 Ben & Nastassia - Living the Dream | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 27th August 2007 Ankje Hovinga (Holland) | - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz Ben, I was in the secund bus behind yours. I can't image how difficult this still must be for you.. I wish you all the strength en luck. I still think of you and Natassia and I will remember... |
| 16th July 2007 Mark and Marias Great Adventure | Our thought are with you - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz Ben, we never met you or Nastassia, but reading your last entry and looking at your pictures has brought tears to my eyes. I recognise some of the places on the photos as we were there ourselves only a year before yourselves, including Sucre. I can't even begin to imagine what you must be going through. These pictures are a wonderful tribute to someone who seemed to love life and lived it fully. Thanks for sharing your story with all of us. |
| 6th July 2007 risa branchi | feeling your pain - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz Hi Ben, I have never had the pleasure of meeting either you or Nastassia but can totally relate to your experience. I admire you both and feel your pain. I am a mother of three teen -aged daughters,one of which just returned from 6 months in Colombia, I am now 48 years old but when I was 17 I spent a year in Trinidad Beni,Boilivia. I travelled all over Bolivia and fell in love with the country. You can not explain to people what a unique country Bolivia is.I'm so glad you both got to experience the most precious country in the world. Nastassia reminds me of myself when I was her age, and I have always tried to take whatever life throws at me and be grateful for all the positive. You will find happiness again, Ben. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope to one day go visit the orphanage with my 3 daughter's in Nastassia's honour. Take care young man! Risa |
| 2nd July 2007 chilled2thecore | - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz We have been reading your blog from time to time to give us tips, information and inspiration on our own trip so recognised Natassia instantly from this sad blog and felt compelled to write to you. This is such terrible news and hopefully you can draw some comfort from the fact that you seem to have experienced such wonderful and happy times together. Carla and Matt |
| 28th June 2007 Stephanie and Karl from Australia | Our deepest sympathies - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz We met you and Nastassia briefly whilst saving the whales on the Galapagos Islands, and while we didn't get a chance to know either of you well, we were deeply saddened by the news of Nastassia. We wanted to let you know that she touched us with her warm smile and zest for life. God must have wanted a beautiful angel. Our deepest sympathies to you and her family. |
| 22nd June 2007 Michelle Littlejohn | A little sugar - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz I am Nastassia's nephew Richards aunty from Kelowna. I found it sweet that Nastassia's middle name is Angelika and that she died near a place that means "sugar". Coincidence? I think not. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. |
| 21st June 2007 Martin | - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz Hi Ben, I know that we only met briefly on Lake Titicaca but both Stephanie and I enjoyed your company, and thought that you were a beautiful couple. I donīt really know what to say, this is truely sad news and has shocked and saddened us deeply. You are in our thoughts and we shall say a prayer for you both. xx Love Martin and Stephanie |
| 19th June 2007 Ryan Ogren | Remebering Nastassia - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz I remember Nastassia from school when we were young... Not so much an image, but I remember her as a kind and generous person, always willing to help:) I remember having the hiccups one day and I couldn't get rid of them! So she came and told me this weird ryme she used to get rid of hers when she had them! Sure and shit it worked lol and I still can't remember that ryme today lol! But everytime I get the hiccups I think of her. She was definatly one of those people I wish I had got to know better because she was fun to be around! A life so young and genuine as Nastassia's reminds us of what of what we all take for granted everyday...a laugh a hug a helping hand or even a smile...How simple the most important things can be. She will be forever missed, and always remembered by the lives of those she touched and mine. |
