Some (many?) of you have now realized how much I love biking. Yes, it's not something that I have been doing for years but since my time in the central part of this country, the last 2 years have been filled with multiple bike rides over varied terrain, ranging from crazy temperature differences, various elevation grades, various wardrobes...
Anyways, I digress... Today I decided to conquer this weird thing that I had about biking to this certain shopping complex for groceries. To lay out the issue at hand: this complex is at sea level, I live at 140m above sea level - this doesn't sound like much but the rise from sea level to higher elevation is quite steep - my issue was that I would be biking downhill with an empty backpack, only to have to return home with a full backpack, complete with delicate fruits and vegetables. This all changed today. After my wonderful downhill ride off of campus yesterday (it's a steep 20% gradient), I figured that I had to get some fitness in today - especially since I was spending most of the day doing coursework.
The way that I convinced myself that this was a great idea is two-fold:
1) it would be excellent training for cycling Ireland;
2) I would only buy the things that I was setting out to buy (apple juice, yoghurt, tomatoes, bananas, some other good looking fruit, bulk slivered almonds, bulk candied ginger).
Well... that plan started unraveling when I arrived at the good produce grocery store. All of a sudden I was also buying a cucumber, a demi-loaf of fig and anise bread, and the piece de resistence that really evokes my Asian side: not one but two heads of cauliflower. Why two you ask? Well, it was buy one get one free, and like all good Asian girls, the free one was to be given to my aunt and uncle.
Now, as I am packing my bag for the ride back home, I am starting to think that it's pretty heavy. Its weight only became more apparent as I had to start biking home. The hills were one thing, the lights at the top of the hills were another (I successfully made all of the lights with only one slight moment when I had to pace myself in order to avoid putting down my foot). The areas that I used to think were flat became slight inclines; bref, it was a uphill battle for the entire ride home.
Once home, out of curiosity, I had to weigh my backpack. It turns out that with the addition of the two cauli-flower heads, my backpack was weighing in at 21.5lbs - no wonder that I found the bike ride home to be not as enjoyable as the ride down.
Moral of the story: don't go for the buy one get one free when the object in question is a head of cauliflower?
About Me
- Hopes Travels
- Why "Hopes Travels"? My middle name is Esperance which means "hope" in french (similarily, "harapan" means hope in Bahasa Melayu). Those who know me, know that I hope for a more tolerant and trusting world. One filled with genuine curiosity for things unknown and a joy to enrich our lives with new experiences. I live and attempt to share this hope and zest for life with all whom I meet.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
The letter of the weekend is "B"
So after many moons of not sharing my travels and inspirations, here I am, with the soft pitter patter of rain falling, the sweet smell of dampness throughout the air, sharing the latest adventure - one that could nearly qualify as an epic journey.
One day, on a sun-drenched patio, Ms L. and I discovered that both of us had held the same idea in mind: to bike from Swartz Bay to Victoria. This was it, we were going to make this happen. We set a date to accomplish this dream: September 8th-9th weekend, it was all going down.
The week leading up to it was filled with school returns, and even with getting back in to the scholastic groove, we were committed to following through with our plan.
Saturday morning was met with an early 6am wake-up on my part and yet, even with ample time to round up the last-minute things, I somehow ended up running behind leaving myself with a shy 17 seconds left in boarding the Seabus. Yet, Ms. L and I, both filled with nervousness and excitement, succeeded in meeting on the Canada Line platform, ready for this unknown adventure.
Onwards we went, through to Bridgeport Station where we would catch a bus to the ferry terminal. Now, we knew that there would be a chance that there could be other cyclists waiting for the bus thereby bumping us to the next available one so you can imagine our joy when we arrived at Bridgeport Station and although there is a line-up for the bus, we are the only cyclists. After a slight mishap in boarding, and subsequently getting told off by a young couple, we are en route for the next stage of our journey: the ferry.
Now, I had thought that I had understood the process of purchasing our tickets for the ferry and the proceedings for boarding but apparently not. It turns out that one must buy a ticket from an agent through the walk-on passenger line, and then head down to a bike corral area at the front of all of the cars where we would board first before all other passengers.
Enough of the procedural; words fail to describe the feeling of walking across the boarding ramp and then riding your bike onto the ferry. The holes in the grates that feel like you are about to fall through at any given moment, then the smooth, quiet metal that runs like mercury below your tires, the smell of grease, ocean, and the odd whiff of animal urine, invade all of your senses.
