strike my heart!

Sneaky bestie and sneaky boyfriend. A plot to get me out of the house when all I wanted to do was stay in the house...


My mike, is the sweetest man, my man. He writes me small poems when he's hanging from roofs. He writes me small poems when he's under houses. Most of all he writes to me. I love words. I love his words.

A heart hung above the bed to grace us with the sweetest dreams of love. Our love.

My Girl Named Ting

There is such a thing as unsurmountable beauty,
And it's all bundled up in one wondrous cutie.
Her name falls on ears with the most unforgettable ring,
I'm speaking of course, of my girl named Ting.

With a smile so sweet, she sets a heart a flutter,
With eyes so warm, I fear to melt like butter.
With skin so soft, to touch is irresistible,
Before I met her, I must have been miserable.

My arms are held wide and voice bursts lips
"I love you sweet Ting, right to the tips!"
Although time with you may have been short,
It seems that in this sea of love I'm undeniably caught.

I've put into writing that which I want to say,
And all going well by the end of this May,
I'll be in the air soaring above oceans,
To hold you again! What a wonderful notion!

There is such a thing as unsurmountable beauty,
And it's all bundled up in one wondrous cutie.
Her name falls on ears with the most unforgettable ring,
I'm speaking of course, of my girl named Ting.

shake, rattle & roll

Christchurch, Tuesday, making some lunch. I didn't know I was in for an epic day of terror, tears and tremors. My story has been posted here.

These photos are progressions of how much worse my surroundings got after hundreds of aftershocks. Some people are asking if we are still getting aftershocks, YES, yes we are. The isn't a day that goes by that the mother earth doesn't hiss at us.

This crack in the road is just on the corner of where I was working and living, Pomeroys Pub. The first photo was taken just after the 6.3, the second photo, a couple hours later and the third photo, taken a couple of days later.



Eager to do something after a couple of days, my good mate Sarah sent a message out to help her clean up massive amounts of silt on her property. Mike and I had arrived and luckily the student army had cleared a path up the drive, but there was so much still there. We opened her garage door and it had crept in over a foot high. Everything in there was buried in this heavy clay, so compacted I could barely shovel.


My bestie Aidan was worried about her mate, so the evening of the quake, we ventured down Fitzgerald Ave, to get to Morgan. This is the road we trekked.


Just beyond the spilling water crack above was this tower (taken right after the 6.3, and about an hour after), situated behind the pub. Holding on by one white column, I'm happy that no one was inside.



The pub, still standing. 120 year old historic building and ready to be repaired! I was on the top floor in Aidan and mines flat when she shook like thunder.



This car park was directly behind the pub, this image was the first thing that I laid eyes on as I ran out of the flat and behind the building. I didn't know how bad it was...


Lucky to be alive. Lucky that all my friends and family are safe. Hearts and hugs go out to those who have lost loved ones in this charming city. It will be charming again, with many hands, and many hearts, Christchurch will be better than ever.

Let Someone Love You

My mate Thomas used to tell me lots to let someone love you today. What a lovely thing to say to someone. A reminder of sorts to open your heart and be loved. Welcome the warmth.

This is my first tiny rose from my Mike, to be permanently pressed in the book of travels. xo.

Permanent Words

One can't help but be flattered when they comment on how neat your writing is. So what's the word for when someone wants your style of script permanently inked on your body? Speechless with a rougey cheek.

A brand of sorts. A brand by ting. Ha. From one artists hand to another artists needle, tattooed words will always make me smile. To mark oneself with words will remind you everyday what you literally need to do. Breathe. A reminder to open ones heart. To laugh and love.

I blushed when my star twin Ava asked me to script out her latest tattoo. Live Laugh Love. Something we always hear, yet not always practice. Ava is woman; wise and powered, yet cheeky and youthful. She practices living, laughing and loving every second of everyday. Usually giggling, she graces people with her power to share the three L's. She now graces me with her newfound message on her arm. Thanks for the three L lesson Ava. Never stop.

