Away we go...

And we're off!...Today is the first day of this "new life" that Lesley and I will be living for the next 6 months, namely living with our world in a backpack. I haven't done a big, multi-month trip since I was 20, and have never done it in such exotic locations.
Our last few days in Victoria were busy with packing, cleaning, and moving our life into the garage. I have to say I would love to live in a house that clean all the time, but man it's a lot of work. We worked right up until 1:50 on Sunday afternoon and managed to catch the 3:00 ferry.
Mother nature was kind enough to provide a last blast of a true Canadian winter, as well as a reminder why birds fly south for the winter, with howling winds and a dump of snow. I was a little too keen to try out my Brazil beach wear, but Lesley suggested we get a picture in the snow, and then thought it would be funny to lock me out!...

Anyhow, we are away. While I am excited about what lies ahead for us, I am sad to leave Victoria. I am very aware of my good fortune to be living in such a beautiful city/province/country, and working with such amazing people, both patients and fellow practitioners. Add to this the great friends and family that complete and enrich the picture of my life and you understand why leaving this is so bittersweet. Rest assured though that will be back, wiser and enriched by our experiences.
I hope you are all warm and safe as the snow flies.

Thanks for reading.

Ian

The BEST Cat!

Less than 10 days until departure for Brazil and 6 sleeps until we leave our comfortable home. I know one of the things I will miss the most is our cat, Kiko. Kiko came to us in September, as he was Marnie and Bert's cat that we inherited when they moved to Brazil. I haven't always been a cat person, but Kiko is the best. He greets us with a friendly meow and is generally very chatty, he is also a great cuddler on a cold fall night. We've thought of taking him to China...probably not a great idea.
This whole big trip thing is becoming more real as things to do get checked off the list. I haven't taken more than 3 to 4 weeks off work since I started doing massage 10 years ago, so a break will be nice. I am looking forward to some sun in Brazil, then immersing myself in China and Chinese medicine and seeing where that takes me, and my practice. As much as I am looking forward to being away, the excitement of coming back and being an Acupuncturist, and all the learning that will take place, is definitely on my mind.

Thanks for reading.

Ian

The Countdown!

Time's ticking by as it is 3 weeks today that we leave Vancouver for Rio! There has been a lot going on with the R.Ac. exam, and life in general taking up lots of time. Now we are all too aware of how fast it is going. In the next 3 weeks we have to pack up our house, say goodbye to friends and begin a 6 month adventure that is sure to be life changing. I am already very conscious of the things I will miss, like clean air, pedestrian friendly drivers, and being able to understand the language. At the same time I am excited about what I will see and experience and am thrilled to be doing it all with Lesley!

Ian