Say hello from Halifax :)

I'm in Halifax in a Hotel's business center checking my e-mails and posting on my blog of course. There was a conference, finished today which I attended. The conference went well, I met one of my colleagues from the University of Tehran. I haven't seen him since I left Iran and it was quite pleasant to catch up.
Tonight Nima will join me here and we will go around the city for the next few days. Nova Scotia has beautiful surrounding nature which reminds of Newfoundland. The Halifax itself is much like St. John's but bigger with some taller buildings. One of the places I am excited to visit is Prince Edvard Island. Back in Iran I used to watch two TV series: Anna of green gables and Road to Avonlea both were made in Prince Edward Island. I remember how much I was impressed with the beauty of the island.
Anyway we will back in few days and I'll post some photos from the nature around here.

Passion or Love

Last weekend we watched the movie "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" with a friend. It's a good movie, what you would expect from Woody Allen. It's about the love, passion, marriage, relationship. There was part of the movie that a middle age wife who was cheating on her husband was confessing 'she loves her husband but she is not in-love with him'. The idea of the movie was to show a life of good couples who are each normal people but there is not enough passion between them.

From wikipedia : Passion is an intense emotion compelling feeling, enthusiasm, or desire for something.

If you ask me passion can be a strong motivation for two persons to start serious relationship but it's not enough to build up long-term relationship and it's definitely no guarantee that the relationship will work. When two persons attract to each other at the beginning everything sounds very passionate. But as time passes when they know each other much better the passion replaced with real love if the two matched. Everyone might have his/her own definition of love. For me true love is not based on temporary passions comes and goes like a wave, it's a deep feeling you have for someone based on real knowledge of each other. It's a feeling you have for someone you can't live without.

Some people are a loner, they love to be free and live without the idea of committing to a single person. They keep the relationship as far as the passion is high and when it goes down the relationship is dead for them. But for those who are looking for long-term relationship, passion is just one of the required ingredients to build up healthy relationship. You might attracts to someone but also you couldn't stand staying with him/her under one roof for more than a week. Attraction/chemistry is something you need to initiate the relationship but for a life-time relationship you need something deeper than initial and temporary passions. You need to really love your partner the way he/she is, not the way you are imagining him/her.

What I want to say is that don't mix passions with love, you can love somebody deeply but your heart beat doesn't rise up or your cheeks blush every single day you see your partner. It dose not mean you guys have problem or that's the end of the relationship. Visa verse it could means you guys pass the initial phase of the relationship and now with your feet on the ground you have something deeper and more meaningful.

If you want to know someone...

I'm pretty sure you heard this saying "if you want to know somebody go on a trip with him/her". This is really true, I wonder why is that?
It might take years to know someone but traveling is like a shortcut . You learn a lot about your friends on a 10-day trip but you might not learn as much during a year of friendship.
You learn how flexible, tolerant, considerate your friends are. How much they can be easygoing? How selfish they might be to ignore you and act as they are on their own and you don't exist?
When you are going on a trip by yourself, you are free to do what ever you want (obviously) but when you are traveling with couple of people, it is very important to be cooperative. To be considerate enough to let everybody enjoy the trip. Try to learn about their needs and share yours to come up with the best solution for the entire group.
You need to listen and speak up both otherwise there is a good chance that you become (if you don't listen) pushi and boss your friends around all the time or (if you don't speak up) ends up being ignored all the time. Balance is everything.
This summer I had a chance to have short trips with different groups of my friends. I learn a lot about myself and them. Some of my findings are quite surprising :))

Fat man misery point

Yesterday, early in the morning Nima and I headed to Blue mountain region close to Geargian Bay. It's about 1:30 hours drive from Toronto.
Georgian bay is one the most scenic part of Ontario. It's vast and all around it has something to offer. The part we visited yesterday, town of Blue Mountain, has the largest facilities for skiing in Ontario. There is a 126m long suspension bridge close to the town which gives fabulous view over Georgian bay .

Close to the bridge there were several caves really unique. one of the caves had a point called 'Fat man misery point'. The character of that point was it's narrowness, we had to pass through a very narrow space around 36 cm wide.
Along the caves trail, there was a huge rock on which Indian chief used to hold their secrete meetings. One of the rocky wall along the trail, naturally formed in a way that resembles an Indian chief. Can you recognize that?

