tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83336973620163423212024-03-08T17:38:24.808-05:00folk my lifethoughts and thingsEmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-57714593828596913412013-05-16T01:14:00.000-04:002013-05-16T01:14:15.951-04:00Just because...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-17267930744101824122012-09-05T01:59:00.001-04:002013-05-16T01:14:48.473-04:00Clear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Mystic Beach, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, Vancouver Island, BC</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3 nights with great friends on a beautiful secluded beach: complete digital detox, thunderous waves, playful seals, glorious sunsets, calmest mornings, campfire-scented everything. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So thankful. </span></div>
Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-60471662405443517852012-07-26T03:39:00.003-04:002012-07-26T03:44:49.056-04:00Lucky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">On the road... Cambodian countryside </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">On tough, stressful days like today I put on headphones, lie in bed <span style="font-size: x-small;">(for as long as necessary...), </span>think about happier times, and remind myself that I am incredibly lucky to be where I am. Then I take a deep breath and try to forgive and forget. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Sometimes you cross paths with people who remind you how cruel the world can be. In this case I just have to let it go and move on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>karma. </i></span></div>
<br />Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-38616574260723493812012-07-24T03:10:00.000-04:002012-07-24T03:10:13.223-04:00(Another) Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><i>on the road to Tofino</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><i>Goose Spit, Comox </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><i>Goose Spit, Comox</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I've been here for about 11 months now and the Island is really starting to feel like <i>home. </i>I still miss my family and friends every day, but there is something about this place that is calming, comforting, just...<i>right</i>. </span></div>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-10539648831957185802012-01-15T14:48:00.000-05:002012-07-26T03:45:18.083-04:002012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sunrise at beautiful, majestic Angkor Wat, taken January 3, 2012</span></div>
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I can't quite believe that it is *already* the middle of January. Here I sit in my office at school, hopelessly jetlagged, trying to mark 180 assignments and catch up on hundreds(!) of pages of reading. </div>
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More photos from Angkor to come (since I have lots of work to avoid over the next few days :). </div>
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<br /></div>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-77527305660792826482011-11-16T22:00:00.001-05:002011-11-17T01:22:42.245-05:00New favourite places (and new favourite people)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-og0VKteIHcI/TsRwCsiYY0I/AAAAAAAAAuM/qZjddtQnT-I/s1600/DSC01323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-og0VKteIHcI/TsRwCsiYY0I/AAAAAAAAAuM/qZjddtQnT-I/s640/DSC01323.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">photos taken at Chesterman Beach in Tofino, BC on a particularly beautiful day last week</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've been to Ucluelet/Tofino twice since moving to "the island" in September and it is becoming one of my favourite places to visit. The drive there and back is so beautiful, the beaches are just magnificent, and everywhere you look is the most amazing wildlife <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(we spotted a few bears this time around!)</span>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I went on this trip with some new friends from school and we had the most wonderful time. What is it about travel (near or far) that seems to accelerate the friendship process? Some of my dearest friends are people that I've met on short trips, whom I've gotten to know over a few short days. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm so thankful that I was given the opportunity to study here, and I definitely intend to make the most of it (travel and otherwise :). </div>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-50477702288762747692011-10-26T15:37:00.000-04:002011-10-26T15:37:17.145-04:00Descending<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/30918223?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/30918223">Descending - Series Teaser</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user8989672">Echo Bay Media</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</span></div><br />
I am incredibly excited for this series to premiere. <a href="http://www.departuresentertainment.com/">Departures</a> is one of my all-time favourite TV shows <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(you must check it out if you have a chance!)</span> and I can't wait to see how Andre will capture the beauty of the oceans in this new show.<br />
