Well, on the day of our (or I should say my!) accident, we were on our way to see my very dear friend Lisken Sherman, whom I met some 17 yeras earlier. Not to be deterred, we ended up going out to De Kalb the next day. Alex´s cousin Nathaly kindly drove us, and needless to say,I did not offer to drive. Funny about that!

Now, did I here you ask where De Kalb is? De Kalb is a little over an hour west of Chicago, and although it is not a major city, and is set amongst farmland and sweeping corn fields, it IS the place where barbed wire was created. A nice little piece of trivia I thought. Go on, impress your friends and/ or sound intelligent by asking people if they know where barbed wire originated. It´s a great party line!

We only spent a couple of days with Lisken, and on the night we arrived we had dinner with Lisken, and Tex and Barb Sherman, at their place. First of all Tex, we were highly impressed with the Middle Eastern meal you cooked up for us. The tabouli rivalled some of the best I have tried in Australia, and we have a huge Lebanese community, so take that as a major compliment!

Tex and Barb actually lived in Australia over 50 years ago for a year, and have been back several times since, on some occasions with Lisken and her brother. Over the years that I have known her,Lisken has often talked to me about Elaine and Ken Jalland, and always spoken so very highly of them and their three “children”. I was asking Lisken about the “kids” once again, and she suggested that I chat to her parents. As many of you would know, although I struggle to add 2 plus 2 or remember a phone number, my expertise lies in remembering faces and names. Tex and Barb mentioned Mark and Guy, the Jalland boys, but nothing rang a bell. Then there was Lynne, who was now a Ceprow as she was married. Now, I was SURE that I knew that name….I excitedly asked a few questions, and within minutes I knew that we were talking about the same person.

Lynne had been one of our (Inti´s) client´s in Melbourne, and one of our favourites to boot! I jumped onto the internet, and looked up Blue Iris Accessories, Lynne´s gorgeous shop in Melbourne, and within minutes we gave her a call. Lynne sounded so surprised to hear my voice, I mean why would one of her ex-suppliers call her. She welcomed me back, and I promptly told her that we were still overseas. I asked her to guess where….and eventually told her that we were in De Kalb, Illinois. She immediately blurted out something to the tune of, “Are you with the Shermans?” With this we all had a chat to Lynne. I am not sure which one of us was more blown away, but what a truly incredible coincidence….but as I do not beleive in coincidences,I will have to say that it was truly incredible synchronicity. And Lynne, we promise to take you up on your offer, and come and have a meal with all of your family on our return, and as you so aptly put it,complete the circle!

You may recall that Tom and Camille kindly drove us to Chicago. Actually they drove us straight to my friend Anne Palmieri’s (nee Frazier) house, which is right in Chicago. Anne and I also worked on summer camp together back in ’89. The last time we caught up was when she visited Australia in 1997. She is now married to Scott, and they have a one and a half year old called Maggie. We spent a relaxing afternoon with Anne and Maggie, just catching up and reminiscing. When Scott came home later in the day, we all went out to a tapas bar called “Casa Iberica” in the city centre. Very impressive! Great atmosphere, and excellent food. From what I recall of Spain, way back in the early 90’s, the food tasted pretty authentic.

Back at Anne’s place we were later picked up by Alex’s Auntie Mariana (his dad’s sister) and her husband, Francisco. What a reception…Mariana flew up to Alex and gave him a big hug. Alex had not seen his auntie and uncle in 7 years, which is when they moved from Ecuador to Chicago. I arrived in Ecuador just after they left, so this was my first time meeting them.
As we drove outto their place, there was a lot of chatting and catching up. I feel like I have known Mariana all my life. Alex’s mum told me that we would get along like a house on fire, and we did, it was instantaneous!

We met Nathaly, Alex’s cousin, and her two children Andres (2) and Emily(1). We would meet her husband, Jesus, the next day. The next day we would also meet Nathaly’s sister, Michell, and her husband, Julio. That same night I also met Franklin, for the first time, another one of Alex’s uncles who has lived here for 6 years, his wife Fanny and children David and Gustavo. It was great to be able to see Alex connect with his family, and in my case, be able to meet them for the first time.

