tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37691385979099067822024-03-24T08:36:39.863-05:00DaddyOhDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-5420034236955449372024-01-04T20:08:00.008-05:002024-02-27T13:08:39.742-05:00The Karma Chronicles: I chose them<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dec 17, 2023 Vilcabamba, Ecuador</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I guess I should introduce myself. I'm called Karma because I have that lucky charm that goes with being a street dog born in Kathmandu in the Kingdom of Nepal. Good Karma! Get it!?? Life is pretty mean on those streets, I mean I left that life pretty early on but lived in Kathmandu for 3 more years so saw my share of the street life that many other dogs less fortunate than I have to endure forever.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Such was not to be my fate. One hot September late monsoon early afternoon I had just been totally mud-soaked by a passing car that sprayed me and a couple of siblings and my Mum so completely that I gasped to the curb unable to breathe, kind of like curb-side water-boarding. I must have blacked out because when I came to I was alone, left to an uncertain fate in the corner of the curb, getting more muddy water sprayed on me with every passing car. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I shook myself hard and struggled to my feet then surmounted the curb the small puppy doggy height of Hillary's Step up on Everest as I later learned. Gasping over the top I found my legs under me and looked up and caught the eye of a young boy emerging from a gateway (turns out it was an organic market where they sell fruit and veg that hasn't been sprayed with chemicals and what not which is truly bad for you, I have learned a lot from this family over the years!). The boy saw me and tugged on the man's hand he was holding and the man turned and saw me too and so did the other boy who was walking with them, I had been SEEN!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Something told me this was my chance at a brighter future, and not knowing a thing about where or what or how I started following them, it just felt right, were these the chosen ones? There were lots of people on the raised side of the road, going in both directions and several times I thought I would teeter into the abyss back into the gunk-filled gutter. But I didn't, I held on, 50m turned into 100m then 150m and it was all I could to to keep moving forward, my fur was caked with mud and the sun glaring down unkindly on your sodden canine narrator, hardening my fur, I must have looked quite tragically comical; a cross between a sodden baby wookie and a mutant smurf (how do I know these things?). They turned a corner and I scurried as best my little legs could carry me, and as I turned the corner I saw them turning into a driveway 30m ahead. Now in a panic I realised this was the place the cars were kept and that people got in those cars and went away fast, they were getting away!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I started running with the last of my energy and skidded around that turn into the parking area. Things happened fast, as I entered the area these 2 big dogs, unknown to me, I'd only been around on this earth 1 month spotted me and I don't know if it was my unkempt appearance, all covered in brown mud and all, or my less than savoury smell that got to them but bam, they were in full attack mode. I saw the group that I'd been following, the 2 small boys, the man and 2 women, one older and one younger were standing by a car and I scurried past them and bolted under the car. The boys saw me being chased down, pointing and shouting 'Daddy do something'! and the man, the one I would come to know so well as Danyel, lunged forward as did another man from the parking area and grabbed those 2 dogs who were snarling and barking trying to get at me. I was mortified, shaking under the car certain that my choice had led to my untimely doggie demise.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then I don't know what happened but the next thing I knew the smaller of the two small boys was crawling under the car talking to me in a soft kind voice, saying 'here boy, come to me', my eyes filled with tears his voice was like sweet music to my floppy ears, a tone of kindness that I had never heard before. I crept towards his out-stretched arms. He took me from under the car and cradled me in his arms, and the other boy was stroking me saying 'oh he is so cute' (whatever that means, I mean though I suppose I was kind of pathetically cute despite the mud).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The older of the boys, turns out he was about 7yrs old, I later came to know as Zikeee, the other 6yrs old was Kasehmm, Daddy was Danyel and the younger woman was Siseel. They were a family recently moved to Kathmandu from someplace faraway and while they weren't looking to adopt a dog, I just had the good karma to be in the right place at the right time. The older woman was kindly looking and as the group stood there not sure what to do with this small bundle of mud and fur, she put a hand on the man's shoulder and said 'well Danyel, I already have two dogs at home'. And that was that. They carried me to their car, which was the one I had chosen to scurry under, or it wasn't but it makes a better story if it was!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I chose them! So that is how I went from rags to riches, a poor little street dog from Kathmandu was adopted by this fantastic globally mobile family with food for me, a house, food for me, a car, did I mention food for me, a warm bed, food for me? Well you get the picture. Within an hour I was cleaned up and smelling sweet, within 2 hours I was eating raw beef and rice, within 3 hours I had my own blanket in a warm corner and I was safe. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Apparently there was a family debate as to whether to keep me or not, I mean seriously? There was even a question? The Zakee one and the Siseel were in favour while the other two had some crazy doubts. Zakee said 'I was a small dog and it wasn't a small dog world'. On that first day at my new home, Danyel said he would call the dog catcher people (actually a rescue service but I wasn't to know that), a fate worse than doggie death, but it was a Sunday and they were closed, more good karma;-). Later we found out he never did call them; he knew I was a keeper. Zakee and Kasehmm have been my buddies for long time now feeding me, taking me for walks (picking up my poop, yuck), feeding me, bike rides, hugging me, (did I mention feeding me?), brushing me, washing me, feeding me, all that good stuff that dogs love and need. Siseel and Danyel must have loved me to provide everything I needed all these years.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">And now, 11 years later I have had quite some adventures, been on airplanes, lived in 5 countries on 3 continents been to beaches, been trekking (to 3300m), on car rides, bike rides, boat rides, truck rides so many crazy things have happened. My family has taken such good care of me, and I have showered them with gratitude in every way I can... mostly just by looking cute (or I should say handsome as I am told), but also by trying my doggie best not to misbehave, to be loyal and friendly. I will admit to being a tad bit given to adventurous moments and have escaped on occasion, and it is true there have been some rather unpleasant moments on said occasions. Like that time in Kathmandu when I got involved in a street fight and ended up pretty beaten up, same thing in Yangon which is the closest to death I have ever been. I got separated from Siseel on this occasion and by some miracle got home, it was a terrible experience.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have never bitten a soul, except for the occasional chicken and, oh there was that kitten in Myanmar that um, err, didn't make it after a bit of rough play, happened only one time I swear! Did I tell you that I'm not cheap, I eat a fair bit and am pretty fussy, I needed to be vaccinated as a pup and then for travel more vaccines, and I had to have a microchip implanted which disappeared somewhere between Myanmar and France and had to be re-implanted, not cheap, more vaccines, and then there's the cost of transporting a dog on airplanes. The last time was super expensive, from Switzerland to Ecuador, wheeeeee! So yeah, born in Nepal, moved to Myanmar, then France, then Switzerland and then Ecuador, not too shabby, a nomad dog, thats me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I now live in the Ecuadorian Andes mountains in a little pueblo called Vilcabamba in what is apparently a sacred valley, it is probably my last move. I love it here, the place just feels so good, sacred indeed. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold. I live in a great big house with amazing views and a huge backyard along with an area called the Pyramid where they do crazy movement practices, dance, chant, beat on drums, play music, hold ceremonies with these fellas called Shamans. I love it and usually just chill with the people and revel in the vibe. Danyel is my feeder, err I mean carer and I am rarely on a leash, have comfie places to sleep, many friends both doggie and human, squirrels and rabbits to chase and I eat like a king. The only downside is that my 2 boy buddies and Seesil are not here, I don't really know where they are but I sure do miss them all. Sometimes I like to run after the car on the way to or from the nearby town, sometimes we walk, or Danyel rides his bike and often we go for walks up the hills, round the bends and in all of those I get to sniff and pee and poop where ever I want to, what a life!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Anyway, that's a lot of words to say that I have exceptionally good karma, I chose my family, and so there you go, I am Karma the dog and these are my stories.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-7153073237443691282023-12-17T13:17:00.000-05:002023-12-17T13:17:04.539-05:00The Karma Chronicles: Days in the life of a dog named Karma<p> </p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dec 3, 2023, Vilcabamba, Ecuador</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">So yesterday was the most boring day ever. Once again I was relegated to watching Daddy slaving away as he is moving from the small 2 room yellow house where we have been living quite comfortably to the next door house where Cora who was my first friend here, and her owner (I think her name is Beca or something) used to live. We live up on a Hill and I have loads of space and get to roam around freely as I want, bark at anyone who comes around, chase anything that looks chase-able, sniff the place completely, poop and pee anyplace I want. It's pretty sweet. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">There have been many strangers around the past couple of weeks, some putting some white stuff on the walls and making the house look very different from before. Humans are a bit mad, they knock down some walls and put up others as if it makes a difference, then show their friends who nod and go oooh and aaah and sometimes ooolalah!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">They even took a long time with a machine that made a lot of dust that made the terraces kind of ugly but then they put on this smelly shiny stuff that made it look very nice. One worker who they call Kristoferr is pretty young and I like to bark at him whenever I see him to make him scared, so funny. Daddy thinks it is because I don't like him, but I do, i just like to make him worried, my doggie dark side coming through, pwaahahahah</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The sun was still shining but it was low in the sky when Daddy oddly brought my food and water bowl outside and tricked me by attaching the chain to my collar while I was distracted eating. Normally I eat well after dark in a corner inside so this was quite unusual and I knew something was up, I mean honestly does he think I'm stupid? Had he not done this and simply tried to hook me up I would have run away because I know it means he is going to leave me there and go out without me which is quite rude of him.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I mean of course it is true that if he didn't tether me I would run after him as far as I could follow him, maybe even get lost, maybe even eat poison like happened that time, or get into a fight like that time in the big city we lived in far far away in a place called Yangun or something. But hey, I'm a dog and I just follow the person who feeds me, and if I can't find him, I follow my nose. I'm neutered, otherwise I'd probably be following something else like I see other dogs doing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Anyway, so there I was, tethered to this big stone water tank outside the house where we were living. There is shade, water, food and it is sheltered from when wet drops fall from the sky, and the dog crate that I travelled in from another place far far away (I have travelled a lot) is there with my blanket in it so pretty comfie though I get a little freaked out when I can't chase squirrels or when the vultures perch on the roof of the big house and I can't chase any of them, not that I can catch them when I am free running about but you get my drift right? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Darkness comes and my Daddy hasn't come home, the other night when he did this that wet stuff from the sky started coming down pretty heavily so I went into my dog cage and stayed there until he came home. Last night the water didn't come from the sky, it got a little cold so I curled up in my crate and had a darn good sleep, it's a dogs life! Apparently I'm supposed to be on guard protecting the property, but I'm still figuring that one out I mean 99.9999% of the time whoever comes is expected and introduced to me, so what? I'm supposed to jump up every time someone comes, feign ferocious with aim to maim instincts? Gimme a break, I may be a street dog from the mean alleys of Kathmandu but I fell into the lap of luxury with these folks at the age of 1month so ya know, what instincts I have a deep in my gene-pool, not even close to the surface.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">When Daddy, they call him Danyel did finally come home I pretended to be all worried and excited at the same time whimpering and yowling and running around like a mad banshee released from his captivity. Truth be told I was actually alright, I just acted like that so he might think that I was not happy there and ecstatic to see him. That way maybe he doesn't do it again, I suffer so much!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We went inside the big house where we now live, my bed is there nicely located under the corner of the stairs and I curled up in my bed and went straight back to sleep for 10 hours. Another boring day in this dog's life, more boring than usual because we didn't go for a walk, go to town or anything, like doesn't he know I am in the prime of my life (11yrs is prime right?) and need exercise daily, like ya know... sheesh. </span></p><p><br /></p>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-20871492789173177992022-06-18T03:18:00.002-05:002022-06-18T03:18:42.837-05:00Travel in the time post-covid<p>Somebody had to write about it. Air travel is not quite like it used to be. I remember reading years ago in Reader's Digest or some such popular periodical that air travel was one of the most stressful things that you might face in life, particularly if it wasn't your normal as it is for business and internationally oriented people. And now, travel in the time post-covid, well hang on tight cause this is a story with a twisted ending.</p><p>As I tell my teens planes don't wait for people, people wait for planes so don't be late! And being late is just one of the stresses, getting there, will my taxi come on time, will there be traffic, an accident, roads closed (for my trip the question was a day before to get to the full day's bus ride in time, would there be landslide blocking the road), will there be a queue at check in, for immigration, for security, do I really not need a visa? Do I have correct documents, is my passport 6 months valid, do I need a return ticket, is my baggage overweight, will they check it through (I am usually travelling multiple airports, multiple stops).</p><p>AND NOW, add to the list, do I need a P*R neg test, 24, 48, 72 hrs in advance, even if I have a vaccine card? Do I need a vaccine certificate? Do I need any of these if I am transiting? What if my transit is more than 12hrs, 24hrs... jayzus christmas... do I need to be masked, will there be food on board, will there be ham, will there be spam, Sam I am, green eggs and ham.</p><p>It has become a tad ridiculous. I'm not your virgin traveller though I felt a bit like one getting on my first flight in 18 months to travel from Ecuador to Switzerland this past week. Thank goodness most restrictions have been lifted, back in January I was not allowed into the airport in Guayquil to see my son (who is a minor) off back to Switzerlandia because I had no vax cert back then, even as omi*ron was proving to be contagious for everyone vaxxed or not. Masks were everywhere back then as well, and that still persisted through this flight, from Guayaquil to Panama but then to Amsterdam and to Geneva the masks well they just disappeared as if a higher sense of savvy descended as we crossed the great ocean Atlantic.</p><p>Who is right about the mask mandates? Ecuador? Switzerland? Who can say? Who was ever right about anything on this crazy ride we have been on. At Schipol airport I ran into a Swedish friend who I'd met in Lebanon in 2010 (the way you do), he had come through from Argentina to Amsterdam multiple stops en route to Spain and nowhere had anyone asked him for anything. He had spent $400 making sure he had all his Co*id duck-uments in a row for nothing. </p><p>And then what happens, I arrive in Geneva, reunite with my kids, and the next day, sitting out in the belting down northern (pre-solstice) sunshine at their school fair WHAM... it hits me. Fatigue, skin hot to touch, chills and headache...sounds like a touch of the sun right?... Ouch. On the second morning I connect with my travel companion who also lives in Vilcabamba and went from Amsterdam to Portugal to see how she is doing and lo and behold she has the same symptoms and these are the same as her husband had the week before! Not heat exhaustion after all. A virus, which after 3 days is completely gone.</p><p>Did you ever wonder what happened to all those viruses during this past couple of years, influenza A and the myriad other bugs that people got in different parts of the world. Yeah me too, seems they all got re-branded as Co_id doesn't it? Makes you realise how we have been led down the proverbial garden path, well different paths depending on your country though with the convergence in many cases with stricter laws and fewer freedoms and more power in the hands of the fewer. I'm not really liking that, and not really sure it is a coordinated conspiracy in fact I'd be mighty impressed if anyone could get the likes of Vlady Putin, Xi Ping, Modhi and Biden to party together, but it is mighty curious and more than a bit disconcerting.</p><p>The war in the Ukraine, is either a big red herring as the ramp up for the next big virus scare gears up (ever heard of monkeypox? see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil.... ;-)) or it is the gross manipulation of a megalomaniac as the media wants us to think. Has to be said though it too is quite curious in terms of strategy. Did Putin really expect to 'take Ukraine' just like that and that Western Europe would just bend over and take it graciously?? Or has it been an expensive sabre-rattling, a reality check to send a shiver of fear down the spines of Europe as a kind of show during the intermission while we wait for Virus Act II?</p><p>Fear seems to be quite the thing these days, the media has figured out that it sells, maybe even better than sex. Certainly they got it, the minute the word 'pan*emic' was uttered back in April 2020 the media seized on the idea of 'panic' Did you ever seen anywhere (except my FB posts) anyone shouting that the pan in pan*emic does not stand for panic!? And Panic they did...Wham bam airports closed, and masking and lock down mandates spread faster than the bad smell that still lingers over the whole thing. Ironically rather than stay in place expats the world over were ordered to get on that last flight out and come home, so much for flattening the curve and preventing the spread. Bad smell bad smell bad smell.</p><p>Anyway, at the risk of losing more friends than I already have, I want to leave you with this. I didn't have covid, never have had, not symptomatically at least through all this time. What I suffered this past few days went through me the same way it went through 3 or 4 people I know in Vilcabamba, and none of them tested +ve. Ironically in all this time NO ONE can tell you really how many people have had Co*id because so many were asymptomatic, so no one can say if the vac*ine worked or not. NO ONE can say yet if the vac*ine has or isn't going to cause more health problems and lose more lives than it saved NO ONE will say how enormously damaging the impact of lockdowns a strategy designed to protect rich countries has been on impoverished countries. NO ONE will admit to the huge impact these strategies have had on mental health and well-being, domestic violence, suicides, and social stagnation of young people. Will ANYONE agree that the media has done a huge disservice to humanity in selling fear rather than providing balanced news and views about a global phenomenon.</p><p>What we can say is that the division amongst friends and families that the discussion has created is highly disconcerting. We can say that until we stand together and look at what happened taking a step back and being real and critical together, only then might we see what has really happened. I am lucky here, my new housemates get it, they are in the minority, they get that I don't have Co*id, and that even if I did, as for millions, it isn't the end of life or the world or anything, it is just a bad flu. Travel in the time post-co*id? Go for it while you still can!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-18542911837864169252022-03-23T12:43:00.009-05:002022-04-13T11:11:18.657-05:00A Year of healing in Ecuador - Part 2, the Recovery<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: justify;">Back on the healing path in April, 2021</b><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: justify;">we had a series of 'weekend lockdowns' yep, only locked down on weekends (???). And I had decided to step down off the prednisone which has to happen gradually lest you rebound back into the pain. Where I live is tranquil and our community on this ridge side of the sacred Mandango mountain that dominates the Valley calls itself the Hill Tribe, and 6 households live cooperatively centered around the Pyramid I co-created and built (</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: justify;">and have blogged on</a><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: justify;">) in 2012. The Pyramid was built and designed to attract and focus the energies of the Mandango. The Pyramid shaped bamboo frame and thatch covered roof (using scaled down dimensions of the Great Pyramid of Giza) is built over a 9m square earthen platform, the whole structure is in alignment along magnetic ley lines and the 4 directions very important to indigenous tradition. We share shamanic ceremonies there, plant medicine ceremonies, yoga and qi gong, meditation, women's and men's groups, workshops, sound healing offered by Hill Tribe members and people in the community.</span></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Built with all natural materials the Pyramid is perfect for transformational activities; those that support people wishing to delve into their current illusion and evolve a different reality. As a natural structure, standing in a natural setting the Pyramid decays and needs renovation constantly, every-changing as is everything in our world. This representation of impermanence preludes non-attachment and non-judgement which are concepts inherent in nature and which while supported by traditions like Buddhism are so lost in our modern world. I believe this is largely where we have gone wrong as human societies, that we stopped living in and listening to nature. We have a <a href="https://gogetfunding.com/help-level-up-our-pyramid/" target="_blank">running funding site</a> to help support the ongoing rehabilitation of the Pyramid and I invite you to take a look and please donate if you can.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Lots of pix of the Pyramid here on the FB page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MandangoPyramid" target="_blank">@MandangoPyramid</a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>What I wanted to say was that these lockdowns were in fact welcome weekend retreats</b> for us, moments of calm. On each of the 4 successive weekends we the Hill Tribe led sessions in the Pyramid of movement medicine, meditation and breathwork, such a perfect way to be locked down! It is important for me to locate for you why this place has been so essential to my healing and why I travelled across the world and away from my sons to be here and do the necessary healing and be a healthier and better father. I couldn't have picked a better place to ride out the Covid-ness affecting the world.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>I joined and left a 'polymayalic arthritis' online forum</b>, a support group for people with this 'affliction', recognizing that most of the people were resigned for life to their medicated condition and coping with that. I was not one of them, I had from the beginning understood that there was a light at the end of the tunnel and that pharmaceutical medications were not the way forward. Life had been insanely busy and stressful and I took it that this condition of mine was the universe telling me to slow down and reflect on who I was and where I was headed. And I am forever grateful for all the lessons I continue to learn.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>On my beautiful west facing terrace I started training</b> with a new friend from Colombia, Daniel who embodies positivity, TRX and rubber bands for the isotonic approach. Many months of inactivity had caused my body to consider this weakened conditioning to be it's 'new normal' and certainly on prednisone while I might have been pain free I still wasn't anything like 'back to normal' in terms of strength and activity level. At this point I had been away from my sons' for longer than I had thought and it didn't seem like the end was coming anytime soon. In school in Switzerland and living with their Mum they were doing fine, each adapting differently to a new country and culture and curriculum and to my absence. It has been painful to be away from them, and I know that my resistance to reconciling this has not helped my healing but it has been part of the process and only recently as a result of heart-centered therapy have I learned possibly why this is so, I'll save that for another blog.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3e0PihXWhzqFb5tObHTCH1OgGD4TmMluegTou_Su5dTzRa4oxkm_gsmx51F3BBb60TKbjPizs9Ojo9AWJXB1XjaTtJ2LATRQy22MObjPqTHhNEL5dEAs8at4Wc1mRsDLool88DPe8uAPeoh9uA3ABPDYK5rW9AfrEarBE3XuYaONKe8eDUnPRfXleSA=w584-h438" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>The training and nutrition regime was going well until one day</b> I tweaked my left shoulder (another nemesis injury 11x dislocated) while training even though we were going slow and carefully, my body reacted saying it wasn't ready yet. Then over 4 weeks, once I had stopped the prednisone and with the shoulder injury, pain slowly started to return. What I know now is that I hadn't taken long enough to wean off the drug, mistake number 2. Closely followed by mistake number 3 when I did a 5 day water fast in week 4 without the commensurate colon cleanse, and I suspect toxins released during the fast that should have been flushed out, triggered again an inflammatory response and oh boy did I suffer. In late March, rebounding big-time, I fell back into pain and stiffness. There was more inner work to do.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>This time I lasted 3 weeks losing mobility, independence, in constant pain, my spirit descended in a spiral again.</b> In the early hopeful days as I was tapering off the prednisone and at the beginning of those 4 weeks I had been considering returning to Europe to be proximate to my boys and to try to set-up a <a href="https://elementalwellness.life/" target="_blank">wellness practice</a> there. But that wasn't to be. Instead in late April I reluctantly went back on prednisone and was again, nearly immediately 'cured'. Amazing really the sense of being well again on this drug, and I realise that for many it is truly miraculous and I see why people stay on it. Unfortunately there is a plethora of side-effects of prednisone, some of them to the long-term detriment of the body's integrity.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Skip to the chase. I remained on prednisone through May, June and July,</b> I was on it during my son's visit in July so that I was able to be pain free and mobile with them. The day they left I started to taper off again. This time the taper would take 2 months and by the end of September I was feeling like it was the moment to leave the drug altogether. I decided to stick only with the same diet and not take supplements of any kind so that my body could normalize and not be in anyway dependent on anything else besides what I was eating; food as medicine. I realised also that years of being 'toxified' were a part of my dilemma. I grew up through a time when fertilizers and pesticides were being introduced into the food chain, and when the genetic modification of food began. With respect to the scientific community and their efforts to improve crop yields and support farmers in poor countries, in the interest of ensuring the availability of food for more people, we have known since the '70s that the real problem with food scarcity has always been global distribution, not production and that these methods of chemicalization and modification do not necessarily support population health. Another heady topic.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>In addition I have spent much of my adult working life living in countries where there has been a lack of regulation in the use of chemicals in food production.</b> I have lived in Vietnam, Afghanistan, Nepal and Myanmar where poverty, war and corruption have resulted in the poisoning of the earth. In Myanmar for example the entire Irrawaddy basin, a food basket of rich and fertile soil is toxic. Getting an organic grower certification there is impossible because the water source is contaminated with chemicals. Ironically in many cases low quality fertilizers and pesticides illegally transported from China thwart the efforts of countries to regulate such additives because they are cheaper, and farmers are mis-educated to use greater concentrations on crops than is needed. So who knows what I ingested and what has accumulated in my system over these years. Also growing up in Canada at a time when so many things were being experimented with in terms of increasing crop yields. Wheat or beef or chicken or soy, etc are far from the same as what I started off eating as a lad. Nowadays you can't find GMO, glyphosate free wheat products on the shelf unless you go specifically for organics. Beef, chicken, pork and even (especially) salmon, anything 'mono-cropped' are all antibiotic, steroid and hormone 'enhanced'. In Afghanistan, in 2003 I was in the north-west province of Farya, the Iranians were shipping containers full of robust frozen chickens to remote town markets, a welcome change from the scrawny farm-yard chickens you could get in the market. Yet by their size these were chickens highly inoculated, hormone supported, being force-fed chemicalized grains chickens. The bird flu scare halted the importation of these chickens probably to the betterment of the general population and my personal health.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Statistically we have seen a steady increase in cancers over the past 30 years</b>, particularly in those who are over 45 years old today. We should not be at all surprised given the abuse of the food supply by corporate interests. I don't think I am the only canary in the mine, I think we are many, a whole huge flock. I believe it is not in the 'corporate' (food industry), nor in the western medical community's interest to see this because if it was, we would be seeing big changes in how we steward the earth, and how we cared for ourselves.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Add to all this I have unknowingly injured myself with two more insults: </b>one the mercury amalgams in my teeth and whatever ails they might bring to heavy metal toxification of the body. Secondly I should not forget air toxicity; I have lived in some remarkably toxic cities, like Kuala Lumpur, Kathmandu and Yangon and it can't be underscored how urban living in such places can only contribute to the toxification of body systems. Fortunately my lungs have had a break now and again with good lengths of time a year in East Timor, the coastal town of Dong Hoi in Vietnam where I lived for 2 years, and Vilcabamba here in Ecuador. I admit also to have been a more off than on smoker for much of my adult life and with long breaks, but still, that can't have helped.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Here in the Sacred Valley of Ecuador there is a firm growing commitment on the part of farmers to grow chemical free food,</b> the air is clean clean clean and it is the perfect place to detoxify and heal the body and spirit. And so through this time here I have eaten mainly organic foods. We are not educated about the importance of the health of our gut, and the effect of the damage done to a healthy gut biome by antibiotics. In 2003 I had an insidious pneumonia on the upper right lobe of my lungs and this was treated with nearly 3 weeks of rather harsh antibiotics. I believe my gut was destroyed then and as soon as the doctor could give me a clean bill of health, I ended up back in Afghanistan right at the time when those steroid chickens were available. Who knows what harms came to my system then, and with the various stressors of the job and poor availability of nutrient rich food, no probiotics, certainly I did nothing helpful to rebuild my gut.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Another digression, I know but to explore the understanding that our gut is our second brain is huge.</b> In fact many would posit that our gut is our first brain and without a healthy gut we really cannot think straight, do a search on this! I would concur, and healing my gut has taken time. Post-prednisone I took extreme care to ensure a proper balance of pre and probiotics, fiber, plant and animal proteins and nutrients were in my diet; I was finally attending to my gut biome. I became more regular with my meditation practice, and through this crazy 2 years of the Covid pandemic, have made decisions from the heart, not from a place of fear and this has all helped me to see things much more clearly than would have been the case without such practices. I blogged about my perspective on the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">global Covid response</a> in January.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>In December my eldest son came for a visit,</b> that lifted my spirits considerably and it cannot be understated how a positive frame of mind does wonders for reducing stress which in turn supports the immune system and thereby supports healing. I will be forever grateful that he made this trip (not easy as I describe in the 'Stuck in Paradise blog below). Thank you son!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>A key step that I took was to do a liver cleanse in January 2022</b>, using a clever protocol from 'the Medical Medium' that I can tell you about if you ask. I highly recommend anyone over 45 start a regime of a least annual colon and liver and kidney cleanses to mitigate against the possibility of cancers or other diseases resulting from our years of toxification, and of course to reduce the likelihood of a 'perfect storm'.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Here I am writing in March, 2022</b>. I now understand that healing really has to take time and is not only about the physical state of being. I have been pain free for nearly 6 months, though weak from a year of nearly no physical activity and nervous about over-doing it to rebuild. A year ago I bought a vehicle, because what is only a 10 minute hillside walk from or to town had become too much and I was constantly tired. Recently, though the original knee dilemma has been largely unattended, I have started to walk down to town and started going to the gym to try to bulk up my quads and shoulders.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>It has been a long path towards healing</b>, though as my wise friends say, it took a lifetime to arrive at the place I've come from. I am grateful for this time and place, for the people who have challenged me and those who continue to support me. This journey has enhanced my understanding of what others go through, those in 'chronic' pain who come for some kind of respite. And I am more than before an ardent advocate for prevention. Nearly 9 years ago, when I turned 50, I posted on my FB to my friends 'if you haven't evolved a movement practice by now, it's not too late' and I stand by that. Conscious movement is critical, what we eat should be medicine not poison, we need to cleanse and to be healthy of body and we need to be healthy in mind.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>To people in need of support on their journey I am available,</b> and for others I would request that you share my <a href="https://elementalwellness.life/" target="_blank">website</a> email address: elementalenergy.daniel@gmail.com or message me on WhatsApp, Telegram or Signal: +(593)996545233 or FB/Instagram: @elementalwellnesstherapies with anyone you know who needs support, or just wants to start a meditation of movement practice.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiM-EuK55HWuHLtymBDBxq-HEpxVzX8tPoTfcQGCzbn6hE97z3gb02zkoj3EfXSpPzwOpP3HFLpa2NpGcIKN2EJUsKVtUxBYlBDwosoGZut626qUG_l09BtzCnVLsNF_QOYPDPHWeKK2moPJb3wZhAWEsex_pKsQhUS-uUXU2GLh9JXpSt1rUqRD2ZnsA=w240-h320" title="The view from my desk" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Finally to my sons who I speak to nearly daily</b> and who have come to Vilcabamba twice in these past 15 months, please know that I left when I did because I had to, you know I miss you. I am rebuilding. I will come to Europe soon, who knows for how long, it depends what works and if I can find work. I have to go slow in the process of recovery because I don't want to end up back down the rabbit hole of pain and despair. Despite whatever restrictions and all the challenges the current situation in Europe has thrown into the mix, I'll be there. Meanwhile I'm building my quads like a '......', great advice from my NZ physio friend who I was another man-mum in Kuala Lumpur 18 years ago! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>I know it has been a challenging time for Cécile, </b>single-parenting teens! And it is wonderful that she has been able to maintain the boys in comfort and safety. That I didn't return when expected was not anticipated neither by me (or maybe it was a 'be careful what you ask for' by one or both of us moment?). At least an absence this long probably wasn't ever thought of. The problematic of staying in arguably one of the most expensive constituencies in the world, was anyway untenable due to Covid so even if I was healthy I wouldn't have been able to work. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The whole Covid overlay has meant that their Mum has spent more time working from home and except for the end of term last year the boys have been going to school since they started in Suisse back in Aug 2020, so that is something positive. As most of this generation of screen-committed teenagers do, they retreat to their rooms after raiding the fridge after school, and emerge from their dens to again forage for food at dinner-time and then retreat again. It means Mum is around the place. I taught them to cook, and they are quite good, skills that are already proving to serve them well! <b>It has meant a lot for my healing to know the boys are thriving</b>, performing well at school, not without health concerns for our youngest, but overall they are doing better than ok. I will blog again about my concerns for this generation through a period of 'de-socialisation' which doesn't fit with our usual concept of a healthy environment for teens. Covid has kept kids at home and 'off the streets', for the most part, though at least on the street you're getting some sunlight. Anyway, this too shall pass and they will be fine. I am sure of that.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br />Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-79602631119708948692022-03-20T01:00:00.010-05:002022-03-24T08:58:47.224-05:00A Year of healing in Ecuador - Part 1, the Perfect Storm<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>I have been living in Ecuador for 15 months!</b> A difficult year on many levels that began a healing journey after falling foul to a 'perfect storm' of circumstances that started with a small knee injury in France and led some painful months later to a diagnosis of polymyalgic arthritis and recovery in Ecuador. I write now early in March enjoying full recovery, pain free, meds free and mobile (yaaah!). This is the story of that journey.