The ferry ride over was uneventfully filled with hot bevies, a small addition to breaky, and work-time for both of us... then the cycling portion - and the main part of our event - began...
The Lochside Trail is easy enough to find; right as soon as you disembark the ferry, you follow the bike lane from the terminal and shortly thereafter there is an overpass that one must go over in order to follow the Trail close to the water.
This Trail has a bit of something for everyone, except maybe an enthusiastic downhill mountain biker. From road riding, to seascapes, to gravel roads lined with farm land (pumpkin patches and HUGE pigs!) complete with horses alongside you that evoke my dreams of cycling Ireland, to traversing a bridge over boggy lands, to an old farm machinery museum and old men playing with model airplanes, this trail was an easy ride. Major upside? Blackberry bushes brimming with ripe ones for the picking! One of the odder moments was the discovery of a strange set-up along the trail. Ms L and I heard melancholic notes of music that were being transmitted through a stereo that had been set up - the music was the least weird of the whole sensory experience. There were signs of "Gina we love you" and displays of multiple ceramic cats littering the side of the path just in front of someone's home that is in the process of a public development proposal; we stopped, observed, ate more blackberries, and then continued on our merry way.
After a leisurely paced ride, we arrived in the Harbour ready for a (few) cold beverage(s) and a well-deserved bite to eat. Ms L introduced me to the Canoe Club - this place was just what we needed! A word of advice though, if enjoying a beverage of the hops variety, the IPA over the Bitters is our recommendation. After the meeting with a couple of Ms L's friends - and multiple hours of laughter and brainstorming, complete with the makings of a new music album - we were back on our bikes to make our way to Ms L's friend's place for some post-Beerfest celebrating. The night was comprised of a game of sky-bagging (?), some reading of "Where's Waldo", some family portraits, some fitness challenges, as well as numerous dance sessions.
The next day's ride, albeit we weren't feeling as fresh as the previous day, was a lot shorter; this was partially due to our desire to get to the ferry before the skies opened up on us - there was definitely a storm-a-brewing.
All in all, we survived. It was another fantastic outing that keeps spurring me on to do my cycling tour of Ireland next year.
One day, on a sun-drenched patio, Ms L. and I discovered that both of us had held the same idea in mind: to bike from Swartz Bay to Victoria. This was it, we were going to make this happen. We set a date to accomplish this dream: September 8th-9th weekend, it was all going down.
The week leading up to it was filled with school returns, and even with getting back in to the scholastic groove, we were committed to following through with our plan.
Saturday morning was met with an early 6am wake-up on my part and yet, even with ample time to round up the last-minute things, I somehow ended up running behind leaving myself with a shy 17 seconds left in boarding the Seabus. Yet, Ms. L and I, both filled with nervousness and excitement, succeeded in meeting on the Canada Line platform, ready for this unknown adventure.
Onwards we went, through to Bridgeport Station where we would catch a bus to the ferry terminal. Now, we knew that there would be a chance that there could be other cyclists waiting for the bus thereby bumping us to the next available one so you can imagine our joy when we arrived at Bridgeport Station and although there is a line-up for the bus, we are the only cyclists. After a slight mishap in boarding, and subsequently getting told off by a young couple, we are en route for the next stage of our journey: the ferry.
Now, I had thought that I had understood the process of purchasing our tickets for the ferry and the proceedings for boarding but apparently not. It turns out that one must buy a ticket from an agent through the walk-on passenger line, and then head down to a bike corral area at the front of all of the cars where we would board first before all other passengers.
Enough of the procedural; words fail to describe the feeling of walking across the boarding ramp and then riding your bike onto the ferry. The holes in the grates that feel like you are about to fall through at any given moment, then the smooth, quiet metal that runs like mercury below your tires, the smell of grease, ocean, and the odd whiff of animal urine, invade all of your senses.
The ferry ride over was uneventfully filled with hot bevies, a small addition to breaky, and work-time for both of us... then the cycling portion - and the main part of our event - began...
The Lochside Trail is easy enough to find; right as soon as you disembark the ferry, you follow the bike lane from the terminal and shortly thereafter there is an overpass that one must go over in order to follow the Trail close to the water.
