tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60380184030842634222024-03-12T20:13:08.679-07:00Adventures in Backnang!alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-10260614731328949862012-04-28T01:54:00.001-07:002012-04-28T01:54:34.750-07:00Back in a flashWell, this was a quickie. In a flash, before I knew it, I'm booking it back to Toronto. See everyone soon.alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-33337188054203228412012-04-17T13:21:00.000-07:002012-04-17T13:21:44.754-07:00Lack of updatesSorry folks. Work has kept us fairly busy and haven't been able to sit down and write all that much. Most days we're just back at the hotel to sleep. At least this way, there'll be plenty of stories for when I'm back.<br />
<br />
The hotel life. It's hit and miss. The hotel in Backnang was in the middle of the town, but still there was nothing to do. The hotel in Stuttgart is in the middle of the city, but they don't do laundry or dry cleaning. Had I'd known this predicament, I would have brought more laundry. Anyone want to ship some clothes over??<br />
<br />
The language. We are learning one phrase each day, which all the other coworkers get a kick out of. My knowledge of Deutsche and all other European languages in fact is seriously lacking. I feel it's a very different language to pronounce from what I am used to. <br />
<br />
Wirtschaftsprüfer just doesn't roll off my tongue like Auditor does.alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-30417120122945941642012-03-28T14:41:00.000-07:002012-03-28T14:41:22.552-07:00MercedesAt first I thought Stuttgart was going to be a small city - Wikipedia says it has a population of 600,038. But the metropolitan area has 5.3 million. I guess everyone comes in from the metropolitan area, because there's a lot of people on the streets!<br />
<br />
It's actually a nice city, with a lot of restaurants, bars, and a shopping street. But the main attraction of the city is the Mercedes Benz museum! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aQ_Y2hFejpUTok4DFqFx_fV4wxmbzPiK7fu86dL9sFgSJ_gzGDeluJ4GaNoH-ctMW8F_t9JH8O_kD4Sq46Eq-8XC2sn48keQ7lHqGyHL0uliDf8mBT2PBur1j_WZEOW-cFUUxbl870k/s1600/Xperia+Arc+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aQ_Y2hFejpUTok4DFqFx_fV4wxmbzPiK7fu86dL9sFgSJ_gzGDeluJ4GaNoH-ctMW8F_t9JH8O_kD4Sq46Eq-8XC2sn48keQ7lHqGyHL0uliDf8mBT2PBur1j_WZEOW-cFUUxbl870k/s320/Xperia+Arc+031.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXVbs_sDTpoCCtwKhyphenhyphen6uRhWXSSU_o8HX0hZKLLp2XJCGLwdwZijXdTYw6lP5qTbnSU4n8064DSakoyFTko_dbllP_joN92A05gBaJQAXISsGr033FSD93h7qKlu047FYGhXB5wpZiHpM/s1600/Xperia+Arc+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXVbs_sDTpoCCtwKhyphenhyphen6uRhWXSSU_o8HX0hZKLLp2XJCGLwdwZijXdTYw6lP5qTbnSU4n8064DSakoyFTko_dbllP_joN92A05gBaJQAXISsGr033FSD93h7qKlu047FYGhXB5wpZiHpM/s320/Xperia+Arc+035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8iJbtW7VmmtYzGWqHglSjvL0OjFxQi2szUrBzBhTYS3cjppTi6GkOXgI5LeTW_uRPqNU-OF9BG0GzvpFv85ILETRTP-E1FyJu19J3n6nVb_MGF0_p7WIfaEHaHMGFuJaLhvxx07MGOI/s1600/Xperia+Arc+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8iJbtW7VmmtYzGWqHglSjvL0OjFxQi2szUrBzBhTYS3cjppTi6GkOXgI5LeTW_uRPqNU-OF9BG0GzvpFv85ILETRTP-E1FyJu19J3n6nVb_MGF0_p7WIfaEHaHMGFuJaLhvxx07MGOI/s320/Xperia+Arc+037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDjSYYN1L8uDrUk34AO5ThfZL1UtVvZACPj8Xqo7d744iKOAVoBZbQ24m1qCq4bmjfU2ffeisiHMjBihQW9LPmjsMeypO9NOanBhN2lSnr2RdXa97_1t2e_amqYx9u1u-N3Zl0YR8Wmw/s1600/Xperia+Arc+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDjSYYN1L8uDrUk34AO5ThfZL1UtVvZACPj8Xqo7d744iKOAVoBZbQ24m1qCq4bmjfU2ffeisiHMjBihQW9LPmjsMeypO9NOanBhN2lSnr2RdXa97_1t2e_amqYx9u1u-N3Zl0YR8Wmw/s320/Xperia+Arc+039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNJT-q35BGsqJbt-uI1_OfszfeoCpasr_HKyeOISGt4HHZCk6RwuNOa2h2ytAwXgKBIPYa_AoSKwyMIGTm8EbyCKJYo0wbOG7F2u_idiOaLIyzZ3mpg5phIDsBBJeFaCDSo2ZgteAhLI/s1600/Xperia+Arc+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNJT-q35BGsqJbt-uI1_OfszfeoCpasr_HKyeOISGt4HHZCk6RwuNOa2h2ytAwXgKBIPYa_AoSKwyMIGTm8EbyCKJYo0wbOG7F2u_idiOaLIyzZ3mpg5phIDsBBJeFaCDSo2ZgteAhLI/s320/Xperia+Arc+046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYk4Glg1mVMx8sh-4w4Yb35400LYxrox2mfffJl3j9JyjRqLHga93I0DBnDB6WWeyCjaUm3MRHCxoUADhWX6M4QYmVWK9PfD1z4Hl50KGDQjHQUpNlcQGSBh5mGBrfa7VKoYTVovKU20/s1600/Xperia+Arc+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYk4Glg1mVMx8sh-4w4Yb35400LYxrox2mfffJl3j9JyjRqLHga93I0DBnDB6WWeyCjaUm3MRHCxoUADhWX6M4QYmVWK9PfD1z4Hl50KGDQjHQUpNlcQGSBh5mGBrfa7VKoYTVovKU20/s320/Xperia+Arc+055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3D40duRmedonCzKQBISbqb_53xaIQhLxSzcTULOQ5q-CQLmGuyE4twxf1UAreWDGO5vwFkDRl3-4mWCCeWIPNj0Ib-tBXA7G350RIcz3QEBw5EJ9n3Ve_3Q9j6qp5wF8RcuOQCF5j3bg/s1600/Xperia+Arc+057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3D40duRmedonCzKQBISbqb_53xaIQhLxSzcTULOQ5q-CQLmGuyE4twxf1UAreWDGO5vwFkDRl3-4mWCCeWIPNj0Ib-tBXA7G350RIcz3QEBw5EJ9n3Ve_3Q9j6qp5wF8RcuOQCF5j3bg/s320/Xperia+Arc+057.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-44193568787650967342012-03-24T03:52:00.001-07:002012-03-24T04:07:16.623-07:00The townWe're staying in a hotel probably in the centre of the town, and it's a beautiful town. A lot of stuff is available within walking distance, and it's very pedestrian friendly. There's an abundance of cafes, bars, and restaurants just around the corner. At the same time, it's still a small, quaint town, and the people are nice; I like it. Wish I could've uploaded a couple of pictures that I took, but my phone isn't co-operating.<br />
<br />
Edit: Here are the pictures! <br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OyHLh4sQb6bvty-Hs38PFyQoI7ejZ-x96ARi0js32gFB5o5AyUFFq34B8PZ3s_exTsNZ_Uzige_7bX0nCS_5BNFSn2fFQqv7KNHAfBP13qS3klspfItPwrhFgdK6avDKND16ozVF47I/s1600/123.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OyHLh4sQb6bvty-Hs38PFyQoI7ejZ-x96ARi0js32gFB5o5AyUFFq34B8PZ3s_exTsNZ_Uzige_7bX0nCS_5BNFSn2fFQqv7KNHAfBP13qS3klspfItPwrhFgdK6avDKND16ozVF47I/s320/123.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the street</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsPdag6z6sOylcVPhyphenhyphenoWzW0JBJ1UxO5Bd8KmAf_BVBHeMysU_1sT-HTYHiG773__djsLHzRMYZTKqunrgOLfFggTMAkMqmkOVwlgTlDf88iOvsL_XkcePgdwpfoM-3XKjxwmYTDmkjgE/s1600/122.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsPdag6z6sOylcVPhyphenhyphenoWzW0JBJ1UxO5Bd8KmAf_BVBHeMysU_1sT-HTYHiG773__djsLHzRMYZTKqunrgOLfFggTMAkMqmkOVwlgTlDf88iOvsL_XkcePgdwpfoM-3XKjxwmYTDmkjgE/s320/122.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-65584250302525348252012-03-20T09:46:00.000-07:002012-03-20T09:46:46.389-07:00New adventureAs fate would have it, I will go on another adventure, for an undefined period of time in Backnang, Germany! Flight leaves in a few hours, but wanted to do a quick inaugural post prior to leaving. See you on the other side.alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-22582914306111333722011-05-19T18:52:00.000-07:002011-05-19T18:52:39.962-07:00Wrap upI should have done this at least a few weeks ago, but better late than never! Never late is better, but I guess a part of me is still running on island time. My six months ended as of April 15, 2011 and it'll be a six months that I'll remember. As much as I intended to arrive as a volunteer and bring my skills and knowledge to the table, I came away from the experience with much more. I gained not only experiences and perspectives, but also friendships and memories. <br />
