San Francisco, California - December 2010

Global Deejays - The sound of San Francisco

If you're going to San Fran-cisco
Be sure to wear some flowers in your Hair

If your goin' to San Fran-cisco
You're ganna meet some gentle people there

A more gentle version :-)

This song seemed to be stuck in my head for all 5 days while in San Francisco and Bay area. Life goal #...when I graduated nursing, it was #1 on my list of places to live. The order in which I ended up here has changed gradually as I realized that surf and sand are my true calling (location: Tropical). In my earlier thoughts, I wanted to visit this place for the artistic culture, radical and revolutionary history, and my love for vintage clothing; who wouldn't want to live in San Fran and re-live the 1970s? Clearly, I am (and always will be) a flower child born in the wrong generation. Over time, I have learned to maintained a close connection with the mainstream life-style (I take my career seriously and keep my personal lifestyle separate) however, backpacking has given me the escape I need to experience life with my hair down.


Between completing my masters and moving back to Canada (secretly hoping that fate will just offer me a job in my field of interest on a silver platter) I decided to take the longer way home (still keeping to the same direction) and stop over in my long-desired city of San Francisco. By this time I have walked and discovered many other wonderful places down under and felt a bit less motivated then usual for this backpacking adventure. However, it wasn't the miles and distances covered on foot which have tired me out but the constant meeting of wonderful people and having to say good-bye each and every time. I think for someone who enjoys traveling this much should finally learn not to get so attached to friendships. The heart can take only so much emotional trauma till it will speak up and demand attention and rest.


By no means I was ready to take a rest in San Francisco, but I may have left my heart there after all. Or is this just a line I stole form Tony Bennett. I remember anticipating my home coming before, during and after arriving in Canada as it was a secret for mom and dad. My sister-in-law, my brother, and a few friends helped me out in keeping my arrival on the DL. I think the planning and organizing maybe have distracted me from completely embracing myself in SF however, here are some of the major attractions which I had the pleasure of experiencing.

1) Golden Gate Bridge
Fun Facts which I was told on the bus ride:
- fog is expected 360 days; guess this was one of them
- suggested travel season: Late summer/fall (Sept/Oct)
- most photographed monument in the world (really? my interest isn't individual... lol)















































2) Sausalito
Some of the most fascinating architectural beauty, all created on a mountain side. Who wouldn't want to have a sweet condo here and/or planning a retirement. However, the bus driver was just as envious as most of us tourist and told us: "Keep dreaming!" There is a greater chance for one to discover the ultimate happiness in your daily routine than physically be able to save up for a possible offer in this neighborhood. Make sense. But by this time I was only focusing on the opportunity for this challenge. Note to self: condo #39 on the top of the hill with private out-door escalator, will be mine !















































Anticipating my new hobby once I take up camp in Sausalito: Sailing! or photography, it's a toss up for now :-)















3) Fisherman's Warf
Only 2 words: Clam Chowdeeeeeeeeeeeeer ! Probably the best 5$ I have spent on a bread bowl with 1.5 cup of soup (if that). I was cold from the bus ride and therefore all I wanted was something hot and comforting. Two clam chowders in two consecutive days, that's how awesome it was. Then I was thinking to myself, could Tim Horton's start making this fabulousness for those who would want to enjoy this on a regular basis. At this time, my nursing instincts jumped out from a box up in the attic and suggested that I should stick to healthier choices lol. Minus the chill this day, walking around the Piers was a wonderful and enjoyable activity (oh yeah, no sea lions in sight...they were uninterested in the fog I'm assuming).














































































4) Pier 33 - Alcatraz

World famous monument, referred to in every-day conversation when describing an ultimate punishment or how I do: "my facebook safety features resembles Alcatraz". (Hehehe, I think this one is for my won entertainment). However, escaping and breaking out of Alcatraz might be easier then finding me on FB now-a-days thanks to Mark's awesome safety features :-) Thanks Mary Mark !!!!

