Chinese Man Throws Bike At Thieves

Ok, i know i need to write more about what is going on in my life but couldn't resist posting this. All hail cyclist vigilante!

I'm off to Seattle tomorrow for Aydin and Andrea's wedding. Wish me luck with not being harassed and assaulted by police. :p

nick

JK Wedding Entrance Dance

So this is not my brothers wedding entrance but WOW, what a way to get ppl involved. Awesome. :-)

Vegetarian, Why?

Don't ever give up on reVEGing oneself.

Monotone voice is the way of the future

Great workout instructional video

Am I caught up yet......nope.

Hello all,

Ok so I have finished getting all the photos from Tanzania up and commented. Now there are a lot of them but hope you enjoy.

Journey of Fall 2009 - Safari

Journey of Fall 2009 - Arusha and Marangu

Journey of Fall 2009 - Lushoto + Dar Es Salaam + Zanzibar

Kate was gracious enough to send me hers so here are some more from another set of eyes.

Kate's Tanzanian Pictures

Videos are always fun

As most of you know, I just got back from a trip to Australia. It was amazing. I saw my oldest brother get married and set off into uncharted land. He and his wife are changing careers and becoming elephant trainers in Thailand, what a place and thing to do for their honeymoon. Just awesome.

I was enjoying every moment that I could while there. I am happy to be home. It has been a fast passed 3 months of constant go go go. I have many desires and areas of myself to focus on at this time and Victoria is where I feel most compelled to experience them. Before any of that happens tho I need to get through Christmas, a wedding in Seattle and missing a certain someone special on the other side of the world. I shall try my best between now and them.

I hope my sleep begins to be on a normal pattern soon. This night owl thing is only fun for a little while.

-Nicholas

PS: Here is a photo of me

Drop Box

Why does everything look familiar? Oh yeah, I've been here before.

I'm back in Sydney everyone. Arrived on Friday with my mom, big thanks to Chris and Sarah for picking us up at the airport. It was a long flight, 15hr 30min. ugh. We both were able to sleep but it sure was a long haul trip. Food was crap, the entertainment was nothing to talk about, and the staff were very accomadating.

Jet lag hasn't been too severe. It was a good time for the flights, depart Van at midnight and arrive Sydney at 11am. If only it took that long....these planes keep getting faster and faster each year so maybe.

I've been taking a few pictures. But my mom on the other hand opened up the other day when we went to the Royal Botanical Gardens. First time I had been inside. It was very nice indeed. They have done an amazing job to create a high level of diversity in the garden. Mom and I particularly enjoy the 'succulant garden'. I thought maybe it will be filled with plants that I could eat but I soon found out that cacti have very very sharp thorns, :) It was filled with succulants from around the world and then catagorized inside to different continents. I saw the biggest f*cking spider I have ever seen in my life. argh, it gives me shivers thinking about it right now. Creepy creepy. It's body was the size of a wedding ring box and the legs stretched out farther than a CD length. ugh....changing topics.

The weather has been wonderful, went out on a morning walk the other day at Manly Beach(google it). The mist at 6am was amazing and so were the amount of people out at that time, since it is full light and much much cooler. Compare that to Victoria where you have to take flashlights to go out before 7am and after 5pm these days. The sun is hot, but I have felt stronger, what I am worried about is the hole in the sky/ozone layer. I have been putting lots of sunscreen on. I keep seeing so many people on the beach tanning and what. But some of them look very very far gone. The skin was so dark that you might think they have come from south asia but they have burnt their skin so much that it is truly like leather. The government is putting out a compaign titled, "There's nothing healthy about a tan."

http://www.darksideoftanning.com.au/Default.aspx

Today I am not sure of what we shall do, but there is much to see if we wish. I feel at ease just walking around and relaxing. Not in any hurry. Tomorrow we(Mom and I) will be heading to Melbourne and move into a place there. I'll hopefully be able to take my brothers bike and rent one for my mom. We are both excited to get on the bikes and explore the city together. I have been to Melbourne before but there is always to see. We are thinking to ride around the bay in a day. Very cool to be able to do that, it is 250km to do the whole thing and you have to take a ferry as well.

I have posted some videos on youtube of myself and Kate on the Safari. They are at the end of this post. I'm still sifting through the photos but some of them are up now. Links at bottom too. Looking forward to reading your comments... :)

BTW: Victoria has a UV Index of 0.1
Dar Es Salaam:10
Toronto/Ottawa: 1

-Nicholas









Pictures from Vancouver-Amsterdam:

Journey of Fall 2009 - Pre-Africa

Pictures from Dar Es Salaam and Kigamboni:

Journey of Fall 2009 - Dar Es Salaam and Kigamboni

03/11/2009 Mocca Java Cafe - Dar Es Salaam

I sit now in the most expensive coffee shop in all of Dar Es Salaam. My last sleeping night here, I have decided to give myself a treat. A hot chocolate and a swissroll are on their way followed by a big glass of cold milk. Excited I am for it.

Tanzania has been a gracious host to me. The lions didn't eat me, the mosiquitos only took blood and gave little more then bite marks in return, and the sun although burnt me from time to time allowed me to see so much of this beautiful land. I have been able to observe a different culture. One that may at times bring questions in my mind but has also been able to intoduce an avenue of sharing. Building a bridge with many of the people here has been the most special of moments. Standing on the street corner with 6 young men asking me questions about Canada, me breaking stereotypes as I answer them. It is in those unplanned moments that I appreciate the most of the individuals around me. To know that those times were a special moment or to feel as if it was one is inheirently the same thing for me. To be asked for money on the street by so many people to some I just say no and to others I ask why. It seems as if we all are interested to talk and to listen. The conversations started to be meaningful to us all when I gave financial advice to the souvenir vendor and the safari tour operators on the streets, or to explain to the street agent how powerful trust is when it comes to sales. I was eager to listen to shop owners. A whole new world of oppinions comes out from them once we start to be honest. Honesty expressed by them unaccompanied with shame or guilt. Such purity.

There were points on this trip which I got angry hence I was scared therefore I was sad. There were moments which I was dissappointed by myself and my actions towards some of the touts but balanced with appreciation of the system that has been developed for them to survive within. I learnt that I do not like to be followed while walking on the street and when I expressed that my defensiveness was released and my protective nature summoned to the surface. It is nice to know that I have that characteristic when needed. To feel confident enough to stand up for a friend or a stranger is something new for me to explore when it comes to being harrassed on the street. It depends on many factors, like many other things in life, it has variables.

I am looking forward to being cold. To have rain fall on me which is close to freezing. Many times here I am exhausted from doing nothing, the heat has an ability to remove energy from my body. It is at times hard to talk, walk, even to eat food. I am constantly drinking bottled water to keep hydrated and also tired of taking medication to hold back diseases and viruses. To those of you out there which take a daily medication, my condolenses. I wish to stop but fear the consequences more. Soon I shall be home to be with many familiar faces and maybe some new places too. By that time the journey of life continues.