1000 Island more photos

Maybe the Bold castle caretaker building :)

Another luxurious cottage on one of the islands

One of the island, the owener made a beautiful deck and boat launch

People Camping at one of the island

1000 island from Sky Deck overview

1824 islands and not even one is mine :))

Couple of weeks ago, there was a long weekend thus Nima and I planned a two-day trip to the city of Gananoque. We stayed at a cosy motel for a night. Our trip started with little excitement when right before getting on a cruise, we realized that I left my purse in a Tim Horton 100 km back in BellviLle. I called three possible Tim at Bellville and none of them could find my purse. There was no way to stay, we had to go back. All of my credit cards, driving license, student cards, insurance cards, my cellphone, camera and house key was in there. I called my cellphone several times and there was no answer.
We changed our cruise ticket from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm and headed back to Bellville. I was sure someone stole my bag. In my mind I started reviewing what I should do next: cancel my cards, make requests for driving license, insurance, student card again, change the house lock, cancel the motel reservation for the night and go back home...
When we finally got there, I couldn't believe my eyes. My bag was hanged from the chair, just the way I left it. Apparently everyone who came in thought this seat is taken and the owner of the bag is ordering coffee or something. It was such a relief.
We return to Gananoque and took two-hour cruise along the 1000 island (actually 1824 island). Every piece of land surrounded by water and has at least one three is considered as an island.
the first photo shows two islands, one belong to Canada and another to US, the bridge between the two is the shortest international bridge between the two country.
You can also see the beautiful Boldt castle. Apparently a rich man (George C. Boldt) built this castle for his wife. There was a small island very close to Blodt castle island with a cosy house on it, our tour guide told us that George Boldt built this just-enough cottage for his mother-in-law.
There is a SkyDeck in Gananoque , 130m (400') long, which gives you a fabulous overview of the area. You can see more photos from our trip in the next post.

Zeus is angry

There are thunders one after another, make the sky at 10:00 pm like a sunny day. It rains heavily and strong wind spread the rain everywhere. I can hear the sound of ambulance from outside. We have such a strange summer in Mississauga with temperature below the average almost all the time and heavy rains at least two days a week. It's nothing like Toronto summer. I can feel the strength of this thunderstorm, each time it roars, the ground beneath me shake a little. Someone got on Zeus's nerve :)
The photo is from here.

Bella ciao

One morning I awakened

Oh Goodbye beautiful, Goodbye beautiful, Goodbye beautiful! Bye! Bye!

One morning I awakened

And I found the invader

Oh partisan carry me away

Oh Goodbye beautiful, Goodbye beautiful, Goodbye beautiful! Bye! Bye!

Oh partisan carry me away

Because I feel death approaching

And if I die as a partisan

(And if I die on the mountain)

Oh Goodbye beautiful, Goodbye beautiful, Goodbye beautiful! Bye! Bye!

And if I die as a partisan

(And if I die on the mountain)

Then you must bury me

Bury me up in the mountain

(And you have to bury me)

Oh Goodbye beautiful, Goodbye beautiful, Goodbye beautiful! Bye! Bye!

Bury me up in the mountain

(And you have to bury me)

Under the shade of a beautiful flower

And the people who shall pass

(And all those who shall pass)

Oh Goodbye beautiful, Goodbye beautiful, Goodbye beautiful! Bye! Bye!

And the people who shall pass

(And all those who shall pass)

Will tell me: "what a beautiful flower"

(And they will say: "what a beautiful flower")

This is the flower of the partisan

(And this is the flower of the partisan)

Oh Goodbye beautiful, Goodbye beautiful, Goodbye beautiful! Bye! Bye!

This is the flower of the partisan

(And this is the flower of the partisan)

Who died for freedom

If I win a lottery...

If I win a lottery, I will save some of it for traveling with these experts around the world!!!