Ok, back to Alcatraz. Learning that this massive waste of government funding - started out with 3000 available spaces and only a few hundred people ever actually occupying the cells - comforts me in knowing that just like most (in my opinion) man-made-wonder is a decoration rather than something functional which can be utilized by the larger portion of the population. Fine, I admit, the guys who had the opportunity to take up residence in this place, did not live in a palace, or did they ? I mean, isolated location, becoming best friends with the security guards (as most of the guards lived with their families on the island), and knowing that life sentence never meant death sentence (unless your inmate-buddies did not find you very popular) since the electric chair did not exist on this horrible establishment - or so it was made for us to believe.

Any punishment facility without a possibility to carry out a death sentence doesn't sound that horrible to me. However, I would still not be the first in line to give it a trial. Hence why I consider myself an honest and law-obeying citizen. I did have the chance, while taking the tour, to step into the cells but opted not to. Standing in front of the open doors gave me an eerie feeling. Being surrounded by other tourists did not give me the confidence nor curiosity to experience (as I imagined) claustrophobic-feeling of being surrounded by 3 close walls and a gated door. Maybe I empathize too well and just scared myself with my own thoughts: but standing there I had a feeling and vision which was an experience felt real and enough for my appetite.





















































































5) Steepest hill in the San Francisco Bay area (Lombard @ Hyde St)

We were told this isn't the true story however, most tourist get this explanation. I however, tuned out to hear which street is the steepest. I'm sure wiki can fill in my story on this one.









































6) Union Square Park

I took shelter near the USP in a hostel called International Hostel. There I met my roommate who was in town for a conference. She was a PhD candidate in marine biology. Do to her long hours though we did not get to chat much while I was there. Our final day we had a nice long chat and she admired my finds at the local GoodWill. Further to come on this story when I introduce Haight Street.
























































7) Ghirardelli Chocolate and Ferrari (O'Farrell/Stickton)




































8) Government office
UN plaza; Supreme Court; Asian Art Museum



































9) Golden Gate Park
Japanese Garden; National AIDS Memorial Grove; California Academy of Science
















































































10) Haight St

1855 Haight St - Amoeba Music - As if I took a step into Empire Records movie set. Largest record, CD, DVD, cassette or any other form of music store I have ever been to. I made one purchase only and it was in the spirit of the holidays: Charlie Brown Christmas classics. Happy Holidays while on the road (and boy was it wonderful on my flight home).



1700 Haight St - GoodWill (Cole St/Haight St)
Here I had the chance to purchase a few wardrobe essentials: 4 sweaters, 4 pairs of shoes/boots for me and a few others suited for the winter season. Getting back to the hostel, I finally had the chance to chat to my roommate for the first time. I had to brag about my new purchases (well, new-for-me) and she was super stunned. She decided on the spot to skip her conference the next day and head out on a shopping spree.


11) Painted Ladies (Hayes/Steiner)

Here are the left-over architectural dessert for you, through my eyes.

UQ Graduation 2010 - Brisbane, Australia

Graduation ceremonies are respected by many however, there is always a handful of people who consider them (if I can paraphrase properly here): a nuisance. To these few, (again based on what people have voiced to me) graduation is an event driven by money or it is an unnecessary event where people practice self-control when really all they want to do is stand up and walk out with their stamped piece of paper in hand just before the long-winded speeches begin (aka: waste of time). Personally, I too have thought these same conflicting thoughts but attending graduation has always outweighed not attending (even though I highly considered bailing out on my masters graduation day, solely due to travel plans!). I am definitely one of those individuals who very much enjoy making a big deal about graduation and have as many supporters in the audience as possible to see me (may or may-not make a disaster on stage but none-of-the-less) walk across the stage and receive my empty degree holder in hand. In 2010, these (and minus ONE) are the people who encouraged me to attend graduation day !

The people you see in this picture (minus ONE) are those who I consider my-family-while-away-from-my-family. These individuals are in some part (if not fully) responsible in a) encouraging me to attend this year's graduation b) my success in finishing my masters and c) all my experiences which we shared together... while visiting down under. They are the reason (minus ONE plus a few others) why my 2010 was so wonderful and filled with experiences one (or I) will never forget.