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For some of you in Europe where I had just moved with my sons after spending their whole lives and my past 25 years in Asia, or the Middle East or South America (most recently we lived in Yangon, Myanmar), <b>in December 2020 I disappeared off the family map</b>, remaining there only virtually. After 15 years of being the stay at home parent for my boys I was suddenly not where they were any more and this bears some edification because I know many of you have no idea what happened, or why I am still away.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>It began in mid-October 2020 when I stepped off my bike on uneven ground</b> in a field in France and injured my long-problematic left knee. We had arrived in mid August, the 6th country the boys have lived in, for them to start school in Switzerland (that journey is documented <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">here</a>!) and where Cécile (their Maman, my partner in co-parenting) had secured a post at the HQ for the UN Refugee Agency in Geneva. As it turned out she had to return to finish up her engagement with UNHCR in Myanmar until late November so it was me and the boys for the summer and much of the fall adjusting to our new reality after most of their lives had been spent in Asia and the Middle East. Anyway that day in October something slipped in my left knee and it became painful and inflamed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This wasn't the first time; I injured my knee initially in 1983 and had a surgery then to fix my posterior cruciate ligament, these small mishaps had happened a few times over the years, but this time, a week or two of rest and anti-inflam/pain killers, just didn't work to get me mobile and pain-free again... maybe age had something to do with it; I'm 58 yrs on with many hard miles on the knee, from the Canadian Rockies to the Himalayas, the Alps and the Andes! In the ensuing two months as things really got worse I went to three doctors in France each one amping up the pharmaceuticals and none really helping. Between doctors two and three I was given a referral for imaging which showed a knee with little cartilage remaining to cushion the articulation between bones. Then I had lab tests, more imaging and an orthopedic surgeon who wanted me to have total knee replacement surgery (just shave 5mm off here, 7mm there, put in this cushiony stuff and sew you back up) in which ultimately they disconnect your leg at the knee and then reconnect it with some new bits inside and offer a 65% success rate.</div></span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDz6ewxkTAhgWBQTe-1oaP9eWmn8BJr7A2vKQvbWpECHvB-zkg8b7PUhMw91b3XkMqOkLO9iULOuuj320hCldaY3294s_LaMkpYyKwE5mqQHLwgcuTCNwok0qm2joMmAtCmVbQGkSAyu9rYDldmJPA8irzvYxZIfGodQ3dZ63TACIoBKPLBDTBxXgVuw=s320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>I wasn't very keen on TKR surgery</b> nor that there was a long waiting period for the surgery- and that the ski season would soon be upon us and I wouldn't be able make a turn for the whole winter so I'd be immobile, cold and miserable, and without an income.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">To make a long story shorter (but not by much), over those 2 months <b>I became like the tin man left out in the rain</b>; stiffening in more joints particularly my hips and knees. This made walking, sitting, standing up, going up and down stairs all so painful, then my shoulders got in the act and then my hands. Not nice and blood tests were not revealing much, except that I didn't have rheumatoid markers which was a relief of sorts. Temporary relief came only from a hot shower in the morning.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have reflected long-time about what got me into this situation, <b>the perfect storm</b>. Certainly the knee thing was where it started and just today I recall also how body-damaging scooters are (those 2-wheelers now popular in European capitals for 'scooting' around) and I had been a scooting fool around Geneva. It had become my main and preferred mode of transport. So, my lower back was compromised from over-scoot, that one-foot-lower-than-the-other-backward propulsion is not at all good for the lumbar/sacral spine. I had felt this before at some point scooting around London with the boys when they were little (a great tip for parents btw, kids too big to stroller love it and you can whizz around cities with ease) my back was killing me afterwards. The nerves that serve the knee exit the spine in the upper lumbar (L5 to be precise) and to confirm involvement at the spinal level the entire big toe nail on my left foot (the irony doesn't escape me), innervated from the same location in the lumbar spine, turned black as if I had dropped a brick on it. I liken the ensuing inflammation to a slow algae bloom the way it started in one joint and spread to the others supported rather than suppressed by the anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As winter approached and it got colder with humidity where we were not far from Lake Leman and Geneva, <b>the cold got into my bones making matters worse</b>. Nutrition played a role. It was part of the storm. Cécile had been there when we arrived in August and I continued cooking for two veggies and our two boy meat-eaters so once she returned to Myanmar in September I reverted to meat eating also to bulk up a bit for winter (or so I thought). I surmise that my diet changed too radically without the softer tropical fruits and veg I had been used to for 8 years and this change in my internal flora contributed to my troubles. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Along with these physical changes</b> (the climate, the nutrition, the inflammation, the meds) there were emotional and mental stressors; a relationship that had ended 3 years earlier far from a 'conscious uncoupling', logistics and lobbying issues around the school where Kasem was in one and Zaki in another (for the first month), problems getting a driver's licence transferred (that in itself is a story) meaning for a while I was driving on a Myanmar driver's license all the while daily crossing the border between Switzerland and France as you do as a 'frontalier' (cross-border dweller). Stress is a killer and I carry it in my lower back, the water element, the seat of emotions, the element of balance, potential and flow... ebb and flow so why be surprised when the nerves and I was not getting the reinforcement of a better perspective from community and so with everything else going on, I fell foul to my own lassitude, we are indeed our own worst enemies.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">To add to the problem, <b>Brexit was reaching it's writhing twisting finale for Brits residing in Europe</b>. British people (am a Brit by birth) who could prove they resided in France by the end of 2020 had to apply for residency pronto. Cannot express enough how I loathe the 'rule Britannia' media driven bullsh*t that warped that appalling decision. There is a Catch-22 in many countries, where to get a bank account you needed a fixed address and to rent a place you need a bank account. Fortunately with foresight my name was on the tenancy agreement for where the boys and Cécile were to live in France (they have now moved to Switzerland). In France you can't work out of your house so you need to join or set up a 'cabinet' (clinic), you can't work without liability insurance, you have to register as a business; a minefield of administration and bureaucracy. And really I have a very strong aversion to bureau-crazy. I had registered and then applied to become a French resident just before the final deadline on 30 June, 2021 and still haven't heard back from the French, I'm told it could take years.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Unable to manage well and in such a declining condition in France with my status uncertain and sadly UNHCR and all it's concern for 'family reunification' of refugees doesn't extend that concept with visa facilitation to it's staff in 'blended' families.<b> </b>I was at a loss and dependent on one particularly supportive friend (thanks again Joe) to get me to appointments with labs and doctors. And then I spoke with another friend in Myanmar who suggested I needed to 'go home', and I am forever grateful for this advice (thanks Christina). <b>And to her question 'where was home' I easily answered... Vilcabamba in Ecuador.</b> Don't be too surprised dear reader who may not know me well, it is in Vilcabamba between Afghanistan missions 22 years ago that I established a presence (coming and going, sometimes for weeks, and sometimes months) in this little town of the southern Andes, building community, centered now around two houses and a project called the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">Pyramid on Mandango</a>. The boys have been multiple times to Vilcabamba, a respite in nature's harmony. It is also Ecuador where friends in Vilcabamba had had success with more heinous knee problems than mine, through stem cell injections, a much preferred approach than hacking the knee apart, so going to Ecuador was not such a long stretch and though I haven't yet, it could still be that I have stem cell injections into my knees.</div></span><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjVfnVKuPKkHiJ3WwzOrn4PhBAT-V1zZCF1uC8MGYqMLW4TnkiH5j8FT2MurDslS2L7GBMXT4tQIjlgC7j-3NjpdgUKAAnTrIBi6otGJr8XejnqdsDDb7SqR_vTCdigJCUJV5r4hOzbXhYy3lIQOEdjOEaZgzTheDudDshK4n5RkOD_A1LZXBqs5YpYQ=w281-h211" /></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9auQOKNvGvJUTlpwegp2Ju0T_FvDEXw4Ody4hmGaalMIOzam9ydTpCAIxpbAuzFYiouy5Jnq-lfmoKZ3t_BigYpzhOgxTR-ukc44mlWArNDf0K1ox_nvMfeRJ1RtEQ8WKeNKNGis8wl2Z3NHFYfU60_RYmbVhxZAMr_Fy_v1_KyiS57Kd8ZVLTPQmGw=w278-h209" /></a><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSDAy8bneDSlO1QkJGTwDAt-nvtF7ESP9uCqqLVOnIcTZgDlMc-oPmZSzXyzjPUDvqqDhFh7Qy-LgMT7jKXHMBJOQ3cnZAFY81RBDExJiVip1QjwIJPtPwUrY356bfm6LlTif73ndQpXnfv02QuqGIvgavY6FloCjx6z__O2z6V0DKOeUAWXfNOMieUg=w287-h215" /></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyL97PhGzZ7bSVfSl1Mi-u9Ckwctkj4DE3qOYzQYTs6tqpYYcoFLSzeWTo9s3s4IxGALkshnDt2Z0QyU8LQC3YYrrPLoJkwMsbbbd_GMDjFZqX6tD7cIVzcJ_95Bv1fkMWex7R6_Z6rNaGVR7TQoooE4A8vHWuNC78jU2IlnP9S0Q2tYYstAAKPaROeA=w290-h218" /></a><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>23 December 2020 I left for 'home'.</b> This was a very difficult moment; my definition of home is where your family lives and my sons are my family, as their 'at-home parent' their entire lives my departure though planned to be only 3 months, was still heart wrenching. Over a year later my return to France or Switzerland where the boys are in school and living with their mother is pending a full recovery. Over this time it has been thwarted by the covid restrictions overlay (at the time of writing these are ebbing) that would require me to get vaccinated (against medical advice having an auto-immune reactive system) and make working as a therapist nigh on impossible in Europe. I am very grateful the boys are with their Mum, they moved from France across the border to Switzerland last year and very close to their school, they are 15 and 17 yrs old, young men. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>I made my first mistake early on stopping cold turkey the anti-inflam meds the minute I set foot in Ecuador. </b>The trip had been alright, I was coked up on pain-killers and for the first time in my life I wished I had checked in as 'needs assistance' because the walk first through Schipol airport and later after a 11 hour plane ride, transiting Quito airport nearly killed me; but I survived. Arriving in the evening I lapped up the hot humid night air of Guayaquil my final airport. In the morning I went immediately to see the stem cell doctor, who straight away told me I was not a candidate for stem cells in my current 'inflamed' condition. He did a round of unexpected and very painful <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">neural therapy injections</a> (injecting procaine under scar tissue to stabilize the autonomic nervous system), well-based in science but doesn't help alleviate the pain at least not immediately. All in all my knee has seen more action than your average knee and is full of scarring. Said doctor sent me off with liver and kidney support homeopathics, and prescriptions for vitamin injections and advice to adjust my nutrition with the aim to reduce the inflammation.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I had arranged for a taxi truck to drive me to Vilcabamba, no flights these days to the nearest airport at Catamayo (LOH), it is a 9 hr drive east, climbing dramatically up into the Andes arriving at Ecuador's third (and most beautiful) city of Cuenca at 2400m and then south along a stunning road, running the spine of the Andes to Vilcabamba at 1600m. I was glad I paid the expense to do this as I am not sure I could have managed the bus. As it was by the time I got to Vilca after 3 days of travel, I was stiffening up big time, and within that first week when I was ensconced in my the guest room of my tenant's house I could hardly get out of bed on my own.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Those early days of pain are a bit of a blur, my memory is befuddled.</b> I was hoping that following the good doctor in Guayaquil's protocol to support liver and kidney function and boost my immune system, this along with enzymes to try to reduce the inflammation and a transition to an organic dis-inflammatory and alkaline diet would reduce the pain. Alas I learned, that isn't how these things work, at least not as quickly as I needed it to. It was a good learning. Diet/nutrition adjustments and the appropriate supportive supplements can be mitigate the symptoms of many ailments, but they take time. I was in so much pain and while I had great care and compassion from my friends here, especially my friend and tenant (for 10 years) Rebecca who (put me up in her spare room, then cared for me until I could move into the small guest house, the Casita right next door). She brought me food and made nutritious smoothies for weeks after I arrived.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>By February 2021, my spirit had spiraled so low due to the ongoing pain</b> and loss of mobility and independence and also because I was acutely missing my sons, I had thought I would be away from them for 3 months which would be the longest period in their lives, yet here I was no further ahead and no end to this process in sight. This emotional stress did not support healing at all. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I got a prescription for prednisone from a locally based Egyptian doctor. Prednisone is a steroid anti-inflammatory and by all accounts it is miracle drug for many. I could move freely and nearly pain free for the first time in months, within 2 days of starting the steroid... wow it was amazing. I kept on with an anti-inflammatory, alkaline diet hoping it would yield results given the chance to return balance to my system. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I visited a reputable homeopath who diagnosed gout but neither did my profile fit nor did the diet changes and supplements give any respite, so it wasn't gout which would have made a fix easy. Then with the supportive counsel of a dear friend on Vancouver Island (thank-you Amanda), I saw a rheumatologist who diagnosed me with 'polymyalgic arthritis' a dubious condition that some say is lifelong and he advised me to take prednisone, a steroid anti-inflammatory that is to be honest quite the miracle drug. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Among many things I have learned is that despite medical diagnosis and prognosis who will tell you differently, <b>this kind of affliction is not permanent</b>, and the medical diagnosis is self-defeating. The treatment does not serve to support a curative ethos, instead it prolongs the ailment and promotes the mind-set of a life-long illness and drug dependency. If the whole approach quite distasteful.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>I had made that initial mistake of stopping the anti-inflammatories</b>, and made several more along the way and in my own defense note also that I was without a 'guide' and advocate. This is a role I play for wellness clients in my occupation as a <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">therapist</a>. I knew I needed someone who had followed my process as close to the get-go as possible and who could give me advice as to 'what next'. Who could that have been? I needed someone aware of the pitfalls when a medical diagnosis for something not really explainable is only a description of the condition. I strongly recommend a health advocate if you are facing an illness that is characterized as 'chronic'. It happens to many folks, and they end up relying on their doctor who may not have the depth or breadth of knowledge to consider different approaches from the western medical model (or they are sold out to pharmaceuticals as the only solution). Diagnostics are tricky, finding a treatment plan that gets to source, explores all options and solves the problem, is even trickier.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">'<b>Arthritis' is a modern-time conundrum, more and more people become arthritic</b> and it is thought nowadays to be an inflammatory response to an auto-immune trigger. In my case I discern that my trigger (the source) was a 'wrong' immune response to streptococcus bacteria; one of the first blood tests I had when things got so bad I couldn't get out of a chair without help (and a lot of pain), showed high levels of this streptococcus antigen (ASTO). So if I let a scratchy throat progress, my body thinks I may be getting strep, antigens are produced to fight off the bacteria but they get carried away (an over-response) and lead to an arthritic inflammation. Thinking back as I have over these months it is quite possible that I had a sore throat when I had that knee incident in the french farmer's field or soon thereafter, but these things never happen in isolation and this 'man from Asia' was not used to the chill breezes of autumn in the Jura mountains. The perfect storm set the stage, created the fertile field for illness, how to regain wellness became the question and the challenge.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>I mentioned stress earlier and as a causal contributing factor it is pretty clear that at least in my case, going deep into this and finding where it comes from needs to be a big part of the healing.</b> Here in Vilcabamba, there is an incredible menu of traditional and alternative healing modalities available from some very talented therapists. People from all over the world come and live here, holding workshops, seminars, classes and sharing therapies most of which are out of the western medical model, and that work. I benefited from many of these treatments, and from the easy availability of organic food, of amazingly clean air and water, and importantly the acceptance and support of community. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>I made some blunders on the way, suffering set-backs too painful to mention here</b>, but all part of my path. I have seen a holistic chiropractor, had heart-centered therapy, muscle testing, worked on the question 'am I fit for Love', worked with RIFE technology, hypnosis, massage, taken courses, attended seminars, embarked on plant medicine journeys, and I have had a deep dive into my dark side. I realised that likely I was suffering delayed PTSD from a few incidents in Afghanistan, and had deeper scars likely originating even before I was born, and then adopted. With great gratitude I have been able to exchange <a href="https://elementalwellness.life/craniosacral-therapy/" target="_blank">craniosacral treatments</a> for many of these therapies. I know this inner work has been essential and integral to my healing, and with the intention of preventing future 'calamities' of this sort.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Part 2 of this writing gives you a break, and will reveal some of what worked on this journey and where I am headed next.</b></span></div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-80926081486392164232022-01-13T14:50:00.012-05:002022-03-20T00:28:04.054-05:00Stuck in Paradise: A Covid inspired human rights conundrum<div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">The deep critical thinker has become the misfit of the world, this is not a coincidence. To maintain order and control you must isolate the intellectual, the sage, the philosopher, the savant before their ideas awaken people. This will cause a mental implosion from lack of thought stimulating conversations and interactions with others which will lead to their demise. That is one of the greatest tragedies of our time, the unwelcomed thinker who’s brilliance will never be known. </div></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">~Carl Jung</div></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>We are all aware by now of how the various dictums of the 'state' have been influential factors in our mobility over this past year. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">In fact until recently it hasn't been that much of an inconvenience (though it has become more expensive with more limits on less routes, etc) depending on your country of origin, and the rules in the country of destination. If you test negative with the PCR generally speaking you have been able to go where you needed to go, sometimes quarantining on arrival or not. <b>That all changed in the late part of 2021</b>. 2020 I was on the move from Myanmar to Canada to France to Ecuador and it was pretty easy, I blogged about it <a href="http://daddyoh-daniel.blogspot.com/2020/07/air-travel-in-time-of-covid19.html" target="_blank">here</a>. In 2021 I didn't move internationally in an entire year for the first time in probably around 30 years...has to be said this was due more to a state of illness (only indirectly linked to Covid) rather than the state of affairs in the world. Many people were travelling through 2021, and today, check out <a href="https://www.flightradar24.com/42.9,-5.45/4" target="_blank">'flightrader24.com'</a> and take a look at all the birds in the air, there are lots of people travelling.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The requirements have been a bit confusing to follow since they change all the time, PCR or antigen test? 72, 48, or 24 hrs? ahead of boarding or of getting the result? Do you need to abide by restrictions if only transiting? Will they serve food aboard, etc? So uncertain and unclear and inconsistent across countries of arrival, airlines and across short timelines. Airlines saddled with the obligation of ensuring their passengers comply with the rules have managed variably well and not well. KLM is an airline I have had much to do with this past couple of months and based on their screw-ups, their inability to communicate in a timely manner and their onboard gouging, they are not doing very well. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>More than that the complication of not knowing once you arrive whether you will be able to return</b> from whence you came is disconcerting, a definite disincentive to travel for many; we live in a world where having 'certainty' is akin to feeling safe and secure, it's why insurance companies do so well... they underscore the insecurities then cash in on making you feel secure. With the whole Covid ethos we feel more uncertain than ever... and of what exactly is a good question (and the subject of another blog). What do you do if the rules change for example, the Brits living in France who went to the UK for holidays (before Christmas) were then banned from returning to where they lived in France after the holidays...bit of a shocker that one. <i>As a codicil, this is probably a better example of how geopolitics are alive and well and how using something like Covid as a political football is considered fair game. Only we all know it is not fair, and that it is more about manipulative men in political power positions, their egos and mis-placed national pride than anything to do with protecting citizen's health. Did you here the US has banned entries for folks with the Russian SputnikV vaccine? but I digress.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Recently my oldest son (16yrs) made the journey from Switzerland to Ecuador via the Netherlands and Panama some awful number of hours on the inward flight including an unexpected 24hrs in Panama </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">(thanks to KLM)</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> which caused considerable perturbance. He arrived intact, but a concern that shadowed his visit was not knowing if the Swiss rules for re-entry of non-citizens arriving from Ecuador would change while he was away. <b>We didn't dwell on it, you can't worry about that which you can't control right?</b> They didn't change their rules and Ecuador remained on the green list for Suisse entries, so thank goodness for that.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Actually more concerning was his PCR test as he was preparing to leave (get this) which needed to be taken <i>48 hrs</i> before entering the Netherlands where he transited, but <i>72 hrs</i> before entering Switzerland... if they were the other way around he would have been screwed. Not to mention the negative or positive options and those few hours of uncertainty and discomfort while waiting for the result. <b>No matter how philosophical and 'go with the flow' you might be... there is stress</b>; the kid has school on Monday, despite a strange 'flu' going around the Valley where I live, he tested negative with the 'gentle' PCR.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Mandated vaccines for entry into Ecuador became a reality on 01 December</b>. Wow. Suddenly basic freedoms of association and movement were trashed without ceremony and other countries (<a href="https://www.newsweek.com/which-countries-will-require-proof-vaccination-before-travelers-enter-1591313" target="_blank">though not many</a>) followed suit. That changed things considerably for anyone unvaccinated including people who have arrived in a bit of an avalanche, US citizens, Canadians leaving their country due to the 'tyranny' (their word) of covid restrictions on civil liberties and others from other places; Vilcabamba has evolved a name for itself as a place of refuge. The Canadian Prime Minister disgraced himself the other day and may be indicted for hate speech, saying </span><a href="https://www.change.org/p/minister-of-justice-and-attorney-general-of-canada-trudeau-hate-speech-criminal-accountability?signed=true" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">"</span><span face=""Change Calibre", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif" style="color: #363135;">that those who have not been vaccinated are very often “Misogynists and Racists”, he then stated that “They don’t believe in science/progress”. Finally, Mr. Trudeau went on to make the statement “This leads us, as a leader and as a country, to make a choice: Do we tolerate these people? “and “that they take up some space.”</span></a></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Sounds delusional to me</b>, and definitely not very liberal, progressive or thoughtful. Let's be clear on one thing being unvaccinated doesn't make you anti-vax, it does make you vaccine free. The most disagreeable outcome of the current state of affairs is the divisiveness the creation of 'us and them', wow, and the judgement involved; there are those who believe the vaccine free are a danger to society even criminal for not complying with mandates, despite the fact that the coercive exhortations of a government may not be legal in many cases, and those who believe those vaxxed have had their human rights abused, that by being vaccinated you are buying into the mainstream narrative (drinking the koolaid) to such an extent you would potentially endanger your (and your children's) immune system integrity, reproductive health, heart condition, etc. It's all out there but you may not find it on Google, and for goodness sake don't ask on Twitter or Facebook because they have censored such questioning content. Particularly this idea of vaccinating children has horrible taste to it and is absolutely unnecessary. Please do your own research, do not trust the so-called 'science' that the big pharma presents through governments and their media lackeys, and don't use Google if your want truth. So many unknowns with this vaccine that for something as important as this, something that could permanently damage my health, I fall back on the axiom... <b>'when in doubt, wait it out</b>'. And I truly believe this too shall pass and no harm will come. Covid at the end is nothing but a bad flu, the way it has been approached, the global response was an over-reaction initially because of how little we knew and we were fearful but then decisions based on fear started being made built on those before it and pretty soon, well things got out of control, confusion reigned and today we are in a very serious mess. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">What we know is that there is only ONE humanity, that we are all ONE. What we know is that this state of pandemic <i><u>could</u></i> actually be a scamdemic, or a plan(ed)emic because<b> no one (not you, not me) can say that it isn't</b> because no one can be sure! And we can have this doubt because there are many, many signals that something is not right out there and you need to be paying close attention to see beyond the fear for example: 1) Whatever happened to the <a href="https://gbdeclaration.org/" target="_blank">Great Barrington Declaration</a> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #625f5f; font-family: Lora, serif;">The Declaration was written from a global public health and humanitarian perspective, with special concerns about how the current COVID-19 strategies are forcing our children, the working class and the poor to carry the heaviest burden. The response to the pandemic in many countries around the world, focused on lockdowns, contact tracing and isolation, imposes enormous unnecessary health costs on people. In the long run, it will lead to higher COVID and non-COVID mortality than the focused protection plan we call for in the Declaration. </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> 2) W</span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">hy wasn't the GBD adopted as a less livelihood destroying alternative? 3) There is a high level of censorship in social media (heard of Dr. Robert Malone one of the developers of the PCR test? and how he has been muzzled? check that out). 4) Why have medical staff who do not want to be vaccinated or speak out against vaccinating been threatened with job loss? 5) There are serious inconsistencies in the narrative around the origins of Covid and the role of Dr. Fauci. 6) Big questions around the validity/veracity of the PCR test (did you know this month the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/csels/dls/locs/2021/07-21-2021-lab-alert-Changes_CDC_RT-PCR_SARS-CoV-2_Testing_1.html" target="_blank">CDC will no longer be using it</a>),<span style="background-color: #ffa400;">"</span></span><span face=""Open Sans", apple-system, blinkmacsystemfont, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", arial, sans-serif"><i style="background-color: #ffa400;">After December 31, 2021, CDC will withdraw the request to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the CDC 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel, the assay first introduced in February 2020 for detection of SARS-CoV-2 only.". </i></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> 7) Why the big differences you see when doing independent research using Google vs an untraceable search engine. 8) The censoring of expression on social media. 9) The very odd 'domino effect' of countries falling into compliance like a flock murmuration making health policy changes not even the WHO recommends. 10) The economy and livelihood destroying (we are talking about millions plunged into devastating poverty) lockdowns that are proving not to have been necessary because they didn't change anything in the disease vector, what they did do is make a select group of corporations very rich. As a footnote here, and having lived in Burma for 4 years, in 2020 (we left end of June), we described lockdowns as a luxury of rich countries that has destroyed irreparably already fragile economies. You think you have problems keeping your business afloat in Canada or France? Be forever grateful for government subsidies, most countries can't afford them and many many many small businesses globally have died, not to mention daily wage earners, factory workers in their 100,000's in poor countries, who benefited from that?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">These are some of the strange things that have happened. And you have a vaccine on which $billions have been spent given to pharmaceuticals companies and lobbyists (many with dodgy track records, no liability and burgeoning bank accounts). A 'vaccine' which still requires you to mask even if both parties are double or triple jabbed, does not prevent transmission, still has people isolating working from home, schooling online where they are able, still has lockdowns in effect, might result in less intensity in symptoms, is now on its 3rd booster despite the broad knowledge that the variant of the month </span><i style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">omicron</i><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> is a 'saviour variant'. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">This means that it is a highly infectious form of Covid but one with very mild symptoms (well-documented now) and that confers immunity (not well publicized) so indeed it will spread far and wide very rapidly and confer herd immunity. Kind of begs the question; why does anyone need to be further vaccinated or boosted when the virus is conferring immunity on it's own? Let omicron run it's course and this might be over faster.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We have known from the get-go that Covid would be self-limiting (an epidemiological truth that also applies to viruses like ebola when they are contained, with Covid the container seems to be the planet), is what we are seeing in Omicron the way viruses self-limit and burn out, infectious but weakened strains conferring and thus endowing herd immunity? If so, why the panic reaction ruining everyone's holidays and again fanning the fear complex fire? Rather than vaccinate, and this could be said from the beginning, people should be checked to see if they have antibodies (would it have been so hard to develop a quick-test to see if you had natural immunity) and if so send them on their way, why mess with nature? And if they haven't had covid or weren't vaccinated and get omicron... then wow, good for them, natural immunity which many doctors say (and nature concurs) is healthier than an artificially created immunity. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">By the way, all of this has been researched and fact-checked and not using Google as a search engine for anything. If it weren't for my email addresses that are Google based I would disavow Google for their participation in what appears to be at best an incompetency of governance, a deceptive manipulation at worst. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Anyway, to say WE the humans (the vaxxed and the vaccine free) need to rise above the divisiveness, we need to join together and question a narrative that has led to such a disruption and destruction. We have to accept that it could be 'they' got it wrong, yes it is a big 'they', the response to a virus that actually, statistically caused yes a difficult number of deaths among the elderly and vulnerable but otherwise was only a bad flu with many affected, more than we will ever know due to the many (millions?) of asymptomatics, and mild responses that millions may have had but never reported. This past 2 years how much has been lost; the grief of dying alone, and of not being able to be with loved ones, loss of freedom of movement, loss of freedom of expression, loss of work, loss of livelihood, loss of friendships, rise in depression, anxiety, domestic abuse, alcoholism (all on the rise) and now active discrimination and division in societies. And the dominance of the fear-complex perpetrated by governments, amplified by media.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Who of us before Covid actually had a trust in government' to do the right thing when it came to economies? Which governments put the people first in the wake of the 2008 housing collapse, which governments bailed out the banks? Who trusts corporations that are blatantly profit before people, who trusts mainstream media that is clearly biased towards it's corporate owners? And yet so many have trusted governments and the media on Covid response and well, lets just say I find that a little weird. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">On Wednesday evening I took eldest son to the airport in Guayaquil, Ecuador where I have been living for the past 1yr and 1 week. He is vaccinated and had tested negative as mentioned. He was set, and is only 16, airport rules say parents need to take their kids to check-in and anyway I wanted to see him checked in, boarding pass in hand and headed for security... Thing is of 21 December the private airport authority following the proposals of the National Emergency Committee (COE) has deemed that a vaccination certificate must be presented to enter the airport. This is discriminatory and against international legal instruments, the Constitution which guarantees you the right not to be discriminated against based on a personal health choice. This is no law, it is not even a guideline to prevent you from entering the airport; still I was not allowed to enter. If I needed to leave Ecuador, as a Canadian citizen, headed to a country that didn't require the vaccine to enter, would I be able to get into the airport? No I would be entrapped by the state of Ecuador for exercising my right to make my own health choices.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">And so I am stuck in paradise, at this moment on the beach watching the setting sun over the Pacific Ocean in a country so intensely beautiful from it's long stretching beaches to it's deep green jungles to the high sierra of the Andes and towering volcanoes'. Not a bad place to be stuck, but I'd rather my freedoms as a sovereign human being were respected not trampled on by blind, narrow minded thinkers with an agenda that doesn't appear anymore to include protecting public health. Being stuck gets a bad rap and is an unhelpful state of mind to be in, and rarely does one become free from stuck by navel gazing, certainly not by whining. The opposite of being stuck is being free and we can achieve that by relaxing, observing and when the time is right gliding out of stucked-ness, spreading our wings and exercising our right to be free.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://swprs.org/professor-ehud-qimron-ministry-of-health-its-time-to-admit-failure/?fbclid=IwAR0lX8mnIuC6Na8K3-fQof3Cv3n7pXssxY8iVP3KurfCYPa_kHD7i_n8v6I">https://swprs.org/professor-ehud-qimron-ministry-of-health-its-time-to-admit-failure/?fbclid=IwAR0lX8mnIuC6Na8K3-fQof3Cv3n7pXssxY8iVP3KurfCYPa_kHD7i_n8v6I</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.zerohedge.com/covid-19/we-failed-danish-newspaper-apologizes-publishing-official-covid-19-narratives-without">https://www.zerohedge.com/covid-19/we-failed-danish-newspaper-apologizes-publishing-official-covid-19-narratives-without</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Specialists now agree the endemic is ending </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">(that the video is still up on YouTube after nearly 300000 views in less than a day is telling, video's that are pro-vaccine free or against the mainstream narrative are normally taken down within an hour or so.)</span></p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/U3W84wb5jKo"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">https://youtu.be/U3W84wb5jKo</span></a></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFWvckkxEsJLCkIjmGIad1DvaWNcHxApN0jcXKKXQpSoXtLMj_mHUVGsLEB9xROGZy8pmt29dY3bSxry8a3ek4rVg4mO_NWZc-GJCR5-DjcYLCVI7l1Qof3iG_IZ85eBE51InH0Mbgblx_fZzHpyazIVjvFEO7JkXcMpi-ZgrwBHV9I-D-UogH_cCYoA=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFWvckkxEsJLCkIjmGIad1DvaWNcHxApN0jcXKKXQpSoXtLMj_mHUVGsLEB9xROGZy8pmt29dY3bSxry8a3ek4rVg4mO_NWZc-GJCR5-DjcYLCVI7l1Qof3iG_IZ85eBE51InH0Mbgblx_fZzHpyazIVjvFEO7JkXcMpi-ZgrwBHV9I-D-UogH_cCYoA=w400-h301" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">A rather nice shot of the view from my front terrace here in paradise</span></p><p><br /></p>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-55325816044379595392020-10-30T02:31:00.011-05:002021-06-14T00:36:26.865-05:00Screens, Teens and Covid 19<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>This is another in a series of essays on device and screen management<a href="http://daddyoh-daniel.blogspot.com/2019/05/screening-or-screaming-teenagers-and.html"> last year</a>, in <a href="https://daddyoh-daniel.blogspot.com/2015_02_22_archive.html">2016</a> and in <a href="https://daddyoh-daniel.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-screen-part-1-dilemma.html">2014</a>, Trying to keep up with both the changes we see in screen content and access modalities, platforms and devices as well as the changing needs and desires of our kids.