 amelia vanderwal - aimsey and roelie | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 13th September 2009 Sherry Chaplin | - From: Here's to you...... Thanks so much for sharing your incredible 'Asian' experience! I will definitely miss receiving your blogs, but look forward to meeting up with you in TO in the future; although, maybe not in PJ's next time, haha! |
| 10th September 2009 Sherry Wolfson | Welcome home - From: Here's to you...... Hi Amy and Roel, So great to receive this latest blog and feel so honoured to be mentioned in your blog. Here's to lots more lunches and cappachinos with Carrie. All the best, Sherry Wolfson |
| 1st September 2009 Marg Burke | MISSING YOU!! - From: Here's to you...... Hi Amy, it was a real pleasure to read your [hiccup] final blog and what a great friend. I did come close to shedding tears and feel that there is a big hole here in your absence! Your cameraderie is sincerely missed by Maria and me and we're working hard to keep up the tradition of a few laughs, especially at lunchtime!! I know that the kids are missing out on your talents and it's fitting that I write today on what I think is your very first day on the new job [lucky students], and the first day of SPRING in Aust!! All the best at your new school, and with Roel's study. Very good to read that Carli and Craig have such wonderful digs and that your furniture made it up there, stay tuned Carli for a phone call if I ever make it to BJ, must be a fascinating time. Well, move on 2010 Expo so the dust can settle, Amy the building of that flyover now has surpassed all imaginings, and we continue to clunk clunk our way through. Thanks again for leaving everything in such great shape for me, an esteemed mantle to take-over and as we say in Oz it'll be head down and bum up for most of the year. All best and love to you and yours, miss you! Margx |
| 31st August 2009 Johanna | - From: Here's to you...... I'm flattered to be included in your final entry! Your engaging writing style and tell-tale pictures made reading a pleasure and commenting a breeze. I am so happy to have you back in Toronto and am more than happy to shepherd your next journey into the West end. And next time I head out east, I hope to run into you in PJ's. See you soon! Love johanna |
| 29th August 2009 Bill & Joan | Good luck in "Reality" land! - From: Here's to you...... We've loved reading your blog- you could write a travel book yourself from it. We're settled into Minsk and enjoying both the city and the school. Minsk is one of the most beautiful cities we've been in. The air is clean and the cities is full of green parks and gardens and flowers and fruit trees are everywhere. Best of luck in "reality" land! |
| 28th August 2009 Carrie | People make the experience. - From: Here's to you...... Great summation of a life-changing experience. But, although you two saw some amazing places, it's all about the people you meet along the path and the ones at home who love you and are awaiting your return. I feel lucky to have been able to both share that Asian pathway and to feel excited when you came home. :) |
| 28th August 2009 Jim | Great Wrap Up - From: Here's to you...... Hi Amy and Roel, A great wrap up. I now ponder how long will it take you to get the wander bug again. And then let the blogs begin again. Not sure if PJ's will take here in TO. Jim |
| 28th August 2009 Craig | Legacy Impossible II - From: Here's to you...... Hey guys, Wow, the end of an era! I almost feel like a piece of me is missing now. I had always enjoyed checking your blog from my desk in DC when all of my little brats were taking a test or something and giving myself a little mini holiday. It's hard to believe that the roles are reversed now. You mentioned Carly and I taking up the blog torch; well, unfortunately, I believe our blog would be doomed to failure and disappointment. Take the film "Speed," for instance. It had everyone on the edge their seats, eagerly anticipating the next scene. Granted, Keanu kind of gets on one's nerves a bit but Sandra Bullock plays her part well, the plot is tight and the cinematography is well-executed. But have you ever seen "Speed II"? Did you even know that there was a "Speed II"? Exactly. You guys were the blockbuster, we're just a boring old sequel. With that said, we do have another round of pictures about ready to send off. Even thorough they weren't framed by a semi-professional and they're not accompanied by international bestseller worthy prose, they'll have to suffice. There is simply no replacing or attempting to keep up with the original China trail-blazers, Amy and Roel. Thanks for all of the effort that you put into the blog, guys. It was thoroughly enjoyed and will be sincerely missed. |
