Edit: Video Online - http://www.enterinside.com/browse/media/1/1002/1178667487/

I've wanted to go skydiving for a long time. The option has been available since I arrived, as Tomie's mate Warrick is doing a course, and his dad is also an instructor. So, after a night that was much to late, I rose at 7 this morning and in a cab to meet Warrick and go out to the airport (where I'll be back at again tomorrow)... Initially our jump was planned for 2pm, but it came at a much sooner 10 am.

15 minutes of briefing on the ground, 15 minutes climbing to the jump altitude. Three divers went before us, including Warrick, - who dove out of the plane into a few flips. Almost as classy as my tandem exit. I almost thought for a minute that I wasn't going to get nervous, next minute I'm sitting out the door of the plane, and my heart is racing for our count to three. All thoughts disappear and I'm floating overtop of UAE. We free fell for about 10 seconds, which is a huge rush, although doesn't beat Bungee Jumping. All the while I've a camera in my face, and I'm trying not to do my nervous face. The shoot opens, which has the effect of pulling you back up, all this at 3500 ft. The parachute down is quite fun also, although I couldn't keep my mind of that initial 10 seconds - and trying to hold in my breakfast.

It all happens much to quickly, and it's a good thing I did the pictures & video. I've some of the pics up now, and will try to get the video up when I'm home.

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We picked up my Dish Dash yesterday, and it's pretty awesome. With Noah, Dean and Tomi the night was spent at Peppermint night club; trying to follow up to Trilogy the night previous, it really didn't stand a chance. It was a late night, and the highlight came at 3 in the morning with a late night food run. This time not the Lebanese bakery, although a cheese bread would have been quite a treat.

Tomorrow I'm going to be back at the same airport, but this time just to go flying with a friend of Tomie's dad, Perrie. We'll leave from the airport (an hour drive out of Dubai), and fly to/over Dubai. I'm looking forward to seeing the city from the sky, as everything that is going on here, is really hard to put into perspective from the ground. Mostly it's just hard to see past all of the cranes, and Indian workers.

It looks as if Calgary weather has finally sorted itself out, and just in time. The weather here has also been on the rise. 35-45 during the day, with mid 20's during the night. I've a pretty red nose after two days in the sun with the Canadians. Wild Wadi 2, and a day at the beach for Tomies senior skip day. Wild Wadi was more fun the second time around, although I would have preferred to be at Ski Dubai, which is random given the situation. We did go to Barasti that night, which I thought was quite nice, however I seemed to be the only one. The Licorice seesha did put a damper of spirits. I met a number more of Tomies mates, and cashed in on a girls night, which was a buzzer. That and what about Park and Shop, and 24-7 MTV, and Kelly - My Chemical Romance. Busted.

We made a sizable effort to go to watch the camel races. So Sizable that we got to the track only to find out none were on. I don't feel disappointed. I'm about cameled out - Let's face it they're really not the best looking animal God put on the planet. I'll get those pics up here also.

My todo list has nothing left on it, and with only 3 days left in paradise the timing couldn't be better - I could have discovered the Mango ice pops a few days sooner.

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've been meaning to get these online for a while....

This chapter of my life has come to an end, a new one started. I turn the page with a tear; my mistakes and successes follow me. Panama went down with more Fireworks then I had planned. It's not even as if they involve me, although I will take responsibility for opening up the gate and letting the cat loose.

I'm not able to sum things up in the same way that Tyler is, as my mind is in a different place. Everything went down just as mentioned . It's a lack of innocence that I blame my experience on. It's that which kept me up at night, and quiet during some of what shouldn't have been the biggest hours of the trip.

I've realized alot about myself over the past few months and especially weeks. I've been going from one extreme to another, and in it I've found balance; in which lies the turning chapter. I remember the last time I switched: I had a dream and nothing to lose. The same doesn't hold true this time. I thought that I could find balance over the last 6 months, and do it all. I couldn't. Sacrificing one dream for another, and at what cost? It's over now. The page is turned.

We build ourselves up with the goals and thoughts of other people, to the point where WE becomes a fluid concept. Our thoughts as fluid as our actions; It all snaps at one point; It's a humbling experience to stare the present in the face at to deal with it as it is. We have a tendency of moving on making each day a new day, and not being accountable for our actions. I understand that it's a recovery mechanism, but how good is it when the same problems continue to recur?