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">And there you have it,</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Life happened. Despite all efforts to limit screen time, ensure quality content, negotiate on various screen plans and try to keep up with the shifting sands of what my teenage boys are accessing, two events came at us sideways since March. One is a consequence of our less than normal lives of drifting about the planet perpetually nomadic as expatriates, the second was (and still is) the event known variably as 'the pandemic', Covid, Corona, C19, ergo the Virus. I'll call it Covid, because a corona is a rainbow ring of gaseous plasma around the sun (or a beer), C19 is too science-like and a bit contrite and 'the pandemic' gets one's heart beating faster in a bad way.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">We lead international lives and this Covidic summer we left Yangon, Myanmar our home for 4 years at the end of an international posting and hopped across to Korea, skipped over the big pond (Pacific) to western Canada, hunkered down in the province of Alberta for 2 weeks quarantine had a visit with a friend or 13 or 14, then moseyed over to Toronto and skadaddled across the other big pond (Atlantic) to Switzerland where we find ourselves settling in close to Geneva in France. Covid quarantine robbed us of 2 weeks in Canada, and with uncertainty and different stages of 'reopening' travelling about for visits was not in the cards this time, friends being responsibly cautious as to who could walk in the front door... and there we were like aliens in a way, landing from a different planet such as the other side of the world might be. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">As with many of us with teens, hand held screens have been central to our children's lives since the emergence of the iPad, the first and only hand-held web-enabled device accessible then for middle class kids all over the world fast forward to now when kids as young as 9 sport smart phones with more computing power than I had in a computer in my first job. This over the course of 10 years, 2010 - 2020; my kids are now 14 and 15.5yrs old... not hard math.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Our kids, and so we as parents are the pioneers of this new high speed connectivity everywhere modality of entertainment, communication, education, networking, artistic creation, connection it spans so many aspects of modern-day life. For my parents it was television... pshwaah I say, that was kindergarten stuff, now we're in the post-grad school of dealing with media and its content, and supporting our kids to make good choices; back in the day the dinner table debate was whether to mute the adverts during Bewitched or MASH or Hogan's Heros, the Flintstones, Sesame Street, or not... ;-) -- easy street.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">March 18, 2020... that was the day it all changed for us. The day my teenage sons stayed home from school and being on screens for obscene amounts of time became legitimized as the online classroom went live. This was in Myanmar, in Yangon an emerging city still with not a lot of opportunities for teens, distant from beach or mountains for weekend trips, and a climate that drives you indoors to air conditioned luxury and your high-speed internet connection. It stayed that way for the months of #stayathome through pre-monsoon which is easily the worst time of year when it has been dry for months and the heat steadily builds, farmers burn off their crop stubble, the air is 45C and brown. Then the rains came in June and with them came the end of school. While it has to be said their British international school did a stellar job with the online classroom, even when 95% of the teachers absconded back to their home countries (or some to tropical islands in Thailand or Cambodia), they barely skipped a beat and launched into online learning full on, full-time.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Any home screen-limiting policies went out the window that day and I think for many parents, while relieved that school continued it was a bit of a two-sided coin; on the one hand their kids were being schooled and on the other their kids were being further inculcated into their various other worlds. Minecraft, Fortnite, Twitch, YouTube, Instagram that's what mine are into...if you can't say what yours are into then probably it would be good to find out. The usual axiom if you want to curb a behaviour is to attend to your own same behaviour first; you can't tell someone to stop smoking if you're a smoker and likewise with screens. What Covid brought was a denial of any strategy to put down our devices, when parents too were at home to work and everyone was on their screens and often at night depending on where your time zone landed you. I am working on an online Doctorate programme and much admin for my Wellness business is online. Am I on a screen too often. Definitely.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">We were in our last weeks in Yangon, a 4 year posting coming to an end. While the 'stayathome' ended in mid-May and we left at the end of June, monsoon had arrived and so our departure was a bit soggy and sad. I <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/3769138597909906782/3558513721781907353">blogged about our 5,4,3,2,1 trip across Asia and the Pacific </a> it was quite a trip, there are pictures there too ;-) </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">We arrived on continent number 2, North America and found ourselves in a 2 week quarantine, of course with high speed internet. The online fun continued and we had a huge extended back-yard in the adjacent walking paths in Calgary, Alberta. We all took turns going for covid-safe but covert solo masked walks in the brilliant early summer sunshine, Canadian Rockies beckoning, Alberta blue skies stretching out far, full moon shining absolutely beautiful. Wearing masks outdoors still has me baffled. The rest of the time in quarantine... you guessed it, the boys (and me) were on our screens. Crazy stuff, never ends. We didn't travel much in Canada on this trip, normally we go on a visit-orgy to friends across the west but this year, as things were just starting to re-open it wasn't the time to be staying with friends. At ages similar to mine (57) many are caring for aging parents or were planning on visiting them after a long absence due to lock-downs or lock-ins and couldn't risk having us around. </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Pity though since we hadn't been to Canada for 4 years and have friends scattered hither and yon in western Canada with great lives and are fun to visit... you know who you are. Our last visit with you was when we moved from Kathmandu after 3 years there, who knows when the next one will be. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">A notable exception was stay at my great friend Karin's place in Banff, never felt welcomed as much as I feel there. And on this occasion again her door was open for me and the boys. We had a great few days in Banff, did 5 hikes and had spectacular weather. It may have been a bit of a shock for the boys, from being screen-bound for months suddenly we were free and out in the Rocky Mountain alpine.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I admit that the general lethargy of covid inspired couch time combined with travelling with 2 teens who were reticent anyway to visit yet another friend of Dad's who they didn't remember but of course remembered them, and who I think were tired from their school year meant that inspiration and enthusiasm had to come from one source... moi. And I was tired too. The cumulative busyness required to organize the trip and leave my flat, my business, the few solid friendships, stress around the unknowns we had been facing with the departure paradigm for many months funneled as we got closer to the end, and an awareness that the coming move was going to require considerable energy reserves as well meant that we were okay hunkering down and we just didn't travel. Missing friends but resting and readying for re-establishing in a new place yet again.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Our final leg in mid-August was to Europe, the third continent of our journey. It took us across Canada via Toronto (we didn't stop) and onward to Switzerland though we are settling in France just across the border from Lake Leman and Geneva.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">The Swiss had just released their first list of 'banned' countries and mercifully Canada was not on it. Goddess bless Canadians for behaving themselves, masking when asked and being respectful and responsible enough to curb the curve for the most part, at least enough to bring the numbers into a statistically acceptable place. The screen dream continues in travel and the boys transcontinental travel is now about making sure they have internet access and the devices are fully charged! It is on their first trip to Ecuador in 2008, ages 4 and 6 in an effort to keep them awake at Schipol airport until the 11pm KLM 13hr flight to Quito I gave them a game boy each. Indeed I was the one who tipped them into the hand-held screen rabbit hole. All my fault ;-).</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Habits have settled in. For example my eldest (15) started watching streams on twitch.com in Edmonton in July where for entertainment 1000's of people watch gamers doing what they do best... game play for hours and hours... My son has seized the day and '<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/hatllama">hatllama</a>' was born and now he is a streamer too... (cut to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fdAFmtq-o8">Supertramp 'nothing but a dreamer'</a> right?), check him out, tell your kids, he broadcasts on twitch.com at 7:30pm (Central European Time) nearly nightly. My hope is that he is happy doing this, and he seems to be... and then my hope is that he will start to make some money from this, chalk it up as a success, and move on; it takes up a lot of his evening! His 'following' is growing slowly. But now he HAS to be on screen at 7:30pm so homework and dinner revolves around it (eyes rolling). </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">My youngest (at 14) has become obsessed with YouTube though to give him credit he seems to be watching some fairly intellectual content at least of late... he did go through a phase of US-origin brain numbing content which was quite distressing. Rather than go out and play, they go to their rooms and screen despite urgings to the contrary... it's all a bit worrying and my eldest son's PE teacher on his initial assessment says his cardiovascular fitness (and flexibility) need improvement.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">So it's not all bad news about devices and screen time. I've been poking around at my basic premise that screens are evil and kids need clear guidance to reduce their screen time... turns out I'm not entirely correct. The recent report from Commonsense media <a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/uploads/pdfs/tweens-teens-tech-and-mental-health-full-report-final-for-web1.pdf">'Tweens, teens, tech and mental health: Coming of age in an increasingly digital, uncertain and unequal world'</a> suggests that it is more the content and quality of the media kids are accessing than the amount of time they spend on their screens. I think we all have experienced the phenomenon of not knowing what our kids are talking about, and for sure they are absorbing a huge amount of content we know nothing about. Try as I do to keep up, dinner table conversation between my sons escapes me entirely sometimes. Monitoring content for quality is another issue and discriminating between what is quality and what is not can be hugely divergent between the middle-aged father and his 2 adolescent sons. What is interesting is that we all zoned out to junk TV and its advertising and so I wonder is some of what they do the same as that? Should I worry? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">What is of concern of course is the amount of time spent indoors, the amount of time eyes straining to look at small back-lit screens, the bent-neck syndrome that structurally closes the esophagus. In the Wellness work I do this area is where the 'Spirit' element resides (5 Element theory), where self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth are seated and certainly as many critiques agree these are areas that are affected in young people today likely because of too much time spent online. Not to mention how the forward bending head, means you go around looking downward not upward and outward, not aware of your surroundings and what is going on. And when you meet people your eyes are not meeting theirs, yours are looking down, and maybe theirs are too, kinda sad when you think about it.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Covid then has put the kaybosh on my efforts to get screen-time under control during #stayathome in Myanmar or in quarantine and in a cautious Canada we were kept indoors and online more than I ever wanted during our time there. Now we have done the Atlantic hop to the France/Suisse border region, newcomers and without friendships in their new schools the boys are finding it hard to break into established social circles. They find easier social solace in adjusting their lives to when their friends in Myanmar, Japan, Australia (or closer, in the UK) are online and free to game or message, or talk on discord.com. Who can blame them right?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Though sort of concomitant there is a certain laziness that has crept in as well, it is easier to go online than go for on a bike ride... and we all know that the less you use a muscle (for example) the harder it is to get that muscle active and pumping again. My sons were long-time in the tropics and too long in cities at a critical age, adapted to the slower pace, and then the heat and rain and less active opportunities in urban Yangon gradually wound down their energy and drive to get into sports. Now here where people are up and at 'em, out biking and hiking and climbing, etc...(and ski season is coming) there is a distinct preference to stay indoors and online even when the sun is shining which is a great pity given we are located on the slopes of the Jura mountains in France and within sight of the French and Swiss Alps.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Anyway, change is the only constant and certainly this change and in all our children this time of their lives is one of incredible change so 'this too shall pass' and we will see what the future holds for them, because it is coming fast. My advice? Know what your kids are doing online, know what content they are browsing, know who they are gaming with, remind them that balance between downtime, screen time, physical exercise, family time needs to be in their thinking, check out their posture and act if you see things going awry. This phase too shall pass and it is only a question of good shepherding them through because after this... they are largely on their own and hopefully will have absorbed some of what you gave them from a place of love.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-35585137217819073532020-07-12T14:19:00.001-05:002020-07-20T01:21:55.777-05:00Air Travel in the time of COVID19<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wow, what a trip it's been; not only the past 3 months of various stages of lock-down, stay home, quarantine, self-isolation whatever they call it wherever you are, anticipated extensions of rules, airport closures, border closures, daily stats of new cases, deaths, to mask or not to mask, conspiracy theories, cause debate, second waves, third waves, mitigation strategies, economic collapse, fearfulness, media manipulation... the list goes on and is based on your perspective. Now there is something interesting, a global event shaped by our lived experience that forms our perspective, and how many different perspectives does that add up to? This is the subject of another article to follow. For now I only want to unpackage our lived experience transitioning from Yangon, the biggest city in Myanmar to Calgary in Canada, closest city to the Rocky Mountains.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We are expats. I have lived in 9 countries since 1997 when I left Canada, I have 2 son's the youngest now 13 so for him its been 6 countries. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our last stop was Myanmar, more specifically Yangon and after 4 years we left there in the midst of the annual monsoon drenching that will last another 3 months. Our travel is tagged to their mother's humanitarian work where she is re-posted every 3-5 years: Myanmar was a 4 year post, Nepal before that 3 years, a year in Ecuador, Beirut 3 years and before that and they were both born in Malaysia. Now we wait for news of the next post, her organization, as many, confounded by the new paradigm of uncertainty. Before all that I worked as a humanitarian frontline worker living in Vietnam, East Timor, Afghanistan and over the years have worked in several other hotspots where human folly plays out as conflict and strife. Now and for the past 8 years I am a therapist, focused on wellness harnessing approaches and tools that have evolved over 1000's of years, mainly from Indian and Chinese traditions to help bring balance to the body systems. I have a website: <a href="https://www.elementalwellness.life/">https://www.elementalwellness.life/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So this wasn't our first move... though this one was different, very different and it has to be said it wasn't so hard, with kids now in their teens and pretty well dialed in to planes and airports and what is going on travelling has become pretty easy. What was hard was the context of travelling during the time of Covid; what would usually be pretty straightforward was suddenly fraught with uncertainty. From booking to paying to meeting requirements to travel, to checking in... And we were all saying good-bye Myanmar, the friends, the house lived in for 4 years, and Karma, the family dog (not a happy dog) would have to stay behind for his rabies vaccine waiting period for 3 months! The boys Mum too would remain and join later in the summer with a planned move to Europe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My sons finished their virtual schooling June 18 and we made plans to get out of Myanmar. There was a bi-weekly 'relief' flight to Seoul, Korea and an uncertain weekly UN Humanitarian Air Service flight to Kuala Lumpur. We opted for the former, with western Canada being our end destination flying to Korea was on the way. Unfortunately the Monday flight gets you in early on Tuesday and there is no Tuesday flight to Vancouver until the next day, and you can't stay in Seoul more than 24hrs without being quarantined there... so we ended up going via Narita and Vancouver with Calgary being our end destination... nothing so simple about booking that I can tell ya.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is a great website btw to help decode entry to different countries </span><a href="https://flattenthecurve.global/"><span style="font-size: large;">https://flattenthecurve.global/</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We checked in early arriving by 6:30 pm for a 9:00pm departure, we were helping friends who will move to Calgary from Yangon in August by using our extra bag allowance to carry '3 bags full' for them. Pretty cheap, I negotiated a discount down to $100 ea extra bag then all 6 bags were tagged through to Calgary... sweeeet! Nothing I like more on a long multi airport trip than saying good-bye to my bags at the beginning and hello at the end! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There were no questions about final destination (we have Canadian passports), no request for the 'fit to fly' certificates, Covid negative tests, etc... nada. Smooth sailing and why shouldn't it be? Myanmar, country of 55 Million people porous border with China and Thailand and yet </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">only 6 deaths and 317 cases </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(time of writing)</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">, no increased mortalities in the population over 3 months... </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">surely is one of the lowest Covid19 risk places on earth (one of the highest for dengue fever which so far in 2020 has killed ). And please, let's not talk about testing; once I understood the 'accuracy' of the PCR test and how testing was being done either randomly or using a prescribed method or in a targeted (new arrivals, symptompatics, case tracing) manner, I stopped watching the stats, especially comparing countries... a terrific way to waste time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Yangon Airport was of course deserted. I think we were the only flight. The moving goal-posts of Airport re-opening dates have been a real feature here usually announced 3 days before-hand first it was mid-June then end-June, mid-July and now end-July is the newest prospective date to re-open. Though rumour has it perhaps the Airport will reopne in October. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Korean Airlines 'relief' flight (I believe it is so-named because it relieves the pressure in Myanmar felt by 'trapped' expats and Myanmar people trapped elsewhere...) has been running 2x/week since the beginning of airport closures and Seoul's Incheon airport was one of the first to reopen and so people are now flying east to Seoul to then fly west to Europe, convenient though to go to North America and other places in Asia. Good strategy by the Myanmar and the Koreans!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sensibly Myanmar stays in step with Thailand on 're-opening' as do clusters of other countries in ASEAN ; Bangkok being the biggest travel hub in SE Asia. And Thailand is being super cautious knowing it has a responsibility not only to its own population but to the region, and the world. Nice folks, and smart. The China factor presents an interesting conundrum, who is going to open up to China first? And when will the political/economic pressure come to bear to open to the big money of China tourism? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was kind of funny when our gate number changed 30mins before boarding... I mean why, when there were no other flights!? We made our way to the new gate through darkened deserted departure areas, the airport wifi didn't even work, and the only public announcement was the one reminding you to keep distance, mask up and wash hands every 5 mins. A kiosk with coffee, fizzy drinks, beer, cup-noodle and candy bars brought up the rear as our passenger group straggled to the new gate. I had my last Myanmar Premium beer! I like Yangon airport, it is clean, quiet, not too big or busy, has all the amenities (full disclosure) including a Burger King where we ritually pay homage to junk food exceptionally indulging when departing, but not this time; like all other shops and restaurants, even Burger King was closed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We were greeted at the door by flight crew in their new dapper Covid duds, well-protected, the evident presumption of contagion supercedes the logic that given the low incidence in Myanmar and that 'stay-at-home' has been in place since April, we could hardly be infected. Can't be too careful and what airline wants a single case to originate on it's flight!? So we were distant from other people, food came and had been plasticized more than I've ever seen, at least on this leg we got wine... all other flights there was no wine... that's when you know things are serious and you have to question the wisdom of flying in the time of Covid... I mean no wine? Seriously?</span></div>
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So it began, sterile uncrowded planes from one airport to the next, Yangon (RGN) to Seoul (ICH) to Tokyo (NRT) to Vancouver (YVR) to Calgary (YYC). It has to be said, planes these days at least with Korean and Air Canada are pretty clean places, better than your average Tim Hortons or Starbucks for sure. The recirculated air is hepa filtered, everyone is masked, some more than others and you might get your own row which is a nice perk for the over-night's and if you don't then there is at least a seat between people. Our first was an overnight and only 5 hrs long unfortunately because we each had a row to ourselves and could stretch out.</div>
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We had 6 hrs wait in the shiny Incheon Airport terminal building outside Seoul, no complaints except nothing was open when we arrived and when they did open at 7am, there was really nothing to be had. We self-declared our Wellness and in return got nifty little certificates.</div>
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Our wait was fine, able to charge up all devices and even get a wee bit more sleep on nice chairs and sleepers in spacious environs; we sat far in excess of the 2m distancing required. The airport is all glass, steel and marble and was pretty eerily empty, would have been great to have a skateboard or inline skates.</div>
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Out on the tarmac you could sense through a rainy morning the issues at hand, not only here but globally, fleets of luggage carriers, planes sitting idle for weeks and months add up to people idle too, poverty rising with unemployment, airlines going bankrupt, airports going bankrupt and then your mind wanders towards the impact on tourist economies and how absolutely devastating this continues to be. </div>
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Before long you start wondering about lock-down as a means of doing what exactly.... containing the virus? Actually yes to some degree, but mostly it was implemented to avoid overwhelming healthcare systems and give time for public health and medical exploration as to the best way forward ... that's what 'flatten the curve' was all about. What about countries with already overwhelmed healthcare systems and precarious economies (most lower income countries)? Is lockdown a viable strategy for them where there is little capacity for government support to small businesses and the newly unemployed, no public safety net... only the prospect for broader misery and deeper poverty (which btw translates globally to more hungry children). Lockdown for many countries, Myanmar being one, has been a serious mis-adventure, one that has ruined the economy and caused great suffering and continues to do so as the economic 'second wave' has not yet hit. But more on that in another blog. Onward.</div>
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The flight from Seoul to Narita was surprisingly 'crowded' if you can call 2/3 full crowded, it is a less than 2 hour flight and well, to be honest we were not the best dressed in terms of PPE!</div>
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Really, the international flights were bubbles of cleanliness, I can speak only of the planes we were on; my understanding is that elsewhere, places where masks are being challenged and mistrust of government advice is more the norm, flights may not be so hygenic, but all of ours were amazing, and we were breathing sanitized hepa filtered air!</div>
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On the plane to Narita we had to fill in 6 forms... some of which had no English translation, the flight crew helped but didn't know since we were in transit for only 3 hours whether we had to complete them or not. In the end, I mean really, the 3 of us and any other transit passenger, chucked their forms in the bin! Tut tut.</div>
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Tokyo airport was like the others, granted it was early but most things were closed, people kept distance sat apart, everyone was masked. As we were leaving Dunkin Donuts opened so we got some 'breakfast'. The departure boards curiously showed more cancelled flights than those 'on time' and I'm not sure why the cancelled ones would be on the board at all, must auto-poll and post the data and they can't turn it off or something.</div>
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Our flight to Vancouver, the longest leg at 9 hrs was painless aboard a rather nice 777. We somehow ended up in Premium Economy which, if you have the whole row as we did I don't advise because the armrest is where the tray table is and doesn't fold up so you can't lie down across seats! Sigh. Who knew!</div>
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The Air Canada flight crew were as usual well aged (like a fine wine) and their usual courteous blasé selves, I swear Air Canada flight attendants are taught to be staid and just the right side of polite so as not to lose their jobs. Asian airlines, crews are younger and more peppy, helpful and don't have that 'don't piss me off, I've been doing this 30 years attitude', because in Asia people are grateful to have a job and that they get to travel is a huge thing. </div>
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We were seated pretty much in our own rows I'd guess they spread the customers out and seat placement on the advance seating chart adjusts with the numbers booked. Sterility wasn't overly evident on this flight, PPE wasn't over the top, but neither were there pillows, nor blankets despite the length of the flight. I think this is a bit of a cheat from AC, always looking to cut corners. We know that pillow-cases or pillows are usually disposed of and blankets are collected for laundering after every flight so where is the risk? Not to mention that they only have to carry less than 1/4 of what they normally do. </div>
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The dinner came (no wine or fizzy drinks...why?) all the food wrapped in plastic. I'll say that it was pretty good like 6/10 even though nothing on it had seen a farmers field anytime recently. Like hospital food, you can complain endlessly about airplane food but what's the point, you have to simply be grateful for being fed 10km up in the sky zooming along at 1000 kph... soaring in the jetstream in the middle of a pandemic. </div>
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And so we landed through the cloudy drizzly morning, having crossed the dateline over the Pacific we were back to being Monday morning again. Sigh. Two Monday mornings, lucky us. Vancouver Airport was also empty, time of day and Covid combined it was eerily quiet. We had our Covid self-declarations in hand, it is a form with information and a tick-box list that we understood and agreed to self-isolate for 14 days in one location, go directly from the airport, have someone deliver food, etc. There was a space for a phone number, address and email address, I had my Myanmar mobile number and I was pretty sure that wouldn't work so I gave a Calgary friend's number, our Air BnB address and my email address. The form said we would be contacted within 3 days and possibly every 24hrs. I wondered how the form and information would even get to Alberta and when.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was so nice to pass the familiar Salish spindle whorl, an eagle around a man welcoming travellers, the world's largest and to see the Salish Houseposts greeting people to Canada is warm and reassuring that you have arrived. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">That is the usually bustling immigration hall, in younger years of arriving back it's here I'm usually pulled out of the queue for extra-special treatment by Immigration officers, not this time, we waltzed straight on down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We approached Border services all three of us and presented the 'single household' Covid declaration form to the officer. I was a bit surprised that it was here that our form got the look over and to confirm that we understood the tick-list. When I mentioned about the phone number he didn't flinch, in fact he didn't really seem to care and had an attitude while asking us questions that I found curious; either he didn't think it was something to take seriously or he didn't think it was his job to ask... something like that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Apparently this is what is supposed to happen, didn't really happen that way, was softer, less strident.. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/multimedia/ncov/air-avion-eng.html">https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/multimedia/ncov/air-avion-eng.html</a> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">and well to be honest, less serious.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyway, the officer's parting words as we passed into Canada were 'Welcome Home' so that was nice. We were hungry and since our bags were checked through we hustled to Domestic departures, I was surprised to see as I passed the exit for International Arrivals no Covid checking people, no nurse greeting to see if all was well, no one checking to see that people were in fact getting in a vehicle to to directly to their self-isolation location. Nope people just milling about and exiting waiting for friends, all having come off the same plane, all from overseas, most Canadian. Was a bit odd.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Doing as good Canadians do when on a morning flight, we headed to Tim Hortons eh! This is where for the first time in months I felt the most exposed to the virus. I think we caught a shift change as there were quite a few worker types milling about getting coffee and breakfast, unmasked for the most part, a crowd looking pretty much like normal. This was a bit surprising given what we thought we knew of the response to Covid here and it was not the armageddon we were prepared for. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The flight to Calgary was less 'hygenic' than any of the previous 4 but it was a domestic commuter hop, most people flying anyway should be at least symptom free. Arrival was uneventful and soon our 6 bags appeared off the baggage carousel. I was running about looking for a place to buy a SIM card so I had a phone number but none to be found. We exited, our friends were there waiting, one to pick up the 3 bags that we had carried and the others with a spare car so we could self-drive 'directly to our place of isolation' as per instructions. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our cute little place of self-isolation on a sunny day, the days were not all sunny ;-)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We had arrived, I understand why returning Canadians have to self-isolate I do... I don't get why we can't be trusted to go for walks in parks or beaches, the requirement is that you stay on the private property or if in a hotel stay in your room. Pretty restrictive, where is the understanding that sunlight and exercise support immunity and wellness? Methinks they missed something not trusting the population and this is a mistake, educated people are better off with the opportunity to self-govern. It's when they stray that perhaps government needs to step in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">That said, we have been trusted to behave these past 14 days; my friend has received 2 automated phone calls and I have had 2 emails reminding me of the rules. We heard on 01 July that Canada had done a good enough job of containing the virus that we are on the list of countries able to enter the EU! So they must be doing something right. A frontline healthcare worker here in Calgary told me yesterday that for her Canadians should be thanked for staying home and locking down the way they were required... she says a major health crisis was averted. If that's the case then for sure the people of Myanmar deserve big cudos as well! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">That's it... Welcome to Canada in the time of Covid, our next travel will be to Europe! Stay tuned!</span></div>