| 28th August 2009 Pauline Sandys | Treasures from East and West - From: Here's to you...... Amy and Roel, what a great compilation of text and visuals- a storehouse of unforgettable memories and shared experiences. Oh how the pics of Carly and Craig's hutong hangout evoke the 'old Beijing'. Thank you for including me in your adventure. Pauline |
| 28th August 2009 Carly | Ahoy! - From: Here's to you...... Man, just when I thought that I had it made in Beijing, you guys go ahead and post these fantastic pics! Thanks for making me homesick. :) In all seriousness, I do want to thank you for keeping up this blog. It was a great way to keep tabs on your adventures and I came to look forward to receiving the notice in my email inbox. I'm not sure if I'll keep up the practice myself... I can only imagine how much work went into this... But I will try to keep family and friends in the loop, just like you and Dad did. One last comment... Come and visit us here in Beijing! I know you miss the food (especially the prices of the food!) and the patios... Come! Love you both! Car |
| 28th August 2009 :eslie Jeanneret | What a journey! - From: Here's to you...... Dear Amy, How wonderful to be included in your and Roel's thank yous! It was amazing for me to be included in your two year journey. I loved your blogs! Looking forward to seeing you in TO soon, Leslie |
| 18th August 2009 Maria Chavarria | Outstanding! - From: Is it Ho Chi Minh? Or Saigon? Amy, the pictures really do say it all, but your writing adds a lovely richness to the viewing/reading experience that smacks of excellence. You have captured my heart and now I must go to Vietnam! Missing you! Maria |
| 21st July 2009 Marg. Burke | Zai Jian - xiang nimen - miss you! - From: Zai Jian Shanghai, part deux Hi Amy, it's Marg / Margaret here . . . have so enjoyed your blogs and these last 2 I read a while back and response has been delayed. Back home feels like living in 2 hemispheres, literally, as one browse through the inbox takes me back to so many good times - and many shared with you on a daily basis at work, along with a lot of laughs. The year would not have been so much fun without your collegiate spirit, fantastic professional advice and our little escapes from that real world through our Chinese classes, wines and cheeses, occasional dinners - and yes, that 1 trip to 'celestial dollars' - when we had to ride back to school in a major rush in a very small bicycle taxi!! Hope you get to read The Mao Case as some funny and reminiscent bits about Shanghai and M partic towards the end. Hope Carli and Craig settling in well to Beijing, and you and Roel in your Canadian home. Hope your hols have not yet ended too! And that this reaches you. love M. |
| 12th July 2009 theo | learning - From: Ching Ming in Chong Ming Enjoyed your continued journey, ( as always ) what for an interesting society so very very different from ours. look forward to see you back here in good old home called Canada |
| 7th July 2009 Leslie Jeanneret | Yin and Yang - From: Zai Jian Shanghai, part deux Dear Amy, Looking at life from a yin/yang perspective would seem, ultimately, to be the wisest choice. I wonder how a similar blog about life in TO might look. Many thanks once again for an intriguing overview of Shanghai culture. I long to return there myself! Zai Jian, Leslie |
| 7th July 2009 Leslie Jeanneret | - From: Zai Jian Shanghai...part 1 Dear Amy, I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing this wonderful Asian adventure with you and learning in this latest blog of harrowing obstacles that your family has overcome so gracefully, I feel somewhat awe-struck and wonderfully inspired to set out on a similar trek. Looking forward to seeing you again in TO, Leslie |
| 29th June 2009 Chris | PJ fever! - From: Zai Jian Shanghai, part deux Just let go Mom and wear your PJ's in public proudly. I'm sure it's very liberating. |
| 29th June 2009 Sherry | 'living vicariously'! - From: Zai Jian Shanghai...part 1 I really enjoyed experiencing Shangai through your eyes! Thanks once again for sharing! Wishing you a great trip home! |
| 28th June 2009 Pauline Sandys | Return - From: Zai Jian Shanghai, part deux Amy, Roel, Carrie et al, I love PJ's. I'd love to get together a la PJ. |