| 13th June 2007 Robbie | Thank you. - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz Ben, first i'd like to thank you and Stass for the blog. The blog, along with everything stass was and always will be is a constant reminder to live life, love and laugh. Secondly, It's been over a week since the service, and two and a half weeks since hearing the news...that time has allowed me to be able to reflect a lot on the times and memories i had with Stass growing up in CR, and of course at UVic. There was never a dull moment, never a sad day, and times where she could have been upset or disappointed just never existed! I laugh a lot when i think about all the funny things she would say and do, and even the way she spelled certain words...I know brandon and I always jokingly gave her a hard time about it, but she loved it and could dish it right back! One of the funniest moments i remember was we met up at the gym before a basketball game, and she says, "Guess what!?" So i said what..."I fell asleep in my exam in my professor's office and couldn't finish the test!" (laughing hysterically as she's telling me this of course)...I was rolling all over the floor laughing my head off, thinking is it really a good idea for her to write exams alone?!?!? She made everyone laugh...so they say laughter is good for you, well that just means well are all so blessed and much better people for having her around for almost 24 years. Stay Strong Ben. All our thoughts are with you and the family. robbie......rw.donaldson@gmail.com, or huskyheaven@hotmail.com |
| 12th June 2007 Anushka | Wonderful Life - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz I always felt like I really knew Nastassia through Decima’s eyes. This tribute is absolutely beautiful and is a reminder of how fragile and precious life really is. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Love, Anushka |
| 9th June 2007 Dustin | NAS - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz Ben, we all know that Nas sits peacefully in heaven, watching over you. I wish I had the opportunity to get to know her better. I will pray for you and all those close to her. May her memory live on in you forever. Dustin |
| 8th June 2007 Katie in Whitehorse | - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz Hi Ben, it is with a heavy heart that I write to you after hearing of the tragic death of your Anim Cara (your soul mate) Nastassia. I was fortunate enough to have this blog site forwarded to me through Anne Turner at VCSS. Through your travel blog I had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the wonderful days, weeks and months you and Nas spent together on your travels. What a beautiful tribute to her and wonderful memories for you. May her spirit live forever in your heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and her family. Blessings. Katie |
| 6th June 2007 Manda | - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz Hi Ben, I know we've never gotten a chance to meet, but I feel like I have grown to know both you and Nastassia through all of Fred's stories and pictures over the years... the news I got last week was heart-breaking. Fred sent me the link to your blog many months ago and it has been amazing to follow you both through your journey. Please know that I am praying for you, Nastassia's family, and all who loved her. Through your strength, I know you have given so many others hope during this time. May her light continue to shine through you and all those she has touched. |
| 6th June 2007 Brendan | - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz Hey Ben, I just wanted to thank you for sending me the link. I'd found it a few days ago when I first heard the news, but it was really nice to receive it from you. I think everyone that Nas' life has encountered has been touched by a beatiful spirit. You know those people that stand out for whatever reasons? She was without a doubt one of them. I'll never forget her sense of humour, her constant smile and sense of adventure. She really did have a great philosophy on life, and that is one thing that I'll both never forget about her, and try to emulate. My prayers are with you, the Kunz family and Nas herself. |
| 6th June 2007 Joe Kupkee | beautiful woman - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz I am a long time friend of the Kunz family, and am deeply moved by this record of your travels, as well as your courage in posting the information on her passing. Natassia was simply a splendid human being in every way. My heart goes out to you Ben, and her parents and family. Keep her memory in your heart forever. May God comfort you all, in this time of terrible loss, and as T.S. Elliot once wrote, may she have found 'The peace that passeth all understanding." |
| 5th June 2007 sam | still an angel - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz Ben, the family of Nastassia. Nas will never be forgotten. She lives on with all of us. I also only new Nas for a few short days during my travels but she will remain with me forever. It is not often in our lives we meet a person who shares so much warmth, love, happiness, and passion to all around them. Everyone she touched in her life will dearly miss her, the world has truly lost an angel. I am happy to have known Nastassia and her spirit will always live on with me. |
