Well it looks as though I managed to go longer than a week between posts. I’m disappointed in myself. But oh well. So there’s not much to say at this moment, but rest assured I’m working on a few entries coming up. But for now, my loyal cyber-audience of 4 will have to settle for a measly 4 entries in the month of April. Wow that sounds pitiful. And whoa. That’s like one entry for each person who’s ever commented here. Crazy. But not really.
And that reminds me of something That Guy has been ordering me to let you all know, as of late. It is that from now on, he will not be satisfied with merely critiquing my Thoughts. He will also be evaluating each comment that is published on the blog, and letting the world know what he thinks of it. Why? Because he’s That Guy. That is just how he rolls.
One random note for today: I almost made it 3 weeks at Wal-Mart without getting cut. But alas, today I got cut twice. Once on the left hand with my exacto knife, and once under my right middle fingernail, by some cardboard. Yeah. Just thought I’d let you know.
So now you 4 know that I’m still alive and still bothering to post here. Have a good length of time until my next post. Gosh, that sounded lame.
-Bernier
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Istanbul
I mentioned in my previous entry that I’d like to someday visit the largest city in Turkey – Istanbul. This entry will talk about why I’m drawn to that place, and why it has replaced Israel (which I’ve now been to) as the one place I must see before I die.
I’m a history buff. I’m sorry, I just am. I love learning about past empires, especially in and around the Middle East. Having already seen Israel, the next place most rich in history in that area (aside from perhaps Egypt), would probably be ancient Byzantium. Ever since the Roman emperor Constantine moved the capital from Rome to that town, and subsequently renamed it after himself, Constantinople has many times been at the centre of conflict and power in the world. The most significant event in its history was when the Ottoman Turks conquered the city in 1453. This closed off Europe’s trade with the Orient, and is what inspired Christopher Columbus, and indeed the rest of Europe, to sail westward across the Atlantic. (And now you know.)
So anyways, the city we now call Istanbul has been both a Christian and an Islamic stronghold throughout history. And there are still buildings left behind as symbols of those ages. For Christianity, the Byzantine emperor Justinian built the Hagia Sophia. This cathedral/basilica may just be the grandest such building in the world. It’s nearly 1500 years old, and is now a museum.
For Islam, the Topkapi Palace was the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years. It too is now a museum, holding all manner of artifacts from the Ottoman era. Also used by the Ottomans was the Dolmabahce Palace, which was used as the Ottoman seat of administration from 1853 until the empire’s dissolution in 1922. And being a history buff, all this greatly intrigues me. GREATLY intrigues me.
Geographically, Istanbul is unique. It is the only metropolis on Earth that is situated on two continents. Dividing Europe and Asia, the Strait of Bosphorus runs through Istanbul, connecting the Black Sea to the north, with the Sea of Marmara to the south. The uniqueness of this location intrigues me greatly as well. The strait happens to be the narrowest waterway open for international commercial use. That’s kinda neat. And currently under construction is an underwater railway, called the Marmaray, to connect the two sides of the city. This rail sounds a lot like the “Chunnel” that connects mainland Europe with the United Kingdom by tunneling through the bottom of the English Channel. The difference here is that this Marmaray would be in a submerged tube along the strait floor, whereas the Chunnel maneuvers through a level of sub-floor English Channel chalk.
Beyond this, let’s see. I’ve never been to Europe, so that would be cool. I’ve never been to a Muslim-dominated country, so that would be a neat experience I’m sure. I’ve never seen the Black Sea, that would be a first. And I don’t know of anyone who has ever been to Istanbul. So it would be something unique in my own life.
So there you go. It’s mostly geography and history that draw me to Istanbul. Call me a geek, that’s quite alright with me. I came to terms with THAT reality last summer. I have no idea when I’d be able to go. Maybe only when I’m old and retired. I sure hope it’s not that far away. But someday, if I’m still healthy and can afford it, I will go. Mark my words.
-Bernier
I’m a history buff. I’m sorry, I just am. I love learning about past empires, especially in and around the Middle East. Having already seen Israel, the next place most rich in history in that area (aside from perhaps Egypt), would probably be ancient Byzantium. Ever since the Roman emperor Constantine moved the capital from Rome to that town, and subsequently renamed it after himself, Constantinople has many times been at the centre of conflict and power in the world. The most significant event in its history was when the Ottoman Turks conquered the city in 1453. This closed off Europe’s trade with the Orient, and is what inspired Christopher Columbus, and indeed the rest of Europe, to sail westward across the Atlantic. (And now you know.)