<br />
<i>Don't be dismayed at good-byes</i><br />
<br />
<i>A farewell is necessary before </i><br />
<i>you can meet again.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>And meeting again after moments or lifetimes</i><br />
<i>is certain for those who are friends.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
So long Jamaica, see you soon.alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-47124914332741922132011-04-09T07:45:00.000-07:002011-04-09T07:45:37.817-07:00BusDuring the week, I took my usual route to work during the days. But one of these days was different than the rest. One morning the coaster (minibus) was full by the time I got on (it doesn't stop more people from getting in). That in itself isn't so different because my morning coasters are usually full to the point where it's like a game of twister trying to find a nice place to stand and something to hold onto. This time, it was crowded enough that I stayed on the step of the bus. Usually the conductor or 'ducta will say <i>step up, </i>telling you to get off the step and actually into the bus. I figure it could be because he thinks either that it's more comfortable inside the bus and he would rather I be comfortable or that it's not as dangerous inside the bus and he would rather I be safe. Since coming to Jamaica and seeing the coasters, I always wanted to stay on the step and hang outside the door. That seemed to be the cool thing to do on coasters. So on that very morning, I did what I always wanted to do and I graduated from being just a normal coaster rider.<br />
<br />
It was in fact more comfortable since there's usually only two people on the step, and I'd say was safer too as there's something to hold onto without playing the game of twister. Therefore, I conclude the step is exclusive. And now, my Jamaican experience is complete. Time to chill on the beach!alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-53903232508374413952011-04-03T13:40:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:40:40.154-07:00Sunday MorningKingston, Jamaica. It's straightforward, in your face, full of life and bursting with personality. The roads are jammed with taxi and bus drivers who seem to compete for who can go the fastest and talk with each other in a language of honks, even in gridlocked traffic; here, it's the bicyclists that come out as surprise winners. As you walk down the street, you pass by higglers, bag juice and snack sellers, car phone charger sellers, all legitimate or otherwise, and everyone seems to be yelling at each other, at you, or at no one in particular, it's hard to tell.<br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>And he rested on the seventh day..</i><br />
Then you wake up on a Sunday morning. You decide to step outside and there's only a few cars on the road. You don't hear honking horns, and there's not too many people out on the road. You walk around the neighbourhood and observe peace and quiet.<br />
<br />
It's neat how different the city feels. Today, as I walked to my local grocery store, it felt like I was back at home. Kingston is definitely a city of two faces. Actually three faces - as a fellow volunteer, Dom, has pointed out, the city at night is again, decidedly different. Perhaps it's because everyone's at Sunday service, or recovering from Saturday night's parties. The city itself feels <i>relaxed</i>. And I quite enjoy it. We all need a day of rest every now and then to rejuvenate and recharge.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsL6c2GQ7Sm6bVTnrBcvgPFekEpnOKjWzkRRz7aT2DAQoH4Of2W3g21eIqnfWmgxP4LEaYhO3_7hNPEuNrcc7tSSCy6lcWYUwzYYzdfJH1eCthWXqKO6hMxKhAc40iq9LnqNiK3Y9-wQ/s1600/DSCN1733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsL6c2GQ7Sm6bVTnrBcvgPFekEpnOKjWzkRRz7aT2DAQoH4Of2W3g21eIqnfWmgxP4LEaYhO3_7hNPEuNrcc7tSSCy6lcWYUwzYYzdfJH1eCthWXqKO6hMxKhAc40iq9LnqNiK3Y9-wQ/s320/DSCN1733.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iced tea on the balcony. Too bad the grill's there</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsL6c2GQ7Sm6bVTnrBcvgPFekEpnOKjWzkRRz7aT2DAQoH4Of2W3g21eIqnfWmgxP4LEaYhO3_7hNPEuNrcc7tSSCy6lcWYUwzYYzdfJH1eCthWXqKO6hMxKhAc40iq9LnqNiK3Y9-wQ/s1600/DSCN1733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRW7bDBrZz5_A6Qdk88x5mE_QY8lcPdP9G4L3WEfKUC_Qk74b5X9_bt2jq5J4GlzV9AXQjKYpmDzGJ7neZVhVbyOI8uNyrzTv_V30E4xhtKIlqsqvxFkK2wjiXMSBNfsRLtqGQYxVaSk4/s1600/DSCN1730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRW7bDBrZz5_A6Qdk88x5mE_QY8lcPdP9G4L3WEfKUC_Qk74b5X9_bt2jq5J4GlzV9AXQjKYpmDzGJ7neZVhVbyOI8uNyrzTv_V30E4xhtKIlqsqvxFkK2wjiXMSBNfsRLtqGQYxVaSk4/s320/DSCN1730.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It took me five and a half months, almost the entirety of my stay, but I found a Chinese bakery, or rather, the bakery found me. As I visited my local grocery store, lo and behold, inside, they were selling these buns. A lady comes in every Sunday to sell, and I only have gone on Saturdays or during the week. Mission accomplished.alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-58307727427645263532011-03-28T19:46:00.000-07:002011-03-28T19:46:49.652-07:00Stone Love<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">East Japanese Restaurant 6th Anniversary Customer Appreciation Party @ Stone Love<br />
<br />
On a Sunday night, a friend mentioned that there were tickets to a customer appreciation party the next night, being Monday night. The host was East Japanese Restaurant. Having eaten there once, I appreciated the food they have there for sure. If I ever wanted to eat some good sushi, I know where to go. However, with their price point, I find I don't have cravings for raw fish all that often here.<br />
<br />
In any case, regardless of how much or how little I personally frequent the restaurant, someone frequented the restaurant enough to get some extra tickets to the event. I figure, even if it's a Monday night, I'll hang out, and if there's a chance I get to have some more of their food, why not?! We drove to the parking lot of one of the plazas I pass by frequently, and I thought, I don't remember seeing any type of venue here... And it was true, there wasn't. Instead, we hopped in a shuttle bus going to a spot a block down the street. Literally, a block. Only in Jamaica. After the night was over, we walked back to the parking lot and it took us no longer than two minutes. But still, we were shuttled over.<br />
<br />
