Google

Saturday, July 1, 2017

O Canada, Travel; Happy Birthday Canada!

I have found a genuine appreciation for traveling. I really enjoy it and it has become an irresistible art to me.

Seeing new sites has had an adventurous impact on me. I have become insatiably curious in discovering things I have not before seen or maybe I had seen before but was so long ago that the memory of it is no longer fresh in my mind.

So, when the world for me seems to start to spin out of control, it is an indication that I need to experience life in a bigger way to gain back control of my emotions.

Last July, I felt that I was in need of a wind of change and so, I snagged an opportunity to take a trip to Canada. I had been there with my family many times during my childhood. I had seen many parts and enjoyed the lifestyle, but the experience as an adult is much different. And so, I ventured there and what a wonderful experience that was. I can actually say that I love Canada.



When I went there in the past, we had always hopped in a car and drove the eight hours that it took to get to the destination which was set in the plan. This time however, I boarded a plane and to my surprise, it took an hour and ten minutes which I thought was a deep breath of reassurance. Less time traveling. More time enjoying the destination. 

Time away eased my emotional turmoil in so many ways. It sparked joy to once again come to this foreign land and put aesthetic value to trudging off alone and giving experience a chance.

So many new ideas started to brim while seeing Canada more in depth. I was far from the comfort of home but I blew off some steam enjoying cool street festivals. And I flipped the script by leaving my hotel room to visit family members that I had not seen in years. And I captured each moment by being fully present wherever I was while I was there. And I broke down barriers by linking up with a  social media friend of mine who lived there for the first time in person, who had nothing but the best intentions at heart for me, showed me some areas of Canada that I had never seen and that was awesome.




I even seen things with my own eyes that I felt was worthy of serious thought. Like for instance; why do raccoons in some places have a ready to attack state of mind but in others, can be around human beings like house pets? I found that quite interesting. 

Traveling made me see that you can either be bound by anxiety and keep your head stuck in the sand or you can counter life’s effects and engage with the world in different ways. You can stay in the routine and never change the mundanities of it or you can take a short walk on the eastern edge of another world and overlook the mountains in your life.  


I wandered off course on purpose to Montreal. It was the summertime,  so why not. It definitely changed things for me in a positive way. Gave me a great reason to rise up singing and to spread my wings with knowledge that I can actually overcome poignancy by creating my own joy and allowing it to simmer. 

Cover of Summertime performed by the JNote Quintet

I came across so many things I loved like Mount Royal, Old Montreal, Trois Riviers, House of Jazz, A Quebecois museum, a mall that spans about a mile underground and some other really cool things. 

I also discovered the fact that water, even just the smell of it brings peace to your mind. And the best part, there was a Starbucks on every corner; what a treat. 

Every tender moment I spent there was worth it.  I am still captivated by Canada’s energy and I cannot wait to visit there again. This post is in short to say, I love you Canada. Happy 150th birthday! 

33 comments:

  1. We love to travel as well. Seeing and experiencing new places and people. I love to people watch. Happy Birthday Canada.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love to travel, too! I haven't been to Canada - YET - but it's high on my list!

    ReplyDelete
  3. When I travel I am still bound by anxiety because anything could happen, but I do enjoy the experiences I have. It doesn't stop me from moving. Happy birthday Canada!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I really need to travel to Canada more! I haven't been in a decade and there is just so much to see. Lovely photos.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah. It was great. I can't wait to go again.

      Delete
  5. ---And I captured each moment by being fully present wherever I was while I was there. That sentence right there resonated with me the most. I find it is so important in our life to actually be present in what we are doing! Your post was inspiring to me and I would like to now visit somewhere I have been as a child and experience as an adult. Thank you for such a meaningful post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow! I love that you wrote this. Thank you so much. very motivating for me to know that it touched you in a positive way.

      Delete
  6. I've never been to Canada, sounds like a great place. Definitely need to get away from this Texas heat.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is really great. You would enjoy it a lot.

      Delete
  7. I always take the plane whenever possible. Sometimes, travel hours can rob you of many wonderful opportunities.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Travelling quite a cool thing to do. Unwinding to places like this is awesome. But haven't been to Canada (I wish I could). Happy Canada Day!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Cool pics. It's always a dream for me to travel around Canada. Just don't know when. Anyway, happy birthday Canada.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sounds like a great adventure! I love discovering new places and am always inspired to travel more after reading about other peoples experience.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love road trips! It sounds like you had a great time! Enjoy the long weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I was just talking about a potential Canada trip! There are so many beautiful places to visit there!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I loved travelling when I was younger. It can be very stressful with children!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I went to Canada a bunch of times as a kid, but I haven't been there in quite a while. Id love to take a family vacation there now.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Traveling is something I love doing but have not done it in years. Canada is beautiful and very close to where I live. Happy Birthday to Canada. Thanks for sharing your adventures.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I also love to travel when I'm feeling lost and need to ground myself. I've never been to Montreal, but it's on my "next up" list!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Traveling is definitely something that helps me recenter. It brings everything into perspective for me.

    ReplyDelete
  18. My husband and I visited Montreal a few years ago for our anniversary, and it was so fun. Your post brought back memories, and I hope we can visit again soon.

    ReplyDelete
  19. My husband and I were just talking today about visiting Canada. Neither of us have been there other than a short weekend trip to Niagara Falls. I would love to do some traveling soon

    ReplyDelete
  20. Last summer we spent a few days in Ottawa and just took a day trip into Quebec.
    We were shocked to see all the beautiful trees!
    I have never really spent that much time in the east cost so I can't wait for a chance to do that!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I miss Canada so so much. I grew up going to Canada this time of year every summer. Every summer spending Canada Dad celebrating my heritage there. It was magical. Sadly my grandparents who immigrated to the US are no longer alive, and their one son, my dad, is now gone too. I know I have relatives up there but I haven't been there in so long. I feel so disconnected. I don't have it in me to go without my Dad.... too painful. Someday though maybe I will brave it! Thank you for sharing your adventure with us!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Ive always wanted to visit Canada! Seems like there so much to do and the people all seem very nice.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I've only been to Canada once when I graduated high school, but I am looking forward to getting up there again since my husband hasn't been!

    ReplyDelete
  24. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete