Huda's Nomadic Adventure

Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living

2013-05-14T19:56:00.000-07:00

Inspiring words by Ms. Miriam Beard and true from my experience traveling to different countries. Here are the rest of my pictures from Cuba, this time from Trinidad and Santa Clara.

Trinidad - beautiful city and the most Caribbean-like in Cuba

History is a gallery of pictures in which there are few originals and many copies

2013-03-30T01:40:00.000-07:00

It took me a while to process my trip to Cuba, mainly because its a place where you either visit for its affordable resort destination or to experience a country that has yet to find its place and stuck between a bygone cold war era with its decaying iconography and austere socialism amidst profitable tourism industry. Outside of the boring resort gate, also known as tourist prison (I'm calling you out Veradora) by Cubans, there are so many amazing local spots and artisans to explore. The jarring paradoxes and contradictory beauty in this small Island that has been a political thorn for some and an admiring force for many revolutions around the world can be overwhelming.

Our first stop was Havana and what an experience it was to be surrounded by erudite museums, alluring street festivals/theater and the everyday hustle and passion of Habaneros (the people of Havana). My favorite part was walking around UNESCO World Heritage site of old Havana, with its fascinating cluster of buildings and churches, mostly restored from near ruins in the past decade.

We met this interesting lady at the Historic Square - Plaza de la Catedral

We will be known forever by the tracks we leave

2013-02-08T16:37:00.000-08:00

Since we are going through an unexpected snow storm in good ol' Canada (aka stuck at home, can't go anywhere at the moment), I thought to share some of the amazing pictures we captured in Guamá, Cuba. I spend about 10 days in Cuba during my Christmas break including few days in January 2013. Just looking at the images of a warm climate, wild animals and beautiful architectural buildings makes me less gloomy about the freezing weather outside of my window. I'll probably post pictures about the winter wonderland that have temporarily paralyzed my city in the coming weeks, but let's enjoy the warm, beautiful climate that is Cuba for now.

For inquiring mind, Guamá is a municipality in the Santiago de Cuba Province of Cuba. It is located in the south-west of the province, and contains most of the Caribbean Sea coast west of Santiago de Cuba. After it was invaded by the Spanish empire, most of the Indian tribes (Ciboneys and Taíno Arawaks) that inhabit the island were treated brutally by the Spaniard, where the slightest infraction of Spanish rule, or refusal to accept Catholicism, resulted in mass torture and executions. Tainos who never experienced any hard labor were forced to work in gold mines or sugar cane plantations until they died of exhaustion. They were initially replaced by Native American slaves from the Southeast, but eventually, most slaves were either Africans or persons of mixed African-Native American heritage.

holding baby crocodile, their skin is so amazingly soft.

Music in the soul can be heard by the universe

2013-01-29T17:16:00.000-08:00

I think Lao Tzu was on to something with that quote. I'm bored with sharing my travel pictures, so I thought instead to share some of my favorite international artists and mini documentaries for the nomadic travelers in us all.

Through music and film, "1 Giant Leap" explores the universal complexities of human nature. Jamie Catto (Faithless co-founder) and Duncan Bridgeman set out on their journey recording musical jewels and words of wisdom with the cream of the world's thinkers, writers and entertainers along the way. The duo traveled to the farthest corners of the planet, to ensure immense cultural diversity in this time capsule of humanity at its most inspirational.

War does not determine who is right - only who is left.

2013-01-07T15:26:00.001-08:00

Happy belated 2013, hope everyone had a safe and joyous holiday season. Mine was spend relaxing and having fun in Cuba with friends.

I thought to start the new year with a topic I always wanted to write about, without getting too political. Let's call it.....Vintage Somalia, before violent conflict destroyed the land and caused so much horror and pain for millions of Somalis around the globe. I hope you enjoy these beautiful pictures from my parents home country. Somaliland, northern region is where my parents were born and raised, but they lived many years in Xamar Waayn (Mogadisho), aka Somalia familiar to most people. So to them it hits home when they see these snap shots of bygone time in Somalia, the horn of Africa.

Somalia Gulls -Mogadishu beach, 1979.