Turned out to be a nice spot, that had a good vibe. The free food and open bar might have had something to do with that. What I think was the neatest thing though was the mutual respect and appreciation the two cultures have for each other. Jamaicans and Japanese. The Japanese are probably some of the most frequent tourists to Kingston, which may be like a mecca of music and culture for them, but it really isn't the tourist hot spot. Jamaicans I think are just very warm, welcoming, and supportive to those who arrive with an open mind and embrace what the country has to offer. A simply yet effective gesture of this support was a donation box that was passed around in support of the quake. This night occurred shortly after the earthquake so it was nice to see how in-tune and supportive everyone was being by helping out in any way they can.<br />
<br />
That night was really cool. But these days, even the nights are starting to get hot. I thought that I was starting to adjust to the heat midway through my placement here - thought I was starting to live like a Jamaican. Now I realize that I just happened to have some good timing. Even though the weather doesn't fluctuate too much, i.e. no snow, the difference in temperature is definitely noticeable from the winter to the summer. I look forward to cooler weather again when I get back to Toronto, which is in less than three weeks time. But I always say that if I complain about the cold, I can't complain about the heat. So who am I to complain!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2BWXTklY_ISx9A0BHHAKA6xrLvohh79Eozv2dHvaNhlYEy6VF2kpWKLjOQB7i56orKljPNBeIqxtYGYM2g-UFBAVt363vJP2yxSG7SwuGKnDnnYIt4XTJt8ilG4cCo6LT5wBVipqv3w/s1600/Blue+Mountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2BWXTklY_ISx9A0BHHAKA6xrLvohh79Eozv2dHvaNhlYEy6VF2kpWKLjOQB7i56orKljPNBeIqxtYGYM2g-UFBAVt363vJP2yxSG7SwuGKnDnnYIt4XTJt8ilG4cCo6LT5wBVipqv3w/s320/Blue+Mountain.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The evening before our Blue Mountain hike (see previous post)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div>alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-12653967439167736762011-03-16T21:45:00.000-07:002011-03-16T21:45:00.082-07:00Blue Mountain<i>Saturday afternoon</i><br />
1:30PM Car Rental<br />
Following the advice of a friend who did the hike before, we rented a 4x4 vehicle. This took a little longer than expected because the customer service representative pretty much forced us to take their insurance, even though we had full coverage on a credit card. It was annoying, and it didn't make any sense, but we wanted to get on our way, so we caved and went with the full coverage insurance from the car rental place. It was an example of an unyielding adherence to the "rules" that customer service reps display here. Not a good start to the day, but not the end of the adventure, we pressed on!<br />
<br />
2:30PM Lunch and supply run<br />
We stopped at the supermarket to prepare for the adventure, stocking up on snacks and drinks to keep us alive and alert for the adventure. Then we went to the food court for lunch. Funny thing is that I went to a Chinese fast food place, and the other two Canadians went to get sandwiches and coffee. When in Rome... we still eat what we want (at least when we have the option).<br />
<br />
5:00PM The drive.. and arrival at home base<br />
After lunch, we went on the road. It was a bit of a drive and by the end of it, I fully understood why we were told to get a 4x4. A Yaris (the typical rental car), for all its might and glory, would never have survived the drive. We passed over rough unpaved roads, crossed a river and went up some real steep hills. But we made it eventually to Wildflower Lodge, our base camp. Here, we would park the car, rest up and begin the trek. But first, we explored the area a bit and walked up a nearby hill to see the sunset. On the hill, we could see some of the crops being raised - scallions, onions, some herbs, Blue Mountain coffee, and there were also plenty of grazing goats. It's refreshing to see people living on the land and very much at one with nature as it should be. No need for high-tech agriculture, fertilizer or pesticides here. Afterwards, we returned to the lodge for an amazing dinner cooked by our hosts (this one was a Jamaican meal!). We capped the "night" with a drink of rum to help us get some rest before the hike. <br />
<br />
<i>Sunday morning</i><br />
2:45AM Start<br />
Rolled out of bed at 2:20AM, packed the bags and did one last equipment check before departing. Being from the city, I wore jeans, t-shirt, hoodie, a pair of Nike sneakers, and a borrowed poncho and flashlight. But I had determination and the trust that the much more prepared west coast Canadians, would light the way. <br />
<br />
2:46AM - 6:00AM Journey<br />
That trust and determination soon faded as we faced "Jacob's Ladder". This was a portion of the hike which our guide said of the people who did quit, did so here. After hearing that, I really did not want to be one of "those" who couldn't survive. I think what gets people at Jacob's Ladder is not necessarily the steep incline. It <i>is</i> fairly steep, and goes on for a little while, which poses a challenge for the unprepared. But more than that, it's very early on in the hike, which is dangerous for two reasons: 1) excited and ambitious hikers set a pace to ascend the peak in record time, wearing themselves out, and 2) there's little chance to adjust to the altitude. Not everyone gets to train in the mountains so the latter likely takes its toll on hikers and its effect is made all the more potent, the more #1 applies. Either that, or I was out of shape.... but I think I'll go with my other reasons.<br />
<br />
Eventually we made it past the "ladder" and plodded our way through darkness to the top, stopping every now and again to drink water and catch our breaths. The sky was clear so we could see what looked like all the stars in the galaxy, as well the city lights in the distance. Near the top it started to rain a bit and the closer we were to the peak, the more the rain poured. Finally when we reached the peak of Blue Mountain, 7402 ft. above sea level, we were faced with an overcast sky and steady rain. We made it in time for the sunrise, but chances were that we wouldn't see anything! Disappointed, we rested for a bit, ate some of the food we brought to regain some energy and began our descent 20 minutes later. On a clear sky you can see even Cuba from the peak - unfortunately, clear skies only happen 30% of the time. <br />
<br />
6:15AM The way home<br />
As we descended, the rain seemed to only fall harder until we dropped below the cloud cover. After we dropped below the clouds, we were presented with a fantastic view of the mountain range. We made it back to the Wildflower in about 2 hours and changed into fresh clothes. Our hosts provided a cup of delicious Blue Mountain coffee, locally picked and roasted, to warm up and enjoy as a reward. It was definitely enjoyed, and finally we thanked our gracious hosts and guide as we departed for the drive home.<br />
<br />
Would I do it again? Probably not. But now I can say that I've climbed to the highest point of Jamaica.<br />
<br />
