Through The Looking Glass

I have suddenly become keenly aware that I can not just be, that I can not just experience. Things must be immortalized, carved in stone tablets, and broad casted to the people. I fear that my journey has become not enough in itself to satisfy me. That somehow there is an inherent need for it to be put on display, envied, and idolized. Instead of simply seeing with my eyes, my camera has become my looking glass, my words have become advertisements, selling out to the masses.

I feel saddened by my Epiphany, yet the likelihood of change is slim to none. This train of thought started in my head and will end with the words on this page. Which really sounds a great deal sadder than I intend. This is my brief moment of reflection and inner critique. However, I do write this so that these thoughts are not immediately drowned out by the next but stored as to be remembered and maybe even one day learned from. Because truly I do wish to just be.

I believe it is etched in every persons DNA to be remembered. Maybe that is the underlying motivation for all of this. The hope that my journey might catapult me from nothing to notable, that by sharing my stories my humble journey becomes legend.

I realize the hypocrisy in all of this. I realize how stupid and pretentious I sound. Part of me wants to blame society, technology, and a long list of other shallow reasons. However I know that buck stops here, with me. Ergo this rant may just serve its purpose and maybe, just maybe I will eventually just be.

Now that i have spewed my random thoughts and insecurities out for all to see I will leave you to try and make sense of this, and hopefully allow you to reflect on your own slice of life. I am not sure much of this makes sense but I feel like this was necessary for some small measure of personal growth.

Goodnight.

Chilla, Thrilla, Lobsta

My beloved! Much has happened in the last few days. I am sorry it has been so long. My girlfriend told me my blog was boring so I considered a permanent hiatus. But fear not, I have returned to resume babbling on to you about things which you most likely do not care about.

One thing I forgot to mention was that on our little shopping trip into town that some guy at the market rubbed aloe on my face and then proceeded to point out bug bites on my arms and legs and rub the natural plant on such bites. Everything happened so fast I didn’t really know how to stop it. He then tried to tell me that usually he charges 30 dollars for such service but he would take 20 from me. I walked away, and he was not pleased.

Even with all the free food in the world at our fingertips my desire for seafood had not as of yet been quenched. Jordan and I moseyed down the beach and bought fresh crab and lobster from these guys who cooked it right there. It was delicious.

I have to admit my judgment on the entertainment was a bit hasty. I think maybe it was less than adequate only because it was Christmas. The last few nights have been awesome. There was an African tribal evening that told a story eerily similar to lion king. I say that mostly because they used songs from the lion king. Last night was a traveling steel drum band complete with break dancers they covered quite a few current songs including some Michael Jackson (rest in peace). Very impressive. Speaking of MJ, Tonight’s entertainment was an MJ impersonator. So good. Highly entertaining. Despite leaving out a few of my personal favorites I still really enjoyed the show.

Today we did our excursion. We got on a catamaran and set sail for a journey with three stops. The first was shopping at this marketplace. Not really that impressive because I had done all my shopping but we were only there a short while so it was ok. The second stop was snorkeling in some very cool looking caves. (One of which we were told had been used in filming the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. After seeing it for myself I realized it was a lie to up sell the tour). Despite the lies the snorkeling was sweet. The third and final stop was my favorite by far. It was the “famous” Ricks Café. The part I was looking forward to was the cliff jumping. There were guys there who I believe essentially make their living by doing crazy flips of these cliffs. There were even some kids doing some crazy stuff. Jordan and I both did jumps of the 37ft platform that was available for the tourists to jump of. Not the highest I have ever done but still fun never the less.

Tomorrow is our last day. It is as always for me bittersweet. The rest and relaxation was much needed. Jamaica was an awesome adventure to be had. One that I would recommend to anyone looking for a tropical getaway. I am more than satisfied with number 26 and am ever looking forward to that next adventure. I have some clues as to what it may be but who knows what the future holds.

For today’s song choice I had to go with one you might expect from a Jamaican vacation. A little Bob Marley. I have to say I really do enjoy reggae and it even made some of those annoying Christmas tunes enjoyable.

Iron Lion Zion – Bob Marley

Hopefully it wont be too long before I return to writing. I must say I did miss it. You never know, my next adventure could be right around the corner. Until next time…

You Stay Classy.

I ate this

Christmas in Paradise

2 for 1

Like I said, not a whole lot of goings on around here other than getting my tan on. So, two days one blog.

Christmas on the beach was very much a surreal feeling. Wind blowing in my face, the ocean breaking at my feet, it was very serene.

Best part of the day by far was eating authentic Jerk Chicken right on the beach. Straight up delicious. The food continues to be awesome all around, dinner was Brazilian food served on a sword. Pretty good stuff, makes me want to go try Pampa back home. I am really looking forward to this nice place we are eating at in a few days, you will here about it I’m sure.

On a side note they had Santa speedboat onto the beach and walk up this balloon walkway. I really did expect him to be black. Oh well.