The hustle and bustle of the day gets everyone a little excited and extra organized mainly to be on time for the festivities. There is a strict schedule for the days' events which most people respect in order to allow for smooth executions. Then there is me. I am taking my time, taking pictures in the great court even though I am being hurried on by some of the people in my cheering squad. Only to arrive to the designated 'gown pick-up' location and realize that it has been relocated, AND NOW THINGS GET HOT ! Once we all realize that it's only minutes away from the start of the ceremonies I still don't have a gown !!!!!! Everyone ....run ! Thanks to a friend (who is a phd student at uni) ran ahead to try and find the gown place, and we realized that the relocated venue is across from the event building. FEw! saved !










A few pictures, taking it easy again.....wait a minute ....people are walking in ...no wait ..running into the event hall. "Renata, will you go and line up already ....graduation is starting!" says one of my cheering squad members! So I finally listen and walk in....



Only to realize that everyone is lined up ..... oh man I am so late now. I am on the verge of asking someone inline for some direction when a lady with a headset on asks: are you walking on at 2pm...... ? I reply: yes! She grabs my gown (as my hands are buried somewhere under there) and rushes me into a room ...others watching (I am totally embarrassed as I realize that everything is about to start and I am totally not cooperating with the set schedule). She grabs a sheet off the tables set up in this room, and asks if the name on the paper is me (last paper standing). Sure enough, it's me. I say: yes ! #39 .....she starts running to the front of the line ....asking people oh so often of their numbers......finally: "are you 38".... ? "yes!" Ok Renata, get in line and WALK ! I think to myself: perfect timing..... and I start walking into the event hall on cue with everyone else.


















My heart did beat a little fast by this time but I still don't know why people take things so seriously. I made it into the line on time and so what if I didn't ....there was 2h for people to sit around and receive their specially stamped piece of paper (then sit and listen to some incredible speeches). There was lots of time for me to walk and get organized. lol





And there you have it. This little story pretty much sums up my masters program, my experiences with friends in the land of awesomeness (aka: Australia), and everything else in the year 2010.





















I would like to thank everyone for

a) putting up with me while being late all the time, taking things too easy, and at times maybe even driving you a little bonkers only because I was more lassie-fair with most of my plans

b) being there for me even though what was mentioned above

c) and lastly, giving me a lifetime of memories which will never be forgotten.

Because of the people I have met this year I am a better person and I am able to continue my adventures in the new year with a sense of excitement for the future and further attempt to fulfill my curious soul. I learned ways to listen to others like never before, contemplate and share ideas, and create true friendships across the globe. I feel very fortunate for every experience, every hick-up, and mistakes that I made. Because these are the experiences that have matured me to become a better friend, tenant, roommate, colleague, woman's advocate, and a soulful traveler all at once.


Wishing those who have made my 2010 peace and happiness, health and strength for the new year. May our paths cross again anywhere and at anytime on a path that suits our desire.























Congratulations SPH students 2010!!!
(and breath)

xo
R :-)

Neptunes Synchro 2010

These are the 9 smiling faces which have taught me lessons about resilience ! Thanks to these amazing ladies I learned how to make the best of every situation. Here is how the story goes:


Neptunes synchro faced a very difficult 2010 season. Changing coaches, music, possibilities and everything in between (within a very short amount of time of only a few months)...these girls experienced it. They could have easily pick up their over-sized synchro bags and walk away from the club and the sport all together. Yet, these amazing and determined girls stuck it out and showed me that a little hick-up in management and politics of the club will not stop them from showing up to practice each week. Why? for the love of the sport.

Synchronized swimming is not a well accepted sport in Australia to begin with. These girls get an earful from their friends and family members who do not appreciate such artistic sport. In a land of male-dominated sports like rugby, cricket, and more rugby, girls-only sports are not funded let alone supported to excel in the mainstream media. So then, how does a sport like synchro swimming has any chance to exist at all ?

Remember the 9 smiling faces? It all starts with these lovely and enthusiastic ladies. They show up to practice, work hard, promote the sport amongst their non-believing friends and family, and so on. The coaches like myself and Miriam (one amazing lady all in one package), feel that because of the enthusiasm these girls show each practice makes it worth while for us to show up as well. I really had no desire to continue with the club once I realized how much politics and 'issues' they were facing. I was looking for a de-stress activity from my masters, and at this point it added to my headache. But then I took a moment and thought back to the past ...

