I have been working really hard for the last 9 months, so it was time for a bit of a holiday earlier this month. Of course, I went backpacking!
First stop was Holland, and Amsterdam actually. I had emailed some Dutch friends to see who could meet up for a drink, and Seline, a girl I had met in Cape Town, South Africa said she would be around all week!!
We had a great time, exploring Amsterdam, Den Haag, and Rotterdam, in her fast, little Citroen. I was staying at a hostel, and shared a dorm room with 5 German guys, who enjoyed coming in around 3 am., and then turning on all the lights to laugh and taken drunken photos of each other!
Seline, really knew Holland, and she is such a sweet person. We renewed our friendship easily and enjoyed each other's company.
In Den Haag, we met Esther, my Dutch friend who lives in England. Esther was in the country for her niece's birthday, and so we met for pancakes at the beach in Kijduin beach. Great fun, and her little daughter, and mom were also there. We ate, exchanged stories and walked on the promenade so that the baby could play a little.
Seline and I later toured The Hague and Rotterdam, with Seline handling my chair like an expert. It was a real treat for me, as usually I am wheeling around on my own.
Afterwards, I headed to England to meet up with Esther and Luke in Hampshire. It was Luke's birthday that night and later on the weekend, we enjoyed a visit to Farnham, so the munchkin could visit the playground and we could enjoy a nice brunch!
I had a short visit in both countries, but it was so great to meet up with good friends I have met while travelling!!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Eastdale Reunion
This past weekend I attended the reunion for the 50 years that my old secondary school has existed. The events ran for three days and I was able to attend 2 days worth.
It was very surprising and humbling to see how many former classmates and friends had heard of the book, and the event organiser, Barry, even had a copy of "Travels in a Blue Chair" that he asked me to sign. Barry confessed he hadn't had time to read it, due to all his great work on the reunion, but promised to relax with it after things settled down.
It was so great to see so many friends from my youth. The favourite quote of the weekend, would be a fellow stopping, pointing at me, smiling and yelling "I carried you up those stair for five years!". Great stuff. Now they have an elevator for the students who need it and they have wheelchair friendly washrooms too! That's great, but in a small way it is sad too. With no elevator in those days, I sure met lots of other students who assisted me, and I am sure I would never have interacted with them otherwise.
Hats off to Barry, Debbie and their committee for all the great work! And hats off to the class of 77/78, as we were the largest, friendliest and loudest year at the events!!
I hope we all meet up again at the next reunion too!
It was very surprising and humbling to see how many former classmates and friends had heard of the book, and the event organiser, Barry, even had a copy of "Travels in a Blue Chair" that he asked me to sign. Barry confessed he hadn't had time to read it, due to all his great work on the reunion, but promised to relax with it after things settled down.
It was so great to see so many friends from my youth. The favourite quote of the weekend, would be a fellow stopping, pointing at me, smiling and yelling "I carried you up those stair for five years!". Great stuff. Now they have an elevator for the students who need it and they have wheelchair friendly washrooms too! That's great, but in a small way it is sad too. With no elevator in those days, I sure met lots of other students who assisted me, and I am sure I would never have interacted with them otherwise.
Hats off to Barry, Debbie and their committee for all the great work! And hats off to the class of 77/78, as we were the largest, friendliest and loudest year at the events!!
I hope we all meet up again at the next reunion too!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Kim and Nick are going to Europe!
This week I received a wonderful email from Kim out in Victoria, who said that...
"Your undaunted enthusiasm to travel is motivating me along with my husband in his electric chair and our three kids to train through Europe this summer and visit friends."
Can you imagine how great that makes me feel? To know that someone who has read "Travels in a Blue Chair" wants to get out and see the world, after reading my short stories....makes me really happy!
I can't even imagine what it would be like to go to five or six countries with 3 kids, while being in a chair, but I do know one thing...it will be quite an adventure!!
I have urged them to write a blog and keep everyone up to date. I know I will want to know what experiences they are enjoying! Bon Voyage!
"Your undaunted enthusiasm to travel is motivating me along with my husband in his electric chair and our three kids to train through Europe this summer and visit friends."