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Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-15562930795575451922019-05-21T10:31:00.000-05:002019-06-02T21:32:27.298-05:00Part III: To screen or not to screen that is the question: teenagers and screen time <b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our context</span></u></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Put another way the title of this blog could also read 'to do or to be, that is the question'! I have blogged on screens and screen time for kids twice,<span style="color: #444444;"> <a href="https://daddyoh-daniel.blogspot.com/2015_02_22_archive.html">4 years ago</a> </span><span style="color: #444444;">and the time before that was</span><span style="color: #444444;"> <a href="https://daddyoh-daniel.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-screen-part-1-dilemma.html">2014</a></span> though I think about it often and live daily the rapid evolution of all things internet and my children's interaction with it. I realise that engagement with a screen is a <u>very</u> active 'doing' practice not at all a 'being' one. It is very busy for the mind, and this stands in contrast to what kids might otherwise be engaged in which is 'being'; hitting a tennis ball against a wall, football with friends, lying in the sun or swimming, building with bricks, riding a bike, imagining with dolls, cars, alone or together in person with someone else, whatever... an activity known as Playing! I have 2 boys, now a tween and early teen, their lives are being messed with; its time to update. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'll throw in a contextual caveat early because it has an effect; we live internationally, currently in Myanmar, before that it was Nepal, before that Ecuador, before that Lebanon, before that... you get the picture. We don't live stable lives where we can measure annual height progress against the doorframe or where we can run to the grocer and say hey because he's the same guy who sent a veggie plate to your first born's baptism. Sadly we don't really live in community, old friends and relatives are far away spread around the world, we visit them on holidays and not often. Locally the 'hood isn't very accessible, I mean its friendly enough but few people speak English and in this country newly opened to foreigners we are regarded with curiosity, still a novelty and treated with suspicion by some... it means aside from a few friends from school who live close by, we don't have community. And online community via social media pales in comparison to having thoughtful friends and wise elders living around the corner.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The other notable difference for us is that my sons go to a British curriculum international school rather than a public school. Burmese parents who can afford it strive to get their kids out of the public school system not known for it's progressive rigour in the education sector though it is reforming. The boy's school is well resourced and the kids there have all the toys, they wear a uniform (gasp) and across the board I'd say they want for nothing. This year, the 5th in its young life, the school, (I like to think) listened to parent-feedback and to their own good sense and have not sent home Macbook Air's for Secondary and iPads for Primary kids. It was making life screen-hell at home, the boys felt entitled to be on screen the minute they came home, the concept of screens and screen time being a privilege rather than a right was degraded by this school policy. The policy was almost transparently a marketing ploy and that they axed it must have had a financial angle... 'nuff said they came to their senses and for that I am grateful.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Online life is different here in Myanmar. Internet is slower than in neighbouring Thailand but then it is much younger. Only 5 years ago a SIM card cost $200 and only 7 or 8 years it cost $2000 for a government monitored manky 3G data connection. Now it costs $3 for quite zippy 4G data. You can imagine the implications the sudden access to information and opinions combined with the low level of 'net literacy' has had. Imagine how much influence what appears online has to someone who has not had the benefit of living the evolution as information now delivered literally into their hands. Fake news for example, fools even the savvy e-content consumer; for those new to the medium and who didn't have access even to TV... hmm, you can see quite a problem developing. Facebook sees some of its highest <a href="https://www.internetworldstats.com/stats3.htm"><span style="color: #666666;">penetration rates</span></a> in emerging markets like Myanmar. Some providers in Myanmar only give access to Facebook and very many people think FB is the internet (shock horror). And while more internet-evolved countries have moved on to Insta, Twitter, Snapchat, Reddit, etc away from Facebook, we are still in it deep, so much so a recent </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=23575">UN Human Rights report</a> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">indicated FB un-vetted posts influenced public opinion and fanned the flames of hate during the Rohingya crisis of the past 2 years.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">WiFi is not as prevalent here and often the signal is not strong or the band-width too narrow. By contrast 4G (and I fear soon 5G) is easy to get though not as cheap as in neighbouring Thailand and pretty fast. At my residence I can use Skype and Zoom easily and stream Netflix nearly without pause with pre-paid 4G and use my phone as a hotspot. Also, as parents we are not heavily invested in </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">the virtual reality fad</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> (we don't have the hardware), so I can't comment on this innovation or how it is problematic or not. Neither of the boys are into PS4 or X-Box mostly because we thankfully opted for the Wii and Nintendo's Switch, it has to be said though the unique hand-held option for this gaming platform is a mixed blessing; portability can be a curse.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the USA particularly there is much concern for online safety for children and certainly teens are surfing far and wide so this is a well-founded fear though has to be seen in context; given the pervasive atmosphere of 'fear' and the incessant fear-mongering by media and government in the USA it is not surprising that there is a near-obsessive focus on it. Online safety shouldn't need to be the centre of attention, it serves as a distraction from the main issue, the problems central to the internet and screen time with kids are deeper and more pervasive affecting their psychology, the integrity of their participation as responsible citizens and their individual wellness. (As an aside it is an interesting analogy for USA society, where the focus on personal safety and national security in general distracts people easily and erodes community building, family values and social order, fodder for another blog to be sure.) All being said about teens on screens it is wise to be cautious and this website unpackages it for you. Please take the bits relevant to your context: </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.wizcase.com/blog/a-comprehensive-cyberbullying-guide-for-parents/"><span style="color: #444444;">https://www.wizcase.com/blog/a-comprehensive-cyberbullying-guide-for-parents/</span></a>.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well-heeled international schools like the one my sons go to are quite savvy teaching the kids about the various traps inherent to being online, I believe (and pray) that this is sinking in with them and that they become discerning internet users. I advocate for everyone with children to go to <span style="color: #999999;"><a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/">https://www.commonsensemedia.org</a></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #999999;">/</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">and take time to peruse the 'Advice for Parents' tab. Take your time. And with your youngster vet their games or video choices and teach them to be informed consumers.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://daddyoh-daniel.blogspot.com/2015_02_22_archive.html">What has changed since 2015</a>?</span></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">My kids have aged!</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Now 12 and 14 year old boys they are no longer children per se, they are tweenager and teenager. Their needs have changed, their interests have diversified, their skills have honed both in terms of knowledge of coding and what games and resources are high quality. Their ability to maneuver characters in online games is truly astounding; if you thought it was cute watching your 3 yr old swipe up and down, left and right check out a 14yr old's skills with a gaming mouse!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Content (games, websites, apps, anime, etc) </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">they are able to access has widened, most have ratings that are 12+ or 13+ acknowledging the shift in cognitive understanding as kids mature and grow. Its a bit scary when you look at some of what the various sites have to offer to your 13 year old. Lately I was checking out Civilization 6 add-on packs with my 14 year old, it is very interesting weaving in climate change as a factor in building your empire though the final statement in the orientation session says 'Learn how to control the elements' quite the wrong paradigm to be encouraging... we know we can't control the elements, we should all be better off learning how to 'work with' the elements right?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Add to this the boom of online websites, like the .io games available on any device and they are often free. We used to filter access saying we only would look at free games, etc, now much of what was once 'pay to play' is free. What developers have figured out is that 'if you build it they will come', get the players on board and then bring in the dosh through the sale of accessories, cosmetics, add-ons, upgrades. So clever and kids unschooled in the wiles of marketers are rather open to the opportunities. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cosmetics are interesting, as they don't affect game play much but kids susceptible to the 'cool factor' who want the newest skin or what-have-you will have to pay for it much as they once needed the newest cool high-tops, or haircuts or fashion accessories.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">YouTube is incredible now, I mean it always was but now, simply WOW. According to YouTube at the time of writing they have over 1.3Billion users, one out of two internet users views YouTube. Imagine how many channels there are available to your child. I'm told by he who knows (my 14yr old) to comment more about how content on YouTube has changed. Very popular are older Tubers (those in their 20's and 30's) who post instructional videos of themselves at gameplay on popular sites like Fortnite and Minecraft. Reality tubers are bigger than reality TV. Theres a whole culture going on out there, as evidenced by the BeautyYouTube tiff and that of pewdiepie vs t series... (seriously if you've never heard of these you gotta check it out). Often these Tubers were tech savvy screen teens who are now making a bundle (millions!) adding masses of content which can be pretty good stuff but when you consider the sheer mass, much of it is crap. Often content is delivered with questionable language, misogynist messaging, violent undertones and who knows what other less than desirable modelling behaviours. Suffice it to say there are also movie previews galore, and a ton of distractions and its not that they are all bad, some are great but there is no filter, only the brain of your growing child. Who monitors what their teens watch? YouTube Kids is for 8 and under, if you put the adult content filter on your browser it blocks out YouTube completely so is overly limiting for teens; over-restriction builds resentment and encourages finding ways to get around the restriction so is counter-productive.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Content they want to access</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> has changed. According to </span><a href="https://www.reuters.com/sponsored/article/popularity-of-gaming?utm_source=reddit.com" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Reuters</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> online gaming for example has blown wide open, Gaming is now the number one entertainment media out there for kids, even surpassing television! With games like Fortnite they can play with their friends and a plethora of others. There is live-chat during the game and they can chat with people they don't know as well as their friends and be exposed to any language. These aren't new games but there are many more now, Fortnite for example can be played on most common platforms (X-box, Switch, Playstation, etc) and it is available on all mobile devices IOS or Android, this is a new evolution.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Boredom </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">is the anathema for teenagers; you have to ask yourself, before handheld screens, WiFi or 4G what did they do with 'free time'? What did you do? Was there not significant value in day dreaming on long car or train rides or while waiting for a friend to show up or your turn at the dentist office. No value in watching the rain fall down the windows or the snow blow around trees in a blizzard? Did you not have more conversations, learn something from that person on the bus you saw everyday or just get into more mischief, have more adventures with your friends? Share a smile, a chuckle or a frown on the subway, bus or plane? Did you happen to meet your partner because you were looking dreamily around you and caught the eye, instead of down isolated in an artificial domain? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There has been much written lamenting the loss of 'boredom' particularly now operating from within an active 'doing' paradigm rather than a more passive 'being' paradigm; the distraction available is ever-present and taking us to who knows where but definitely away from within ourselves. Where has the time gone for self-reflection, for inner growth and realization? As this </span><a href="https://greatist.com/happiness/benefits-of-boredom" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">article</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> points out Newton was simply sitting under an apple tree when the idea of gravity came to him and who can say how many other innovations emerged from people simply being instead of doing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Necks and eyes</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> with kids as tweens and teens I'm checking out their neck bent posture (and pronation) and thinking too about the state of their eyes evolving a focal length closer than if you were reading a book. I'm a </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.elementalwellness.life/">Wellness consultant</a> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and am aware of how structure affects function. Surely there is a deleterious effect with a permanent kink in your brain stem though it isn't clear how or when this will manifest. I'd posit it already is showing up in behaviour and how kids think... their attention span for example! Certainly I wonder about evolution and whether people will start to evolve a closer focal length. From an energetic point of view it is more than that. It's about the isolation and the energetic distance you put between yourself and others when there is a screen involved. You see 1 in 2 people on public transport everywhere (even where I live in Yangon) on their phones, no one interacting, no communication even though you are easily within their energetic comfort zone. Somehow, having earphones in, or focused on your chat or reading on the screen you have shielded, distanced yourself from those around you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What up? What can we do!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I set out writing this intending to provide some experience driven advice for how to manage tweens and teens and their screens. But what to say, each parent has their own take on it, each youngster has their approach and interest... and excuses for why they MUST be on screen NOW, or why they CAN'T go off-screen or there will be some excuse... 'my friends are online, they expect me to be there' is the newest one in our house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fostering a digitally minimal life is probably the best way forward, setting the example is critical and likely the hardest part; so limiting your own screen time, especially in front of the kids. It also means not buying into the latest innovations, getting the fastest connections, seeking the 24/7 online solution... It means finding perspective on this, a perspective that works for you and your children's futures. For example right now and in our school community, it seems that being digitally connected and keeping up is a priority. Can we step down, step back, not participate? I'm not so sure. I have maintained a digital footprint and use social media mostly because my nomadic world community is global, friends in many time zones. And partly because I do not want to get left behind my kids and not know what they were doing. I am anyway getting left behind in gaming, I am not a gamer at all, no time for it. Blood sport games are still off the menu at our house, but gaming apps have figured that out so you in many games you don't kill people but you do kill the opponent in whatever form they take, often humanoid. What to do!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The disconnect as we live increasingly urbanized, mechanized, automated lives is a disconnect from the natural world. How far can we get from nature sitting in an concrete and steel apartment building, electronics all around us and our heads bent over a screen? We are only now learning that electro magnetic radiation from modems, 5G, phones likely has quite a harmful effect on cell structure.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When the distance grows between us and the natural world, we fail to understand the impact of plastic consumption, of burning fossil fuels, of the value of friendships and community; we fall out of the natural rhythms of the earth and forget that to live successful fulfilling lives we need to be in harmony with the elements, we cannot control things like the weather, we must learn to work with nature as a part of eco-system and find the balance that will serve us and that will serve our children best.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I leave you with the commentary below from Clay Skipper in GQ magazine, and Richard La Flower. Jenny Hill also penned this great article recently affirming all of the above... its out there folks...pay attention: '<a href="https://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/harmful-effects-of-mobile-phone-on-children/?fbclid=IwAR34MjHr3SiMFepvgdF0pE1HhQrBh7_7riyWP-9cbJa7J0ieII23Qdx8Qgo"><span style="color: #666666;">Smartphones, tablets causing mental health effects on kids as young as tw</span>o'</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;">You write about digital distraction as a way we can avoid ever having to be with ourselves. What's the value in having to turn inward?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;">You have to actually confront yourself and engage in self-reflection: thinking about your life, what's important, what's working, and what's not working. And this process of self-shaping is absolutely crucial to building an impactful and flourishing life. That's when you shape yourself. That's when a life of focus and value is built.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The second thing, and maybe this sounds a bit more trivial, is that through time immemorial, the way that people dealt with this void—whenever they were lucky enough to be in a time and place where they had some leisure time—was to seek out high quality leisure activities.... usually highly social, highly skilled activities. As Aristotle used to write, these activities you do just for the sake of the activities—just for the quality and joy of it—gives you this resilience that makes it much easier to deal with all the other hardships of life. Your life is not just all hardships, there's these things that we do that are intrinsically full and joyful.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you can taper over the void with a constant stream of distractions—make it just comfortable enough that you don't have to confront it—you're in a really bad situation. Now you're avoiding that self-reflection that you need to actually grow up and to build a life worth living. Also, you can distract yourself enough that you never have to answer that drive to actually fill your life with the quality activities: getting engaged with your community; picking up a skilled hobby; art and poetry; these type of things.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I think it's actually pretty dire. Yes, it's scary not to be distracted, but I think it's even more scary to avoid all of the deep good that comes from having to just be there with yourself, and confront all of those difficulties and opportunities that entails.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><a href="https://www.gq.com/story/cal-newport-digital-minimalism?fbclid=IwAR1CR_tywEvMBKde6nIqlYiO7APUfikRepndacgFSpPQJk8-f8jIqbr8N0A" style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;">https://www.gq.com/story/cal-newport-digital-minimalism?fbclid=IwAR1CR_tywEvMBKde6nIqlYiO7APUfikRepndacgFSpPQJk8-f8jIqbr8N0A</a></span></div>
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Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-24514330927979579732018-12-29T06:14:00.002-05:002019-05-21T04:18:40.179-05:00From Couch to Khumbu... Trekking with kids in the Himalaya!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Decision taken. We were headed for the high himal, the Everest Region, land of the Sherpa people in Nepal. Exciting! In the late '80's (and my early 20's) I had worked as a trip leader for groups of trekkers back in the early days of what flourished to become eco-tourism and had been through the valleys and towns of the region many times usually en route to Everest Base Camp. The last time though had been in 1998 on a vacation from Vietnam and that was before Nepal had been through its heart-wrenching civil war.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We were living in Kathmandu, with a normal schedule around school and activities, we don't actually spend that much time on the couch but one day we decided to up and off to the Khumbu! This time it was with our kids... the boys, ages 8 and 10, old enough to do the walking and appreciate where we were going... to see Everest and be among Sherpa friends to visit their culture... the lure of the yeti skull reported to be kept in the Sherpa village of Khumjung also helped fan the fire of enthusiasm. And the prospect of finding snow, that helped too! Enthusiasm... the main ingredient to having fun trekking with children; its not necessarily an easy ask, the anticipation is clouded by the hard work required at least in the phase of discussing it with 8 and 10yr olds... you need their buy-in for things to go smoothly! And if they insist on their latest 359 page book to bring along... just go with it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Selecting</b> a trek is about several things, not least of which is determining the level your kids and you are capable of... how many days, consideration of altitude, length of the trekking day, facilities en route and the possibilities of evacuation. The <a href="http://www.greathimalayatrail.com/theTrails.php?cId=2&trId=4" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">treks about the front ranges of the Annapurnas (Ghorepani/Ghandruk/Poon Hill for example) out of Pokhara</span></a> are popular starter treks since they can range in duration from 3 -9 days. <a href="http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/asia/nepal/trekking/langtang-helambu-and-gosainkund/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Langtang is also short, popular and close to Kathmandu, so is Helambu and the new Tamang Heritage trek. </span></a> Trekking in Khumbu is also popular, region of the Sherpa people with its monastery's and mountain history centred around Sagarmatha (Everest) which if lucky with the weather you can spot on your second day on trek. Flying to Lukla (possibly the world's most errr, <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2353434/Photographer-captures-plane-landing-clifftop-Nepalese-runway-Tenzing-Hillary-Airport.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">interesting place to land</span></a>) a bit of a thrill all on its own, you can also walk-in to Khumbu in 5-7 days. There are plenty of other treks to choose from so ask around and see what others have experienced.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Organizing</b> the trek is the first step towards making it happen and can be done in different ways... when we went to the Annapurnas we booked with an agency in Pokhara to get a guide and porters... easy enough to do. Check the qualifications of your guide... at a minimum they need to have taken the 6 Week guides course (and have a license they can show you), know the area you're planning on going (preferably be from there) and speak enough English (if your Nepali is lacking). Experience needs to balance with your own... if you are an experienced mountain traveller then you may not need a hotshot guide... you need to be comfortable and confident with who ever goes with you and it isn't enough that they are good with your kids because if something were to happen and they didn't have training to find a solution... look what happened in the <a href="https://www.thebmc.co.uk/storm-on-annapurna-prompts-blizzard-of-promises" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Annapurnas in October 2014</span></a>. On our Everest trip all we needed was a single porter, I knew the route well enough and have background and experience in mountain travel including at altitude, and so we got a young fella from Solu Khumbu through a Lukla hotel where I used to stay, he had a nice smile and was friendly and strong and knew where we were going, thats all that I required of him balanced with my own experience. When you book through an agency there is the added advantage of being assured that the guide will also have insurance and be properly equipped. Recently a Nepali friend, an experienced guide, had serious problems at altitude and had to be heli-evacuated... insurance is key.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Equipping</b> yourselves properly comes next and proper <b>footware</b> probably the most important thing. Despite the plethora of trekking supply shops in Kathmandu to find children's trekking boots (below size 36) is a task. What works is sturdy trainers, if you can find them those with higher ankle tops are best. Shoes are important so getting this part right is critical, normally you size trekking boots a size bigger than normal (to accommodate thicker socks) but don't get carried away! A loose boot is asking for blister trouble. If you're of a mind to go trekking you'd do well to source trekking boots for little'uns outside of Nepal. Kids 6 years and up can carry their own <b>back-pack</b>... most want to. In it though are the bare necessities... a fleece jacket, a light water-proof jacket, their water bottle, sunglasses and hat and maybe a little snackage. Thats all they need to carry and importantly it has to be light because as a last resort, to get them over that final hill, you might need to carry it! Your back-pack needs the same as the kids, and a proper First Aid kit. Go light, if you need more, your porters will be walking with you and you can always get from him/her what you need during the day. Depending on the time of year the rest of the <b>packing</b> can be light as well. On our Annapurna trip we had 2 bags for the 4 of us for 5 days, this time we had 1 for 7 days. We went through everything and didn't have to do laundry! If you're taking a flight bags should weigh no more than 20kgs. I'm not going to publish a gear list here, there are tons on the internet to refer to but go light whatever you do, that old axiom of halving what you think you need to take when travelling... halve it again when you go trekking.. With children who are out of diapers, the only 'extras' are things to occupy them... (not including screen devices!), playing cards, travel chess, etc. With kids who are still in diapers... bon courage, beware of altitude with wee ones, their sleep needs, and of course mindful of the un-biodegradeability of disposable diapers and where you are going. My kids needed books so a Kindle or such-like would have reduced our collective weight considerably! A solar charger would not be a bad thing if you bring a reading tablet. Remember your porter carries your bag... so be kind!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Attitude</b> is everything on a trip to anywhere with kids. Nepali guides and porters are renown for encouraging and egging kids along, singing with them, and picking them up and carrying them if that is what is needed. Rest assured, on most of the common treks you absolutely don't have to walk further than you feel you need to on most given days, there is always a teahouse over the next hill, around the next bend. So don't stress about getting where you had a plan to get to... discuss with your guide/porter, see what they think. Often they will under-estimate... err on the side of caution and that is fine, they know what they are doing. Enjoy the early morning, the mid-morning, the lunch spot, the afternoon walk.... you get the drift... just enjoy where you are, value the place you have found yourself to be in... the high himal! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Altitude</b> is one of those things that can become a major pre-occupation and a trip-wrecker if you let it be one; <b>your attitude about altitude is key</b>. Yes altitude needs to be properly understood, yes it can be serious... all that means is for you to be prepared...so do the research ahead of time. Many of our fears are based in the unknown... so know about altitude. Understand that essentially you will trek so that you acclimatize well if you follow your guide's and guidebook's advice, do not short-cut to save time. If they say you need to spend a day acclimatizing then do so. Don't worry about the kids, but do keep an eye on them. Know signs and symptoms of altitude sickness, pulmonary and cerebral oedema but don't obsess. And don't panic because going down altitude (down hill) is always an option in night or day... and it is usually the cure all. When and if in doubt ask a trip leader, they usually have high competency and experience with altitude related problems and can offer advice, err on the side of caution always even if it means significant compromises to your trip. Never forget where you are, in the highest mountains in the world, subject to all the various challenges that come with high mountain travel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Kids can be a challenge to have on such an adventure but you have friends along to help, so let them... and they sleep really well on trek! Let go of control, you're up in thin air, the best you can remember to do is breathe, smile and enjoy the sunshine. I love trekking with my son's. They love the connection to the natural world, to the Nepali people and to each other. A couple of years later we did the trek up to Lo Mantang in Mustang and after that attempted a small trekking peak in the <a href="http://daddyoh-daniel.blogspot.com/2018/04/trip-notes-yala-peak-attempt-with-kids.html"><span style="color: black;">Langtang</span></a> region (picture above!)... as they grow they can do more and more! So much fun to watch them evolve!</span></div>
<br />Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-76325178742012206172018-10-16T10:42:00.001-05:002018-10-23T02:24:47.158-05:0055 Reflections: meanderings of a globalist<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Yes, I just turned 55! Whew...</span><br />
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<!--StartFragment-->
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1. The oldest person in the world died
recently at 110yrs old, wow, so I'm half way there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2. I'm 40 years younger than my Auntie
Margaret who while 1 generation away from me is actually 2 generations older
right? My eldest son is 43 years younger than me, he could also be my grandson.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcY4SYuoWnosSvnrqSlhLIUNbirl1OcsOWxN4PBrHyi_WnsJtAgAKjDviBY9TERiiDaFqnxrYKhXrj6yLtBO-LQFMWpJSTLmucwp12jQE9zahnHPlx9gBlAeYwdTohWHuBMGl_6ubLB6t/s1600/IMG_20180805_142244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcY4SYuoWnosSvnrqSlhLIUNbirl1OcsOWxN4PBrHyi_WnsJtAgAKjDviBY9TERiiDaFqnxrYKhXrj6yLtBO-LQFMWpJSTLmucwp12jQE9zahnHPlx9gBlAeYwdTohWHuBMGl_6ubLB6t/s320/IMG_20180805_142244.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3. I was born in 1963 as the jet
engine was taking off (literally) for commercial passenger transportation. To
emigrate to Canada in 1967 we had to fly from the UK via Gander, Newfoundland
(bless) and then go through immigration at the Port of Montreal and then fly on
to Edmonton in Alberta. (my Mum did this on her own with a mountain of baggage,
3kids under 4yrs old and my brother who was a very helpful 10yr old!) This year
I flew from Singapore to London in one hop on the Dreamliner. Cool right? Yet it has to
be said that jet travel hasn't changed much at all in terms of what it actually
is. Sure it is more efficient in fuel consumption because planes are lighter
and so they can fly higher, further, faster but they still burn fossil fuel in
a turbine driven internal combustion engine. Thing is though they still
transport us in a linear dimension from a to b over a continuum of time. Why is
that I wonder? (hint: big oil)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4. All said, air travel is <u>the</u>
miracle of our time imho, the way planes now fly at over 10,000m, at over 1000km/h,
catching the jet stream, soaring over the poles... its all quite sick. Airports
still suck... been to CDG in Paris or LHR or UIO (Quito) lately? Chinese
airports like in Kunming… sheesh! On the bright side there are airports like Changi in Singapore, the KLM
terminal at Schipol and the new Indian airports which are beginning to help ease the
pain, otherwise they are still like big bus stations and I'd still prefer
teleportation from one couch to the next.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5. Music has gone wobbly, in the '60's
it was fine, there were recognizable genres and some amazing innovations in
Jazz, Hip Hop, Reggae, Rock n Roll, Punk, etc... there has been a serious
splintering a new genre every new album, electronic music has opened up a new
esoteric (psychedelic) world and soon every band playing original songs will be
its own genre if not already... does our understanding of 'what is genre' get
wider or narrower?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">6. Access to Music and music storage
has changed incredibly in my lifetime from the radio, to vinyl records 45's,
78's, to 8 tracks, to cassettes to CD's, USB storage devices and now...
you can store your music on a cloud and still play it in your car... what’s the
next thing?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">7. Plastic has become the most evil
thing on the planet, and it is really evil. Plastic came into common use in the
60's and every piece of plastic produced then and since then still occupies the
planet... 8.3billion
tonnes https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-40654915. This is sick
and it is now entering the food chain in a manner that will shout at us through
our bodies and their illnesses. The consumption of fossil fuels is what will
kill us and the planet.... oh yes, doncha know, plastic is made from oil and
gas... google it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">8. My generation bears the blame for
not waking up soon enough to the excesses and indulgences that we have enjoyed
through our childhood and that have brought on the destruction of our
ecosystem. We (and while we can blame corporations and Keynesian economics),we
are culpable because we have ignored the warnings on global climate change
passed down very clearly from the Earth Summit in Rio in 1990, 38 years ago. We
have known things were going badly awry and we haven’t acted with nearly enough
urgency not on an individual, collective, governmental (dare I say corporate?)
or regional level to stop it. Government, big oil and corporate media
share the same bed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">9. We figure we are the smartest
beings on the planet, and yet we are the only species to engage in activities
that are destroying it, Initially (the agricultural revolution) and later in the
industrial revolution we didn’t really understand the science and anyway the
population pressure didn’t really present our activities as much of a problem…
now and for decades we have understood it and still we didn’t act, how smart is
that?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">10. Technological advances in the
computerization (now the digitalization) of everything have been simply
amazing, has it been a good thing? Or has it moved too fast? As we head into
the kind of scary age of robotics I'm not very convinced we are ready for it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">11. Miniaturization has really taken
hold, back in the day at my University the computer was in one big ventilated
room, the work-stations, monitors and keyboards in another with cables
connecting them all. It's a good thing everything has become smaller, carrying
around a desk-top sized computer in your pocket is just not convenient. The
question though is when miniaturization leads to skin and iris implants and the
opportunity for constant monitoring of our everything… have we reached the
moment to stop?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">12. Unprotected sex is dangerous these
days, has been for a while, though it hasn’t been like that forever. The sexual
revolution of the 60’s and 70’s changed it all in the Western countries from
whence I come. The condom, well its still the condom after all these years
‘bagging it’ is the same as it ever was. Flavours have changed, bumps, ribs and
dots in various combinations but otherwise, a rubber is still a rubber. And
still it is as disliked by men and women alike.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">13. Being a man has never been harder,
roles back in the day were well-defined (by other men) until women finally got
involved, now the role definitions in many societies are changing forever, the
process resulting in seeming unending social tumult as we roll from acceptance
to rejection to acquiescence to what?... to embracing a more balanced
understanding of our gender equality and living in peace and harmony? Really? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">14. There are too many people on the
planet, and the educated and wealthy few of them use up resources at a
prodigious rate as well as create the waste that is choking the planet and
retain the lion's share of the wealth. There is something deeply wrong and
quite disturbing with this picture that has evolved during my tenure here on
earth. The disparity of wealth continues to grow incredibly rapidly, no end in
sight and no divine intervention to get the top 1% (or 10%) to realise that
unless they spend and spend fast to support those down the line, we are all
doomed. Whether you have an excess of $1Million or $100Million who needs
excess?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">15. Transportation remains pretty
similar to what it was post steam turbine invention. Internal combustion
engine, 2 or 4 or more wheels, close the door and broom broom... not very
interesting. What happened to folding time on itself, teleportation, beam me up
Scotty? Very, very unimpressed here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">16. Vaccines were heralded as amazing
and who knows how many lives have been saved because of them, and now as well
clinical treatments became better, and better understood and people are saved
clinically. But things have become carried away and... its not clear how
vaccines are good all the time and everywhere; from the debate about
interfering in natural selection, the debate about their efficacy vs harms
(autism, allergies), the debate as to whether they should be mandatory
(shock/horror) and follow the 'protect the herd' formula. Is it black and
white, or a murky shade of grey? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">17. What to say about world peace? Politics
have gone stupid-as. Seriously, led by the USA, the corporate takeover of
politics or shall we just say the dominance of economic interest is very
clear and 'people first' the underlying principle of any good governance...
well you don't see it often. I had considered at one point of going into
community level politics, but these days I am given pause when I see the
nonsense that people engage in for their own self-aggrandizement or that of
their business interests. It simply isn't worth the effort and the stress and
grief. No wonder politicians are generally poorly equipped to govern, they are
not the sharpest pencils in the box, the sharp pencils are running corporations
that run the politicians.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">18. Traffic patterns mirror society.
Ever noticed that? How the traffic moves, how people react in their vehicles,
the rules that are in place and how they are enforced are reflections of how a
society functions, how well it is organized, how people treat each other, their
levels of tolerance, etc. From Kabul to Kathmandu, Edmonton to Yangon I've been
checking this out... blogworthy!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">19. Taking off is more risky than
landing.... a metaphor for life if ever there was one. How hard is it to bring
about change? Get it off the ground? That is when all risk is taken on board?
How many of us don't make changes because we don't like risk taking? And yet
how many of us need to make the change happen? Landing... pishaw, how hard can
that be when you have gravity on your side ;-)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">20. We live in an era where a quick
comeback can land you in a deep pile of doo-doo that you never expected....
people have a bit of a hard time taking a joke in these days of ultra-neo
political correctness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">21. I'm single again! Single with kids
and co-parenting. How does that feel? I don't know yet so new it is. More to
follow but there is a lurking sense of liberty in there somewhere. Perhaps as I
travel from East to West and back again this summer I'll feel it better. For
now the transition isn't easy and finding the right place to be, the place that
fits not an easy ask. For now it is a transition.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">22. Back in the day, as a man, you
could compliment a co-worker on her new hairstyle, or something she is wearing
just as an off-the-cuff remark (and maybe even a wink)... these days, well, you
gotta take care with that one... or youtoo could get the label... just sayin',
the remarkable absence of men's voices from the #metoo discussion itself speaks
volumes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">23. In just 3 generations (often only
2) we have forgotten how to grow food; how many people's parents grew some food
of their own, how many don't grow their own food?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">24. In just 2 generations (often only
1) we have forgotten how to cook our own food; how many people go out to eat at
least once/day or buy pre-packed ready to cook meals (often re-heated in a
microwave).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">25. Food. Don't get me started... we
have to recognize and realise and analyze and accept that the food we buy
whether in the fresh market, in the super market or that we put on our plates
is not what it used to be. Food has been adulterated, it has been tampered with
genetically, it has been sprayed and messed about with and in ways we have no
idea about. As I understand it, the manipulation of food production (glyphosate
spraying, fertilizing, GMO, pesticiding, corporate farming, etc) is in the
interest of producing enough to feed the world, when actually what we have is a
distribution problem, is disingenuous. And we are poisoning ground-water
sources and the oceans It smacks of corporate interest and is symptomatic of
the takeover of yet another industry by the economically powerful and
wrong-minded prioritization of commerce to serve profit not people. How did we
let this happen? In 2 or 3 generations we have lost small holder farming,
naturally organic growing and with it our food-connection to mother earth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">26. Travelling by plane is an economic
privilege; some would argue it is a necessity because of where they live and
for their work. But is it? Travelling by plane is also the single best way for
an individual to deepen their carbon footprint and therein lies the conundrum,
stepping into my footprinte would be a bit like falling into a rabbit hole, is
that deep.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">27. Where do I come from? Oh, you mean
my Race? Ethnicity? Nationality? Identity? Residency? or do you mean did I just
come from the pub? Please be specific, your question needs to reflect the
intention, what information are you after, what is behind your enquiry. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">28. Where am I from? Having not lived
in Canada now since 1997, have visited a few dozen or two times and still
identify as Canadian and am a citizen as well as the UK from whence I sprung
into the world. I am of Indian bloodline yetwas adopted early on and brought up
by British parents. Where am I from? For my sons' that is another question,
they have never had a sense of home identity, never lived in Canada or France
where their Maman is from. Kasem at 11 has lived in 5 countries, where is he
from? He is born in Malaysia but doesn't even have the right to citizenry there.
The trendiness of being Third culture kids pales in comparison to this
phenomenon that of ‘Multi-culture kids’ which is what mine are. Most
importantly is this going to be a confusion as they grow into their years of
establishing their identity or will they simply evolve into being global
citizens of no fixed address and that will be okay?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">29. Nothing is as it seems. Never
forget this and you won't ever be disappointed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">30. People are not who you think they
are, they are as complicated or as simple as you give them the perceptive space
to be.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">31. The vast majority of International
schools are built on a business model. Be conscious of this all ye who are
seeking one for your children. This is the lens to see them through when
various quirks and twerks reveal that their prime motivation is to make money.