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I received my PADI Open Water certification in the Philippines a few months ago <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(inspired in part by Scott & Andre)</span>, and I've been itching to get back in the water. There is really nothing quite like diving and I can't wait to experience that meditative calmness again soon.Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-4919315663196934782011-10-03T16:35:00.003-04:002011-10-03T16:35:02.852-04:00First impressions of the Pacific Northwest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uBJq54mMh0/TooYAvI-xJI/AAAAAAAAAs4/6gh3okwJxWc/s1600/ucluelet01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uBJq54mMh0/TooYAvI-xJI/AAAAAAAAAs4/6gh3okwJxWc/s640/ucluelet01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> We drove for 4 hours through winding roads like this...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uEJ25KrtAZo/TooYBO2A62I/AAAAAAAAAtA/MdMMP_6uY0s/s1600/ucluelet03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uEJ25KrtAZo/TooYBO2A62I/AAAAAAAAAtA/MdMMP_6uY0s/s640/ucluelet03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">...to get <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Long+Beach,+BC,+Canada&hl=en&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=40.188298,77.607422&vpsrc=0&hnear=Long+Beach,+British+Columbia,+Canada&t=m&z=15">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It felt like we had travelled to the ends of the Earth; seeing those magnificent waves crashing onto the rocky shore and grey whales surfacing in the distance was such a breathtaking experience. Having grown up in large cities <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Hong Kong and Toronto)</span>, the Pacific Northwest feels like a magical place. I can't wait to explore more of it in the years(!) to come.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*photos taken with <a href="http://instagr.am/">instagr.am</a> on my iPhone.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-47162488623260341322011-09-23T22:37:00.000-04:002011-09-23T22:37:18.949-04:00Light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EiPYx6A94aA/Tn098OHovgI/AAAAAAAAAso/xrcqK7_LKFA/s1600/DSC01076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EiPYx6A94aA/Tn098OHovgI/AAAAAAAAAso/xrcqK7_LKFA/s640/DSC01076.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvx09krGaQw/Tn0-Z2SS47I/AAAAAAAAAs0/P1BubE19sZo/s1600/DSC01106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvx09krGaQw/Tn0-Z2SS47I/AAAAAAAAAs0/P1BubE19sZo/s640/DSC01106.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">photos taken at Elk/Beaver Lake in Victoria, BC (my new home!)</span></div><br />
Well, I'm here.<br />
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There are good days and bad days. Most days I feel so happy to be where I am; I love the people, I love the fresh air, being close to forests, lakes, mountains, ocean. But there are those moments...<br />
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...those moments where I wonder what I'm doing, when I feel I can't possibly live up to everyone's expectations, where I miss all the people who know me best. <br />
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Thankfully these moments are rare, and school has kept me so busy that I don't have much time to dwell on the fact that I miss Toronto every day. I'm also thankful that I have a group of new friends that are in the same position, who understand this lonely transitional phase. <br />
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Today was a wonderful day and it has reminded me that I made the right decision; that I'm lucky to be doing exactly what I've wanted to do.Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-30578422461234342362011-06-20T22:53:00.000-04:002011-06-20T22:53:22.041-04:00Over the weekend...food edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GQtp9mYWXnY/TgAE_x9zEkI/AAAAAAAAAnE/wCmw7NvA6FU/s1600/DSC00610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GQtp9mYWXnY/TgAE_x9zEkI/AAAAAAAAAnE/wCmw7NvA6FU/s640/DSC00610.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>lemon shrimp crepes</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dVIdqvZ1LKo/TgAFF8lxsDI/AAAAAAAAAnI/YKspXd4CZ88/s1600/DSC00612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dVIdqvZ1LKo/TgAFF8lxsDI/AAAAAAAAAnI/YKspXd4CZ88/s640/DSC00612.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>grapefruit & champagne parfait</i> </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HkDGemlzpS8/TgAFLnPX4fI/AAAAAAAAAnM/wOEiVn50p-8/s1600/DSC00618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HkDGemlzpS8/TgAFLnPX4fI/AAAAAAAAAnM/wOEiVn50p-8/s640/DSC00618.JPG" width="640" /></a><i>southwest burger with grilled zucchini</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dnc5xEZaSPo/TgAFQswPI5I/AAAAAAAAAnQ/RIoO5C5joDg/s1600/DSC00619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dnc5xEZaSPo/TgAFQswPI5I/AAAAAAAAAnQ/RIoO5C5joDg/s640/DSC00619.