Can you imagine how great that makes me feel? To know that someone who has read "Travels in a Blue Chair" wants to get out and see the world, after reading my short stories....makes me really happy!
I can't even imagine what it would be like to go to five or six countries with 3 kids, while being in a chair, but I do know one thing...it will be quite an adventure!!
I have urged them to write a blog and keep everyone up to date. I know I will want to know what experiences they are enjoying! Bon Voyage!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Travel with a Mate - writing an article
I am in the process of writing an article for the website "Travel with a Mate", which is geared to all different forms of travel.
I was alerted to this website, but a blogger whom I follow, and who has written for the site. I browsed their inventory of articles, and couldn't find anything about travellers who are disabled.
Of course I will be writing about what it is like to backpack alone across the world, and hopefully there will be some extra exposure for "Travels in a Blue Chair".
What goes around, comes around - the world, that is!
I was alerted to this website, but a blogger whom I follow, and who has written for the site. I browsed their inventory of articles, and couldn't find anything about travellers who are disabled.
Of course I will be writing about what it is like to backpack alone across the world, and hopefully there will be some extra exposure for "Travels in a Blue Chair".
What goes around, comes around - the world, that is!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
My friend Harvey
On the weekend my good friend Harvey passed away suddenly. He is a great loss to his family and friends who loved him.
Harvey and I travelled around Ontario quite a bit when I played sledge hockey for 10 years. He was the coach of the team, and I was one of the players. We had similar likes and both of us loved topical conversations about sports, travel and life.
When I wrote the book, Harvey was one of the first to order it and read it. He was a great reader, and he was so encouraging to me. He liked the book, because he had been a backpacker in his younger day, all over Europe and in Israel, where he met his wife. I was always in awe of his stories and the things he experienced during the days of the Cold War, and he loved listening to my stories about my travels.
In these last few years, we camped together with our other buddy, John. We camped each September, once the camping season was quieting down, and the weather was still nice. Originally we camped in a tent, then for a few years in his camper, and finally, after John and his wife bought a condo up north, on the couch or floor in his new place.
We all had fun, and became a part of Harvey's life and family. Harvey, you were a wonderful friend and I will miss you.
Harvey and I travelled around Ontario quite a bit when I played sledge hockey for 10 years. He was the coach of the team, and I was one of the players. We had similar likes and both of us loved topical conversations about sports, travel and life.
When I wrote the book, Harvey was one of the first to order it and read it. He was a great reader, and he was so encouraging to me. He liked the book, because he had been a backpacker in his younger day, all over Europe and in Israel, where he met his wife. I was always in awe of his stories and the things he experienced during the days of the Cold War, and he loved listening to my stories about my travels.
In these last few years, we camped together with our other buddy, John. We camped each September, once the camping season was quieting down, and the weather was still nice. Originally we camped in a tent, then for a few years in his camper, and finally, after John and his wife bought a condo up north, on the couch or floor in his new place.
We all had fun, and became a part of Harvey's life and family. Harvey, you were a wonderful friend and I will miss you.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Accessibility Conference in Cambridge
One of the best things about writing a book is the fact that it really impacts people.
My friend Lynn, out in Cambridge, was attending an accessibility conference this week and informed me that she was passing out information about "Travels in a Blue Chair".
YAY Lynn!
I know that access is very important and we have made great strides in the last two decades, but there is still a long way to go. Here in Toronto, most of the subway stations are not even wheelchair friendly!! Can you imagine that in the 21st Century?? Terrible.
My own problems with access in the Third World has somewhat hampered my travels, but not much, as I always ask for help (as you know if you have read the book!!).
The more access, the more travellers in chairs, no matter what colour they are!!
My friend Lynn, out in Cambridge, was attending an accessibility conference this week and informed me that she was passing out information about "Travels in a Blue Chair".
YAY Lynn!
I know that access is very important and we have made great strides in the last two decades, but there is still a long way to go. Here in Toronto, most of the subway stations are not even wheelchair friendly!! Can you imagine that in the 21st Century?? Terrible.
My own problems with access in the Third World has somewhat hampered my travels, but not much, as I always ask for help (as you know if you have read the book!!).
The more access, the more travellers in chairs, no matter what colour they are!!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
eBook is a the new way to read...