Although most of the other entertainment has been somewhat lackluster I did appreciate this evenings entertainment. It was this guy who sang like Roy Orbison, very legit

On Boxing Day we decided to taxi into town for some shopping. There wasn’t a whole lot to actually buy, the town was pretty small. We stopped at this Jamaican Patti store and had some authentic Jamaican patties. So good. Its pretty cool growing up eating and loving them my whole life and actually tasting the real deal from the place they get their name. There will definitely have to be more of that happening in my future travels. (Buffalo wing, Philly cheese steak etc.)

The ocean is warm and just as I remember it. Its Still and will always be one of my favorite things on the planet. I wish to visit it more often.

Christmas was great and funny enough I actually shopped on Boxing Day. Tomorrow is a nothing but lay on the beach day I may or may not feel inclined to write. We will see. But for now I will leave with the song I was listening to all day.

Levels – Avicii (Skrillex Remix)

Peace

P.S. - I apologize for the lack of pics, not really lugging my camera out lots, maybe one of these days I will.

26

An all-inclusive resort gives a completely new definition to the word chill. Because really that’s what you’re here to do. It’s a little bit of a new concept for me. Not generally of course but travel wise. Both of my last adventures were non-stop doing things type excursions.

Christmas Lights on palm trees is something I could really get used to. It no longer feels like the Christmas season. I’m not sure how I feel about it. Not that I don’t love being down here all I am saying is that it feels weird. What does remind me of Christmas if how warm and friendly the people are here. I find that most people from Jamaica are very welcoming and warm people. I do miss that about being in the Caribbean, I feel that many places around the world don’t treat visitors as kindly as the people here do.

Curious as to the title of my blog? 10 points if you figured it out. Don’t spend them all in one place. Jamaica marks the 26^th country I have set foot in. It was a pretty cool feeling touching down and walking out of the airport. My goal of 100 countries does seem quite lofty but only death will stop me I promise you that.

Today’s adventure consisted of ocean kayaking, swimming, chilling by the pool, walking down the beach looking at trinkets, and turning down weed… several times. Also the Christmas Eve Buffet was unreal, maybe even top 5 buffets ever.

I am not quite sure that I will have an adequate amount of fodder for my ramble cannon given that the sole purpose of this week is to relax and do nothing. But I will try.

Theme song of the day

I first blogged about these guys last year when I was in London, I heard them in a restaurant and asked a stranger if she knew what the song was. Not that you care, I just found it interesting. If I was a hipster I would point out to you that I heard of these guys way before they were on American radio and became mainstream… but i'm not because hipsters are stupid.

Glad You Came – The Wanted.

Merry Christmas

Heart of Gold

Im trying really hard in my mind to be witty and clever right now but I really can not put my thoughts properly into sentences because im still coming off the emotional high of the last six days. I do however want to try a write anyway just to be sure my perspective is fresh and my memories are clear.

I have learned over the years that in life honesty really is the best policy, so maybe that will carry over into the blogosphere. I doubt it though, people tend to be more critical and harsh on the web because they dont have to confront you... but i digress.

Honestly, I have never been more tired. The last six days have been really crazy, starting with being a youth leader at YC, having my girlfriend come and visit for three days and finally caping it off with going to the U2 360 concert. Im sure that back in the days of camp there was weeks where i had less sleep but this week was very sleep deprived. YC is traditionally a weekend where sleep is a very scarce commodity. Also with Abigail visiting, time is very precious and therefore is not to be wasted on sleep, its much better spent with each other... watching Lost... Top it all off with standing on our feet for almost 8 hours to watch one of the greatest bands of all time and you get one unreal week.

My intention originally was to only blog about the concert but hey, things happen, I get distracted easily. 

U2!!!

So Good. Unreal. Sick. If you know me you know that those words are deeply engrained in my vocabulary. Love it or hate it doesn't really bother me. I just enjoy living life and am not afraid to express it. However few things in life are worthy of the title Truly great. I would put U2 in that category. whether you are a fan or not, whether you like their music or not, you have to respect them. They may not be the greatest musicians on the planet but their love for what they do shines through every song and every show.

There are a lot of reasons why they deserve respect. First I will talk about the music. Longevity. When they release their newest CD later this year it will be the fourth decade in which they have been releasing music. Very few bands posses the ethic, talent, and passion it takes to have the kind of Career that U2 has had. They are one of the last remaining megabands in existence, a dying breed. A band that can claim global dominance of the industry. They belong in the same category as the Rolling Stones and The Beatles. The way the world of music has evolved I would go so far as to say that there will never be another band like U2. U2 has Generations of fans, parents who pass on their love to their children and grandchildren.

