Diwali (Deepavali), festival of ....food ! October 2010

Festival of lights, 2010

This celebration was all thanks to having a roommate who is in LOVE with food as much as I am. Plus she also has a handful of great friends who enjoy food as much as the two of us do. Put us all in one room and you have a feast for Diwali not many will ever forget.

Home-made ... everything: if I remember correctly, chickpeas and bean curry, grilled eggplant, something similar to Naan bread, yogurt dip just amazing, and other deep-fried yummy goodness !




Need I say more !

Best Diwali ever !

My roommate is a genius -Thao's thesis

What better way to celebrate the accomplishments of a grad-student then indulging, if not over-indulging on amazing food and dessert. The rommie succeed again, doing a wonderful job with her presentation to her professors, supervisors and the "industry-people".


First stop: Siam Samrarn Thai Restaurants



Best Thai place so far, with amazing design and fair prices.












Dessert: Freestyles (don't need much of an introduction if you are a local)










Congrats Thao !

R :-)

Movember 2010 - Mous-Dash 10.5 km run for awareness

Strap on the shoes and GO!

(no training, no problem! until you realize how steep the actual race-track)

Supporting a cause which I feel strongly about, plus I need to get out of my room!!!


Mousdash race info


Pictures from the day




Pictures of me :-)






Good fun !

R :-)

To my friends ...

I received this email from a friend way back in first year uni. She sent this as a reminder to all the high school friends how much we mean to each other. Now, 7 years later and over 15 000 km on the other side of the world, I found this letter amongst a pile of documents I brought with me on the road. I think it's quite appropriate to post just before my next adventure !

Enjoy and thank you Sarah !!!
R :-)


Dear Friends,


Somewhere between the procrastination ...and the homework...and the incessant forwards...and the friendships...and the calls to each other complaining about crushes !!

Somewhere between the phone calls to old friends..and the "I miss you's" and the "I love yous"...and the "What are we doing tonight's?"...

...and somewhere between all the changing, growing...somewhere between the classes...and skipping classes...and the studying for tests...and the pretending to study for tests...and the downright NOT studying for tests...I forgot....

I forgot what growing up is all about.

I forgot what it means to cry....I forgot that pretending to be happy doesn't make you happy...and that pretending to be smart doesn't make you smart...

I forgot that you can't just forget the past in fear of the future...I forgot that you can't control falling in love....and that you can't make yourself fall in love...

I learned that I can love...

I learned that it's ok to mess up ....and it's ok to ask for help...and it's ok to feel crud...

I learned it's ok to complain and whine to all your friends for a whole day...I learned that sometime the things you want the most you just can't have.

I learned that the greatest thing about school isn't the dances or the drinking or the hook-ups...it's the friendships, which means taking chances...

I learned that sometimes the things we want to forget are the things which we most need to talk about...I learned that letter from friends are the most important thing.

Sending cards to your friends makes you feel better, so basically I learned that my friends ....both old and new ...are important people to me.

Without them, I would not be who I am today ...so this is a thank you to all of my friends ...for always being there ....and I love you !

xo

Melbourne Cup 2010 in Brisbane, QLD

The Melbourne Cup is an annual holiday in the city of Melbourne however, without the actual day being a holiday, other cities like to join in on the festivities. They broadcast the races live as well as take part in bidding on the local favourites. People dress to the max and spend a whole day in the sun sipping on fine drinks and enjoying some of the out-door sizzles anything from barbies to vegetarian curries.

I had the chance to take part in this fabulous frenzy with six other beautiful woman! As if we were a in a movie shoot representing the 50s in London, UK. No one was shy to dress like the kings and queens of the Buckingham palace during a Sunday polo tournament. It was fabulous to see everyone enjoying looking posh. Being out on the sun, some enjoying too much bubbly and by 2pm sleeping near the grassy areas. However, having the sun around required you to consume less but still celebrate and be just as jolly as if you were out for a binge-fest.