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>the best fries + white bean & tofu quesadillas</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Saturday <a href="http://www.desserttrends.ca/">brunch</a> and <a href="http://www.utopiacafe.ca/">dinner</a> with great friends in town from <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><em style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Montréal</span></em></span>. Not pictured: Pitchers of margaritas and endless laughs. </div>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-82254100362417716232011-06-13T18:30:00.001-04:002011-06-14T10:33:27.953-04:00seagulls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U-etz26OlH4/TfaNyn-2DWI/AAAAAAAAAmw/PsmE0sHCOXE/s1600/DSC00534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U-etz26OlH4/TfaNyn-2DWI/AAAAAAAAAmw/PsmE0sHCOXE/s640/DSC00534.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MN_70rbAl4/TfaN2YjVJEI/AAAAAAAAAm0/k4OPBIBR6rw/s1600/DSC00530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MN_70rbAl4/TfaN2YjVJEI/AAAAAAAAAm0/k4OPBIBR6rw/s640/DSC00530.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v4WWbUynjEI/TfaOERpoNOI/AAAAAAAAAnA/lvn8vyywnBQ/s1600/DSC00528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v4WWbUynjEI/TfaOERpoNOI/AAAAAAAAAnA/lvn8vyywnBQ/s640/DSC00528.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u2LuTf08BNM/TfaN4WdiAmI/AAAAAAAAAm4/ErwMekDo4Kk/s1600/DSC00536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u2LuTf08BNM/TfaN4WdiAmI/AAAAAAAAAm4/ErwMekDo4Kk/s640/DSC00536.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kr-9D9KydfE/TfaN80lamwI/AAAAAAAAAm8/v86n33aKlKA/s1600/DSC00532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kr-9D9KydfE/TfaN80lamwI/AAAAAAAAAm8/v86n33aKlKA/s640/DSC00532.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<br />
Not the prettiest looking bird, but quite graceful in flight ;)<br />
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Shot by the <strike>sea</strike> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Centre+Island,+Toronto,+Ontario,+Canada&aq=&sll=43.620574,-79.380898&sspn=0.021002,0.038581&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Centre+Island,+Ontario,+Canada&ll=43.620792,-79.374247&spn=0.043556,0.077162&z=14">lake</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(with my amazing Minolta 50mm f/1.7 lens)</span>.Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-27496958661600267022011-03-22T11:39:00.001-04:002011-03-22T11:39:51.587-04:00Spring forward<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OZOLV845Pgo/TOx9NEvwLpI/AAAAAAAAAXo/ab1zZ_IqDqA/s1600/DSC02551e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OZOLV845Pgo/TOx9NEvwLpI/AAAAAAAAAXo/ab1zZ_IqDqA/s640/DSC02551e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The dark uncertain days of winter are finally behind me; I'm so ready (and excited!) to enjoy the warmth of spring. I love those first sunny days in the city, when every person on the street is beaming, and parks and patios are full of people celebrating the turn of a new season. <br />
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Some things I'm looking forward to:<br />
- Finally taking my bike out for long rides by the lake<br />
- Picnics on the Island (before it gets too crowded!)<br />
- Spending a full day walking around midtown for good Italian eats and thrifting<br />
- A photo trip to the Distillery District capped off with a nice pint of beer (or a few)<br />
- Maybe some bouldering outdoors? <br />
- Asparagus finally hitting the farmer's markets <br />
- Baseball, baseball, baseball! <br />
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Happy Spring to you all!!Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-78442663863777675252011-03-07T14:37:00.000-05:002011-03-07T14:37:31.977-05:00New Beginnings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0D3UfpxbEd0/TQgZnZnG2bI/AAAAAAAAAhk/5A65T3a_qws/s1600/DSC04725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0D3UfpxbEd0/TQgZnZnG2bI/AAAAAAAAAhk/5A65T3a_qws/s640/DSC04725.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Apologies for the blog silence, the past month has been full of work deadlines and wonderful developments, which I am still wrapping my head around.<br />
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I am so anxious and excited to be considering grad school options for the fall! I know this will be one of the most important decisions that I will make, so I'm trying to carefully examine each program thoroughly. To be honest, it's still somewhat surreal to think that I will be picking up my life and moving thousands of kilometres away in a few short months. I've lived in this big city for so long , I really can't imagine what it will be like to say goodbye. On the other hand, I am so excited to move to the coast, to live by the ocean (!!!), amongst forests, mountains, and limitless wilderness to explore. I have always loved the great outdoors and I'm confident that my new home (whichever coast it may be on) will provide the best inspiration and motivation for 5 tough years of school.Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-61252979840560057672011-02-09T12:12:00.000-05:002011-02-09T12:12:00.054-05:00Winter flora<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TVLJ4JWBPbI/AAAAAAAAAlM/HGQN5xCb9Pc/s1600/DSC00272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TVLJ4JWBPbI/AAAAAAAAAlM/HGQN5xCb9Pc/s640/DSC00272.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TVLJQYW3S0I/AAAAAAAAAlE/EVgaCOX_L54/s1600/DSC00291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TVLJQYW3S0I/AAAAAAAAAlE/EVgaCOX_L54/s640/DSC00291.