Thursday, May 08, 2008
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A place for Writing 12 students to read each other's writing, to critique, to suggest, to improve.
About Me
- Brad
- Former adult teacher who loves island beaches. Happy homebody and family man; once devoted dog owner, now without Tashi, my Tibetan Terrier. I prefer the absurdity of the imagination to the absurdity of imagining nothing.
6 comments:
Parisiens on the Road
The car flashes by, its blue light flashing, the waah-waah siren blaring. It’s a ghost car, driven by a stylishly coiffed man of about 40, his window down, arm draped casually on the hot spring day. Not five minutes before, the same car sped down the broad Paris boulevard in the opposite direction. Welcome to Paris.
I lost count of the number of times I witnessed a police car or a team of “pompiers,” Paris firefighters, turn on their sirens and speed past a small “bouchon,” or road congestion, on their way to nowhere in particular. After their cars and trucks cleared the intersection, the lights would go off, the siren silenced, the vehicle again travelling sedately.
It seems the Parisiens accept that a siren doesn’t always mean an emergency. It may be we, in Vancouver, take things a bit too seriously. Consider another big city problem: parking.
In Paris, parking is at a premium, but people with cars find space somehow. Cars park within inches of each other. Often, I wondered exactly how drivers could extricate themselves when two cars had boxed them in so tightly. I admire the way each Paris street holds the maximum number of cars possible. In fact, it is legal in some places to park on a corner curve, so long as you don’t block the crosswalk.
If there is no space at all, then why not turn on the hazard lights and double park? Perhaps parking on the sidewalk would be a solution, one that clearly occurs to many drivers. How else to explain the many low concrete barriers erected to prevent the sidewalk parking alternative?
Through all this potential mayhem, Paris continues to function, at least relatively smoothly. And, if not, there is always the horn and the quintessential French gesture, one I’ve witnessed many times: the hands thrown up in the air, shoulders shrugged, both leaving the steering wheel as if to say “What the heck are you doing?” to no one in particular.
--333 words; first draft written in Avignon, France.
The Tranquillity of the Nature
After my daughter moved to Auckland one year ago, I decided to visit her to see how she was making a living. Although, I had heard of New Zealand’s unspoiled landscapes and nature’s wonder, those spots so spread over the country that my first intention was just take a look of another city and forget about the sceneries. I was wrong. After spending ten days in Auckland, my daughter arranged for me a bus trip to Bay of Islands which turned out one of my best days in my life.
The bus was almost full and it left downtown at 8 a.m. It would take four hours to Waitangi which is New Zealand’s first capital and in where the country’s pioneering history had started. The road was only two lanes but we hardly saw any traffic. Bright subtropics sun shine wrapped me around like a comforter through the window. It was September but in here it was beginning of spring. Here and there, a group of sheep feeding in the meadow. What a pastoral scene it was! Suddenly, bus drove into mountain road. Many gigantic prehistoric fossils glowed in the forest. I wouldn’t have surprised if I saw a dinosaurian roaming in there because this is a haven of strange creatures. The bus ride to Waitangi was a very comfortable trip for me.
Next morning I woke up early to see the sun rise over Pacific Ocean. The lodge I had reserved located on the hill, a few blocks away from the beach and my room was a very spacious one having a large balcony, facing Bay of Island. At Paihia, there is no high-rise hotel. Instead, there are many motels and “B.& B.” accommodations. Brian, the owner of the lodge, was a very nice guy. He arranged my entire schedule for sightseeing. He joined with me on the balcony and we had conversation about life, our past, present and future while we were waiting the sun rise. When the sun came out, more than 100 islands were changing their colours from black to sparkling green. Mixed with sun shine’s refraction from dark blue sea and white clouds, all islands were seemed to ready to flout over the sea like ships. It was a breath taking moment and we watched them with awesome admiration for a long time.
Afternoon of the day, I joined a cruse tour which navigated among islands. The ship went through the “Hole in the Rock”, and I watched many dolphins playing nearby the ship .I also saw a whale floating along one of island’s shore but those things were attractions for tourist. On the third day, I visited Waitangi Treaty Ground and in the afternoon I walked around Russell; the oldest town in New Zealand. I have learned about Maori race and history of the country but the most enjoyable time I had in there was sunrise and sunset over Pacific Ocean. Whenever I get frustrated by living in this city life, I remind the moment on the balcony. It gives me peaceful mind and a hope to go see again in near future.