Overall, a fabulous day with beautiful people and amazing food! What more can one ask for form a national celebration of horse races! Just imagine how much more money could be made for both cricket and rugby games if people were encouraged to dress to the max. Those who are not into the sports might actually consider coming along if they had to dress to impress and have cocktails in the day time. It's a possible money-maker !!!











R :-)

Thanksgiving in Brisbane, Australia ! 2010

Hello Everyone !

It's been a long time since I sent out an update and thought what better time then now ...before the Canadian Holiday !

Historically (and most of you will know this already), Thanksgiving was a way for the First Nation's people in Canada to celebrate the first harvest. Pilgrims in the US celebrated with food and prayers to survive the winters ahead. Thanks to modernized food processing and packaging, now-a-days there is little worry about our food supply for the winter months. Therefore, this holiday too has changed in many ways. We gather to celebrate family and friends and stuff our faces silly. Some even gain bragging rights as they get to boast about their cooking skills of a dinosaurus-size bird (usually this being a turkey).

This year on thanksgiving, I am not with my family (but with people similarly important). Why? Because we can't seem to all be on the same continent at one time. Plus I am having a blast here so please forgive me for being selfish :-)

I however, just like the pilgrims of the past, celebrated thanksgiving with new friends from around the world: South Africa, Canada, USA, India, Dubai, and so on. I not only celebrated with special friends, but the dinner was at a location where I first arrived to Australia called Morningside. I cooked not one but 2 birds and for them being chickens of 2kg each ...they were easily dino-sized. The chocks (as they are called in Australia) were tender, juicy (even at the breast), and after each bite I had to pant a little as I was running out of breath from the thickness of the grease in my mouth. Ok, so I may have over greased these birds but there was going to be no complaints of dryness on my first try.

This was a group dinner where everyone made amazing contributions and I am eager to get those recipes from everyone one of these days.


So following a wonderful thanksgiving weekend, as I will be preparing one more dinner to my house mates in saying thank-you for being kind and welcoming ! The level of oils and butter will be adjusted as I don't think my heart will survive another chicken like the one before. But everything else will be made as it usually is by my own mother :-)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone and sending you best wishes near and far !!!

Sydney before the month's over - check !

Ok ! I'm back in Brissie and back in the books as a book-worm-should ! Just a heads up though ...I had a blast visiting Sydney and Canberra over the weekend (Sept 9-13).

Here is why...

A note to Mom and Dad: I flew at 9 pm on the 9th so luck was on my side, which is something I have been noticing more and more on my journeys. This is very much an ease on the mind.


I arrived in Sydney about 10:30pm (by the time I took the train into Central station it was much later) however my adrenalin rush was gradually increasing as I got closer to the city.....no, not from running to catch the train (as a member of the running-photography club), it was sheer excitement to see THE ultimate piece of monument (which was in my hear since way back when) and which could also (possibly) mark the end of my journey in Australia. The Sydney Opera House. At night. On the water. Another breath-taking view to add to my list of 'I-would-love-to-see...'.


For some there are postage stamps, but for me it's collecting memories/experiences from my travels has become highly addictive. Based on my action-packed school semester of endless hours spent writing assessments, I was worried about having to miss out on the adventures Sydney has to offer. However, with some last minute planning and having a welcoming friend living near my destination, allowed me to cross off both Sydney and Canberra on my "I-would-love-to-see" list.


Sydney Opera House was a highlight of this journey. To me, it seems so exotic, charged with national pride. Amongst the architectural wonders, it is one of the 'celebrities' which I was eager to see in person. It would have been amazing to attend one of the performances however, that will happen at a time when my bank account can support such activity. This time around it was strictly window-shopping: 'You can try it on, but better not. Only for the eyes'.




















While roaming the streets of Sydney (at 2 am, high on adrenalin, all thanks to the vibe of this amazing city), we tried to adjust to the rules of the road. I don't know what would have happened to us if it wasn't for these very handy and discretely written signs, you see. I just don't know how we could have survived each time we carelessly decided to step off the side walk and head across to the other side of the road. But just like any savvy backpacker would, we followed the instructions and looked both ways, even if the sign suggested to look only the one direction ...






