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TVLKfYVp2MI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/3gzfRRVUfz4/s1600/DSC00293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TVLKfYVp2MI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/3gzfRRVUfz4/s640/DSC00293.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TVLJXgGcBuI/AAAAAAAAAlI/1ZSKvfAA5X4/s1600/DSC00288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TVLJXgGcBuI/AAAAAAAAAlI/1ZSKvfAA5X4/s640/DSC00288.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TVLI_EM0ZmI/AAAAAAAAAk8/lQYOhOBxxag/s1600/DSC00279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TVLI_EM0ZmI/AAAAAAAAAk8/lQYOhOBxxag/s640/DSC00279.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-28691082903044171552011-01-16T22:44:00.001-05:002011-01-16T22:46:19.134-05:00Tibet - Farmerscape<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQgZlo3fDpI/AAAAAAAAAhU/8LLQVYhxZfE/s1600/DSC04671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQgZlo3fDpI/AAAAAAAAAhU/8LLQVYhxZfE/s1600/DSC04671.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQgZqBUTDUI/AAAAAAAAAh0/aDKNusRmcFA/s1600/DSC04763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQgZqBUTDUI/AAAAAAAAAh0/aDKNusRmcFA/s1600/DSC04763.JPG" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQgZq7z3UKI/AAAAAAAAAh4/QAR_A-6ZsHM/s1600/DSC04771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQgZq7z3UKI/AAAAAAAAAh4/QAR_A-6ZsHM/s1600/DSC04771.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQgZmII3ICI/AAAAAAAAAhY/YocIaYH_rm0/s1600/DSC04687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQgZmII3ICI/AAAAAAAAAhY/YocIaYH_rm0/s1600/DSC04687.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQgZnFfVCWI/AAAAAAAAAhg/qpq1cJFx45o/s1600/DSC04699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQgZnFfVCWI/AAAAAAAAAhg/qpq1cJFx45o/s1600/DSC04699.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQgZpEXSa8I/AAAAAAAAAhw/egInoT2YaLg/s1600/DSC04746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQgZpEXSa8I/AAAAAAAAAhw/egInoT2YaLg/s640/DSC04746.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-11900211398789241242011-01-07T10:49:00.000-05:002011-01-07T10:49:41.280-05:00Tibet - Nomads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQgZWQMqgqI/AAAAAAAAAhE/TbabNX6Bh-U/s1600/DSC04547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQgZWQMqgqI/AAAAAAAAAhE/TbabNX6Bh-U/s1600/DSC04547.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQgZXNCvmJI/AAAAAAAAAhI/xEucbghE_Ew/s1600/DSC04550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQgZXNCvmJI/AAAAAAAAAhI/xEucbghE_Ew/s1600/DSC04550.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQgiM2CWSII/AAAAAAAAAiQ/gwzr6Im-DmA/s1600/DSC04554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQgiM2CWSII/AAAAAAAAAiQ/gwzr6Im-DmA/s1600/DSC04554.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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</div>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-24328794662051768052011-01-06T17:39:00.000-05:002011-01-06T17:39:25.849-05:00Music & Musings - We Fell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TSY-pqQS8dI/AAAAAAAAAko/GtKfw_6cVV8/s1600/scarey-allwegrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TSY-pqQS8dI/AAAAAAAAAko/GtKfw_6cVV8/s400/scarey-allwegrow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sitting by a large window at <a href="http://aroma.ca/">Aroma Espresso Bar</a> with a mini red velvet cupcake and perfectly crafted cappuccino, distracted by the fluffy snowflakes and happy people passing by. I've been listening to <a href="http://www.scarey.org/">S. Carey</a>'s '<i>all we grow</i>' on repeat ever since I saw him play back in mid-December. The lush harmonies and layered instrumentation on his record are so beautiful, you really must have a listen.</div>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-29639353366555380152011-01-04T00:20:00.005-05:002011-01-04T00:35:05.504-05:00Lessons learned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TSKmqIzQnkI/AAAAAAAAAkk/9bly2EEeSjc/s1600/nye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TSKmqIzQnkI/AAAAAAAAAkk/9bly2EEeSjc/s640/nye.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(photo of me <a href="http://folkmylife.blogspot.com/2011/01/2011-less-complaining-more-meditating.html">on the beach</a> by <a href="http://awarmdecember.blogspot.com/">Amanda</a>)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've been thinking a lot about the things, big and small, I'd like to change this year. It's only the 3rd day of 2011, but I'm already sensing a shift in myself, in the manner in which I interact with others, and the people I'd like to spend more (and less) time with. Of course this shift has been a gradual process, catalyzed by the experiences and things I learned on my trip to <a href="http://folkmylife.blogspot.com/search/label/Tibet">Tibet</a>; I've come to realize that travel teaches us lessons that we just can't learn in the comfort of our home and I'm excited to start planning my next trip abroad <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Ireland!)