The next morning, Alex and I went for a walk. I am still running and walking to keep fit, and Alex sometimes joins me. We had not been back for 2 minutes, when Nathaly came out of the house telling us that Emily had fallen out of her high chair and hit her head. Within minutes, we were all in the car, driving to the closest hospital’s emergency facility. It all ended up working out well, but as you know, these things take time. Little Emily had to have an MRI/ cat scan, but it showed that all was well. You have to see the funny side – two foreigners in sweaty shorts and tops, hanging around a hospital.

It could get worse…and it appears that it did! One day inside a hospital…and another inside a police station; and I was driven there in a police car! We were on our way to visit Lisken, another friend from the USA that I have known for 17 years (more about that later). Alex’s auntie had lent us her car, and we had only just left the house. After picking up a shot of caffeine (USA size…and that’s BIG!!!) at “Dunkin’ Donuts” (don’t you love the names here!), we were about to leave the car park, when I edged out a bit too far, and was hit by an on-coming car! You HAD to be joking! Not to me! This was not supposed to happen, and especially whilst I was borrowing Alex’s auntie’s car.

Without going into too much detail, the other party called the police, as they do here when an accident takes place, and they were at the scene within minutes. When I showed Officer Bobby Smith my licence, he looked at it a little puzzled. Where was my International Driver’s License? Back at Mariana’s house of course! Officer Smith wasn’t even sure if my licence was legal, although I knew it was as I had checked previously. He had to do his job however, and I went back to the police station to fill in a report whilst Alex and his uncle went home to try and find my International Driver’s Licence, as well as try and print some information pertaining to an Australian licence being legal in the USA.

Officer Smith was exceptionally kind to me, and he must have seen my jaw drop, when he mentioneed that had I been a local, or living here, I would have had to have gone to court over this! Not to mention pay a fine! I was not even game to ask how much! Once I had filled in the paperwork, I was free to go, and Alex and Francisco picked me up….but not before Alex asked Officer Smith, “Can I please have a photo of my wife and you standing next to your car. We have to put this on our blog!” Yes, Officer Smith obliged, and you are able to see the photo!

Alex and I have had enough of big cities, and roof top views, so we have not really gone into the city centre. Chicago has really been about relaxing with family and friends, but somehow, some type of adventure never seems too far away!

Next blog entry: our time with Lisken, and Mariana’s birthday!

Ombi

(Images: 1. Annie Scott, Maggie. Ombi & Alex. 2. Alex, Ombi, Natali, Mariana. Kids Amily & Andres at Navy Pier Chicago. 3. Family and Friends BBQ. 4. Natali. 5. Franklin, Fanny, David, Gustavo & Alex. 6.Car after the “Dunkin’ Donuts” coffe 7. Ombi & Officer Smith. 8. Lake Michigan.)

Well, well, well, hasn’t Toronto grown up since I was last here sometime in the early 90’s? The only thing that appeared somewhat familiar was the CN Tower. With it being both Canada and the world’d tallest building, it’s the kind of land mark that you cannot help but recognise. It looks somewhat like the Telstra Tower in Canberra, or as my friend Bec (from Canberra!) fondly calls it, “the Hypodermic Needle”. Yes, it does look a little like a big needle jutting out into the skyline.

As most of you would know, the USA/ Canada part of our journey has mainly been catching up with friends and family, many whom I have not seen for years. But yes, we did manage to go to the top of the CN tour, where needless to say we were afforded panoramic views of Toronto. www.cntower.ca Alex is the photography aficionado, so views from tall buildings are always good. And I must say, despite the fact that I often joke about how he always seems to be taking photos, it always seems to pay off as there are some exceptional ones amongst them. I have taken some too, as we have a camera each, but I think Alex is over me chortling, “Aleeeeeeeeeex, flash or no flash? Scenery? Macro? Red eye reduction?”, which usually precedes a fairly large portion of my attempting to take a photo.