| 5th June 2007 Kathie Klassen | Thank you for sharing your memories - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz Hello Ben, You don't know me but I knew Nastassia and her family. I was just at her service and wanted to check out your blog to see just what she had been doing for the last 7 months. It is a wonderful tribute to a wonderful person and her special guy. I didn't know this blog site existed until I found the address on the back of her booklet. I bet many more people will come on this site and enjoy seeing your memories now that they know the address. I was so impressed with your strength at the service Ben your love for Nastassia shone through all the saddness. May you find peace and solace in the memories of your beloved Nastassia. |
| 4th June 2007 Britt | a beautiful life - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz Dear Ben, The pictures of Nas are so powerful and beautiful. Thank you for doing this. Hopefully one thing we can take from this is we can try to appreciate and love life to the extent that Nas clearly did. I know her attitude and wonderful smile will live on through every one she touched. I'm so glad I met her. Britt |
| 4th June 2007 Michaela | - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz I was her swimming teacher when she was 10, and she was my mother's neighbour as she grew. her bright smile is something I have always remembered. she is special, beautiful. Keeping her memory alive, and live life in her honor...thank you for sharing this with us. strength and peace. |
| 4th June 2007 robyn and robert | Remembering Nastassia - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz Ben..Robert and I and our family grieve with you ...the loss of Nastassia leaves us all deeply saddened....but the memory of her shining face and gentle presence at our table we will keep with us for many years to come...thank you for the lovely pictures to help us remember....you, your family and Nas's family will be in our prayers...we look forward to seeing you back in Whitehorse soon... R & R |
| 3rd June 2007 Melanie, Olivier, Chloe, Maxime in Sucre | We are thinking of you today here in Sucre - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz Ben, Today we lit a candle to remember Nastassia here in Sucre. We are thinking of you. We send our deepest condolences to you, her family and her friends. The blog photos are a beautiful tribute to Nastassia. |
| 3rd June 2007 David Charlebois | Remembering Nastassia... - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz Ben, those are all truly beautiful pictures which certainly contain amazing memories. Nas lived life to the fullest with no regrets, and I think we can all learn from her exceptional example of how to truly live. I will pray in memory of Nas and to give you strength Ben. Dave. |
| 2nd June 2007 Dave | R.I.P. Nas - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz Nas was the kind of person who would befriend a crazy american traveling by himself and make that person feel as comfortable as possible. Nas took the time to teach me cribbage( a tough chore believe me)it took all afternoon and she was never frustrated; what a great teacher she was! She had a positive vibe that surrounded her and showed compasssion towards everyone. I only spent a couple of weeks with Ben and Nas but they left a lasting impresson on me and made me feel they were long time friends. Spending time with Ben and Nas was by far and away the highlight of my traveling this year. In such a short time Nas touched my life as i am sure she touched so many. Nas, rest in peace. Your friend, Dave |
| 2nd June 2007 Karen Graham | The Circle of Love Continues - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz Dearest Bes, Nastassia was with her wonderful Ben living her dream. What a special time for the 2 of you to have been able to share these past few months doing what you both loved to do. She was sent to you from above so that you would know what Heaven might be like. Thanks for the memories of such a beautiful lady. Aunt Karen from Ontario |
| 2nd June 2007 Auntie Moe | Our Beloved Nastassia - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz Ben and Nastassia's Kunz and Craigen families...thanks so much Ben for allowing us to share in Nas's wonderful spirit. What a beautfiful tribute to her and her love of life. She has lived more in her short years than many of us do in a lifetime! Her strong spirit will give all of us strength as we continue our journey.... Your loving Auntie Moe |
| 2nd June 2007 Pete R | Great Memories - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz I always had and always will have fond memories and great great respect for Nastassia. I met her at university and instantly realized she was special. I will miss her forever and extend my best wishes to her family, friends and Ben. Know that all of our thoughts are with you and you can call on any of us with anything we can do to help you through. Pete |