</span>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Yesterday I met a traveller on a commuter bus heading back into the city. Being the shy reserved person that I am, I was hesitant to engage in any prolonged conversation with this person, '<i>the bus ride is a whole hour...things could get awkward' </i>was the first thought I had. I'm happy that I let my guard down as our conversation turned out to be wonderfully interesting and I ended up meeting a new friend. Here at home the part of my personality that emerges on the road, the part that exhibits a childlike curiosity and genuine interest in others, is often hidden. I hope that this facet of my personality will become a part of the 'everyday me', and I hope to surround myself with people who hold these qualities in high regard. </div>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-23326963207446669212011-01-02T22:19:00.002-05:002011-01-02T23:52:25.215-05:002011: Less Complaining, More Meditating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TSE4hojgaxI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/dCFf6topRcc/s1600/DSC00135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TSE4hojgaxI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/dCFf6topRcc/s640/DSC00135.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Fresh crisp air, fluffy snowbanks, snowmobile tracks on the beach, walking on the frozen lake...I want to spend as much time outdoors as I can this year, and a relaxing weekend at <a href="http://awarmdecember.blogspot.com/">Amanda</a>'s cottage by the beach was the perfect way to welcome the new year.<br />
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I am so excited about 2011! I have some <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ireland">travel</a> <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/cambodia">plans</a> in the works, the job I've had for the past 3 years will be coming to an end, and I'm hopeful that big changes will take place in the fall. Lots of uncertainty ahead, but I'm determined to make the best of it!<br />
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Wishing you all a happy new year full of excitement & adventure!<br />
<i><br />
</i>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-58668038329405808962010-12-23T14:55:00.000-05:002010-12-23T14:55:20.610-05:00Happy holidays!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TROjf25ghlI/AAAAAAAAAiw/BNqSo-0uTks/s1600/DSC09626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TROjf25ghlI/AAAAAAAAAiw/BNqSo-0uTks/s640/DSC09626.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TROjrAodmNI/AAAAAAAAAi0/QcUhpFKDuAU/s1600/DSC09741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TROjrAodmNI/AAAAAAAAAi0/QcUhpFKDuAU/s640/DSC09741.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TROkIcMFuQI/AAAAAAAAAjA/fE2ZLjMH7xo/s1600/DSC09941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TROkIcMFuQI/AAAAAAAAAjA/fE2ZLjMH7xo/s640/DSC09941.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TROj2S-ZGHI/AAAAAAAAAi4/_am-WnbX25g/s1600/DSC09920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TROj2S-ZGHI/AAAAAAAAAi4/_am-WnbX25g/s640/DSC09920.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TROj_EN9yjI/AAAAAAAAAi8/tr39XeDtlvE/s1600/DSC09930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TROj_EN9yjI/AAAAAAAAAi8/tr39XeDtlvE/s640/DSC09930.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TROoPbdczPI/AAAAAAAAAjU/7D4hznV5368/s1600/holidayp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TROoPbdczPI/AAAAAAAAAjU/7D4hznV5368/s1600/holidayp1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TROmkWg94ZI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/Nf1K48aefBc/s1600/DSC09986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TROmkWg94ZI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/Nf1K48aefBc/s640/DSC09986.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wishing you a wonderful holiday season! </div>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-8449302384984818532010-12-14T18:30:00.005-05:002010-12-15T00:21:45.106-05:00Tibet - Horse Festival, Amdo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQL9FaKWvGI/AAAAAAAAAf0/Mbqxv_igjOM/s1600/DSC04276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQL9FaKWvGI/AAAAAAAAAf0/Mbqxv_igjOM/s1600/DSC04276.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQL9GDpFdeI/AAAAAAAAAf4/Z8HOI5R72DU/s1600/DSC04285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQL9GDpFdeI/AAAAAAAAAf4/Z8HOI5R72DU/s1600/DSC04285.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQL9OfnzmdI/AAAAAAAAAgc/S7_v-7v1KLA/s1600/tibet5portrait4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQL9OfnzmdI/AAAAAAAAAgc/S7_v-7v1KLA/s1600/tibet5portrait4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQL9Pnw-0FI/AAAAAAAAAgg/5Mbsdkn8M3Q/s1600/tibet5portrait5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQL9Pnw-0FI/AAAAAAAAAgg/5Mbsdkn8M3Q/s1600/tibet5portrait5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQL9Jol7xBI/AAAAAAAAAgM/VQORxFCJrRM/s1600/DSC04448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQL9Jol7xBI/AAAAAAAAAgM/VQORxFCJrRM/s1600/DSC04448.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Horse festivals throughout the Tibetan plateau take place in early August of each year. Nomads and farmers across the grasslands bring their horses to the track, and the winners leave with some pretty amazing prizes including top-end motorcycles (very useful for herding!). It's a highly organized event, and some groups even set up tents selling various beverages and snacks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We woke up in the early morning to grey skies and freezing cold temperatures <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(the peanut oil that we were using to cook had frozen overnight!)