I have come to this this cafe to sit and think back on the experience that I have been fortunate enough to be a part of creating. My presence has been significant in many peoples lives and theirs also in mine. Kate Meck, my safari sister from DC and circle of life buddy(like a circle not a square). Sonia, you kicked me out of your appartment in Dar but I still respect you a tremendous amount. Mischa and Findley my Zanzibar explorers, trusted allies in the game of 'watch our stuff', and partners in our boat tour company. Hamin and Aloyce from Tip Top, How is the cycling and painting coming along? One pedal and brush stroke at a time brothers. Eugune, my dear friend. I look forward to seeing you at your wedding. Jignesh, my solid unmovable rock ithin Dar Es Salaam. Each time I came back you were always a welcoming face to see. Please tell me that you will soon be coming to Canada and saying Jambo to a whole new world.

All of you have given me memories I wish to remember and stories to share with many of those who are and will soon be in my life. We all live seperatly but can't share with each other while alone Thank you for the peace and love which you all have given me. Including everyone back in Canada! Your support while I have been away, the emails and comments on the blog have been a big part of my experience here. It is a very pleasent sight to see my inbox with 10, 15, sometimes 22 new emails when I check it. I wish for much peace to come in all our lives.


Love and Peace
Nicholas

PS: "Be the light in your life" - Begum Ozeke

Nov 3rd, 2009 Back in Dar, 'The last days'

AHHHHH, Back in dar, no more travelling within Tanzania, no more long busses or ferries, just eating and sleeping. :)

Zanzibar was amazing. The beaches, the self learning, the people that I met, and the history of the towns. So much to see and I am content with what I did get to. I'm quite tired while I write this, need to eat some lovely food, maybe some ugali and beef. Yeah that would be very nice actually.

Met some wonderful people in Zanzibar; Mischa, Findley, Karin, Sarah, and of course Nat again plus his friends.

Nat texts me while I was in the north of the island and says that he is coming over the next day with some friends and that he is exicted to meet up. As was I too. Nat and I had a great time in Dar together, going to some beaches and talking about love and life. So the next day I head back to Stonetown, head to the port and wait for him to come off the ferry. Waiting and waiting, I see this huge group of people, white people, on the other side of the fence going through immigration. Don't know why it is taking them so long tho. Waiting and then finally. 14 travellers come out of the gate all together. I thinking to myself are these Nat's friends? 14 people!! The guys talks with people more then I do! I then spot Nat in a big straw hatand the brightest orange shirt that is competing with the sun. I catch up to this herd of human beings stampeding through the city and trying to get away from the touts at the port. I start calling out Nat's name. He turns back in the way which at the moment looked so magical if we could slow down time and have a camera shot of just his head. The big sunglasses are there soon followed by a big smile right underneath them. We spent the next two days together, myself practically leading the group around the town but also giving us a chance to sneak off and watch the sunset. So romantic, wished Brenden could have been there. ;)

So great memories here in Tanzania, I hope to sit and write down some of my thoughts tonight and have 1 final entry for Tanzania tomorrow evening.

Big smiles

Nicholas

25/10/09 Dar Es Salaam, Internet City Cafe

It is so hot in Dar. I really enjoyed the cooler temperatures of the north. So much nicer than in the south it is sticky and humid. I decided to leave Lushoto two days ago. It was raining to much for me to stay, it is unfortunate but 'yote maisha' or 'that's life'.

Today is a day of visiting friends and biking for the last time in the city. I will be giving my bike away to one of the young friends I met here. I think he could use it well. Will also be picking up some more artwork that a local artist is drawing for me, will be nice to see him, been a while since our last visit.

I'm off to Zanzibar tomorrow it will be nice to settle down there and relax on the beaches and just enjoy the last few days i have in Tanzania. Might even find very fast internet and be able to upload the pictures. If not then I'm sure the amazing Cassie will be gracious enough to let me use her computer for ten hours and upload over 8GB of data that I have to share with you all. So excited to do that.

I got asked to leave Sonia's place the other day. Stayed at her place the first night when I got into Dar and then yesterday she asked if I could leave. It was not personal and I truly believe that since we went to lunch to gether and had a good cry while looking at photos also. She asked to have some space the last few days of her time in Tanzania and it made perfect sense for me to leave. I must say it took a lot of courage of her to express herself that way to me. Most people wouldn't have. Thumbs up Sonia!

Nicholas

22/10/2009 Lushoto, Tanzania Tamaini Hotel 18:48

A different day for sure. Not filled with much sightseeing and exploring landscapes. Instead it has been a mixture of introdction to the legal system of Tanzania. I was invited to sit in on a murder trial today much of it was spoken in swahili so the facts I am not aware of but the images were striking. I scribbled some thoughts down during those moments here are some of then.



****

'A guard rests the barrel of his assualt weapon on the top of a table. His weight pushing down. A support for him to rest on to hold up his tiring body"

'I sit in the high court of Lushoto, Tanga District. The shapes around me are catching my focus.'

'The guard of the suspects is slanted in a chair, one that looks as if it has been dat on by many before him that the back rest is curved.'

'Lawyers sitting at the bar, heads down, enveloped in their hands.'

'Three suspects in a row, their dark skin in contrast with the bright walls behind them.'

'A head drops, one of the suspects has dissappeared from my eyes. I can only assume, a verdict of quilty.'

'The judge is quick and intolerrant of the prosecutions preparations. At that time, a hornet flys in the room. Will it be a witness for the trial. Not quite, it trys to leave but some one has placed a forcefield between it and the outside world. It rests on the edge of the window for it to deactivate.'

****

After the trial I was invited to go the lunch with the lawyers of the prosecution. It was uncomfortable. I felt ignored amd uncared for and mostly neglected for my presence. I had just spent 2 hours hearing nothing but swahili and was looking forward to talking about my experience. They were barely interested. My interpretation was that I was imposing myself on them at lunch. At times I would sit there for minutes with each minute being painful confusion in my mind of what to do. I attemptd to engage, discuss what I saw today. But at times I was bluntly interrupted by the lead prosecutor. My politemess, my ego surfaces and I try to derive a way to get out politly, thank you Sonia! She is a friend I met who asked me to mail a postcard for her from Lushotto since it would then have a stamp of the area, it was my saving grace. 30 mins before the offices close I excused myself, paid for my meal and left. Happy to be gone I went about my day.

Apon reflection, the three men whom were on trial and the guards around them were social with each other after the trial in a way i have not seen before. They were the last ones to leave the court house. Smiling and laughing as they awaited for the vehicle to take them to prison. It was as if the fact that two had been convicted of manslaughter and the other of murder with 4 and 6 years of prison time respectively, did not take place or maybe just another step in a journey they were too familiar of being a part.