Hike Blue Mountain - check.alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-49503648366580324702011-03-06T19:44:00.000-08:002011-03-06T19:44:17.556-08:00Saturday Night MovieThere should be no big difference in going to the movies wherever in the world you are. Yet, I still enjoy the feeling of going to the cinema every now and then, no matter where I am. On Saturday night, I visited Carib Cinemas, one of the theatres in Kingston (not sure how many there are, but I know there's at least two). The plan was to catch an 8:30 showing of Unknown, starring Liam Neeson. Seeing as how I enjoyed the last Liam Neeson movie I saw, Taken, and since the movie poster looked pretty much identical for the two movies, I figured Unkown would be a fun flick to watch. I know, it's not a Jamaican movie. But at least I'd understand it. <br />
<br />
I don't usually take the bus or go to the Crossroads area at night (though I go everyday to and from work), so the trip alone could have been called an adventure. The city still takes on a different vibe and feel at night compared to how it is during the day. Whenever I pass by Carib, which is right at Crossroads, I hardly see anyone there, so I always thought going to the movies was pretty unpopular here. But <i>bwoy</i> was that ever further from the truth. Now it seems to me like Saturday night is movie night, and that everyone goes to the movies. Maybe, I thought, it's one of the few things to do between dinner and the club. For whatever the reason, we had to sit in the second row. Very unexpected, but it wasn't so bad - mainly because I could see the people in the first row. <br />
<br />
So we sat down and started watching the movie. It started slow, but was getting good, and then at about 60% of the way through the movie, the scene cuts and the screen goes black. My first reaction was that we lost the movie and our money - frustration. Then I wondered if they would give us a refund or a free pass to watch another movie. In a little while, the answer came, the letters surfaced on the screen - <i>"INTERMISSION"</i>. As it turns out, you get a washroom / snack break and after about 5 minutes, you come back to watch the movie where it left off. And just before the movie restarts, a couple of commercials run for good measure to make sure you don't miss any of the action. Surely enough, probably half the theatre stepped out and made use of the little timeout. In my opinion, it broke the tension and atmosphere of the movie, so I could have done without the break. But then again, I have taken a 14 hour flight without going to the washroom. Nevertheless, after the 5 minute intermission, everyone filtered back into their seats and the movie finished running without a hitch. I wondered though, where the idea of a movie intermission came from. Are there other places that do this too? <br />
<br />
For the movie: 7/10. The experience: 8/10.alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-15569777950460983342011-02-22T20:15:00.000-08:002011-02-22T20:22:14.629-08:00Mediation: Art or Science?Taking the Basic Mediators Course with the Dispute Resolution Foundation, I am getting to see what the organization really does. What are some of its principles, and how it intends to effect change in Jamaica. At the same time, I'm learning how to become a mediator. By the end of the course, I can go out there and say, "Stop! I'm a mediator, let's talk!" On second thought, I'll take things step-by-step and integrate it into the way I deal with my own problems as they arise.<br />
<br />
I find the mediation training provides a useful mindset and structural approach to solving problems, which is a lot of common sense. It is outlined as a very structured 7 step process. The tricky part is the application. Being a mediator demands one to enter the process without bias - as a completely neutral presence. Considering the nature of cases, which could involve any number of matters including violent ones, the mediator has to remain unbiased and unemotional. You cannot insert your own judgment or bias. You have to be fair in your body language, tone of voice, and choice of words and boy is it much harder in practice than it seems in theory. "You mean I have to be fair to this thief?" "Yes sir!" "This rapist?" Yep!" We all have our own biases from society and how we're raised, but more than that, we then have to disconnect the bad tendencies and habits wired into our brains. There's probably some people who just cannot be mediators. Despite all the instructional reading or studying, the only thing that can really prepare you is the practical experience.<br />
<br />
We did an exercise today. There were 5 or 6 groups doing the same role play. Among the groups, there were probably 5 or 6 different answers when the question of "what is the issue" arose. The issue identification is the crux of the mediation process. If the mediator cannot nail the issue(s), the case is highly likely to go nowhere. The diversity of answers really speaks to how hard it is to do (or how bad we all were at doing it). The key was learning to ask the right questions. Thinking about it, I drew a parallel to auditing (or consulting, or advisory, or a whole lot of other applications). To get the information you want, or to draw out any useful insights, you have to ask the right questions. In mediations, you have to deal on so many possible levels. A matter that might seem simple like a tenant owing a landlord 6 months' rent, could have some other underlying issues, for example, maybe the landlord has been getting numerous complaints from other tenants or that he really can't stand the smell coming from the tenant's unit. These are entirely different problems to tackle than rent in arrears! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQue20DZp4NeqY1_nkWpR2GJVgn9Jvxg8qecJgOanpb9iaPh0P4PW8Qo_bg809cASpb5guwU6KCybA1j7e1tRpr2aZrMGWgPg7v8nzJn9wrc_l9Rsi1sW7BS_dPSPliB65KTyMIqVYBjs/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQue20DZp4NeqY1_nkWpR2GJVgn9Jvxg8qecJgOanpb9iaPh0P4PW8Qo_bg809cASpb5guwU6KCybA1j7e1tRpr2aZrMGWgPg7v8nzJn9wrc_l9Rsi1sW7BS_dPSPliB65KTyMIqVYBjs/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-12340024548979617112011-02-16T20:54:00.000-08:002011-02-16T20:54:01.325-08:00PortlandOf the parishes on the island, Portland is the one that is most often cited as the favourite, or the most beautiful. It's not a tourist hot spot, and it's not a major urban sprawl. It's natural, unspoiled Jamaica. That's not to say it doesn't have its tourist attractions, but the ones that are there are less crowded and less noisy. The cruise ships don't have a place to dock, and there are few all-inclusive resorts (I'm not sure if there are any actually). All in all, I think it makes for a really nice weekend getaway. There are probably even more isolated and quiet areas of the island, but at the same time, I don't want to feel like I'm the only person around. <br />
<br />