First draft 520 words
Enjoy Exploring on a Cruise
Take a Cruise
What kind of travel is enjoyable, relaxed, and worthwhile? Having a quality trip, I prefer taking a cruise ship to any other sort. Don’t be scared by the “Titanic”. In fact, the modern technology and equipment provide quite safe navigation. You will appreciate an unforgettable experience totally without worries.
Sunset Scenery
Standing on the deck of the Volendam, one of a cruise ships in the Holland America Line, I looked at the orange color stretching out the whole sky at sunset. Then suddenly the red, purple, turquoise, and grey added to form a lively background. Seagulls dotted the scene; they occasionally cried and approached the ship as if saying good night. Many sparkling fish flashed above the shimmering water when they leapt. The warm breeze accompanied with smell of ozone refreshed me. I couldn’t miss this unique and magnificent scenery although my eyes had to squint into the rays of the sun.
Inside the Cruise
Various tropical flowers gave off their charming scent, such as, orchids, lotuses, carnations, and roses, too many to mention them all. Flowers adorned the dinning tables, the cafeteria, and even the washrooms, especially many big pots with a multitude of florae were located in the hallways and lobbies. In addition, crew boys made many incredible fruit, vegetable, and ice carvings. The talented arrangements and the skillful carvings nourished tourists’ spirits.
Jewellery Display
Gorgeous jewels ornaments lured people to go treasure hunting in their shops. Rubies, ambers, and diamonds inlaid in gold or silver made them appealing. They displayed diverse designs every other day. Their beauty made me happy although I was only window shopping. In order to promote their business, a free gift coupon for a gold bracelet was offered. I didn’t believe it but unfortunately it was true. That will teach not to be so suspicious! However, I was still satisfied with those stunning attractions.
Sightseeing and Discovering
Sightseeing opportunities abound among the islands of the Caribbean Sea, such as, St. Thomas, Dominica, Barbados. Most of the countries depend on tourism. When the ship anchored at a harbor, the local taxis conducted guided tours. When you visit their countryside, you can discover many exotic animals and plants. The chameleon iguana is one of the oddest species; they will nod their heads along with their bodies moving back and forth rhythmically as if they are greeting you. There is a bizarre fruit, brown in color, which hangs by a long stem like bags suspended from a tree. All kind of strange things are waiting for you to discover; and they will amaze you.
Half Moon Cay
The white sand beach in the Half Moon Cay is as fine as flour. This private island belongs to the Holland America Line. You will have one day to enjoy swimming or relaxing on the beach. Recently, I received their bulletin that advertised horse riding as well. This new entertainment will enhance your enjoyment.
Healthy Food and Delicate Dessert
The flavor of the cuisine was light but still delicious. You don’t worry about high calories or cholesterol because they never deep fry or use saturated fat. Furthermore, the dessert extravaganza will attract your taste buds. If you concerned about weight, you just enjoy mouth watering! Anyway the simple cooking method will benefit your health.
For safe and relaxed traveling, a cruise ship is enjoyable and worthwhile. You will experience an unforgettable adventure in your life.
Hi everybody,
I am late with my journal, but I enjoyed reading your writings.
Masaru, I liked very much what you did. I know, you were busy, but may be now you have some spare time and will give me a hand with introduction to "May be He Was Right" that you have promised kindly?
Natalia
Munich
Munich is a beautiful modern city, the capital of Bavaria state. In Germany,it called Muchen, meaning the monk. The ancient wandering monk found this beautiful place and settled down; then people gathered and the Munich city formed.
Munich city stands on the bank of the Isar River. Within the city wall is the old city. Maria square and the city hall are the center of the old Munich. Now the old city is the pedestrian area; only the tubes go through underneath.
Around the old city is the modern Munich. Stores ,hotels and highrises emerge before eyes. There are so many tube lines go to all directions,far and near. Every main tube station has a huge mall underneath the surface 4 or 5 floors deep. It also is a city underneath.
Munich is an industrial city too. The headquarters of the Simens and MTW are in here. There are so many enterprises and they pay their employee higher salary. Munich residents often complain that the person having good purchasing power make the commodity prices up.
Munich is also a great cultural city. The largest library in Europe locates nearby the Isar River. The Europe Patent Office and the Patent Office of Germany stand by two sides of a main street face to face. On the Isar Island is the famous Deuch Museum. Many visitors come from all over the country everyday. The museum is so excellent that we often heard people say :"Everyone will have benefited a great deal whether you are a professor or a pupil."
Munich has a very beautiful landscape and has many places of historical interest. The King Ludwig II built lots of palaces nearby.