</span> and after a tasty breakfast of peanut butter sandwiches and hot coffee, we walked over to the centre of the track where two alters and a prayer flag structure had been set up for religious offerings. As part of the pre-race rituals, jockeys and their 'crew' offer various food and drinks to the gods in hopes of receiving good luck in return. Firecrackers are also lit, and racers walk their horses clockwise around the alter while throwing small pieces of 'lucky paper' into the air. These square pieces of paper are stamped with an image of the windhorse (a symbol of good fortune) and it is believed that the higher you're able to throw, the more luck you receive. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By late morning a sizeable crowd of all ages had gathered by the edge of the racetrack. I really enjoyed seeing the traditional dress of the nomads - thick robes adorned with bright beautiful patterns, tied with long sashes - and found it interesting to see how they differed depending on the region the group was from. We stayed at the festival for about three races, cheering with the friendly people around us. Interacting with the people was such a fun experience, and though we were not invested in any particular horse, we were still able to experience spirit of the festival. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">We planned our trip with </span><a href="http://snowliontours.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Snowlion Tours</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, a Tibetan-owned company based in Xining. Wangden, the owner, is a great guy and I would highly recommend them :) </span></i></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">More photos from my trip on </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emyeung/collections/72157624830675733/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">flickr</span></a></i></span></div></div></div>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-87988573659036460042010-12-12T23:49:00.000-05:002010-12-12T23:49:56.420-05:00Photo Inspiration: Fairytale by Aleksei Gavrilov<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQWjRhkF5uI/AAAAAAAAAgw/PQdw0UrZMUo/s1600/fairytale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQWjRhkF5uI/AAAAAAAAAgw/PQdw0UrZMUo/s640/fairytale.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Fairytale </i>by <a href="http://tbj.photosight.ru/">Aleksei Gavrilov</a> (via <a href="http://www.outdoor-photos.com/photo/53859.html">Landscape 2.0</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So beautiful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm in a bit of a mental rut, trying very hard to finish a grad school application that is due in a few days(!!) and not scream at the blinking cursor in Word that is clearly mocking me. This photo is a reminder to take a deep breath and carry on...just carry on. </div>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-15834759185522069932010-12-10T20:12:00.003-05:002010-12-10T21:35:27.199-05:00Tibet - Grasslands, Amdo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQGOpdTLNWI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/Ryk3bd4ow60/s1600/DSC03818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQGOpdTLNWI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/Ryk3bd4ow60/s1600/DSC03818.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQGOriexC1I/AAAAAAAAAfU/uO9QYKGm-lE/s1600/DSC03899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQGOriexC1I/AAAAAAAAAfU/uO9QYKGm-lE/s1600/DSC03899.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQGV9GY4AVI/AAAAAAAAAfw/ZCe-R8Q_HQ4/s1600/tibet4portrait1jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQGV9GY4AVI/AAAAAAAAAfw/ZCe-R8Q_HQ4/s1600/tibet4portrait1jpg.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQGO29QtquI/AAAAAAAAAfk/zi-jwVcpbHg/s1600/tibet4portrait2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQGO29QtquI/AAAAAAAAAfk/zi-jwVcpbHg/s1600/tibet4portrait2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQGOutqr-nI/AAAAAAAAAfY/KJQHzpjhSE4/s1600/DSC03987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQGOutqr-nI/AAAAAAAAAfY/KJQHzpjhSE4/s1600/DSC03987.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQGO3v1rFVI/AAAAAAAAAfo/unLai4K0U2I/s1600/tibet4portrait3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQGO3v1rFVI/AAAAAAAAAfo/unLai4K0U2I/s1600/tibet4portrait3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQGO4ULWzpI/AAAAAAAAAfs/lrFGlThYsKQ/s1600/tibet4portrait4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQGO4ULWzpI/AAAAAAAAAfs/lrFGlThYsKQ/s1600/tibet4portrait4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQGOykDwYVI/AAAAAAAAAfc/Fcm93ISvu4c/s1600/DSC04090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQGOykDwYVI/AAAAAAAAAfc/Fcm93ISvu4c/s1600/DSC04090.