Spring, 2007, Lausanne, Swizterland. Looks like there are two ways to get a bird’s eye view:
1. As pigeons on an overhead cable
2. From a crane
Nature and technology co-exist, but for how long? Even one of the world’s most picturesque cities is falling prey to over-construction and development.
Canadian customs duties are prohibitive. Think carefully before buying anything from the US and having it mailed to Canada. Between postage and duties, there are no savings. On the contrary, you pay top dollar for items that are meant to be less than.
Recently, I made two purchases that incurred unreasonable charges.
1. A canine bicycle basket from In the Company of Dogs, at a "reduced price"—US$44.97. Then there was the shipping—US$21.15. Finally came the duties—CD$12.05. With shipping and duties combined nearly costing as much as the item purchased, there’s a real problem—even if the item is recreational rather than an "essential." Canada Post collected the cash payment at my door before handing over the purchase.
By the way, In the Company of Dogs takes five weeks to ship to Canada and isn’t as customer-service friendly as one would hope—especially if issues arise. Also, some of their products can be found elsewhere at better prices.
2. Ten 24in x 24in canvases from Dick Blick (the premier art supply chain in the US), which cost US$102.15. Then there was the shipping—US$18.22. Finally came the duties—CD$33.85. With shipping and duties combined nearly costing as much as the items purchased, there’s a real problem—especially for work-essential goods. Fed Ex sent out a typed statement after delivery, detailing their costs, which they try to keep to a minimum (CD$1.68 brokerage fee and CD35 cents disbursement fee).
By the way, Dick Blick makes sure you get your order in a couple of days (via Fed Ex Ground, for size-appropriate products) and have wonderful discounts, providing you don’t live outside the US. Unfortunately, I haven’t yet found a Canadian art supplies retailer that can rival their selection, discounts, and efficiency.
Please note: These lists are in random order and not comprehensive. They’re simply a start in helping identify what might prompt and perpetuate abuse, as well as enable recovery from it…
How an abused person might feel or react:
1. Unable to tell friends/family/authorities what’s happening, because of feeling too awkward, ashamed, or foolish.
2. Uncertain what might happen next, because trust and predictability are gone.
3. Without words to explain what’s happening because it’s too unbelievable, or hard to describe.
4. Violated, physically or emotionally, or both.
5. "Out of character"—angry, upset, or violent, which isn’t typical.
6. Pushed to the limits and exhausted.
7. Out of ideas and resources.
8. Disorganized—like a tornado’s passed through.
9. Concerned about making too much/not enough of things.
10. Disappointed, sad, and let down—and worried about the future.
How an abuser might act:
1. Display behaviors that change from minute to minute without reason (show public displays of affection one minute and be a raging monster the next).
2. Not be able to be calmed down or stopped when in a tirade.
3. Act, the next day, like nothing’s happened—be oblivious to abusive tendencies.
4. Never be wrong—put it all on the other person as never getting it right.
5. Turn a perfectly enjoyable day into a nightmare for no real reason.
6. Find fault with everything the victim does or says, taking advantage of vulnerabilities.
7. Give gifts and/or be overly nice 24 hours after, just to get back into favor.
8. Be the source of great pleasure as well as pain—becoming indispensable.
9. Suggest that everyone else (any supports the victim might have) are wrong or should be stayed away from.
10. Think that they’re the best—or know better, most of the time (always giving lessons and offering "protection").
Abuse happens when an abused person has:
1. Low self-esteem.
2. A poor support network.
3. Other difficulties.
4. Become cut off or is isolated from friends and/or family.
5. Been abused before.
6. Has a personality that you wouldn’t think could be abused (is strong in other aspects of life).
Abusers are often:
1. Known by the victim already.
2. Relations on whom the victim depends emotionally and/or financially.
3. Individuals who are respected in the community and/or at work (and are in power positions)—appear charming, wise, and kind to others.
4. Used to abuse or familial dysfunction already, and have a history of family problems.
Abuse isn’t only physical, it’s emotional too:
1. Once the victim is beaten down emotionally, who knows what might happen next?
2. There are things that are permissible to say to someone else, and there are things that are not. Know what’s unacceptable is essential.
Abuse doesn’t usually come about, or go away, by itself. Pro-activity is necessary:
1. Stay away from the abuser.
2. Inform others about what’s going on, and build a support network.
3. Tell "authorities" (the police, social agencies) and take (legal) action where necessary.
4. Get counseling and/or protection.
5. Move on by doing feel-good activities with feel-better others.
6. Take time out to heal and regroup—remember that you’re worth the best, as well as others’ support.
7. Accept that a situation might not be your fault.
8. Be strong and brave even if you don’t think you can.
9. Acknowledge the power of the abuser—nothing else might work very well until then.
10. Be less predictable—count on yourself, by changing some of the things you do and ways you do them (regain independence and creativity).
