideries, cheese and jam. Come enjoy nature! ㅋㅋ

For those of you who are not Canadian or for those Canadians who need a history refresher, Quebec is one of the oldest (if not the oldest) city in Canada dating back to the arrival of the French settlers at the start of the 1600s and stumbled (can a boat stumble?) down the Saint Lawrence River. The people of the time worked to make trade relations and treaties with the Native Americans of the time and while conflicts occur in any setting, friendships were formed.

Parc du Bastion-de-la-Reine (just East of the Plains of Abraham)

The Seven Years' War (1756-1763) between the French and English occurred throughout the region. The turning point was fought on the Plains of Abraham in what was probably one of the shortest battles in history (under an hour; accounts vary). The English beat the French that day and were able to lay hold of Quebec City. Throughout the war, battles were won on both sides, but the French ultimately lost and in 1763, France ceded French Canada to the British in the Treaty of Paris.

The plains are now a beautiful park in old Quebec City with a really cool museum (worth a visit! Take a ride on Abraham's bus, too!). This was a decisive moment in the history of Canada. In school I often wondered what Canada would look like today had the French and their allies won the day... or if the two colonial powers thought, "Hmm... Canada is pretty big, why don't we share?" Ha. That would have been interesting.

Saying goodbye to the Plains of Abraham with one last walk~~

Definitely a cool place to check out if you can with some rad festivals and events throughout the year. See example links:
Carnival de Quebec (winter)
Festival d'Été de Québec (summer)

Here's to the next time I can visit la belle province. À la prochaine!

Bises xxx

What They Don't tell you about the CN Tower

My mum and I wanted to do something new this summer--something we both had never done--and so we decided to go up the CN Tower. Despite living so close to Toronto, we haven't fully explored the GTA like a tourist. Thus, our adventure began. The following are things we wished we had known before we went. Nothing major, but small stuff that no one really talks about.

Looking down from the skypod, the sun at our backs.

What's the line like?
We told a number of people that we were going and yet not one thought to mention that you FIRST line up to buy your tickets and THEN you line up to get to the elevator. Maybe it seems obvious to some, but I think it's worth being said that the wait times are different. Wait time for elevators can be less than 45 minutes at a good time, or more than an hour and a half at peek times. So if you are aiming to be at the top for sunset or even daylight, don't wait too late or by the time you get to the top, it will be dark.

The Skypod - Line B. If you choose to do skypod, there will be another line-up. There are multiple elevators ferrying people up to the main viewing area, but there is only one elevator for the skypod, so again, if you are hoping to see sunset, or something, make sure to account for time. Also, I found the windows in the skypod kind of weird. They are at awkward angles so taking pictures without glare was a bit of a challenge. Nothing bad, but now you know.

Sunset through the Skypod windows.

My mum and I bought our ticket at 7pm, grabbed a quick bite and were in line by 720. We made it up to the main deck by 822 and then just made it to the skypod for 846. Sunset was recorded as 852. It was tight. Still, we made it and we were able to see the night lights come alive across the city.

As we left the CN Tower behind, it was lighting up the night sky.

Consider: Night or Day?
Maybe you want to go and like my mum and I, you've lived around the GTA your whole life. If your time is flexible, then consider during the day or in the evening. In the day, if it is clear, they say you can see Niagara Falls and somewhere in New York State (from the Skypod). You might even be able to see your neighbourhood. I night scene, too, is beautiful. In some ways, you don't see as much, but in others, a night scene shows you so much more. So think about it before you go.

The sun setting; the beginnings of a city blinking to life

 Now, I am at the airport preparing to head back to Korea for another year of who knows. To those I didn't get to see this summer, I hope you are well and dandy. To those I did, I'm glad it worked out. And to everyone, until next time.

Love and Hugs.

When I get Home

I would like to eat a Hamburger.  Seriously. Yes, they have burgers in Korea, but they... they're not the same.  I don't even want a fancy burger at a restaurant. Just a good ol' BBQ night in the backyard.   And thinking about food, there are a number of other things I look forward to eating (parentals, please take note? I love you. Let's eat good food together) including:

• Peanut Butter. Everyday. Next year I will make a greater effort to get some. They don't have the natural stuff at the everyday grocery stores.
• Pasta/Spaghetti. My school cafeteria has a sad attempt at sauce. Really.  The noodles are fine, but the sauce is just... 
• Muffins. Seriously. There is a difference between a muffin and a cupcake.  A Tim's Muffin would do, but I plan on making muffins at least once this summer.  Banana. 
• On that note: Tim Hortons. 
• Salsa and Chips.  Mum, let's have a salsa party. You me, and Tostitos.  Sound good?
• Pie. All the pie. I have searched in vain for pie.  The closest I got was when I was in China and my friend Kendra set about making an adapted pumpkin pie with the ingredients and cookware we could find.  It was delicious, yes, but I really want strawberry rhubarb, or raspberry, or blueberry, or cherry.... or strawberry rhubarb.  
• And the last big one... Mum, let's make pizza, okay?  We'll put whatever we want on it and we will most definitely NOT put corn.

That list doesn't seem too bad, right? Ça va?

Don't think that I only care for my stomach. Food isn't the only thing I am looking forward to. Haha. I can't wait to see my friends and family--and I've even had a few dreams this past week where I would be with friends from home and then I'd wake up and realize they were on the other side of the world. It was definitely a weird and sad feeling.  I still really like being in Korea, but I am excited to go home. I want to spend time with my family and visit with whoever I can find. Maybe go up the CN Tower at last, hopefully go on a camping trip, play some euchre, and hop on a bike: destination unknown.