Last weekend, I went to visit the parish with some of the other volunteers. We rented a car and drove up to Frenchman's Cove and hit Reach Falls. We also stopped by to explore anything else that was interesting in between. This time, I remembered to take my camera to snap a few shots. Since they are few and far between these days, enjoy!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmRGDpUaBAqfueUd-MrceknTMZziVomlqS2xLdu9xcS6KCyLLrLR-o8oUdaB8kOEPhkeHHihR0ntrUu0emKBhuJVI-0IUiuPpxDYnJUSaQhIz1Kh3cO0GAx_7FPAo4tHSMNNa7-e5AaI/s1600/DSCN1642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmRGDpUaBAqfueUd-MrceknTMZziVomlqS2xLdu9xcS6KCyLLrLR-o8oUdaB8kOEPhkeHHihR0ntrUu0emKBhuJVI-0IUiuPpxDYnJUSaQhIz1Kh3cO0GAx_7FPAo4tHSMNNa7-e5AaI/s320/DSCN1642.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing a random hand-made bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1tFhA4jeqpZDajw6dG2kZ_QNVEbhllfzJPpNFFlIPsWJirS4GCqhTHlObRIjDflkfpRfC7vEFDMsONOk1AUy6HKb6eEx2CKUo-GXTj1V8oq4uSgqp4f7YlPvOyb-iy04hkm99YeA84U/s1600/DSCN1651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1tFhA4jeqpZDajw6dG2kZ_QNVEbhllfzJPpNFFlIPsWJirS4GCqhTHlObRIjDflkfpRfC7vEFDMsONOk1AUy6HKb6eEx2CKUo-GXTj1V8oq4uSgqp4f7YlPvOyb-iy04hkm99YeA84U/s320/DSCN1651.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How did that get there?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qLziwiPQ8bwuEAgBTrcJlHAfHCeMsKIM1G5zgTneQBIWqmzo9dISbC7AJtdRnSDTOrjfftCJmR-7aCe-ghHDnZ9mhn_kxhsIZqDJ30cfA6pG5GIN-7rLf3TRQtU4zowMIZwTvZ4AcJE/s1600/DSCN1652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qLziwiPQ8bwuEAgBTrcJlHAfHCeMsKIM1G5zgTneQBIWqmzo9dISbC7AJtdRnSDTOrjfftCJmR-7aCe-ghHDnZ9mhn_kxhsIZqDJ30cfA6pG5GIN-7rLf3TRQtU4zowMIZwTvZ4AcJE/s320/DSCN1652.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laundry day</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfCjSBPo2LNQWKrpSPbQD9C4vmKxpvA0RCV7OE26_5zVv1Tasdt0L7eKbbj6fQCi6jBqGN6P5SPC1eScPHCGo4_nectbqY4Xle26c05TQdsIBrTpCE3RY3kCCUCMaiuPyuh7tb8mgIkE/s1600/DSCN1660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfCjSBPo2LNQWKrpSPbQD9C4vmKxpvA0RCV7OE26_5zVv1Tasdt0L7eKbbj6fQCi6jBqGN6P5SPC1eScPHCGo4_nectbqY4Xle26c05TQdsIBrTpCE3RY3kCCUCMaiuPyuh7tb8mgIkE/s320/DSCN1660.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">007</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjB9ZKVvxnar0X2ErhT5dgZ_YQPff8fIWJN5FXEB9e9SmP2V5cPjh6JgspUeol9GD3KuseAsC597Qeflow6Ch_92ZJoT3-iAxLznm0VV4F_77XAcuaXe0l4bkQfEWOqLINs__SG45tJEo/s1600/DSCN1668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjB9ZKVvxnar0X2ErhT5dgZ_YQPff8fIWJN5FXEB9e9SmP2V5cPjh6JgspUeol9GD3KuseAsC597Qeflow6Ch_92ZJoT3-iAxLznm0VV4F_77XAcuaXe0l4bkQfEWOqLINs__SG45tJEo/s320/DSCN1668.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">007 knows how to live</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GmgNoj2Io20YjPbj1SJ9xx0MIFCa28hvulQ7-9ZTX_Zznhv1w0_FzyL4MToroq0MTTQTbAuMvYIFvLahHEc2bk7N6cxiZ-8A-yLoBenhawAy1AJxD-60SZ0-xKj5lSovRZImbDYUhrQ/s1600/DSCN1678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GmgNoj2Io20YjPbj1SJ9xx0MIFCa28hvulQ7-9ZTX_Zznhv1w0_FzyL4MToroq0MTTQTbAuMvYIFvLahHEc2bk7N6cxiZ-8A-yLoBenhawAy1AJxD-60SZ0-xKj5lSovRZImbDYUhrQ/s320/DSCN1678.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastor Brown's house (has been in National Geographic, issue in 1985). Seriously wacky.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjrxmS4AZ9t0lo3quoJQXyBHBV1CCpWCiEvhN8sjsNZSnc3g1OunaGkBS31lNCD1lsG-kfXfRBcCkO1gE3HXb7Wpzdd48bKT7FN50bXW3PqvM6IazN_F7Z2DPwA8EIBVOsC4FZyQJL2E/s1600/DSCN1679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjrxmS4AZ9t0lo3quoJQXyBHBV1CCpWCiEvhN8sjsNZSnc3g1OunaGkBS31lNCD1lsG-kfXfRBcCkO1gE3HXb7Wpzdd48bKT7FN50bXW3PqvM6IazN_F7Z2DPwA8EIBVOsC4FZyQJL2E/s320/DSCN1679.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastor Brown</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRziVeNTz_LQwsK_AZB1iTfBVwTkA0BM0d7CWnETXBat21WtqegvvduoEcNj6VfSpZWtYLQGU2blXBkurRtJKheR7rF_q7-upS6FYFri8xkdsAGMCB9l6W6K6_U3arFrViqoDAIZg76JI/s1600/DSCN1701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRziVeNTz_LQwsK_AZB1iTfBVwTkA0BM0d7CWnETXBat21WtqegvvduoEcNj6VfSpZWtYLQGU2blXBkurRtJKheR7rF_q7-upS6FYFri8xkdsAGMCB9l6W6K6_U3arFrViqoDAIZg76JI/s320/DSCN1701.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Frenchman's Cove Resort Villas</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFAtNqJG4tFsGjeNM6QKqSkQ1RtskIHw42dVijIr30bjJv7ui1hDkGf46dFP4CxYKRG7UaWGV8ALmi1XSeEpmyZ-b77hdf1OynxWVhp29zrlQhedf2fNdKWXM0gEgFO_LNLq44iNRz6I/s1600/DSCN1714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFAtNqJG4tFsGjeNM6QKqSkQ1RtskIHw42dVijIr30bjJv7ui1hDkGf46dFP4CxYKRG7UaWGV8ALmi1XSeEpmyZ-b77hdf1OynxWVhp29zrlQhedf2fNdKWXM0gEgFO_LNLq44iNRz6I/s320/DSCN1714.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottles of sauce... and ketchup! To go with the jerk pork and chicken</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I feel bad, I didn't actually get any shots of Reach Falls, probably because I don't have a waterproof camera. But in any case, it's one of my favourite spots and a really neat and fun activity to do in Jamaica. You climb the falls, and in the process, a guide will take you through some small caves in the waterfall. If you can swim, you can also dive off the waterfall and swim underneath the base of the falls. Awesome! Except I still can't swim.alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-56347491008633657552011-02-09T20:40:00.000-08:002011-02-09T20:40:53.681-08:00Some days while I'm walking the streets of Kingston, I start thinking I really enjoy being here. Walking to and from Crossroads everyday between the bus stop and the office, I'll pass by the usual taxi drivers and stall operators (I use the term stall pretty loosely here, some vendors have a physical stall, some have a trolley or a cart, and some just have a tarp, which they lay on the ground to display their merchandise, which could be as varied as DVD's or clothes). I appreciate the fact that there are people who aren't outside only to get from point A to point B. There are vendors selling, there are taxi drivers yelling, there are people just hanging out and striking up conversations. There's something lively about it all and it's refreshing to see since it's quite the opposite from what I would experience getting to and from work in Canada, i.e. bumper to bumper traffic. <br />
<br />