Growth
Accomplishment
Roots and reminders
Distraction and delight
Exercise
New possibilities
Insights and involvement
Natural moments
Gifts and surprises
Moment to moment
Day to day
Year to year…
It’s been quite a while since I’ve been able to take any time to play tennis. Finally, for this summer, I joined a local city club, Sir Winston Churchill. I found it offers very reasonable rates for membership and lessons—no fancy club house or exorbitant initiation fee for imagined access to the "right people" and "fine dining." Also, more important, old gear isn’t a problem. Nobody notices, or so I thought. Then, right away, the tennis pro teacher did. In his early 20s, he was drawn to my shoes: "Wow!" he said. "They’re so cool!" "What do you mean?" I asked. "Well they’re really ‘retro,’ and I’ve never seen anything like them…" I was astonished—made to feel very old (I’d had them for about 15 years).
Looking down, I wondered what made my Prince tennis shoes appear so yesteryear, and couldn’t figure it out. Maybe you’ll take a look and let me know…
Understanding Your Sleep Needs
The power of sleep can’t be underestimated. But, keep in mind, some of us need more of it than others. Also, some of us function better at different times of the day. There are "morning people" and "night owls," as well as schedules that aren’t always comfortable .
There’s nothing like being able to live in rhythm with—and respect—your sleep clock if you can.
Recognizing if You’re a Morning Person or Night Owl
I am most definitely a morning person, and can get more done between 5 and 10 am than any other time of the day. After 5 pm, it’s a lot more difficult. The things that I struggle to complete at night, I might as well have not attempted. When I take a fresh look at them in the morning, I realize I can complete them much more quickly and easily. Sometimes I’m more able to do physical tasks at night, but not anything that requires thinking power.
Others might have an opposite experience, and I appreciate that.
Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
We all have different ways for getting a good night’s sleep, and some of them can be seen as "finicky" by those who say they can "sleep on a clothes line."
I put these strategies high on my list:
1. A room that’s as dark and silent as possible
2. Bedding that’s comfortable and cozy, that covers you properly, and isn’t too light or heavy
3. A clock that’s visible and shows the time, for any awake moments that have you wondering the hour (without having to get out of bed) then being able to fall right back to sleep
4. Not having eaten just before going to bed
5. Being organized for the next day before going to bed
6. No late-night in-bed phone calls that might send you to sleep while chatting or be upsetting
7. Turning the television or radio off (or other interruptions), and not falling asleep to them
8. Sufficient good food, exercise, and emotional support
9. A sense of hope or gratitude about something—anything
10. Congenial bed company—like poodle pals, Lev and Sage—who know when to snuggle up and/or give space
Others might have different strategies. Whatever works!
Re. Sleep Aids
While sleeping pills, sedatives, and alchol help many people temporarily, sometimes they can make things harder in the long-run. Dependencies/addictions can start quite innocently. Just like with diet pills and food restrictions, it’s important to try to find other ways to overcome difficulties, even if they might seem harder at first.
Others might believe differently. They have the right to do so, so long as they’re not endangering anyone else.
Any office is only as good as its front line receptionists and administrative assistants. Because of them, some communications never make it to the person they’re supposed to reach. In some offices instructions are given that those who are high up don’t want to be bothered by trivia. But, consider those who decide which clients are worthy of a call-back. Certain employees might not be gifted at assessing this.
When you suspect your messages might not be making their way to the person you’re trying to reach, or nothing seems to be happening, solutions might include:
1. Showing up at the office in person, to see face-to-face what’s happening—if anything.
2. Finding other ways to make direct contact (like in an out-of-the-office setting, or through a home number).
3. Informing and getting others involved (like peers, colleagues, friends, or media).
Of course, the solution choosen will depend on the size and nature of the office involved—and why the initial approach was made. If the office is smaller and private, access will probably be easier. If the office is larger and public, access will probably be more complicated. Then there are the offices of public officials where specific protocols/accountability are supposed to matter.