In the city, we stayed in a backpackers near Central station. It was an apartment style so we lucked out with an amazing view from our room. Sleeping near a wall of windows, I got to watch the traffic pass by at night. Seeing the busy streets, I forgot what it was like to live in a metropolitan city. In Brisbane there are moments where traffic resembles an urban jungle, however at night the city is asleep. No buses, no city cat, no trains, and only a few cars seen on the roads. Weekday or weekend, walking home at 3am, I was surprised to learn that little actually goes on at night in the land of BrisVegas ! However, Sydney is a whole different ball-game you see. (Not sure why I turn to sport-analogies now and then, just bare with me if you aren't familiar with the lingo)


Inside the hostel, on the elevator door was this picture, just BRILLIANT, and made us laugh ever time we hopped in. I pretty much pictured kangaroos beating up on tourist from the very first time I got to Oz. Since then, I had the chance to sit and mingle (even taste a few) of these humble creatures. I don't know what the big deal is. These animals look harmless but then again, each time I am near one, this picture describes exactly what goes through my head...



























From the kangaroos, to the kiwis ...wait what NO, try All Blacks ! Are you kidding me, am I in a dream all of a sudden. Ok fine, one of my life-goals states: to SEE an AB game on home turf, but meeting them in person COULD technically qualify as 'seeing them' ...why not ?!

So there you have it, in a city considered 'posh' in the southern hemisphere becomes THE place where I get to mix and mingle with the boys from the All Blacks. Richie and the gang signed my now eBay-worthy hat without me being able to tell them how awesome I thought they were. (I got a little too excited to actually talk to them ...) However, I'm sure the silence from me did not damper their day. Over 200 people, squeezed into an Adidas store (like sardines) and everyone just as excited as I was, waiting to tell the boys how big of a fan they were. A few clicks for picture, that's all the time we had. The team was playing Saturday night (that same weekend) in Sydney, which they happily but very closely won 23-22 I believe.














































Ok ... so moving on (or at least trying to)! It was hard for me to get back into sight-seeing mode once visiting with the boys ! It was a surreal and unexpected event, made me feel like I was on cloud 9 the rest of the day. However, we decided to check out a few areas and monuments around the city followed by a small adventure up to Manley and Bondi Beach (if I only have a few days in a place that's near a beach... guess where you can find me ...?!) Well, let me tell you, both are very nice places to go and visit. But first, before I tell you about the rest of our trip I need to confess on thing just now: I have a thing for parliament buildings and libraries. Not sure when this fetish developed but I have noticed that when I visit a country, city, or pretty much any place, I need to have access to one or both of these architectures. I was trying to blame this one my childhood and where I grew up. Hungary's parliament building has been one of the many architectural attractions where my heart skips a beat every time I see it: on TV, online, in person, all the time.

Sydney parliament house and libraries are much more attractive inside as it carries antique pictures and furniture but overall, I enjoyed the visit.


Now the BEACHES !!!!


Manly Beach

















The ferry ride was just breath taking .... sunny and warm. However, our way into the harbor these were the clouds waiting for us. I must admit it was a little scary as the winds were picking up and we could see pouring rain in the distance. But as usual, this shower ended once we touched land (a quickie).

























Day 2 - Bondi Beach

I don't even need to say much here, the pictures can do the talking. But if I had to say one thing: utterly-amazing !!!



































Nat and I pooped as usual after our amazing trek through Sydney and its beaches !!! Now we are waiting on some greasy fries and burgers to get us through to our next destination: to the nation's capital we go .... Canberra, ACT.






























Canberra, ACT

Floread





















Canadian embassy !!!!!!!!! Home and native land :-)






















China just for the kicks !!!





Fabulous weekend with fabulous friends and fabulous fun along the way !!!

The end

xo

My Catalonian little sister ...

Last week (Sept 3-7) I had the privilege to meet up with someone(s) very special. This person has become part of the Mares family officially (not exactly sure when) even thought we live across the Atlantic ocean and now the Pacific ocean too (we follow each other around the globe, so right now she is visiting me with her special person, her bf of five years).


