Travel Entries

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The days have passed more quickly than I had anticipated. From one last night out in town, to boarding a plane lacking pillow time. A few days in Houston proved to be quite the treat. Except for Zimm's everything was as I remembered. Before I had time to make any foolish purchases I'm yet again on an aeroplane. Another 4 hours straight south, on what will rank top 5 for most random flights.

My friend, Eduardo, met me at the airport. We barely managed to fit my gears in his Toyota, before heading across the city, a few times, to look at cars. Any purchases? Potentially. Mixed results, and trying to be patient on the result; although with everything getting bumped I'm not sure whether I should wait, or jump. Time has a tendency of working these things out.

Bank missions are never fun, and after a four hour one today, I'm never going to badmout having to wait inline for 30mins in Cochrane Royal Bank, behind the entire town of Morley. The lady that finally did help me, was helpful in more ways then one. From cellphones, to moving, twice, utilities, insurance, land titles, to visa's, The mission continues.

The city of Knowledge has my name written all over it in the coming weeks. Both online and off - I've some work to put in.

My project has been moved until early next week, which is throwing the cat amongst the pigeons, on another front. I always live in a tiny car for a month. Wouldn't be the first time I've thought of it. Jajaja. Ricies.

Although the whole market was down today, A swing of 500$ was the last thing my overwhelmed mind needed today to stack on top of not getting a welcome package, a bank mission. Ryan - Didn't Rosetta just fix you a hot plate? Isn't their a $20 bill in your pocket? Isn't their a friend on the 3 floor waiting for you? That's the problem. There isn't yet. Thinking about back to when Joshua became part of my family, I remember why I made that desicion, and now it's easy for me to make a move on the TT.

Rest well, Everything is on the rise.

40 Degress outside and I'm dressed in a snow suit, and wishing I had brought a pair of gloves. I woke up a little earlier than usual today to go to Ski Dubai. With low expectations of a ski slope in the middle of the dessert I was quite impressed. The run is about 400m's in length, and when not busy with ski lessons, is quite fun. The chair lift is the biggest downside, as it takes about 5 minutes to get to the top for the minute down.

Ski Dubai is claimed to be one of the largest indoor ski resorts in the world, with 22,500-square meters of indoor ski area. It is a part of the Mall of the Emirates, the largest shopping mall outside of North America, and the third largest mall in the world.

3,500 barrels of oil are consumed every day by power generators to maintain the low temperature of -1 to -2 degrees Celsius consistently. Ski Dubai is part of the Majid Al Futtaim Group of Companies; he is a billionaire buisinessman of the United Arab Emirates. Ski Dubai has 5 runs varying difficulties to suit everyone; the longest being 400m. Here are some more interesting facts from the official website [listed below]:

• 22,500m² covered with real snow all year round – (equivalent to 3 football fields).
• 85 meters high (approximately 25 stories) and 80 meters wide.
• Full capacity of 1500 guests.

For about 55 cad I was in Ski Dubai for about 4 hours, with rentals - both equipment and clothing. That's a nice treat from the desert. After I met with Noah, Kelly and Tomi in The mall of the Emirates; We had a quick lunch, and then went to a nearby gold Souk to have our rings engraved.

After driving around in circles for 30minutes we went to Coral Boutique for Seesha and cards. Tarneeb. Tonight we are going to another Souk, to get fitted for a Dish Dash, or two. I've been having trouble sleeping with this coming up, well that and my mobile.

Tomorrow is rendevouz with fellow Canadians, waterpark potential during the day, Barasti Bar at night, Beach thursday, Sander Kleinenberg at Trilogy that night; and at that time I'm into my final week in Dubai..

I'm having problems getting my words out here; well I guess that's bound to happen when I'm thinking in Arabic and writing in English.