The concert was amazing. It really was larger than life, yet the stage presence of Bono captivated the audience and delivered and spectacular and even personal performance. The stage and tour are one if a kind. Its freakin huge! Earlier this year it became the highest grossing tour of all time. This was my second time seeing them in concert and it was great. The first time included a road trip to Vancouver and the show in BC Place. This time around it was a roaring 60 000 + Audience outdoors in my home city with my girlfriend Abigail. Definitely an experience I will never forget. It was like evening with my two favorite people, Abi and Bono. Or a date with my girlfriend with really good background music.

Bono has always been one of my heroes. Not just because of the music but because of who he is. I remember the day he gained my respect. The day he put on those pink Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses he has been known to sport. The endorsement deal was worth millions and when he agreed to it it was his reasoning that won me over. He turned down endorsements like that for years and one day something changed in his thinking and he realized that its not about selling out its about the good that he could do with the money and the spotlight. Bono has used his star-power to shine a light into places the world has turned its eye from. Whether it is the sex trade rampant in countries all over the world, the tragedies in Burma, or starvation in Africa. He has started global organizations to raise awareness and support for the destitute all over the world including the Red Campaign and ONE. He really does have a Heart of Gold.

So you can completely disagree with me if you like, but then you'd just be ignorant. However if you take nothing else away from what I've said please remember this. God has blessed all of us in many different ways, we should all take a page out of Bonos book and use what we have to make this world a better place. My hats off to U2 for delivering a spectacular performance and I pray that it wont be the last time I can be part of that experience.

As customary I will leave you with a song for the day. This has slowly become my favorite U2 song over the last two years and quite possibly one of my favorite songs of all time. 

Where the Streets Have No Name - U2

Peace.

Sooooo Good!

In a recent blog I mused about how many places there are in this world that have captured a piece of my heart. This past weekend I had the opportunity to visit yet another place that just feels like home. Im talking about a place up in the frozen north of our province some of you may not have heard of called Fairview. At times the drive was somewhat treacherous, These idiot snow haulers would lose big chucks of ice off their truck every time they would hit a bump. so at some parts of the highway it was like dodging ice chunks the size of smart cars, ridiculous. not only did we choose to drive north during the winter we chose to do it during the night. Arriving in a small community called Nampa at about 6 am, we then proceeding to nap and then head to fairview for church at 930. This would be my second night in a row getting less than four hours of sleep, needless to say I was exhausted.

Fairview feels like home because of the people. They welcome me like one of their own, even though sometimes with my designer jeans and pointy dress shoes I feel like I stick out like a sore thumb. I have counselled at a camp outside of fairview the last two summers and have become very close friends with lots of the people whom I have met. Fairview is always full of good times and chill people. Time is filled with just relaxing, catching up, and spending time enjoying the company of friends I dont often get to see. I really enjoy the time i get to spend with the Fraser family, Mark and Shannon always make me feel welcome. Its also cool to see the newest Fraser, Lincoln. Sunday night we fed him pop rocks, it wasn't as hilarious as previously imagined but still pretty funny.

Its sad that i had so little time to spend in Fairview, but sometimes that just how it is. I think i did make the most of my time and I know it wont be long before I return.

Theme song for the day

Rolling in the Deep - John Legend (original by Adele)

Im sore, Im tired, and Im sick from the journey but it was totally worth it.

Sooooo Good.

Faith, Hope, Love.

1 Corinthians 13:11-14

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 

It is integral to a healthy Christian walk that we are always growing and always learning. I have recently come to the conclusion that at every point in our walk with God we are always learning about and strengthening one of these three things; Faith, Hope, and Love. In this particular segment of my journey I am learning about hope. I feel like hope is the forgotten middle child of this family. The obvious focal point of this verse is love, and so it should. We also put a great deal of emphasis on faith, because without faith there would be no relationship, no walk with God, no acceptance of forgiveness and so on and so on. It seems like hope is not weighed on the same scale as the other two. I could be gravely mistaken but i feel like hope is not defined or explained as clearly as the other two. Hebrews 11:1 for Faith, 1st Corinthians 13:4 for Love, but what about hope?

I dont mean to seem flippant about it but i think that hope is not defined specifically is because Hope is universal. Love is specific, Faith is specific, Hope is abstract. Sadly not everyone will experience tangible love, not everyone will come into a faith in Jesus Christ, but i guarantee you that hope is something that every human being has had intimiate experience with. Hope is the homeless man in line for a bed at the shelter, hope is a Chilean miner, hope is a present under the tree, hope is a schoolboy crush, hope is clinging to the promises of a friend, a lover, your family, or the Father. It is the one thing the world clings to when all else has failed. 

I think that we as Christians need to learn how to relate our hope to the rest of the world. I think its the one things that everyone truly understands. People everywhere hope in things that will fail, we have hope in the one thing that will never fail. I think as world continues to spiral out of control and there is rampant devastation on a global scale the one thing people can still latch onto is hope.


Thats my 2 cents.


Theme Song for the Day


Whole World in His Hands - Tim Hughes