Thoughtful Without Thought

Today I received an email from the mother of the lady who shared a hospital room with my Gramma during her final days. Knowing the nature of the email was actually in relation to the loss of my mother rather than my Gramma, I put off reading it in full. But, since I hadn't yet done anything that scared me today, I decided that would be it. And so, I read it.

There wasn't much to it really - more so an apology for not knowing sooner. But, the words enclosed reminded me once again just how incredible my Mom truly was. It's crazy to think how quickly two years is approaching, and how I still frequently receive notes and comments from people telling me how my Mom changed their lives. Perhaps the most incredible part of my mother's kindness was just how easily it came to her. I don't think she ever thought twice about what she was doing, she just sort of...did it. Whether it was baking bread or sweets for neighbours and friends who needed a pick-me-up, or sharing a joke or smile, she just had this way about her that made it look so easy to make the world a better place.

While recently in Amsterdam, I thought about her a lot. I thought about how much she would have loved that city. I imagined her walking alongside me while I strolled throughout Vondelpark. The frequent waft of a particular scent reminded me of that story she always used to tell my friends when they'd come over, about the time she was nervous for her university interview. And while I, perhaps, shouldn't be sharing that story, it was always one of my favourites (aside from the one that involved her being shipped off to boarding school...) - especially when she used the bamboo shoots she'd been given as a gift for props. Man, she used to laugh while retelling that story. She used to laugh in general.

But, the one thing that amazes me, is the reoccurring theme that usually tags along with all of these reflections from others. In so many instances the people sharing their stories with me about how my Mom had done something for them would recount how little they knew her. In some cases, Mom would do her thing after only meeting them a time or two, and in some cases, even just hearing their story would bring her to act. So thoughtful, without thought. And it also amazes me just how much everyone knew how much she loved us (my brother and I) - not that I ever doubted it - but it's strange to hear that reiterated from people you've never even met. Sometimes I get absorbed with how unfair it is that she was taken so soon. But, then I think, how could she possibly have loved me any more than she did.

-the Orange Canadian

To learn more about my Mom, and the many acts of kindness she has inspired, check out The Judy C Kennedy Project or 'Like' it on Facebook.

Singin' in the rain!

After a pretty fast-paced, high-energy trip, I was looking forward to spending a few days relaxing and catching up on some sleep before jumping back into term paper madness. But, of course, this would not be the case for little 'ol me.

Last night was Earth Hour, and as the Community and Environmental Secretary for my hall of residence, I was in charge of planning an event. We participated in style, with an hour of glow-in-the-dark bingo! While we may not have been full-on environmentally friendly, I'd like to think that fun was had in the name of energy-conservation awareness!

Photo credit: Areeba Khan

Today, however, I found myself once again on board a bus ready for adventure. This time, I, along with a handful of my fellow residents were heading to Chester. Now, this is not to be confused with one of my favourite spots in Nova Scotia (and home of the Kiwi Café), no, this was Chester, UK.

Views of beautiful Chester, NS from last summer

A shot of the patio at the Kiwi, taken straight from their website, noted above!

Chester, not unlike the one I have grown to know and love, is a small town filled with lots of charm. Even in the rain (yes, it was rainy), you could easily see how beautiful it was/is. As we arrived fairly early, we made out way to one important stop - coffee. Then, when we filled up, we made our way to the Cathedral and began our trek along the old city walls.

The main entrance to the Cathedral

A side shot of the Cathedral, with Town Hall poking out in the background

Another view of the Cathedral

The walkway on top of the wall

Group shot!

City wall

Unfortunately, it began to rain quite heavily, so when we came upon the racecourse, we stopped into the bar for a drink and warm up. This is where I discovered a whole new style...

My sweet new look, thanks to that super stylish headband!

Since the rain didn't seem like it would be ending anytime soon, we took a group vote. Despite my desire to continue walking in the rain, I was out voted and it was decided that we would head to the aquarium, which was just a short bus ride away.

A view of the Chester bridge, which is currently under renovations, hence the covering.

Now, to be honest, I truly had zero desire to visit the aquarium. My last experience at both a zoo and aquarium left me feeling sickened by the treatment of the creatures on display. However, I was assured that Chester's Blue Planet Aquarium maintained clean and roomy enclosures. So, slightly reluctant, I tagged along with the group. AND, I was pleasantly surprised!