Villa paperwork got in the way of going desert 4x4'ing a few days ago; fortunately Tomie's mates pulled through with a camping trip the next night. Camping in the middle of the desert is a buzzer, and so is ripping through it in 4x4's with windows down and the system up. I didn't realize it was possible to get sick from seesha; since that midnight when I fell flat on my face and lost my dinner I've known differently. Camping back home is alot more comforting, with tree's, and water, and.. Here you drive for an hour until all you see is sand. And then knowing that there is scorpions, giant flying beetles, and camels roaming around freely.. Camels, what a random, ugly animal.

We went to a gold souk(market). I've put up pictures of all this of course, but really until you see the endless rows of gold stores, you won't really understand how much gold I'm talking about. - Unless of course you've watched Aladdin recently. I bought a white gold ring, and the two lovers also made respective ring purchases of their own.

Yesterday, we went shopping at the Mall of the Emirates again. Nothing short of successful as the dirham continues to impress.

Last night was peppermint nightclub with Dj Tocadisco. I was left on my own with a couple of Tomie's mates, which was random and good. I've never been disappointed with a club on a night with a dj - I'm hoping to see another show before I leave. I arrived back at the villa at around 4 by taxi. I thought I was on my tip toes, but apparently not as I think I woke everyone up - apologies all around, especially you little bear.

My arm is being twisted to go sky diving while I'm here. I of course want to; but I might just settle for a flight over the city instead?

We were out on the boat again today. I'd tell you about tubing or wakeboarding or something, but Kelly wasn't giving anyone else a turn, so I watched instead. A Bento Box and two missed calls later | would my mobile stop ringing? | and here I am. There's whispers of another day at the waterpark, Versace dish dashes, ring engraving, flights, skydiving, camel rides, indoor skiing, and I think I'll run tomorrow, yeah.

Quantum Shift TV has now gone live. A new chapter unfolds, and everyday is one step closer.

http://www.enterinside.com/ryan/travel/139/

Everyone knows that Air Canada sucks, so I won't get into it, other than to say that Emirates is a real treat. Movies, Television, video games, all in your seats, plus service with a smile. What a treat. I arrived into Dubai at just past midnight, after a brief lay over in London.

Tomi and her padre met me at the airport, while the rest of the family slept in bed recovering from a bit of an illness that has recently wiped through E-2. A bagel, and room setup, and I'm in bed. Friday morning bells ring, and I'm busy orientating myself with the area, studying Arabic. A quick tour to the Academy, Tomi's school, and we're off the Emirates mall. Emirates mall was very nice. I didn't cash in on many purchases, although I should mention the pair of versace sunglasses , that I waited since London to hook myself up with.

Day one polished with a midnight swim at the compound pool, a movie and a round of 31.

We went out on the boat around the first palm island . I can't really sum this country up, with all of the construction. Being off the coast of Dubai, and sitting of a massive man made island that already has apartment towers up on it, helps to put everything into perspective. Two days later I'm still sore from tubing.

Tomi's mate conveniently had a birthday that evening, so I met a number of her other friends, at a villa with her and Noah. After the party wound down, we went to a seesha bar.

I didn't realize that I was going to have the opportunity to visit Abu Dhabi. But sure enough I awoke to plans of visiting the Emirate palace hotel in Abu Dhabi . The trip is a short drive on a beautiful highway through the desert from Dubai. We walked around the hotel, and spent some time on beach at the back before driving back to Dubai.

Kelly, if you can stop twisting my arm for a minute, I'd be alot better at getting this hookah started. I realize that Tomi has been in bed for already a few hours, but I'm doing what I can. Swimming ok, my arm is getting sore. Ricies. It's 3 in the morning. Why are you crawling through your parents bedroom to get nail clippers.

It's now today. Another day in paradise . The day was spent at Wild Wadi . It doesn't rival West Edmonton Mall in any way, but the fact that it in the middle east, and right at the foot of the Burj Arab it does gain points. The lines were long, and the sun was hot for about the first hour. Then the clouds moved in over the Burj Arab, and next minute it's thundering and lightning, and we're getting kicked out of the water and forced to wait under cover for it to blow over. I was under the impression that it didn't rain in the desert, I now know different.

