Tuesday 22 September 2015

A Nice Cup of Warm Water...

So, I haven't processed or even begun to look at my pictures from Iceland yet, but I have had a good few days reuniting with some of my favourite people (and still awaiting time with some of my other favourite people). Yesterday, in particular, was special, as it didn't involve reuniting with a specific person, but a specific place. You'll know by reading past posts, that I often struggle with the concept of 'home', but where I ended up yesterday was pretty much as close as I can get - beautiful, sunny Wolfville. And yes, I know, I didn't tell any of my Wolfville/Acadia peeps that I was in town, and I apologize. My rationale was that I just wanted to soak up Wolfville for what it is. Don't worry, I'll come visit again before I head off!

Anyway, the morning started off by running Uganda-related errands - handing in my contract, making appointments, and sourcing insurance. Then I picked up my bestest pal, Matthew and we made the journey home... my home... Wolfville.

I know a lot of you have made jokes about the name of this amazing little town, but you have no idea just how beautiful it is here. I have to say, I couldn't have asked for a better day, weather-wise. The sun was out in full force, but the fall-like temperatures made it perfect. Here's a short video to rub it in!


Our first stop (after Joe's for Scotskins!) was to Reservoir Park, where we took in the stunning views and enjoyed a nice walk around the ponds. I have to admit, I set a pretty big expectation of dog sightings, for which we saw a total of three... as we were leaving. Oh well, it was still a nice stop. It was also really neat, because as we were trying to snap a self-photograph, a couple of ladies who were also enjoying the park asked if we wanted one of them to take the picture for us. Of course we accepted, but because of the shadow created by my nose, all of the pictures give the impression that I don't have any front teeth!

Non pas de teeth. <- Not actually French.
(Photo credit: Random stranger via Matthew's phone)
A self-photograph. Note me actually having front teeth.
(Photo credit: Matthew Hughson)
Next we took a drive* on the backroad alongside the highway to take in some spectacular views.

My favourite view in the whole world.
Seeing Blomidon from the highway makes my heart whole - and that's when I know I'm home!
And of course, you can't have a trip to the Valley without a stop at the Look-Off - especially when it's this sunny! But be warned, some of the tourists don't quite understand sarcasm... so make sure you don't find yourself saying things like "well this is a terrible view" because you'll end up getting the stink eye. How anybody could make a comment like that and mean it, I can't understand!

The view from the top - the Look-Off that is!
Same, just more of it!
Next we paid a visit to Halls Harbour - a part of the Valley I can't recall ever being. The tide was coming in, so it was nice to have a sit on the wharf and watch the water begin to stream in. It was also quite peaceful to just relax by the waterfront taking in the natural beauty of Nova Scotia.

Halls Harbour 

Then, we got lost... and it was fun at first, but then I had a bit of a temper tantrum. There were a few f-bombs. And then some sushi. All was good.

On the way home, we decided to make a quick stop at Evangeline Beach. Matthew noted an old church along the way, and we ended up checking it out. The property surrounding it was awesome. But, perhaps most incredibly, we were able to walk in, have a sit and test the acoustics. It was such a quaint little building - so much character in such a small space. It is completely run by the community. I may not identify as a religious person, but I gotta say, the lack of community in society today that was associated with church is one aspect that I wish we appreciated more.

This church is found enroute to Evangeline beach. It was built in 1861. Amazing acoustics.
A view from the church's surroundings.
Anyway, we did make it to Evangeline Beach. We watched a bit of the sunset and enjoyed the sounds and smells of the ocean. Then, we popped in some Michael Jackson, and made the trek home.

A view of Blomidon from Evangeline Beach
Beautiful sunset at Evangeline Beach.
It's good to be home... But, while this was one beautiful homecoming, it sure makes it difficult to leave again. I sometimes forget how incredible my home is, but it never ceases to amaze me when I see it. I love this place... 

-the Orange Nova Scotian

*Note: this was a very environmentally unfriendly adventure.