Just when I thought I'd seen it all, the cat meows once again. I'm off in Edmonton and I realize the goggles are strapped tighter than I'd thought. I'm Also buzzing out, but a little less disasterous with a haircut, and nosejob. I remain silent now as it all unfolds before me. This drive is all my own and I know it won't last forever. Nothing ever does. So it is. I try to bring these months as close to the box as possible without actually going in. Cellphone turned off, Joshua grows restless in the garage, Katie Melua comes back on my headphones as the nights grow longer. 16 weeks have started. In them is a countdown. One of my biggest yet. And so it starts:

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

Putting my thoughts into words has become more and more of a struggle. I look back and at least it appears it used to come easy. I remember being able to write forever about nothing, and even more than forever about something. I guess there never used to be any consequence to my words, there never used to be any consequence to my actions. I'm getting old, and the word 'sorry' solves less and less of my problems.

I've developed this whole style of writing around it, and now on this unusual day I feel like I have to stop. I'm tired. Tired of the way I have to create conversation with myself, to get out what it is that is on my mind. It's all become a big diversion; I'm trying to avoid so many different things, and it's all I know. It's taking the best of me. I'm scared of how you think and feel, so I cover up some times even the most simple things that I feel.

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I'm sorry, that in all I've done, I've lost you. I've lost the opportunity for us to celebrate our days together. I've gone through my thoughts, and journals several times, and I'm left with June 1st; Today is mine. I think of you all the time. The things that make you angry, and the things that make you smile. The color of your skin. The shape of your nose...

You're only little at two and half, and by far you're the biggest thing that has happened to me. I don't know if you or I will be given the chance, but I'm expectant of the day that I meet you. I'm all apologies; and want to ask you for forgiveness in what will have become the biggest broken promise of my life. You deserved so much more, and I wasn't able to give it you. I wasn't near the man that I needed to be, and now as history repeats itself, you have to live your life with the consequences of the generation before; my actions.

I've always wanted to give you more than I had, and maybe in this painful backwards way I have? One day I hope that you'll find me, forgive me, and know that I love you.

An hour into the New Year, and rather then being trashed somewhere I'm bringing it in with a sober mind. There's foreign people dancing around upstairs, the neighbor just complained about the noise level, and I'm busy searching around trying to figure out where the last year just went and where my todo list is for 2007. Starting it off are thoughts of the last 12 months, things accomplished, chances not taken, and the two paths which I'm constantly presented with. Working a white color job, for the remaining half of the year, getting into a house, and buying a new car are a few highlights of 2006. 2006 is also the year that saw me to Korea, Houston, Las Vegas, and Mexico. SMP hits the backburners as this site takes up my time on top of 40 hour weeks. Only 7 days now until my birthday, and 10 until Panama City Part 2. 3 months until Dubai. The Edmonton Oilers had the same Playoff run the Flames had prior, and this time Kent and I cashed in on multiple news appearances, as well as alot of random nights. Those and a few miles run with Boss.

The ship comes in for my roommate, and the only hints of change are in the way that I cook eggs in the morning, and a few jokes about rent increases. Lilly's 9, Mel's 24, and Nolan 23. Me. I'm 20 and if my frame of mind keeps up at the rate it's going, I might just reach 120.

I didn't have near as much time to sit, and think as I did the year prior, but there was definitely some buzzes in 06. I blame time for my lack of commitment, but really I just don't know what else to do with the situation. I'll wait of course. You're worth it.

Resolutions. Nope. But goals. I'm in the animal category. How about another property or two, and one on foreign soil. An S2000, Actually 6 of them. Launch this site, and turn the marketing part of my brain back on, as I'm looking at a contract completion, and working towards a successful start-up.

I've seen alot of bad movies, heard alot of bad song, but of course there is still some keepers. Benassi, Alizee, Nelly Furtado, Sarah McLachlan, Enya, Sheryl Crowe, Damien Rice, U2. Puls Radio deserves mention as well. Movies. I'll probably remember heaps that I enjoyed after I write this, but: Apocalypto, Pride and Prejudice, Thank-You for Smoking, Lord Of War, Motorcycle Diaries, V for Vendetta, Blood Diamond... Internet Video's. Of course there's been soo many of these kicking around. LonelyGirl15, and her mate Gemma, Kiwi, SNL, Ok-Go, asian backstreet boy covers, to name a few.

Work. White Collar has definitely won this category, although investing heads up a respectable second. My focus has changed alot, since I first got involved in this race, and I'm happy with where it's going. I know people that like to believe that if you enjoy what you do, you never work a day in your life. I do enjoy what I do, but the quote is still a lie, as I work everday, and although New Years seems like a deadline has come around, the real deadline is in 6 days, when I'll be left with 5 years. 5 years to throw a stone and kill as many birds as possible, Ricies.

Alot happened in the world in 2006. Here's an extensive list: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006

All the best in 2007.