Nothing here is short of impressive. Tallest, longest, biggest, it doesn't matter, within the next few years they'll have it all. Everyone talks about how much construction is going on in calgary. I'm hearing estimates as high as 30% of the world's cranes are here in Dubai. I've never seen anything like it, and you wouldn't have either until you see the dubai skyline at night, lit up with cranes, and construction as the workers work through the night, on 12 hour shifts. It's no wonder everything is popping up so quickly

I forgot my laptop charger at home. Noah stopped running around trying to fetch the 2nd camel, to hook me up with that one.

I write this particularly to one oso.

5 months of waiting has come down to what is now only a few short hours. On a Jet Plane and headed to the fastest growing city in the world. In my pocket is a todo list longer than any notepad I've ever seen. I'm much to tired to let reality sink in - In a day when I'm standing track side getting ready to warm up for the biggest race of my life - That's when I'll feel reality.

The last few weeks are a blur, and I'm left on the edge of coming down with something. I've menthol running through my system and I want a family of bears not worry as I'm well along the road of recovery.

My suitcases packed. (Dragon you better be making friends in there.) Rest easy bears Kris Kringle will be there soon.

A more streamlined haircut, leaves Ahjmed feeling nervous. With a vivid image of Nelly Furtado in my mind I'm on my way to the middle east.

I'm several journals over due here; bear with me. I'm sitting next to Tyler in our hotel room journaling after a few crazy journals. Tyler and I keep talking about how we're getting 5 weeks of experiences in one. The first few days have been circling around Condo shopping, and city touring. The agent I'm working with, Allison, has been doing a great job of showing the city/restaurants/night life,etc. Especially for Tyler this is nice, as he hasn't seen any of the city before. I'm not going to dive heaps into the condo stuff, but I have signed two contracts, one is in the center of city, unit 19A, and the other is on the outside park area, unit 26B. I'm hell excited for both of these, they'll come due mid 2008.

Last night we were invited over to Allison's house. We met her boyfriend/husband (Eddie), and their adorable baby Dylan. Tyler and I have connected really well with them, and buying condo's from her definitely doesn't hurt. After enjoying a Panamanian meal of chicken and rice, Eddie's adorable sister, Veronica, made sure we had drinks, and the rest of the night is history. Travelling is a huge buzz, and we both know that the experience we're having is a truely unique one. We've been invited with open arms into their home and country, and we couldn't ask for anymore.

We did some shopping today, underwear and glasses in particular, and tonight we are invited to a pool party, at the social area at Allison's building. After that we have tickets to a dance show. Not to get into too much detail, but if I'm not married already I definitely will be after tonight. (I just hope it's not to a guy dressed like a woman at the disco).

Lunch at some hollywood restaurant, buzzing out on the coastline. Nice car's are driving by, talent everywhere, trying to put this country in perspective. The average Panamanian makes under 500usd a month. A talented person, knowing english, and taking opportunity, maybe 900. The cost of living is very good here, but people are definitely ghetto, and have little to speak of for the future. Be thankful of the opportunity that we have in America. It's funny to think but it's not everywhere in the world, that if you want something you can just go out and do it. People here are surrounded with generations of third world way of thinking. It will take time but it will evolve. Probably about the same time China takes over the world.

With the influx in forgeign money coming into the country, and the canal expansion this country is exploding, and me; I'm cashing in on it. It's not a question of if I will move here. It's a matter of when, and with condo's unfolding it's looking like 2008. Maybe sooner. I'm trying not to get too excited as I have a contract at home to finish, and of course Dubai to rip up in March.

Last time in Panama, I was too young to soak everything up, and really didn't have a plan. This time I've already set alot of things up; condo's already mentioned, a business, friends, and Tyler and I have both decided that we have to go to Colombia.

We did alot of tourist pictures yesterday, but I haven't been near as diligent as I should be with media. Maybe it's largely due to me seeing myself living here; well that and I don't have Victor lurking around every corner with that Av100. Shower video's. hahhahaha. What a buzz. This life, and the opportunity that we have. We're so fortunate and until you see a little bit with dissabilities locked in a cage, because his parents don't know what to do with him, you won't know it either.

