Bangkok, Thailand…

  At the heart of the Omphalos Cafe is the awakened awareness that all Life is One and that we are all citizens of the world and Nature. 

  And having awakened to that understanding I’ve largely dedicated the final phases of my life, however many years that might comprise, to singing that song regardless of how off-key my voice might sound. 

  With this in mind I feel it incumbent upon myself to get out there and explore this vast planet I feel myself both a citizen of and however awkwardly so a spokesperson for. And so my fall and early winter travel itinerary is gradually taking shape. 

  Last year’s fall trip included a flight to Vancouver and a seventeen day crossing of the Pacific aboard a cruise ship landing in Yokohama, Japan. From there I hopped over to Hong Kong and then Thailand. It was an inaugural toe dipping into deeper Asia, having had my first taste of Japan the year before. 

  This year will be different. Here are the plans so far:

  In early November I take a Canadian VIA Rail train from Montreal to Toronto for a brief visit with the family. From there I’ll board a four day transcontinental VIA Rail train bound for Vancouver, where again I’ll spend a few days, this time catching up with old friends. 

  Then I’ll fly from Vancouver to Tokyo for a further two weeks or so voyage through the southern provinces of that marvellous land. And from there, possibly Osaka or Fukuoka near the southern tip of Japan, I’ll fly to mainland China for a month’s exploration of that fabled land and modern day wonder.  

  Perhaps, and this part hasn’t been worked out yet, I’ll swing by Taiwan on my way back to Tokyo before the return flight to Canada. We’ll see. 

The truth is I don’t exactly enjoy the confined spaces of flying so I tend to minimize time in an airplane seat as best I can. Hence the Vancouver Tokyo flights rather than direct into China.

  All along the way, wi-fi and internet permitting, the intention is to blog on a daily basis about my travels, my impressions, and my love for all Life across this vast magically wonderful planet earth. 

My hope is that something of what I write resonates with you the reader in one form or another.

  Life is One and It is ubiquitous…

  It is everywhere…

  And It is us…!