Perhaps I am jaded, where my kids go to school in Yangon this has been clear,
only skillful management can add the depth of quality to this equation without
affecting the bottom line.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">32. Once your kids turn 12 they pay
adult fare to fly but on the majority of airlines still have to travel as
unaccompanied minors with additional surcharges. There is something wrong with
that. Either raise the age of paying an adult fare or get rid of the extra
charges. The most important thing for an airline is weight, all their costs are
fixed and it is with the weight that they play with their profit margin per
flight. So how is it that a 30kg 12 yr old with hand baggage pays as much (or
more if unaccompanied) as an 85kg adult with 23kgs of checked baggage and 7kgs
of hand baggage? The whole air travel pricing system needs to rethink around
who they are using as their profit centres.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">33. $75 is today's price for 1 barrel
(159L) of Brent Crude oil and the price is subject to global market forces
which as we know affects the cost of petrol, of manufacturing and of goods...
according to this article <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/japanese-invention-converts-plastic-into-oil">https://interestingengineering.com/japanese-invention-converts-plastic-into-oil</a> it
takes 1kg of plastic to make 1L of crude oil, quick bit of math.... thats about
$31/L. Some would argue that we need to reduce fossil fuel emissions not
increase them but while we are ramping up and bringing down renewal clean
energy costs, wouldn't this be the way forward? And who better positioned to
bring this one in... than big oil. Government plays a role, for every barrel
pulled from the ground one has to be made from Plastic... or you lose your
exploitation rights. If you agree and if you have stocks in big oil? SPEAK UP,
its the ultimate CSR, or remain part of the problem (see 48 below).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">34. Speak up, the silent majority has
to speak up. It isn't enough any longer to stay quiet in the corner nodding. If
you see an injustice, say something, if you aren't actively involved and
contributing to the solution... then you're part of the problem (see 49 below).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">35 Balance is the key, at the
individual level and on up through families and communities we have to find a
balance everyone has yin and yang and yang has dominated for so long from
left-brain oriented schooling to decisions based on economics (or politics!)
not people... the state of the planet is the evidence, we bought into Keynesian
economics and 'ran with the ball' and look where we are, loads of indulgent and
wasteful prosperity but much more degrading, unsupportable, poverty. WE ARE OUT
OF BALANCE.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">36. Time for change<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Men need to change up and accept women
as equals. Salary disparities and unequal partnerships and everything in
between need to be corrected. How long have we been talking about this? Weren't
they burning bras in '66? The shift has to come and it needs to come quickly,
really frigging fast actually. You know I almost want to say, if you're over 50
and in a power position and you still think with your penis and don't know what I'm on about... step aside brother,
you're done. Let us move on. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">37. WATCH the documentary: 'Occupy
Love'<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">38. VOIP is amazing. Skype was the
early-comer to voice over internet protocol (I know right ;-)) and I was as
impressed then as I am now with all the copy cats... I mean free video
telephony? Here in Myanmar people have gone from no access to telephony to deep
penetration of smart phones with 4G in 4years... it is not clear yet how well
this is going to go over in a society still very entrenched in tradition
including how they communicate with each other and within communities. I have
no doubt it will have far-reaching impacts both positive and negative.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">39. WATCH Carl Sagan..<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWPFmdAWRZ0&feature=youtu.be"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWPFmdAWRZ0&feature=youtu.be</span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">40. I need to recognize the patterns
in my behaviour that do not serve me well or serve well those around me. I need
to recognize them, identify the source of what causes them and change up in
order to move on into a better place. We all have our shadow side, reconciling with it takes work. Do the work.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">41. You need to love your work, or do
you? Is it enough to love the fact that you have work? Is that where most
people are at? For any reason besides loving it, they go to work and believe
they are happy. Is it delusional to think you have to love your work because
thats the premise I work off, why else would I spend 40+hours a week of my life
engaged in something I didn't like to do?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">42. What is clear to me these days is
that having a job where the work day is more or less defined for you (a regular
job) is akin to a luxury because why, because what could be easier than having
someone prescribe when you should work, how long and even on what. For
some a luxury, for others like a shackle. Hats off to entrepreneurs and the self-employed
to innovators and inventors, you have to figure it out for yourself, lately I'm
discovering this latter is much harder.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">43. And then we have to wonder, about
work and how we got to where we are in the world today... are we better off or
worse when we have less time to spend with our families and friends or hanging
out in nature. Pre-industrial revolution and still in many parts of the 'less
industrialized' world, work is around food production and distribution
(including selling and buying), then it became around manufacturing. The
different work ethics that evolved apparently suits the culture, apparently.
But it could be this isn't true and it could be that the tensions in our
societies are rooted in the simple fact that people have to work too much to
support their families. Middle class North America... can't survive without a
double income? Japanese salaryman spends 16hrs a day including their commute.
The poor work themselves to death, often literally.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">45. Global circumstances at the time
of writing are sadly grimmer than usual, actually I'd suggest that since what
the Vietnamese call the American War we seem to be spiralling back into an era of
chauvinistic nationalism for which World War II was fought and for which peace
was won and institutions like the UN set up to prevent. What happened? And who
let these idiots out of their cages (don't get me started)!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">46. And then again, there is the notion
(is it a Universal truth or a cop out...) that you shouldn't worry about that
which you cannot change and its corollary that if you can change something then
what have you got to worry about, go ahead and change it. The fact is that we
are often in a position to change things or participate in a change movement...
and then decide not to do so for any number of reasons; thing is, and you know
who you are, some of those reasons are not very good ones.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">47 Tied in to the above is the
decision not to take in too much world media because of its negativity and its
impact on our psyche and some people make the choice to ignore the world
outside their particular bubble. But if we don't know about issues for example
those around social justice, or around voting and we can be part of changing
things for the better then how will they ever change if we don't know about
them.... hmmm do we live in this world or don't we. Do we have a responsibility
for seeing to it that a dictator who is undoing all the good work and ruining
the environment for us all is unseated? Does voting mean we agree with the
system and therefore we shouldn't vote?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">48. If you're not part of the solution
then you are part of the problem, just sayin'.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">49. In matters of injustice if you
remain silent then you are complicit in it. This is fact.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">50. Have you discovered yet the 'Heart
of Yoga' practice, discovered yet the beauty of the basic Tai Chi Chuan 24
movements, discovered how to move energy with the Qi Gong practice of the
microcosmic orbit? You haven't? I invite you to please do so. Don't delay, find
a conscious movement practice that works for you. Especially if you're over 50!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">51. Did I mention finding balance yet?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">52. Democracy doesn't work very well
as we are seeing. 'Nuff said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">53. Did I mention balance in the
context of managing our lives? It is all about balance, the framework I
subscribe to is one where our body system can become out of balance, and needs
realigning, rebalancing and recharging. We have to be able to flow otherwise we
invite ill-ness (as opposed to well-ness) and dis-ease as opposed to ease.
Which would you prefer... (please don't mind the following shameless
advertisement).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">54. I am at a bit of a loss turning 55
that many people of my age cruise along perhaps happy, perhaps thinking they
are happy, perhaps not happy, perhaps not aware they are not happy, perhaps
unhappy and unaware they can do something about it, perhaps unhappy and aware
that they must do something about it but don't know what to do... whatever the
case may be, the common element is that we want to be well. That is a human thing.
Be well, visit my website and find out how... </span><a href="https://www.elementalwellness.life/"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">https://www.elementalwellness.life/</span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">55. Don't ever, ever forget to
breathe: </span><a href="https://imgur.com/gallery/DqK7H0S"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">https://imgur.com/gallery/DqK7H0S</span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-50595349636903194662018-04-25T00:52:00.000-05:002018-04-25T00:52:18.312-05:00Trip Notes - Yala Peak attempt with kids... Langtang Valley, Nepal - March, 2015<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This is a story of an attempt on Yala Peak in Langtang Valley, myself and my two sons gave this an effort only to be thwarted by unexpected snowfall, or should I say normal mountain weather!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Langtang Valley suffered doubly during the earthquake of April 2015 in Nepal. The quake itself caused many buildings homes, trekking lodges, restaurants to collapse in this very popular trekking and climbing region. Langtang is a short drive from Kathmandu and in recent years its popularity has raised it up to a close third for trekking tourists behind Everest and the Annapurna regions creating prosperity but also a dependency on tourism for a previously very impoverished local population. The earthquake shook loose an enormous piece of Langtang Lirung a beautiful triangular shaped peak, visible from Kathmandu. This piece of rock and glacier fell from directly above Langtang Village with devastating consequences. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Photo taken looking directly upwards from the former site of Langtang Village.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In March, 2015 my sons, ages 9 and 11 and I ventured to Langtang with the idea to climb Yala Peak, above and beyond Kyanjin Gompa, known as a <i>Trekking peak</i> for its non-technical and comparatively lower summit; at 5500m we considered it an attainable challenge. Knowing of the tragedy in the region and knowing they were struggling to recover I wanted to see for myself how things were going and in doing so support the people simply by being there, and proving that it was safe to return to Langtang and possible to trek there as many had before.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In these Trip Notes, not only our trip... but our <i>journey</i> is described.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Day 0 </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi... not for the faint of heart in the early stages if your driver decides to go via Kalanki and the main East/West highway (due to the insane traffic) and later as the road gets narrower and windier. Requires a competent driver, a 4X4 (especially if wet) and patience. Private car takes 4-6hrs, Bus 8hrs+</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Arrival in Syabru Besi is a bit of a blessing. We spent the night here although if you are keen and arrive early enough then you can probably hit the trail right away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Day 1 </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Syabru besi to Riverside (Lama Hotel) 2480m 9hrs (upper route)</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">There are two routes to Riverside, the lower one is just <u>re-opened</u> having been rehabilitated since the earthquake. It follows the river from old Syabru Besi on the northern shore through the jungle thus is in the shade and is said to shave 3hours off the time of the upper route.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";">We had to use</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"> the alternate upper trail that takes you up through terraced fields, into the pine forest and over the shoulder of the mountain. It is an 800m altitude gain to reach lunch in Khangjim (2235m) and then a further 250m before you start a long contour that weaves its way precariously along the southern side of the valley until it meets the river way down past Sherapgaon at Riverside. For a first day's walk I'll coin the phrase arduously beautiful. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";">It is easy to see how the region was cut off after the earthquake with the lower trail closed due to multiple landslides, the upper one must have seemed impossible. We hear that survivors were trying to find a way out of the valley and it took some weeks before t</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";">he trail to Riverside was rehabilitated. It is as beautiful as it is dangerous. Brave trail crew have made a way across very dicey landslides and the trail is high and narrow with amazing exposure. In one landslide, about 40m across, a huge tree hangs along the fall-line over a huge boulder under-cut by the trail itself looms. Steps have been built at great risk to the builders to make the way passable. Another particularly bad spot is where a 4m X 1m concrete slab is connected to a huge rock by re-bar. The slab is cracked along its length and there is no hand rail bolted to the rock. Used since the earthquake by all traffic including construction material laden ponies it will not last for long. The trail is high and a great adventurous moment early in the trip.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">If you are starting from Syabru Besi and taking the high trail (which is no longer necessary) it is advised to stay the night in Sherpagaon to avoid an obscenely long and difficult first day of trekking trying to make it to Riverside. On the lower trail Riverside is easily reachable on Day 1. Riverside is a welcome stop, the lodge at the top (the original Lama Hotel) has a nice warm dining room and a really good hot shower. This was the last place we had the chance to eat chicken. The rest of the trip was vegetarian.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">The traditional walk from Lama Hotel calls for a stop in Langtang Village which is no longer possible. Eventually a lodge will be rebuilt above the village site but for now the choice is to stop in Thangsyap or continue to Mundu which is a full 1100m higher and beyond the recommended single-day altitude gain.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">This is a lovely walk meandering up the left bank of the river. Huge primeval forest moss covered boulders and rhododendron ready to blossom. Many landslide crossings, some quite rough, and then again forest at times steeply upward always following the tumbling river on your right hand side. We had several sightings of equally curious langur monkey.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">Ghoratabela 3030m is a traditional stopping place for lunch but has been totally destroyed by the earthquake and then the earthquake triggered rockfall. It is hard to see how anyone here survived and clearly it must have been a terrifying few minutes as the earth shook and then rocks and boulders rained down from a broken piece of the ridge visible high above, destroying everything.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">We walked on to a small rebuilt hut near the abandoned National Park Check-post where a young woman was making lunch for passers-by. The tin roof of the hut needed securing and with strong wind gusts it banged up and down making everyone jump as they imagined what that fateful day must have been like with rocks raining down.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">Up away from the river we came to Thyangsyap. It is a small comfortable location and three lodges are being rebuilt. After a 700m altitude gain we decided this would be our stopping place. To continue would be to gain more altitude and while most people continued to Mundu well beyond the Langtang landslide we decided to stay.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">This little place was also destroyed not by rockfall but by first the earthquake and then the devastating wind blast from the Langtang slide. The force of this blast flattened huge trees and blasted others with black dust on the forested other side of the valley for 2km down stream and scattered debris (and body parts) 100's of metres up the valley side. Remember the photo below is from 1 year later.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">In the absence of enough rooms we spent the night in the tent, comfortable cosy and warm, the boys first night in the mountains in a tent and highest so far at 3100m. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">The trail continues up the left side of the river the forest giving way to scrub and mounds of mossy peat on the benchlands high above the river itself. I am approaching the site of Langtang village with trepidation, already the reality of the enormity of the tragedy is apparent but now the non physical sense of it is coming. The physical is visible in the scar rising up the south face of Langtang Lirung scarred last April 25th by 1000's of tonnes of rock and ice as it fell from 3000m above. The earthquake shook hard and a huge piece of the mountain and glacier broke off directly above Langtang village. It strikes me that in English we don't have a word to describe an event of this size, it is indescribable... avalanche, rock fall, landslide..all totally inadequate describers...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">The debris of homes and tea houses destroyed or damaged on the western edge of the falling mountain starts an hour before the village area. People have salvaged valuable wood from family homes and you pass neatly piled timbers to one day be used for rebuilding. Everyone you meet on the trail talks about that day, about the family members they lost or their own near miss. There was a funeral that day in Langtang Village and people from up and down the valley had come to pay their last respects. Tourists excepted, people are engaged in restarting businesses or rebuilding. A few erstwhile foreigners are working on projects, a school (for what children?), homes (for which people), today building materials for 116 homes are to begin arriving by helicopter at enormous expense but there is no development plan and no people to rebuild, they are asking for more money to hire laborers. It appears they are mostly putting the cart before the horse which is the beginning of a long discussion.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">The majority of the village is completely buried in a white yellow rubble composed of rock and ice. It appears to be a huge terminal moraine with wood beams, broken concrete pillars, rebar and all sorts of debris sticking out in places. We tied Tibetan prayer flags between two rocks and the boys built some balancing rock towers, moments to reflect and remember the 260+ who perished... many of whom remain unfound. The village site is essentially a graveyard and all who pass through, at least the several trekkers and the locals I spoke with, sense the disturbing disquiet of wandering souls yet to find their final peace.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">Except for our building of memorials we passed through in silent respect, Zaki and I chanting the mantra Aum Mani Padme hum, Nima our Sherpa guide singing a Buddhist prayer for the Dead. It is a very moving experience and one, by their questions later in the day, the boys were processing in a positive way.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">The upper part of the village is damaged badly but not buried and it is here where there are some efforts at rebuilding underway. Last week, as if some unseen force is objecting to these efforts happening at this time, a helicopter delivering construction material crashed on take off, tipping over mysteriously. The pilot pulled out and no fatalities but the hull remains as a reminder.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">Leaving the village site to the west the climb continues now affording glimpses of dorje lapka rising at the eastern end of the valley. The boys were keen to meet up with their school friends who were a day ahead of us and so we had a quick lunch in Mundu and continued.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">The northern side of the valley is bench land and perfect for grazing yaks and dzos and highland ponies. Now at over 3500m Kasem strode off ahead on the clear trail and didn't stop for one and a half hours expecting Kyanjin gompa to appear over the next rise. When it didn't appear after two or three 'next rises' he collapsed in tears, quite spent. Finally, passing through boulder fields and over a new unscarred suspension bridge, the next rise revealed Kyanjin gompa!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">Or next task to find where our friends were staying was achieved quickly and after an agonizing two hours they were reunited.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">Spent the day taking it easy. The boys played for hours in the tent or bounding around the boulders below the village with Alex and Nick, friends from Patan. I did all the laundry in freezing cold water. In the mid morning sun we all 3 had a wash in a single bucket of stove top warmed water. I read, wrote notes and passed the morning despite Marvyn's chomping at the bit to do something.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">Great to sit in the high altitude Himalayan sunshine and back in its warmth. Kyanjin is rebuilding, lodges bring re-roofed and a sense of normality returning... except there are few tourists. In recent years Langtang had become a hugely popular trekking region and Kyanjin the jewel. Easy to access from Kathmandu and within 2 days waking you are in stunning mountain grandeur, 2 more days and will have climbed to 4500m had some glorious views and 3 days after that you'll be back in Kathmandu.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">In a few weeks it will have been a year since the earthquake and while Kyanjin may recover, Langtang village will take longer and the fear remains of more trouble to come. What hasn't helped at all has been the lethargy in Kathmandu and the preposterous time the government has taken to move through the reconstruction bill.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Day 5</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">A day off, our friends left with a clatter at 7am. We headed up the mountain behind the village to acclimatise. Wasn't quite the day I had planned, to get us up high and stay out for a while. We headed up towards the summit visible from the town and it did become steep as we zig zagged up hummocks of grazed grassland. The steepness started to freak out first Zaki and then Kasem as they realised one slip and it was quite a tumble, quite exposed but we were going uphill and it wasn't particularly tricky. Anyway we stopped short of the Summit and decided to head down ending up back in town only 2 hours since we left. To debrief we all wrote a paragraph each on our feelings before during and after the walk and then read them outloud and discussed a bit. Below is what i wrote. The rest of the day we did nothing. Later though we started the arrangements to help in a memorial marble slab prepared for placing in Langtang somewhere. So the day ended on a high note.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">At the beginning I felt strong and ready for a good climb. For the first time my legs felt strong and it felt like I was adjusting nicely.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">When Zaki started to complain my displeasure at what he was doing turned to anger as I looked at his face and his attitude which was all wrong. He was defiant and unpleasant seeming to have completely forgotten where he was and why he was here. I felt worried too that he would resent being 'made to come' and that he might not like me even though my intentions are to give him a great adventure.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">As we climbed higher and it got steeper we could see the top not very far away and the boys started worrying about coming down and how 'one little slip' would be a bad fall. Again I felt worried that they would feel pushed into something they didn't want to do. Perhaps I am second guessing myself.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">We came down having 'nearly made it' and if course the descent wasn't as bad as they thought it would be... and it was very fast.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">As we turned for home I again was unhappy because it was still early, we hadn't gone very high, and I just didn't feel any sense of what adventure means coming. I don't think the boys have any idea how fortunate they are not to be in the sick pollution of Kathmandu with every day of the holiday the same, playing mindlessly on screens and writing about which friend they can play with. Instead their father has taken then on a great trip into the Himalaya to listen to nature reveal who the really are.</span></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><span style="font-size: large;">Kasem had knee cramps in the night but we all ended up with a pretty good rest before our trek to base camp tomorrow.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kyanjin to Yala Peak base camp 5hrs</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">Great walk, no complaints as the trail heads West up the valley and trends upwards only occasionally with steep switchbacks. Contouring along grazed hillsides the clear altitude gain is most noticeable on the snowy forested north side of the valley as we pass above the snowline but on the sunny south side there is no snow at all.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">We stopped sheltering under some rocks for our first packed lunch and soon the trail turns North up a steep gulley opening up into rocky moraine. We all failed in fact to read a telling sign portending of what was to come; a massive herd of Himalayan Blue sheep were descending the hillside that mid-afternoon. Had we stopped to think why... we would have guessed at what awaited us. A last push up a ridge to find base camp unusually located on the ridge rather than in a more sheltered location. To the east rises Tsergo Ri and to the west the unclimbed Kansas Ri massif, to the north our objective Yala Peak!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;">The weather has been unsettled all day, high cloud which could bring snow would scuttle our aspirations. Otherwise the plan is to bed early then up in the wee hours to try and knock it off and be back in camp by 1pm so we can have dinner in Kyanjin. Let's see what comes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Day 7</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Snowed in, descent to Kyanjin</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today started at bedtime the night before... when it started snowing around 7pm. Us boys were snug in our sleeping bags in my faithful MEC tent, the last gift my mother bought me 16 years ago. Pellets of snow pelted the tent with varying frequency accumulating rapidly. And then a flash of light followed by a peal of thunder that geeky like it was directly above our heads and we knew we were in for a storm. We were not to be disappointed as the thunder and lightening continued abating and returning, the calms between storms gave opportunity to knock the tent free of snow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Kasem slept almost immediately, Zaki after an hour or so. I slept fitfully worrying about a lightning strike, already our Summit bid abandoned with thoughts turning now to the descent. Concerns ranged from route finding amidst the blowing and drifting snow to avalanche hazard on the steep traverses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sleep came hourly and morning too quickly, the zip had also broken on my my sleeping bag so was hard to tell what woke me, the lightening, the snow on the tent or the cold seam along my back and legs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nima our guide passed by at 5:30 to knock snow off the tent to wake us and we conferenced briefly. Given the continued snowfall and accumulation which could only have been greater higher up, poor visibility and the biting cold we decided the best course of action was to descend.... fast, before the was more accumulation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The lads brought us tea in bed and then began the necessarily meticulous dressing process so that the boys were dressed for the weather and all possibilities; double socks with plastic bag foot liners, double trousers wind proof, heat tech under shirt, turtle neck, fleece, down vest, wind breaker, neck warmer, toque and gloves, sunglasses.... and boots. Backpacks only contained water and fibre fill jacket, spare gloves and dry socks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had to stuff the sleeping bags and get the hardware (crampons, harness, carabineers) separated in case of need. And dress myself. Finally we were done, the lads brought us noodle soup in the middle of it all and they packed up the rest of the gear. It took an hour and we were ready to go.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just before leaving I spotted some figures about 300m on the trail below and both Nima and I saw them moving. Perhaps a group coming up or rescuers? Hard to know but we know we saw them at that time.. But then we never saw them again leading us to speculate perhaps it had been a family of yetis! What else?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our two porters were laden, one with a dokho (basket) seemingly precariously top heavy, both loads at least 25kg. They had good runners on but any footwear would quickly become snow bound. It was going to be a slow careful descent. Nima positioned himself between the porters leading the way, close enough to grab the dhoko of one if he fell and shepherding Zaki. Kasem was ahead of me following close enough to grab his back-pack strap should he stumble.
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<span style="font-size: large;">In good weather the time to descend 500m should take 2.5 hours. We left at 8am with strong winds, blowing snow and visibility at about 30m. Despite the concerns mentioned I wasn't worried, Nima inspired confidence and I was no stranger to back country predicaments...the main difference was instead of having clients to care for I had my two brave young sons in my care. The boys were in good form, a bit scared in a sort of healthy way, I mean the plans had changed rapidly with the weather and we were in a 'bit of a spot' so to not have been scared would have been unnatural. Had we thought about those sheep the day before, heading down to safety... we might not have gone up in the first place!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We began the descent, steeply down from base camp, picking out the path first through invisible switchbacks covered in snow and then a jumbled boulder field. The wind at first was coming down the mountain slopes, blowing snow on top of us, this shifted as we got lower so that it was coming out of the west and so every time we rounded a corner of the east sloping side of a hill we would be blasted by snow. On one of these, where the wind had built up the snow into a 1m snow drift, Kasem said ‘Daddy this is getting pretty extreme!’.
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<span style="font-size: large;">We stopped after an hour and a half at the lunch rocks which were our target and we almost missed them in the driving snow, at one point not sure whether to take the higher route or the lower. But our porter Sonam got it right, he was in the lead most of the time and like a yak seemed to be able to smell the trail. Fortunately the lads had been up to Base Camp the day before to pre-position supplies so this trip back was their 4th time on the same trail in 36hrs. We had a short break now relieved with the knowledge that we were nearly 1/2 way back although with some of the trickier terrain still ahead it was getting warmer and the wind was less threatening. With two lightweight little boys along… it was a bit of a question at times whether they would stay on the hillside!
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<span style="font-size: large;">Down, down, down… we crossed a section with flowing water that was already melting, we had expected it to be glassy with ice so that was a relief, and then lower still, now out of the clouds and snow we were able to cross two small rivers without incident, also a relief since they could have been swollen with melt-water…. The sun came out for the last 40mins of the walk into Kyanjin and with the snow cover the temperature soared as we peeled off the layers. It was very nice to arrive back in Kyanjin, we had only left 28hrs before and it looked completely different covered in a white blanket of snow.