I have meet up with this little lady every year since she was first introduced to my parents. Technically, she is my little sister because we both adore the same people: my parents. She has created a very special bond with my parents the very first time she came for an exchange-trip to Canada. Three years later and we still love to meet up with each other when our paths takes us near our homes and talk about ...my parents.

Life and school commitments seem to come in the way of our entertainment BUT we have always made the effort and hang out with the other person. First 2x it was she who came to live with my parents and do the visiting. Then, it was my turn to go for a quick hello and meet her family and friends in Spain. 48h was clearly not enough time to engage in a meet-and-greet activity, but it was what we had to manage.

Last week, my little Catalan sister and her bf rented the most retro campervan and came for a visit in Brisbane. Again limited by time, we still managed to spend a few days eating, sleeping and traveling together. We were true gypsies living on the road. Well, let me tell you something about these two, if all gypsies have as much fun and laugh as much as these two people, I'm dropping out of my masters and joining the gypsy life !!!

I have never (or have been a long time) since I have laughed this much. Both my sister and her bf were sooooo crazy funny, and I have lost my voice in just about 4-5 days of hanging out with them just from laughing so hard.






River-fire 2010



















Besides the wonderful times we shared, I was also thinking back to how this lady and I become such amazing friends. My thoughts brought me back to my kind and lovely parents. Thanks to them, I have this amazing person in my life who is extremely funny, kind and even though younger, ends up taking care of me each time we are on the road !!!!

Dear Clara, "I am the older", therefore let me take care of you from now on, Sincerely, Renata :-)












xoxoxo
R ;-)

Life Goal #60

Life Goal #60 deserves a post of its own.

This is because I would like to give a special mention to a certain someone that I know and respect dearly. Jim, my land lord is a vary creative man with ideas and thoughts to share. He represents one of my life goals which is so dear to a life goal I hope to accomplish one day.

You see, Jim has written a book called Bittle Creek and it is probably one of the funniest books I have read. This book is written in an Australian tone, told by someone from a rural community. The book might be based on everyday life, but to me it also represent my landlord and I can relate to the book very much as I have had the chance to live with Jim for quite some time now (even if it's only through email contact).

So, he is my hero in a way because not only because he has written his own creation (soon there will be another book finished up which I am also excited to read), but it's very funny, sincere, and it challenges me to think about what I would like to write once the time comes.

In addition to Jim's ability to writing creative literature and making me eager to get started on my project, I have also wanted to have a book signed by the author themselves. Jim has fulfilled this dream and has been kind enough to sign my gifted copy of Bittle Creek.

I have met (and lived) with the author of a very funny book and own a signed copy of his work. Goal accomplished.

Thanks Jim !




This is Jim and Julie, at one of our famous cook-outs





R :-)

New additions ...

here are some additions to the list from before ...

#29 Run 5km in Bridge to Brisbane - it was supposed to be 10km but I told my synchro girls that if they run with me I will sacrifice my 10 for 5 .... should be fun :-)
























#30 Get my nursing license transferred :-)

Process started Sept 2, 2010 ....we will have to wait and see what comes of it !



#31 Learn on song on a musical instrument - piano: Vietnamese School song


#32 finish my papers before the due date


#33 get a scooter


#34 this is a toughy - stop biting my nails (date: Dec 31, 2010)


#35 Swim a 2km ocean swim (or another 1km but MUCH faster)

Rock 2 rock


















#36 get active again


#37 taking a Global perspective - advocate towards MDG #5











Please visit and get on board ! This band-wagon is worth jumping in on !