It's easy to get locked in our country, and way of thinking, but the world is alot bigger than America. I don't expect to experience it all, as I enjoy the mystery, but until you've truely experienced another culture, you can't even really know your own. Canada, Belgium, New Zealand, Ukraine, Hungary, America, Panama, and the list continues.

All this and I'm 21. God Bless.

 

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Tyler's Pictures
My pictures

Not being able to sleep the night before Panama doesn't strike me as a huge surprise, although it would have been nice. Rather than fight my restless mind, I'm buzzing out with Katie Melua, over Kubik spec sheets for the 'nth time. That and reading over my journals from the last time I was in Panama City. It's been a year and half. I know that alot is being developed at the moment, but I don't expect much else to have changed. I'm only nervous that my past experiences and my present expectations might get in the way this time?

As mentioned it's been a year and half since I stirred things up with Panama, but I'm amazed at how many people have an opinion about a place they've never been for one, and often times a place where they don't even know is. Panama (the country) is the most southern country in Central America, bordering Costa Rica to the North, and Colombia to the South. The economy is service-based, heavily weighted toward banking, commerce, and tourism, due to its key geographic location.

The recent handover of the canal and military installations by the US to Panama, is seeing wake several new construction projects. Apart from several condo/apartment projects, a Referendum was just past in October 2006, to add a third set of locks to the current canal, which will allow for more & larger ships to pass through. The cost for this project is an estimated $5.25 billion.

Panama throughout history has proven to be stable, and with banking and the canal on it's side, I don't see this changing anytime soon. There is just over 3 million people in Panama, and with it's background in commerce there is a huge mix of peoples from all backgrounds. There are seven indigenous peoples in Panama, as well as a large section of Chinese, among others.

Lonely Planet on Panama:
While Panama is known mostly for its famous canal, the country's natural attractions offer an irresistible lure to far-sighted travellers. This oft-overlooked country offers some of the finest birding, snorkelling and hiking in the Americas.

Darién Province Unsafe
Bandits, smugglers, Colombian guerrillas and paramilitary forces make the area of Darién Province between Yaviza and the Colombian border along the upper Tuira River unsafe. However, the vast majority of Darién National Park is relatively safe - travel with a guide is recommended.

There have been reports of armed criminals targeting travellers at Madden Dam in Chagre National Park.

The above mentioned area is the missing link between the two america's, and has remained this way as roadbuilding through this area is expensive and the environmental toll is steep. The entire Darién Gap is largely under the control of three Colombian rebel groups. There has been several instances of kidnappings in this area, and It's a place I don't plan on visiting. I'm in no rush to visit the national parks in the area, and the Conservative lonely planet even says with a guide it's relatively safe.

Looking on the bright side: "There is evidence in favor of the argument that the Darién Gap has prevented the spread of diseased cattle into Central and North America, which have not seen foot and mouth disease since 1954"

Back 2 years ago I did the hell amount of research on several countries all around the world. Although most of the reasons I chose Panama are easily explicable, there is something to be said about a good gut feeling.

In no particular order. It's stability, and economy. It offers several tax and retirement advantages to foreigners. Although I've been told Costa Rica might be a better place to learn Spanish, I wouldn't write off Panama. It's location in the world provides a great hub for travel in and out of Central and South America. Flying to panama isn't a huge expense, and the travel time is low at just 8 hours(flying time). A layover in Houston never hurt anyone either.

With tomorrow reporting a frigid -26, mentioning the +30 degrees in Panama wouldn't hurt to lighten the thoughts of a tired mind. Panama has two distinct seasons. The dry season lasts from mid-December to mid-April while the rainy season from mid-April to December. Temperatures are typically hot in the lowlands throughout the year - days usually reach around 32°C (90°F) and only drop to an average of 22°C (72°F). During the rainy season the humidity makes the heat even harder to endure.

