Turkish Gardens

Turkey is one of the most distinct and diverse countries I've ever visited. It lies mostly in Asia, with Istanbul lying mostly in the nook of Europe. On my last visit, I took a short trip to Cappadocia and was completely blown away by its unique beauty. Located in the heart of ancient Anatolia, this World Heritage Site is basically a series of eroded caves that have become a world wonder. Over centuries geological formations (and a nearby volcano) have shaped the unique caves that remain partially inhabited to this day. It is a major tourist attraction in central Turkey and it's not difficult to see why. 

Moreover, the area was rumored to have been scouted for Tatooine, the native home of Anakin Skywalker, in one of George Lucas's Star Wars films. In the end it wasn't chosen, but anyone can see that Cappadocia would have been the better choice. The region is approximately 400km wide and 250km long so if you ever get a chance to visit Cappadocia make sure to spend at least one night in one of the many nearby hotels as there is simply too much to absorb in simply one afternoon. It's a geological wonder coupled with natural landscape and I don't think it gets more magnificent that that.

To read about this World Heritage Site: Cappadocia or watch some short videos: Watch me

(There is also a completely unprofessional short video made by yours truly below)

Vivaldi Spring

Spring is officially here and although we don't necessarily see trees and plants blossoming all over the place (in most parts of Canada anyway) it's still apparent that something in the air has changed. Salt and dirt tarnished snow is melting before our feet and cyclists are back on the dangerous roads. This delightful season is set to last until June 21st although in my mind summer starts long before. In any case, here are some cherry blossoms from the small Korean town I lived in along with the Spring segment of Vivaldi's Four Seasons. HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE!!

Earth Hour 2013

Another "Earth Hour" will be upon us this Saturday, March 23rd at 8:30pm and while millions around the world will surely turn off some lights and save some energy this one-hour effort won't do much to save our planet in the long run. This year the people behind Earth Hour have created an interesting campaign called "I will if you will". Basically people post challenges that they will do if others will sign up to Earth Hour (i.e.: I will shave my beard if 10,000 people sign up). Whether this campaign works or not remains to be seen but I do think that any idea is better than none at all.

Here are some recent grim facts concerning electricity, energy, and environment on Earth:
*Source: If the World Were a Village, 2nd Edition.

• 24% of the population does not even have electricity!
• 73% of the world's energy comes from fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas, etc.)
• Only 10% of energy comes from renewable sources (wind, water, sun, etc.)
• 13% of people do not have access to clean water
• 38% of people do not have access to adequate sanitation
• 32% breathe polluted air on a daily basis

For more information about Earth Hour/Day: 60+ Earth Hour or WWF Blog

Fur Industry

There is absolutely nothing beautiful or luxurious about wearing fur. I'm not one of the fanatics who dumps flour on people who wear fur but honestly cannot understand those who choose to wear animals for fashion. In general I associate those who wear fur with rich socialites who care little about anything but themselves. There are MANY graphic videos that show the shocking treatment of animals who are used in the fur industry but I'll opt not to post them as they can be quite disturbing and if you area reading this blog it is highly unlikely that you own a fur coat unless it was a hand-me-down from a parent or older relative. My mother actually owns a heavy fur coat made out of muskrats but she grew up in communist Czech Republic so she gets a free pass, although I have to admit I am embarrassed walking down the street with her on those cold winter days when she chooses to wear it. 

Other animals that are harvested for their fur include minks, chinchillas, foxes, cats, dogs, and rabbits. In many countries importing the furs is illegal but selling them domestically is somehow legal. There is also the question about animal by-products; what happens to the animals after they are killed and stripped of their fur? In most cases their carcasses are used in fertilizers, organic compost, massive scale crab bait, beauty products, and worst of all: PET FOOD! So even if one loves animals, owns a pet, and stands firmly against the fur industry, they are probably contributing to the increased spread of it by being misinformed and purchasing products that contain these slaughtered animal's by-products. On a more positive note the seal slaughters are on the decline as more people are being made aware of this senseless Canadian tradition. 

To learn more (and watch a short video) about this horrific industry: Fur Kills and for some FAQ's on the sick seal tradition: Atlantic Seal Hunt

(The love of my cat and hate of my mom's fur coat collide)

Tree Time

There is nothing terribly original about this post. Trees appear to be all around us and yet I spend most of the year focusing on computer screens, books, food, or the road ahead. Maybe it's this seemingly endless winter that has got me thinking of trees lately. I suppose there are some parts of the world in the Arctic Circle that rarely see the amount of greenery that most of the world does and yet year after year this is a fact that is taken for granted as deforestation continues. Natural forests around the world are being burned or destroyed for the apparent benefit of mankind. I remember being informed about this in high school over a decade ago thinking there is no way this can continue indefinitely, but so far it has and 12-15 hectares of forest are lost every year. A Joni Mitchell song that I didn't care much for growing up comes to mind and I will share some of the pertinent lyrics.