| 28th June 2009 Pauline Sandys | Major memories - From: Zai Jian Shanghai...part 1 Amy and Rouel, Your memories of Shanghai are beautifully recorded . What an amazing transformation has taken place. ' My sweet memories of being there in 1984 recall a very different scene. I was with a group of US and Canadians. We were looking at international approaches to gifted education. We had to travel with guides. In Shanghai, one evening, I left my hotel alone(and without permission) to explore the quiet, bike- lined streets. Families were gathered outside their buildings along the way enjoying the evening air. I went along a quiet, dimly lit avenue lined on either side with rows and rows of parked bicycles to a department store. I navigated my way to the 5th floor where musical instruments were displayed. I seemed to be the only customer. A very polite gentleman helped me find the one -stringed violin I wanted. (I had heard it played so expertly along the way during the trip). From there I went on along the avenue to a small independent jewellery and antique store. There I found an exquisite pair of antique jade earrings which the proprieter was so happy to sell me. I returned to my hotel on foot. No one had noticed I was gone. |
| 27th June 2009 Sherry Wolfson | your great blogs - From: Zai Jian Shanghai, part deux Love them all, will miss them when you return home and I read every word of them. |
| 27th June 2009 Sherry Wolfson | - From: Zai Jian Shanghai...part 1 Fantastic blogs, love them all. |
| 27th June 2009 Cindy & Jay | Thanks for sharing - From: Zai Jian Shanghai, part deux I have certainly enjoyed living vicariously through your blogs! Your story telling is wonderful. I hope our paths cross again some day. |
| 27th June 2009 Carrie | Pajamas all around! - From: Zai Jian Shanghai, part deux Hey instead of 'correcting' this cultural faux pas, I'm putting out this dare to Amy and Roel (if you'll do it, I'll do it): Why don't you bring the custom here. Let's do Starbucks on Queen (muffins, muffins, muffins) in our P.J.s! |
| 27th June 2009 Carrie | You did it! - From: Zai Jian Shanghai...part 1 My title, in context, means, that you've managed to summarize succinctly and efficently, yet with obviously a lot of emotion what is probably the 'trip', 'experience' of your lifetime. I was very happy to be mentioned and I was very happy that I did in fact make the 'hop across the pond' because now I have my own personal set of great memories of Asia. |
| 27th June 2009 Jim Allen | Highways - From: Zai Jian Shanghai...part 1 Hi Roel and Amy, I couldn't add comments to part 2, so came back to part 1- The pictures of the highway construction and the projected finish dates is mind boggling. Amazing what you can accomplish with millions of available workers. Jim |
| 27th June 2009 Jim Allen | - From: Zai Jian Shanghai...part 1 Hi Amy and Roel, I have really enjoyed getting to know the Far East a lot better over the last two years through your eyes and ears. Thanks for providing the experiences. Jim |
| 27th June 2009 Dave S | was a slice - From: Zai Jian Shanghai...part 1 Aimsey and Roelie.....was truly a pleasure working with you and hanging out every so often to....will miss some of the laughs and the b'n'g sessions we had over a few brewskies....wishing both of you great success in future endeavours....hope to see you back here in this fab city (even if just for a visit) Aimsey make sure Roelsie behaves eh? |
| 16th June 2009 aimsey and roelie | Life on the edge... - From: Is it Ho Chi Minh? Or Saigon? Dear Yvonne, What an encouraging, thoughtful and thought-provoking comment! As our two years in Shanghai draws rapidly to its close, let's just hope we don't soon forget about our journey and its adventure. We're so glad that you've received inspiration from our accounts, and you in turn have inspired us!Speaking of learning...this year (thanks to teaching "Theory of Knowledge") we've been introduced to the book "Sophie's World" in which the author, Jostein Gaarder, makes the point that we should always, always live our lives in wonder...on the edge of the rabbit's fur, as he puts it, and not burrowed down on the skin. So here's to life on the edge! We wish you well with your journey of recovery, and thanks a million for your inspiring comment!! Amy & Roel PS...we are going to have our blog turned into a book...when we get back we'll get in touch! |
| 14th June 2009 Yvonne | You are inspirational - From: Is it Ho Chi Minh? Or Saigon? It has been wonderful reading from time to time your blogs that reinforce for me especially that life isn't about the destination. It is about the journey . You have journeyed so well, heartfully sharing with many friends and volleagues via your blogs your windows on the world from the beginning of your great trek. That joy of discovery keeps one young and full of wonder. Thank you for sharing your stories. So many of us talk about what we could/should do. You model the doing and reflecting. What a great way to learn. Thank you for including me on your list. During the time before I progressed from crutches to a wheel chair, and was confined in a bed for months, your journey gave my imagination legs. Are you tempted to convert your inspiring prose into a book? I'd buy a copy for my daughter who has an adventurous heart. |