It has rained much the last few days and unfortunately I have not been able to go up the mountains to explore the beautiful sites. Do I stay and wait a few more days, I hope the rain stops enough for the paths to become hard. My other option is to head to Dar in the morning and say so long to this place another visit needed and someday it may take place. Much to do in Dar. :) Will decide soon. Let's see if I meet anyone at Dinner.

Nicholas

PS: Got a throat infection. Received some antibiotics at mount Kilimanjaro walk in clinic, all is better now. :)

18/10/2009 'This post is protected by the blood of Jesus Christ'

Ah, laying in bed is a wonderful experience. I just took a 2.5hour journey from Arusha to Marangu. Rode in a small vehicle some what like an oversized van called 'Dala Dala' in swahili. They stop whenever someone is on the side of the road so it is the public transport of this area. Cheap, convient and relatively fast. To have some understanding of the speed, it took 2.5 hours to move 60 people, 150km for under $4CDN. Try that in Canada.

Now to the title, it was one of the stickers on the side of the daladala and I'm glad it was there. We saw the aftermath of a collision on the highway between a cargo truck and a safari jeep. We couldn't tell if anyone was hurt but it made me relize how easily it can all end on a simple drive.

I don't know why I have come to Marangu really. I don't understand at this ont what I will do but I will stay for two days and spend sometime among this area. Don't know what is in for me therefore I have no expectations. Besides I'm sure by tonight I'll have a much better idea of my path.

Smething is going on with my throat it hurts to swallow. Not sure what it might be. Trying to drink lots of juice and keep eating if it doesn not finish soon I'll have to do something more. SO on that note maybe I'll g and take a nap or tr to hold off sleeping and go for a walk. I like it here. There is rain! :)

Nicholas

17/10/2009

Not much has happened between now and my last post. Staying one extra day in Arusha so that I can take it easy. Tonight I want to sit and read and drink some Redd's Beer. HAHA Well it is not exactly a beer. Let's say it is an alcoholic fruit drink in a can. Beer cans are very heavy here. You'll finish the drink but think that there is still lots left because of the feeling in your hand. Odd.

Nick

Head and face shaved....aahh

16-10-09 Yogi Hotel Cafe in Arusha, Tanzania

Another beginning? Maybe it never ends? Kate, left this morning to go and explore Zanzibar we just got back from an amazing safari. First things first, I need to visit a dentist since my jaw will not close due to how many times it dropped onto the floor. This place, that all of us call home is beautiful and filled with so much life. At the times I thought I was alone, an ostrich was dancing with me, ants were crawling over my feet and the wind was hugging my body.

I don't want to just list off the facts but the safari was 6days long we visited Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorogoro crater, and Lake Manyara. We were lucky enough to see all the big five; rhino, elephants, waterbuffalo, lions, and a leopard in the tree eating lunch. It was quite safe but at times the animals, wild animals I should add, came very close. We once nearly got charged by an elephant at Lake Manyara.

They may be used to vehicles but just like everything else that exists, sometimes you get annoyed by humans. "Click, click, click" and elephant charges. I'm trying to get photos up as soon as possible but none of the internet is fast enough to upload them in one big swipe. I have taken many photos, approx: two thousand so far, and 3 weeks still to go. hahaha. "Pole Pole" or 'so slow' things take time. And as my bumpasticka says, "No Hurry, In Africa." I have noticed that if I go to fast, too much is seen and not enough is created. For me to form the connections that I want it takes time. Btw, if you give out your mobile number to 15 adolescents in Dar they will call you!!! Daily!

It seems like I am making plans where to go next but right now I'm staying in Arusha and hang out with the guide and cook or Christian and Geoffrey from the safari, lovely friends.

have much to say about this last week; the roads, the people, the animals, but I don't have the words. I'm not sure how to express my amazment of the things that I have experienced. I am very thankful to be able to connect deeper with more of this world and to have those around me to share the journey. Winds, ants, and ostrichs here we go....

Nicholas

Alot can happen in only a few days.

I haven't had a chance to write up even in my journal what has been going on for me these last three days. So here is my on the spot recollection.

I have been able to meet people through the hostel. Fantastic!!! I did really need that company of people here. And it has been wonderful. Went on Saturday to an small island, Kigamboni, it has a number of private beaches, 3000tsh to enter, they are safe and that is important since there are bandits in the area, oh yeah and they wield machettes.

The water was amazing. My first time in the indian ocean. Wow, so warm and very low salt level. It was such a nice treat to go there with Nat, another Australian who is not the biggest fan of other Australians. I wonder how Brenden and him would get along. Nat and I had a lot of similarities in our life paths and experiences. It was great to have some really good talks with him throughout the day. We took the ferry over to the island and rode a Daladala, minitaxibus, cost only 200tsh each way on the daladala and 100tsh for the ferry, wow. Transport doesn't have to be expensive.

Got my sandles repaired by a street shoe man. He was really nice and helped nat and I find food to eat also. Some really good roasted chicken. The flavour was awesome. Yes! I ate chicken. hehe.

That night a good friend from the hostel and I went out to see the town at night. We went to a seaside cliff and stood in the gusting shore winds and talked about self-respect and confidence. Interested that we did since the next day he gave his notice at the hostel. hehe. We then went for a ride and stopped into a nightclub, I had to go back to the car since I had my knife on me, there was security at the club. Tons of people in the place. Really great music. My type of mixes, two DJs throwing it back and forth. I danced a great deal. So much that the power went out. hahahaha, yep even the night clubs run on city electricity. So, me being me, I said, "I don't need music to dance." I go on the danceful, infront of maybe 200 people and start dancing by myself. The crowd starts to holler and cheer. Soon and woman joins me on the dance floor, turns out she is a prostitute, wasn't surprised to be honest. While we are dancing suddenly a beer bottle is thrown from the balcony and smashes on the dance floor. Nearly hitting us. I get off and throw my hands up in disgust by the action. I was, like usuall, enjoying being the centre of attention. It was a fun night that ended shortly after the bottle was thrown, I say goodbye to the hooker and head out to the car, she follows, I happily say no again!

We got home at around 4am, I slept til 2pm, a good long sleep. Felt like I caught up on all the sleep lost the other days. So what do you do on a Sunday afternoon in Dar Es Salaam. Take your bike out for a nice ride, find a group of ten 15year old boys also riding/racing on the roads and join them. Ride all the way out of town to their homes. The best way I can describe this experience was breathtaking. To have the kids want to have me join them, show me their homes in the slums, and ride with me all the way back into town at night, on the highway, and without any lights was breathtaking. Such loving spirits each of them had. I was thankful to join them and take them all for a soda drink at the local drinking spot in the village. They are fast. I was thinking about this whole exprience for me and thought about what it must be like for the youth to see someone like myself riding a bike, to be interested in joining them for their Sunday bike ride. All of us there saw it different ways, but no matter what each one of us had a storey to tell. I am glad I could show them my spirit and happiness to ride the city streets with them. A powerful moment I hope not to forget. and holy crap was it scary at night with the buses passing within a couple of feet. As the boys would say, "night night, so slow." And we did, go slow.