| 2nd June 2007 Carol and Brian | our thoughts are with you, Ben - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz Hi Ben, Thank you SO MUCH for sharing your photos of Nastassia and you--and know that you are very much in our thoughts and minds these days. Sending you warm hugs and caring thoughts. Take good care. Our sympathy to her family and to yours as well, I know all will feel this loss so very much. love Carol & Brian, Jessica, Emily and Michael |
| 2nd June 2007 depio | my little sister... - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz "to the world you may be one person, but to a person you may be the world." Nastassia, you are my world and my heart aches for you. I'll love you until the day after forever. luv depio. |
| 2nd June 2007 Missy | So sorry ...... - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz Dear Ben, Such a beautiful person taken so prematurely. I just don't have adequate words to say how very sorry I am. Thank you for sharing with us these photos of your amazing Nastassia---her love of life shines through in every one of them. She will always be in our thoughts. Much love, Missy |
| 2nd June 2007 Angela | I'm so sorry - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz Ben, I went to middle school and high school with Nastassia and we lost touch after I moved away. She was such a beautiful person, she was always happy and always brightened any room she was in. I remember in Grade 12 she used to wear these crazy mismatched socks and our physics teacher, Mr Mitchell, used to have her show us her socks every class. It always made me smile. When I heard Nastassia was travelling South and Central America I wasn't surprised, I always knew Nastassia would travel the world and try to make it a better place, and I am so glad that I was able to follow your journey. I can't imagine how hard that was to write so soon after.....My heart goes out to you and the Kunz's. I've briefly spoken with Jess and Christina and know that I'm thinking of everyone and will say a prayer for Nastassia and everyone on Monday. Angela Williams (Towell) angelarae@shaw.ca |
| 2nd June 2007 Jacqui | Thank You - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz Your strenght is an inspiration to all of us Ben. Thank you for posting this. |
| 2nd June 2007 Chris | "Her Remembrance" - From: Remembering The Dream - Nastassia Angelika Kunz " Nastassia" lives on" inside"......... , inside of all of us that had the pleasure to have even "met" her, to have seen her smile, if only to have been"graced" by her "presence", a memory lives on ..........in our hearts. Remember....Ben, and anyone who was close to her: "anything" and "everything" that "was" and still "remains; positive, remember her" Quotes", her smile, even her morning hair! From what I've seen ("especially" this last blog): she was the "epitome" of beauty.Seeing her in her highest form(at possibly her happiest).......makes me wish that I had taken the opportunity to know her better, and seeing you with her: Ben , it makes me want to be a better man, and maybe "fix" some of the mistakes that I made with my............ relationship with her sister of seven years,and "this" is the power of her "Life"............that lives on. I admire your strength to write this last "blog",I'm sure she is inside of you, and "pulling you to remember "the joy" her life brought you. Her "Rememberance"is what keeps her spirit alive. She is closer to you than you can ever imagine...............she is in your Heart................But; you know this, and she'd love you for it............stay strong Chris |
| 30th May 2007 Julie Visser | Did you show them how its done? - From: Jungle and Pampas Adventures so since you both have experienced this panning for gold thing here in the yukon did you happen to share your secrets, you guys are having soo much fun whooo weee! |
| 29th May 2007 Scott | Love your shots! - From: To Mars and Back Great flats pics guys! Ben, the one of you in the bottle is perfect! Keep on keepin on. |
| 29th May 2007 Martin | Hola - From: Lake Titikaka - Big Lake, Beautiful Scenery and Bus Crashes Hi guys, Martin here, as in Martin & Steph who were on the Island trip. I was just looking for some climbing recommendations in Huraz and thought I recognised the person in the photo. It was horrible to read about the crash and I am so glad that you are both okay. wishining you all the best, and I hope that you are recovering well. Take care and enjoy the rest of your travels. |
| 25th May 2007 Lesley Tassell | greetings - From: Wild La Paz We've been reading all your blogs and the photos are so beautiful. Feel like we are right there too altho probably will not do much mountain climbing or snake handling. Just wondering? While up in the glacier mountainous areas did you notice signs of global warming?? Are they all melting? What about lakes and rivers?? I imagine that area would be very obvious. Hang in there! Lesley & Peter |
