Horse Idea Make Perfect: December 2005

Home safe and sound...

Well, after 40 some odd hours in transit, lost luggage, and the worst seats and movies on earth, I've made my way back home. I must admit, I was pretty frightened that home would be, well, crap. I don't *love* Shelburne and I had become more than accustomed to the climate of SE Asia. Thankfully, I think my preparations for the worst have more than paid off. Canada isn't *that* cold (okay, it is pretty cold)... but, I have had good times. Mike came to visit from Minneapolis for a weekend. Good times were had, even if we did end up at a bar featuring Toronto's uppity 16 year old homos. I've been visiting all the Shelburnians. Alex and Cole (my niece and nephew) still remain the cutest children on the planet. I have also successfully reclaimed my ability to be a fully licensed driver (talk about falling through the cracks in the system). Lauren, my bestie from m-t-l is on her way up tomorrow, then we are going to head back to Montreal for New Years. I can't wait to be in a metropolis again, where homos flourish and food can be delivered to your door. And the poutine! Oh, the poutine!
I have reacquainted myself with the television classics that I have missed so darned much over the past four months. I'm talking all things Veronica Mars and The O.C. My download attempts at Survivor have been less than successful. For all those who know me, you can understand the emptiness I am feeling (during the holidays, no less!) as a result. Sarah and Mike have made their way back to Sydney... and are hanging out with the best looking couple in England who we met at the Elephant Nature Park. The levels of my jealousy are unparalleled. I love them.
As for the next couple weeks: I am officially disease free and, as such, can comfortably sit around and wait for the student visa to arrive. I am still hoping to be in Sydney for Sarah and Mike's wedding, where I will give the most kick ass reading / speech ever. Until then, there won't be any pics (cause some Vietnamese bloke is enjoying my cam). But, if anyone is in the T.O. or Mtl areas, give me a shout...
Happy Holidays!

The trio (soon to be reunited in Oz)... Me, Sarah and Mike.

the babies were adorable...

awww...

What happens when you take a valium to help with the concrete slab you are sleeping on... and then have a few night cap beers? You fall off your chair (and then later distribute condoms to poor, unsuspecting Europeans).

Michelle, the coordinator, had a mild fascination with my nipples. It was painful.

There are 45 dogs at the sanctuary. This is my fav.

One of my favourite people with one of my least favourite animals...

A scenic view of the park...

going down a very scary slope...

heading home... I got some help crossing the river...

Our lodging...

The group heading home after a night in the jungle.

Schoerdt blessing a tree...

This is us trying to enjoy our breakfast while trying not to piss off a very large animal...

Lavinia and I on our first class raft.

One of the phants heading to the "elephant haven" where they can roam free in the jungle.

This uber-dirty mattmckenzie deep in the jungle.

This is Lek, who owns the sanctuary. She was recently named one of Time's 6 heroes of Asia. Her story is pretty incredible, so you should check it out.