Nick

Phone Number

I say it again, mobile networks outside of Canada and the US are years ahead of them. I bought a sim card and some credit today, guess how much that cost me? Gone on make a descent guess. 10,000 Tsh($10CDN)? No. Come on be serious. It cost me $1CDN a thousand shillings and I have a phone that works. For 30,000Tsh, you get a phone and balance on it at the start. Amazing. Just amazing.

So my number is:

+255 778 255518
That is a Zantel network phone.

You can text me and call me anytime you want. There is a ten hour difference between Victoria and Dar so be kind.

Goodnight.

Nicholas

02/10/09 A mixed bag of emotions

Location: Room 111, Jambo Inn 04:00

An amazing day of emotions and firsts today. I managed to fall asleep at 7am yesterday after writing my last post. I was only awoken because of the hostel staff were banging on my door. No problems, just checking in on me. I went downstairs to the restaurant in the hostel, ate some lunch, veggies in sauce and rice. It cost 8000tsh(Tanzanian shillings) about 8 dollars. Not bad but could have used more flavour, SALT!! I walked around a bunch yesterday hassled by a few guys at a park needed to leave suddenly. They startd walking towards me, and I could just tell that the situation did not look safe. You look someone in the eyes as I did to these men as they approached me. I didn't like what I saw. I stood up quickly to show my agility, grabbed my metal Sigg water bottle and clasped it in my right hand, use what you have as a weapon. I was in no mood. I walked straight towards one of them. I moved with a strong confident pace before the other two got closer. We pass each other and he says, "No parking." I speak back that I was sitting not parking but kept walking creating space now between me and them. My ears were on high alert. Listen intently incase they were running after me. Nothing. One of them yells and says, "This is my soldier." I don't look back to see, keep walking I say to myself. The area is surrounded all the way round except for the entrance. I am heading to that gate right beside the police post station. I'm thing to myself, head straight ahead, get through the gates, cross the road, don't lead them to the hostel, get lost within the crowd if they are following me. I do exactly that.

While walking a street agent tries to talk with me, I'm in no mood. I keep walking. A younger one of the agents calls at me and says, "You like to walk alot." I had passed that street many times in the morning. It is the same as the hostel. I yell back to him, "Yes I do, and quickly too." I keep walking. Now heading to a calling cafe. I call back home, as I sobb on the phone talking with home I began to feel better, a lighter feeling comes over me. I was upset with what just happened but more importantly what I had come to terms with what that i was alone. A good cry was needed. I finished the call and headed back to the hostel I went inside a different hostel first incase those men were still following. Waited a few minutes, no sign of them thankfully. I headed home for the night where I soon did what I do best. Be social.

I walk through the restaurant doors and take a quick scan of the room, some familar faces. I see a woman doing Sudoku at one of the tables. I first walk past thinking, hey there is an opportunity for conversations. Then I pull a Breden, ;) and think no she is probably thinks that I am hitting on her. Immediately, I remind myself of who I am and dive into a chat with her. We have a great time chatting and meet up later to chat more. While talking with her I realized how opened and free of the sadness since talking with keely and this woman, Carolynna. I am grateful for letting go of things easily, I can only live in the now. At times you need to smile and other times cry.

Tomorrow a new day, looks like I might be able to go to the sites of the BikeTown next week with one of th local coordinators. I also got an email from a woman who is in a similar situation as myself, she can't cancel her tickets to Dar next week so we shall meet up and do some exploring. So things are looking up. Beside I have coordinated to rent a bike for the next few days also. That should just be awesome!! Bicycling thes crazy streets. But it will be worth it, another story maybe. Walking is just too slow, besides Taxi drivers will stop asking if I need a ride. :) I think they all love me since the airport incident. :)

Nicholas

30/09/09 Life happens for me not to me.

Much has happened since I last wrote from Vancouver while in Eren's appartment the day of my departure. Had a day in Amsterdam but something has happened. How can I say it all but not drag on. Well first let's start from the beginning which in my eyes now was actually the end of my planned trip. :)

The flight from Vancouver was what I expected it to be. Full plane, little leg room especially since some engineer decided that it was a perfect places for a metal component box, food was good, got the pasta option. Arrived in Amsterdam ahead of schedule and reached the city quickly with trains. God I love trains. The best form of fast transport. I began exploring the area, happended to walk right in the red light district. Not much to really see there. Women behind glass doors trying to intice men and couples in. I received many waves, winks, and hand gestures to come inside. Can't say I did. When I looked into the eyes of these women it was void of connection. I understood quickly that they were working. Hoping, wanting and wishing for the next client or the next 50 euros for 15mins. I had been asked if I wanted sex a few times when in Budapest. This was different. The product is the same 'sexual attention/affection/desires trying to be satisfied by clients but the providers are like many things on a spectrum, on one end we have providers who have complete control of how they work, when, who, how, where, etc. OIn the other end they are those whom have zero control to those boundaries.

I biked in Amsterdam!!! I went on a tour of the city with some others. Great fun. Raining the entire time. Got soaked, everything in Amsterdam costs money except the rain!! I rode without a helmut. I know, Inkow, surprised faces of those reading this. But it was great!!! Small allies, quick passes by cars swerving in and out of traffic watching for trams, cars, busses, scooters, and hundreds of people. Big smiles on my face most of the time, was really great to bike free to ride on the road again.

After dinner I headed back to the hotel. Thought to myself that I might as well check my email before bed. WOW!!! Good idea nick. This is when everything changed and the new beginning starts. Ok, so here is the news. Due to beaucratic problems with the bicycles processing at customs BikeTown Africa(Tanzania) has been delayed indefinately. That's right! The enitre purpose of this trip has fallen through at this time. Mere hours before boarding my flight I find out about this information. There is a slim chance that I will be able to participate in the program stil. Right now we are looking at a 2-3week delay. I'm here for 5 weeks! So I quickly thought of my options after reading this; go anyways, cancel everything, or run for president of Tanzania and make an excutive order to get the bikes through on Monday. Well both the later of the three didn't seem reasonable so I went to the airport the next morning, loaded onto the plane and arrived last night.

Thank you to all of you that I have heard from or spoken to encouraging me to more forward and go. It is a huge comfort to have your support.

