the new vanilla and chocolate

Saturday I twisted Matt's rubber arm to go to Casa Gelato.

I had already decided on the theme for my next double scoop the last time we were there. That time I went for gourmet sophistication and got a scoop of Cantaloupe on top of a scoop of Wild Fennel. It was very refined and refreshing.

That day I sampled the Marscapone, which was so creamy and rich, but delicate. I decided that it could only be paired with a bold, contrasting flavour. So this time I proceeded to try all the chocolate heavy-hitters in the shop. In the end I settled on "Chocolate Super Montego." This really is the best chocolate ice cream I have ever tasted. You won't believe all the flavour contained in just a scoop.

(contented sigh)

Again, I've already decided what I'm going to get next time. The Nut Kulfi is calling to me, and I think it might go well with something like Fig & Lemon Zest, or Ginger.

Just thinking about it has my mouth watering for Indian Sweets!

I scream

I must apologize for not posting in a while.

I have been busy deconstruction and reformulating my entire world view.

I must say that right now I don't really feel like talking about my life, or social justice or pop culture or philosophy.

Instead, for the next while I will be writing exclusively about ice cream. It is sweet, inoffensive, and I can still muster up a certain amount of passion for it.

My favorite place for ice cream is La Casa Gelato. I think it's about time for another visit.

I would love to hear about other great ice cream spots, and the best/craziest flavours you've ever had.

laptop envy

I have a wicked case of it right now. How do all these starving students afford their sleek and slender little devices?

Mine is huge and heavy and scuffed.

Poor me!

meaningless, meaningless

Love is the only good thing in the world. Humble, self-sacrificing love. It is the only good purpose. The only thing to strive for.

So why do I recoil from it? Why do I sometimes loathe to give it, and resent receiving it?

my solo journey

I traveled 1337 kms in 3 days on my motorcycle down the Crowsnest highway from Medicine Hat to Hope, and then down the busy #1 to Vancouver.

It was an amazing drive, with lots of heart-stopping twisties. It was also very cold in the mountains! I wore my rain gear even when I didn't need it, and I still couldn't feel my legs by the end of the day.

When I travel alone, I like to stay in B&Bs, for a little company.

The first night I stayed at the Three Bears Bed and Breakfast, in a little town called Jaffrey, just shy of Cranbrook. What a beautiful spot. Doug and Doris were friendly and chatty, the wildlife were plentiful, the breakfast was hearty and delicious. I can't wait to go visit them again.

The second night I stayed at the Italian Garden Bed and Breakfast in Osoyoos. Maria is a feisty little Italian woman with the most amazing garden in her back yard. The rooms are nothing special, but eating a breakfast of fresh fruit & vegetables under a canopy of grapes is! I would go back again, even just to eat her fresh figs.The highway west of Osoyoos is flanked by picture-perfect vineyards and fruit stands. I wish I could have lingered.

I can't wait to explore more wild and winding highways on my motorcycle! In a few weeks, I will be riding down to Portland, Oregon. It's just a quick jaunt to see a show, but I'm told there are some amazing back roads there.

simple pleasures.

Yesterday I took public transit downtown to the Vancouver Art Gallery for an exhibit I really wanted to see. Then I went for coffee with my brother-in-law. It was a very pleasant way to spend some time, but the one thing that really stood out as the highlight of my day was reading a book on the train.

It has been so long since I had the opportunity to sit in once spot with nothing better to do than read. It felt luxurious, blissful even.

I can't wait to do it again.

hello from sunny, sunny Vancouver

I have been just a tad busy of late. I apologize for not squeezing in a few blog posts amongst the painting and the packing and the moving and the starting school.

I am temporarily staying in Langley, hopefully moving to Burnaby or East Vancouver for October. Next Tuesday I start classes at Simon Fraser University. I am finally getting a degree - hopefully majoring in Linguistics, with an extended minor in Canada-Asia studies.

It's going to be a busy fall, but I promise I will work hard to keep posting what I hope are interesting stories and insights about my attempts to interact with the world outside my head.

And soon I will be able to post photos again, as well.

I miss you all!