This exact situation took me back to a time when I too had to face the politics of my synchro club. At the peak of my performance I decided to quit the sport because I thought politics will not have the best of me. Instead of ignoring the politics (and facing them at the same time) and worrying to keep the sport alive, I did end up taking the short end of the stick. I let the politics get the best of me. I turned my back on a sport not only I loved but I loved to practice and take on as a challenge.

Why do we let politics get the best of us (when nothing exist without the chaos it brings)?

Every group, community, and activity has a management system whether we like it or not. It is how life works and how anything social has the possibility to exist. However, as naive as this sounds, I thought by turning my back on difficult times, they will too go away and not exist. I felt that quitting synchro, they will lose something important, like... me (I thought without athletes to perform, the management system too will disappear). Oh how wrong I was. But in real, I lost the chance to master complex and difficult situations as well as the fun that came with swimming and competing. I missed out on the chance to face difficult times (head-on) and smoothing out road-bumps ahead: in sport and in life.

Thinking of my past, I decided to face the troubles Neptunes sycnhro were facing and not quit on these girls. They needed me the same way I needed to learn from them (not fully aware of what the lesson was going to be at the time). This was my second chance to face those issues which I would not have in the past.

These girls have taught me the significance of facing challenges (by putting in the effort in attempt to fix the issues as they arise) and accept whatever the outcome is (even if these problems do not get solved). They taught me how to work hard unconditionally. It's never black or white, and every reaction may not have an equal and opposite reaction we expect. The club may have issues to manage and deal with, but while these girls showed up to practice, in the water, the sport was the only thing that mattered. The show must go on! It's a statement all performers know about and commit to. Regardless of the cost.

This is the spirit of competition. I have lost this spirit somewhere between doing my best and the dreadful aura of politics of sport management. But we have to be better than that. The reason a sport is alive or not based on the participants' resilience. Resilience I feel, comes from taking the time to understand the politics within a club but also ignore it to a certain level in order to keep the spirit of the sport alive. Athletes have to both face the troubles and be able to manage it without letting it take a toll on their performance. (The same way a pro-athlete can tune out elements of the competition: audience, on-lookers, judges, other competitors, managers, etc).

I was not able to do that back then. I thought: If I cannot have peace in the background of the games, I cannot be involved in such activity. But really, I cut myself short by not learning to take on such multidimensional challenges. You cannot have one without the other. At Neptunes synchro the challenge was cut out for me: was I ready to face them?

Then I met these 9 girls. For their sake, and for my own, I decided to stick out the tough times at Neptunes. This was probably one of the best choices for me as a life experience. These girls have been a wonderful role model for me. They were resilient and I learned to be resilient with them. Everyday it was a struggle to get out of bed and continue typing my assignments. Each Saturday, however, was a different story. Filled with excitement and energy, I was waiting for my ride and ready to coach these lovely girls! I even wore sunscreen (something I do not enjoy wearing on a regular basis, sky-rocketing-skin-cancer-rates and all).

July to Dec 5th I had a wonderful time coaching at the club. I am also very happy to have met everyone at Neptunes synchro. I can only wish them all the best and hope that the club stays alive. Synchro is not an easy sport. It takes dedication and loads of quality time amongst the swimmers. To be synchronized is not just a skill, but it's a way of life amongst the girls. They have to be close friends, they have to work together and support each other every step of the way.

I hope that if nothing else, their friendship will live on even outside of the pool deck. And well, all that resilience will make them successful in everything they do in life.



Missing you ladies ! And Miriam, thank you for showing me how true coaches do it.

XO
R :-)

Cairns 2010 - Diving low and traveling high

Flying over the Great Barrier Reef















Cairns















City Library (my collection)















Soaking up the sun














Day 2 - Diving low with Ocean Spirit

I signed up for a diving/snorkel experience in hope to get a taste of the Great Barrier Reef. At first, I planned on snorkeling only (more confident in that area) at the Oyster and Upolu reef but quickly 'settled' for experiencing the reef from up close and personal. Not diving at the largest reef in the world would be missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience, BIG TIME (Belize is second to the GBR)!!!! So I said: One beginner dive please ! Most of the diving companies were fully booked the day I arrived so I was lucky to book with Ocean Spirit at this time.

On the day of my tour, extremely excited, I got up 2h before the cat sailed out. With some solid McD's egg-McMuffin in my tummy and my camera fully loaded I was ready to dive dive dive !

Hold up, not so fast ! (being singled out yet again)

Sailor: Renata Mares?!
Renata: Yes?
Sailor: I believe you are on this cat. You will be upgraded today to another trip. Are you ok with this arrangement ?
Renata: Where am I going today instead of Oyster and Upolu?
Sailor: Michaelmas Cay !!!

Renata: (thinking) As if I know the difference. Reef is a reef ....right? (WRONG! Once back on shore, I took some time and compared the difference between the two trips. I then found out that I got upgraded to a much more lavish tour with a much larger and fancier feast included. Along with great food, the staff was extremely nice to me: received free pictures, extra diving time, and received a tour around Michaelmas Cay (on the house) where I got to see sharkrays and blacktip reef sharks).

Saaaaaweeeeeet deal !!!!



Renata: Sure thing. Thanks ! (enjoy the images)

Michaelmas Cay from a distance














Finally, it's diving time, along with some photo shoot (tehehe!)






















The fancy feast I mentioned earlier.
















Soaking up the sun and snorkeling at the Cay.






























Day 3 - Choo choo, up to the tropical rain forest we gooooo!

First stop: village of Kuranda














































































Village of Kuranda
This might be a tourist destination but it's definitely worth the trip. Here I met a lovely man selling all kinds of yummy nuts and home made snacks. He also introduced me some new languages. The gentleman started the conversation by asking about where I was from. Turns out his daughter and I have switched countries for the year. She's loving Canada, and as always I am loving the opposite side of the world. People are funny like that.

Then he told me a little bit about traveling during his younger years. He had the opportunity to work and make friends in Japan, PNG, Philippines and Fiji. He spoke fluent Philippine and Pidgin from PNG. He was a lovely and wise man. The only thing I purchased from him was a bag of delicious wasabi macadamian nuts but received some wonderful stories on the side.

Once I had the oppurtunity to see all three markets I made my way down the hill back to the train station. There I got on the skyrail and ...



...Over the trees and shrubs we go !





























































December 1, 2010: Enjoying my last day with the French mademoiselles



















Such beautiful places and people. Nothing less was expected but much more was gained which was out of the ordinary ! Was it just my luck or my nature ? The trip was a total awesomeness ....


XO

R :-)

Everyday heros on Hawken Dr.

Sunday, Nov 21 was an eventful day to begin with: Thao's 26th b-day dinner and Sunday night salsa at Casa blanka. Before then, running around to try and get some things done and get everything ready for the night. busy busy.

However, it's my walk home at 11pm which has left me with something I have only experienced through the actions of my landlord, Julie. My landlord's kind heart for saving huntsman spiders by releasing them into the neighboring suburb only to have a bunch more return back to my room is still considered a kind act towards all living creatures. She is my role model when it comes to respecting Queensland nature, none of the less.

On this night however, with the same kind heart, a man had pulled half-way off the road exactly at my house and watches as a possum walked in circles, round and round. This creature looked large with a full, healthy fur coat so I assumed nothing has happened. Then as I walked closer I saw that the circles would not stop. The gentleman who was watching over this helpless being told me the story.

This animal was spotted by someone before he arrive exactly on the other side of the road. They called animal rescue and said to be there shortly (on a Sunday at 11pm). The first person who spotted the animal has now left but this gentleman decided to stay and make sure the possum would not get hit by the next car. It's only been approx 20min of waiting by the time I got there. My house was 2 steps away but I did not have the heart to leave the man or the possum alone.

So I decided to stay and keep the two of them company till the rescuers got there. Once getting close to the animal I noticed that he may have been in a fight as one of his eyes were completely pulled from the socket and hanging. He kept walking in circles because of this, sometimes faster then slower, but never stopping. At times he would frantically walk across the entire road and we were worried that he would leave before help got there.