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<span style="font-size: large;">Grateful for our uneventful return, hot chocolate at the Dorje Bakery and a hot rum toddy for Daddyoh were highly called for… and a snowball fight and snow man building competition in the afternoon rounded off the day! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Footnote:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Therein ends the tale. We were very lucky to be able to heli out of Kyanjin, the boy's mother had chartered a chopper also to support the transport of a memorial stone which is now installed in the Valley. Helicoptering out of a Himalayan valley is a short and very sweet way to exit (especially to avoid hammering the knees!) with amazing views and to gain a serious realization of where you have been and what you have done but also of how amazing it is that people live where they do.</span></div>
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<br />Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-59889048641656159142017-04-05T19:13:00.002-05:002018-02-16T02:50:58.619-05:00TOP SCHOOL IN YANGON (?)<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">BEST SCHOOL IN YANGON(?)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May, 2107</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Query on FB Group from random expat parent: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good afternoon. Any tips on the names of the top international schools in Yangon? Thanks so much..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My response: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/danielgpugh?fref=ufi">Daniel Pugh</a> Just to be clear, there aren't any really great schools in Yangon. All have their warts, mostly following outdated curriculums with antiquated methodologies... good education is hard to find on the international scene. <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbritishschoolyangon.org%2F&h=ATPAiCtyTulnCT1DTdcoSRe_jE7TRzN5EF0zUz0NagGafHKv4ArFxyNgFCkTJGp_wzax_QsmwyteWXZTqamycFL8VRjpjrCGKfiw9JpO0S-KwGrbMmhWiY2h8kHd8ld6ioug5ZI1LA">https://britishschoolyangon.org/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Commentary:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A few weeks ago I posted the response above to an enquiry on Facebook. It was picked up by the British School in Yangon and last week I was called to account with the school Director. My boys go to this school and the school felt the need to express their confusion as to why, if I was so critical, did I send my kids to their school. BTW I haven't been called into the 'Principals office' in 38 years since Tom Brown (not his real name ;-)) and I were told one of us had to leave the school for our miscreant behaviour. I self-expelled and moved on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's perfectly understandable why an erstwhile teacher might leap to the school's defence given the strength of social media and the influence we know it can have... at the same time it isn't something to be taken personally rather it is a point for reflection. I had of course not meant to offend, however as I told the Director in our meeting I did mean to be provocative; it seems I was successful. The take-away is that teachers, parents and school directors must wake up and question what they are doing. If the measure of being a top school is one that serves the best interests of our children and their futures (given what we already know are the challenges) indeed, in Yangon my answer remains "there aren't really any great schools in Yangon". BSY just happens to be the best of the choices imho.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most schools here teach based on a 'colonial' curriculum that has its roots in the industrial revolution (quite a while ago), the British curriculum is the best known (Burma was a colony) and there are at least 4 schools in the city laying claim to using the British curriculum. There is one using the French system and a couple of others use the USA curriculum. Educators around the world recognize that for the most part these curriculum and how they are taught (silo learning, standardized testing, homework regimes) are woefully outdated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is true to say some teachers are enlightened in their teaching methods, others not so much. In that regard and certainly at BSY for example there are teachers trying their very best to deliver a curriculum to the kids that itself doesn't serve them so well. Still, silo learning prevails, with the concept of cross-cutting thematic learning trying unsuccessfully to edge in. Silo learning where the Math, English, Science, Art, Music, etc subjects are taught in isolation from each other, with little cross-referencing or points of intersect is antiquated.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let me give an example of the beginning of this rabbit hole; my 12 year old is memorizing facts about pretty obscure figures from pre-Elizabethan England in his Humanities class and is tested weekly on his 'obscure figure of the week'. Dutifully I support him in this but privately I question wherein lies its relevance. Given the time allotted to schooling in his young life why spend time on this? Yes, he is learning to read, research and retain information that he is tested on but does it have to be this information? Couldn't it be something he wants to learn or that will be relevant to his future? Couldn't the 'obscure' persons be less obscure like Nicolai Tesla, Mother Theresa or H.H. the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu or JFK? We live in Myanmar, surely it might be a tad bit more relevant to consider notable figures from pre or post colonial Burma?</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The rabbit hole deepens though: the world is changing at a very rapid pace as we know, what we aren't doing well as a species is adapting to the change most of which we are the cause of. With silo learning and memorization of redundant facts, we certainly aren't teaching our children how to deal with change, how to adapt and how to be tolerant and kind and those are the characteristics that are going win the day. The dogs may eat the dogs for short term gain but the majority needs to survive long term. It is most likely within our children's lifetimes that there is global calamity in access to food, to fresh water, stunning climate extremes, and in widespread social upheaval. These will require them to take information from the fluid landscape, analyze it, manage it, make decisions, change, adapt and survive. How are our schools preparing them for that using industrial revolution era methods and curriculum?</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I were a lad (and I'm dating myself here) it was school then uni then job then wifey then house then kids then mid-life circus (err.. crisis), etc... I digress. Think about it, in 40years how much has changed? Work has shifted completely, we have a work style continuum running from the job-for-life salary concept through a gambit of job types to the other end where work is forked out piece-meal to the lowest bidder on the internet. Myself, aside from being a grocery store clerk when I was a teen, have only ever worked as a consultant or contractor taking on temporary work for a multitude of employers and in changing fields. I have reinvented myself no less than 5 times over my working years to date. Grocery clerk, Adventure travel Guide, Development educator, Humanitarian Aid worker... and now transitioning into a Wellness Therapist!</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Project Managers now manage their teams virtually, they live all over and they farm out the work piece by piece. To get work you have to hustle, be online, get those contracts no matter how small, make a name for yourself and get more work... isn't that right? How many of us realise this and how are our schools supporting us to prepare our kids for it giving them the tools they will need? How are our schools nurturing the ability to change and flow, to adapt and grow in this quite ruthless and unforgiving environment... and then there is the question of what is coming next in the evolution of work? So in 7 or 8 years what does Zaki need to be ready for? To reiterate facts about his obscure figure of the week? I think not.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Granted schools like BSY are also great places for kids to learn to play and socialize, etc? And certainly BSY in the alphabet soup of Yangon schools gets that part right with homework mercifully kept to a minimum so they don't have this burden when they come home and can just be children. This is a wee blessing. I'll say it here, my kids wouldn't be at BSY if homework was onerous and mandatory; homework is antiquated and proven to be in many cases counter-productive to learning. </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My response then was a bit trite, even reactionary but it was accurate and I stand by it. There is no international school in Yangon that adequately prepares our children for whats to come in the future. After much research we determined that BSY was the best of the options. The question remains, is there anywhere such a school? Does the Steiner/Waldorf approach provide the answer? United World Colleges? Is thematic or project based learning the best way forward, better than the columnar silo learning that is the norm and where standardized testing is still used creating categories in which children are placed for a good long time.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Private education entities like the British School Foundation with 10 schools around the world could do well to shed the past and the prevailing centuries old model. As a private educational for profit business, they could focus their energies (and profits) on pioneering a way forward so children have an option in places like Yangon that serves their best interest. Or does short term profit trump longer term gain?</span></div>
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<br /> <br /> <br /> Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-44261573060448326082016-09-10T11:44:00.000-05:002018-02-28T11:20:17.422-05:00What to do? (A departure essay)<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What to do? </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Often heard in Nepal translates in the lingua franca Nepali to </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 115%;">ke garne</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">…. an ubiquitous
evolving turn of phrase that has become a useful time-marker for the circumstance
of the country. Language evolves, we see that in all languages and Nepali is no
exception; when I was first in Nepal in the mid 1980s you heard </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 115%;">ke garne</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> spoken with an air of fatalism; I am told that it had previously been said with a more a casual shrug of the shoulder and without much
attribution assigned to the gesture. In 1985 </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 115%;">‘what to do’</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> had become much more a shrug of resignation, a sort of
‘laugh it off’ sign of the frustration at the follies and excesses of the
shenanigans of governance by crony-infested royalty in one of the poorest
countries in the world. It was a place seemingly forgotten by time… and there
didn’t seem to be a sense that there was anything that could be done… </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 115%;">ke garne</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I returned to
live in Nepal in 2013 democracy had been </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">a slowly evolving concept at best; </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">the
political class, recently descended from systemic patronage under the royalty,
had yet to relinquish it's grip on power and commensurate ‘benefits’ or to
transition from ruling to governing. So thirty years later, reflecting what has
become a torturously slow political process, </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 115%;">ke garne</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> has become more than resigned… it has become a deflated and
defeated expression. People don’t know </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 115%;">what
to do</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> anymore, it took 7 years to move through the process to enact a new Constitution
(they do have one since July 2015 perceived to be a step sideways at best
rather than forward). Sadly, and as a result of political shenanigans, Nepal
remains one of the poorest countries in Asia, one of the most corrupt with
decaying infrastructure, a struggling economy, diminishing investor confidence
and seemingly intractable ethnic divides confounded by caste discrimination.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">At the same time
(and ironically) Nepal has huge resources in human capital including educated
and experienced entrepreneurs, </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">an incredibly inspired and inspiring creative </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">music
and art community, a rising middle-class. Nepal has the best global potential for
hydro-power generation and and the most amazing natural adventure playground in the world.</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">The people themselves are hardy, cheerful and
adaptable, being down-trodden has resulted in an uptick in innovation and
ingenuity. The middle-class business-folk are resistant to enter politics and be the needed change agents. They
are reluctant to enter the fracas perhaps not wanting to become caught up in the
lethargic inertia of entrenched government or of becoming politicized; as
business-people they see it best to remain quickly adaptable and impartial
i.e. light on their feet and without enemies and independent of politics. It’s
a survival strategy that has served them well, better not to change up, at least not yet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">I have lived in
Nepal for 6 of the past 30 years living and travelling across the world, not a long time but
longer than anywhere else, definitely long enough to empathize with my Nepali brothers
and sisters as we together raise our eyebrows and roll our eyes to say… ke
garne.</span></div>
</div>
Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-17452180548417433162016-03-30T01:28:00.000-05:002016-03-30T01:28:01.933-05:00The long, sad Nepali winter of discontent, with scattered rays of sunshine: an essay.<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">You try to be an
optimist, keep your chin up and put a smile on, this winter in Nepal tested
even the brightest of lights to keep their glow. Blow after blow fell on the
national psyche and just when you thought it couldn't get worse... it did; the
general corps d'esprit fell to complacency and fatigue, a sense of hopelessness
complemented fatality adding depth and hue to the long used and abused Nepali
phrase 'ke garne', what to do? Amidst it all there were rays of sunshine that
blasted through… we’ve all seen it happen on the darkest cloudy day when the
sun finds space and a brilliant ray shines down… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I am returning from a few
weeks out of the country and returning into a spring time that can only hold
hope and promise for things to get better. The story started last spring with
the earthquakes that sent the nation into shock and then continued over the
bungled response period and into the recovery phase of the humanitarian
emergency that ensued. The government did not rise to meet the challenge and
proved itself distracted, dispassionate and entirely a disappointment. None of this
was really anything new and while it would not have been wrong to hope that a
massive earthquake would literally shake the political class out of its
self-absorbed, out-dated, corrupted ways and spur it into action, to harbour
such hope would have been naïve. The idea that government should help the
people they <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">govern</i> rather than simply
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rule</i> over them and take advantage of
their plight… Well that seemed a bit far-fetched, after all it has only been 70
years since Nepal opened to the outside world, 25 yrs since the devolution away
from royalty began, and 8 years since the end of an acrimonious civil war, and
in 2015 was it realistic to believe that the dinosaurs still at the helm were able to learn new tricks?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Open the opportunity for
a ray of sunshine… the earthquake pulled out of nowhere an amazing response
from regular people… Nepalis, expats, tourists came together in the early days
of the response gathering relief materials and convoys of civilian vehicles
delivered to many hard to reach locations. It was amazing, the Yellow House
group…Himalayan Disaster Relief Operation was one such group that saw over 200
‘mission’s go out in the first 3 months of the response… all volunteers, all
self-organized, all materials donated including vehicles and fuel…<a href="http://www.wired.com/2015/05/nepal-earthquake-aid/">http://www.wired.com/2015/05/nepal-earthquake-aid/</a>
It is no secret that the money raised privately (including through ‘gofundme’ type initiatives) equalled the money committed through official channels, some
$273Million. Notably, in the early days the Army too, quite separate from the government, stepped up rescuing many people from the rubble in Kathmandu and the districts. Unsung heros were many. Ironically, the government, seeing the success of private initiatives, tried to stymie this forcing money earmarked for the emergency, requiring all newly formed NGO's to funnel their funds through what they called the 'Prime Ministers Disaster Relief Fund' and while it may be that money still got through to those that needed it, this announcement was ill-timed and the backlash it caused revealed the broad mistrust the population has for its government.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Government 'action' did eventually
come, it was not to help the earthquake victims or to facilitate the
reconstruction phase... rather it came seemingly as a
realisation on the part of certain senior political aspirants that this was their
moment to take advantage. While the population and other influential actors were
momentarily distracted by the humanitarian crisis they ended 7 years of
wrangling over the formulations of a new Constitution pushing through a draft
that gained a 90% approval from the Constitutional Assembly. Unsurprisingly
congratulations on the birth of a new democracy did not come whole heartedly
from the Indian government nor from the United Nations in Nepal, both of whom
felt (for their different reasons) that the Constitution fell short of its mark
in ensuring proportional representation for groups long marginalized (due to
caste and ethnicity) and on the rights of women. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And neither thought it politically impudent to be vocal, a sign of frustration I think. Mindful that this came after years of donor and institutional support to a painful Constitutional process to try and
come up with a modern progressive un-acrimonious document that would set the stage for
an easier and prosperous future. Sadly this wasn't to be the case; when people say Nepal is 30 years behind... this is the kind
of thing they mean, the politicians are 30 years behind. There is much discussion about Nepal being left for Nepalis to determine their future but they are dominated by a ruling class that is narrow-minded, uninspired and uncaring for the poorest of their constituents, they are stuck in a paradigm of exploitation and control.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">As an anomaly of sorts (another ray of sunshine?), Nepal is the only ASEAN nation and one
of few in the world to recently recognize transgender people with the gender
box 'other' available to be ticked on visa and arrivals forms and passport
applications. Go figure. It remains to be seen how well this is reflected in social policy but it is at least a start.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">To mention only
briefly the beginning of what sets the bleak background for the winter's
discontent was the post-earthquake period through the summer of 2015 when for
example, Nepali Customs charged duty on incoming humanitarian assistance
supplies, and Immigration couldn't figure out the visa waiver for aid workers
so most ended up working illegally on tourist visas. When coordination of the
humanitarian mission became a political football (even the UN was a player in
this game). The years of multi-level (VDC to National) capacity building (training) to deal
with a major disaster fell by the wayside as did leadership of the
Reconstruction authority. This latter causing a delay of several months with
the Reconstruction bill, that critical document providing the legal framework
for the receiving and disbursing of $4.1 billion of committed donor funding. The bill, ready to be passed
and promulgated back in August, only made it onto the floor of Parliament in
January... reconstruction can now start in April… a year later. The cynic
humourist would wonder if it just took that long to figure out how to milk the
money... the government in Nepal is considered
endemically, systemically corrupt and $4.1 large is like dangling a dumpster
full of carrots in front of a donkey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I think my own discontent
and frustrations are beginning to show through and I have barely begun. Indeed
this is partly because the 800,000 people (demographically this number
indicates more than half are children and elderly people with a
disproportionate number of women-headed households in the mix) left homeless
after the earthquake suffered and continued to suffer immensely and needlessly. Never mind the
deprivations of basic human rights, they had to pass the chill of winter under
tarpaulins and corrugated tin when they were ready to start rebuilding in
October but couldn't because the money for bank loans wasn't there, NGO's
requiring the release of funding to implement reconstruction projects waited,
men, desperate to work, disappeared over the horizon to Malaysia and the Gulf
states rather than stay and help rebuild. Interestingly the International Council of Jurists is pressing for an investigation into whether the government in its actions (and lack thereof) denied its citizenry of its basic rights to food, shelter and health care.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Instead the government
got on with passing the Constitution (ray of sunshine potential!), denying the
Reconstruction bill a reading until the Constitution got through... as if that
were a good reason. And when it was finally passed, the next blow came... uproar,
protest, violence and up to 40 deaths as those groups re-marginalized by the Constitution, the
Madhes and the Tharu, took to the streets. The resulting insecurity blocking the
vital supply link to India. The Indians, for their part were alarmed enough to
close the border on their side to protect transporters from the insecurity.
However this went on so long and even border crossings where there was no
insecurity were closed as to betray a clear agenda of political patronage,
India, the much bigger brother, sanctioning the youngest in the fold. While
India is Nepal's biggest trading partner, Nepal is far from relevant to the
Indian economy. What India worries about is water; the himalayan watershed that feeds the great rivers of India, the Brahmaputra, Indus and Ganges rely on Nepal keeping the proverbial tap open. Control of hydro development in border districts is a huge concern and so Delhi needs a compliant government in Kathmandu. The under-representation of populations along the border, those people ethnically more akin to India's plains people, makes control more complicated and less likely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">The blockade was curious
because the shelves of the big department stores were only missing a few
things, but there was food aplenty, no one was lacking but prices started creeping up, inflation soaring over 10% of many staples. In an already poor country, it is estimated more than a million people have been pushed into extreme poverty. Through it all, somehow the
organizers of the annual Kathmandu Jazz Festival were not deterred, neither was
the first annual Photo Kathmandu </span><a href="http://www.photoktm.com/"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">http://www.photoktm.com/</span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> event both of which went off in fine
style as if nothing was going on. If the ability of some Nepalis to carry on as
if events such as a blockade were just part of the new normal is a sign of
resilience… then wow, there is some amazing resilience in Nepal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">What wasn't available due to the problems on the border and
affected everyone was fuel, diesel and petrol for cars, buses, motorbikes and
cooking gas also used for heating. Initially the ‘fuel crisis’ was quite a
respite, the streets were quiet, such a relief from the daily congestion and
the lung choking pollution. But, as time passed and winter descended it became
worse, a tourist season came and went and guess what?? …there were few
tourists. Internal flights were reduced because there wasn't enough aviation
fuel so people from far flung districts had less chance of coming to the
capital, International flights reduced frequency (or in the case of South China
Air they stopped completely) due to the lower numbers and higher cost as they
had to make an intermediary stop to refuel. Air fares went up. The impact of a downswing in tourism reaches from the hotels and restaurants of Kathmandu to the handicraft makers of the valley, to the trekking districts and of course to unemployment. Unemployment causes, particularly young men (needed for reconstruction) to seek alternatives off-shore. Nepal has proportionally one of the largest migrant worker populations in the world, prior to the earthquake it was <a href="http://www.nepalitimes.com/blogs/thebrief/2015/05/02/real-story-on-pm-relief-fund/">3rd in the world</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">The black market
flourished and to demoralize people who were struggling, fuel became available
but at inflated prices; at one point gasoline was 4X the usual cost and cooking
gas 8X, far beyond the ability of the average Nepali to pay. To add insult to
injury, like a spit in the eye, it appeared clear that officials of all
stripes, including the Nepal Oil Corporation, the Police, border authorities,
etc had all jumped on the black market bandwagon and were having a hey-day...
it is no wonder the blockage of fuel went on so long... who was motivated to
stop it!? It is only now, months after the blockade that you can get
petrol… diesel and cooking gas remain scarce… amongst rumours of trucks waiting
now at the border because there is too much fuel in depots... so where is it
going? Queues at fuel stations persist, and no one can really explain why.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">As cooking gas ran out
and as the temperature fell with the advancing winter, the government in its
seemingly infinite mission of national disservice started to sell firewood from
national forests rather than focus on solving the crisis at its root. The cost
of wood doubled and people were using it to cook and to stay warm so that
whatever air pollution gains had been made due to the lower vehicle numbers was
lost to the smoke from fires. Whats more, all over the Kathmandu valley you can see trees
either felled or denuded of branches to provide people food and warmth... in
the 21st Century. A sadness descended when the previous Prime Minister Shushil
Koirala who had been succeeded by the ambitious K.P. Oli in February as part of
the Constitution signing agreement, died shortly after Oli's installation. While a firmly established member of the political elite at fault, Koirala was also an
architect of the Constitution, a key player and prevailed over its signing...
his loss was respectfully mourned nationally. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Rays of sunshine thinned
out…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and bad got worse in February 2016,
2 domestic aircraft crashed. When aircraft go down in Nepal it is felt like a
blow to the solar plexus, across the nation people gasp because lots of people
fly in Nepal or know someone who flies; the first incident occurred on a very
popular route accessing the Annapurna and Mustang regions which my family had
also been on in March, it could have been us. Tourism to those regions took a hit.
People know the pilots, they are national heros, their loss is tragic and
widely felt. Nepal is already struggling to gain its IATA accreditation for
flights to Europe, and I recall a conversation of well-travelled aid officials
once who posited that how an airport runs is indicative of how the country
runs... this seems to hold true in the case of Nepal... the CAAC (airport
authority) has a reputation of being rife with corruption, inefficiency and
neglect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">My sense is that Nepali's
soldiered on but wearing 'resilience' like a badge of honor. Was it misplaced?
Many (Nepalis and non-Nepali residents) asked... why were there no protests in
the streets. Previously when the government tried to raise the price of cooking
gas there were loud public protests but this time, nothing. Queues at petrol stations
were literally kilometers long, people left their vehicles for days and weeks
in queues, I thought blocking the parliament with vehicles and non-violent
protest at the gate would have gained results much quicker... but that would
have required two missing ingredients... one the leadership to do it (and a
game plan if it went pear-shaped), and two, such an<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>action would have perhaps been construed or
co-opted as an act in solidarity with the Madhes. Ahh, it does get complicated, and far moreso than I have
written here. Indian border State elections didn't help when they disempowered
the Hindu BJP party, in power in Delhi but struggling in Bihar with its long
and porous border with Nepal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">And then there is the
ruined economy having taken a double blow with the earthquake and then the
blockade, I could go on but I think you get the picture. If you live above
2000m in Nepal as most of the earthquake victims do, how much do you care about
these complexities when you are trying to feed your children, keep them warm
and get medical help for your elderly parents? In Kathmandu how much can you
protest when you know the suppression will likely be harsh when it comes, when
you know there is no one to replace these entrenched leaders anyway, and when
your main concerns are finding fuel for your motorbike so you can get to work
lest you lose your job, and finding fuel so your wife can cook dahl bhat for
dinner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Like many resident expatriates we look on with dismay at the discontent of the population, and disappointment
that there aren't alternatives to the leadership on the horizon for the change that has to come.
I admire those amazing individuals, those rays of sunshine who crack on
regardless organizing treks and expeditions, a mountain bike festival,
international photo festival, and celebrate their festivals and hold music events
(chapeau) to buoy up the youthful, diverse spirit of the nation and keep
feeding the creative stream that is very vibrant in Nepal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Nepal is a special place,
with such amazing advantages and opportunities that are not being realised on a
the scale necessary to transform the country into a regional example of so many great things.. like extensive micro-hydro projects, grand scheme hydroelectric
power, like sweeping visions of high potential in tourism, like preserving for
posterity the incredible vibration in the power centres (temples, monasteries
and stupas) in the Valley. What about building a new capital elsewhere and
leaving the Valley for tourists, anthropologists, spiritualists and its residents and for those wanting to develop
the arts and hold space in this special place. Something has to give, the
Valley has reached a critical mass, it is overburdened with humanity, the
question is will mother earth express herself again in the form of another
massive earthquake or will she let it continue to burn slowly; the elite
constantly consuming what they can feed off until it all falls to ash.
Embassies are closing their doors, fewer in number than ever before, donors are
dismayed in a country where foreign aid income is as big as revenue gains
through tourism and corruption is rife. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I hope for a breath of
fresh air, for young educated well-spoken Nepalis to step up and step graciously
almost fraternally, like a young person relieving his/her older tired respected elder to take on leadership roles which may not come easily. Then they can take on the challenges
facing Nepal with gusto, diplomacy and vision.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-64056473635806486002015-02-28T03:22:00.000-05:002015-09-22T23:59:09.561-05:00The Screen: Part II The Strategies (or the Yoga of Screen)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are many approaches to managing our children's screen use (TV, computer, phone, tablet, etc). It would be great if it were easy to have blanket solutions but the fact is that strategies apply differently to different children and to different cultural and family culture dynamics, so there is no fix-all solution. Well, unless you throw the damn things out the window which is tempting at times but then I realise I'd have to throw out my smart phone as well and a revealing conundrum emerges (to be discussed in a later blog). The take-away lesson is to strategically set a good example in your own screen management and this will pave the way for easier management of your children's access to screens; get your own screen under control first, visibly and transparently before embarking on any campaign to help the kids. Where there is a Mum and Dad or live in relative or friend... its helpful if all are on the same 'setting a good example' page and if their School is on board as well... it is much easier! We are blessed to have the same philosophy as parents and here in Nepal to have neighbors with two same age, same school, sons who share the same 'screen philosophy' as us. By contrast if they didn't, it would be a nightmare.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I want to add a caveat here that for the past 4 years TV has not been on the family menu of screen choices so we aren't afflicted by the problematic of TV addiction. We simply do not subscribe to cable/satellite or other connections to commercial television. This was not hard to do given our mobility and disdain and understanding of the distraction from real life that TV provides. It has been a great move for all. Gone is pervasive (sometimes intelligence insulting) television advertising, gone the insidious brain numb of cartoon crap and cartoon violence, the detached and detaching channel surfing, etc and yes, as adults we aren't passing time watching what are inevitably just trendy flash in the pan series or sitcoms. If there is a downside it is that we sometimes miss inspirational moments in sports or catching significant world events... but we can catch up with these with a quick bit of googling post event! The other day someone mentioned the Oscar's...I didn't even realise the Academy Awards had happened but now have bought Oscar winning films, Boyhood, Whiplash, Still Alice, Grand Budapest Hotel and Birdman. These days I don't even think the boys miss out on popular culture, I did years ago when Zaki came home from Montessori school in Malaysia asking who Mickey Mouse was, but those days are long gone. They seem to catch up through friends and watch selectively on YouTube various series if they are curious. In Nepal where we live, we can't get Netflix with a Nepali credit card and so our aging flat-screen TV is used for viewing DVDs and the Wii only. Our boys are 8 and 10 have lived as expatriate children in Malaysia, Lebanon, Ecuador and now Nepal, they are multilingual, multicultural <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_culture_kid" target="_blank">third culture kids</a> and basically want for nothing such is their luck (or not)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Worth mentioning here is that I am grateful for everything I have; perhaps living in a very poor country like Nepal having traveled and lived large and fully on different levels of the poverty-decadence scale from cold poverty in wintry Montreal (although I did meet Leonard Cohen because of it!) to prosperity jet-setting as a humanitarian emergency aid worker, perhaps I am less likely to take for granted what I have. I don't know, I just know we are very lucky to have all of what we have; our good health and the luxury to discuss things like screen time because we have that choice... How many zillions of Syrian or Palestinian or Congolese kids would die to have a tablet device? In the case of screens and the internet we express that gratitude through a principled approach to access. The boys know that their access to screens is a p<i>rivilege</i> and not a r<i>ight</i>. Zaki tried to convince me not long ago that screen time was a basic human right, they had been discussing human rights at school.... I said 'oh, like food and water? you can't live without it?', that gave him something to think about.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Back to strategies....it is good for children to realise that your efforts as caregivers to 'manage' their screen time is in their best interest, and that needs un packaging in terms they can understand vis a vis the whys and wherefores and it is useful to reframe this for them often where repetition can be a bore, saying it differently under differing circumstances can help click things into frame. Below are some links to help flesh this out if you had any doubts. Please be clear, no one is saying there isn't value in children's access to smart devices (children over 5 years old because they are not advised at all for kids below 5) and all of what they have to offer. The question is how it is delivered to them, with what conditionality and how to optimize it to their benefit. I used to say the same about TV... and now of web connected smart devices... ask yourself... would you just hand your kid the remote control of a TV without some restrictions and information on the potential hazards of use!</span></div>
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<a href="http://news.yahoo.com/sleep-problems-plague-device-dependent-175700827.html;_ylt=AwrBEiTMxhRTJkYAN17QtDMD" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Sleep and tests.</span></a><br />