One of the things I have noticed is that eBooks, seem to be really taking off as a new way to read "Travels in a Blue Chair".
The cost is quite nominal, and you get all the same stories, adventures and laughs!!
Here is a link to those who are taking advantage of this new way to enjoy a new book.
http://www.iuniverse.com/Bookstore/BookSearchResults.aspx?Search=balenovich
Download and enjoy!
The cost is quite nominal, and you get all the same stories, adventures and laughs!!
Here is a link to those who are taking advantage of this new way to enjoy a new book.
http://www.iuniverse.com/Bookstore/BookSearchResults.aspx?Search=balenovich
Download and enjoy!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Accessible Travel Netherlands - website story.
A short while ago I was contacted by Veroniek, from Holland, who has a great website for all travellers who are interested in visiting the Netherlands.
Veroniek was interested in putting up a travel story from "Travels in a Blue Chair" on the website, especially if I had one about Holland. Of course I did. Here is a link to the story from my book, on her great website.
http://www.accessibletravelnl.com/articles/message/title/A-wheelchair-adventure-in-Amsterdam-and-Alkmaar-
Here is some further info on Veroniek's great website, on what the aim is...
"This website provides all people wishing to visit the Netherlands with information about accessibility. If you are looking for information regarding the accessibility of accommodations, transport or tours, click on one of the buttons above to find out more. If you can not find the information you are looking for, Accessible Travel Netherlands is happy to find that information for you! Find our e-mail address at the Contact section."
Congrats on this great initiative, and many thanks again for including TIBC on your site!!
Veroniek was interested in putting up a travel story from "Travels in a Blue Chair" on the website, especially if I had one about Holland. Of course I did. Here is a link to the story from my book, on her great website.
http://www.accessibletravelnl.com/articles/message/title/A-wheelchair-adventure-in-Amsterdam-and-Alkmaar-
Here is some further info on Veroniek's great website, on what the aim is...
"This website provides all people wishing to visit the Netherlands with information about accessibility. If you are looking for information regarding the accessibility of accommodations, transport or tours, click on one of the buttons above to find out more. If you can not find the information you are looking for, Accessible Travel Netherlands is happy to find that information for you! Find our e-mail address at the Contact section."
Congrats on this great initiative, and many thanks again for including TIBC on your site!!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
A long lost friend
I have had the pleasure this month to receive an email from a former co-worker, who moved away out west to Calgary, after the company we both worked for many years ago, closed down.
Jean had thought of me and searched my name on the internet. In doing so she found out about "Travels in a Blue Chair" and was excited to contact me to revive our friendship!! We had always chatted at work about various topics, including our mutual love of cabbage rolls.
I will be seeing some of our mutual friends at a Super Bowl party next weekend and it will be nice to update everyone on how she is doing.
Also, I learned she now has a copy of the book. I only wish I could sign the copy for her. Who knows? I hope our paths will cross again in the future!
You never know what good things will come out of being an author?
Jean had thought of me and searched my name on the internet. In doing so she found out about "Travels in a Blue Chair" and was excited to contact me to revive our friendship!! We had always chatted at work about various topics, including our mutual love of cabbage rolls.
I will be seeing some of our mutual friends at a Super Bowl party next weekend and it will be nice to update everyone on how she is doing.
Also, I learned she now has a copy of the book. I only wish I could sign the copy for her. Who knows? I hope our paths will cross again in the future!
You never know what good things will come out of being an author?
Sunday, January 16, 2011
A British Library
One of the aspects of writing a book is trying to get it into libraries. Many people cannot afford their own copy of "Travels in a Blue Chair", and I am gratified that many libraries in North America, and even Australia have multiple copies available to lend out.
Unfortunately, there are no copies in any British library (at least that I know of). If you live in Britain, could you please request that your local library pick up a copy to put on the shelves? I think it would be a great way to start off the year!!
And please let me know if you are successful ....Cheers!
Unfortunately, there are no copies in any British library (at least that I know of). If you live in Britain, could you please request that your local library pick up a copy to put on the shelves? I think it would be a great way to start off the year!!
And please let me know if you are successful ....Cheers!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Visitors since Jan 11, 2009