So we waited and waited and talked a bit about how scary it was for the little fella. We tried different techniques to keep him off the road but nothing seemed to work. Once he gained energy he headed to a front yard which had an open gate at one point. This was good for us since now the little guy was safe from the cars however, we were worried of losing site of him. Finally, just as help arrived the possum has given up and sat in one place. Maybe he was ready to just give up or wait for the morning sun.

The rescuer was very efficient in gathering him in his crate and thanked us for calling. I thanked both gentleman and told the guy who waited with his car that he did something amazing tonight. What he did was amazing!




He could have just driven off as it was a Sunday night where everyone is eager to relax while preparing for the week. He could have left just like those people who spoted this helpless animal first. But instead, he took time to find the number and call for help. He then asked every car that passed by to slowly drive by being aware of the scared and disoriented creature. I was there just for moral support since I didn't feel like I could offer anything more.

But then it got me thinking. Would I have done the same? I have no problems worrying about what my needs are. When I want to do something I just do it. But have I been walking by those who are wounded and maybe need someone to watch over them till more help is on the way? If an animal was struggling, would I stay with them and call for help. I think I may have forgotten what is important in this sometimes crazy busy world.

Being aware of what and who are around us is important. Why? You just never know when it becomes your turn to rely on those who are willing to stand by and do the same for you.


I kept asking myself, how is this guy so amazing to wait for help to come? I thought back to times where mom and I saved animals who we found wounded on our path. I feel like I haven't had the chance to do such deed as I have been too busy worrying about my concerns. Maybe it's time to make room for others.


To the gentleman who waited for this possum to be rescued,

I admire what you did tonight and thank you for the lesson. I will make better efforts to pay close attention and when appropriate pass on such act of kindness.

Sincerely,
R :-)

Mixed feelings and my overweight luggage - November 2010

This year has been probably more action packed than I have anticipated, even though I was actively preparing for a year of mayhem. I planned to travel and spend a year discovering people and places, culture and spaces. I was anticipating my masters to show me the way in my future career plans but not to be the focus point of this year's adventures. Now, thinking to myself, it was very naive of me to even think that a master's program can be completed in just under one year with full focus and potential. You have to remember (and some of you can even relate) that traveling has a sweet and lovely way to distract the mind. While being on the road, the mind is looking to fill up with culture, fun facts and loads of recreational readings at any chance it gets.

My brain was given mixed messages for an entire year. Starting out with trips and visiting friends down south in Melbourne and the Gold coast. Then hit hard with 4 months of action packed, sitting at a table and typing conveyor-belt-type assignments. All the work I have accomplished was extremely interesting and it has definitely teased my mind in an appropriate way. However, having the ocean shores within an hour distance by transit, it was extremely hard to wake each morning and see the blazing sun and not run towards the sand to catch some wake.

I did manage to get some sun, sand, and surf in while living in Brissy. A few trips here and there just to get the body moving and enjoying all that was around me. An escape to Fiji in June fulfilled my childhood dream and got me excited to start my career within the international public health community. I cannot wait to get involved no matter how near or far from my family. It is my calling to work within some of the more marginalized communities and to do it specifically in family planning. Now I'm just excited to find out where my road is directing me next to practice in my field :-)

Starting second semester was extremely though as my mind was still on Fiji-time! Getting back into the books was intense but again extremely teasing to the mind. I wanted to read more and understand more. Though, my strength and endurance was fading fast. Some visitors and good company lifted my drained spirit. I managed to get all my work done and with some grace and dignity earn some nice marks as well. But it was all for a large cost I must say. I am not proud of the way I crossed the finish line but none of the less it was crossed and I am feeling much advanced. Both my career and my mind are in a different place then before. The year has been filled with ups and downs and round-abouts.

Once my last paper handed in, I was done. Not necessarily with my responsibilities: classes were still on, projects were being presented. However, I was unable to even make some of these last few tasks. I just needed sleep and nothing more. I took some escapes to the water and let my mind remember why I was in such beautiful place ... in the first place.

My last 2 months were probably the most interesting of all though.

Trips planned last minute (which I was already used to so that's no big deal), completed all my paper work to have my nursing registration assessed (still in the process), deciding on when to go home and via what direction (took the entire 2 months on deciding ...and purchased the ticket exactly a week before take off). Packing everything, mailing everything, sorting, getting rid of, donating, gosh on and on.