Mike at Ink Grave, Christchurch did an outstanding job on our tiny tats.

Cargo

Everyday is an adventure. What was supposed to be a 7 hour drive took Ava and I 12. Not because we chose too, but the universe just wanted to toss us a few last curve balls before we ended the track of 2010.

The drive up to Golden Bay was stimulating. The warm air brushing through our hands, our voices cracking from singing so loudly and the car conking out twice is what road trips are all about.

Not to worry, we managed to pick up our keg from Onekaka's Mussel Inn, tossed down a pint of feijoa cider and drove to our final destination. A gorgeous nook of wilderness tucked away in the hills with a rippling river winding through it was where we were to close our year and open a new one. We were so exhausted the first thing we did was tap the keg and pour a pint. It was a lovely new years with lovely people and a galaxy of stars above us. The perfect end.

2010, you clawed at my back and roared in my face but you ended purring at my feet. I don't regret anything about you but alas you're over. I welcome this new year with open arms, ready to kiss whatever you throw my way.

One Warm Christmas

It was like a Hollywood movie scene where the family crowds around the delectible table of homemade goodness.

Relishes stewed with love. Iced water dripping with fresh mint, juicy lemons and colourful flowers. Roasted ham on the bone with hand speared cherries. Italian breads, creamy cheeses, crisp tomatoes. Mouthwatering eye candy.

The sun was warm and the skies were cloudless for my first summer Christmas and my first Christmas away from home. The families, the friends, the warmth, the love will not soon be forgotten.

The day started with an emmaculate brunch, followed by a gorgeous lunch and ending with a hearty dinner with the orphans. Good company, good drinks is all it takes to make you feel like you're at home once again. Thanks NZ! Thank you Pomeroys, Gainsfords and my favorite orphans of urban rooms.

Love Letters

I was never a huge fan of cards. I have an appreciation for them, but rarely buy them... Until now.

I've had the most fun wandering into small shops, flipping through sparkeled, colourful cards, choosing which suits which pal.

There is something about being in another hemisphere and getting momentos from someone you love. I skyped my mama Ma today and she got my parcel of holiday cards. Swoon! Shocking realling since the post lady told me I missed the deadline. Now I can't wait for the rest of the crew to get theirs!

Happy Christmas lovers! May magic occur with your loved ones and mistletoe grow above every one of your beautiful heads.

travail

A flatmate recently loant me a book about traveling called 'No Shitting in the Toilet' by Peter Moore. Four pages in and Moore is histaricaly correct!

This image with the description of travel sums it up perfectly. He says travel isn't about taking a break, as I realize working 6 days a week.

Travel derives from the Latin word 'travail,' now here's the kicker: meaning spending ridiculous amounts of money to be miserable, homesick and frightened! Hahahhahaha! He's so right. It's the experience! There were parts of Thailand where I was miserable. I was homesick when my sister launched her band to the world wide web!! I've been stuck in darkness in an italian train station in a city unknown for 9 hours on a cement patch with an italian man blowing kisses to me all night... Frightening. And I'm spending ridiculous amounts of money in NZ because they have such cool clothes?!

5 star resort holidays are a projected image of what you want your life to be. Traveling will make you feel every emotion you never thought you had.

I am a traveler. And I wouldn't ever change it.

Don't die wondering

The age of discovery is never over when you are the discoverer.

I was skyping with mama Ma the other day and like every loving mother, she got all concerned... About my blog! Haha. Where are all your posts Justine? Are you ok? You aren't blogging! Haha priceless. It's true, I haven't been blogging because my days are becoming a blur. I sleep, I work, I repeat. Of course this isn't what I had planned, I didn't have a plan at all in fact. The truth is, my bank account is empty, I don't even have money to leave the city, let alone the country. Thus equaling an uninspiring writers block.

But because I love my mother so much, I'm going to blog again. About the daily things I run into, the uneventful happenings of her youngest daughter. And in due time Ma, I'll have enough money to blog about me skydiving in queenstown.