Since arriving I've had a caucasian drunk fall on me, anxiety about obtaining a VISA and cause a 12 man, discussion(shouting match over which driver will take me to the hostel) outside the airport. It worked out most fairly in my opinion with one man losing out. He was attempting to take customers away from the taxi drivers. He is a travel agent and at times tries to get fares from the airport. The course of events was the perfect situation to cause a stir. I tried standing back and letting it progress to whatever point it was to become. I began smiling half way through the arguments. I couldn't nor wouldn't say no to this happening. "Welcome to Tanzania," Diana, one to the airport information officers, says to me. "Sorry it has to start this way." I tell her quickly that I am enjoying my self. That this is a real event. Not structured or organized in some package that I bought online. These types of events makes me whom I am today. I lay here here under my mossy met in my underwear with the fan on and mildly sweating, and I am thankful.

Soon security got involved and I was told that I get to make a choice bwtween the taxi or the personal driver. I asked him what would be better for the airport in the future? He looks at me and says, "Taxi." I quickly say to him, "Ok, I think so too." I turn around suddenly, at the same time as I yelled 'alright!' my hand comes down hitting the metal barrier beside me. A loud affirmative crash echos in the small tight area grabbing everyones attention. I tell the men that I will take a taxi. I thank the personal driver for his help and patience. He new what he had done was risky. The drivers spoke up and he got caught. I believe the reason he stayed around so long is because he was trying to save face in the end. I can imagine them all sitting down later and having tea together. Enjoying each others company on a social level. The airport situation was business, and truly nothing personal whatsoever.

As I walked with my Taxi driver to the taxi official table all the other drivers begin to applauding and cheering their victory. It was a wonderful situation to experience.

It is now half past midnight and I'm sleepy. Goodnight.

Nicholas

It Begins! 28/09/09

Today, I believe is the first day of my trip. I will be alone in Vancouver. Set free to explore the area, eat food and ride the Canada Line to the airport. Like usual I'm worried I won't have the right stuff for the trip. Doing last minute shopping at MEC and other shops, inorder to feel confident that all will be well.

I reall don't know what I am about to be exposed to during this time in Tanzania. It is too hard to tell before I get there. It still seems far away and it is. A full 53hours at this point. It has the appearance of being really close but a lot can happen between now and then. I will just be myself, let the emotions pass through my body like a wave.

I will be writing this blog by hand first, finally using those books I bought 2 years ago, then once I gain access to a computer I while type them up. So we all might see a bunch of posts happen at once and then nothing for a week or so. It is a great editing tool too, as I just found out. 'hehe' Wouldn't you like to know what I just deleted. :P

My best wishes to you all feel free to follow the blog link below, if you want. Some times I will be funny sometimes boring but if you are a voyeur. than it doesn't matter. :)

- Nicholas

Pics

Lots of photos from these last few weeks of summer. Some great photos of Begum and Eren. Hope you enjoy.

Flight of the Conchords Song - 'The Girl with the Epileptic Dog'

I think this is my current favourite song. hehe, "No, I'm thinking what I'm Thinking."

Blackbird - Sungha Jung

Wow...

A question??

How would you answer this question?

What is your expertise, experience, and education?

Thoughts and impute...

Mmm A Cock

No Introduction...

Posting....

Hey,

So not sure what to write about. Still hanging around in Victoria. Been quite active these last few days. Did a long ride the other day, 100km. Felt great, I have been slowly fine tuning my riding position. I raised my seat the other day and I could feel the new muscles being used while I was clipped in. Trying to get the maximum efficiency from the stroke. But it tired me out quite a bit. I was a good 20min down from my last time. But day by day should see the difference.

I have been in contact with Bradley from Biketown Africa, looks like the dates will be Sept 20-24, Oct 5-9. Should be a blast. I am thinking that I will fly down just before and then stay till the end of October. Then will be flying home in order to leave three weeks later with my mom to Australia on Nov. 25, will be back in Victoria on the 16th. So yeah, lots of carbon going to be used this fall!!

Tomorrow I start a great journey with the group, Loose The Training Wheels. I will be assisting children with development disabilities to learn how to ride a two wheel bike. It is a week long program and I will be there every morning. Encouraging those kids along to reach their goals. Super excited, volunteer training is happening tonight so I will learn more information there.

I want to send my best to Brenden down in Bali, he is probably enjoy a gorgeous breakfast right now looking out over the ocean. Thinking about taking a trip there for myself too. :)

Nicholas

An exciting day

Hello All,

Have you every heard someone say or said yourself, "My feet really hurt in these heels"? Well I sure have heard many a friends say it. In the past, I have said, "Free foot massage when we get home", or something to that effect. Well now I know how it feels to say those words too.

On Saturday June 6th, I participated with around 150 others in the 'Walk a Mile in Her Shoes' event put on by the Women's Sexual Assault Centre of Victoria. It was a fantastic day. Cloudy but still warm. It starts with me running out the front door in my 3inch 'stiletto wedge' heels to get in the 'Trusty Tank' with Lisa and off we go storming down the road looking for things to run over. Lisa is wearing a reasonable ankle boot, two inch beige block heel. Very nice. Soon we are picking up Begum with her brown leather, top-calf high, 3.5inch point heel boots. Very stable. As we are heading downtown we are deciding which route would cause the most mayhem. Should we go via Fort and possible run over an ambulance heading to Jubilee Hospital or maybe through Hillside and pick up some extra shoes at Payless to go with our artillery gun range outfits. Glass wedge porno shoes not the best for shooting practice by the way.

We reach downtown, thankfully the Yate Street parkade accommodates tanks. lol. As I walk toward the exit door Begum lunges for me as if I was to step on a land mine and tells me not to walk on the ramp or I'll break my leg. This is where the first of many moments of interlocking with Nick's arms for his safety took place.

Begum surprised at my skill level allows me to walk free and of course I start to pose for photos. hehe. Check them out below. We are joined by Paule and soon the four of us, interlocked arms, are walking down government and now the Human tank is shoving tourists off the sidewalk into the traffic. Hope no one died. That would have been tragic. We arrive at our destination, QV Bakery for some morning breaki with Paul and Nikko. The team is assembled, Project Heals: Wearing Heels to Heal. We eat some super huge chocolate cake to grab an intense sugar rush to get us in that state of mind to march through downtown Victoria yelling chants, and waving banners/signs.

We sign-in, put our donations down, buy the shirts, and suddenly a feeling comes over me. I didn't feel unique anymore. I look around and notice that I don't stand out in the crowd. So many other men are doing what I felt was so special earlier. Such an amazing transfer in attitude. I think we have all felt moments in our lives where we feel unique and special. That feel of being stripped of that uniqueness is what took place for me. Very interesting, glad to experience it. Happy that it happened in a place such as this.


So we listened to speeches and then marched the streets; douglas to yates, yates to warf, warf to fort, fort to government, and then finally from government back to the start at centennial square. A great walk, stopped lots of cars(even one of my bosses from the bookstore) and made a lot of noise. THEY GAVE ME A WHISTLE! Silly people. ;) Sorry Paule for the loss of hearing in your right ear, it will come back soon...hopefully.