We saw a wide variety of fish, frogs, sharks, turtles, snakes, and more! My favourites, of course, were the otters. Man, I could have watched those rascals for hours. But, we were getting hangry and needed to return back to Manchester.

I found Nemo! Twice in one week - I'm on a roll!

Some sharks waiting to be fed!

Otters!

Loved this little guy! Check out the intricate pattern he's rockin'! 

Jellyfish

Lionfish...they may be destructive little buggers, but they sure are neat looking!

Impatiently awaiting food!
Photo Credit: Yong Kai Jie

We made it back in good time, only to be greeted with beautiful sunshine! Go figure... Not a bad day, overall, but now I'm 'knackered' as they say in this rainy part of the world!

I'll be taking a break from adventuring for a while to concentrate on my studies. This is not to suggest that there won't be anything blog-worthy over the coming weeks, but that I don't anticipate anything too exciting to take place!

Until next time,

-the Orange Canadian

France, France, Underpants

Bienvenue à Paris. The third and final stop of my Easter break adventure. A place where I attempted to use my French-speaking skills from school days many years ago. A place where I quickly learned trying and butchering the language is not the same as simply just trying and knowing when to stop. And of my French-speaking skills I will say this: I may not know what the English words for many things are, such as 'rétroprojecteur' (also affectionately known as, "un Elmo"), and most practical math and science related things, nor can I carry a proper conversation, but at least I can watch French television moderately well... And, to be fair, my inability to properly carry on a conversation is not necessarily related to the French language.

So Paris, France. The city of love. Home of many globally recognized sights. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame de Paris and well let's face it, Dan Brown's first hit novel, the Da Vinci Code. Remember during my time in Italy when I realized Dan Brown was a liar... in the case of Paris, be pretty much nailed it. And thus, here I am again, embarrassed by the fact that when I need a good read that requires no use of intellectual awareness, Dan Brown fills that void. Thoughtless reading at its finest. 

We arrived in Paris shortly after 4:00 pm. I was slightly anxious as I had booked an evening tour outside of the one I was currently on. A few of us walked the few blocks from our hotel to the Arc de Triomphe before I parted ways with them to head to my pick up spot. And that folks, was the most stressed out half an hour of my (recent) life. I like to think I've got a fairly good sense of direction, and am usually pretty good with a map, but in this instance both seemed to be failing me. The only thing that made me feel slightly okay about this, was the fact that the five or so people I asked for directions from didn't know either. But, alas, I arrived on time to check in, only to be told I had to kill a half an hour before the bus would arrive. 

So, I walked across the street to the Jardins des Tuileries, where I was almost immediately approached by a sir who insisted I be his model, because he loved my style. And that was the moment I knew he wanted money, because I had been pretty much wearing the same outfit for the last few days, and hadn't brushed my hair since the day before I left Manchester. If 'dirty hippy' was a sexy-style, as he described it, then I guess I've got it?! Anyway, the researcher in me obliged on the condition that I could ask him about his life. It turns out he was in his final year of his PhD in Art History...or so he said. In the end, the drawing looked nothing like me, but at least it was an interesting chat. By that point, I had to head back to catch the bus for my evening tour.

A shot of the Jardins des Tuileries, with the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

The Louvre

Dr. Marco

The first stop was a Seine River cruise. This had been recommended, but honestly, I could have done without. Don't get me wrong, it was neat to see some of the big tourist sights and gain a little history at the same time, but it was difficult to concentrate on what the guide was saying because of the very loud dance music pumping throughout the boat (and that was the moment I knew I was getting old...).  The guide had to say everything in four different languages, and for the most part I lost track of when she would start in English and when she would transition into another language. But, to be fair, I probably would have enjoyed this portion better (the cruise, not the music) had I not been tired. 

Next was the real reason I signed up for this particular tour - a trip to the second level of the Eiffel Tower. I have to say, standing at the base I felt over- and underwhelmed at the same time. It was everything I had imagined it to be, and yet not. But, being able to look out from the viewing platform at the city around me was unbelievable. I wasn't sure about doing this at night, but I'm certainly thankful that of the choice to do so during the day time hours and when I did, that I chose the one I did. The way the lights pierced the dark, evening sky was incredible. We had just over an hour, but after about half an hour or so, a gang of 16-year-olds joined, and were screaming out of what I can only assume was excitement. Had I not known better I would have thought some boy band was in my presence...because they certainly weren't excited to find the Orange Canadian amongst them! Nevertheless, it was amazing to spend some time there, and to take a quick stroll along the river before making my way back to the bus.