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The grasslands of Amdo are shades of light green, yellow, and purple; it's a sharp contrast to the red clay mountains and dense forest that we had driven through previously. On this particular day the weather is perfect: in the distance we can see mountains rising from the horizon and fluffy white clouds hang from the bright blue sky. Our initial plan was to find a nomad settlement and spend the next two days camping with them, however, we pass a horserace track and discover that we have arrived a day before the annual horse festival. Nomads across the plains gather in this field to race their horses over two days each summer and it's an opportunity we can't miss. We decide to camp on the field overnight to catch the festival in the morning. Surprisingly the field is littered with broken bottles, bone fragments, bits and pieces of garbage, and yak & horse dung. It takes a little while getting used to, but after a few hours we barely notice anything. We set up camp near the back of the field, just infront of a nomad camp. Behind us are a herd of yaks grazing - it's quite the surreal sight<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Many nomads were already at the field preparing for the races - the photos of the racing horses are from the practice runs late in the afternoon. As the sun sets the air becomes cool and in the distance dark foreboding clouds hang low. Not long after, thunderstorms move above us - it's one of the most terrifying nights I've experienced. Our tent shakes violently from the wind and the sound of the heavy rain and thunder makes it impossible to sleep. At times the lightning is so bright it resembles car headlights flashing infront of our tent. I remember thinking over and over how silly <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(read: stupid and dangerous)</span> it was to be camping in an open field, at an elevation of 3500m, with a thunderstorm literally right above us. I don't know exactly how long the storm lasted, but in the morning the temperature is around 5 degrees <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(freezing cold!)</span> and we decide that staying another night is probably not the best idea. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">We planned our trip with </span><a href="http://snowliontours.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Snowlion Tours</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, a Tibetan-owned company based in Xining. Wangden, the owner, is a great guy and I would highly recommend them :). The provided us with the tents pictured (so much more convenient that bringing our own) and they withstood the crazy storm!! </span></i></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">More photos from my trip on </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emyeung/collections/72157624830675733/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">flickr</span></a></i></span></div></div></div>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-8710008599076651862010-12-09T15:54:00.002-05:002010-12-09T20:33:41.690-05:00Tibet - Longwu Monastery, Repkong<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP66pBdZzmI/AAAAAAAAAeU/C4SLpKLePWc/s1600/DSC03649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP66pBdZzmI/AAAAAAAAAeU/C4SLpKLePWc/s1600/DSC03649.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP667oLJm_I/AAAAAAAAAe4/lAHpSB55iAA/s1600/tibet2-portrait2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP667oLJm_I/AAAAAAAAAe4/lAHpSB55iAA/s1600/tibet2-portrait2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP66vRQsihI/AAAAAAAAAeY/hW0iqEhJ5BQ/s1600/DSC03680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP66vRQsihI/AAAAAAAAAeY/hW0iqEhJ5BQ/s1600/DSC03680.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP66v-a3EjI/AAAAAAAAAec/8LDiOGlL4Bw/s1600/DSC03685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP66v-a3EjI/AAAAAAAAAec/8LDiOGlL4Bw/s1600/DSC03685.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQGDYKD3SCI/AAAAAAAAAfM/T7f27y8QvHA/s1600/DSC03718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TQGDYKD3SCI/AAAAAAAAAfM/T7f27y8QvHA/s1600/DSC03718.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP66zULfCiI/AAAAAAAAAek/SnimdTaY_Fc/s1600/DSC03724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP66zULfCiI/AAAAAAAAAek/SnimdTaY_Fc/s1600/DSC03724.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP668LmEN6I/AAAAAAAAAe8/Z8P_u_Kxvq8/s1600/tibet2-portrait3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP668LmEN6I/AAAAAAAAAe8/Z8P_u_Kxvq8/s1600/tibet2-portrait3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP664RcP2jI/AAAAAAAAAeo/98bWvK_xBAE/s1600/DSC03760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP664RcP2jI/AAAAAAAAAeo/98bWvK_xBAE/s1600/DSC03760.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP665PZT-CI/AAAAAAAAAew/r2GwCm3_u3s/s1600/DSC03778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP665PZT-CI/AAAAAAAAAew/r2GwCm3_u3s/s1600/DSC03778.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP664hES6lI/AAAAAAAAAes/kC8WghiIxIM/s1600/DSC03770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP664hES6lI/AAAAAAAAAes/kC8WghiIxIM/s1600/DSC03770.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Longwu Monastery is one of the oldest and largest Gelupa monasteries in the Qinghai province of China (Amdo region of Tibet). Founded in 1301, it is a large complex made up of many smaller temples, a large assembly hall, numerous dormitories for young monks, housing for older lamas, as well as facilities to make incense and for artists to create <em>thangkas</em>,<em> tormas</em> (figurines and mandalas carved out of a mixture of yak butter & flour), and other religious art.