| 7th June 2009 aimsey and roelie | Who's afraid of Graham Green? - From: Is it Ho Chi Minh? Or Saigon? Hey Care, Thanks for the great response! We really appreciate knowing when someone is reading the blog:-) Soon we'll be home and reviewing it in book form...and it'll be all the typos that will come back to haunt us! Speaking of ghosts--Vietnam's past is very much alive, which Roel as a history buff, particularly appreciates. Not sure how he made it through the Co Chi tunnels...apart from the narrow confines they're hot as hades! Yes, the will of the Vietnamese is commendable. As you saw for yourself last year in Hanoi and environs...see you soon!Luv, A&R |
| 7th June 2009 aimsey and roelie | The story continues... - From: Is it Ho Chi Minh? Or Saigon? Hey guys, Thanks for keeping the adventure alive...soon we'll be home reading about your journeys! And regarding your dad-in-the-tunnel saga, another inch and he'd still be stuck there:-) Can't wait to see you at the Pudong Airport...once again! Love, Mom & Dad |
| 5th June 2009 Carrie | Saigon looks almost as good as Hanoi:) - From: Is it Ho Chi Minh? Or Saigon? It must have been amazing to stay in that historic hotel. Did you see Graham Green ghosting about? I'm going to assume that those large 'copas de vino blanco' were probably something light and French, not snake wine, hey? .....Seeing photos of those tunnels and entrances gives new meaning to the determination of the Vietnamese people. One has to admire their courage and cleverness. I can't believe Roel squooshed himself into that space. Wasn't he a tiny bit concerned about getting stuck. I'm sure that the engineers and builders never imagined a day when tourists would try to do that. I have to say that I too am too claustrophobic to give that a go. Anyway, thoroughly enjoyed this blog. Although I must admit that I'm glad that I got to enjoy Vietnam before the heat, as you guys look like you were melting. Love, Carrie:) |
| 4th June 2009 Carly & Craig | - From: Is it Ho Chi Minh? Or Saigon? Hey Mom and Dad! Wow - the shots of Dad getting into the tunnel are amazing! I can't believe he did it... Terrifying! I can't believe that we'll seeing you soon... almost one week! Craig says that he can't wait to pick up the international school banner and keep the legacy alive. Love you both! Carly and Craig |
| 8th May 2009 aimsey and roelie | Pingyao's a great place to visit.... - From: Pingyao: Raise the Red Lanterns! Hi Carrie, Thanks for dropping by! And yes, we really enjoyed seeing the ancient China, but we'll always hold a soft spot for ol' Shanghai. Glad you enjoyed the blog and pics...looking forward to seeing you soon! As Dorothy said, there's no place like home (and we do mean T.O...:-) Love, Amy & Roel |
| 8th May 2009 aimsey and roelie | Number One Daughter and son-in-law - From: Pingyao: Raise the Red Lanterns! Honourable children, Your most honourable and excellent parents have accepted your felications, and have decided that number one daughter is in our favour...honourable son-in-law should remember: kill the chicken and you get monkey... or if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. Honourable Father and Mother. |
| 8th May 2009 Carrie | Stars in your own movie. - From: Pingyao: Raise the Red Lanterns! This is, what I think, most people imagine China to be. I know that Shanghai is a great place to live and to work but it must be wonderful to see this side of the country. I remembered the people on our boat tour wanting us to be in their pictures. The way they did it was really quite flattering. So, I particularly enjoyed the photo of you guys in that really cute cafe with the locals snapping your picture. You should print that one. I shared your blog with one of my Grade Three students and he was really impressed. Take care. Love, Carrie:) |
| 8th May 2009 aimsey and roelie | Monkey and a Parasol? Check! - From: Pingyao: Raise the Red Lanterns! Hi Johanna...thanks for the nice comments. And, yes, we're packing it all in over here--in more ways than one! We'll be starting the big pack for home soon, and that's slightly daunting...so not so sure about fitting in either of the above, but we'll take your suggestions under advisement:-) Looking forward to seeing you soon! Love, Amy & Roel |
| 8th May 2009 Carly | My Wonderful Parents - From: Pingyao: Raise the Red Lanterns! Hello Your Excellencies, I find nothing funny about these photos. I think you both look extremely dignified and wise in every single picture. Thank you both for being such great people. Your Eternally Filial Daughter, Carly |