There's also the directness of Jamaicans whereby they won't usually hide what's on their minds. In an interaction between Jamaicans, they could look aggressive like they're yelling at each other, but in the next moment, their tone could take a 180 degree turn and they'd be laughing like they were best friends. Sometimes when I'm looking for my coaster to go home, the conductor or "'ducta" will try to physically put me into their coaster, but if you tell them where you're going and it's not where they're headed, they move on to trying to acquire their next customer like nothing happened. It's odd, but there's no hard feelings - just business! That same 'ducta may show a polite and considerate side by stopping the bus and clearing room for a lady to grab a seat. One time, I wondered whether Jamaicans get high blood pressure since it seems like they release so much energy in their daily interactions. I don't know if there is really any connection between the two, but it was just a thought. In any case, the way everyone interacts makes the city an even more vibrant and lively place to be.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure if it's just in my head, but it seems like after Christmas ended and the New Year began, there is less tension on the streets. People are at ease - less guarded, and more open. Felt like around the Christmas time, the vendors, bus drivers, and taxi drivers were all trying extra hard to earn your money. Now, while still lively, they aren't as aggressive. Whether it's in my head or in reality, I suppose it doesn't matter too much. The bottom line is that now I can enjoy more of my time here and appreciate some of what I may have missed before! But still, I learned my lessons from before and am not going to explore South of my office or walk any back alleys. alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-5351742652763149042011-02-03T19:03:00.000-08:002011-02-03T19:03:56.612-08:00Happy Chinese New Year Jamaica!Apparently there was some event going on at the Chinese Benevolent Association (CBA) in Jamaica yesterday. But I didn't know! Instead, I ate some jerk pork at Scotchies. Only when I went to the supermarket today to pick up some juice, did the cashier mention that the CBA usually holds some of events around this time of year. <br />
<br />
I went today, and there was nothing except some people playing badminton. Nah gwaaan! I asked my taxi driver if anything else would be happening and he didn't know. If a taxi driver doesn't know then chances are, it doesn't exist. So since nothing real exciting happened, in honour of CNY, I took a picture of the most Chinese thing I have in my apartment now - my calendar which the supermarket gave to me a while ago. It's from Oriental Foods which coincidentally is in Toronto, Canada. Yes, they imported Chinese calendars from Canada. I should have just brought some with me!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hd5a_QprXQQ/TUtp-RpSvyI/AAAAAAAAAGU/TVHEYjm84rI/s1600/DSCN1624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hd5a_QprXQQ/TUtp-RpSvyI/AAAAAAAAAGU/TVHEYjm84rI/s320/DSCN1624.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-39392691878186905042011-02-01T20:49:00.000-08:002011-02-01T20:49:13.124-08:00Moment of silenceWill make some updates soon.alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-27274666454410611582011-01-18T20:44:00.000-08:002011-01-18T20:44:13.123-08:00What's in the bag?!As I communicate and interact with more people, particularly as part of my job, I seek out and absorb a lot of information. At the moment, I'm in a situation where I have to reach out to collect information, but at the same time, am faced with a reluctance on the other side to provide it. This is a situation sometimes found at clients, but is a bit of a different scenario here. <br />
<br />
To explain the scenario, the person I was talking to at the time mentioned a Jamaican phrase that goes something like "don't buy a pus in a bag". Meaning, if someone tries to sell you a bag saying there's a cat, you don't just buy the bag trusting that there's a cat inside. So you don't think I'm making it up, I present: <a href="http://wisejamaican.financiallysmartonline.com/2009/03/nuh-buy-puss-eena-bag/">http://wisejamaican.financiallysmartonline.com/2009/03/nuh-buy-puss-eena-bag/</a><br />
<br />
His premise was that Jamaicans who go by this phrase are skeptical. Therefore, if someone's going to be asking for something, he should be able to demonstrate why he's asking for it, and what the impact or result will be. This sort of concept is fairly standard in my typical line of work, but it's something people might forget as we selfishly run through our duties to try and get our <i>own</i> work done. <br />
<br />
Being a CUSO-VSO volunteer, there's advantages and disadvantages. For one, we get an objective view point and can be perceived as unbiased. This can be great, especially if we have to deal with two sides that don't meet eye-to-eye. On the other hand, we are interacting with people with whom we have no prior experiences with. This in itself also has its advantages and disadvantages. However, in this case that I'm mentioning, it highlights the importance of building up the trust, credibility, and relationship. Of course, adding cultural differences, and age differences (this one's for me specifically, as I'm the youngest one by far of the volunteers), serves to compound the importance of and effort required for developing said relationships. Once you build that trust, credibility and proper working relationship, it makes progress and interaction <i>that</i> much easier.<br />
<br />
I have a tendency to think of the most efficient way to complete a task. The quickest path from point A to B. I suppose all in all, more than anything else, this is a bit of a reminder for myself: <i>before taking on any project or work, get to know who you're dealing with</i>.alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-25121635718030398912011-01-12T18:12:00.000-08:002011-01-12T18:12:24.848-08:00Half-way thereThis week is nearing the half-way mark of my placement (half-way point will be January 15, 2011). It's hard to believe, but pretty soon, I'll be wrapping up. Work has gotten into full swing with renewed energy in the new year. We are going to try and promote the use of a network intranet, which will be challenging yet exciting. As for the city life in Kingston, I'm feeling settled in. All the hustle and bustle of the city - people in your face to take their bus, buy their stuff - it's become like ambient noise. <br />
<br />
For the new year, I've also gotten some personal renewed energy. I feel like I should be more productive, and mentally engaged with the world around me. Starting in late 2010, I've been reading more about news, both locally and internationally, as well as getting into some of the books that I've brought here. Although I don't have resolutions per se, this 'productivity' I suppose translates into being more focused, as I try to be each year. Perhaps as close as I will get to making a resolution, is that I'd like to learn to swim while here in Jamaica. I'm here on an island anyways! Blue lagoon here I come.<br />
<br />
Annnnd I haven't posted pictures in a while, so for the interesting technique in how I made my rice with no rice cooker, here it is! Bowl, in a pot (I cover it to steam, but for picture purposes, the lid has been taken off). This time in particular, I was lazy so I threw in some leftovers to be heated up as well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16qPvc9oaVrXeMN7mEBRwkCtmX_OAx5L5IPP1f-jILrNiF64-w9pytRH6huZhJSIykmOeQ1W0j-f7Di1NIiPc-eNx47Y32L-_pf2I0h0fV0zpSmhk1nG1kraA2P47fBlOvLUM6t4DjgI/s1600/DSCN1488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16qPvc9oaVrXeMN7mEBRwkCtmX_OAx5L5IPP1f-jILrNiF64-w9pytRH6huZhJSIykmOeQ1W0j-f7Di1NIiPc-eNx47Y32L-_pf2I0h0fV0zpSmhk1nG1kraA2P47fBlOvLUM6t4DjgI/s320/DSCN1488.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-77853678081821293012011-01-03T16:45:00.000-08:002011-01-03T16:45:48.268-08:00and a Happy New YearAfter a week 'vacation' in the cold stretches of Canada, I'm back in Jamaica. To me, it was an irreplaceable holiday, despite being on the plane and on the road for both Christmas Day and New Years'. Although a part of me wonders what the rest of the Christmas break would have been like if I stayed in Jamaica, if I had the choice, I would still do it again. Except maybe I'll consider flying out of Kingston instead of Montego Bay - the 4 hour drive each way almost doubles the travel time.<br />
