Bollywood!!

I like weekends. Yes, I really do! Sometimes weekends can be very interesting full excitement! . I don’t know about you but I had a quite relaxing weekend enjoyed with my dog, some books, some paper, a chair a table, some food, a bed, a couch, and..... BOLLYWOOD!  


Bollywood has a special place in my heart. Every movie I watch is filled with drama and excitement. Like Hollywood in North-America, Bollywood is the Hollywood in India.  Bollywood is a film industry based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.  There are several regional film industries sorted by language. Bollywood is formally referred to as a Hindi Cinema.

Bollywood is a bit different in from what we know as Hollywood. One thing that all Bollywood movies always have is a time for song and dance. The dancing in many of the older films are primarily modelled on Indian dance which is classical or folk dances. In modern films, Indian dance elements are most times  blended with Western dance styles.  The hero or heroine of the film most often sings and is followed by  a group of supporting dancers. Many of the song and dance routines have shifts of location changes of costume between verses of the song.

In 2000s, Bollywood films began influencing musical films in the Western world and began to have a role in America’s musical film genre.So when now watching musicals don't forget who brought it back!

Valentine's Day!

Valentines is just around the corner and love is in the air. Well for some people that is...

Valentines is a holiday that is well celebrated in North America and many parts of the world. Although it a very popular celebration many people do not know where it came from.Valentine’s Day draws back to the Early Christian and Ancient Roman Traditions.

One legend comes from Third century Rome. Claudius II, Emperor of Rome outlawed marriage for young men and claimed that soldiers are better without a wife and children. A priest name Valentine defied the law and secretly wedded the young lovers. For these actions, Valentine was put to death but remembered for his actions of sympathy.

Another legend of Valentine’s Day dates back from a round 270 A.D. by a priest name Valentine. Valentine aided Christians escape from the Roman Prosecution.  He was jailed for his actions against the Empire. While Valentine was in jail it is said that he fell in love with his jailors’ daughter. Before his death he wrote love letter to his lover, which signed “From your Valentine” .

Some people also believe that Valentine’s Day may be the result of the Christianization of the pagan festival.  This festival celebrates the beginning of spring and purification. A goat is sacrificed and its hide would be slapped onto a woman’s body to represent the increase of crops and fertility of the coming year. On that day woman women put their names in a big urn and later bachelors draw names and would be paired with their chosen lover.

Pope Celsius declared February 14^th St. Valentine’s day around 489 A.D.  

In the 1840’s Americans began purchasing and exchanging cards each year. Valentine cards are usually very colorful and have distinctive designs. Today, Valentine cards are exchanged with lover and even friends.

International Days

February 7- 11 was International Days in our campus Thompson Rivers University. This was a great opportunity for the students in our campus to learn a little about the different cultures and tradition of the diverse campus we have without having to travel to far! 

International days gave a lot of opportunities for the international students to show off who they are.  There was  several booths out all around Old Main. 

One of my favorite booths was the Japanese Booth. This booth had a wide range of  several Japanese snacks to try and a few traditional Japanese clothing to try on.  Not only that, but also a anime and origami table.

While I was at the Origami table I was taught how to make a paper crane. I learned that Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. This tradition of paper folding dates back to the  6^th century. At first it was only exchanged by Samurai warriors and the rich. This exchange was considered a token of good luck. Now that they have found easier and much cheaper ways of paper making it has become a popular art for everyone to enjoy.  

During that week I also had the opportunity to try Afro Dancing. It is a style of dancing from Africa. Most people in this culture use colorful clothing and dance with the beat of an African Drum. Many of the movements were big and profound. In an African community, the drum is a sign of life and its beat is the heart of the community. The beat of the drum represents the coming together in a society it gives the people a sense of belonging and solidarity. When a beat is made it is a time to come together and be one.

On the last day of International Day my friends and I volunteered at the Gym where they had the International Showcase. This showcase was an event full of excitement represented by many different cultures. The building was filled by a wonderful smell of aroma ethnic foods available to try. For lunch I had a plate of butter-chicken, rice, and na’an bread from the Indian food booth. It was simply delicious!  The building also had  country display tables where you can ask questions and gain more understanding of the culture of your interest. The entertainment at this showcase was also quite exciting to watch. There was many  performances  that demonstrated skills of playing musical instruments ,dancing, and singing . There was also a fashion show where we  got to see the many  colourful traditional outfits from all over the world. It was a pleasure to take part at this Showcase.

There was also many opportunities that I wish I had time to do such as the language classes and history classes. Hopefully I can get to try that next year! I believe International Days are great times for everyone to get together and to open your mind to a different cultures.  All in all I had a great experience!

Here is the a link to some of the pictures taken at the event!

 http://www.tru.ca/internationaldays/photogallery.html

Île de Ré

Located off the western coast of France, Île de Ré is one place that is making a name for itself. This island is known to be the jewel of the Atlantic Ocean. Home to about 20,000 residents and a resident summer population of about 220,000.  Île de Ré is a great place for anybody .This narrow island is connected to the seaport La Rochelle by longest bridge in France.  

Île de Ré is a low narrow island and is a perfect place to get out and enjoy the sandy beaches, oyster farms, fishing, and many galleries. This Island is rich in history and is surrounded by unique beaches. Many people enjoy cycling as transportation around the small island. There are many cycle routes along the water, marshes, and woods. This island is known for its famous seafood restaurants and artisanal ice cream.

St. Martin is one of the ten-village islands of IIle de Re. This capital is known for its most beautifully arranged seaports as well as the whitewashed houses that are surrounded by a well protected harbour. There is plenty to do in this village from shopping on the long cobblestone street to sightseeing from the high harbour.  St. Martin has beautiful historic sites.  In town, there is an old Gothic Church built hundred of years ago. If you have a chance to go up to the top of this church you can see a view of the Citadel that was built three hundred years ago for King Louis XIV to keep out the English innovators. Now is used as a prison. Spend some time to walk around the area and make sure to stop at some of the shops where you can find many unique items such as clothes, comics, books, and numerous sorts of souvenirs.