So after the walk we visited a few stores downtown, fan tan gallery, rogers chocolate, hope key bubble tea, and Women In Need(Where I tried to donate my shoes at the end of the day). Begum bought a beautiful hat, bracelets, and decorations for her apartment. I hope you all enjoy the photos below. Great fun. Everyone should wear heels once to understand what they truly feel like. And when someone says, "my feet hurt", they really mean their feet hurt. Most likely they have been quite about it for sometime. My ego played a big role on that day. I had a goal not to take them off until we reached WIN, but doing so definitely inflicted some damage on my feet.

Smiles
Nicholas

Click Image below.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

Been a while...

Hello All,

It has been sometime since I last wrote up what is going with me. I have been doing the same things as before with a couple new things in my life. New things, new places, and new faces. I know that it has become a tendency for me to post videos on the blog and share them with you all. I guess when I see these moving images I have a rush within my mind that I want to share the feelings and thoughts that I have while viewing them. You will have different thoughts, different feelings then me, but you will think and feel and that in its self is pleasant to know.

This video won the TropFest 2008 shortfilm of the year award. It reads for itself. Simplicity in the filming, writing, song, and meaning. K.I.S. Keep it simple. Just lovely.

Some news for you all. I will not be visiting the maritimes this summer. :(

I will instead be focusing on my actions with-in Victoria. What I see myself

working towards here is a integration of going deeper into the helping field,

exercise for myself and encouraging others in my work, cycling, and

counselling. Time to create my career and go on a journey. This winter I

will be heading south to Australia to visit my brother and see him wed to a

person who I am honored to see become a part of my family. That's all for

now chat again.

Something fun...

-n

Hello All,

Here is the majestic Begum's Bread Recipe with her own notes for the best way to make yourself be enslaved by your taste buds. :) Yum Yum.

Begum: I'll give the basic dry mix recipe. The variations you can create depends on personal taste; one could create dozens of different breads by simply adding whatever you like to the same basic dry mix.

One could experiment with different beers too. But I definitely like the flavour the beer I use ("Tuborg" :) gives to the bread, so I never change it.

Basic Beer Bread Mix:
Flour: 3 cups (I use either 2 cups of whole wheat + 1 cups of unbleached all-purpose white flour, or, 3 cups of whole wheat flour - like in the bread we had that night at Nick's place)

Granulated sugar: 1/2 tsp (though the original recipe says 1 tsp, I add less to reduce my calorie intake)

Sea Salt: 1 tsp

Baking Powder: 1.5 tsp

Baking Soda: 1 tea spoon (this one was not on the original recipe, but after experimenting I decided to add this - optional)

Beer: 12 oz (355 ml)

Flavour Variations:
My 2 favourites are: (1) flax seed & walnut crumbles, or, (2) flax seed & oregano (this is the one I baked for that dinner). I once added dried garlic as well, and the result was quite nice.

Mix all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the extra ingredients (as much you like) before adding the beer. Mix it thoroughly with the dry mix.

When the bread mix is ready, slowly add and stir in the beer. Yeah, the batter will be thick and your fingers will be covered with it. :) Don't rely on the spoon only, otherwise the inner parts of the batter will remain dry.

Although the original recipe says 12 oz of beer (1 bottle ?), for 3 cups of flour I add slightly more than 1 bottle of beer. You can find the right amount by experimenting with it. But my tip is: The batter should not be too dry or too soft. So add the extra beer in very slowly and knead the batter thoroughly to make sure all of the dry mix is combined with beer. Any left over beer? Drink it while you wait.

I heat the oven after I'm done with preparing the batter (to give it few minutes to "rest").
Heat oven to 375F.
I use olive oil to grease the loaf pan (20 cm ones are good for this recipe) and sprinkle flour on the inner surfaces in order to prevent the bread to stick to the pan.
Spread the batter in the loaf pan.
Bake about 45 minutes.
After taking out of the oven, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool 10 more minutes (honestly, I can never wait this long - cheese on warm bread is just divine :))

Bon appetit :)

Yo listen up! Don't get caught in the congestion! OOH!

Check it. Love the video. Song is catchy too.

Use the bikerack!!

Photos!!!

Here are the photos of ME from the Sunday ride. I noticed something, I am Happy!

Concentrating on the ride ahead, mind of matter...ohm.....

"OK Ray, get a good shot of my butt" No, no! You can't see the detail. Next time I'll bring my camera.

!

Right above the exclamation mark behind the guy in the gold/yellow and red, you can see my helmet. But I'm not looking for myself in the photos, look at the other people too. A lot came out. Great feeling at the start with so many people.

Around the 70km mark by Mikael, just after I had stopped, stretched and ate some food in-front of the Big Barn Market. Hehe, look at that big red bag! Looks more like a first aid kit.

91km, you can just see the blood on my right leg. Those are the shoes that I just bought. Stupid wonderful clip shoes. Yes Nick, blame the objects that you adore in order to feel better. :) Again big smiles.

Interested in seeing more?? >>click me<<

Unclip: come to a soft stop. Don't unclip: bike falls over with you attached.

So I went on a very long bike ride today. It involved me and 68 other people traveling one hundred kilometers throughout Victoria, Sannich, Sydney, Sannichton and Royal Oak. Fantastic day. The weather was beautiful. Stayed around 10 degrees C for the whole ride, a little wind. The people that were riding were so friendly and honestly happy to be out on a ride like this with so many others. There was a great energy with the group.

I fell over!!! Second time riding with clip-in shoes today. We came to a crossing for the highway, I unclipped both feet and then stopped. I then clipped back in and with one powerful thrust with my enormous quads, I shifted all my weight to the right side of the bike and fell right over. Other riders started to help me up and check if I was ok, thankfully I was. Scrapped my leg and elbow. I just kept riding. It needed to happen sometime. Glad it did when others were around.

So while continuing towards Sydney I noticed that my knee started to hurt a little, understandably so since it was bleeding. When we finally stopped I noticed that the blood had hardened do to fast wind passing past me :p And the pain was from the hairs being stuck in the blood and being pulled. Ouch, but stupid. I just put up with it until i got home and I barely can feel it now since washing the crusty, black blood. YES I said BLACK. It had sucked up a ton of air while I was riding and as I look at this blood I just imagine how disgusting my lungs must be from breathing tons of that air in. It was black seriously wtf!

The ride was great all in all. As i said met some nice people. Hoping to do a 200km ride on the 11th, might even do it tandem with a friend. Never rode a tandem before. exciting. But I think maybe him and I should try it out a few times before we do 200km. HAHA, maybe. Don't have photos of the ride yet but I'll post them once I do. Hope all is well with you all. Wishing you the best.

Nicholas

Join me in turning off the lights.

More info?

Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies...WOW!

Cey asked me to post some recipes so that others could enjoy the great creations that I have been able to enjoy munching on these last few days. Here is one of the cookies that I have been making. So yummy, :p, i'm eating too many of them.