<br />
Today was the first day back at work; it was a slow start as expected, but all cylinders will be firing soon enough for the next few months because that's all the time I have left here, and I plan to make the most of it! <br />
<br />
But first, I think I need a bit of rest, no need to rush.alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-73998042820041362062010-12-24T06:58:00.000-08:002010-12-24T07:11:45.308-08:00Merry ChristmasFor all wondering about how Christmas is like in Jamaica, it's warm. There's not going to be a white Christmas here anytime soon. But also, the people and the environment is warm. Over the past couple of days, I've been offered rides to work as I was walking to the bus stop. The first person, I don't think I knew and the offer was only to take me half-way, so I politely declined and opted for my regular coaster ride. The second person was my building manager who was headed downtown and so would pass right by work. I took up this offer and got to work that day on time, where I originally intended to sleep a little extra and get there a little late. Yes, intentionally tried to sleep in and be late. Still, another volunteer and I were the first ones to arrive and so, locked out, we waited for an actual employee to arrive, which wasn't until another 30 mins later.<br />
<br />
This brings me to the next point about Jamaica holiday times, it's festive. As in many places, people will decorate their homes, and lights will be put up all around the city. But moreso, the city turns into party central leading up to Christmas day. The results are that people get into work later and leave work earlier. And while people are at work, there isn't much mood to get work done. Christmas Eve, is supposed to be the "Grand Market" day with food, music, dancing and vendors in all the hot spots of town. I'll check this out later today probably. Then Christmas day itself is quieter, spent with family, friends and food. I'm sure church is also thrown somewhere in the mix here too. In terms of food and drink during Christmas, sorrel becomes the drink of choice. Made from dried sorrel (a meadow plant), ginger, and other ingredients such as cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel, extra flavour can be added with a dose of wine or rum. It's nice refreshing (as long as the ginger isn't too strong for me). Overall, it's a great time to be in the city and having passed the rainy / stormy season, the weather is fantastic.<br />
<br />
Thanks for all the birthday wishes via e-mail, phone, FB, and comments. Appreciating it all the more when here in Jamaica. Respec' and bless. Hope everyone has a safe and happy holidays!alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-3681377763182156212010-12-18T15:18:00.000-08:002010-12-18T15:18:30.584-08:00Fry chicken, stew chicken, jerk chicken. Poultry is definitely a Jamaican favourite. But as I ponder my dinner options, I want to eat some other meat! After the medical examination that I took in order to accept my placement here, the Dr. told me to not eat so much red meat. While I'm here though, it's not too much of a choice. Maybe it was meant for me to be in Jamaica.<br />
<br />
Today, I ventured into Coronation Market again but on my own this time. At first, I was a little anxious about it, but downtown didn't seem all that bad after all. I went through the market, bought some groceries, explored a little bit, and caught the coaster home. There seemed to be even more of a market atmosphere as Kingstonians are getting into the home stretch of the Christmas shopping season.<br />
<br />
On a side note, I ran into Usain Bolt at a club (no pun intended). I knew he would party in Jamaica and I've heard stories of people seeing him all the time, but I didn't expect I'd see him. He seemed to be enjoying himself and wasn't being bothered, so I suppose it really is a common sight here. It's nice to see people not being obsessed with the rich or famous. <br />
<br />
Short post for now so y'all know I'm alive. Off to find some dinnah!alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-11889889865997155282010-12-15T19:42:00.000-08:002010-12-15T19:44:30.216-08:00Restorative justiceFor my job, I figured I would eventually get to attend and have a feel for what Annual General Meetings (AGM) or Board of Director meetings would be like. That was what I thought about my job back in Canada. Funny thing is that I am attending my first AGM in Jamaica. It provided me with an interesting contrast from the day-to-day activities to the larger perspective of what the organization is about and what they've accomplished during the year, which is nothing short of amazing. But the organization is capable of so much more too.<br />
<br />
Today, I learned about Restorative and Community Justice, from a sensitization workshop that was put on at the Spanish Town Centre. I just went for a normal day of work at Spanish Town, but it was a coincidence they were holding the workshop in the afternoon. To me, from the first time I heard the words 'restorative justice' I thought it was jargon. Didn't make any sense to me, and no one really gave me a definition. After going through the trusty wikipedia and this sensitization, I still feel like it's jargon, but at least I have a much better understanding of what it's supposed to mean.<br />
<br />
Also attending this session gave me a bit of a better understanding about the essence of my organization. At its core, the DRF provides, trains, and advocates for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and restorative justice practices. These practices are more than providing justice alternatives outside the courts. These practices are about resolving the divides between human relationships. Beyond imprisonment or monetary settlements, it gives individuals and communities a chance to tackle the underlying issues giving rise to the conflicts. Where political garrisons and gangs have divided communities even on the opposite sides of a street for years, what the organization does may be able to bridge the gaps that have seemed so far and impossible to cross. There is a lot needs to be done, but this is what <i>I think</i> is the ideal is for the organization, whether it's expressed or not. It could also be useful to resolving day-to-day conflicts and arguments like what may arise from conflicts at the workplace, or what TV show to watch on a Monday night at an overcrowded TV. <br />
<br />
