Perceptions of Canada and beyond

The lens through which each of us analyzes our surroundings is tinted with our experiences, values and beliefs. Meaning consensus-based or multistakeholder decision-making should provide the most holistic perception of a situation and the most accurate response as a result.

As globalization continues however, which lenses do we risk losing through westernization and the formation of what is quickly becoming a global culture? For example, human rights and the formation of the international charter that guides them is widely accepted in the Western World due to our common values. Some countries are less supportive however as they value things differently in their society. Is this something we should seek to eradicate? Or would it be better to maintain and leverage different perspectives as a means to build innovative solutions? The international charter of human rights is an extreme example, but it would be interesting to think a bit more on how parallel globalization and "groupthink" are in terms of concepts.

On another note completely, I recently moved across the country to go back to school. I bought a 2000 Nissan Altima, a tent, and a sleeping bag, then packed up my life and took 30 days to venture back solo across Canada from west to east. Someone has put in a special request for pictures so here's a cross Canada trip through the lens of an Annie:

And so it begins...a girl, her purple steed, and her Canadian adventure.

First stop: Osoyoos

Its all smiles from here on in.

Fast forward past Kelowna to a campground in the middle of nowhere between Vernon and Kamploops. This represents it's sketchiness... When I asked where to swim, the locals lead me here... and warned to watch out for duck itch.

The camp manager had joker knife scars all over his face but it was still incredibly peaceful.

Kamloops

On to clearwater where my immunity experiment against mosquitos begins

Then I spent a week in Valemount exploring the Canadian Rockies and catching up with a friend

My favourite part of a day while there

But all of it was a favourite thanks to good company

Then I was on the move, heading for Jasper. Land of grizzlies and beautiful scenery

Columbia Icefields

With some epic scenery and mountain driving

I arrived to find this and secure camp compounds with electric fences and scheduled bear bangers throughout the night. Lake Louise: beautiful and unique

Then I had some cotton candy clouds for my drive through Banff park the next day

I rushed to meet a friend at the Calgary airport and then we spent the day in the Olympic Park

We took a few test runs of course

Then I took off on my own to Waterton. By far my favourite camping destination

Some deer hanging out outside the supermarket

He didn't signal before making his right hand turn...luckily the 2 car pile-up was avoided.

No "Watch out for the bears" signs in Waterton...just a "watch out for the rabid deer" sign.

No deer run ins while camping thankfully, just  fun times with these little guys

Learning about the landscapes over a beautiful sunset

After a few days there, it was time to leave the mountains behind and head into desolate prairies

Sorry to say that this was my least favourite province. I killed dozens of butterflies with my car on the way in for some reason, the campground was less than accommodating unless I had a gas guzzling RV, and the guy in front of me at one of the gas station had a swastika predominantly tattooed on the back of his shaved head.

Wheat Kings and Pretty things though

I followed the railroad into Manitoba

Where I took in some history and culture in Winnipeg (one of my favourite Canadian cities). Louis Reel's coffin...not sure what happened to the body.

Throw in some more wheat and I was on my way to Ontario

First stop: Kakabeka falls just outside Thunderbay

Then it was on to the Terry Fox Monument. By far, my favourite Canadian

True hero

Then I took in the sleeping giant and was on my way

Entering Lake Superior area

After learning the risks of cruise control and large animals roaming onto highways I decided to relax on one of the many amazing beaches and catch my breath

Good morning Great Lakes

Hard not to start your day off right with this

Then I moved on to camping on the beach in the Soo

Made a small detour to see the family cottage and help out with some repairs

Fast forward to Sandbanks. Beaut.

And some wine touring with a friend around Sandbanks

Then there was a final stop in Kingston to visit my sister. We decided dirty martinis and spreadsheets were appropriate of course

And then the sun set on my adventure, my car died upon arriving in Ottawa (literally) and it was time to settle down for the long haul of a Masters education. 

Fun fact for Single Ladies near Valentines Day

Fact: A female ferret will die if it goes into heat and cannot find a mate.

...ya apparently life could be worse.

Ominous Much?

Google the word "transience" and one of the first images you get is this:

Judging by the empty wine glass, avenging crows (will explain in another post), and large text book, the term MUST apply to me.  I have flirted with permanence in the past but Google's probably right in where my deeper love lies.  Not sure what Google's trying to tell me with the skull and candlestick though??? A reference to investing in my brain and intellectual illumination perhaps?