Regardless of the type of office being dealt with, or the role of the individual who’s unreachable, keeping calm and trying to stay focused on the initial request (not newly associated frustrations) is important. In the beginning, follow instructions in accord with an office’s requirements. Then, if there’s no response, consider there could be something wrong internally. Look at possible solutions (like those listed above). Finally, if the office (and employees working in it) are committing misdemeanors, let this be known to the necessary authorities, legislators, or publicists—like (disciplinary) associations, the police, and the media. Avoid any/further confrontation with staffers who have already shown themselves to be incapable or powerless.
Do keep in mind that everyone makes mistakes—has bad days and weeks, even months. However, during the waiting period, the one who is dissatisfied isn’t getting paid for the time and energy put into contacting and recontacting. The one who is at fault in not passing on the message /following through appropriately is.
No one wants anyone else to lose their job unnecessarily. But, employers need to decide who enhances their organization’s reputation and who detracts from it. Since quality staff are hard to find, decisions can’t be made flippantly. So, are expectations for lower paid, more menial workers (that are often scape-goated) too high? Some get lazy, even if they love or need their job’s benefits. Then there’s the one who’s a little too smug, whom you’d least suspect of being the problem, until she’s dismissed—productivity and client satisfaction suddenly improving.
Lastly, let’s talk about bosses for a moment. Office staff may only be as good as the one who’s in charge of them—and the one in charge of them might be the only one able to do "damage control" properly. Also, consider the example he might set when he’s there (with respect to efficiency, punctuality, organizational and people skills). Does he practice what he preaches? Can he be counted on?
If a boss is frequently absent and/or extremely busy, he has to hope that he has a staff that have his organization’s better interests in mind—that they can make smart decisions when he’s absent. This may be where some of the biggest (and needless) difficulties (and loss of business) arise.
Mother’s Day was last weekend. Another hard holiday for many—those who don’t have a mother, or are at odds with her, and those who long to be a mother but haven’t been able to have that experience happen. Just like on other holidays such as Valentine’s Day and New Year’s, more people than you might imagine feel left out or envious of those en route to gatherings or carrying flowers.
Options that might provide distraction or relief on Mother’s Day, for those who aren’t part of the celebration, include:
1. Catching up on work.
2. Getting together with friends in similar situations.
3. Enjoying something fun (like a sports activity, shopping trip, or massage).
Places that it might be better for non-celebrators to stay away from include:
1. Family style restaurants and other solo-unfriendly gathering places.
2. Family parties (if they’re uncomfortable).
3. Stores that are full of memorabilia (gifts and cards) specific to the day.
It’s amazing how one "special day" can become a huge dread and ordeal for some, and bring about immense joy and happiness for others. Also, it’s often hard for those who aren’t familiar with loss or longing to understand those who are.
Those who are lucky enough to be able to celebrate "special days" might like to:
1. Not assume anything about, or judge, those who could be having a difficult time.
2. Appreciate the privilege of being able to celebrate with others and not take this for granted.
3. Be mindful of non-celebrators’ feelings, selecting sharings (about personal celebrations) carefully.
In North America, there’s a common complaint that flowers no longer smell like flowers and fresh fruits and veggies are tasteless. Visit the daily street markets of Europe and you’ll understand better any differences…
Maybe…
1. Products for sale haven’t had a long journey/shelf life before making it to buyers.
2. Growing conditions are more natural—with less mass production and preservatives.
3. Presentation is as it is meant to be—not tampered to alter texture, size, or ripeness.
Bigger and better (the N. American way) often…
1. Stresses quantity and accessiblity over quality.
2. Favors price over product.
3. Forgets basics—the innate properties of what’s being produced and developed and why.
Perhaps N. Americans are charmed by European ways because…
1. Individuality and personalization are more obvious.
2. Traditions, history, and pride don’t appear to be forgotten.
3. Smaller, rarer, and different may still be seen as better.
June, 2006, I went on safari—an opportunity of a lifetime. While the camera clicked, so did my mind. I’d not "wordscaped" (escaped with words/written poems) since my book, Poetic Wisdom: Revealing and Healing (1998). But, patrolling the bush by jeep, the urge returned full force. I saw no other way to jot down experiences of the moment, treasures not to be forgotten. Though I took too long to type up these poetic souvenirs after the trip ended, the delay has had advantages. On review, this poetry puts me back in the moment—that moment—seeming to stand the test of time. Now, I’m curious to know others’ responses to it…
My first group of poems, written in Bostswana, were posted in this blog’s February 6, 2007 entry. My second group of poems were created in Zambia and were posted in this blog’s April 22, 2007 entry.
This final group of poems were created at different stages of the trip. The first four consider the transition from safari/vacation to "regular life" and what’s going to be missed. The last two show the importance of congenial travel companions—especially on safari—and what can happen when they’re distracting/ed.