This Trail has a bit of something for everyone, except maybe an enthusiastic downhill mountain biker. From road riding, to seascapes, to gravel roads lined with farm land (pumpkin patches and HUGE pigs!) complete with horses alongside you that evoke my dreams of cycling Ireland, to traversing a bridge over boggy lands, to an old farm machinery museum and old men playing with model airplanes, this trail was an easy ride. Major upside? Blackberry bushes brimming with ripe ones for the picking! One of the odder moments was the discovery of a strange set-up along the trail. Ms L and I heard melancholic notes of music that were being transmitted through a stereo that had been set up - the music was the least weird of the whole sensory experience. There were signs of "Gina we love you" and displays of multiple ceramic cats littering the side of the path just in front of someone's home that is in the process of a public development proposal; we stopped, observed, ate more blackberries, and then continued on our merry way.
After a leisurely paced ride, we arrived in the Harbour ready for a (few) cold beverage(s) and a well-deserved bite to eat. Ms L introduced me to the Canoe Club - this place was just what we needed! A word of advice though, if enjoying a beverage of the hops variety, the IPA over the Bitters is our recommendation. After the meeting with a couple of Ms L's friends - and multiple hours of laughter and brainstorming, complete with the makings of a new music album - we were back on our bikes to make our way to Ms L's friend's place for some post-Beerfest celebrating. The night was comprised of a game of sky-bagging (?), some reading of "Where's Waldo", some family portraits, some fitness challenges, as well as numerous dance sessions.
The next day's ride, albeit we weren't feeling as fresh as the previous day, was a lot shorter; this was partially due to our desire to get to the ferry before the skies opened up on us - there was definitely a storm-a-brewing.
All in all, we survived. It was another fantastic outing that keeps spurring me on to do my cycling tour of Ireland next year.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
On the path...
As in my last post, once again spring is the theme. It inspires me to share my thoughts and in today's words, I have decided to share an interesting realization that has happened.
I have been very pensive in the last week or so, and especially in the last few days. What is my plan in a year's time? Where do I see myself being in a few years? What do I want to do with my life?
So many ideas pop into my head. Yes, I want to be a photo journalist for National Geographic. Yes, I would like to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize by the time that I turn 40. Yes, I want to make a difference. But... what does that look like? How am I going to make a difference? Will I be able to make a difference? I turn to others in hope of a sign; a beacon showing me the way; someone to tell me that I am doing the right thing.
And then today, I read the following:
"One of Gautam Buddha's most significant contributions to the spiritual life of humankind was to insist to his disciples, "Be a light unto yourself." Ultimately, each of us must develop within ourselves the capacity to make our way through the darkness without any companions, maps or guide."
Wow. Talk about a sign. And so I continue, on my journey of self-discovery, of self-trust, it's a path unknown but one that I know will be the right one.
I have been very pensive in the last week or so, and especially in the last few days. What is my plan in a year's time? Where do I see myself being in a few years? What do I want to do with my life?
So many ideas pop into my head. Yes, I want to be a photo journalist for National Geographic. Yes, I would like to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize by the time that I turn 40. Yes, I want to make a difference. But... what does that look like? How am I going to make a difference? Will I be able to make a difference? I turn to others in hope of a sign; a beacon showing me the way; someone to tell me that I am doing the right thing.
And then today, I read the following:
"One of Gautam Buddha's most significant contributions to the spiritual life of humankind was to insist to his disciples, "Be a light unto yourself." Ultimately, each of us must develop within ourselves the capacity to make our way through the darkness without any companions, maps or guide."
Wow. Talk about a sign. And so I continue, on my journey of self-discovery, of self-trust, it's a path unknown but one that I know will be the right one.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Musings
Spring is definitely upon me and with it comes my time of musings. My mind floats on, pensive of the world around me, awakening, coming alive, seeing again, the freshness and the possibilities of this world that sometimes feels vast and perhaps even a bit empty, empty amongst the concrete, the bustle, the cries and the shouts. Then the sound of a bird trilling at sunrise, a bike downshifting at a light, that heavy earthy scent of land being exposed after a snowy winter. Inspiration surrounds me and so I write and I share.
Thoughts.
Thoughts stem from emotions occurred during a moment. Realization awakens a part of the grey that had been forgotten. Flow through the moments and allow the freedom to live. Each cell remembers its meaning once all control is relinquished. Further along, travel becomes the norm. Experience from the micro to the macro; the macro to the micro. Free of expectation, free of ego. Pura Vida.