WHO on Improving Maternal Health






Just cause I love this video :-)







#38 volunteer again


#39 visit Tasmania


#40 Sydney and Canberra with Natalie


#41 make a trip home (aka: where ever my parents are) once a year (no excuses)


#42 it's still half full :-)


#43 work as a nurse in Cambodia and Vietnam


#44 get moving


#45 stop being a wuss and 'man-up' to the cold showers in my QLD-house


#46 (when the waters are warmer (in Sept I hope) get out surfing once a week


#47 get back to photography


#48 take a life of a huntsman (just once, it's cruel otherwise) - not yet accomplished 0-2

















#49 read the list of books (from Julie's collection) over the head of my bed (6 more to go) then pick new ones from Julie's collection ...




#50 make time ...


#51 meet an innovator and a gentleman: Stiglitz




















#52 give ...this time to the kids in Fiji




















#53 hike




















#54 bake




















#55 Read: The Te of Piglet - Benjamin Hoff




<----- some would argue it's me :-) #56 sleep more :-) #57 make a funny face :-)















#58 become a veggie for a month (in support of my roommate)




















#59 see how long I can STAY a veggie (in support of Lacey and Karissa!)















2005 ?






















#60

Accomplishments so far ...

The resources are limited but the ideas are endless. The immediate responsibilities are calling yet all I can think about is how else to indulge in life's pleasures :-)

I am re-visiting the list to make sure I didn't miss any new ideas and check off those which are completed.


Australia/ New Zealand
1) Check out most of the East coast (Cairns to learn scuba diving)
2) Drive to Perth then to Darwin ----> Alice ---> Tazmania
3) Glacier climbing in NZ
4) watch an All Blacks home game
DONE 5) visit Fiji as a tourist
DONE 6) Learn how to surf - Noosa's main beach ....and I ride goofy if you are interested :-)


Other Travels:
7) work at the WHO (Geneva) - hmmm maybe .... still hesitant

8) Canadian cross country tour (once I'm back on home turf)

9) India for yoga lessons

10) India for cooking school

11) Cultures to experience from up close: Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan

12) Back pack: Greece (Croatia), Italy, Morocco, Netherlands, France, Germany, Malta, Sweden (maybe more ?) - Roxy, you better be ready cause here I come :-)



Life interests:
13) publish a book (I have some ideas for the chapters now)

14) learn to play the guitar (lessons might start in Australia)- I did start, however, thanks to my Vietnamese roommate I can now play another song on the piano

15) Try to make as many ethnic foods as possible- curry (variety of colours), authentic stir-fries, Fanta-chicken (or Cola), cabbage rolls, a list of soups (egg, potato, veggie with broth, vaggie with cream), banana bread b/c it's my fave :-)

16) fly in a hot air balloon

17) volunteer at a community centre - this is my very next :-)

18) sing more, laugh more, dance (more if feet allows for)

19) love :-)

20) stay positive (more)

21) sit with Granny and talk (asap) - I will call her soon

22) own a specific car and motorcycle (won't elaborate on this because I do feel a sense of guilt for wanting these 2 things)

23) Reunite in Hawaii with the Guelph peeps at the age of 30



Career goals:
#7 - work at WHO (first, back to the roots)

24) one day, (sigh) work in a hospital again, anywhere ...

25) Develop policies which promote health and justice in the world - MDG #5

26) collaborate on an NGO mission

27) take a stand for health care by participating in a munk debate



Sport/ leisure activities:
27) score in water polo (on a break away) - polo is on hold at the moment :-)


28) possibly get involve in coaching synchro again - create, encourage, empower - This was a TRUE attempt however, due to politics and logistics beyond my control I have decided to end my synchro career here and now, it's been great to know synchro but I think 2010 is my official retiring year, unless I suddenly get a phone call .... then a few more months but by Dec I am done :-) (maybe it's for the better)

Summing up the 1st Q and looking on to the next...

It is 11:11 on Aug 22, exactly 49 minutes and 1 month away from entering my Q2 and what better way to avoid writing my major paper (which is due in 2 days) then to take some time and look back on Q1.