| 20th May 2007 HappyGoLucky | Your Blog still brings a smile to my face. - From: Jungle and Pampas Adventures Hello you two, I can't believe the amount of South America you've covered on your trip. Something about the smiles on your face makes me not help but acknowledge that you are still having the time of your lives. I hope to see you both soon. Take care. Corey |
| 7th May 2007 Your Guide Jordan | Your Guide Jordan - From: Lake Titikaka - Big Lake, Beautiful Scenery and Bus Crashes Looks like you had quite a rid, I thought mine was bad! Good to see that you are both safe and still smiling. Nice stitches Nas! Tanke care and see you back in the Yukon |
| 6th May 2007 Auntie Moe | Glad you are safe and sound!!! - From: Lake Titikaka - Big Lake, Beautiful Scenery and Bus Crashes Hi Ben and Nas, So glad you are safe and sound. Too bad that priest hadn't blessed your bus - but somebody was looking out for you both - from the looks of things you are both lucky to have survived relatively unscathed!!! Keep on truckin' Your loving Auntie Moe |
| 6th May 2007 anonymous | PERU Looks incredible - From: Lake Titikaka - Big Lake, Beautiful Scenery and Bus Crashes Hello you two, Its good to hear you're okay after the bus crash. Corey |
| 6th May 2007 Dave | - From: Lake Titikaka - Big Lake, Beautiful Scenery and Bus Crashes Close One! Nas glad to see you are all right. See you guys soon. Dave |
| 6th May 2007 Titia | Come Home - From: Lake Titikaka - Big Lake, Beautiful Scenery and Bus Crashes I love you. R U O K?? I don't have a e-mail address rite now. But I'lll be at mom's in 2 weeks. My manager quit, so I've taken her shifts, so I have to appologize. I want to see you soon. I hope that you're okay. I'm loving the single life. I'll get a hold of you soon.!!!Love YOu both alwa ys Titia |
| 29th April 2007 Missy | AND ANOTHER "WOW"! - From: The Inca Empire - All Ruined Out... Wow to all the great photos, to you for taking them and sending them to us, and to you for sending honest-to-goodness postcards. Spent the day looking at swans--Swan Haven and at the Tagish Bridge. That is pretty awsome, too. We all have our wondrous places to enjoy. But I am still envious of you two, partly because it was below freezing here again this morning. Love and Yukon hugs, Missy (and Foxy) |
| 28th April 2007 Fredo | Palabra - From: More From the B&N Show - Southern Peru Bender! Nas! WTF! Looks like you guys are having a blast. Im still stuck in Texas, though I managed to get away for the weekend. Im counting the days though... 23 left. Im going to DENALI!!! whoo hooo. I can't wait for winter, its been so hot here for so long. Call me when you get back. |
| 27th April 2007 Titia | Miss and Loves - From: More From the B&N Show - Southern Peru Whow U 2 R really seeing some amazing things. I miss you and love U soooooo much. can't wait to see that scar ben. nastassia don't let him near anymore bacteria. vbg!! love U both, can't wait till U get home..... love titia |
| 23rd April 2007 Your Guide Jordan | Sandboarding...Sweet!! - From: More From the B&N Show - Southern Peru What up you two! Well it looks like you are having quite some tiem in Peru! I like the sandboarding pics! The dreads on that skull will be like your hair when you get home benjamin! Nice desert pose Nas, looking good!Happy to see you are both safe and kickin, talk to you later! Your Guide Jordan |
| 23rd April 2007 Peter & Lesley | Great Trip! - From: More From the B&N Show - Southern Peru We are really enjoying reading your journal and following your exciting adventure. Wish we could do what you are doing--guess that's all behind us now. I always wanted to go to Machu Pichu--didn't realize there was so much more in Peru. Looks like we're selling the house. We will probably be living on the causeway by July. Not sure if we'll make it to PEI this year--we'll see. Praying for you. Hope all is well. How is your leg??? Lesley & Peter |
| 21st April 2007 uncle bob | wow - From: More From the B&N Show - Southern Peru Just want you 2 to know how much I enjoy your great pics and stories. Your blog is the best. I received your card yesterday. I see you are tired of the big cities and are hunting out the more remote sights. Do you find language a barrier? Hope your leg has healed up Ben. Cheers Bob |
| 18th April 2007 Auntie Moe | Love the photos - From: From the Highlands of Ecuador to the Beaches of Peru and onward... Hi Ben and Nastassia - gorgeous pictures again! Auntie Karen, Uncle "C", Auntie Ger and Uncle Jas send their love. Ger is out in Vancouver with the kids and the Grahams are in Toronto visiting their kids. I just got back from Chestervile and Oshawa. Had a good visit with Mom and Dad on Sat. eve from Mexico. THey are home now (Wed 18th). We are all looking forward to seeing them in the summer. We will miss you this year!! Lots of love, Auntie Moe xoxoxoxo |
| 17th April 2007 Natasha and Wayne | - From: From the Highlands of Ecuador to the Beaches of Peru and onward... We are living vicariously - beautiful pictures guys. The trip looks AMAZING. We really want to get down there some day. (((hugs))) |