This figure sits on the lotus leaf of perfection, gazing at the beauty of the night sky. She knows that "home" is not a physical place in the outside world, but an inner quality of relaxation and acceptance. The stars, the rocks, the trees, the flowers, fish and birds - all are our brothers and sisters in this dance of life. We human beings tend to forget this, as we pursue our own private agendas and believe we must fight to get what we need. But ultimately, our sense of separateness is just an illusion, manufactured by the narrow preoccupations of the mind.
Trust in the beauty, let go of the ego, there is a meaning to it all and it's easier to take the lazy route and let it all flow together
Thoughts.
Thoughts stem from emotions occurred during a moment. Realization awakens a part of the grey that had been forgotten. Flow through the moments and allow the freedom to live. Each cell remembers its meaning once all control is relinquished. Further along, travel becomes the norm. Experience from the micro to the macro; the macro to the micro. Free of expectation, free of ego. Pura Vida.
This figure sits on the lotus leaf of perfection, gazing at the beauty of the night sky. She knows that "home" is not a physical place in the outside world, but an inner quality of relaxation and acceptance. The stars, the rocks, the trees, the flowers, fish and birds - all are our brothers and sisters in this dance of life. We human beings tend to forget this, as we pursue our own private agendas and believe we must fight to get what we need. But ultimately, our sense of separateness is just an illusion, manufactured by the narrow preoccupations of the mind.
Trust in the beauty, let go of the ego, there is a meaning to it all and it's easier to take the lazy route and let it all flow together
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
10 days til Christmas? Oh my!
Well, apparently I have been quite lax at updating my blog over the past four months.
In a nutshell, this is what I have been getting up to...
Early in October, I discovered a fantastic climbing gym over the bridge on the Quebec side and I have gotten back into my addiction. It started with a twice a week thing, then it quickly became a thrice a week thing, and now I seem to find myself there at least 4 times a week. One thing is for sure, I am getting better at climbing!
In November there were a couple of stand-out moments during the time that my sister was in town: on Remembrance Day, we caught the Canucks vs Senators game here in town and the Canucks had a big win that night. Additionally, the next day, we decided to rent a car and drive to Montreal for the day. In our true fashion, we had just left Ottawa behind and saw the signs for Montreal and Quebec City so I turned to Y and said "want to pass Montreal and just go to Quebec City instead?", and so we did. It was a long day of driving but definitely fun times. Stopped in to Trois-Rivieres and wandered around town to take some photos and grab some lunch. Then we made it in to Quebec City for sunset and some strolling around Vieux Quebec, an absolute beauty!
I am now just finishing up my co-op term with Agriculture Canada and I have accepted an additional term within the same division but with a different supervisor. This next term I will be focusing on writing reports based more on social analyses than economic ones and I will attempt to explain various consumer trends based on behaviour. One of the benefits of this posting is that I will also be able to incorporate my photography which is a fantastic opportunity to have some of my writing and my photography published together.
In just a few days I will be on a plane once again but this time en route to the West Coast for some family and friends time.
Happy holidays to all!
In a nutshell, this is what I have been getting up to...
Early in October, I discovered a fantastic climbing gym over the bridge on the Quebec side and I have gotten back into my addiction. It started with a twice a week thing, then it quickly became a thrice a week thing, and now I seem to find myself there at least 4 times a week. One thing is for sure, I am getting better at climbing!
In November there were a couple of stand-out moments during the time that my sister was in town: on Remembrance Day, we caught the Canucks vs Senators game here in town and the Canucks had a big win that night. Additionally, the next day, we decided to rent a car and drive to Montreal for the day. In our true fashion, we had just left Ottawa behind and saw the signs for Montreal and Quebec City so I turned to Y and said "want to pass Montreal and just go to Quebec City instead?", and so we did. It was a long day of driving but definitely fun times. Stopped in to Trois-Rivieres and wandered around town to take some photos and grab some lunch. Then we made it in to Quebec City for sunset and some strolling around Vieux Quebec, an absolute beauty!
I am now just finishing up my co-op term with Agriculture Canada and I have accepted an additional term within the same division but with a different supervisor. This next term I will be focusing on writing reports based more on social analyses than economic ones and I will attempt to explain various consumer trends based on behaviour. One of the benefits of this posting is that I will also be able to incorporate my photography which is a fantastic opportunity to have some of my writing and my photography published together.