Île de Ré is the best place to travel if you are in need of a sunny, relaxing, holiday in the French maritime.

Something to Share

As mentioned before one of my all time favourite books is "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. I came across this book only through flipping the channels and stopping on the Oprah channel  about three years ago. I don't remember how it caught my eye but I know for sure I was attatched to follow her story from day one (Alright, so who doesn't follow Oprahs Bookclub?) . This brilliant story is a true story of the authors life.
Elizabeth's experience starts off tragic. She is beaten and struggles from her unhappy marriage. She explained that her life was perfect and was a life of which many people dream of having. Her husband was a wealthy man, he gave her everything, never beat and just loved her. her  But through this life she questioned herself and asked "Whose life am I living in? Who am I married to? Whose values are these? Whose body is this?"
Even though she knew that many people would love to have a life like hers she knew in her heart she had to leave. Elizabeth then goes on a journey around the world to rediscouver herself and to find peace within herself. Throughout this book I have learnt that life isn't just being perfect but that how we live our life to our wants and dreams. In know this book has inspired me and I hope it will do the same for those who are reading my blog now

To any of my blog followers I greatly suggest picking up this book or at least grab the movie!



Follow Elizabeth's Site   http://www.elizabethgilbert.com/eatpraylove.htm

Tokyo, Japan

One place that I dream of going to one day is Japan. This wonderful country is full of exciting thing to do. Japan is an island located in East Asia. It is made up by 6,852 islands. The four largest islands are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku, together accounting for ninety-seven percent of Japan's land area. Japan has large population with about 127 million people. Japan is rich in history and traditions. Japan is also well known for its technology all over the world.

 

Tokyo, one of the most famous cities in the world is Japan's capital. In this city you can visit places that are very traditional as well as places that have a westernized flair. There are plenty of shops to browse through and even bargain at.  It is known to be the 

largest metropolitan area in the world. Tokyo has a population of 35 to 38 million people. This city is place where many people come to experience and see Japan's rich traditional culture as well as Japan's modern culture of fashion and technology. Even though Tokyo may seem like "fast pace" city it also has a calmer and quiet part where people can pray and relax. Tokyo has a variety of entertainment from food, fashion, arts, technology, and history. There are many things to do and see in this city for the young and old. 

Some of the top places to see in Tokyo are:

SHIBUYA CROSSING

A travel to Tokyo without seeing the city life on the famous intersection outside Shibuya Station would be a shame. Here you can see the hustle and bustle of this wonderful city. This part of the city is where you can see the cities busy, colourful, and fast pace life. Anytime of the day this area is surrounded with people. On sunny afternoons to late evenings this area is filled with shoppers, students, and commuters. This is a place where you can see the wonder of organized chaos. 

After the excitement of walking through the scramble in the streets make a stop to the mall where you can shop or just browse through more than 100 boutiques. Look through the latest fashions and discover a new style. If you get hungry make your way into the Shibuya Station and try an array of gourmet foods.

ASAKUSA

 Well known to be Japan's first known public cinema and photography studio became one of the most famous cinemas around the world. There are many performances, art festivals, and parades held here. Come here to see the start of the history of technology in Japan or take a tour around the theatre.

THE NATIONAL GARDENS AT SHINJUKU-KU

This wonderful park has been open to the public for the past 60 years and date back to the time of the feudal lords. There are thousands of varieties plants and trees to see in these 150 acres of ground. This park is also has jogging paths, koi ponds, a bridge, and sculpture gardens. The cherry blossom trees are one of the main attractions in this garden in the month of October.

KOKUGIKAN

 When I was little I used to see cartoon sumo wrestlers just on television. For along time I always questioned whether if the sport and people exist.I was so amazed when I found out that this sport does exisit and is still a very popular sport in Japan.
A visit to a Sumo wrestling match at the Kokugikan arena will make you feel absolutely amazed and maybe even very skinny. This sport has been around for centuries in Japan. This ancient hand to hand combat that involves grunting, pouncing, tripping, slapping and menacing posture is also the only one that didn’t require its participants to fight to the death in order to be considered victorious.

MEIJII SHRINE
The Meijii Shrine is a place to pray and get away from the past life of the city. Dedicated to the late 19^th century emperor who opened Japan to the West, this Shinto shrine is not like many other places of worship because it is not flashy or colourful. The shrine is simple yet serene. Come dip your feet or hands in the cleansing station purify your hands and mouth before offering prayer. Write your wishes on a little piece of paper and tie it on to the prayer wall or even toss some yen into the offering box as the locals do. 

Travel, Dream, Live

"The World is a book, and those who do not 

travel read only a page." 

~St. Augustine

Not many people have a bucket list of things they want to do before they die. I on the other hand religiously believe that everyone should try and make one for themselves. As for me the bucket list that I have made is made up goals especially a lot to do with traveling. One of my all time favorite books is "Eat,Pray, Love" , this book has book has inspired me to look at life in a wider scope, try new things, and live life. Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. Unfortunately,  I haven't had chance to travel for quite awhile now because of school and the lack of funds in my bank account. When I finish school I hope to have a career that involves travel. I believe that traveling is a way for people to learn about different cultures and lets people see the beauty of our world. I believe traveling and learning about different cultures around the world brings people together.In this blog I would like to show people the places in which I dream to travel to in my future, a little bit about some cultures I learn about, and bits and pieces of what I want to do on my bucket list. I will do some research about the places and hopefully inspire people to travel and learn about the world as well as share my dreams and goals for my future.