Tomorrow, we take a field trip Montego Bay with work to visit the centre there. There's 18 different service centres across the island and I think part of my role will take me to visit as many of those centres as I can. It's going to have to take place in the new year, but for now, I have something to look forward to.alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-46469029219626888972010-12-08T17:24:00.000-08:002010-12-08T17:29:15.728-08:00Working in JamaicaI haven't said too much about work because up until now, I was getting a feel for the place. Spent my time talking with a lot of people in my organization and have started to ease into things. By now, I've got a good idea of how work flows here. <i>Slowly</i>.<br />
<br />
That's not to say work doesn't get done. Things get done, but usually at the last minute, or late. No matter how many times I ask for something, I don't get it. And people will be doing just enough to get things done. Nothing more. At first I thought it was just my organization, but it seems to happen a lot; so much that if you see something different, it's probably the exception rather than the norm.<br />
<br />
I don't know how I would manage people or try to motivate them here. Lucky it's not the volunteer's job here to manage or drive. We are the support and the capacity builders. We work within the confines of the culture without trying to force our ways upon or against it. We may be able to influence how people operate or see the world, but it's a slow and subtle process. It's a process which is more about helping people see how things could be done better or how to approach a problem differently, which may or may not be congruent with what we would do if we had to do it ourselves - it could be a hybrid approach or something completely different.<br />
<br />
I talked with one of the guys at my workplace and he put it something like this: <i>You don't need a reason to celebrate or make a day special. Every day is special and we should live it like so.</i><br />
<br />
And that's how people will operate. If something doesn't get done right away, it's not the end of the world. Why work so hard and take the fun out of today for the sake of tomorrow? Who knows what may happen the next day? To me, there is sense in this train of thought but I think work ethic as with all things in life need balance. And that balance is personal so it may vary from person to person and could also vary from culture to culture. I'll finish with what I think is a funny example of how things are here. Part of my role is to facilitate the process of getting the organization's records up to date. Another part my role is to do some financial analysis for operations, which is the more interesting part. But today was a catch-up day. Today, I helped them do a bank reconciliation - for <i>May 2009</i>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN73zl_OXS0fXkE0CErAXe1LgFuiK5rJTcaJDzJMAo-HhiXXlYo2cR_WsHSwkeKV2P4CiCIBYhSNZI1XGcSIQmlOGGo2LJ5Jr59wDjDzk00g2Js-EOobZDbtdnWxPfjDfhbRl0P7wErk8/s1600/jamaica_beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN73zl_OXS0fXkE0CErAXe1LgFuiK5rJTcaJDzJMAo-HhiXXlYo2cR_WsHSwkeKV2P4CiCIBYhSNZI1XGcSIQmlOGGo2LJ5Jr59wDjDzk00g2Js-EOobZDbtdnWxPfjDfhbRl0P7wErk8/s320/jamaica_beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Borrowing a friend's picture: December 5, 2010 - 20 days until Christmas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-62178644368637254762010-12-02T20:36:00.000-08:002010-12-02T20:36:27.784-08:00It's Christmas timeChristmas is a big deal in Jamaica. Kingston does have a lot of cars, but apparently the traffic jams in the before and after work are especially bad around Christmas time. This traffic was picking up when I first arrived.. in mid-October. <br />
<br />
It really hasn't felt like Christmas that much during this time but it's starting to now as they're puttuing up the decorations and lights. Some of the plazas and public spaces are shaping up now. I have yet to hear much Christmas music, which is when I really start to feel like it's that time of year again. That being said, I'm not sure if they actually play the holiday music here, or if I'll even recognize it. For all I know the reggae and dancehall I'm hearing right now on the bus could be Christmas carols!<br />
<br />
The unfortunate part about this time of year is hearing how people try to make ends meet. There's an apparent spike in crime and robberies durnig this time of year. And I've heard it in the locals' warnings to me. Numerous times I've heard stories telling me to really be cautious, only walk around with as much money as I need, don't stop for strangers, etc. In a way, I guess it increases my anticipation now for Christmas to arrive. Definitely going to have to be a little extra careful where I go.<br />
<br />
Interesting note to some, I made a visit to the Deloitte (my employer) office in Kingston, Jamaica. We have two offices here, one in Kingston and one in Montego Bay. It was an adventure to get there as I walked along some small neighbourhood streets that probably don't see any tourist traffic. Yes, I walked. To be honest, I didn't know if I'd make it, but as soon as I got there, the staff and management there were all warm and accomodating as most Jamaicans I've met have been. I got a bit of an office tour, then made sure to taxi to the nearest bus stop for the trek home. As much as I'd like to think I can do anything, after making the walk once, I realized there's certain things that are best avoided. I'll start the little extra careful..... now.alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038018403084263422.post-68999039094465160482010-11-27T16:57:00.000-08:002010-11-27T17:03:30.483-08:00The MarketThis morning I visited Coronation Market in Downtown Kingston where they sell everything from groceries, household supplies, shoes and more. The area of the main Coronation Market burnt down in May, around the time where they were in conflict with Dudus, the gang / drug lord in nearby Tivoli Gardens. Because of how close it is to Tivoli Gardens, one of the recently more volatile areas, I brought my keys, phone, and limited cash only. I went with one of the other CUSO-VSO volunteers, Varun, which was good because a) he's a good guy and b) he knew where the market was and so we didn't have to look lost.<br />
<br />
At the time I visited, it appeared the market has recovered since then, though I can't really say since I didn't see it before the incursion. From what I could tell, the place was lively, filled with both vendors and shoppers. Downtown Kingston is definitely one of the most lively and vibrant parts of the city. It's where all the cheap goods are (in part due to Chinese wholesalers), so it's no surprise that the weekend after payday everyone's out and about stocking up on cheap stuff. In the market itself, you could see all manners of local fruits and vegetables, and the food looked fresh - moreso than Fresh Approach (my local supermarket). Most importantly, food was cheap enough to make up for the time and bus fare to go downtown. I think I have a new found appreciation for markets.alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12499930200256825373noreply@blogger.com2