National geography travel section has several delicious travel programs, like a trip to the heart of Africa or to the far far away land of Antarctica to watch emperor penguins, or 12-day adventure on New Zealand’s South Island (how about that)

But everything has a price, if you can spare $60,000 , get ready for your 24-day trip around the earth in a privet jet :)

Bravo My Proud Iranian Fellows

I'm following the news from Iran like so many other of my Iranian friends everyday. God knows how proud I am. I am proud of you guys, for your mature act and behavior in response to savageness , darkness and cruelty . I am proud of your sincerity and braveness.
Despite all those limitations, how this mature, wise, brave, open minded, aware generation formed? Guys I am so proud of you!!!
Democracy can't be given to any nation as a gift. Democracy is a goal to be reached to. every nation has to pass the path to democracy on their own feet. There is no free ride. If we don't feel the necessity of having a freedom of speech/act with our skin, democracy won't come or if it comes easy through outsiders interference it will go easy and won't last.
I remember my math teacher back in high school used to say: "If I solve 100 problems for you; you won't learn as much as you solve 1 problem by yourself"
My people are solving a hard problem of "how to reach to real democracy" these days. God Bless you All
Be safe and sound

Hanna beats Barbie

I remember two years ago when I came back to Iran, I found out that my niece (Ava) loves Barbie. This time I asked her what she like me to bring to her. I remember the conversation.

-Do you know Hanna Montana, Aunt Hiva? (She asked me)

- No, who is she honey? (I answered and at the same time googled the name)

- She is a singer and actress. Can you buy her latest movie for me please?

- Sure, sure, I’ll bring it to you sweetie!

I bought one of her latest DVD for Ava and also a book of her lyrics and some shirts. Ava is so into her when Hanna is on TV we literally can’t talk to Ava; she simply can’t hear you :).

She is not that interested in Barbies any more. One day I went to her room and noticed there are plenty Barbie girls around.

-Ava! why so many? (I asked her)

- Dad and mom and my friends bought these for me

It seems during last year every person who wanted to gave her a gift found a Barbie girl as the safe option, but apparently it’s not the best choice anymore.

Ava’s Barbies in different sizes and dresses amazed me, I put them all together and took some pictures. Can you find the lucky Barbie boy???

Coming back to normal life

I came back from Iran.
So many things that I probably won't talk about, so many images that I would never forget.
Iran I went to is not the same country that I left. Something happened, I don't know how long it will take but change is on its way...

Nima and I arrived home late at night, we took a sleep pill and went to bed. Yesterday we tried to rest; had a little shopping , checking e-mails, doing some laundry, yeah we returned to our normal life.

Today I am trying to catch up. I made a note for myself before I left home month ago so that when I came back I knew what I'm supposed to do for the research. It's a big help believe me.

The weather is so nice, around 20 degree It is not like Toronto summer at all. I'll write more about my trip as soon as I catch up a little.

ALL ANIMALS ARE EQUAL ; BUT SOME ANIMALS ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS

I believe one of the hardest thing for humans is to have power but not to fall in love with it. The ring of power lures us, not everyone can be a ring bearer.

Asking for change, fighting for equality, coming to power, falling in love with it, becoming a dictator is a repetitive story of our time

Poooooooh

It's hopless

I'm Home

I'm home (my parent's place actually). The weather here in Shahi (northern city of Iran in beautiful Mazandaran) is perfect. I'm catching up

Presidential election is in few days. Everyone talk about it. Presidential debate between four remaining candidates are on. People excitedly talk about it and sending funny SMS (text), making jokes,..

I watched all debates by curiosity, this type of debate between candidates are kind of new. The only thing stunned me was the way Ahmadinejad defended his performance during last four years. Iran from his point of view is:

One of the most powerfull country in the world :O

Our people are totally happy and inflation and recession does not affect Iranian as much as it affects other people around the globe :O

Rate of unemplyment is decreasing :O

He is showing fake graphs to prove Iran have positive economy growth. I am still shocked. How could he do this!!!!

I don't know if he is more a lair or a delusionary. I can't believe it, he tells big big lies right into camera to 70 million people.

All three other rivals called him a lair but he aggressively attacked them and accused them of trying to frame him because he was honest and was doing right things.

I am not living in Iran but how can I be reluctant toward my country mates and all those who I love and are living here.

Iranian deserve better than this. God how would you feel watching poeple whose foreheads are marked by long and frequent prays for you and lying , insulting, cursing ...