So anyways, the city we now call Istanbul has been both a Christian and an Islamic stronghold throughout history. And there are still buildings left behind as symbols of those ages. For Christianity, the Byzantine emperor Justinian built the Hagia Sophia. This cathedral/basilica may just be the grandest such building in the world. It’s nearly 1500 years old, and is now a museum.
For Islam, the Topkapi Palace was the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years. It too is now a museum, holding all manner of artifacts from the Ottoman era. Also used by the Ottomans was the Dolmabahce Palace, which was used as the Ottoman seat of administration from 1853 until the empire’s dissolution in 1922. And being a history buff, all this greatly intrigues me. GREATLY intrigues me.
Geographically, Istanbul is unique. It is the only metropolis on Earth that is situated on two continents. Dividing Europe and Asia, the Strait of Bosphorus runs through Istanbul, connecting the Black Sea to the north, with the Sea of Marmara to the south. The uniqueness of this location intrigues me greatly as well. The strait happens to be the narrowest waterway open for international commercial use. That’s kinda neat. And currently under construction is an underwater railway, called the Marmaray, to connect the two sides of the city. This rail sounds a lot like the “Chunnel” that connects mainland Europe with the United Kingdom by tunneling through the bottom of the English Channel. The difference here is that this Marmaray would be in a submerged tube along the strait floor, whereas the Chunnel maneuvers through a level of sub-floor English Channel chalk.
Beyond this, let’s see. I’ve never been to Europe, so that would be cool. I’ve never been to a Muslim-dominated country, so that would be a neat experience I’m sure. I’ve never seen the Black Sea, that would be a first. And I don’t know of anyone who has ever been to Istanbul. So it would be something unique in my own life.
So there you go. It’s mostly geography and history that draw me to Istanbul. Call me a geek, that’s quite alright with me. I came to terms with THAT reality last summer. I have no idea when I’d be able to go. Maybe only when I’m old and retired. I sure hope it’s not that far away. But someday, if I’m still healthy and can afford it, I will go. Mark my words.
The Hagia Sophia*
Dolmabahce Palace**
-Bernier
Sunday, April 13, 2008
World Traveler
Something I’ve been thinking about recently: I have done a serious lot of traveling in my lifetime. Like really, a lot.
By my count, I’ve been to 8 countries and/or disputed territories, 18 different airports, every province from B.C. to Quebec, and 10 American states. I’ve gone on vacations to Hawaii, Florida (twice), the Dominican Republic, and others. I’ve seen both major oceans in more than one location. I’ve seen mountains, icefields, everglades, black sand beaches, sea turtles, sting rays, deserts, ancient ruins, holy shrines, valleys, dormant volcanoes, lagoons, and some of the most spectacular views human eyes can see. I’ve traveled by plane, bus, boat, train, limousine, cab, cruise ship, gwa-gwa, and monorail. I’ve been to extravagant theme parks, waterparks, and a bungee jump. I’ve been to the lowest point on Earth, the tallest free-standing structure (for now), and the Great Lakes.
Currently I have plans to do some sort of road trip this summer. And someday I’d very much like to visit Istanbul, Turkey.
Now I’ll admit, part of me is bragging right now. But my travel resumé is really not the point of this entry. What I’m writing about is the realization I’ve had.
I’m 18 ½ years old. I am a young man. And the more I travel, the more I realize what a privilege it is to be able to do so. But in only 18 ½ years I have done more traveling than most entire families will ever be able to do.
My realization is this: when it comes to travel and seeing the world, I am fortunate beyond what I could properly express. I have truly been disproportionately blessed in this arena. And for that, I thank God every day.
And yet I remember how even a year or so ago, I didn’t feel this way. Travel was something I almost took for granted, like it was a fact of life. It was something I had grown up with, so I didn’t properly appreciate it. I regret that. Now that it’s become something I pursue on my own, I realize how lucky I was to do all that I did when I was younger. I wish I had had that perspective back in the day. But, you can’t live in the past, so now I strive to see each travel opportunity as a blessing to be treasured. And that’s what I’m going to do.
