Merry Christmas from Down Under!

For the last 4 consecutive years Louisa and I have been away from Canada for Christmas.  With work, it was easy to get away and a perfect time to decompress before “what we in the biz call ‘busy season’”.  However, it wasn't just good timing that drove us to get away; it was what Christmas has become in North America that pushed us to jump on a plane – consume, buy, consume, repeat… Our time in Australia has been amazing (less a few minor nuisances), Christmas especially. ...

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Why is Everything in Australia Trying to Kill us?

Back in 2004, I took my first “World Tour” (solo mission) and I spent some time in Australia.  My time here was completely different – I would tell you stories but I can’t remember much due to a plethora of consumed Goon.  What I do know however, is that AUSTRALIA REMEMBERS… Upon arrival in Cairns a few weeks back, I instantly got a weird feeling that Australia will not be as nice to me the second time around.  Was it because I left a $50 overdraft for the Commonwealth Bank to cover? ...

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Asian Drivers

Believe it or not, there is a massive stereotype on Asian drivers.  At risk of offending some people, here is a link to describe such said stereotype that was not written or endorsed by me ;) - see link.  After the last 3 weeks in China, I have realized that Asians aren’t bad drivers, they are idealistic drivers.  In North America, driving is a full visual experience – checking blind spots, looking in your rear-view mirror, knowing your surroundings, etc.  In China however,...

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Chinese Charades

Ever since we visited Peru, and the invention of Charada - Spanish Charades - Louisa and I think of ourselves as somewhat professional Charades players.  For those of you who don’t know what Charades is, it is the use of body actions, without speech, to describe a word or phrase to another person.  For example, when acting out “escoba”, one might signal: sounds like cobra, and then slither like a snake... [video reference] Our experience in China has been nothing but amazing – especially...

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The Forbidden City?

The  Forbidden City is a massive compound  in the middle of Beijing that was off limits to the Chinese people for 500 years.  It is very stunning and was the home of many historic dynasties, including Qing.  The Forbidden City - 1 KM Long! Louisa and I completely forgot what it means to be living in a Communist Republic – I understand how I could forget, but Louisa has no excuse.  Upon arrival to China, we were excited to blog and Facebook our friends and family and...

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Karma... the Golden Rule!

Karma is a simple word with a simple basic meaning - action - however, many of us use karma in a more negative context. "He got hit by a wild buck while riding his bike?... he must have had bad karma" - (see video for reference). The other day, while I was walking, a man fell in front of me and cut his head wide open. I assisted by helping him up, however, that was the extent of good samaritan deed. I didn't ensure he was going to get help. I directed him to the local Starbucks and ironically...

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Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish...

"Death is very likely the single best invention of Life" - Steve Jobs Today, October 5, 2011, one the great technology innovators of our time has passed away at the young age of 56.  Like many of us, we find out news on Facebook - news article after news article, we remember... however, many of us won't think/contemplate death/life beyond the "share" button.  Among the many Facebook posts and articles there is a amazing video of Steve Jobs giving the commencement speech to the 2005...

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30 goals for 30 years of Love, Life and Happiness!

These are 30 goals (in no particular order) for the 2011 FERRUNGU WORLD TOUR: (30) Sun Salutations at the Temple of Heaven - China (29) "Walk like an Egyptian" at the Karnak - Egypt (28) Eat McDonalds beside the pyramids at Giza Necropolis - Egypt (27) Throw a house party with our friends in Zanzibar - Tanzania (26) Rent a Jeep and drive/camp Fraser Island - Australia (25) Sail the Whitsundays with 18 year olds - Australia (24) Yell "shark" at the Great Barrrier Reef - Austrailia (23)...

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