1. Bush Perfumes
Bush perfumes
I miss you
Rosemary, Sage, and more
The breathing clearly
The feeling soothed
The energy not usually felt
Bush perfumes
I miss you
Along with the sands
And other sensual treats
You can’t bring home in a photo
Hippos, frogs, lions, monkeys
You made my nights more interesting
Your wallowing, croaking, crying, or screeching
I’d take them anytime
Horns, brakes, sirens, alarm bells
And the odors that accompany them
Aren’t a fair trade
Nature versus manmade.
2. In the Moment
Beyond past, present, or future
Appreciating the now
Open to the wonders of how
Giving distance to hurts
Grounding self
Not anxious to go back
Navigating the trivia co-travellers remind me of
Savor the privilege and power of "here"
And happy I can take it "there."
3. Heat on my Face
A perfect place and space
Hard to travel away
Really want to stay
A vacation that will feel like a dream
In a week, that’s how it will seem
A vacation you don’t want to have end
The hurts of reality start to mend
And then you’re back
Will things be the same, or different?
An energy to take away
Please, please, let the magic stay
The heat on my face as reminder
Please, please, please, seeking an everyday that’s kinder.
4. Escort
After dark
And even by day
You’re encouraged to have an escort
Anyway
In the bush you never know
Which predators lurk
And, if you’re from other parts
They can come at you, fast as darts
But, in the bush, with or without escorts
I never had fear
What would be, would be
The animals weren’t really after me
Back in the city, it’s another matter
There’s a lot of patter
Anxiety in the street and at home
It’s not any easier or safer to roam
Escort free, there’s only me
…and I never feel free.
5. Two Safaris
The terrain is clear
As the American gals near
From nature there’s a lot to learn
But some never will
Nature’s gifts aren’t only animals
They’re environmental too
But, it’s rush, rush, rush
Missing the changing shapes and colors of the land, sky, and flora
We’re first, we’re fastest, we’re the best
Everyone else "sucks!"
A group dominated by phobias, fears, and follies
Child-like women without their material crutches
Issues better left at home
But they bring them here
A world apart, for which they show little heart
Bitter, competitive, damaged
They think they have a point to make—always
But the animals don’t want to hear
Co-travellers neither
The cackles and colorful clothes
The vying for attention
A sacred experience tarnished
By she whose nails are varnished.
6. Shopping Mad
On and on and on
From game to gain
Bargain to bargain
Contagion in the group
Quite a troop
Some start slowly
Others copy
Some haggle
Others pay full price
Everything, right now, is nice
Bags bursting
New bags bought
How to ship?
No worries
Tourists in flurries
Weight and size restrictions no longer matter
Very welcome commercial patter
More and better
More and cheaper
Special or not
Most buy a lot
The closer to departure
The greater the activity
Sensation
Desperation
Back to materialism
Competitiveness
Oblivion
The magic of the trip eclipsed
Commercialism might have it nixed
A few carefully selected souvenirs, or greed
Whatever it is, the journey home has begun.
p.s. For more recent African Poetry, please check out blog entries about DocSusan’s Kilimanjaro Cimb (9 poems) and Tanzania Safari (16 poems). The two new series were started December 2, 2007.
Dr. Keith Ablow’s new book, Living The Truth. Transform Your Life Through Insight and Honesty, featured on the Today Show, May 3, 07, is very welcome. Truth matters! Maybe this fresh title—and interest in the topic—will herald others to explore it from other angles.
Many people think they tell the truth. But, do they really? Even little day-to-day misdemeanors can indicate bigger issues. Those who diet and sneak in "hidden calories" (like multiple tasting samples at the grocery store) are only cheating themselves. Those who hope no one will suspect their insurance claim isn’t entirely accurate (like their car bumper was damaged before the accident) aren’t being very fair.
Sure, there are lots of reasons to go after what’s not really yours, or mess others around. But, at the end of the day, we all recognize what’s right and how "beating the system" doesn’t make you a better person. Little untruths include:
1. Accepting the wrong change after paying your bill in a restaurant.
2. Saying you were somewhere when you weren’t.
3. Making an excuse for arriving late when your really don’t have one.
4. Using someone else’s ID or name to get a discount.
5. Sneaking a handful of grapes at the grocery store, while pretending to sample just one.
6. Sidestepping into a line-up because no one else was looking.
7. Scratching someone else’s car, then driving away.
8. Claiming you’re going to be somewhere when you have no intention to be.
9. Keeping someone waiting for an answer, and having them think you don’t have it yet.
10. Saying you weren’t able to find something, when you haven’t even looked.
No one is perfect, and we all have occasional slip-ups. It’s when slip-ups happen all the time, that we really need to worry. Harmful patterns show.