Below are a few links, as well as pictures.
CIA - The World Factbook -- Panama
Panama - Wikipedia
Lonely Planet Panama
Panama Tourism

Below are a few links to the video. They are all the same video, but just in different formats (One of them will work on your computer)... I recommend trying them in descending order.

• Edited MPEG-4 · 41mb
• Un-Edited Mpeg-2 · 40mb
• Un-Edited WMV · 16mb

Before I get on about Vegas and Cross-Roads: Happy Easter.

I'll be the first to admit that I was skeptical about Vegas. I've either heard from people that love it, or hate it. About high time that I made a desicion for myself. I wouldn't use a word as strong as Love, but I did have a really good time, and you can put my name down to go back.

You can't really sum it up without actually visiting it. The Strip is incredible, and the whole city is Disney land gone adult. If you can cypher through the bad that has Vegas dubbed Sin City it can actually be quite bawling. Being stuck in it all throughout Easter made for a bit of a contradiction. Then pulling down my socks, Good Friday sneaks in, and had me thinking about things that I didn't know I could think about anymore.

I could divide the trip into three segments of 3 days. Each section defined by nights more certain than the last, and mornings more confusing than the previous. Amidst confusion and certainty I managed to make it to the track to coach a few times, and after losing my breakfast on that last day, even polished off a few miles of my own.

Those feelings. You would have to experience it yourself to full appreciate the beauty in it. From innocent tears, to stealing over the ground, an afternoon of yawns, and a night that I definitely won't forget.

Day -1
Yet again I am meant to be packing my bags and heading out the airport. Setting the mood is di.fm with lounge music. Could the non-present words speak any louder for me. This letter, these words, more importantly: these thoughts. Thoughts that have been lurking about for years and a letter that has been contemplated for weeks. Simple things that I know you won't recieve. Circumstance that has taken these simple things and tainted them. It would appear that with days turning into months, and months into years, that time has been working. Above all curiousity has been created.

I would have thought that it could never happen. Then I ran into that dream on the first night in Vegas. What was I doing there. Better yet; what were you doing there. Don't call me Joseph, because I woke up feeling more confused than ever. Not because Brett was holding my hand and Clarence was making nasal noises but because the dream was settling in an unbelievable way.

Realizing that I had forgotten my pasport on the morning I'm to fly to Vegas is pretty useless, but probably still doesn't rank with forgetting my running shoes to track practice. I'm going to be nervous to see my cell phone bill, after the time that I spent long distance on it trying to sort out what my options were. Odds are pretty good I will never see that bill if Fido keeps it up.

In case you're wondering it's easier than you could imagine flying to and from the States with just a Drivers Liscense. Arriving in Vegas that afternoon with the team, was pretty random. Kent and Greg left right away to pick up the rental vans. Three hours later, they return, and we start making trips to get everyone to the Sahara.

As far as budget accomodations go, both close to the strip and to UNLV, the Sahara is worth mentioning. Being stuck right in the middle of it all, and having to walk 30 mins to get to the pool would have had me knacked anyways.

Most of the time was spent on the strip, at the Hotel catching rays, or getting ready to go to the strip. Time at the track had it's place, as did the buffets and touring around the city shopping, and outside to the Hoover Dam. Jokes aside, that is one big dam.

A city dreamed up in the middle of the desert shows how powerful our dreams are, and more importantly the mind. I think a balance between staying on top of it, and letting it go crazy will lead you to places you didn't know you could get to. Vegas heightened the gone wild, and more importantly the conflict. I'm still not sure who will win. I'm not even sure what side I'm gearing for. Very few are those who actually figure out the mystery, and even for those that feel they have, there is no way to be for sure. For the rest of us there is that sense of comfort established in the confusion as we lose ourselves in our careers and past times.


I've decided to flag going with daily summaries, as that really wouldn't suit the trip. There is photos lurking and the everything in between is up for you to fill, or remember.

http://www.lifebyme.com/media/section.php?id=41