<a href="http://news.yahoo.com/sleep-problems-plague-device-dependent-175700827.html;_ylt=AwrBEiTMxhRTJkYAN17QtDMD" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Sleep and device dependency.</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com.au/smartphone-impact-brain-body-sleep-2015-2" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Smartphones and sleep</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/screen-time/how-do-screens-such-as-tv-and-smartphones-affect-my-kids-sleep" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Kids, smartdevices and sleep</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Never forgetting that children's brains develop in their sleep and they grow physically when they sleep, so sound, long sleep is a key issue in screen management.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/11/fashion/steve-jobs-apple-was-a-low-tech-parent.html?_r=1" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Steve Jobs and iPads</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Related article on the importance of <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/give-childhood-back-to-children-if-we-want-our-offspring-to-have-happy-productive-and-moral-lives-we-must-allow-more-time-for-play-not-less-are-you-listening-gove-9054433.html" target="_blank">Playtime</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next in strategies: We find it useful for our children to realise that these limits on screen are not just their Mum and/or Dad's blahblahblah, they need to know that it is a 'global' discussion i.e. their friend's parents grapple with the same thing (hopefully) no matter what country they are from or where they live. Kids need to see the plethora of websites talking about this, show them this one! One of the best websites that is all over this is <a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org%20a/" target="_blank">Common Sense Media</a> and its new <a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/parent-concerns" target="_blank">'Parent's Concerns' </a>tab which covers a range of issues from 'how much screen time' to cyberbullying to internet security, online learning and beyond. Well worth the visit. I showed this to our boys and they read the inputs from parents and other kids so they know that this isn't an issue only for us...its out there in the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Screening content is something we are very clear on. Family filters on browsers is a must and are easy to activate or install. Anything new that they want to watch, download, play, etc has to be 'screened' (filtered) and the best tool I have found online is again <a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/" target="_blank">Commonsense Media</a> and if it isn't listed there then <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">http://www.metacritic.com/</a> critiques gaming and <a href="http://www.ipadfamily.com.au/">http://www.ipadfamily.com.au/</a> is also okay offering an age rating for IOS games. At the end of the discussion it is more about how you feel as a parent, how much 'cartoon violence' for example you can tolerate (I draw the line at those stupid zombie games). Its like movie ratings... the best judge of appropriateness is you, aligning with your own values and understanding of your child's maturity and ability to absorb content....and lets be honest whether a movie will give them nightmares and cause you to lose sleep or not!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now to the restrictions. Here everyone differs and the balance is between allowing kids the ability to make their own wise choices and learning about these and being a conscious and responsible caregiver. Screen time seems to be a determinant factor and so we limit it. Without limits what we have learned for our boys (is it different for girls?) that they will spend too much time on screen or at least not enough time playing outside or with lego or whatever else and their addictive behaviours increases. This is perhaps the most annoying thing when you realise they are living for their screen time and manipulating you to ensure they get time to be on screen. Our boys are responding well to the following:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1hr/Friday and 2hrs/Saturday</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Screen free Sunday</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No screen ever in bedrooms</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No screen ever after dinner (except family movies)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No TV (except DVD movies usually as a family)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No unsupervised screen at home or away</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are other strategies like minute banks, timers on devices, screen time tracking, etc. See <a href="http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/wecan/reduce-screen-time/tips-to-reduce-screen-time.htm" target="_blank">here</a> for other ideas. One method we don't use is screen-time for reward or punishment, or use it to bribe...that is going down a dangerous and wobbly way that is hard to sustain and sends wrong messages, the pros and cons are discussed <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2013/10/28/should-you-bribe-your-kids" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I suggest above, each to their own and their own priorities, considerations and thoughts on the matter. No judgement. My intention is to provoke thinking, encourage researching the issue to be able to make informed choices and to involve children fully in decisions taken. There is no black and white....only shades of grey and navigating the waters takes some time but mostly a connection with what for you and your family makes for a harmonious and harmless living situation that provides the best for your children. Maybe call it the Yoga of Screen: how to find balance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please post comments below especially strategies you might have succeeded with for everyone to see. Thanks. d</span></div>
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<br />Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-51606463690637126742014-12-03T13:45:00.004-05:002014-12-04T23:20:18.388-05:00Expatriotism: What I see from far.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Living outside Canada as an expat (expatriate) has taken on a new dimension</b> with the explosion of social media and 24/7 access to the Internet; it has brought me to new levels of 'expatriotism'. Utilizing social media has become the new normal when it comes to lobbying and it has been quite effective. I want to be clear: I identify myself as a Canadian (I am also a citizen), it is the culture I grew up in and as much as I aim to shed the nationalistic trappings of citizenry and claim personal sovereignty where you grow up becomes part of who you are. I blogged on identity <a href="http://daddyoh-daniel.blogspot.com/2013/08/addendum-on-identity.html">here </a>. My children are Canadian (and French), Canada may well be in their future and so I feel a strong claim to want the best opportunities there for them in the country I grew up in...not the one being re-modeled by the current leadership.</span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>I have always been a political pundit of a cafe/bar type, having lived much of my adult life 'off shore' involved with humanitarian emergencies</b> I usually focus on international events and keep up with developments in Canada from afar and through friends. I have been drawn back to the state of affairs in Canada by the Arab Spring and emergence of engaged popular movements, and motivated to become more current since a S<a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/expat-voting-court-denies-ottawa-s-fight-for-5-year-rule-for-voters-abroad-1.2685041">upreme court ruling this summer</a> returns to those of us who have lived outside Canada more than 5 yrs the right to vote(!). Timing is right as the second term of administration <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/a-rebranding-of-the-harper-government-1.1040716">the ego-centric</a> leadership of <a href="http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=9c6b53f6-f0a2-4eca-93bb-559023144731">Stephen Harper</a> draws to a close. Harper and his ilk in Ottawa have managed through the various policies and bills passed to disenfranchise swathes of Canadians notably including veterans and indigenous peoples, perhaps even the majority, but they don't really matter to him, they aren't 'his majority', 'his' are only the <a href="http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/05/03/canadian-election-turnout-estimated-at-61-4/">23.9% of registered voters who voted for him</a> (40% of registered voters did not vote!). Against the 2011 Census that means 17% of all Canadians voted Harper Conservative in the last election...and thats how a becoming a majority in parliament works in Canada. Go figure.</span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Don't be shy to click on the highlighted links</b>, I went to considerable lengths to source articles and found many originated from Canadian sites. Interestingly even the <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/the-media-join-harpers-hit-list/article18852649/">mainstream corporate media are in the sights</a> of the Harper Government.</span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Those of us who see from far what is happening in Canada enjoy the advantage of a global perspective</b>; living away from home we are exposed perhaps to a wider variety of points of view and can easier place developments in a the regional if not global context. For example there is little doubt that in the eyes of many Canada has slipped from being a country highly respected as a 'green country', for its fair stance on human rights issues, for its involvement in peace processes and as a bulwark against the illegal waging of war to being well. Ok, I'll say it...we have become <a href="http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=11759" target="_blank">lackeys to conservative (read Republican) USA</a> denizens...sorry folks but that is how Canada is being viewed at least in Asia. Canada used to champion the underdog and waving the Canadian flag used to be the back-packer's symbol of neutrality, fairness and friendliness. No longer is this true...people from the USA still sew the Canadian flag on their back-packs but more because their own flag has made them into targets, beware I say, the Canadian flag is becoming much the same.</span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>I was in Canada this summer and am aware that life is still very good there</b> for most of my friends, manageable financially if you have good employment, with opportunities that abound for children's activities and a decent education system...if you don't mind your kids in classes of up to 30 (for which there is no sound reason). What is to complain about? From afar I see how the present government reforming Canada under the noses of good people by <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/10-bills-hurried-through-the-house-in-2012-1.1214077" target="_blank">pushing bills through without time for adequate scrutiny</a>, <a href="http://www.revparl.ca/english/issue.asp?param=214&art=151" target="_blank">using the omnibus bill to make sweeping changes</a> and engaging in <a href="http://www.pressprogress.ca/en/post/7-facts-conservatives-dont-want-you-know-about-their-family-tax-plan" target="_blank">distasteful tactics</a> (or should that be disgraceful) as they proceed with what appears to be an increasingly corporate-oriented agenda in an essentially people-oriented milieu such as Canadians are. The pattern is being <a href="http://rabble.ca/news/2014/03/13-examples-harper-governments-anti-democratic-abuses" target="_blank">labelled 'anti-democratic'</a> because many moves are simply against the polled population's interest or their desire. The list of omnibus bills you can find, just google 'omnibus bills passed by Harper government' and you'll see what I mean. Canadians are being hood-winked...which is a nice Canadian way of putting it mildly</span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Of late, making international news, Canada was pronounced dead last in the </b><a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/canada-dead-last-in-oecd-ranking-for-environmental-protection/article15484134/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Centre for Global Development assessment of 27 developed countries on environmental protection</a> and <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/11/18/canada-climate-policy-worst_n_4296396.html" target="_blank">55th out of 58 countries in terms of tackling fossil fuel emissions</a><b>.</b>..due in part to an uptick in tar sands production in Alberta </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(the product of those notorious sands in the Athabasca region of northern Alberta is actually called bitumen, tar for short, it is definitely not oil until it is refined). This </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">uptick that looks to becoming super-sized in the near future. So much for the image of Canada as a place of pristine wilderness and fresh clean waters which suggests a nation that cares for and stewards the environment....even perhaps as one that can take the moral high ground in leading the way forward on mitigating the effects of climate change by addressing the cause. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Teasing this out a bit further to focus on why Canada is being mocked as a global pariah, the fact is that our enormous north is melting with rising global warming temperatures and this affects the entire planet. </b>Huge amounts of ozone depleting carbon are being released from the melting northern tundra which is nothing compared to their <a href="http://www.unep.org/newscentre/default.aspx?DocumentID=2698&ArticleID=9338" target="_blank">potential</a>. It suggests that Canada <i>should</i> perhaps be taking the lead in reducing, rather than the lead in increasing fossil fuel emissions. <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/climate-change-survey-reveals-canadians-fears-for-future-generations-1.2852605" target="_blank">What of the future? What of the children?</a> I am aware that coal is by far the dirtiest of fossil fuel energy sources, but does that excuse us from the energy intensive extraction of tar from sand? Not to mention the dangers of transporting or pipelining the crud(e) that bitumen is, and which then needs to be refined in more energy intensive processes. </span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On a brighter note </span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/12/02/green-energy-jobs-canada-oilsands_n_6252910.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">clean energy has apparently topped tar sands as a source of employment in Canada</a></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>!</b> W</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">hat I suggest is to divest now in the oil and gas sector (quit while you are ahead) and invest in clean energy (get in early)....lets make that a viral movement and watch what happens, the only direction is up. While discussing global politics a young friend of mine said it well, 'Corporations are out, people need to see that and move on'. If we stopped subsidizing oil/gas companies , started taxing their dirty product (as opposed to clean), if we penalized them financially for their many infringements on existing environmental laws....perhaps we would have a ton of money to put into clean energy research and development creating more jobs, sustainable and clean ones! Wow, am I the only one to have thought of that? Its a mess folks, read <a href="http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_round_up/2650530/tar_sands_industry_faces_existential_246_billion_loss.html" target="_blank">this</a> ...if the price of oil continues to drop and we remain on our current course... we are doomed, I kid you not.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back on topic, in the background from far we hear of the internationally decried </span><a href="http://o.canada.com/news/science-news/union-of-concerned-scientists-open-letter-532113" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">muzzling of the Canadian science community</a></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> which takes on a nefarious odor (pardon the pun) in the context of the global environmental damage being done by fossil fuel emissions. This <a href="http://voices-voix.ca/en/document/voices-campaign-against-advocacy-and-dissent-deepens" target="_blank">muting of voices that might be in opposition to government policy is frightening</a>. Healthy democracies thrive on alternative perspectives and the freedom to express these...where has that gone in Canada. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Much of the world and Canada do not realise that Harper is playing out his own religious beliefs on public policy; he is a devout member of the </span><a href="http://www.cmalliance.org/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Christian and Missionary Alliance</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, scares the bejesus outta me but read for yourself. Its a this topic of religion and politics is a controversial one, both are best left out of 'friendly' conversations so I leave it to them what knows to enlighten you, read <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/religions-fair-game-if-it-motivates-politics/article4450326/" target="_blank">this</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>In the international press the loud voices of discontent by notables like <a href="http://www.ipolitics.ca/2014/11/12/mussolini-would-have-loved-harpers-style-john-ralston-saul/" target="_blank">John Ralston Saul</a>, <a href="http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/media/flying/1168/file/2014-11-21%20Symons%20Lecture.pdf" target="_blank">Stephen Lewis</a> and </b><a href="http://www.straight.com/news/424891/david-suzuki-speaks-out-against-stephen-harper-stand-science-rally-vancouver" target="_blank"><b>David Suzuki</b> </a>are heard loud and clear on issues mentioned above. I chose here to focus on the environment and global climate change, equally I could have selected another issue to highlight because from afar we hear also of the Harper-led <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/10/02/canada-un-indigenous-rights_n_5918868.html" target="_blank">assault on indigenous populations</a>, on the excesses of government invasion of <a href="http://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2014/11/04/how_canadas_privacy_deficit_undermines_our_economy.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&app=noRedirect" target="_blank">privacy</a>, on the <a href="http://www.globalresearch.ca/canada-ottawa-shooting-is-one-muslim-mans-drug-crazed-rampage-terrorism/5416823" target="_blank">militarization of policing</a> (especially in the wake of incidents in Ontario and Quebec), on the nose-thumbing at <a href="http://www.ipolitics.ca/2014/11/13/the-final-front-veterans-versus-harper-in-2015/" target="_blank">veterans</a>, its getting to be a long list. I haven't talked about <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/10/09/rick-mercer-prorogation-rant-harper_n_4070160.html" target="_blank">prorogation</a>, <a href="https://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/canada-politics/ethics-patronage-senate-stephen-harper-coming-back-haunt-215311096.html" target="_blank">patronage</a> or the multiple Harper minions who have fallen foul of the justice system, neither the <a href="http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/2014/08/14/greasy_robocall_scandal_will_haunt_conservatives_at_the_polls_editorial.html" target="_blank">robocall scandal</a>. And, oh, did I mention the Harper government supported the bombing of Gaza <a href="http://www.newsocialist.org/695-why-are-the-harper-conservatives-so-pro-israel" target="_blank">Bibi Netanyahu's government in its illegal occupation of Palestine</a>,(this link is a long read but a worthy one...right to the end). The FB group Occupy Canada now has 323 reasons in their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OccupyCanada/info?tab=page_info" target="_blank">'hashtag leavesteve2015' </a>campaign! </span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Out here in the wilderness (currently Kathmandu) </b>myself and the several Canucks I know who inhabit this remote Himalayan valley are dismayed at what continues to be revealed by the international media about the remodeling of Canada going on under the noses of earnest hard-working Canadians. We all have a stake in the future of a place like Canada which could be a bastion of good government that puts people and the environment first, instead we are getting further and further bogged down in a paradigm of economic growth for the sake of itself which has run its course. Currently the government is securing us to the sinking ship of corporate capitalism one that has no retrievable future. If you agree with the sentiment voiced here feel free to share widely, freedom of speech persists for now in Canada and anyway, and anyway nothing posted here is not in the public record. And as a post script...don't forget to vote, its the only way the change will come.</span></div>
Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-4752943905477432382014-09-06T12:13:00.002-05:002019-05-21T10:31:13.225-05:00The Screen Part 1: the dilemma <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Managing screen-time has become a full-time challenge in our house. My sons' now 7 and 9 years old have grown up in an age, in a place and they have been privileged with access to pretty much every screen known to humankind: TV, Videos, Wii, Game boy, tablet, computer, phone. They are at an age where they can fully grasp the entertainment value of hand-held devices like internet connected smart phones after all, everyone around them has one. Now, before anyone gets carried away with 'doh! no wonder you have problems' comments in our house screen-time has always been limited and touted as a privilege not a right for the little lads to hop on. In fact at this point we don't have TV per se, we have a flat screen monitor connected to nothing but the DVD player and the Wii. Game boys were only permitted for traveling and are destined for the bin having been eclipsed by the tablets (iPads in our family). Computers are only used for educational activities, googling, youtubing, music listening and okay, watching online videos has snuck in of late. Smart phones are parent property and I, at least, have sudoko and not much else in the recreational line on mine...although I am trying to figure out how to hide apps so they are not displayed on the screen (anyone?). Screen time is limited to an educational hour mid-week that now includes work with a meditation app and is not allowed to define the weekend, rather it is ok if it doesn't interfere with whatever else is going on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We all know the down-side of screens, you can find credible research dating back to the criticism levied against too much Television back in the '70s to the clear issues related to advertising and its impact on our capacity to make good consumer decisions now to tablets, smart phones and computers being implicated in everything from ADD, ADHD, anti-social behaviour, losing creative ability, to obesity. I'd find these for you and add links but I don't have the attention span nor tolerance. Its true, I have to say as I write on my lap-top with 3 Windows open on Chrome, each with at least 9 tabs. I flip from one to the other to facecrack, email (3 accounts), bookmarking pages I want but may never return to covering interest areas including yoga and healing, nutrition, earthquake preparedness, a mess of political meanderings, holiday planning, etc, etc...loads of things crossing the radar. I have been here writing this and its a bit of a record.....going on 8 minutes now. The acute disconnect between the natural world and an artificial one is articulated in this technology. The therapeutic advantage of going for a walk in the greenery rather than staying indoors face inches from a glowing lump of tech does not really have to be proven...we all know which one is better for you. In human contact we distance ourselves with the overuse/abuse of screens. Having these silly devices out with us when we meet up with friends and then texting, tweeting, surfing and scanning takes significantly from the quality time we could have with our friends. The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7dLU6fk9QY" target="_blank">'Look Up'</a> video says it well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know then that there is an effect of the screen on me although I can discern and focus when the need arises partly (I think) because I had the benefit of years of no internet distraction and book-reading through to University ergo I learned to focus. That said I have always been an A-class procrastinator so perhaps the theory on attention span being inversely correlated to screen time is null. As far as screens go, I first had access to TV in 1967, 3 English, 1 French channels and limited to family shows (Giligans Island, Mr. Dress Up, Hogans Heros, the Flintstones, Bewitched an dI Love Lucy, all familiar to my generation of watchers!). My first computer was a Mac laptop (somethings haven't change!) back in the early '90s and in the past few years tablets and smartphones are on my menu of screen choices. Aside from sudoko and the occasional visit to Angry Birds I don't game on screen at all. I do have a hankering for social media, especially Facebook*. All that to say, if it affects me the way it does, it must be having a huge impact on the internal 'software' programming of my sons, even an effect on the development of their hardware, the wiring. In some manner affecting their mental capacities of the future. I see their ability to be adept at utilizing the screen for its positive attributes something that will aid them as they navigate our wacky changing world and so take on a parental responsibility of monitoring closely screen and seeking recourse and remedies to ensure the impact is constructive and contributes to their well-being and ability to be 21st Century-capable adaptable, resilient young men. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My sons are one of the early generations who have had access to internet-connected smart devices. As a 50 (something) yr old I am of the generation whose University had a computer room with a computer lab attached with monitors connected to the main-frame. My first year papers had to be 'word-processed' and the library was all about card catalogues and micro-fiche. My parents had no exposure to this situation and so really would have no advice to help guide me now. My mother marveled at the internet and without a computer, through our cable TV in 2000 she would email me when I was off working in the wild beyond of East Timor. So, that I call it a challenge, a dilemma sometimes even a problem is because it is a muddle of many things and there is no easy fix, the downstream effect is an unknown and we wait to see whether the kids will grow up well-adjusted or social basket cases or gadget geeks. Who can say?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Moving on...I get fed up with hearing about the problems of too much screen and suggestions that 'how to handle it' simply means limiting it, clearly people who say that don't have kids! My interest these days has turned to finding solutions for our screen dilemma. The little boys have their saving grace: they are avid book worms. Zaki, at 5 yrs old just started reading it just sort of came to him and I am sure nightly bed-time storytelling paid off...now at 9 he got the 1st Harry Potter book for his birthday and in the ensuing 3 weeks read the entire 7 book series. Seven months later he is a Harry Potter encyclopedia and has read the series several times. Kasem too loves his books, perhaps not with the same zeal as his older brother but he is a written word consumer of high proportions. In the next section of 'The Screen' I will turn to some ideas for remedying this challenge with screens. Perhaps I approach the screen dilemma with too high a conscious concern and should let go a bit but something tells me no, that to be concerned is to be a good parent and we need to figure it out ourselves....what to do about screen time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">*I would self-diagnose Facebook as easily the most damaging of my screen moments and yet the most magnetic... and like my chocolate addiction I am always trying to cut down on it. Quite simply I let it take time from my day but also the multiple mental diversions on offer splits my attention. Facebook offers up a multitude of distractions, it takes your mind off in a zillion different directions every time you open it and see posts from different groups, friends, etc. If </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">the best thing to do in the morning is a quiet meditation or qi gong practice ;-) then a glance at your facebook i</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">s probably the worst, if your sleep is influenced most by the last things you did or said or read in the day...then again facebook is probably the silliest thing to look at just before going to bed...and yet, at both moments in the day...how many of us have a device in our hands? go ahead...admit it, you're addicted.<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/AVvXsEgNYiGR79nxXVRBKtTiK9SMChczVF2ZV-y5q6F35V4gXFGldDr5yLY73uf5VgXbbCrrWeVopLOWvccWZtsD5FRITBS2Eqym5WUGkEnB8M7_9YDfV3PVZfOWqjuQMw2XB2R8tb9LbpoxPOfE/s1600/P1010241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYiGR79nxXVRBKtTiK9SMChczVF2ZV-y5q6F35V4gXFGldDr5yLY73uf5VgXbbCrrWeVopLOWvccWZtsD5FRITBS2Eqym5WUGkEnB8M7_9YDfV3PVZfOWqjuQMw2XB2R8tb9LbpoxPOfE/s1600/P1010241.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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here the privileged are traveling business for the first (and only time) moving from KL to Beirut!<br />
Loving every minute!</td></tr>
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</span>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-27237299767886368312014-04-30T10:35:00.000-05:002014-04-30T10:46:17.915-05:00Mother Goddess of the Earth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbuJSR4uEOjE-ZJ2mq3-c_23msBUc1L8ehADWMXkCweORxbM5Iz5c-7h_m8flq_qyWQnNMIYwXVAf6196JZ8ipPZHLMeKxrREDARwhfOn8P4lPP0gRG6q4joGJVq5uFHLHvnTSFtqegno/s1600/mt-everest-peak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbuJSR4uEOjE-ZJ2mq3-c_23msBUc1L8ehADWMXkCweORxbM5Iz5c-7h_m8flq_qyWQnNMIYwXVAf6196JZ8ipPZHLMeKxrREDARwhfOn8P4lPP0gRG6q4joGJVq5uFHLHvnTSFtqegno/s1600/mt-everest-peak.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In light of the recent tragedy on Everest much discussion has been going on with people trying hard from within the ethos of grief and mourning to articulate the myriad number of issues at hand. People trying to explain what is at stake with the halting of this season's summit attempts from the South side...summit attempts, however many 'first's', even a wing-suit jump from the top...etc. Nowhere has the talk had more of a deep and distressing impact than here in Kathmandu.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A friend has written forcefully and informatively on her blogsite found at <a href="http://tangledjourneys.com/category/everest/" target="_blank">http://tangledjourneys.com/category/everest/</a> and today I added this comment (slightly re-edited):</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Great article Donatella, lots to tell and a complex issue to be sure. I like to bring it back to basics and something that isn’t much discussed in the media nor understood by climbers including some Sherpas. Mingma Sherpa (of considerable local renown!) last night at the Le Sherpa fundraiser (here in Kathmandu) for families (they raised 1.72 lakh Rupees!) in his talk made numerous references to Qomalongma, Mother Goddess of the Earth known to Sherpas as Sagarmatha and to the world as Mt. Everest. She has spoken, she is disturbed and has been for some time voicing her discontent at the abuse meted out to her season after season. This season, early on and low down on the mountain she roared her rage claiming as victims the very people who revere her but have fallen victim to the shallow trappings of monetary gain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The ego-driven commercialization of climbing the SE Ridge is a relatively recent phenomenon and is what has led to the competition between foreign guides and agencies (clouding good judgement), the excessive queueing, the arguments and animosity between Sherpas and foreigners, the build up of garbage and indeed the prolonged more frequent exposure of all climbers but particularly those hard at work through the (now infamous) Khumbu Icefall. Ego and commercialization are quite contrary to the reverent and respectful challenge that used to motivate climbing on the mountain and it was a special space and place reserved for serious climbers. Indeed on the North side this remains the case to a certain extent. All routes from the North are more technical, steep and prone to objective hazards often seen on north facing slopes. The routes demand a certain climbing expertise often going hand in hand with a dedication to a sport which attracts people with a connection to the mountains, the elements and things natural…unlike some of today’s peak baggers on the south side. Hopefully this requirement to actually know how to climb will stave off the egotistical hoards (herds?) from the North side, I hope the Chinese in any case cotton on quick and excise appropriately the cost for commercial box ticking sorts. (Alan Arnette in his blog gives a great comparative <a href="http://www.alanarnette.com/blog/2011/02/17/comparing-the-routes-of-everest/" target="_blank">analysis of North vs South</a> and the death ratio of both.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Back to basics: Respect the mountain; that the season has been halted before it bega is the one Sagarmatha demanded. Respect for the Mother Goddess of the Earth, Respect for the dead, Respect for the environment, respect, respect, respect. This is what needs to be at the foundation of any discussion or thought about the future of commercial climbing on Sagarmatha. I wouldn’t be surprised if the destabilization of the ice flow (caused by global warming) forces a serious change in the way Nepal thinks about climbing Everest and Sagarmatha National Park tourism management in general, its gains and how these are shared with the people of the valleys of Solu Khumbu. Mother Nature has a habit of getting her way and if there was a better sharing of the benefit of Park entrance fees and the multitude of other peak fees in the area then perhaps Sagarmatha could be declared sacred….and never climbed again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Om mani padme hum, may the souls of those lost in the Icefall gain merit from their journey and find peace in their final resting.</span></div>
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Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-49195674473226327402014-03-21T06:27:00.001-05:002014-03-21T11:59:57.528-05:00Happy Birthday Pyramid!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One year ago on the vernal equinox we celebrated the opening of the <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=447572265334264&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/MandangoPyramid" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Piramide Mandango Pyramid</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Many thanks to those who continue to support this community space in Vilcabamba dedicated to transformational activities!//</span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hace un año en el equinoccio de primavera se celebra la apertura de la Pirámide Mandango Pyramid. </span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Muchas gracias a todos los que sigan apoyando a esta comunidad de Vilcabamba espacio dedicado a las actividades de transformación.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">From early December using natural elements an earthen floor, adobe retaining wall, bamboo frame and thatch roof we went from this:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3IboL8YLaEvTTxrgmNC1cd3MHGLd0N88VNpYuBmmCFtw5P0BaMwE0KmnDk2qfwImxAFpPXca6reCy1NOPBsfKvTNs2HnzWk46pemiIt7flxjCP_C_bNUz398FOHKz9G_7v4FHRX6sNFm/s1600/IMG_0964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3IboL8YLaEvTTxrgmNC1cd3MHGLd0N88VNpYuBmmCFtw5P0BaMwE0KmnDk2qfwImxAFpPXca6reCy1NOPBsfKvTNs2HnzWk46pemiIt7flxjCP_C_bNUz398FOHKz9G_7v4FHRX6sNFm/s1600/IMG_0964.JPG" height="484" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4nl9x4WRIuN5tmNNHil51s3uny7PasMK-Xjieu4WqlODyMef03bSWAo-tYbJ9e64b27-5coEJlrzEe5wOgDcvM6RpaeLzLqOnJv4W_A9iiyDZPZ_x5C3_vOXuIQhOK7pW_b-shyphenhyphenYmeRD/s1600/P1090155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4nl9x4WRIuN5tmNNHil51s3uny7PasMK-Xjieu4WqlODyMef03bSWAo-tYbJ9e64b27-5coEJlrzEe5wOgDcvM6RpaeLzLqOnJv4W_A9iiyDZPZ_x5C3_vOXuIQhOK7pW_b-shyphenhyphenYmeRD/s1600/P1090155.JPG" height="483" width="640" /></a></div>
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To this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_4nKoMaYu23ZZLr06e0iEyUbKXzTgx4V1JPelbo6hAYsne4KHSnmH28-ppllfWLkamOHrIXIrNaVaAlhmaKkB91DqXOZW0gETYbyk-FugvKQgVfMFHUfoOQs3o6iJZOb0YjtuZ3uPy_M/s1600/Floored.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_4nKoMaYu23ZZLr06e0iEyUbKXzTgx4V1JPelbo6hAYsne4KHSnmH28-ppllfWLkamOHrIXIrNaVaAlhmaKkB91DqXOZW0gETYbyk-FugvKQgVfMFHUfoOQs3o6iJZOb0YjtuZ3uPy_M/s1600/Floored.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Flower of Life mandala blossomed:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoJcuPPcHamCf_1wBXLjS7y3HnyV7FVMUxdl7LtLSNucKznOMBYGQ_4RLBMCghyphenhyphen2yhoS1SlUW_lz1pyMksGA3Mockt2A6FxXJRcSWIUcOrugvfXQx-bbzqy4MkZ8hIgIk_yMQyYCIzuod/s1600/P1340375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoJcuPPcHamCf_1wBXLjS7y3HnyV7FVMUxdl7LtLSNucKznOMBYGQ_4RLBMCghyphenhyphen2yhoS1SlUW_lz1pyMksGA3Mockt2A6FxXJRcSWIUcOrugvfXQx-bbzqy4MkZ8hIgIk_yMQyYCIzuod/s1600/P1340375.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A concept and design<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDc7J_V8BSK0CeT9nZZCtdas2fj6DnBqmrUmQY9vG0lv_zZJ8PrdzqLLbj79T2y0PQDBpuC4HTl_vcRcOkrQhTF1BGWR-VNxxvLiG8LCRz8wp3MkTxMnev9G3Dp4qIbu2P08hbjWqILnI3/s1600/P1340384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDc7J_V8BSK0CeT9nZZCtdas2fj6DnBqmrUmQY9vG0lv_zZJ8PrdzqLLbj79T2y0PQDBpuC4HTl_vcRcOkrQhTF1BGWR-VNxxvLiG8LCRz8wp3MkTxMnev9G3Dp4qIbu2P08hbjWqILnI3/s1600/P1340384.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full of Fire Element, seat of creativity --- the inspired artist at work</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtg9e7cVATV0z_ZhtTSOD51P5U3lP8hGb5sMqoaPRbl1mWlqh1KIgKhGUG3z-O-wul-FWJ6ZzmcNZCDKbIhSRTaRE2Pd-KasKze_I5jvg68TFa1jbD39Hi1PeGXAi5pDuXa8iebCBojkgG/s1600/P1340407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtg9e7cVATV0z_ZhtTSOD51P5U3lP8hGb5sMqoaPRbl1mWlqh1KIgKhGUG3z-O-wul-FWJ6ZzmcNZCDKbIhSRTaRE2Pd-KasKze_I5jvg68TFa1jbD39Hi1PeGXAi5pDuXa8iebCBojkgG/s1600/P1340407.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renowned community Artists</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6pZK7sXLI-znyiLLm3W_Jbwin_7DURIM8EF-FDbOGiipQ9EA6F1dx5LlVIljNGKZFzkev0Q7DkhIcLf4cUbBRMHAmAymxcBzWFO15ZJjlSDBfL2DeU6_pLHF7k92osb6Z1Yd5kpoh5HB/s1600/P1340410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6pZK7sXLI-znyiLLm3W_Jbwin_7DURIM8EF-FDbOGiipQ9EA6F1dx5LlVIljNGKZFzkev0Q7DkhIcLf4cUbBRMHAmAymxcBzWFO15ZJjlSDBfL2DeU6_pLHF7k92osb6Z1Yd5kpoh5HB/s1600/P1340410.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the finished Mandala with the Elemental colors on the four aspects of the Pyramid</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And the Pyramid was born...here's more pix and the building story:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://daddyoh-daniel.blogspot.com/2012_12_16_archive.html" target="_blank">http://daddyoh-daniel.blogspot.com/2012_12_16_archive.html</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://daddyoh-daniel.blogspot.com/2013/03/pyramid-progressupdated.html" target="_blank">http://daddyoh-daniel.blogspot.com/2013/03/pyramid-progressupdated.html</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-16576850764375782432014-03-16T23:26:00.001-05:002014-03-17T22:48:02.129-05:00Mind yer back! - your Back, the Elements and Yoga<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Back pain...what is it all about? Lately there has been a spate of back injuries among various friends and students much of it related to their posture in general but specifically their posture when sitting working on a lap-top computer or other desk-bound device so I thought I'd write about it. In very broad terms the origin of the physical problem of backs comes from not sitting on the floor like our evolutionary ancestors and the subsequent weakening of lower back and core muscles and the gradual shortening of these muscles, the related fascia, a shortened <a href="http://pilates.about.com/od/technique/a/psoas-muscle.htm" target="_blank">psoas muscle</a> and tight hamstrings. I should know after years of sitting at a desk, on chairs, and couches (although I don't watch TV anymore so my couch time is way down!) etc it wasn't until I had yoga'ed my way through my 40's that I am finally able to touch my toes (without bending my knees) in both seated and standing forward bends! Now I'm glad I can because my only lower back complaint is after lying in bed working on my lap-top for too long...like I am now, also not good.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://www.bandhayoga.com/shaktitest/images/Blog/b38_paschimottanasana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #8f8f8f; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="thoracolumbar fascia - paschimottanasana" border="0" src="http://www.bandhayoga.com/shaktitest/images/Blog/b38_paschimottanasana.jpg" height="283" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 0px 0px 0px; background-color: transparent; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" title="thoracolumbar fascia - paschimottanasana" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Engaging the TLC with the abdominal core and connecting this to lumbar pelvic rhythm with the tensor fascia lata.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JQr1InW3MiUFv1rXLjROh2U0gRgUMo670WXC-R4X-G1keEPPbrBjGqZgq-GjN26wXmekznQ5I3I1rqYlYY3yJruOJLANUUC6PHO7ORpqjY1TiRs-YztoW0KENTQAY91h-gDxqvS4lSaO/s1600/halfmoonwblock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JQr1InW3MiUFv1rXLjROh2U0gRgUMo670WXC-R4X-G1keEPPbrBjGqZgq-GjN26wXmekznQ5I3I1rqYlYY3yJruOJLANUUC6PHO7ORpqjY1TiRs-YztoW0KENTQAY91h-gDxqvS4lSaO/s1600/halfmoonwblock.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The lower back is at the level of the second chakra in the sacral spine (water element) and the root chakra at the coccyx (earth). Earth and Water are inseparable. Earth contains water as it holds all bodies of water, but earth would be without purpose without the nutritive and purposeful flow of water within it...and water forms the earth. When we stand on one foot in any balance pose we see the relationship within us; you can't be stable if you are rigid, you have to flex and flow in order to find balance. So we might be grounded to the earth in a balance pose but we won't achieve it and be truly stable if we don't allow fluidity to come into the moment. Stability with fluidity...nature and the body reflecting the wisdom</span>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxaDwWIxjnEg7DZMmLiiKL9Wp5n50aYNsbgxJrRymKO57sBfaGiwB6NBdHv39V24c-kIMcoOS7-fMQjAFa1TLRF1YKxmjf4uZXg99QQXiRYCTFaITOVbK8wbmY3Nej25-XnqgIvVMiMuK/s1600/WATER_halfforwardbend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxaDwWIxjnEg7DZMmLiiKL9Wp5n50aYNsbgxJrRymKO57sBfaGiwB6NBdHv39V24c-kIMcoOS7-fMQjAFa1TLRF1YKxmjf4uZXg99QQXiRYCTFaITOVbK8wbmY3Nej25-XnqgIvVMiMuK/s1600/WATER_halfforwardbend.