Are there others in your life that you don’t really trust, and why? Is it something you can’t put your finger on—perhaps just a feeling you have. Look at their words and actions and see where and when they match.
Watch out if the one you’d like to trust:
1. frequently tells you one thing, but is clearly doing another
2. is often unreliable (late, vague, or avoidant)
3. makes you confused or anxious more often than you’d like
4. has seemingly different personalities, depending on who he/she’s talking to
5. is consistent at being inconsistent
6. hurts you without good reason, when you know that he/she cares about you.
If you think someone’s hiding something, likely they are.
Be bold, brave, and vigilant:
1. Share your concerns with someone else (you can trust), if you can.
2. Record and compute activities, actions, and statements, and notice where they don’t match or make sense.
3. Double-check things for yourself.
4. Confront the individual you’re suspicious of/uncomfortable with (if you feel safe enough to do so).
5. Go to authorities (including police and protection services) if you don’t’ feel safe, and if you feel the law is being broken or you and/or others are at risk.
6. Protect yourself financially, emotionally, and physically, and get support (however you can).
There are all kinds of truths, just as there are all kinds of offenders. What’s important is to know your own limits—who you wish to keep in your life and under what circumstances. When you feel good about those around you—safe with them and how they treat you—you feel better about yourself.
Sometimes, how we treat our dogs is how we treat ourselves. When our dogs are near and dear to us, if we neglect (and abuse) them, others might notice there could be something terribly wrong with us.
Dogs are neglected (abused) when they’re not:
1. Given sufficient exercise
2. Fed the the right food
3. Allowed adequate socialization with caninekind, as well as other humans
4. Kept safe (in unfenced outdoor spaces or away from traffic or toxins)
5. Up to date with medical check-ups (routine shots and tests)
Those who recognize they might be neglecting (abusing) their dogs, might like to do a quick self-review, and consider the following questions pertaining to their own health and well-being:
1. Am I taking good enough care of myself—maintaining healthy habits with respect to food, sleep, and exercise?
2. Do I have reciprocity ("give and take," as well as opportunities for sharing) in my life?
3. Are others treating me well, or not, and can I repair what might be lacking/going wrong?
4. Do I feel safe, secure, and loved? What can I do for myself, to compensate for what I can’t get from other sources (people or environments)?
5. Am I organized, conscientious, and motivated—trying hard enough? What and/or who might be able to help me?
When we think of dog-neglecters (abusers) we don’t think of those living in nice little houses, or with secure jobs. Unfortunately, no one knows what really goes on behind closed doors, and when and where a neglecter (abuser) might lurk. Those who neglect their dogs could be crying out for help, and not even know it.
Keep your eyes and ears open! Animal (and human) rescue can happen anytime anyplace if you’re altruistic enough to notice. For support and assistance Humane Societies in Canada, the US, and beyond, are there to help—and always welcome volunteers.
My poodlepals, Lev and Sage, have a charmed life. Therefore, I wasn’t sure what would happen when a less fortunate canine chum moved in with us unexpectedly. He’d been the victim of a hit and run and had a few other health issues, so I agreed to take care of him for a month.
Joey is a seven-year-old Sheltee who’d been living with an older handicapped lady, unable to take him for walks or to stop over-indulging him with human food. He weighed in at 521bs on accident day (when he should be 301bs). Only two weeks later, he was down to 43lbs. And not only that, he’d had a nice bath, haircut, and teeth-cleaning.
Dogs know how to take care of themselves when they are sick—to rest and not eat if necessary. Joey had chosen to do just that, in the safe space of my home. And, surprisingly, Lev and Sage seemed to understand and give him the distance and calm that would help him. Then, day by day as Joey has started to feel better, he was ready to take up Lev’s and Sage’s routines and habitudes. Fortunately, these included giving in to dog food, and eating en groupe. He also started enjoying walks, and keeping up with the pack. I’m happy to observe how Lev and Sage let him walk in the middle of them, even when he struggled to keep pace. Every day, Joey gets bette, faster, and more confident, which is a pleasure to witness.