Canada is like a bird, it likes to soar freely

2012-11-12T17:54:00.000-08:00

I often post about the natural beauty and exotic spots of foreign countries, forgetting that nothing can beat the natural wonders of my home country, Canada. Whether its the red-soil cliffs in Prince Edward Island, the Great White North of Kelowna, British Columbia, or Chirchill Manitoba...aka the Polar Bear Capital of the world, we are blessed to be living here. One of my ultimate bucket list is to visit every city and town in each province and territory God willing.

Few weeks back I went on a short trip with my colleagues to Blue Mountain, an alpine ski resort in Ontario, Canada, just north of Collingwood. Even though we were there for a conference and the weather was too warm for skiing, it was a wonderful opportunity to explore this beautiful small town that reminded me of old Europe. Here are few of the pictures that I took whenever I could get a chance to explore and speak with the locals.

In Boston serpents whistle at the cold

2012-10-14T01:55:00.001-07:00

I love this quote by Robert Lowell. The first time I went to Boston, I was a freshman representing my university to participate at Harvard Model UN debate. It took me another 7 years to visit this amazing city again when my best friend got into Harvard as a fellowship candidate. This time around I behaved more like a tourist, meeting up with friends and getting to know a bit more about Boston's rich history, amazing architect and museums. Without any particular order, we explored as much as we could from Freedom Trail Granary Burying Ground to Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology. Here are some of the pictures I took few months back.

Harvard Yard

A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life

2012-08-31T19:58:00.000-07:00

These words by Charles Darwin speaks to my chaotic life at the moment. Sometimes taking a break from blogging and prioritizing what is important is necessary, specially when school and work is involved. Anyway, let's move from the boring stuff and get to more pictures from my recent travels.

When I travel, I tend to gravitate to my favorite things in the world, the 3 FAF: Art, food and fashion. So, when I was vacationing in St. Lucia and St. Kitts Islands, I discovered some of the most renowned artists and designers in the Caribbean, if not the world live there. In St. Lucia, we went to visit Eudovic's Art Studio, owned and operated by Internationally renowned master carver, Vincent Joseph Eudovic. His studio is a beautiful display of his wood carvings, I think I kept asking 20 different questions and taking a picture every second. Sadly, we did not get the chance to meet him in person, but we did speak with his son and few of his apprentices. Here are some of the pictures I took inside of the studio:

Vincent Joseph Eudovic son, Jallim Eudovic.

How sweet I roamed from field to field, and tasted all the summer's pride.

2012-07-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

Could not agree more with William Blake. Here are the 3rd installment of my Caribbean tour, this time the Island of St. Maarten/Sint Maarten. I found it fascinating how the Island plays into the caricature of its history. The French side clings to its European roots, while the Dutch side plays up its Caribbean vibe.

I have to say thou, out of the seven Islands my friend and I have been to, St. Martin was my least favorite. Partly because the taxi we rented for the day was just awful and did not want to take us to all the destination we wanted to check on both sides of the Island. Nevertheless, I loved the Dutch side more and would like to explore the whole Island longer in the future.

Live out of your imagination, not your history

2012-06-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

Wise words by Stephen R. Covey, to live beyond the condition of your history and find an appreciation for all that surrounds you. When I was in St. Kitt's and St. Lucia, I felt the people that I encountered from the taxi driver to the seller in the market have adopted such principle in the love they have for their country and the healthy skepticism about the ever growing tourism industry. St. Kitts and Nevis in particular are in the unique position of having the longest written histories in the Caribbean, both islands being among Europe's first colonies. These 2 Islands combine mountainous beaches with the remnant of Great Britain military footprint and the legacy of the sugar plantations; friendly local people and pulsing soca music. In some part of St. Kitt's you feel like you stepped into old Europe, while other parts are very much what you will expect from a Caribbean Island.

Brimstone Hill Fortress

If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you better stay at home.

2012-05-21T19:31:00.001-07:00

Beautifully stated by James A. Michener, a prolific author and a world traveler. No one can tell a story about a nation and its unique history better than him. I'm neither a savvy traveler nor a historian, but I've learned the value of getting to know the local people, exploring places far away from tourist destination and enjoying the beauty beyond resort and hotel spots, which always enriches my journey. In the words of Moslih Eddin Saadi, "A traveler without observation is a bird without wings."