-Bernier
By my count, I’ve been to 8 countries and/or disputed territories, 18 different airports, every province from B.C. to Quebec, and 10 American states. I’ve gone on vacations to Hawaii, Florida (twice), the Dominican Republic, and others. I’ve seen both major oceans in more than one location. I’ve seen mountains, icefields, everglades, black sand beaches, sea turtles, sting rays, deserts, ancient ruins, holy shrines, valleys, dormant volcanoes, lagoons, and some of the most spectacular views human eyes can see. I’ve traveled by plane, bus, boat, train, limousine, cab, cruise ship, gwa-gwa, and monorail. I’ve been to extravagant theme parks, waterparks, and a bungee jump. I’ve been to the lowest point on Earth, the tallest free-standing structure (for now), and the Great Lakes.
Currently I have plans to do some sort of road trip this summer. And someday I’d very much like to visit Istanbul, Turkey.
Now I’ll admit, part of me is bragging right now. But my travel resumé is really not the point of this entry. What I’m writing about is the realization I’ve had.
I’m 18 ½ years old. I am a young man. And the more I travel, the more I realize what a privilege it is to be able to do so. But in only 18 ½ years I have done more traveling than most entire families will ever be able to do.
My realization is this: when it comes to travel and seeing the world, I am fortunate beyond what I could properly express. I have truly been disproportionately blessed in this arena. And for that, I thank God every day.
And yet I remember how even a year or so ago, I didn’t feel this way. Travel was something I almost took for granted, like it was a fact of life. It was something I had grown up with, so I didn’t properly appreciate it. I regret that. Now that it’s become something I pursue on my own, I realize how lucky I was to do all that I did when I was younger. I wish I had had that perspective back in the day. But, you can’t live in the past, so now I strive to see each travel opportunity as a blessing to be treasured. And that’s what I’m going to do.
-Bernier
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Something I've Learned
Ok. I've done some traveling (I'm planning to do a future entry on just that). I've also had a little experience with missions. To date, I've done 3 trips that I would classify as "mission-oriented". The first was about a year ago in the inner city of Winnipeg. The second was last July on a reserve in Northern Manitoba. The third was the week I just spent in Mexico. In each of these experiences, a significant part of my responsibility involved spending time with children.
In Winnipeg, we took some 30 inner city kids to Oak Hammock Marsh to hang out with them and have a hot dog roast. In Tadoule Lake, we played baseball, led Sunday School, went swimming, and horsed around with some 20 Native kids. Then in Mexico, we handed out candy and trinkets to some 30 or so Mexican niños and niñas.
Each time I've taken part in this, I've come away touched. Touched by just what an impact I can have on inner city girls from broken homes, when I present a positive older-male influence. Touched by the willingness of rough and rambunctious boys to open up and play nice when I show them respect. Touched by the sheer joy I see on 30 shining faces when I blow bubbles for them to chase.
My point/what I've learned is this: kids are kids, no matter where you go.
Wherever you happen to be, kids want to be loved. They want to be appreciated. They want to be pampered. They want to be given goodies:). More than that, I think they want to know that somebody out there they've never met cares about them and loves them. And ultimately, it is my prayer that they look at our example and see Jesus in us. And that they turn to him as we have, as they see His love in us.
-Bernier
In Winnipeg, we took some 30 inner city kids to Oak Hammock Marsh to hang out with them and have a hot dog roast. In Tadoule Lake, we played baseball, led Sunday School, went swimming, and horsed around with some 20 Native kids. Then in Mexico, we handed out candy and trinkets to some 30 or so Mexican niños and niñas.
Each time I've taken part in this, I've come away touched. Touched by just what an impact I can have on inner city girls from broken homes, when I present a positive older-male influence. Touched by the willingness of rough and rambunctious boys to open up and play nice when I show them respect. Touched by the sheer joy I see on 30 shining faces when I blow bubbles for them to chase.
My point/what I've learned is this: kids are kids, no matter where you go.
Wherever you happen to be, kids want to be loved. They want to be appreciated. They want to be pampered. They want to be given goodies:). More than that, I think they want to know that somebody out there they've never met cares about them and loves them. And ultimately, it is my prayer that they look at our example and see Jesus in us. And that they turn to him as we have, as they see His love in us.
-Bernier
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