If you want to hear the song: Big Yellow Taxi or read more about deforestation: WWF 

They paved paradise and put up a parking lot

With a pink hotel, a boutique and a swinging hot spot

Don't it always seem to go 

That you don't know what you've got til it's gone

They paved paradise and put up a parking lot

They took all the trees and put 'em in a tree museum

And they charged all the people a dollar and a half just to see 'em

Don't it always seem to go 

That you don't know what you've got til it's gone

They paved paradise and put up a parking lot

Hey farmer, farmer put away that DDT now

Give me spots on my apples but leave me the birds and the bees, please!

Don't it always seem to go 

That you don't know what you've got til it's gone

They paved paradise and put up a parking lot

Poetic Flowers

"I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,

Where oxlips and the nodding violet blows,

Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,

With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine."

-William Shakespeare; A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Castle Gardens

Europe is known for many things one of which is beautiful castles and gardens. On one of my more recent trips to the Czech Republic and Austria I visited a few castles. Unfortunately I did not capture as many pictures of the fabulous gardens as I should have. They were, however, more beautiful that any public garden I'd ever seen. To be more specific the top two photos were from Hluboka Castle in the Czech Republic about 150km away from Prague. It was first built in the mid 13th century but subsequent wars and changing ownership have reshaped its structure. The bottom picture is from the gardens at Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria built in the late 17th century and open to the public since 1779. The latter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site while the Czech castle will undoubtedly become one in my lifetime. These photos really do not do them justice so if you ever make it to castle or palace in Europe or any part of the world; be sure not to miss the gardens.

For more images of the Hluboka Castle garden: Outdoor Photo Gallery which also has information on the castle itself. More information and pictures of the Palace garden: Schonbrunn Palace

Wheat Belly?

Apart from the words organic, natural, and free range, a term that comes up more and more in conversations nowadays about health and food packaging is "Gluten-free". When I first heard of this notion I imagined people avoiding bread and everything in the "grain" food group, similar to an Atkins diet. After doing a bit of research and reading William Davis' book "Wheat Belly" I have a much better understanding of this type of diet and have even loosely incorporated it into my regular eating habits. The basic idea is that wheat and certain types of grains have undergone major transformations by the food industry over the past few decades. What used to be a healthy option is now aiding in the epidemic of obesity. A gluten-free diet is also considered effective treatment for Celiac disease. Although William Davis has created a "Wheat Belly" cookbook, it's easy to try a gluten-free diet simply by knowing which foods to include and/or avoid.

Foods that almost ALWAYS contain Gluten: 
Watch out for ingredients such as: Wheat, barley, rye, triticale, and malt.
Common foods include bagels, breads, cereals, cakes/candy, fries, pasta, beer, salad dressing, etc.

Foods that NEVER contain Gluten:
Rice, beans, seeds, eggs, fruit & vegetables, animal/dairy products.
Safe grains are: Flax, rice, quinoa, millet, cornmeal, buckwheat, gluten-free flours, soy, tapioca, etc.

Discover if being Gluten-free is right for you: Should you try it?
A more detailed list of foods to include/omit: Gluten-free Diet

(Above: gluten-free Jellyfish salad, below: lentil/quinoa stew)

Ice Gardens

The average temperature in my neck of the woods varies between -10C and -25C so there aren't many gardens to be seen as of late. There are, however, many winter festivals happening and one of the benefits of extremely cold weather lies in the creation and maintenance of ice sculptures! I have always had a fascination with them and assumed they were as hard to create as regular sculptures. Apparently they are quite easy to mold and cut and as long as the weather stays cold, a small surface area of ice can hold thousands of tons!! All this was part of Winterlude, Ottawa's winter festival from February 1-18th this year. The sculptures are breathtaking, there is some awesome food, and lots of kid-friendly entertainment to be had. 2013 also marks the the year of Korea in Canada which adds a unique twist to the event. A superb festival to check out in the next week if you happen to be near Canada's capital city!

For more on the festival: Winterlude or the year of Korea in Canada: 2013

Ashikaga Flower Park

As much as I like looking at flowers, I've always been more of a practical gardener. Planting flowers around my house/apartment seems like such a waste of space when fruits, vegetables, and herbs could be grown instead. Last summer I successfully transformed a portion of my half-dead garden into a mini vegetable farm that included tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, dill, parsley, mint, chives, and edamame. That being said, I do appreciate (other people's) well-tended gardens especially the ones that strive for perfection.

The Ashikaga Flower Park in Japan is arguably one of the most magnificent collection of flowers that I've ever seen. Just Google the words and an abundance of unbelievably beautiful florals will flood your screen. Although I did visit Kyoto a few years ago, I unfortunately could not explore this part of the country. The more I learn about beautiful places around the world, the less I understand people who never travel. Hopefully one day I'll get to see this awesomely purple park which seems like it should be protected by UNESCO or something.

For information about this wonderful park: Ashikaga Flower Park