Contest Winner Announced!

Thanks to everyone who entered my travel contest to win a free night at any Delta hotel or resort across Canada. (Apologies to those who suffered technical difficulties while trying to enter. Argh.)

Photo from hemingwaysparis.blogspot.com

There were many fabulous entries; choosing a winner was a challenge. But in the end, I tip my hat to Rebecca Lesser. Her cute and quaint entry about her accidental find in Paris made me want to head back to the City of Light straight away. Shout-outs also go to Allan Casey (Burma, wow!) and Rida (What kind of secrets? Do tell!).

Truly, it was lovely to read about your memorable travel experiences. They got my travel buds salivating and I've now got some new spots to hit. Thanks again, and here's to travel!

Why Can't We Just Get Along?

Last summer, I experienced an unfortunate road-rage incident where an ignoramus decided to hit me with some racist bravado. Was I pissed? Damn straight I was. So what did I do? Well, I do what I do about most things. I wrote about it. And it's a pretty good piece if I do say so myself. (See my story in Swerve magazine.)

But as you'll see from the story, I wish I had done more. It reminded me of a discussion I had long ago with a friend over a beverage at a seedy old pub. We were talking about racism for some reason and decided that it should be our life's mission to try to end it, and promote peace and love instead. (And no, we weren't drunk, just young and yet-to-be jaded.) He thought we should buy a big old van, and paint one side white and one side black, then write the slogan, "Why can't we just get along?" down the side. And I heartily suggested that we would drive it around with a megaphone spreading our message through beat-boxing and shouting.

Well, we never did get that van, but I have still always considered myself a vigilante of sorts regarding racism. I let my guard down briefly, but have no fear, I am back on full alert.