Sunday 20 September 2015

Not a Shithole: A trip to Cardiff and my final moments in Manchester

I'm currently sitting at the airport in Manchester, awaiting my flight to Iceland, where I'll spend the next 9 days before heading back home. My flight is delayed. I mean, it's not like I have anything planned for today, but, there's not really a lot of room to just hanging out here. So...I wait. It's crazy to think that these are actually my final hours here. But, given the delay, I suppose it's the perfect time to catch up all up on my final adventure(s).

After a good camp with the girls I boarded a train for Cardiff. I had a bit of a debate about where to spend these two days, and I had it narrowed down to Cardiff or Glasgow. The cheapest one won, obviously.

So, here I was in Cardiff. I checked in to my room, and then adventured. And, by "adventured" I mean, I was overwhelmed with the heat and sunshine, found a park, found a tree in the park, and plunked myself there for several hours. Maybe not the best use of time, as far as exploring Cardiff, but, it was pretty relaxing to just lay there, people watching, daydreaming, and writing. It reminded me of those designated 'quiet hour's in the woods during ESST camp and passing the time during my Vision Quest. If ever you find yourself under the cover of a good tree, I strongly recommend this terrific pastime.

Millenium Stadium

So - Baskin Robins is a thing in Cardiff. Nostalgia overdrive! 
The castle gardens/Bute Park/Cooper Fields/Black Friars


My daydream spot...



Enroute to Sophia Gardens 
The castle walls
Anyway, I wandered around aimlessly for the remainder of the day. There's honestly not much to report, but it was a pretty great first day. I walked throughout Cardiff University campus, within a few of the arcades, and just in and out of random streets. And then I had an epic sleep!

Part of the University of Cardiff

University of Cardiff/National Museum of Cardiff
Gorsedd Gardens
The walk back to my hotel...
Some interesting graffiti art!
Outside of Millennium Stadium are a bunch of these tiles, with stereotypical
depictions of the country they are meant to be representing.
I think that's a bacon wrapped beaver in the top corner, but I'm not sure...
The brain factory. I could think of a few people who could benefit from a visit here...
The next day, I had an early breakfast, and then made my way to Cardiff Castle. I seriously have a castle addiction. I also have a serious grudge against "tourists" that live through their iPad. I'm a photographer, filmmaker(ish) but honestly, you can't capture everything and anything perfectly through a lens. I mean, sure, it's great to snap shots to remember certain things by, and of course to share your experiences with, but somethings are meant to just be left for you to enjoy. So, it makes me sad and probably irrationally angry when I'm somewhere and I''m surrounded by a sea of iPads snapping pictures of things these people will never actually remember. Ugh... end rant. For now.

The castle was really neat. There was so great design happening there. Two rooms in particular caught my fancy - the rooftop garden (no surprise there, eh?) and the winter smoking room. No, this is not the point where I confess I've taken up this habit. It's actually just a really weird but delightful room filled with so many different tales. The nursery was also pretty neat, as it was decorated with images from popular children's stories.

Inside the castle walls 
My favourite room is located inside the walls of that colourful bit...and it was even more decorative inside!
The castle...
Bomb shelter

When I was finished with the castle, I made my way back to the hotel to gather my things, charge my phone (which somehow died over night) and - wait for it - visit the rooftop beehive. This was by far the most random but awesome thing to find in a hotel.


Later on, when I arrived back in Manchester, I was determined to tick off the one thing I hadn't yet done in the city centre, that I'd been wanting to - a visit to the Central Library. Yeah, sure, I'd been there but I hadn't actually been inside. And folks - I'm happy to report this mission was a success. I don't have any regrets in my life, but if I had to, not visiting this place sooner, and with more time, may have been one of them.

After leaving the Library, I made a quick stop to the Manchester Cathedral. I sat and people watched for a little bit before meeting some friends for dinner. I felt this was actually the perfect stop to end my Manchester journey, given that it was the first stop of my very first "cultural research" adventure in the city. I also took note of the community garden that wasn't quite in bloom in mid-January. Now it was full of flowers, people and life in general, I suppose.