I definitely need to find the time to read the camera manual…….after the several other books I currently have on the go. At the moment, they are: “The Lost Realms” (The long-hidden secrets of the lost civilisations of the pre-Columbian Americas), “The Heart of the Buddha’s Path” (by the Dalai Lama), “Travel Writing” and Lonely Planet’s “USA and Canada on a Shoestring”. Nothing like a good mix, is what I say.

Again, some of you may recall my very special friend, Annie Cervantes, whom I met whilst living in Ecuador in 1999. She was one of my best friends in Ecuador, and moved to Toronto just under two years ago. She is very dear to me, and has remained someone very special and close to my heart. Although two years had passed since I had last seen her in Ecuador, it only took a soul-felt hug and a few seconds to realise that nothing had changed, and we were able to pick up where we had left off. It was great to also be able to meet her new partner, Dale.

We shared a wonderful six days together: laughing, crying, reminiscing, hugging. We were also honoured to be able to share a very poignant moment in Annie’s life – We went to Canadian Immigration with her, and she was finally granted Canadian permanent residency. As Alex too went through this a couple of years ago, we both know what such a day signifies. Many doors close, but many more open! One never forgets that South American passion of their mother country, but those feelings are always mixed with the knowledge of the opportunities that a first world offers. This is when I close my eyes and envisage utopia…..no first or third world, no difference between black and white, straight and gay, no poor and rich, equal opportunity in all places and for all people, and above all peace, love, freedom, shelter and food for all.

All good things must come to an end, and as Alex and I jumped on the bus outside Annie’s apartment, we hugged goodbye before boarding, and I cried all the way to the Greyhound bus station. I must say, I felt so very truly sad. I have some spectacular friends, but they live all over the world, and so goodbyes are part and parcel of seeing them. The amazing friendships I have formed and the love and joy they bring me, however, by far outweighs the sadness.

Annie, thanks for your unconditional love and support, and for always standing by me. Please know that I will always be here for you too. Each goodbye is not the end at all, but simply a beginning!

Our bus was not leaving until 1.00am, and we had also organised to meet my friend Mari Alvarez at 10.00pm (at the Greyhound station). Mari is a Canadian woman I met whilst working in Japan as an English teacher in 1997/98. We actually shared the sameapartment when I lived in Tokyo. Mari, you are as beautiful as I remember you, and although it was brief, I am so glad that we were able to connect again. Thanks for making the time to come out and see us, when I felt that we were almost on the verge of not being able to after such a long time!

Paolo Cristante and Renee Knarr-Peev are two other friends from the Toronto area that I met on one of my several sojourns around the world. Paolo I met in 1999 in Patagonia, Argentina and Renee in 1994 (I think! Help me here Renee!) They are both married now with 2 and 3 children respectively. Unfortunately, we were not able to catch up on this trip, but we did manage to connect via e-mail. Next time……and with the way I travel , I expect that there will always be a next time!

Ombi

(Images: 1. Ombi, Annie & Alex city center Toronto 2.CN Tower 553.3mts (1,815 feet, 5 inches) 3. View Fron top CN Tower SkyPod 4.Ombi & Anie. 5. Mari & Ombi)

You may recall that in a recent entry (From New York to Philly) I mentioned my friend Erin, her jewellery making and her involvement in educating young Maasai women from Kenya. As most of you would know, I do not normally pass on letters or frivolous information, but what I am about to write and talk to you about, is a topic very close to my heart – Education, and empowering people. I have already become involved, and I hope you will too. Involvement is not difficult, the easiest being in the form of a donation.