The graffiti below, I come across almost daily as I sip my double flat white with soy at my favorite cafe C1.

Don't die wondering is one of the best things you can read on a brick wall whilst soaking in some vitamin D. Live life regretless friends. Look back and turn back if you must but let's squeeze this life for every drop it's got.

homesick

It's quite natural that everyone gets a little homesick on a trip. today is my day... to be utterly, helplessly homesick.

Not only am I actually sick, and this is just where you want your mom, or in my case, my big sister/ best roommate, to make you special tonics and soups, with an abundance of advil; (They don't have advil here. And there is no one to call to from my little caravan. Sigh.) but this said sister just launched her band DreamFace to the world. Now I can't help but brag, these guys are phenomenal and will blow your mind. Be prepared to fall in love with dreams again.



I'm so proud of you DF! You're going to spread love through dreams. I miss you more than you know!

On top of DF, I miss the days where I'd spend hours on 'we heart it' and google reader. I miss my big bed. I miss driving. I miss Lord of the Rings (yes I watched it all the time). I miss the Royal Bison. I miss my jewels. I miss my sister. I miss my girlfriends. I miss my fam. But not enough to book a ticket yet. ;) haha. Love.

Good Morning 26

It's days like today that I fight for. Cloudless skies, eternal sunshine, pressed coffee, and the chance to change.

Farewell quarter life crisis! You will not be missed. This will likely be the only year that I'm ok with growing older and I'm determined to make it great. It's bound to be! I celebrated with my favorite cafe with my favorite friend in warm sunny NZ. This is officially my first warm birthday. Surreal.

As I walked to meet my bestie at C1 cafe, I ponder how life/people can change so quickly. I was never supposed to live here in Christchurch. I never imagined myself working in a pub! I should technically still be in Asia according to my plan... Things change. People change.

As I think this, I imagine what life would be like with a plan... Boring! Life is no dress rehearsal. Life needs no map. Life needs two feet and a heartbeat.

Being 25 taught me great experience. The drive to see something foreign, the adventure of making a new home, the feeling of being terrified to go back, meeting amazing, brilliant people; it's all about the experience.

Welcome 26, I can't wait to get to know you minute by minute, day by day, with nothing further to say but a smile on my face.

Location:Christchurch, New Zealand

Poom Poom Pom.

It's become quite clear that some of my dear friends have no idea what I'm doing... I'm no longer laying motionless on a beach, nor diving with deep sea critters (although, I'd very much like to).

I'm back with my bestie, kickin' it in Christchurch, New Zealand, slingin' beers at ye 'ol family pub. With 19 taps of craft NZ brewed beers, I have no idea how I will ever come back to Canada without being such a beer snob. I get drunk off a pint and a half?! WTF! There is something in these kegs that turns the Rexall draught into golden garbage! (oh, I feel bad for saying that... I still love you Rexall liquid gold!) I drip beer on my shoes almost every night. I'm still mastering the art of the perfect pour while memorizing the different taps. The locals know me as the replacement Canadian, some even call me Ting, it's real cute. I'm starting my new little work family.


I did have a moment of panic one morning, staring into the white wall, my mind screaming that I needed to go back to MO to design, but it was short lived. I try real hard not to miss my little macbook. There is a reason it was not brought, I needed to try something new and I am. I'm loving it. Creative Suite has officially been swapped with massive amounts of beer. That sounds real unhealthy... but it's true! It's been great, razzing the chef, getting to know the regular old flirty men, meeting people from around the globe!

This is my new life for the next couple of months, that's the update... so come visit!

Plumped Pitter Patters

I slowly gazed down, like slo-motion, to my left breast, and whispered 'whoa.'

Deja Vu for reals.