I know the month will fly by and that before I know it I will be on my way back to Jeju.  Que sera, sera.  One day at a time.

Friends and Famjam, see you soon.

Two weeks.

Love and Hugs.

소자38 / Element 38 Café, PC: 소정

Send me a Postcard: From Fort Henry

Well, we're into December and the weather still cannot make up its mind.  Monday was 9°C, Wednesday 5° and Tuesday?  Well, Tuesday this week was a startlingly frigid -17° feeling like -22° with the wind.  My body was not prepared for that sudden descent into the ice box.  And you know, I probably would have been okay had I only needed to walk to and from school, but nope.  Tuesday, I had the pleasure of going on a field trip with one of my classes to see and experience Fort Henry in Kingston, Ontario.

I had never been to the Fort before and was excited to see this historic site.  And honestly, the day was lovely: the sun was shining and the sky was patched with blue.  But, as the main body of the Fort is pretty much outside... Cold. It was a cold field trip.  I say that I couldn't feel my nose, toes or fingers after a few minutes, and sadly I am not exaggerating.  An hour after I got in from the cold, I was still struggling to warm up my finger tips.  (Luckily no frostbite!).  Still, despite the cold, the Fort was pretty cool.  And it had a killer view of Kingston!  Just look at that lovely image.

Image of Kingston from Fort Henry

What's really cool about Fort Henry is the way that the site is run.  The employees work hard to create an interactive learning experience.  At different times in the year, they put on dramatizations of battles that the public can come and watch.  And, in addition, our tour was also like a play.  Our guide was in character the whole time (I think he said he was a Lieutenant Colonel... either way he was near the top and he was in uniform) and addressed as army recruits.  We had to march and answer his questions as if we, too, were part of the militia force.  It made for a fun learning experience.  At one point, he mentioned how groups would sometimes spend the night and I honestly wished that we could have been doing a sleep over trip.  Before I knew it, our time was up and it was time to leave.  This was definitely one of the best Tour Guide/Museum experience that I have ever had and I wish it had been longer.

Send me a Postcard: From HoTT

Near the starting point, activity is a flurry!

As a teen, I never really understood the whole "homecoming" dances portrayed in movies and books and high schools.  Even during my undergrad, I wasn't quite sure what to make of the Head of the Trent (HoTT) weekend.  It just seemed to be an excuse to goof off and get drunk and that did not really appeal to me.

Coming back to HoTT as an alumni now, I feel my perspective has changed.  This truly is a homecoming because for four years, Trent (and Peterborough) was my home.  Here, I made friends who are now my family.  Some of them remain in Peterborough whereas others have, like me, moved away to other things.  This then, is a weekend where we can come together like one of those crazy family reunions.  Throughout the weekend, I know there are some who I'll see for an hour or more and we'll chat and eat, and catch up.  With some, I'll only have time for a quick hello and a how are you? before we're whisked away, and still others will be like those obscure aunts or uncles that you only ever see from a distance and through a crowd.  Whatever the case may be, this time together is precious all the same.

Today, though the weather is cold and rainy (as per usual HoTT), we congregate with each other along the banks of the Otonabee river, celebrating our years at Trent and cheering on the undergrads who are still there.  No matter where we come from and where we're going, we all have one thing in common: we all bleed Trent green.

Head of the Trent is Hot-to-go! H-O-T-T-O-G-O!

Race is session

Time to turn around

Visiting the Superior Lake

How was Lake Superior, you ask?  Well, do these answer your question?

Beautiful, am I right?  Beautiful, yet powerful and dangerous.  This great lake is so big that it creates it's own weather and is so deep that its waters alone could fill the other four great lakes.  Doesn't that seem kind of crazy?  It's the deepest (and thus the coldest) of the great lakes as well as the cleanest.  Lake Superior is simply breath taking.

Our trip only lasted 5 days, one of which wasn't even at Superior, and yet it was jammed packed with business and excitement.  We went swimming, went on a couple of hikes, drove up to Wawa to see the goose, impersonated a moose and had a couple of relaxing campfires and sunset watching.  We were almost always on the go, which was fun, but also tiring.  Upon returning to civilization, I felt I could sleep for a week.  Sadly, with work the next morning, that was not an option (though I did accidentally sleep in and was five minutes late).

Watch for the Moose Crossings!

One downside to our trip was the weather. We had a couple of nice sunsets Saturday and Sunday evening, but it stormed Saturday night meaning that everything was wet, and then it was really muggy and rained some more on Sunday and was pure fog all of Monday.  Sunday we went for a 10k hike up into the hills.  It was warm going and the humidity was bad, but because of the clouds it wasn't too bad.  And then, two hours in, it started to rain.  Thunder rumbled over head as the clouds heaved a sigh of relief and emptied their stomachs upon the forest.  We still had an hour to go and so onward we went.

Everything that we had with us was wet.  Existing in a constant wetness is not fun.  Our towels had been left out overnight on the Saturday because we had gone swimming before bed, and that meant they were out in the storm.  Then, with the constant mist and rain, they could never dry.  Monday night, you could see the water in the air when you turned on the flashlights.  And yet despite that, we had a grand old time.  I would do it again in a heartbeat.