The final portion of the tour was a night drive around the city. It was basically the same as the river cruise, only we got sweet neon green headphones (for which I was really in need of a new pair) and lovely French music to take us through. Once again, it was neat to take in the sights, but I was pretty tired. When all was done, I boarded the metro and returned to the hotel for a good night's sleep.

The next morning, I rejoined my group and we chatted about what we'd done the night before. Then we boarded our bus for the final time for a tour of the city. For this tour, our local guide Nicolas provided a humour-filled historical interpretation of Paris. We stopped at the Arc for a photo-op, and then toured Notre-Dame. We made a final stop at Place de la Concorde, where we took a group photo, and then said good-bye to our delightful driver, Mike (seriously - I can't have any other Mike's in my life...).  Then we were once again left on our own. 

Arc de Triomphe 

Notre-Dame de Paris

Inside Notre-Dame

The group shot!
Mike, our driver (who also holds the award for whitest teeth ever),
and Arjan, our tour guide, are the two young men in the front.

I stayed with a couple I had been spending quite a bit of time with, Gracie and Bob from Florida. We went to Montparnasse Tower, a 59 story-office building with a great view of the city (well...when it wasn't foggy and rainy!). This was the moment when I learned Parisians had a sick sense of humour. In order to get a view of the Eiffel Tower from within the building, you have to cross over a panel of three screens, which as you step on it, plays a video recreating what it would be like if the floor gave way. Not. Cool.

The foggy views from Montparnasse Tower

Yep...that's a lot of dead people. 

A view of the Eiffel Tower from Montparnasse.

Next we went to Le Marais, which is the Jewish area of Paris. Here we found an incredible hole-in-the-wall cafe where he had one tasty lunch! At this point the rain really began to fall, and the moment came where we needed to part ways. So off they went to the Eiffel Tower, and I went off in search of La Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montremartre. Seriously, for someone who doesn't identify with religion, I sure love visiting churches! And this one sure delivered. 

To get to the Basilica, one has to climb endless stairs (kind of like my adventures in York!). But, was it ever worth it once you get there. When I went into the Basilica I found a chair and sat for a good while. This was partly because my legs were at present attempting to detach from the rest of my body, but also because I just needed a moment to take a breath, a step back, and just let myself be in that moment.

The Basilica

When I collected myself, I walked throughout the church, taking it all in. Then I made the rather naïve decision to climb the 300 stairs to the top of the Basilica. At the time I thought, pft, what's 300 stairs?, in reality my body laughed at my belief that I was as fit as I was only a few years ago... after stair 142 I thought about just settling in for the rest of my life. But, I made it, and it was well worth the (much-needed) exercise. The views were breath-taking. While it may not have been a thing that scared me, I think this visit would have made for one thing that challenged me for the day.

A view from the top. If you squint, you can see the Eiffel Tower way in the distance!

After a while, I climbed back down, found the nearest metro station, and made my way back to the hotel. My legs were pretty much hating me by this point, so I was so thankful that by the time I'd made it to my final connection, I hadn't run into anyone I knew... and then I got on the last underground only to bump into my tour guide, Arjan. I'm not sure he noticed, but throughout the entire conversation, it was taking everything for me not to topple over. But, I also chose not sit, as I was afraid I'd be unable to get up at our stop. Luckily, I made it back to the hotel in one piece, for a quick rest before our final group meeting - a drink in the Irish pub across the street.

My final activity in Paris, was one final walk to the Arc de Triomphe for some night shots, with one of my fellow travellers, Kelly (again - this is the final Kelly I will allow in my life). It was a nice evening to be out, and probably the perfect way to end this trip.