Although my heart had made a little frown, my lips let out a little giggle and shone a toothy smile. This feeling that was so foreign but not, had a massive impact on me and invoked so many memories. I'm back!! My heart is officially beating once more. Full of feeling and life. Instead of slipping behind a steel wall, my face gives away what my heart is beating.

Memories are flooding back: Ming and I cuddling, giggling on the couch, intertwining our toes. Mother Ma frowning as I scurry out the door on a Sunday evening without leaving her with a hug and a kiss. Tears rolling down my cheeks as I leave a work family. Angry screams from a father who doesn't want me to leave. The warmth of a big white bed on a Sunday morning. Waking up to the variety of five closets!! Intertwining my fingers around my gold chains. Play, love, cry, hurt, comfort, choice, nerves... I remember these quite well and I'm relishing in them all. My heart isn't just on my sleeve, it's seen in my eyes, heard in my speech and felt in my touch. I'm back.

Mission accomplished friends. Let the games begin!

xo.

RIP

These kicks haven't left my feet since I left Canada August 16, 2010. They have trekked me through the rivers and mountains of South East Asia to the gardens and beaches of the South Pacific. I love you hobo loafers. I need you. Beer stained and tattered, you've shown me the world. I heart you sonuks.

Can someone please send me the back up pair in my closet? haha. For real? Please?

the Garden city

Every walk, every drive, every blink outside is a realm of Alice's Wonderland. The flora, the fauna in Christchurch is unbelievable. Our little brick house has a garden fit for fairies! When driving to grans house it's as though the walking cards should be painting the perfectly shaped roses red.

How could you not fall in love with a place that is so stimulating?!

The design here is epic. Clinic signs are even beautifully crafted with simple organic logos. Juice containers are made fun with crafted illustrations and hand drawn type.

Christchurch has culture!!

Cafes are swarmed with ladies in long dresses, leggings and scarves. Hipsters roam the streets in their cheap shoes and tattoos. You may think, 'Oh, it seems so lovely because it's new and away from home...' but really, this is a cool city. It's a small city, which clearly I appreciate, it's people are uber friendly and it's cultured. I just randomly came across a Diwali festival of lights as I was walking back to the pub today?! A full on Indian concert with fabulous performances and food vendors to make your mouth water. Another market was filled with different food vendors of the world (even a Thai place from Chang Mai!!).

Christchurch, minus your mini earthquakes, I like you... I like you a lot.

On my way...

Is it the end of a journey, the middle of an adventure or the start of a new life? I think this as I'm on hour 5 of my layover in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (on my way to New Zealand). I can't tell which it is. South East Asia has come to an end, for now. I definitely feel different. I'm not sure how or what, but I feel a little new, really odd and especially grateful.

Of all the locals I spoke with over the month, I always asked them the same question: 'have you ever left your country?' Surprisingly, they all had the same answer, laughing they said 'of course not, that costs money.'

It's peculiar that something that is so important to you can never be a reality for someone else. Traveling is my passion, it's my priority. To meet people who would like to visit their neighboring country but cannot because of a mere $100 is heartbreaking to me. I'm very grounded by this and more importantly, I feel forever thankful that I have the opportunity to do what I love. I've been raised by a stupendous family who have (whether they liked it or not) supported my needs and desires to travel. There is something about leaving homebase for 2 days or 33 days that is quite freeing. Nothing to worry about but that day, the prestent.
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift, that is why they call it the present. That was a quote from a book that I had read on this trip that was so fitting. This is what I've gained, embracing the now. Living like the old man in Chang Mai, peacefully, calmly, independently and most of all appreciatively. Thank you world, universe and gods. To be carefree and worry-less is freedom.

My eyes have soaked in many memorable things that I will never forget. Tiny village girls dropping their price by 90% just to make a snippet of money. Tuk tuk drivers racing across the street for your business because it's been days since they've made one dollar. Girls leaving home to teach cooking classes just so they can save money to go to school. Guides taking you on a tour who have lost someone in a genocide. Walking on strewn clothing and bones of a grave site. It's all extremely grounding and really makes you think at the end of the day how lucky we are, how lucky I am and what can I do to make a difference.