Well, that's about it. See you on the other side of the world!

-the Orange Canadian

From the Dales to the Lakes

Well, it was a mighty intense morning, but I officially moved out of my Manchester home an into the spare bedroom of my friend's family home. Now, when I say it was intense, I mean, waiting over half an hour just to have an elevator pass with enough space to fit my suitcase in so I could run down the 9 flights of stairs to meet it at the bottom. To describe it as chaotic would simply be an understatement. But, I have survived it, and spent the remainder of the day and weekend having a camp-out with a could of ladies!

It started out that a bunch of us were supposed to go to Ireland to visit our friend for the weekend, but when plans fell through, we regrouped an determined there were two key areas of England that I had not yet seen: the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District. Checking the weather (ha!) we opted to camp in the Dales, and then spend the following day in The Lakes. On the map they look pretty far away, but in reality it was only about a 45 minute drive. We selected a little place called Dent to camp for the night, and then spent our time in The Lakes in Windermere.

A slightly doctored screen shot from Google Maps.
Windermere and Dent are highlighted using a purple dot and text.
You may be surprised to know this, but in all the kerfuffle of moving, I actually forgot my cameras at my friend's house. Some of you might recall the last time I did this was when I was heading to Ghana. Luckily I had my phone with me, so I was able to snap a few shots, but not as good as had I brought my real cameras...or even one of them...like I had planned. This, however, did not spoil* the weekend by any means.

Anyway, on out way to Dent, we picked up our third participant who suggested we have lunch in a little spot called Kirkby Lonsdale. We went for a little walk before ending up at a food truck that sold Bacon Butties and ice cream - both of which we had to taste! Then we made the scenic drive to Dent.

Views from the look-off in Kirkby Lonsdale 
The trail to bacon butties!

Found it!
(Photo credit: Megan Lees-McCowan)
It didn't take us long to check into our campsite and set up. We then went for "a quick walk" that consisted of a family steep climb up a hill before going to a very picturesque view of The Dales. Afterwards, we went to one of the two local pubs for a drink and eventually dinner.

The Wishing Tree in Dent.
Got my wish - we didn't die and I had a great dinner that night. Success.
Views from the top!




Dent is by far the smallest village I've been in. Ever. Walking into that pub was the epitome of outsiders in a small town. Everyone stopped, looked away from the television (they were all watching X-Factor...), gave us an odd glance, and then went right back to what they were doing. We had an epic meal, some weird but good chats, and of course a few laughs. Afterwards we stumbled back to our campsite, had the coldest pee of my life, and called it a night. ...Until the bikers strolled in and started to party**.



In the morning, we slowly came out of hibernation only to be greeted by the most beautiful sunshine and stunning view. We had a good breakfast, packed up our things and then made our way to Windermere.

I unzipped the tent and this is what I was greeted with. Not a bad way to start the day!
The morning view from our campsite.
Now, going form the tranquility of Dent to tourist heavy Windermere was like night and day, and slightly overwhelming. People were fighting over parking spaces***, and it was pretty warm - especially since it was calling for cloudy skies! But, we found a boat tour that took us to Ambleside and back. This made for a nice afternoon!

Windermere from our 'cruise' ship

(Photo credit: Megan Lees-McCowan)
A few shots from the lake.

When we returned to Windermere, we walked around town for a little while, had some chips, and then made our way back to Manchester. Laura and I were pretty pooped by the time we arrived back at her place. But, that didn't stop us from enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal courtesy of her Ma. That was followed by one of the most magic sleeps I've had in a very long time. And that, my friends, was my final weekend in England!

-the Orange Canadian

*My flatmates throwing out my homemade ginger beer 15 minutes after telling them not to, did it. Well, it didn't actually ruin it, it just...put a slight damper on my evening. It really would have warmed us up! Thanks to my friend, DeAnna for the greatly appreciated effort to make it for me!
**And they had some weird conversations!
***Okay, so we may have almost taken someone's parking space, but when we realized, we tried to make things right, only to be told off, which made for a colourful introduction to the Lake District!