These Q's I'm talking about are life quarters. I can confidently say that I have had an amazing first quarter and if I were to make a basketball/water polo analogy here is what I would have say:

I owned the court/pool and gave it my all. I kept my eye on the prize and played this 1st quarter with all my heart in the game. Defensively, I choked at times and let the game have the best of me but I always knew to brush-away the disappointments and get my head back in the game. I payed close attention to some of the mistakes during this first quarter and tried my best to follow through with corrections learned form myself (while playing this game) and from people on the side lines: my #1 coach(es) (Mom and Dad), some of my teammates (my friends) and even from the on-lookers from the distance, cheering me on.

During the game, I visualized before I made each move. I was told that visualizing yourself doing something (not watching but rather being in the moment as you visualize the act) allows for your body to move some of your smaller muscle fibers into positions which are needed during a highly skillful act. An example for this is scoring. So, I visualized myself completing each shot I took on net, each stroke I pulled through the water, and each dribble towards the net (this took place off-court while at rest) in hope that my body will adjust. So once I was back on the court or in the water, it was my time to shine. My body, confident, as if I have done these skills before, I would try and charged at the net to score.

I did not score every time. Most times I didn't even make it half way to the net. But, because I was able to navigate my body and prepare it before hand, I was also able to correct mistakes faster during the game. I never made the same mistake twice on the court, but I definitely made lots of mistakes. They were always new and unique as my skill advanced to the next level. At times, this was very frustrating because I started to question my ability in perfecting my skills. However, as the quarter advanced I realized that perfection is not about doing everything right all the time. It's about experiences, good and bad, and the body saying: 'yup, done this before and this is what you should do in this case', it's being able to think on your feet when the situation gets stressful. This is called automatic movements, sub-conscious, and it's developed over time, or in my case, visualization would be another way to speed up the process. With time, dedication, patience and a lot of passion for the game I have been able to master the skills needed to get to the net and even score at times.

I never counted my goals/swish. I never had time to sit and watch the ball touch the net. Once I did, and my coach (my actual polo coach) yelled at me to "Get BACK ON D! What are you doing day-dreaming! And sure enough, the next minute the other team scored on us. After that, I never cared about my score, just shot, and sprint back to be ready on defense. See, being able to play both side of the court/pool is something I still have to develop. I don't know if I'll ever master this skill but I am getting better at it each day. I know what I need to do, but I'm not fast enough and skillful enough just yet. Also, at times I do get a little lazy and enjoy 'cherry-picking'. I mean, who doesn't like to sit back and enjoy a hard work's outcome.

It can't be always work work work. Instead, I know to pick my battles. I give it my all when I go to score on net, then take it easy to allow others to shine. I can't always be in the light. Plus, this way I can take a break while still in the game and re-charge my batteries. However, if I'm needed I am always there if a teammate needs me. So my head never takes a break and I always pay attention to what goes on around me.

Q1 has been definitely a fabulous way to start this game. I learned about myself as an athlete (person), got to know my team better and how we work best together, and got to develop my skills under various distractions. My coaches are the most supporting bunch ever and I am very lucky to have their knowledge and skill be passed onto me. It is comforting to know that they are not just there to discuss my performance but they are as excited about my success as I am.

To summarize the first quarter:

I feel that I played well, definitely have room for improvements but if I can keep this momentum going I am one happy camper. I have to pace myself and make sure that my energy doesn't run out in the second quarter since the crowd and my teammates are counting on me. I have to play smart and stay positive when things don't happen my way. To play well I have to focus and visualize my moves as they need to be performed and stop worrying on what I did wrong. For every mistake I do I have to remember the number of things I did correct. If I can keep this in my head I will have a similar second quarter or I could take Q1 and make Q2 even better.

Gosh, if I had time to translate everything I just said into real stories and memories I would be up all night and as you might recall from the introduction I have a major paper due in 48 hours. One of my life goals is to publish a book one day. Not for fame but for myself. I hope that time will slow down so I can spend some of my days typing out all the amazing experiences in Q1. I have to or else Q2 will fill up my brain and Q1 will be stored too far back in my memory bank lol.

I think that's all for now .... but this blog will have to be further expanded before this month expires.


xo
R :-)

a friend tells me ...

"Never let your memories be greater than your dreams." -uk



"Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear." -uk