Ingredients,

1. 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
2. 1/2 cup White Sugar
3. 1 cup All Purpose Flour
4. 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
5. 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
6. 1/2 tsp Salt
7. 1 cup Oats
8. 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips
9. 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries
10. 1/2 cup butter
11. 1 egg
12. 1 tsp Vanilla
13. 1 tbsp Milk

Directions:

1. Mix most dry ingredients; items 1-6 together and mix by hand to break apart any chunks then add Oats.

2. Melt butter till it is softened. Then Add to dry mixture

3. Mix separately egg, vanilla and milk, once mixed well add.

4. Mix cookie dough until it has a consistent texture then ADD Chocolate and Cranberries. Mix again.

5. Store in Refrigerator for 15 min. Let the mixture harden. Preheat oven to 350F, prepare cookie sheet pans(grease if necessary)

6. Use hands to make half golf ball sized balls and lay them out on the baking pan evenly.

7. Cook for 8-10 min, watch carefully...OR they will BURN!! Muahahaha

Good Eats,

Nicholas

Maybe feelings are the only true explanations...

All I have to say is turn off the lights, close your eyes, and imagine what is love.

Lyrics:

Is it the face of a child
Is it the thrill of danger
Is it the kindness we see in the eyes of a stranger
Is it more than faith
Is it more than hope
Is it waiting for us at the end of our rope

Chorus:
I say, it's love
I say, it's love

Is it the one you call home
Is it the Holy Land
Is it standing right here holding your hand
Is it just like the movies
Is it rice and white lace
Is it the feeling I get when I wake to your face

I say, it's love
I say, it's love

Is it the first summer storm
Is it the colours of fall
Is it having so little
And yet having it all
Is it one in a million
Is it a chance to belong
Is it standing right here singing this song

Repeat Chorus 4x

Is it a veil or a cross
Is it the poet's gift
Is it the face that has launched over thousands of ships

Is it making you laugh
Is it letting you cry
Is it where we believe that we go when we die
Is it how you were made
Is it your mother's ghost

Is it the wish that I'm wishing for you life, for your life, for your life the most

Nicholas

Covered in flour and loving it

No, I have not found some kinky sex group in Victoria, but I'll now keep my eyes open for it. ;) I have started baking a lot these last few days. It has been so much fun and enjoyable. I have reached out to friends around me and asked for recipes and have founds some really great things. So far I have made, Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal and Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, along with right at this moment two loafs worth of 100% Organic Whole Wheat Bread dough is rising in my kitchen. I'm going to punch it just before I sleep and then in the morning start baking, should be awesome to have really fresh bread with some veggies, fruit, and eggs in the morning. Yum. I have discovered that I like the taste of precooked dough, cookie of course and even bread. There is something about the soft texture that I like. I think the dough is similar to the centre of the loaf so soft that I can squish it into a ball and eat it. Eating it before cooking just saves that step of cooking it.

Does anyone else do this out there?

If you want some cookies just let me know what type you fancy and i'll try my best getting some to you. :)

Nicholas

Whistler

Heylo, :p

So everyone a couple weeks ago I went up to Whistler to see my brother and his partner in Whistler. It was a great journey and adventure. Went up on a Friday morning. Left my house at 7:20am and arrived in Whistler after bussing, ferry, bussing, sky-train, walking, eating, peeing, bussing, and finally stretching I got to Whistler at 4pm. 8 hrs and 40 mins to go essentially 241 km. In a few months, I will be doing farther distances on my bike in a day. I am so excited to move faster than busses and ferries.

I got up there in good spirits. Met with Sarah and walked around the lower village. Headed over to The Westin, my brother is a hotelier, played some Wii in the lobby and laughed at the phallic shaped decorations by the fire place. Soon headed home to Creekside and went shopping at the 'somewhat cheaper grocery store in Whistler.' A DOLLAR A LEMON! regular price, ours were on sale! 3 for a DOLLAR! yay back to normal. The pricing in this store was really weird. Apparently, sometimes a head of lettuces goes on sale and it cost $2 for 2 heads or $2.99 for 1. Price check in aisle three!

The rest of the evening was great, hung out, made beer bread buns that tasted like nothing, We even put 'extra' rosemary in it and it was so bland. I tried my best to like them but it wasn't happening. The cinna-buns on the other hand were not a problem for me. WOW! yummy yummy. Ate those the rest of the weekend. I gained weight while I was in Whistler, 7 pounds. It wasn't the food and I was walking ridiculous amounts. For example, I walked all the way to the top of the bobsled run, which is closed to the public. Got to the top took some photos, was informed that I was not allowed up there. Told the guy that I new that and then walked all the way down. 35 min walk up, 20 min walk down. On the walk down I kept being stopped and told that I was not allowed up this road. I had to remind them that I was walking down, not up. HEHE. But the weight gain just really showed me how much the cycling assists in maintaining my physical health. Would have been so much fun to bike up that hill.

During the weekend that I was up there it was the Para-Cross Country World Cup Finals. That was going on at the Olympic Park, but my visit to the park was thwarted by the shuttle bus drivers. Ended up just walking around, going for yoga class, massages, walking down ski runs because it was faster and safer than the roads.

On the last day I went to the top of whistler with chris, rode the Peak 2 Peak or 52 MIL.

The gondola cost 52 million dollars to build and it is essentially 2 shell buildings, 4 very big towers, and 24 gondola cars. $52 MILLION!!!! Got some nice photos tho. On the last night we all went tubing at the tube park. That was a blast. Never new tubing was so much fun. And btw magic carpets are aw

esome! 9 runs in an hour.

I came back to victoria on Monday, during the night before Vancouver and Victoria got snow 4 inches or so. During the entire weekend Whistler got 3/4 of an inch. Went through crazy vancouver where none of the buses were on time. Reached home, very tired and went to sleep at 5pm.

It was a great trip. Nice to get off the island and see the somewhere which I haven't been for 16 years. Didn't remember any of it then. hehe. This time I will. Huge thank you to both Sarah and Chris, you both were fabulous to spend the weekend with and looking forward to doing more things together in the future.

See you soon.

Nicholas

Photos are available here

This has to stop...sigh. Although I am improving.

I crashed again on my bike today. All is well. So far it has been the least scaring accident. Just a small skin tuff on my leg. Here is the story.

Was riding at Cider Hill Cross and Cider Hill intersection. I was moving quickly in the bike lane approaching the intersection. There was a car moving into the intersection. I came up just behind and beside it and saw that it began to turn right. I was way to close to stop with my bad brakes so I just went loose and hit the car with my body. Man contact to the car was right on the passenger window and my body. The car stopped and I then continued to fall to the ground. I got up right away and the people in the car were really scared that I was hurt. With my experiences so far I knew I was OK. We proceeded to chat on the side of the road. Good spirits were flowing within me. I have built an attitude while riding that place blame is not a successful method of interaction with others.