Erin and I sat down, and she printed me out a lot of information as well as thouroughly explaining what it was all about. I can absolutely guarantee that it is genuine and that the money does and will indeed go towards a brilliant cause. Knowledge and education are the building blocks of making the world abetter place for all, as opposed to the current “few”; we can thus appreciate why it’s falling apart, with so many governments conveniently NOT making it their priority. Education is power indeed, and utopia is a world where we are all able to ahve a slice of this “enlightenment”.

In January 2007, Beads For Education will hold their second Annuual Walkathon – a 100 mile walk from Isinya to Ambroseli National Park, in Kenya, Africa. Many African women and girls will do the walk, as well as people such as Erin. BEADS currently sponsors more than 250 girls, including several who have graduated high school, are attending college, and in some cases have even managed to avoid female genital muitilation (also “politely” known as female circumcision). Last year more than USD $36,000.00 was raised and the Walkathon 2007 goal is USD $100,00.00.

In addition to raising money, the Walkathon also:

Draws attention to the issues of women’s status and education, and their rights both locally and nationally.

Promotes pride amongst the sponsored girls and their families.

Enhances self-worth and a sense of accomplishment amongst the wakers.

ALL BEADS sponsored girls who are in 8th grade and high scholl graduates WALK. This is a rare oppotrtunity for the girls to participatein an extraordinary event which is SOLELY about them and their advancement.

I urge each and every one of you to go to the BEADS web site, www.beadsforeducation.org and meet and greet the walkers- Maasai warriors, parents, teachers, sponsors and their girls. I urge each and every one of you to and learn more about this vital program. Knowledge is power, right? And in empowering others we empower ourselves!

To donate, click on the WALKATHON on the web site. The person I ask that you “sponsor” is Erin Gonzalez-Hicks. Donations of USD $15.00 or more will receive a beautiful keychain which has been hand made and beaded by the Maasai mamas.

Finally, yes Alex and I both donated. We beleive in leading by example, and that change begins with each and every one of us.

Ombi

(Images: www.beadsforeducation.org )

Yes, the time has come for me to have a really good bitch about how some (please note the some, as I do not want to implicate every smoker here) smokers seem to have adopted the motto of the “The World is my Ashtray”, either wittingly or unwittingly. I cannot quite understand it……I ask both smokers and non-smokers alike: Where do you think that a cigarette butt ends up once it has been thrown it on the floor, road or pavement?

The straw that broke the camel’s back was when Alex and I visited the Niagara Falls a couple of days ago. Here we are, standing infront of a thundering cascade, one of the world’s most outstanding natural wonders, taking in the breathtaking sights, and all around us, besides tourists from all over the world, and a lot of them, are butts everywhere. Let me add that there were more butts than tourists! I am absolutely serious here! At one point, I was so disgusted that whilst Alex was taking photos and admiring the awe-inspring beauty of the falls, I was counting cigarette butts! And I could not help but wonder why they were there?

I would like you all to consider this: It takes over 200 years for a cigarett butt to decompose! You would actually be far better off throwing a tissue or piece of paper on the ground, as it biodegradeable…..but you don’t….so, why a cigarett butt? Also consider this: Where do you think that a cigarette butt ends up once thrown on the floor? When it rains, a normal and common worlwide phenomenon, it washes all of these butts into sewers, waterways, rivers, streams and oceans, not only polluting our waterways but also killing and damaging fish and wildlife. Some of you may have heard my cries of “Please don’t be an environmental vandal”, but I am urging each and every one of you to be aware and conscious of your actions.

If you smoke it is absolutely your choice, but each and every one of us has the right to enjoy this earth as it was given to us, without garbage and butts scattered everywhere. Especially in first world countries, there are rubbish bins everywhere, and never one too far from where you are standing…so next time you have a cigarette, walk to the bin and butt it out!

Ombi

My bit…Really when I think of developed countries I think: organized, educated and aware of where they at, but in reality they’re totally different. The more I see the less I want, the more you have the less conscious you become. I ask to myselfe ; Does developed means aware? And does aware means conscious? Let’s start being more conscious and aware of what is happening around our lives and the world the we live in, our kids will benefit from it!!!

Alex