When I decided to tour few Caribbean Islands with my friend, some of the places I wanted to desperately visit were St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Barbados. St. Lucia in particular have been my top choice because this mountainous Island has so much to offer beyond the usual sensuous beaches that the Caribbean is famous for. Whether you want to explore it on foot, on a horseback or suspended from a zip line, the Island will definitely leave an impact on you. One of the first places I wanted to check were the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, build in 1897 and Derek Walcott Square, a quit park surrounded by 19th century wooden building and the Cathedral. And of course, ending my long tiring day at the beach, preferably a spot known to the locals and less to tourists. I hate crowded beaches, so I always make sure to mark at lease 2-3 beaches that is far from most tourist destination and St. Lucia has so many amazing locations to unwind, swim and enjoy water sport.

Derek Walcott Square

Merchants and Pirates were for a long period one and the same

2012-04-25T20:34:00.001-07:00

Indeed, even in today's Wall Street corporate mindset, its nothing but a refinement of a piratical morality. On the other hand, there is something fascinating and exciting about the concept of being a pirate on the open sea, well if one forgets the short lived danger and murderous business of being an actual pirate.

When I was touring some of my favorite Caribbean Islands this year, one thing that stood out for me was its deep rooted history of pirates. After all, many of these Islands are surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, an international trade center and port calls. One Island in particular, St. Thomas, US Virgin Island, seems to host one of the most notorious pirates in recorded history, Edward "Blackbeard" Thatch, who inspired the creation of Johnny Depp's character, in Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Romanticized stories of piracy on St. Thomas are common; stories of Blackbeard and Bluebeard pirates are the most well known.

Blackbeard knew how to inspire fear: in battles, he would put smoking fuses in his long black hair and beard. They would cause him to be wreathed in smoke, giving him a demonic appearance.

Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.

2012-04-04T19:03:00.003-07:00

I feel guilty neglecting this new little blog of mine, work has consumed my life. I'll be a better blogger after April and will update with more new pictures from Latin America and the Caribbean. Now about this beautiful quotes by Gilbert K. Chesterton, which speaks to me in more ways than one. Whenever I'm traveling somewhere, I pay special attention to places of worship and the mythologies/stories often told about whom we choice to worship or document in history books and display in museums.So during my visit to Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace Museum, in Istanbul, Turkey, what captured my attention the most is how early Christianity and Islamic architect, paintings and writings intersect in a harmonious, yet powerful ways. I'm always fascinated about those periods we often romanticize or look on through the lens of a believer and wonder how we would feel if time travel existed and we can experience it even for a day. In the words of Khalil Gibran, "I love you when you bow in your mosque, kneel in your temple, pray in your church. For you and I are sons of one religion, and it is the spirit."

Some of these historical pieces on display at the museum are hard to authenticate, such as the The Ark of the Covenant of Moses (PBUH), or foot print of Prophet Mohamed (SAW) so to speak. Regardless, here are some of the pictures I captured on camera and few send to me by the security guard at the Topkapi Museum (out of the blue he volunteered to email me some of the more sensitive images) since we were not allowed to flash our camera on some of these ancient pieces.

Topkapi Palace Museum pre & post Christ

The Ark of the Covenant of Moses

The Sword of David with Torah quotes engraved on it

Africa is poor because its investors and its creditors are unspeakably rich

2012-02-12T17:55:00.000-08:00

This quote is attributed to one of my favorite author Naomi Klein. I understand where she is coming from and what she is speaking about, but I would disagree with her. Africa as a continent is profoundly complex, rich in its diverse cultures and intellectual contribution, not to mention its breathtaking natural beauty. I remember the first time I visited my parents home countries, I was apprehensive and excited. I did not know what to expect and who I would encounter and the reception I would receive. I have yet to cover most countries in Africa, but Kenya and Somaliland were the best introduction one can hope for. Right after graduation, I decided to live and work in Africa for a year and what a blessing it was. Thanks to Youth Internship Program via the federal government, most of us Canadians right out of uni or college can work on various projects around the world and Nairobi was my choice. The buzzing Masai market, the fast and furious Matatu (aka public transportation, or as I called it daily suicide mission), amazing night life and of course working with fellow Kenyans and South Sudanese youth have enriched my life in more ways than one. Sadly, most of the pictures I took are either personal or work related and not for public consumption. Don't fret thou, here are some amazing glimpses into Kenya, captured by Alix, thecherryblossomgirl & SafariKenya and what a beautiful presentation of both country and its people.