While I am riding I try to give space between myself and cars around me. That space allows me to react to provide myself time to move to safety. I did not give space today. I didn't see an indication light either. An indication light does not tell the truth all the time. We have all seen a car driving down the road for many blocks with the turn signal on. Instead I keep my eyes staring strongly at the right front tire, they can't turn into me if the wheel is straight, right?

The sharing of responsibility for these accidents is so important. The conversation, not argument, that we had on the side of the road was calm and honest. We shared first names not information. We shared attitudes and beliefs not insults and blame. It doesn't help the situation to blame either side.

I look back onto each accident, that I can remember (hehe), and try to see what I have learned from it. With this accident there were 3 things. 1) I know for myself that I need to be more careful of intersections. Not to be passing cars and give more space for myself. 2) My rear brakes were not in even good condition let alone great and I had meant to change them today. I guess I needed this to happen in order to teach me the importance of having really good brakes at all times. 3) Keep a clear mind. The driver and passenger of the car were so appreciative of my attitude and philosophy of the accident. They expressed how easy it was to talk to me after such an incident and how compared to their past experiences with cyclist this has been such a pleasant experience.

Like a meeting of friends on the side of the road, this incounter had us both leaving with smiles. My bike is hanging in the garage right now. Stripped down so that I can replace the rear brakes and give it a really good overall cleaning.

Wishing you all the best

Nicholas

PS: First accident of being 24 years old. Yay!
PPS: Stop saying ride safe! 'evil eye' to those people who keep saying it to me. It is not helping. :)

Wow, dance buddy dance

Love it.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Reminds me of myself. LOL!

Chili to go? Chili for a week!

So I made this gigantic chili tonight. Filled with beans, peas, half a bulb of garlic, white onions, corn, tomato paste/sauce/cuts, potatoes and herbs. I put tons of smoked paprika in it also. It adds this particular taste that can be found on barbecue chips, but this tastes a lot better. I cut out a large bun bowl to pour the chili in and it tastes fantastic. Fun to make too. Took an hour and half to prep, cook, and simmer. Got to let it simmer! Yum Yum, here are some photos...

Cans, cans and more cans.


Big pot, 16 cups worth!

The finished product. Yummy :p

Looking forward to tmr, not for the flatulence but for the run that I am going to go do. Woa think about that combo! Haha. I haven't run in about 3 months so pretty excited for it. Got to keep active. Really helps me think things out and give me piece of mind. I feel connected to my body when I am gasping for breath either on the bike or ground. Reminds me that I am alive, especially when I am listening DJ Tiesto. Love it!!

Is true F1 RACING coming back...?

Saw this video a few moments ago and found myself become pretty excited to see F1 again. It has been a few years since I last watched a race. They just became too predictable. The first race this season is on March 29th. I'll watch it and see how it goes. Here is the video:



Ciao
Nicholas

Check in

Ok, knees have healed really well. Chiro appointments have gone smoothly. Things are getting back into order. I've started biking without being in pain. Really nice to be able to go out without taking the bus again. So Slow.

The scratches on my face have improved. While they healed I didn't shave. It was getting scratchy the other day so i shaved. But first i took an electric razor to it. Wanted it short for the blade. After I had finished buzzing it down I looked at my hand. It was so interesting to look at the shavings that had landed there. I thought it would be a cool photo. So I got out of the shower, went to my bedroom, making sure not to brush off the hairs. Ran back to the washroom and took this photo.


I don't know why I like it just do. I'm odd that way. I'm just about to leave to head to work. YAY furniture sale again today. So boring, but I get homework done and it is easy easy work. Hope to go out for a short ride later, it is sunny today here. So excited. to not wear leggings. But I now know why women like wearing them. I've gotten so many compliments on my legs. :p

Nicholas


PS: Does anyone else have hairs growing on the tip of their nose?

Great Vids

Fifty People, One Question: New Orleans

Same but different
Fifty People, One Question: New York

One more
Fifty People, One Question: Brooklyn

Last one

Fifty People, One Question: London

Great ad by Pomplamoose

Stayed conscious this time!

Ok, it happened again. I had another bike accident yesterday. I am so happy this time because I stayed conscious!! Seems like a great accomplishment. I was actually quite worried at the time but everything is alright. No broken bones, little knee and bike damage, and a theory of why it happened.

The Details:
Yesterday was another UVic Triathlon Club ride. Left UVic at 2pm. There were six of us riding. Which was nice since we could all pair up. Headed to the observatory to see the spectacular view that was up there. Just great. It was my second time getting up there. Seemed a lot easier this time. Then after that lil' hill climb we went into Saanichton area. The farther away from the city I noticed that the vehicles on the road grow exponentially. Wow, some of them are as big as a house. They are huge!

We soon got onto the lockside trail and this is when things got interesting. So two riders infront of me and two behind. Bronwyn's and my handlebars caught each other and before we knew it we were both on the ground and sliding along. I could feel my bare legs scraping against the ground, along with my face. I thought for a moment that my nose was bleeding but noticed it was just mucus from riding all day. Then suddenly there are two more crashes and I noticed that the two riders behind us were also crashing. We were all going around 20-25kph. Hard to stop when you ride so close. Clean up on Isle 3!

I yelled out, "Is anyone hurt?" Replies of No come back from three stunned voices. For all of us this was the biggest crash we had been involved in with other cyclists. I slowly started to push myself up and lift up the bikes that were at this point on top of me and Bronwyn. I am so thankful that is happened where it did. Although that trail is not the softest it was a lot softer then ashfault and away from cars. My knees got scrapped up a bit, only part of my body that is really in a lot of pain. Bronwyn had some significant pain in her left arm and shoulder. I hope it is nothing serious. The only major damage happened to her bike also. The right side shifter and brake lever had broken a bunch and is going to need to go in to get fixed. Yay Fort Street Cycles. We also had to do some road side repairs to fix the alignment of the handlebars. When the wheel is pointing straight and the handlebars are twisted 45 degrees to the left, it can be really hard to ride.

All in all it could have been a lot worse for everyone. We both noticed that we were riding too close to each other. Something to keep in mind for next time. Give space!

Now I said I have a theory why this happened. So last year just before the accident in April I had gone down to the Student Transition Centre in the SUB, I was chatting with everyone there and Sara told me to ride safely because I had told her how fast I was going on McKenzie(60kph). Well yesterday just before the group ride I again visited the office and said high to everyone there and Sara again told me to ride safely on the ride. Now either Sara or the office is a curse for me and biking afterward but something is up! Here are some photos.

Face, looks like one of Begum's cats scratched me. Nice kitty...

Not sure if people remember what I looked like last time, a lot worse!!

The knees, not the knees!! I'll get you your money Sara, :p

Nicholas