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We spent about 3 hours walking around the monastery, along dusty cobblestone paths. Once in a while we come across a group of monks or some cattle, but for the most part it is not very busy. I am enamoured by the bright and saturated colours that decorate each building, and rich tones of the monks' robes. As we step inside the smaller temples, the smell of incense and yak butter candles permeate the air, and large bodhisattva figures (often 1-2 stories tall) look daunting at first. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As dusk approaches we make our way to the large coutyard outside of the assembly hall and watch as young monks gather for their evening prayers. The 4 of us sit quietly on the steps and observe the process; there are no other tourists around. It's interesting to watch the young monks as they try to sit quietly and listen. Much like students back home, some monks can't seem to pay attention, some nod off half-asleep, some whisper and grin at each other, and some arrive late (they don't get a comfy seat cushion). In the first part of the prayer, the monk seated at the front of the square recites the chants himself - his voice is deep and reverberates throughout the square. When the students join in later on, the mix of low and high tones is quite hypnotizing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The is our first visit to a large monastery and already I feel like I've learned so much about the rich spiritual tradition. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">We planned our trip with </span><a href="http://snowliontours.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Snowlion Tours</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, a Tibetan-owned company based in Xining. Wangden, the owner, is a great guy and I would highly recommend them :) </span></i></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">More photos from my trip on </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emyeung/collections/72157624830675733/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">flickr</span></a></i></span></div></div>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333697362016342321.post-9628728734384053822010-12-08T23:52:00.002-05:002010-12-09T16:03:19.507-05:00Tibet - Wutun Monastery, Repkong<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP8mzWEbHII/AAAAAAAAAfI/2b0F_bRL3eA/s1600/tibet2-portrait1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP8mzWEbHII/AAAAAAAAAfI/2b0F_bRL3eA/s1600/tibet2-portrait1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP66n1eTlXI/AAAAAAAAAeI/BCk4nosIdBo/s1600/DSC03635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP66n1eTlXI/AAAAAAAAAeI/BCk4nosIdBo/s1600/DSC03635.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP69zO9ykzI/AAAAAAAAAfE/DtpLSQK1mNo/s1600/tibet2-portrait4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP69zO9ykzI/AAAAAAAAAfE/DtpLSQK1mNo/s1600/tibet2-portrait4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP69xV-23iI/AAAAAAAAAfA/sLC1eAQeTAI/s1600/DSC03639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP69xV-23iI/AAAAAAAAAfA/sLC1eAQeTAI/s1600/DSC03639.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP66oJYir-I/AAAAAAAAAeM/XuDQRrEvK2g/s1600/DSC03637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP66oJYir-I/AAAAAAAAAeM/XuDQRrEvK2g/s1600/DSC03637.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP66o2mlQKI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/qn4QrcRQQt4/s1600/DSC03642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ywI3qIk6uH8/TP66o2mlQKI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/qn4QrcRQQt4/s1600/DSC03642.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Repkong is a small town in the Amdo region of Tibet, known as the cradle of Tibetan arts. Above are photos from our visit to Wutun monastery, and the studio of the head lama who is also a master <i>thangka </i>painter. It’s difficult to see the details of the paintings in progress, but they are truly amazing in person. His tools consist of an array of brushes from thick to thin, and his paint is natural pigment made from crushed minerals. In his studio are numerous finished pieces that hang from the walls and lie scattered on a long rectangular table. Each one is unique and range from large pieces of deities and wheels of life, to smaller mandalas. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I didn’t take very many food photos on this trip, but the one above is of the traditional noodle dish </span><i>thenthuk</i>. The soup is thick and spicy and helps to keep nomads warm in the harsh winters. Normally it is served with yak or mutton meat but as a vegetarian they gave me some tasty black fungus instead :).<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><i>We planned our trip with <a href="http://snowliontours.com/">Snowlion Tours</a>, a Tibetan-owned company based in Xining. Wangden, the owner, is a great guy and I would highly recommend them :) </i></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><i>More photos from my trip on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emyeung/collections/72157624830675733/">flickr</a></i></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05401958604159323665noreply@blogger.com0