My eyes have been opened. My heart has been filled. This has been an uplifting experience and I just hope that it continues. I hope that I forever grow and meet new people and share experiences. Love love.

Phnom Pehn

You are large an in charge Mr. Capital City. You are no chilled Siem Reap. PP is bustling with street stall and motos. I was actually scared again to toss myself in traffic to cross the streets. But just like any Capital, there is so much to be seen.

The history of the Khemer Rouge particularly struck my interest. Anna and I went to the killing fields and the S-21 Museum. It's hard to believe that something so horrific happened not too long agi. 1975 to 1979, my heart goes out to you. Actually walking through the killing fields silenced me. Silenced me! Mass gravesites. Bones. Teeth. Clothing. These items were still surfacing. I walked on someones shirt. I knelt down to see someones tooth. Bound rope around bones was peaking through the sandy dirt. Frightening. Eye opening.

Can I get a Wat Wat?

Possibly one of the most magical ruins I've been to, and my camera officially craps out, which was ok. Some things are meant to be seen with raw eyes.

Vibol, my tuk tuk driver, had met me the night before in my guesthouse in a rather awkward setting. I was getting ready for bed when I heard a knock on the door. Assuming it's a friend, I wrap myself in a towel, prop my toothbrush inside my mouth and peak the door open. Two Cambodian men stand there straight, my face goes red and all I can think of is their customs and how inappropriate this must be. Vibol blushes, and tells me he's a friend of Melissa's (who is a friend of Chelsey's, whose recommended him to me). I immediately tell him to hold on, quietly close the door and rush to throw some clothes on and spit out my colgate. Yep, embarassing. Vibol and I made some arrangements for the following day.

Bright and early we tuk tuk our way to Angkor Wat. Overwhelming. Yes. I'm shocked that tourists are still climbing the sacred structures. It really is a magical place. A must see whilst it still stands.

Smile.

Siem Reap has certainly been a favorite city during this journey.

The people are just so warm and friendly. The food is so delectible. The markets, a perfect size. I believe North Americans need to take some lessons from Cambodians. A smile goes a long way, and it's not creepy, sexual or scary. It's a smile. It's warm and contagious. For those who read this, please smile at someone. Your tuk tuk driver, your bank teller, your computer, the fellow driver next to you, a stranger, just smile. Please. For me. Let's start a trend. Feel warm today friends.


Photo: Vibol, my new friend.

Solo.

I've met some killer solo travelers in the past, who have even become my closest friends and I think I've found another. Australian Anna. The woman with an actual heart of gold.

After one night in a semi-scuzzy guesthouse with crickets jumping all over me, I opted to move. Anna was also moving to a different place to meet her friends. I trotted along side her, we jumped in a tuk tuk and made our way to the Golden Mango. I felt like I was traveling with my parents!! Beautiful wooden floors, the most heavenly English speaking staff, complimentary breakfast and tuk tuks, and wait for it... free internet and wifi! The Golden Mango, two of my favorite things: gold and mangos, surely this was THE place for me. Dream come true.
After settling into our lavish rooms, we made our way to the Cambodian Childrens Hospital. We bought a big bag of goodies for the kids and I watched Anna donate blood. What a saint! Unfortuneately we weren't able to play with the kiddies, but we left our bag of goodies with the smiling receptionist and bought some very fitting friendship bracelets.

A very patient tuk tuk driver took us to Seeing Hands. A massage parlour run by blind men, very cool experience. Tucked away in a shotty alley was a tiny open room with 4 beds and a backroom. We changed into some scrubs and were treated with the magic hands of two blind fellows.
Lunch at the Blue Pumpkin made us feel like we were in NY or Milan with their streamlined industrial interior.


Peruzing the market was the perfect way to end the afternoon. We met Annas friends later for dinner, which was the best food I've had during the trip.

Siem Reap, I'm in love!