In the depths of winter I finally learned there was in me an invincible summer

2012-01-27T20:06:00.000-08:00

I have what some might call fear and loathing for the dead silence and stark loneliness that can only come with winter. Whenever I'm back home, it always coincides with the freezing wind that feels like a cutting knife against your skin, the icy slippery ground and the endless rain followed by the uninvited snow storm. Even thou this year the gray winter hasn't reared its ugly head yet, I still suffer the blues over it. So, to compensate for being stuck in this weather for a little while longer (other than staring out the window and waiting for spring), I reminiscent over my travel pictures where the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing and the grass is green, to remind myself this winter will pass, if only with a bit more perseverance. Anyway, enough of my rant, here are some of my favorites moments this past year:

100 years old church @ Manitoulin Island - Wikwemikong

(The tour guide explained to us even though they are Catholic, they do not believe in Trinity, rather that Jesus as a prophet and God as one entity.)

One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things

2012-01-08T19:30:00.000-08:00

I live by such motto since everything we do in life is part and parcel of our personal journey on earth. By the way, happy new year to everyone, hopefully this year will be a blessing and an opportunity to achieve all we want and envision for our life. One of my new year goal is to cover more of Africa, visit more countries in the continent and explore the diverse, rich, historical and just fascinating birth place of my parents. One of the exotic spots I plan to vacation in is Mauritius, the beautiful island nation off the southeast coast of the African continent. Here are some amazing pictures from L'ilot Mauritius, found on the lagoon of the North-East coast of Mauritius.

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page

2011-12-26T19:02:00.000-08:00

Inspiring words by St. Augustine, I hope everyone is having a great time on their Christmas/holiday break. Here are the rest of the pictures from my trip to Turkey few months back.

Topkapı Palace

the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for approximately 400 years

A living civilization creates; a dying one builds museums.

2011-12-08T18:04:00.000-08:00

Don't know if I would agree with Martin H. Fischer on this. After all the human race has the tendency to glorify its past and record it for all to see or at lease read about it. Its a sanitized version of the horror of war and destruction that has build many of what we admire whenever we step into most museums around the globe, or tour the remnant of powerful empires. Anyway, continuing on to part II of our summer/fall vacation, here are some of the amazing historical and archeological foot prints we captured on camera:

The Archeology Museum

Look and think before opening the shutter. The heart and mind are the true lens of the camera.

2011-11-11T21:28:00.000-08:00

Beautifully stated by Yousuf Karsh, fellow Canadian and Turkish Born Photographer and Journalist. Three months ago I spend some time in Istanbul and surrounding Islands with my best friend and it was an amazing journey into the past intersecting with modern Turkey. The historical footprints left by 3 different civilizations (from the Byzantine to the Ottoman empire), the diverse culture, restless nights and the warmth and friendship we encountered have enriched our tour of this beautiful country. Here are the first installment of 4 part series of our visit and the historical and beautiful glimpses I managed to capture on camera:

Hagia Sophia

a former Orthodox patriarchal basilica, converted to a mosque, and now a museum in Istanbul,Turkey.