In just a few days I will be on a plane once again but this time en route to the West Coast for some family and friends time.
Happy holidays to all!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Off on a new adventure...
A new adventure awaits as once again I am bound for the capital of "Eh's".
This time is different though as I am relocating there for a few months this time around with a short-contract through uni. Am I excited? Yes. Am I nervous? You betcha.
Looking at my duffel bags I feel like I have over-packed but then I remember that I am heading to weather bordering 40+ that will be -40 by the time my contract ends; so with a span like that who can blame me for having 2 duffel bags?
So off to Ottawa I go. I will be sure to keep you all up to date with my adventuring in our nation's capital and whatever fun I get up to with all of our fine folks out there. It's guaranteed that bilingualism will be present so be sure to brush up on your francais kids because this French gal is coming back in action!
Bises!
This time is different though as I am relocating there for a few months this time around with a short-contract through uni. Am I excited? Yes. Am I nervous? You betcha.
Looking at my duffel bags I feel like I have over-packed but then I remember that I am heading to weather bordering 40+ that will be -40 by the time my contract ends; so with a span like that who can blame me for having 2 duffel bags?
So off to Ottawa I go. I will be sure to keep you all up to date with my adventuring in our nation's capital and whatever fun I get up to with all of our fine folks out there. It's guaranteed that bilingualism will be present so be sure to brush up on your francais kids because this French gal is coming back in action!
Bises!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Don't forget to pack your sunscreen!
My latest adventure took me to the capital of our fine country with a quick one-day jaunt to Montreal for a visit to rue Ste Catherine where we caught the Canadiens' game at "3 Brasseurs" then walked along le Vieux Port and were somehow mistaken as artists at an art gallery.
Some must-do's while you are in Ottawa:
1) check out the Museum of Civilization (free on Thursdays); be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to check it out (if you're doing it all, around 3 hours).
2) check out "Pizz-za-za" in Gatineau-Hull for some amazing pizza and salads.
3) "Stella" in Byward Market is your place to get some of the best food and drinks in Ottawa.
4) If you love coffee and supporting a local business, then "Bridgehead" is a good choice.
5) Check out Parc Gatineau (about a 45min drive northwest of Ottawa). There are amazing lakes and trails throughout the area.
6) "Wild Oat" in the Glebe has amazing vegetarian fare. Their scones are to die for; as is their "Wild One" sandwich.
7) Favorite clothing stores to check out are the indie stores along Dalhousie.
8) The Manx had a very tasty steak on their menu at a crazy amazing price of $16!
9) If you like to bike, a ride along the canal to Dows Lake then onwards to the Lochs is a must.
My trip was great. So many fun things that we got up to; great time spent with wonderful friends; and a great overview of what my life might look like starting this fall. The one thing that I still have mixed feelings about is the 30C weather that felt like 42C! That is easier to deal with when you're on vacation but working in an office? There would need to be some strategic planning to get from point A to point B in the heat.
Some must-do's while you are in Ottawa:
1) check out the Museum of Civilization (free on Thursdays); be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to check it out (if you're doing it all, around 3 hours).
2) check out "Pizz-za-za" in Gatineau-Hull for some amazing pizza and salads.
3) "Stella" in Byward Market is your place to get some of the best food and drinks in Ottawa.
4) If you love coffee and supporting a local business, then "Bridgehead" is a good choice.
5) Check out Parc Gatineau (about a 45min drive northwest of Ottawa). There are amazing lakes and trails throughout the area.
6) "Wild Oat" in the Glebe has amazing vegetarian fare. Their scones are to die for; as is their "Wild One" sandwich.
7) Favorite clothing stores to check out are the indie stores along Dalhousie.
8) The Manx had a very tasty steak on their menu at a crazy amazing price of $16!
9) If you like to bike, a ride along the canal to Dows Lake then onwards to the Lochs is a must.
My trip was great. So many fun things that we got up to; great time spent with wonderful friends; and a great overview of what my life might look like starting this fall. The one thing that I still have mixed feelings about is the 30C weather that felt like 42C! That is easier to deal with when you're on vacation but working in an office? There would need to be some strategic planning to get from point A to point B in the heat.
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