Even if I cannot thrive, I hope to at least survive

In the midst of life's rapid pace, I find myself contemplating the consequences of my choices. Sometimes, these choices lead to bitter outcomes, while other times they bring happiness and rewards. However, the process of navigating through life's challenges can be arduous. It often feels like I am traversing a tangled path, filled with sadness, frustration, pain, and constant worries. In such moments, all I desire is a sense of peace and a calm mind that can help me make proper decisions. 

However, it seems that when I am at a disadvantage, people around me tend to emotionally manipulate and blackmail me, further complicating my journey. Nonetheless, I hold onto hope that one day the tides will turn, and my circumstances will take a more positive course. Even if I cannot thrive, I hope to at least survive. May my situation improve and bring about a brighter future. 

Abbotsford Tulip Festival

 

On May 6th, 2023, my wife and I had the pleasure of visiting the Abbotsford Tulip Festival with Joemar, Mercy, and Joemar's friend Marco's family. This festival was a breathtaking display of the natural beauty of tulips, a flower that I had only seen in photographs or as desktop wallpaper since my high school years. The festival was filled with hundreds and thousands of tulips, each with its unique color and fragrance, and was truly a heaven on earth. People from all walks of life paid daily visits to witness the rare moments of these picturesque flower plants.

The experience of being among these flowers and enjoying their beauty was satisfying and gave us immense happiness. My wife took several photos to capture the vibrant colors and intricate details of the tulips, and we had a great day thanks to Joemar and Mercy. The gloomy weather did not dampen our spirits, and we left feeling inspired by the natural beauty around us. We hope to attend similar festivals in the future and immerse ourselves in the wonders of nature.

On our way back, we decided to stop by Queen Elizabeth Park, one of the biggest parks in Vancouver. The serenity and beauty of the park were mesmerizing as we strolled through it, admiring the unique presence of plants and landscapes that reminded me of my home country. The natural surroundings offered a peaceful escape from the bustling city, and we felt grateful for the opportunity to enjoy the park's tranquil atmosphere.

The following day, May 7th, 2023, we headed to Jericho Beach and had a lot of fun exploring the sandy shoreline and ocean views. The weekend spent exploring Vancouver's natural beauty was worth our time and left us with unforgettable memories. It's always a privilege to experience the wonders of nature, and we were grateful for the opportunity to immerse ourselves in it. The Abbotsford Tulip Festival, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Jericho Beach are just a few examples of the natural beauty that Vancouver has to offer, and we feel fortunate to have experienced them.

Vancouver Zoo

April 29, 2023

Today was a day filled with excitement, new experiences, and some mixed emotions. My friend Joemar and his wife Mercy hatched a plan to visit a zoo at Langlay, and I decided to join them along with Joemar's friend and his family. It was an hour-long drive to reach the Vancouver Zoo, and upon arrival, we were greeted by thousands of people. The sight of animals trapped inside the fence was heartbreaking. As I stood there, watching the wild animals in the enclosure, I couldn't help but wonder how they must feel being confined in such a small space. Although it was a pleasure to see them up close and witness their beauty and power, I couldn't shake off the feeling of sadness and guilt. If we were the ones trapped in a cage, how would we feel? It made me reflect on the importance of treating animals with respect and giving them the freedom to live as they were meant to. We must learn to appreciate and admire them from a distance, without exploiting or manipulating their natural instincts for our own pleasure or commercial gain. I also couldn't help but think of Maya Angelo's poem "I know why the caged bird sings" and how sad it is when people commercialize and manipulate the animal's natural instincts.

After spending some time at the zoo, we headed towards Arch Peace Park located at the border of the USA and Canada. It was a surreal experience to cross the border and step onto American soil. The United States had always been an admired country for me, and I never thought I would get the opportunity to visit. It was a moment of immense pleasure, and I wished that one day, I could explore this great country more.

Later in the evening, we returned to Richmond and had dinner together at one of the Chinese restaurants in Richmond Centre. It was a perfect way to end the day, with good food and even better company. We made plans to visit the Tulip festival the next weekend, but unfortunately this time, my wife couldn't join us as she had to attend overtime at her workplace. I regretted not being able to take her along and promised myself that I would take her there one day soon.

Overall, it was a great day filled with new experiences and memorable moments. The trip to the zoo left me with mixed emotions, but the opportunity to step onto American soil was a dream come true. I look forward to more adventures and experiences in the future.