L'Arc de Triomphe

The tomb of the unknown soldier

The next morning, I woke up far earlier than I needed to, in order to have one last breakfast with some of the friends I'd made over the last few days. I've got to be honest, bus tours were never something I'd ever thought I'd participate in. And, while this will likely be the last (aside from the one I'd already booked for September) I'm really glad I did it. As a result, I met some really amazing people, and saw some places I probably would have never gone on my own. My hesitation to do another has nothing to do with the experience itself, so to speak, but more so my realization that I've become a far more independent traveller than I'd realized. It was pretty intense, and the constant needing to be upbeat and friendly was exhausting at times. But let me reiterate one final time - this was an incredible experience and I really hope I'm able to keep in touch with many of the people I met. Yet, perhaps the most significant epiphany of this trip was the result of having to answer the much dreaded question of what are you going to do when you graduate in September. And, I think I now know for sure what my post-grad plan is. Whether I fail or not, I think I need to just do it, because when else am I going to be free enough to do it?!

Anyway, I was delayed leaving Paris due to "rain in London" if you can believe it. I was pretty exhausted by the time I got home, but this did not stop me from indulging in one final act of getting cultured - the opera! I went to see my fellow Acadia Alum, Rosie in her final performance at the RNCM. Amsterdam, Bruges, Paris and Shakespeare all in one marvellous week.

My next adventure is only a few hours away, so be sure to check back soon!

-the Orange Canadian

It could'a been Bruges-al

Well, sadly my stay in Amsterdam came to an end. Day Three of my bus touring adventure took me to Bruges, with a quick stint in Brussels.

After breakfast (where I broke my coffee-fast), we jumped on the bus and began the drive to Belgium. Along the way, our tour guide Arjan, gave us a pretty decent history lesson. Then he made the mistake of asking if there were any questions...and for the remainder of the trip (and I don't just mean from Amsterdam to Bruges), I proceeded to grill him on the water system and climate change plans of Amsterdam. Quite impressively, at one point he actually pulled out a semi-academic article which he thought would answer all my questions, but much to his dismay, only led to more... Apparently, this was not meant to be one of those vacations where I can turn my brain off.

Anyway, our stop in Brussels was short. We took a quick photo-stop at the obviously inaccurately sized molecule. Then we did a quick driving tour of the city, before walking around and enjoying some free time. There was some really impressive architecture to be found here, but overall Brussels was sort of 'meh.' The highlight of this stop was the TinTin mural, and the massive cathedral we found - St. Michael's.

Atomium

Grand Place on our walking tour

TinTin! (and Captain Haddock, and Snowy, Neige,
Milou, or 'Bobby' (?) depending on who you ask!

Sean Connery*

The view from outside of St. Michael's Cathedral

St. Michael's Cathedral. It took 300 years to build this bad boy!

Inside this magnificent beast.

The organ...which slightly looks like a face with a decent moustache. 

Soon we found ourselves driving towards the small town of Bruges. Many of you are most likely familiar with this area due to the popular Colin Ferrell/Ralph Fiennes film, In Bruges. Unfortunately our guide wouldn't let us 'when in Rome' it on top of the Belfry tower. Something about liability concerns...

We checked in and went for a nice little intro stroll before being left on our own. Bruges is quite simply one of the most charming places I have ever visited. It's known as the "Venice of the North," which I tend to disagree with, but I truly enjoyed my time here. Just walking around, looking in some of the shops, seeing the buildings, and just acknowledging the historical aspect of this place was amazing.

The Belfry

It's also where I picked up this gem...

If you look closely you will see the questionable illustrations.
It gets better once you actually read its contents! Yikes!

Later on we all regrouped and went for dinner. Here I had the pleasure of sitting at the table that was served first, while enjoying the ambiance producing light-adjustment struggles of the staff. We had some really good conversation, and it was nice to just unwind after a busy few days. Afterwards, a few of us walked off our meal and toured around the town seeing it again for the first time in a new light.

The next morning we had free time, although at 9:30 am, had the option of visiting a church where Michelangelo's Madonna of Bruges is found. And while I did partake, the real highlight of not only this particular morning, but the entire trip, was the part that involved me not sleeping in like everyone else did, and taking a much needed early morning walk.

I left the hotel shortly after 7:00 and returned about fifteen minutes before the meeting time to visit the church. I wandered throughout many of the streets. I watched the setup of the fish market, and walked amongst many of the locals heading to school and work. It was lightly raining and was just so calm and peaceful - pretty much the only real time I had to decompress throughout the trip, as it was pretty intense (and amazing!).

When I returned, I was feeling quite relaxed, but filled with anticipation for the remainder of the day's events, including a long drive to Paris.

-the Orange Canadian

*Not actually a statue of Sean Connery.