The poets have been mysteriously silent on the subject of cheese

2011-10-31T21:17:00.000-07:00

This quote is attributed to poet G. K. Chesterton. I'm neither a poet nor a famous novelist, but my love of all things Cheesy can be considered something of an obsession. Whether its goat, cow and even camel based cheese (yes I said Camel), original or flavored, I can eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. When we were in Amsterdam 2 months ago, I decided to look for a cheese factory and ended up at Amsterdams Kaashuis and what an awesome discovery it was. I think we managed to spend close to one hour inside the store, going around and snacking on everything on display. Wish we bought something for home, then again Canadian Custom doesn't appreciate anyone bringing in food from overseas regardless of the country. Here are some of the pictures I took around the store, just looking at it makes me wanna buy some more cheese.

the owner and employees in this little cheese factory were warm and welcoming to everyone

As a child I understood how to give, I have forgotten this grace since I have become "civilized"

2011-10-06T20:15:00.000-07:00

As stated by Chief Luther Standing Bear, from South Dakota. Don't know when my fascination with Native culture and history began, but I vividly remember being curious about a nation/tribes within a nation and their painful history being told to us in grade 4. Fast forward few years later in high school and all I read in Canadian history and geography books was always so narrowed and gloomy. Like the history of black America/Canadians and many other minorities, we are often told the misery and pain of a proud people, but rarely do we learn a more holistic picture about their strength, achievements and rich contribution to their present countries. Its often been said, history belongs to the victorious, but I beg to disagree. History belongs to all of us, we own it and must seek to educate ourselves and preserve the many diverse and rich culture for present and future generation. And not just the sanitized PC tale of a massacre (in the case of millions disappeared Native tribes) and the struggle many to this day are apart of for their own economic and political freedom.

Last year, I was lucky enough to vacation in Manitoulin Island with few friends. The purpose of our trip was really to finally visit the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, only one of its kind in North America. In particular, the Wikwemikong Pow Wow 50th Anniversary celebration, where many Indian tribes were represented from Oklahoma to Quebec. It was beautiful to see an actual reserve that was not just functioning successfully, but having their own autonomous economic and political structure, raising their families in these beautiful Islands. The reserve belongs to the Ojibwa, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples, under the Council of Three Fires. Here are some of the pictures my friend and I took during the celebration:

"One does not sell the land upon which people walk." -Tashanka Witko

Man's heart away from nature becomes hard.

2011-09-25T02:20:00.000-07:00

I read this quote somewhere a while back and found it significant in my life. The more distant we are from nature, the harder it is to see its complex beauty and appreciate it. As an urban girl, I'm more likely to hear the noisy sound of cars than to enjoy the wake up call of a bird singing. Hence, whenever I'm traveling, I make a special time to be near nature, whether its hiking on the wilderness of Africa, or walking barefoot on a beach at home and abroad. It rejuvenates my spirit and humbles me by reminding us all how insignificant we are in the scope of the universe. In the words of Kahlil Gibran: Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.

Here are some of my favorite spots from my travels

A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.

2011-09-18T01:48:00.000-07:00

Those beautiful words were spoken by Mohandas Gandhi. If you ever want to learn what is at the heart of any nation, just visit their local market and it will give you a glimpse into who they are and what they value. Whether it was the 'Suuq' of Somaliland, or the 'Bazaar' of Turkey, I was amazed with how rich in texture and color, what food and spices on display, not to mention how crowded and overwhelming it was. Here are few of the pictures I took while there.

Hargeisa, Somaliland

A Nation Under Construction.....Part II

2011-09-07T20:47:00.000-07:00

While touring The University of Hargeisa and meeting with its sitting President, I came across this sign and thought how profound.

The other side of Somalia....AKA....Somaliland: Part I

2011-09-05T17:45:00.000-07:00

I remember the first time someone asked me where I'm from, which is sadly more often than not and my answer has always been: Canada. In part because this is where I grew up and my whole identity has been centered on, despite the many travels I've experienced since childhood. Lately thou, I've been curious about my parents home country and its past before the misery of civil war and pirating became the global face of Somalia. Without boring you with the history and politics of Africa, Somaliland is the independent region that separated from Somalia in 1990, after it achieved victory over Siyad Barre regime. Its comparable to South Sudan with its history of oppression and political isolation and its quest to be recognized as its own independent country. This small country has been left alone to develop its own political system, election and social structure without foreign intervention, unknown to most people with the exception of UN and Western government officials. Its been truly an eye opener visiting Somaliland, the cities of Hargeisa and Barbera in particular.