Pages

Monday, July 20, 2009

Free fun - Coffee Time Romance - Chat

So with the economy still stuttering along what else can you do that's free and fun?

Chat!

I'm chatting over at Coffee Time Romance with other authors from Black Lyon Publishing. Come on by Tuesday, July 21 at 6:00 PST. Come on by and join in.


Ryshia
www.ryshiakennie.com

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Lizard, Monitor, Dragon - Wow!

It was a quiet morning for a walk on the beach. Langkawi, Malaysia. The ocean gently curled against the sand and overhead the sun was still comfortably warm. A tranquil time to gather one's thoughts before the day began in another whirlwind of incredible sight seeing opportunities. For now there was peace or so I thought.

That was until a large gray head emerged from the ocean and flat eyes rose just above the surface to drift over the beach. A modern day dragon. I watched riveted - not unlike watching a horror movie where we know a heroine is about to die. And I wasn't alone in my reaction because just to my left was the only other occupant of that stretch of "almost" deserted beach, a German tourist who with one oversize lizard and a language barrier between us, only looked to me and back at what was emerging from the ocean. And there we stood for long minutes as the water monitor slowly made its way to shore and stood between us and safety. I don't know if it ever saw us. I assume it did although it made no indication that it sensed we were there or if it even cared. I presume the latter.

So there we were - two strangers on a beach facing a lizard that appeared as large as either of us. A lizard who nonchalantly made his way from an early morning swim or (I prefer not to think of this) meal, across the sand only feet away from us and back into the jungle - totally unconcerned about the wow factor he trailed behind him.

What's your wow factor?

Ryshia
From the Dust
www.ryshiakennie.com

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

It's a Seat Sale

It's a seat sale - a no brainer flight to somewhere we haven't previously been and at a ridiculously low cost. This should be easy - book - pay - go.

But it's not.

Somehow, in our house, it's easier to book a four week vacation encompassing three countries and double digit plane rides than it is to decide to book the deal on the three night seat/hotel fare.

First there is the question - is three nights long enough? Where's the hotel located - for nightmare of nightmares there was no choice - it just is. As an independent traveler that's enough to make you shake.

Maybe that's the answer - for a do it yourself kind of person - these all in one short hop deals take all the decision making away. And that's a scary thought. That's also my excuse - and I am sticking to it!

So I have no idea what I'm doing for my summer vacation - what are you doing for yours?


Ryshia
www.ryshiakennie.com
Ryshia's MySpace


Happy Canada Day!

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Just an Afternoon Jaunt

It's that time of year. The annual pilgrimage to Plentywood, Montana.

At the border where there was a bit of confusion as to our purpose.

"Excuse me?"

"Beer."

"That's what I thought you said."

The US custom's officer frowns at this unique answer to the purpose of an afternoon trip into the US. What can we say? There's still beer south of the border that just isn't making it north. He looks more closely at the passports before adjusting his firearm and emerging from the protection of the building.

Feeling a bit like a deer in the headlights...


Maybe beer was the wrong answer?

"Pop the trunk."

While from inside the building another customs officer watches us.

"How many dogs?" she asks, her eyes locked on us like
we may be prepared to bolt.

It is a question that combined with the unwavering gaze makes me think that she is suspicious of illegally harbored dogs. No, it was quite clear why the question was asked when the passports and dog vaccination report were returned with one milk bone sitting neatly on top.

"Have a good day!"

And we were off - for that illusive carton or two of summer beer!


Tuesday, June 9, 2009

A little Creativity


In the days before I adopted packing light and the convertible backpack, there was the big suitcase complete with wheels and a strap to haul the thing through airports. It was a trip to Portugal that found time at a premium as I rushed to pack and get to the airport on time. And, of course, it was then that I discovered that the strap used to haul that unwieldy suitcase through busy airports was missing!

With a cab waiting outside and a flight schedule ticking closer I had to go for practicality not looks. And I'm sure it must have been an interesting sight as I raced through Toronto's busy International Airport yanking an oversize suitcase that bounced on it's tiny wheels as I pulled it along with a dog leash!

Has your travel been creative?

Ryshia

www.ryshiakennie.com
From the Dust
Ryshia's Myspace

Friday, May 29, 2009

Running through the Kasbah

Traveling is really an art. A skill that is acquired in the field, not at home doing the research. The Kasbah in Marrakesh was a good example of that. I innocently took a picture of a local water carrier in his colorful traditional garb and wasn't prepared for what happened next. First he waved one of his gold gilded pots at me, then he snarled and grabbed another pot as if he meant to throw it. I backed up but when he advanced I only backed up more.

With neither of us communicating in a common language we were lost. I only saw aggression and he obviously thought he was a victim of my camera. All I knew is that there was only one thing to do with a man advancing on you while crazily waving pots.

Run!

Next thing I knew I was running through the Kasbah with an enraged water carrier in full pursuit, his bright red outfit a perfect mesh for his flushed complexion, his golden pots glinting in the sun as he waved them overhead. And the words he shouted, well I didn't have to understand them, they were pretty much universal at least in tone and not something uttered in polite company.

No, there was no crash ending to this story. It's a much more rational conclusion as my husband came upon the bizarre scene and realized that maybe it was only a case of a missing business transaction. The water carrier only wanted money for the picture. That was it!

Sometimes the solution is much simpler then we think!

Ryshia

www.ryshiakennie.com
Ryshia's MySpace