Last 2 months also entailed saying bye to those who have had their lives planned out much ahead of me. The on-going good-bye parties-golore was also something new and extremely hard on me. But amongst all this pitter patter, I loved every minute of it !

I enjoyed constantly meeting new people, in Brissie and on the road. Everyone has been just amazing and has had something wonderful to offer, making my journey oh so memorable. Some of the most special people I met only a few weeks before my take off and I'm still shaking my head and thinking: why? Why so late in my journey that this happens. It makes leaving much more difficult. Questioning if going home was necessary.

But then I look forward, down the road ahead, and I can feel my family's hear pulling me home. Dad of course likes to voice his heart's emotions loud and clear so I knew exactly how he felt at all times. Going home is a must, and if not for me, for those who care about me the most. They are too deserving for a little Remy time.

I know I will be back soon to the wonderful land down-under. I had an amazing time getting to know everyone. I consider myself and atheist, but being blessed is difficult to explain using any other definitions. I feel blessed for having lived in such an amazing place like Hawken Dr. My landlords have been inspiring, my roommates have been extremely fun, the people I met through synchro have been kind and oh so wonderful. Coaching was a hoot with Miriam, and I have learned so much from her!

Friends and family has been interesting to juggle both near and far. Overall, life has been always kind to me in the past, and I can truly say that it was kind to me in the year 2010. I always try to think of others in my work and in my living habits. Not sure if this has something to do with the outcome of my journeys but I can say that I feel so amazing of the people and places I was surrounded by.

I don't think I need to start discussing the amount of stuff I gathered over just the past year but I had great difficulty parting with most things. I send home 40kgs and carried another 40 with me on the road..... later to discuss (as I am retrospectively writing this note).



If you managed to read this far: Thank you to everyone for making my 2010 just amazing. I have little words and a lot of happy emotions to describe this year. Travel, sports, parties, dress-ups, movies, events, oh yes and school have all been just as I have wanted it (even with more planning was involved).

Julie and Jim, thanks for being there for me :-)


Everyone, it's been so wonderful to have met you and made some fun memories !!!!!!


XO



Renata E. Mares BScN, RN, BAK, MIPH

Moon festival - Brisbane 2010

Moon festival at 46 Hawken Drive



My roommate Thao is a lovely cook and I have been very fortunate to have experienced the many flavours she's able to create on a weekly basis. August however, was a very special occasion and she needed some help in the kitchen. I was very eager to offer some help and learn about the traditions of the Moon festival.

With lots of ladies offering their help we pulled together one amazing festival of the foods! This is a very common occasion at 46 Hawken. Ever since I moved here there has been cook-outs, barbies, gatherings as if it was a support home. But this has also been the highlight of my stay. Food brings people together, laugh, talk and share about adventures from all.

I just loved being a part of a festival so special to my roommate. You could definitely tell that she was looking forward to it. She has been preparing for days and days in advance!

































This is from another dinner party but had to show you how beautiful home-made rice-paper spring rolls are















Throughout the day more and more people joined in on the cooking fest. It started off with just Thao, her cousin and myself. Then a friend showed up to assist with making the spring rolls. By the time everyone arrived we had a fiesta for 30 people. Unfortunately Julie was not feeling the best that day so she did not get to try everything but everyone else had a fabulous time chatting.



What better way to finish off this amazing celebration day then with approximaltely 6 different desserts. There was strawberry moose, chocolate cake, caramel and strawberry jelly, and more. Oh and lets not forget the Moon cake as this was the highlight of the while festival. Just the dessert menu was a meal on its own. However, we had to make room for it in our bellies just after dinner. We spent a nice time talking and relaxing which helped when it came time for the desserts .....but we were all definitely full for a few days following the celebrations !

















My first Moon festival was wonderful!!! Amazing people, out-of-this world flavours, and laughter all night. I also have to point out the Vietnamese iced coffee is my new special dessert. It is just fabulous when you taste it! I am still craving it and I definitely know where to go and get some more :-)






R :-)

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 :-)