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What about lifestyle and the lower back...whats involved there? The fact that we sit around on chairs and couches (a lot?) is not such a good thing... our 'girth' also plays a role. Sitting around on chairs and couches suggests we may not be getting enough exercise which is often combined with eating and possibly drinking a bit too much (?)...its a bit of a cascade effect... Consider this: a great way to address lower back issues is through yogic forward bends which stretches out the fascia and muscles of the lower back and hamstrings nicely....and they activate the meridian related to...you guessed it...the bladder, a water element organ helping to balance the energetics talked about above in the subtle body. Relating this to lifestyle then... even if you had nice long back muscles and a stretchy psoas...how can you bend forward if you have that extra cargo around your middle or if your liver is suffering from the abuse of the night before...diet right? lifestyle right? Just saying that you can go a long way to solving lower back problems not only by doing yoga asanas but adjusting your diet and lifestyle...thats real yoga.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I had lower back pain once...well an ache and stiffness so that if I lay in bed longer than 7hrs I would start to hurt. An osteopath was poking around in my viscera one day (the way they do) and we both felt a rubber bandy release in my middle back...he proceeded to do a couple of spinal adjustments and well...I haven't had lower back pain since. His assessment was that I had a twisted urethra (that cord connecting kidneys to bladder) and the pressure coming from my liver and stomach (when it was full) stressed the muscles around the kidney which pulled on my lower back muscles. He bet that if I could I would probably realise that the lower back stiffness was more prevalent during the party seasons (hmmm) when I consumed more food and drank more well, more drink. That was 7 yrs ago and I am lighter by 8kgs, have a much better nearly veg diet, barely drink booze and well...I do yoga and I have no lower back complaints.</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkBBQZtrPwkQjS9DkfZNONMbQFcc6ylekGMNAkeLz5w0yuQFyiqyMYmk2RT2DphmnLrvKhAGZ4Id3pa4u18-PXRL6-BWD0fk4aOFj8UYJi_kIggGNRNzovQw7rYOPbX2rCJxCoRPQCGSi/s1600/WATER_Downdog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkBBQZtrPwkQjS9DkfZNONMbQFcc6ylekGMNAkeLz5w0yuQFyiqyMYmk2RT2DphmnLrvKhAGZ4Id3pa4u18-PXRL6-BWD0fk4aOFj8UYJi_kIggGNRNzovQw7rYOPbX2rCJxCoRPQCGSi/s1600/WATER_Downdog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkBBQZtrPwkQjS9DkfZNONMbQFcc6ylekGMNAkeLz5w0yuQFyiqyMYmk2RT2DphmnLrvKhAGZ4Id3pa4u18-PXRL6-BWD0fk4aOFj8UYJi_kIggGNRNzovQw7rYOPbX2rCJxCoRPQCGSi/s1600/WATER_Downdog.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Looking through the psycho/emotional/spiritual lens we see that the qualities of Earth energy are around the strength and stability, the grounding effect of gravity and the importance of a secure foundation, a feeling of belonging. Earth also sets the example of unconditional giving as mother earth gives and gives to us without judgment. Water energy is contemplative, reflective and adaptable taking on all shapes. It moves without effort and always arrives at a place of stillness. Water is a nice metaphor for realising the potential inherent in our lives and its issues; with patience we nurture them towards a calm resolution, growing our self-knowledge in the process. Balancing these elements through yoga practice, can help bring a sense of peace and calm to our lives and with that perhaps ease the strain in the lower back. This can be achieved through meditative practices and breathing and these when used in conjunction with asana practice will go a long way to helping your back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Click if you want to know more about <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/health/sitting/Sitting.pdf" target="_blank">sitting</a>...and if you want the details of <a href="http://www.dailybandha.com/2012/08/lengthening-torso-in-forward-bends.html" target="_blank">managing your back </a>through yoga asana this is great too. Backs are pretty specific though, spending time with a yoga therapist (hey, I'm a Yoga Therapist!) to understand the holistic dimensions of minding your back can be very valuable...we have 10 fingers and toes...two of most other things...but we only have ONE back! Take care of it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I write we have just passed full moon in March which has a big effect on the tides, water content of plants and on us emotionally, psychologically and physically... ask yourself...'how does my back feel'? Its a great time to do some balancing water energy yoga! I can be reached at elementalyoga.daniel(at)yahoo(dot)com or if you're in Kathmandu 9803063459. If you want to go further in your practice and understanding of the elements and your yoga, together with Pranamaya studios we are holding an Elemental Energy retreat 24 - 26 March at Neydo Gompa...<a href="http://pranamaya-yoga.com/event/three-day-yoga-immersion-retreat-in-nepal-3/" target="_blank">http://pranamaya-yoga.com/event/three-day-yoga-immersion-retreat-in-nepal-3/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So what to tell them currently and how to rationalise what is going on. I have just written and slightly re-edited the letter below to a friend that outlines my thoughts on the matter at this time, and I don't know really to translate all this into a language that my 6 and 8 year old will understand. That is another matter. What I do know is that if the decision is taken for a military intervention in Syria then the opportunity for learning about the dismal state of affairs in the world will sky-rocket and a moment in time to reinforce their roles (all of our roles) as change-agents optimized, is that homeschooling or just good parenting? Whether we are departing from the Kali Yurga, shifting from a world that has been masculine dominated to one that is feminine-led, it is clear that we cannot continue to treat each other and Mother Earth the way we have been, particularly these past 100years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I realise as I write that I have the children first and foremost in my mind. Your children, my children...Syrian children. No one, not Assad, not any opposition group, not the Presidents or Prime Ministers of the USA, Iran, Israel or Russia have any right to trample on the hopes and aspirations or the futures (not to mention the Rights) of Syrian children. Many Syrian kids have now been out of school for 2years...with no end in sight, I wonder what their parents are telling them about all this. So-called Leaders need to rein in, take a deep breath and then step up in the name of the children and of humanity.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Hi K,</span><br />
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Yes, I am trying to extend my longevity by reducing pre-occupation with humanitarian emergencies and the resulting stress! Work as it has come to be known has been allowed to overtake life and the fulfillment of the human spirit and this is wrong. We all have choices to make. I digress. </div>
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To your question...I am absolutely against anything as blatantly foolish and arrogant as military strikes on Syria. There is much written about it both in the mainstream press and supposed think tanks, but most miss the mark or are clearly biased. Any thoughts of 'punishing' are those of small minds or perhaps those only with hegemonic or economic interests...anyway usually these are the small minds, narrow minds at the very least, again, I digress.</div>
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First, NO intervention can occur without the full report from the UN assessment mission. Their report will reveal the type of chemical used and then we will know the source and therefore whodunit. This is underscored by the UNSG this week in his noon-day briefing.</div>
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Second, once the perpetrators are known, any intervention essentially needs to consider and respect the need for humanitarian access to Syrians and reinforce the principles behind the emerging 'responsibility to protect' doctrine, this might be a bit of a stretch for the USA given its global bully rather than global champion type attitude but still, we can only hope that broader thinking minds prevail. It is not the place of the USA to punish anyone outside of their own country.</div>
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If there is bombing there will be further displacement and fewer opportunities for aid to reach the millions displaced, resulting in the unnecessary deaths of vulnerable people (elderly, disabled, ill, children).</div>
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If there is bombing there will be a rise of anti-western sentiment jeopardizing aid workers who come in to deliver assistance for years to come, resulting in the unnecessary deaths of vulnerable people (elderly, disabled, ill, children).</div>
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If there is bombing (precision bombing is a myth and a farce) then innocent lives will be lost directly or indirectly as a consequence.</div>
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If there is bombing of course the potential disastrous consequences for an explosion of the mounting regional tensions goes through the roof and we could see a regional conflagration of immense proportions...some say this is what is needed in the region...the pimple, now a nasty inflamed boil, needs to be lanced and if this is the destiny of the region then sobeit. Pity the people.</div>
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If there is bombing there will be no gain whatsoever, if anyone thinks the perpetrators will blink...they are naive and delusional.</div>
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Third, a political intervention is different in many ways. Once whodunit is known, and if it is Assad, Obama (the USA taking a leading role should not be considered a no-brainer, why not Canada?...oh, right, because Harper is PM...I forgot.) will be required to kiss and make up with Putin (which understand is a step up with pride, not a pride swallowing exercise and this requires gumption). He needs to make nice overtures with the Iranians who are amenable under the new government, a great opportunity, this will require him to get teflon trouser cuffs to protect himself from the Israelis snapping at his heels. He needs broad consensus on condemning Assad or whoever it turns out used chemical weapons from the General Assembly so not only the permanent members of the SC but including those members of the non-aligned states. The ICC will in turn have to begin proceedings to bring war criminals to justice. What we need here is Global Statesmanship, and it is sorely lacking. With political overtures in Washington, Moscow and Tehran, SRSG Ibrahim Brahimi can finally make headway in seeking some kind of respite for the beleaguered Syrian population and hopefully mark a turnabout so that those poor millions displaced within Syrian and surrounding countries can have a glimmer of hope that they will return home sometime soon. The refugee crisis is pitiful, countries like Lebanon and Jordan are sinking under the burden that is not being well-supported internationally. There is only ONE durable solution for the masses displaced and that is for them to return home.</div>
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Not forgetting that under the UN Charter, to bomb a sovereign nation that is not attacking or even threatening to attack yours is itself a war crime. We know this has been done before (by the same country!) but that has to end as much as the use of chemical weapons has to end.</div>
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The UN report should be viewed not as an excuse for some kind of male egocentric, arrogant abrogation of all of what is decent in diplomacy and human morality but as an opportunity for a properly morally upright and human-based response. Frankly I am extremely unimpressed with Obama and how he has allowed himself to be pushed in such a hawkish direction. I thought he was better than that, I think he thinks he is better than that and if he does take aggressive action against the perpetrators of the chemical attacks, lets hope he a) gets the perps right and b) that he and the hawks that push him are prepared to be condemned by history for his actions and their consequences down to the last child who dies because aid could not reach him/her. The USA is in a tailspin and this may well be the last act it takes before plummeting into moral bankruptcy becoming itself an untrustworthy global pariah. Sadly it will take the global economy with it along with those of us with US dollars but if that is the way the world is to be re-ordered then there is not much can change that.</div>
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Thats my two bits. Feel free to pass it on. Look for the <a href="http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/publication-type/media-releases/2013/mena/syria-statement.aspx" target="_blank">ICG Statement on Syria</a>, <a href="http://www.un.org/sg/spokesperson/highlights/index.asp?HighD=9/3/2013&d_month=9&d_year=2013" target="_blank">the UNSG Tuesday Noon day briefing</a>, <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/iran-not-syria-is-the-wests-real-target-8789506.html" target="_blank">bits in the Independent by Robert Fisk</a>, <a href="http://data.unhcr.org/syrianrefugees/regional.php" target="_blank">UNHCR's portal on Syria</a>, and the <a href="http://www.responsibilitytoprotect.org/" target="_blank">R2P website</a>. If you want to do something (which kicks butt on nothing) sign <a href="http://www.avaaz.org/en/solution_for_syria_loc/?bLdztab&v=28857" target="_blank">the Avaaz petition</a>, and <a href="http://www.wfp.org/" target="_blank">give generously</a>, and/or <a href="http://www.msf.org/" target="_blank">here</a>, and/or <a href="http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-52731785321857548402013-08-09T17:00:00.000-05:002013-08-13T16:59:25.846-05:00Addendum on Identity<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 150%;">This
is a follow-on note reflecting on the blogpost “A (not so) short reflection on
International Living” </span><a href="http://daddyoh-daniel.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/a-not-so-short-reflection-on.html" style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 150%;" target="_blank">http://daddyoh-daniel.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/a-not-so-short-reflection-on.html</a><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 150%;"> and the notion of Identity.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">I
mention at one point in the content of the blog about <i>identity</i> and that I am referring to
identity as ‘knowing where you are from’ and go on to talk about knowing your tribe, your community, etc. Clearly this is an important aspect of
identity; a lens through which to view it or perhaps better still…. a side
angle view on a shapeless notion but I didn't set out to give the intention that these are the only locators of identity! I want to elaborate briefly here on the idea that identity is pre-determined and
pre-conceived: we are born with it and we will die with it a sense
of ourselves that only we own and know, our character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">In
the blog I insinuate that identify is greatly influenced by our experiences and
our environment, where we grow up, the people we meet and I stick to this idea. This is particularly relevant when
extreme events occur in people’s lives that ‘shape’ them and are reflected
in who they are and often what they do. Events don’t have to be extreme of course…for
example I can say that my parents’ unselfish giving throughout their lives or
my Asian travels through the ‘80’s (which had their extreme moments) shaped who
I have become and gave texture, color and shape to my identity. Of course a near-death
experience, giving birth to a child, a visitation by another being, a trip into
the 5<sup>th</sup> dimension, these extreme moments will clearly add
qualitatively to ones identity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">In
brief then I concur, we are born with an identity, it is the basis of our
individuality and our conscious naissance. I believe the influences on it begin
even in the womb and that the emotions of the mother are transferred and
experienced by the infant. I think it is clear that identity evolves with our
experiences, it morphs, it develops, it does not stay the same in its
expression but it does remain the same in its essence; that with which we began.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">I ponder.....where does that leave my 'third culture' sons when they are asked "so...where do you come from?" born in Malaysia to a French mother and Canadian/British father having lived in Malaysia, Lebanon, Ecuador and now Nepal they are not yet savvy enough to say..."duh...like as if that's important". So the link to <i>where you are from</i> is relevant to their identity, at least as children and I would posit not entirely irrelevant to world-wandering adults either. Interestingly they normally answer they are from Canada...but then so do I and I was born in London, England!</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">I
would suggest that the shifts and changes in life that challenge us on all
levels (mental, intellectual, psychic, emotional, spiritual…) be appreciated as
occurrences that, when brought in some way into the individuals’ personal
experience, augment the process of the evolving identity. Key is full
awareness, appreciation, gratitude and a positive outlook so that the
experience, best understood in the present moment, enhances identity and brings us towards self-realization and understanding. Anything
less and you sell yourself short on your life experience. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is little wonder when the world
around us seems to be devolving into the shallow, superficial, soulless and
aggressive realm of greed, selfishness and the commercialization of the imagination
that identity becomes lost and the means to discovering it become less and less apparent or accessible even while it becomes more and more required. In this era we see a surge of interest in yoga and meditation as people seek to lighten their burden of being...they are seeking to know who they are, find their identity perhaps so they can love themselves and be happy, which is after all the ultimate quest of human existence, or is it?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-34119227552722680582013-08-05T09:48:00.000-05:002013-08-27T22:35:50.083-05:00First Impressions......return to Kathmandu!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’ve been asked a few times for my first impressions of
Nepal, returning now, 15 years since my last visit and 23 years since I last
lived here.</span></div>
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<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/AVvXsEhhekPX2prKm8ZJMu5JA5LUMasl5J81-CWicwe4fQzRzmTX6uA0ZrQhylCPNC6fME83kRldruZeaAq6EH7CBrTWjcyHKBGbxTVpcAjTvWoQOAsOP2gW27u9sRVcxsz1K9wtclKfbjLE4E9F/s1600/P1000041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhekPX2prKm8ZJMu5JA5LUMasl5J81-CWicwe4fQzRzmTX6uA0ZrQhylCPNC6fME83kRldruZeaAq6EH7CBrTWjcyHKBGbxTVpcAjTvWoQOAsOP2gW27u9sRVcxsz1K9wtclKfbjLE4E9F/s640/P1000041.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwW7StQ0j1fwZagSEs1xoNQV-if4yIP0HQ_Hwd0gFBFjuyuAFbztT6_thqGe4HzzCPyxpYsL6-coUhLw0CALunOPD4F9iUSk7LrhAa8mj142tefVCEFkz_2fr89iiGtrX6hBF3r3NzJzTU/s1600/P1000047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwW7StQ0j1fwZagSEs1xoNQV-if4yIP0HQ_Hwd0gFBFjuyuAFbztT6_thqGe4HzzCPyxpYsL6-coUhLw0CALunOPD4F9iUSk7LrhAa8mj142tefVCEFkz_2fr89iiGtrX6hBF3r3NzJzTU/s640/P1000047.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">the market in Durbar Square, Kathmandu hasn't changed in centuries.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What to say? It has definitely changed, I mean where could
you travel to that hasn’t changed after 25 years……but at the same time, and in many ways, it hasn’t
changed a bit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table 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/AVvXsEjaPHNs0lpJSVmYKwdzwjWMJInUG1uYp_ImZwSfYNC2J1FoFU8UXduct7e-fZGeGTQSwlgzF9yYHFtxjqQSxgCDnP4BDlsUtxO2pG6ixAdzvlblLGFQ-UNS1z58mYTQjt8bsrQUOVhyphenhyphenTM-i/s1600/P1000194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPHNs0lpJSVmYKwdzwjWMJInUG1uYp_ImZwSfYNC2J1FoFU8UXduct7e-fZGeGTQSwlgzF9yYHFtxjqQSxgCDnP4BDlsUtxO2pG6ixAdzvlblLGFQ-UNS1z58mYTQjt8bsrQUOVhyphenhyphenTM-i/s640/P1000194.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Baba smoking chilums at Pashupatinath, boom shiva, this will never change!</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhekPX2prKm8ZJMu5JA5LUMasl5J81-CWicwe4fQzRzmTX6uA0ZrQhylCPNC6fME83kRldruZeaAq6EH7CBrTWjcyHKBGbxTVpcAjTvWoQOAsOP2gW27u9sRVcxsz1K9wtclKfbjLE4E9F/s1600/P1000041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">I was sniggered at when I first suggested this on
my second night in-country, that it hadn't changed much but now after two months and gaining several more ‘first
impression’ reference points, I’d say it is actually pretty accurate and the sniggerer a result of the expat bubble phenomenon I will write on another time. </span></div>
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<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/AVvXsEhzttpt0z9N0nl0T3zqr5A_1MgoW8JzKhnUGsegWeb81vXr2HJ5jK-hFYWVdSavVrodNGXIx9SiIWLtQ1LA9D7Jr5y-tmGdni1sk5rACRoB2_kXipnQ6MU0vcGOkLHTImtV2Pw4qTZ9AUxD/s1600/P1000034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzttpt0z9N0nl0T3zqr5A_1MgoW8JzKhnUGsegWeb81vXr2HJ5jK-hFYWVdSavVrodNGXIx9SiIWLtQ1LA9D7Jr5y-tmGdni1sk5rACRoB2_kXipnQ6MU0vcGOkLHTImtV2Pw4qTZ9AUxD/s640/P1000034.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This will never change, the kora around the stupa at Bouddnath.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I use the
goldfish bowl to describe the Kathmandu Valley experience over 23
years, bearing in mind that over this period the country had in 1990, a quiet revolution that ushered in a constitutional monarchy and diminished the role of the royalty in government. Then through the '90's came the build up to a harsh, acrimonious civil war that lasted through the 90's into the 00's and in the middle of which came the
sudden shocking loss of nearly all the Royal family in a mass assassination in 2001. Here is a nice 'light' account of what may have happened, an event equally as surrounded by conspiracy theory as the assassination of JKF just not as well-publicized in Western mainstream media.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://americanepali.wordpress.com/2012/06/01/royal-massacre-11-years-later/" target="_blank">http://americanepali.wordpress.com/2012/06/01/royal-massacre-11-years-later/</a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Royals were revered by many and despised by many but were very much a part of the national identity, it is only in
2008 that the remaining Royal, King Geyandra was removed from any active political
role and a Republic declared. The effect that the loss of the royalty has had both at the time of their mass assassination and when Geyandra was removed is like taking away the back-ground color on the national flag; they Royals provided a common reference point for an ethnically and politically diverse and divided population, religiously the King is believed to be the reincarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu and so it is hard for Hindus not to revere him. !...at the risk of over-stepping I reserve further comment leaving the subject to better informed pundits.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So I liken the valley to a goldfish bowl. The difference
between now and 23 years ago is that the number of fish in the bowl has more than tripled, many of those kitch ornamental and whatnot aquarium thingys have been added to some very old ones, some of the dominant fish are gone, but others remain.... and sadly it seems the fishbowl water
hasn’t been cleaned in all that time. Fortunately there are still the same fish, still the same
miraculous way that things function (like the very busy airport in the middle of the city!), still the same ‘namaste’ greeting with a
smile and bow, still the same chaotic street level activity, the same things
for sale, the same touts...same monuments many of which are now World Heritage Sites. If memory serves there were 800,000 people in the Valley in 1987, today there are estimated to be more than 3 Million with the same number of roads many of which have not been maintained or repaired since they were built. And now you can even build vertically upwards (apartment buildings have sprouted!). This was previously forbidden lest you be able to 'peek' into the Royal Palace grounds.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegX6tNvs_L4UODHs_cyRMOrmViZ0KHJgbAfu2xIxzcWGPo6t-c-NVtgWWG8y2FTVIX7Z2MJO0JC4iSWEPIuUYnr9vE48oC8YI3c_QaTTcoM8LV9d8ujKuGF6VVL9NY4hYYXM-hoICXTBm/s1600/P1000078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegX6tNvs_L4UODHs_cyRMOrmViZ0KHJgbAfu2xIxzcWGPo6t-c-NVtgWWG8y2FTVIX7Z2MJO0JC4iSWEPIuUYnr9vE48oC8YI3c_QaTTcoM8LV9d8ujKuGF6VVL9NY4hYYXM-hoICXTBm/s640/P1000078.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thing is, the Valley and the whole country has changed significantly and in many ways. The
rise of the Maoist insurgency following the political changes in 1990
(the year I left) has changed the character of the
people. This was a nasty war, one that rose with unexpected stinging hostility,
where people had X’s marked on their doors and were later killed, where men and children were
taken in the night to fight at the front line. The ensuing conflict between the Maoists and the State cost 13,000 lives That
sort of thing cannot go without affecting the national psyche and I sense a lack of community trust and a very much more dog eat dog, like a hunger, kind of attitude amongst the people. Having just come from Beirut, another war-affected nation, I recognize in any monetary negotiation, a grasping desperation in the people, a tendency to grab today what may not be there in an uncertain tomorrow. This is reflected in an abrupt approach to foreigners in the market place, in Nepal, that wasn't there before, bargaining was friendlier, funner and now there is a taste of acrimony once the deal is done.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOSxGPjpHRmXyHTvzybiUOCVyIsU56vuo1xLr4te738IQSsJFGUn5kZ7ez-fGHprIFEe46ZEHiXhmHSwDCCM_oLG9nsa6eJYiGzVqjKn0IoXZ3CMbLTSW5FueAlKgDD-DsrBITA9oYdbw/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOSxGPjpHRmXyHTvzybiUOCVyIsU56vuo1xLr4te738IQSsJFGUn5kZ7ez-fGHprIFEe46ZEHiXhmHSwDCCM_oLG9nsa6eJYiGzVqjKn0IoXZ3CMbLTSW5FueAlKgDD-DsrBITA9oYdbw/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another clear knock on effect of the war has been the
enormous influx of rural people into the Valley, the building that has gone on
here in especially in the past 9 years (peace was declared in 2006) has been incredible.
People displaced by the war didn't go back home once it was all over, they
had established themselves, become comfortable and they are here to stay. This is ironic because as a direct consequence of the war (according to some long staying expats), a 'people's war', is that things have actually improved
considerably in rural Nepal, from whence the insurgency rose, but in the
capital…..the improvements are harder to achieve and therefore harder to see. Out in the country-side there are more roads, more schools and more clinics, more access to essential services and markets. In the Valley it is choked with traffic every day, access to services? well, there is access if you don't mind sitting in traffic half your day.</span><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/AVvXsEg1R46X32gua8WwmPjmrqkQbbm1rNASmTMzIdyiZUP2JB6cyCkHlTpVTyM1127yijPgDqYU0Nd6GmJuu2Fuh_Z5SoG3M5hoMmtFZGzV28mp55lLOMVsJzeZMZYvza4POZWA0PzeZxrLDKw1/s1600/P1000099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1R46X32gua8WwmPjmrqkQbbm1rNASmTMzIdyiZUP2JB6cyCkHlTpVTyM1127yijPgDqYU0Nd6GmJuu2Fuh_Z5SoG3M5hoMmtFZGzV28mp55lLOMVsJzeZMZYvza4POZWA0PzeZxrLDKw1/s640/P1000099.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you might call Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) an 'inner city airport!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">...that is something that has changed significantly, the traffic and associated particle (dust) and gaseous (exhaust emissions) pollution. A huge problem when because of weather patterns and the geomorphology of the Valley pollution gets trapped particularly during winter months apparently to suffocating extents. While there is much press about 'most polluted cities' Kathmandu ranks 29th on the WHO 2013 survey (many Chinese cities either do not monitor or report). It remains to be seen for us, how bad the pollution really is, I mean we were living in downtown Beirut for 3yrs! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And...3 million people do live in the Kathmandu Valley, thriving and surviving...so it may be polluted but it is highly inhabited!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5QFHfM1DJJiOPk8pO54CJ1Ki9gYp6i2Lg3rYV7EotPCCAk6HA1EEDQ9Tp53a8SiNIh96KsINbs1Dit-Eh_NArq8NHxRoPqChklzyw418Jz8Yt0kAJpK2JnAzwUd8I_EHzLoGpdIb0eGQ/s1600/om.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5QFHfM1DJJiOPk8pO54CJ1Ki9gYp6i2Lg3rYV7EotPCCAk6HA1EEDQ9Tp53a8SiNIh96KsINbs1Dit-Eh_NArq8NHxRoPqChklzyw418Jz8Yt0kAJpK2JnAzwUd8I_EHzLoGpdIb0eGQ/s200/om.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What the Valley clearly hasn't lost is something that no amount of people-made pollution or confusion will ever change. The Kathmandu Valley still has the Vibe; one of the most amazing spiritual vibrations of any urban area in Asia, perhaps the world. This vibration is carried forward hourly by the devotion of the people be it at their home altar, at the multitude of temples for morning and evening puja (prayer), walking the clockwise kora at Bouddanath or Swayambunath for the Buddhists or bringing your dead ones to be burned at the ghats at Pashupatinath for the Hindus. The Vibe is what brought the hippies to Kathmandu through those heady days of the '60's (and the black hashish), the Vibe continues to draw people to the Valley and is amplified by the plethora of festivals that occur year round.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBanSYtHUaoFB3LIoO8VlEH22W_DLydyaUx6xIy-48WvQ3E0L5IyVlTwaTACcnbahFMtPKkKkbHc_g0CrVqC6ea_2kbiu6EP0hzRdkodcnwlgl0lENNBnasTMxHS9eVJg2lEK6vtjn1R0a/s1600/P1000252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBanSYtHUaoFB3LIoO8VlEH22W_DLydyaUx6xIy-48WvQ3E0L5IyVlTwaTACcnbahFMtPKkKkbHc_g0CrVqC6ea_2kbiu6EP0hzRdkodcnwlgl0lENNBnasTMxHS9eVJg2lEK6vtjn1R0a/s640/P1000252.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bhaktapur</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Valley has a fantastic climate; at 1300m+ altitude, even the monsoon heat has been a tolerable 31-33C and in winter it doesn't go below 5C so a bit uncomfortable for 2-3months/ year, the rest of the time it is fantastic with views (from September to May) of the Himalayas stretching along the East-West axis to the north of the Valley. There is amazing trekking in the Valley at Sivapuri National Park or the Queen's forest, biking, hiking, bird watching. And then there are the opportunities for personal and spiritual development in yoga (ex.<a href="http://pranamaya-yoga.com/" target="_blank">http://pranamaya-yoga.com/</a>), Buddhist studies, Ayurvedic medicine, Shamanic plant medicine ceremonies, Hindu philosophic exploration...you name it and its here.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnOOcaozQ2YHU-1pg6fgIbH47kKMbMBrTBxUmntaPGg7OQcbRFJGTBqalGajaAZ7Ygn1xWx7nCG75mHKctQ4tKuiofXr8uNcEgWD2sgvzYgHQsc6CWAW0h786AX11Zgf_TCNc75dCfDYb/s1600/P1000163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnOOcaozQ2YHU-1pg6fgIbH47kKMbMBrTBxUmntaPGg7OQcbRFJGTBqalGajaAZ7Ygn1xWx7nCG75mHKctQ4tKuiofXr8uNcEgWD2sgvzYgHQsc6CWAW0h786AX11Zgf_TCNc75dCfDYb/s640/P1000163.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pashupatinath, burning ghats on the banks of the <i>mighty</i> Bagmati River</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So that Vibe hasn't changed either and is part of what makes Kathmandu such a place that global travellers must not miss. I am teaching yoga here both privately (email: <a href="mailto:elementalyoga.daniel@yahoo.com" target="_blank">elementalyoga.daniel@yahoo.com</a>) and at the studio mentioned above and will be open for Elemental yoga therapy clients in September and will be leading a yoga-trek in November, hopefully the first of a few that I will lead. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCULFOLdbYS8KSJXcaWDh0WOPd0IIlR0iwS-sUU9WPB2xrrJ9jH8XL5TNzXg03KPdio_a6BDRLn4I1NVyxFmug_oa_rIt-qvAUj3MefF_852GZp0xxqCuw5fU3VSJROuRlOLpSWzeWvP0/s1600/IMG_9843-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCULFOLdbYS8KSJXcaWDh0WOPd0IIlR0iwS-sUU9WPB2xrrJ9jH8XL5TNzXg03KPdio_a6BDRLn4I1NVyxFmug_oa_rIt-qvAUj3MefF_852GZp0xxqCuw5fU3VSJROuRlOLpSWzeWvP0/s400/IMG_9843-001.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDC4f6_7YQ_zU6B334b9VrDMAHJ4MDicjhdW-o8_12YnokhGFf28CLOFoz0NAe2ZDWfgM1GNxNqcC1yJReU7MgSHgverjMMF7KqyxMMzUpwlwYJ_9JS5KwQZT0vxFBDqt23XN-yNKay2vU/s1600/floweroflifecolour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDC4f6_7YQ_zU6B334b9VrDMAHJ4MDicjhdW-o8_12YnokhGFf28CLOFoz0NAe2ZDWfgM1GNxNqcC1yJReU7MgSHgverjMMF7KqyxMMzUpwlwYJ_9JS5KwQZT0vxFBDqt23XN-yNKay2vU/s320/floweroflifecolour.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower of Life</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Certainly I am happy to put together trips for people who are interested in bringing a group over, yoga, retreats, treks, all are doable in collaboration with professional Nepali colleagues. If you want to join November's trek, let me know in advance and I'll pave the way...<a href="http://pranamaya-yoga.com/event/everest-yoga-experience-a-beautiful-trekking-and-yoga-holiday-in-nepal/" target="_blank">http://pranamaya-yoga.com/event/everest-yoga-experience-a-beautiful-trekking-and-yoga-holiday-in-nepal/</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And so with that subtle yet cleverly inserted commercial plug(!) the journey continues, something else that never changes. I am sure Kathmandu will reveal herself even more as time and experience in the Valley goes on, through the people I meet and my explorations and as personal processes unfold....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">oh and did I mention I'm getting a new mo'bike to help enhance the experience? Check it out... <a href="http://pricenepal.com/yamaha/75-new-fzs.html" target="_blank">http://pricenepal.com/yamaha/75-new-fzs.html</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Namaste eh!</span></div>
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Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3769138597909906782.post-84977848227442970272013-06-09T08:28:00.003-05:002013-06-16T11:39:09.425-05:00...And the wildest dreams of Kew are the facts of Kathmandu! (RKipling)<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlZHY5eTIBH3vM93LGyP_NEPDuIhZJ_0iXvY9QpH9LZDennaQYVoYV_gYbRebWXDI6qVV4TUqZ7yJlFKj2n4PiN9VdNV-nNrs_T4InAP3wIQ8B6gE4GCBDxTbzXKOEID2WYuGFMEjtGp3/s1600/P1000023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlZHY5eTIBH3vM93LGyP_NEPDuIhZJ_0iXvY9QpH9LZDennaQYVoYV_gYbRebWXDI6qVV4TUqZ7yJlFKj2n4PiN9VdNV-nNrs_T4InAP3wIQ8B6gE4GCBDxTbzXKOEID2WYuGFMEjtGp3/s320/P1000023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That 'just arrived' look!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the words of Ecuador fief cohabitant (read serf), co-owner of the trickshaw, tenant and
companjero, James Birthrong III “that’s the way she rolls”. And roll she does,
life that is, she rolls right along. I am in the moment before yet another
international move, this time from Vilcabamba, Ecuador to Kathmandu,
Nepal….pretty much the opposite side of the planet (but at least still the same
planet, albeit arguably a different world). Cecile is posted to Kathmandu with
the UN Refugee Agency and starts work on 15 June. Together with the boys and I,
we’ll take up residency and likely be there 3yrs. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nepal. Been
there (first in 1986), lived there once upon a time (1987-1990) and I am looking
forward to it although the changes will be myriad and I expect initially to provoke
some distress. 23yrs ago (!!) when I left, it was still a city of manageable
proportions with a reincarnate king (revered by many), 184 days of holiday in
the year and we biked everywhere that we didn’t walk. I was there in the
hey-day just post hippy era when you could still roll up a spliff in public and
being a trekking/ climbing guide put you in an elite echelon of near demi-god’s
in the tourism business, still Nepal’s main source of foreign income. I was in
my mid-20’s living the high life in Shangri-la.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcFhAKZwf40nnKb83M24N_MHc9Kxnr4UwkW_wMj0ujWrgDHQBTPjYvV9kxIJP4hEt_olFcHJu5ONBXWi7v4UfSqas8u4KBNeWQ2_kJiNOQrq-kpCJNoSrXNcM0HhM2DqnU-6YQYofwkys/s1600/2013-06-11+18.11.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcFhAKZwf40nnKb83M24N_MHc9Kxnr4UwkW_wMj0ujWrgDHQBTPjYvV9kxIJP4hEt_olFcHJu5ONBXWi7v4UfSqas8u4KBNeWQ2_kJiNOQrq-kpCJNoSrXNcM0HhM2DqnU-6YQYofwkys/s400/2013-06-11+18.11.59.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The air isn't so bad now, monsoon season.<br />
Just trying out the gear.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Times have
changed. First the Royal family was deposed and replaced by a Republic, they
were then shot up and most of them killed (by the King’s own playboy son no
less), trade went nutty with China and India, the two Asian giants, pinching Nepal
from either side building roads and taking advantage of Nepali’s desperate for
acceptance and opportunity by one of their gargantuan neighbors. Disquiet
resulted in a civil war with the rise of the Maoists as a movement that, by the
time peace was signed in 2006 had killed 13,000 people. The war caused
significant urbanization as rural villagers escaped (the recruitment of their
children into the war, amongst other things) to the Kathmandu valley. With that
I am told has come a sometimes suffocating air pollution made up of particulate
matter like dust from the movement of too many people in a small place, carbon
burning because many people still use fires for cooking, burning of plastic and
rubber and unregulated industrial burning combined with an stagnant air
movement pattern in the Valley. Kathmandu is not high altitude, in fact it is about
the same as Vilcabamba (1300-1500m) but mountains surround the alluvial basin
and only when the wind blows in from the south does the Valley get a breath of
fresh air. The rest of the time it wallows in its toxic airborne soup. This
will be a challenge. Since Beirut us lads have lived in the unpolluted
mountains of the lower Andes, our lungs cleansed and now possibly vulnerable to
abuse; we’ll have to see (how she rolls).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It is still
Kathmandu with its unique, high frequency, off its head vibration. The mélange
of Hinduism and Buddhism that creates a fantastic Crazyism has not gone away.
And you can still escape easily to the high fringes of the valley where the air
and the views are quite refreshing. Neither have the tourists gone away, they are
re-massing now that there is a semblance of political stability. The industry
related activity level in the valley, in the skies and in the mountains reaches
a crescendo during the two main trekking/climbing seasons (Oct-Dec, Feb-April).
There is a major Siva temple in the valley, a mega forceful Krishna presence
and a hugely active Tibetan Buddhist community with monasteries forever. And
there are temples for Kumari, for Vishnu, for Durga, Parvati, you name a
god/dess, there will be one. Whether on the street corner or out on a hillside,
you never run short of temples in Nepal all with their festivals and moments
related to the moon or the sun...it can get quite nutty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">The boys will go
to a bilingual French school (medium in English and French) after their year of
homeschooling in Ecuador which starts in September. Between now and then we
will arrive, find a house, receive our shipment, move in and move on to figure
things out. I hope to gain traction with teaching Yoga and doing Yoga therapy
to see how that will work out as a way of making ends meet. Time will tell,
perhaps even running yoga/trekking camps is something that can come into the
picture, welcome yoginis and yogis from Ecuador and Lebanon, Portugal and Canada
and everywhere in between! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and I may
have to get a real job although parenting remains my priority so we’ll have to
see how she rolls.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">One thing for
sure is that the visit potential is high for Nepal….it should be a 3 year stay
so there is time to plan and make it so. Recalling Kiplings line in his poem 'the Neolithic Age' ...and the wildest dreams of Kew are the facts of Kathmandu'. <a href="http://www.kipling.org.uk/poems_neolithic.htm" target="_blank">http://www.kipling.org.uk/poems_neolithic.htm</a> which actually refers to the growth of exotic plants in Kew Gardens in London but never mind! He doesn't really expand on which exotic plants!!!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08521079581344049423noreply@blogger.com0