The Isar River is divided to be a slow stream and a torrent. On the torrent side,the roaring water make you sense it seems like the big regiments march on. On the slow calm side, you can fish or take picnic or take a sunbathe on the bank.
while we wander along the river,it is a common thing to see the people lay on lawn taking sunbathe without a stitch on, even no Bikini bombshells. Once a time, we see the all family lay on the carpet nakedly. when we passed by ,they smiled and waved to us.
"Surprise?" my Germany friend asked.
"No!" In the fact of the matter,I just have a little shock for thinking of they're so lucky having the freedom to enjoy their life.
Tasting the well known Munich black beer is essential. To visit the "Beer Garden" is also necessary. The atmosphere is warmly and humbly. We've seen the waitress's feat: holding ten jars of beer in one hand without a tray. we've seen a girl jumped on the long plank table challenging the other boy's table.
We are silent ,and they are noisy, and we are very appreciated they are so happy.
Munich is a beautiful place,and the Germany is friendly people. It's worth to go for a vacation. If you arrive at the "Festival of Beer", you are lucky.You would see the grand parade of the festival and you would drink the famous black beer as much as you like.
Changing the Season in Four Hours
It was a wonderful experience for me –to go to Mexico for a week of vacation in December. I had never been in tropical country before, and it was quite a pleasant shock – to change season from winter to summer after four hours of flying.
Weather
Leaving grayish and rainy Vancouver, I couldn’t imagine finding myself in a place where air temperature is about 28C, ocean warm as a new milk all year around and the sun never failed to shine. Before landing in Puerto Vallarta –a small town on the Pacific coast of Mexico-I noticed that most of the passengers had changed their winter clothes into light shorts and t-shirts. I understood how they were right, when we came out of the plane - hot humid air, filled with exotic scents hit me at once. I was glad that we arrived in the evening when the temperature was more merciful, than in daytime. In the darkness of the southern night I couldn’t see much except unusually bright stars, but the strong smell of the ocean promised a lot of adventures.
Ocean, Flora and Fauna
In the morning I was awaken by the strange cries of unknown birds and by totally forgotten luxury – the sun beams that were shining straight into my eyes. I counted a lot of new discoveries that day: exotic tropical plants, fragrant colourful flowers and birds. The most common in the area were funny sea birds pelicans; our hotel has the same name. At first, I couldn’t recognize my beloved Pacific Ocean –because its water was unfamiliar warm. By the way, I was among a small group of people who swam in the ocean; others preferred swimming in the pools. Later, I found out the reason-- the ocean’s waves that looked very friendly, but could be very dangerous even for the experienced swimmer. One of those waves stole my precious prescribed glasses, another –hit me badly while I was lending on the beach. Also, nowadays, some people don’t trust the quality of the ocean water because of contaminations. Nevertheless, I had a lot of fun playing with waves, watching flying fish and pelicans.
Sightseeing and Entertainment
After short acclimatization I was ready to make acquaintance with the town and native Spanish-speaking people. I found Puerto Vallarta a very friendly and pleasant place for vacation. Although personally I would never be bored simply being near the ocean and watching picturesque marine landscape, sunrises and sunsets, but for people with higher expectations this tourist- oriented town provides quite a few entertainments for every test. The most popular are: excursions to the historical part of the town with grand sea walk called Malicon, to the distant beautiful beaches, and to the mountains in the interior of the country. Popular activities also include: fishing, scuba diving, golf, kayaking, whales watching, swimming with the dolphins, riding water bicycles and balloon flying. You may enjoy Mexican cuisine at the local restaurants or attend concerts, festivals and art galleries. Your knowledge about local traditions would improve greatly after visiting
Tequila-factory, where genuine Mexican drink produces. Yes, you may enjoy everything, but not too much. The history of Puerto Vallarta knows a lot of examples of over-sunbathing, over-eating and over-drinking.
Returning Home
Time flies very quickly in a place of paradise, but after a week I felt a strong desire for changes. After living in Vancouver for seven years, I consider a place, where the sun is shining every day, simply unreal; that is why it is always good to be back into real life. After landing in Vancouver, I keenly sniffed cool, fresh ear and recognized familiar rich smells of evergreens and ocean. My first trip to the country of everlasting summer taught me to appreciate more every season of the year. Sometimes, when I feel lack of warm and sun, I close my eyes and the picture of sunny town with the silhouette of swaying palm trees appears in my memory and cheers me up.
660 words, first draft
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