| 8th May 2009 Craig | monkey see monkey view - From: Pingyao: Raise the Red Lanterns! Wow! Quite a world away from Shanghai, huh? I love the "Town Building" picture- what an amazing view. Imagine going 90+ floors up for a martini there!? Speaking of views, it appears as if the monkey is quite enamored with his. I have yet to figure out if it is Roel himself that he is intrigued with or could it be that the monkey is able to see his own reflection? |
| 7th May 2009 Johanna Chambers | New Looks - From: Pingyao: Raise the Red Lanterns! Thanks for another beautifully written blog with captivating, and hilarious tales of travel. You guys really do pack in all in! So...I have a suggestion. Amy; from now on I think you should sport a parasol, it suits you! And Roel, make sure to bring a monkey home with you- the look on your face in the photo tells me you'd be a happy pair. Looking forward to seeing you both home soon! Love johanna |
| 15th April 2009 aimsey and roelie | To: Reindeer? Where did Roel sleep? - From: Ching Ming in Chong Ming Imagine, being called an animal and being refused entry to good hotels. Carefully nurturing my reputation over the years finally seems to have paid off. Love R |
| 15th April 2009 aimsey and roelie | Easier for sure... - From: Ching Ming in Chong Ming Hey Car, Thanks for the insight. I think you may be on to something. Perhaps it's the feng shui, or maybe it's the Tao vibes...but something's conspiring against us....which is a good thing, since either way we're homeward bound soon. But even though Shanghai's become our home-away-from-home, we're looking forward to coming back to our real home....can't wait! Be seeing you! Love, Amy & Roel |
| 15th April 2009 aimsey and roelie | Horses in the Mist - From: Ching Ming in Chong Ming Hey Chalo, After reading (and remembering) about your trip to Pongu Islands, I felt better about our island experience, which sounds now like an idyllic retreat. Oh well, you're right...they're all fun times:) Thanks for the website...I checked it out and, unfortunately, the ecovillage debacle sounds all too familiar. But let's hope the villages are at least a learning experience...I know this trip has been for us! Looking forward to seeing you soon, Keep the great comments coming! Love, Amy & Roel |
| 7th April 2009 Craig | Where did Roel sleep? - From: Ching Ming in Chong Ming Obviously, with such strict rules posted at the hotel, Roel was turned away at the door. |
| 7th April 2009 Car;y | Reindeer? - From: Ching Ming in Chong Ming I didn't know animal life still existed in China... Oops, pardon me, Dad's over there. :) Nice to see you two enjoying your remaining few months... It sounds like you'll miss Shanghai a bit when you get home. I personally think that, despite the madness and the noise and the soot, Shanghai's a pretty fun place to live. Can't wait to see you when you get home though! Love Car |
| 6th April 2009 Carrie | This might make it easier to come to your 'real' home. - From: Ching Ming in Chong Ming I remember in the months just before I left Mexico, everything seemed to go wrong, as in difficult to do or arrange anything. In my mind this somehow made it easier for me to leave what had, in essence become my home as well. So, maybe that's what's happening now as in this little excursion that seems from your blog to have been somewhat disappointing.....photos are good, though, especially the deer, the horse, and you guys on the boats. |
| 6th April 2009 Chalo | reindeer, horses, centaurs oh my - From: Ching Ming in Chong Ming I love the pic of the horse in the mist -very cool. Did you see a Centaur? This reminds me of my adventure to Pongu Islands. It was the off season and I took a boat to the wrong island -the industrial island. There was a military base and a huge heap of China's garbage burning all day and all night. Those were fun times! I literally stayed the night and got on the first ferry back to the main land... Here's a link to an interesting article I found about China's emerging "ecovillages" (something that Im very interested in!) -hope you enjoy. http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/chinas-first-ecovillage-proves-a-hard-sell/2006/08/25/1156012740582.html?page=fullpage# Love u guys! Take care, Chalo |
| 15th February 2009 aimsey and roelie | what's for dinner? - From: Cambodia - a land of ghosts The dog tasted delicious, thank you very much. |
| 14th February 2009 Carly | Pics - From: Cambodia - a land of ghosts I just took a lot at the pics. Some comments: 1) Dad cooking??! 2) What is up with that dog?! |