Going from two dogs to three has been a new experience for me—a little daunting at first, but one I’ve adjusted to more easily than I thought I would. Maybe it’s because Joey is such a good boy, and I’ve grown to care for and respect him so much—as Lev and Sage seem to as well. Or, mabye it’s because of the feelings of love, security, and being in the "now" that caninekind knows how to bestow. I truly enjoy having an expanded pack around to accompany me through challenging days and nights. Also, bringing smiles to the faces of strangers who see us all ambling down the street is a bonus!
p.s. Many thanks to the exceptionally kind and talented team at East York Animal Clinic (whom we highly recommend). Their support and encouragement have been invaluable.
This coming weekend (May 5th and 6th, 07), I’ll be missing Grub Street’s annual conference, the "Muse and the Maketplace," for the first time. Now, in its 6th year, it’s been billed as the best one yet, a stellar list of authors, editors, and agents presenting and consulting. During the four years that I lived in Boston, I experienced Grub going from strength to strength, providing both veteran and novice writers opportunities to grow and network through night school and weekend classes, as well as special events.
There is no organization in Toronto—formal or informal—that compares to Grub. In fact, I’m certain, there’s nothing like it in any other North American city. Grub has a totally unique ambiance and programs. And, as it has evolved, it’s become a vital part of Boston’s arts and cultural scene. Also, since relocating to offices that overlook Boston Common, it’s at the center of everything—a true asset to the city, as well as neighboring communities.
When I couldn’t get a flight to Laguardia (NYC) from Toronto, I thought I’d try neighboring Newark. Not the best idea…
On the way there we sat on the runway for an indefinite amount of time, told there were "no flights going to Newark." The Newark native next to me complained bitterly, "Newark just can’t handle the traffic, even on a sunny weekday afternoon! This always happens…"
On my return to from Newark, when I went to check in, the ticket agent said there was no booking for me, though I had a booking reference and print out with the flight number recorded. He thought my credit card number would be the key to figuring out why. It didn’t help. Human error, which he couldn’t admit to, was the real problem.
At 5 a.m., you’d think the line for security would be short. But, with only one post open, it wasn’t. Then, a supervisor yelled "back up, back up," and we were supposed to know what that meant—go back to the beginning and start lining up again, because they’ve opened a second post—one with a fresh line-up, and I was at the end of that too. Finally, I made it to the front of the line, and, for some reason, the airline had selected me for a "special search."
The searcher greeted me, "I’ve got a lot of stuff on my mind, so hope you’re not going to give me a hard time!" "Of course not," I replied as I stand there lamenting why so much energy is being wasted on me when they could put more it into moving the line through and look for more suspicious types. Their biggest concern was why I might have two cell phones. "Because one’s American and one’s Canadian," I said. That didn’t seem to satisfy. "It makes things easier—saves on roaming charges," I added. Next, every item from shoes, to Ipod, to computer, to jacket, to makeup bag, and more, was rubbed with a bomb detector cloth, inserted and recycled from a giant machine that beeped responses. Finally, I was released, and asked what was wrong. "I’m tired," I said, even though getting up at 4:00am wasn’t what was bothering me.
Then, on to the gate. Though I’m not coffee dependent, I really needed one. One little Starbucks cart was in operation, with another long line. I missed the cart on my first loopround because its lights were dimmed. Didn’t the two young girls working there want to be seen, or had they forgotten to flip the switch? I joined the line and the lights went on. $4.67 for a luke warm soya latte, then a little time to sit down and breath—look for somewhere to plug in my computer. No plugs, of course. Newark airport is so old and grimy, I’m not sure why I would have expected such a modern business-travel necessity.
Finally, on take-off, I couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for Newark and its surrounds. A clear spring morning revealed a vista of giant storage containers and loading docks, refineries, chimneys, and trucks— in every direction. Then, there was the occasional dash of pink—a cherry blossom bringing life to a small parkette—a semblance of humanity and nature in what otherwise could easily be viewed as "New York City’s basement."
Landing at Toronto’s Pearson Airport provided a stark contrast to the Newark experience. Its spanking new terminal one, which still has some teething pains offers a lot of exercise as well as conveniences.
p.s. Caution: if you do click the link to the Pearson Airport Website, don’t fall for the free gift ads put out by shopperssavingcenter.net and shoppingspreesonus.net, which claim to flash by once an hour by. They’ll coax you into buying other products and giving personal information away. Then you’ll be bombarded with other sollicitations, by phone as well as e-mail (all generating more frustration).
p.p.s. When doing research for this blog piece, I chanced on the educational site enchanted learning.com. Their New Jersey page is interesting, as were their user instructions and tone. The official New Jersey website is a worth a look too.
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