Election is getting closer and closer, I just hope Iranian don't be misled by all theses confusing signals and make the best choice. Please Do :)

A Trip In a Glance

Kissing Nima goodbye
Having 1 hour delay in flight to St. John's
Settling down in MUN grad lab with my suitcase ;)
Texting to Nima
Having dinner with Eily and Ashkan my lovely friends
Meeting Shawn, my supervisor from 9 to 12
Talking to Nima on the phone
watching my supervisor gorgeous twins, surrounded in the most colorful toys
Calming my mom on the phone after a bad dream my younger sister had about me
Having a good laugh with 15 Iranians of MUN at UC
Catching up with close friends
Wishing a friend having fun at Hawaii
Solving middle east and the world problems after having delicious dinner
Counting 10000 sheep after a late night tea
watching pretty Asian girl having extra large coffee for the breakfast
Meeting my British smart supervisor early in the morning, talking about 'English got talent' show
Reading an article that Harper government is going to sell another company
Hiking a long way with Eily
Licking an ice cream while my friends are talking
Talking to Nima before sleep
Counting another 10000 sheep
Blogging Friday morning in grad lab
going to have presentation in the afternoon

Are some of my latest St. John's trip highlights...

An Accident!

Monday early in the morning I have a flight to St. John's. I had some last minute shopping, thus Nima drove me to the nearby mall. The initial plan was that he drop me off at mall and head to gym himself. Right before he dropped me off I saw an old man trying to sit on a flat stone, suddenly he lost his balance and fell down on his forehead.
Nime stopped a car right away and I ran toward him. There was blood allover his face.

-You OK? Let me help you sit down

I looked at his face, it was like an old wound open up. the cut was deep and it was bleeding strongly. Two other young girls also hurried toward us.

-Are you guys fine?
- He fell down on his forehead. He is bleeding.
-Let's call 911

We helped him sit back and press some clinex on the wound to help his bleeding stop. 911 asked different kind of questions, I think it took about 5 minutes.
- how old is he? (a 911 operator asked)
-How old are you? we asked him
-I'm 90 something (he answered), I was in world war II (he added)
-Does he feels drowsy?...Is he diabetic?...Is he using specific medicine? (and some other detailed questions that operator asked before deciding to send an ambulance.)

-Good, they are on their way. (a girl who was talking on the phone said)

At this time another car stopped and a lady came out.

-Is he doing fine? (she asked)
- I am a nurse, let me check him! .. she came closer, looked at his wound. Then ask him if he know his name. if he has any numbers, we could call. She looked at his wallet and find a phone number. She called and found his wife on the line.

-Mam your husband fell down in front of the mall, he is fine now. the ambulance is on the way. She brought a bottle of water and helped him drink.
-OK guys I'm living now the ambulance will be here soon. Talk to him don't let him sleep

We start talking to him, one of the other girl asked him about his experience in war to keep him awake.

-How much time do you have? (an old man asked)
-I have time, I should have time, to help you so maybe one day when I fell down someone else take care of me (the lovely girl answered)

Nima went to guide the ambulance toward us. Finally they showed up and we could leave.
We say goodbye to them. The all things took about 40 minutes.

-Oh Nima don't you wanna go to gym? (I asked him)
-Nay forget it, let's go to the mall.

Don't think he was looking for any excuses :))

Start Counting Down

These days I'm busy making slides, writing reports..In two weeks I have another trip to St. John's to meet my supervisors and to attend a conferee. When I come back, in less than a week I'll be on my way to Iran. It has been more than a year and a half that I haven't seen my family.

My mom was telling me she starts making my favorite jam, drying some vegetable from our yard so that I can bring them back. When you are away from those who you love, you really don't feel it until you go back to them. Right there you feel , Gosh what I was missing. I was talking to couple of friends who haven't seen their families for more than 5 or 12 years. For me it sounds impossible.

Anyway it's going to be a very busy month for me but I like it this way. My heart becomes wam by the idea of vising my family again..Cheerssss

Smile :)

I love these photos of me and my older sister Roja. We are standing hand in hand in my grandpa backyard, wearing the same dress; Roja has a flower in her hand .
My dad took these pictures from us. Photography was one of his major hobby...
In the background you can see a part of my grandpa garden.

In this one we are sitting right in front of the house entrance door. ..I love these photos, I really do :))

The Black Shirt

Listening to this song cheers me up and reminds me of a cute Colombian girl, Erica who played this song for me on her ipod. She enthusiastically translated the song to me and explained how popular Juanes is (I had no idea who he was honestly). Listen and Enjoy: