Checking-in back again!

Hello everybody,

I know I have been gone for a quite a while, but as some of you whom I’ve spoken to during that time know, I was extra caught up last semester as history in the making started to take place on the other side of the world leaving me glued to the news even more during whatever free time I had. Between revolutions and earthquakes it was hard to catch up on everything that is going on and stay informed.

Also, while I still have to complete my last two French courses this summer, which start on May, I have officially finished my last semester at university, i.e. part of an academic year, at the end of Winter 2011 term, which would correspond to Spring back home. Last semester, actually the past two semesters were quite enjoyable and felt like an extra knowledgeable and delightful ride because I tremendously enjoyed my last two International Studies courses, learnt a great deal from work and put together a convenient and agreeable schedule for myself. I would also have to say that it was also partly because I definitely felt more settled, liked my new place and was more aware of the bearings around.

And since the last time I wrote, winter has been slowly and painfully trying to leave us behind. But before I had let it get away I made sure my bucket list for winter was fully checked.

I don’t think you can manage to live in Canada without having to eventually own your own sled.

I also made a cute little snowman

And in light of the revolutions in the Arab world, here is a funny video, in Arabic, I received a while ago from my mum and thought of sharing it with you and as always, please share your thoughts. I have to say that Bassam Kousa is one of my favorite Syrian actors.

I think it is a good reminder that instilling democracy of and by itself, as was done by the “land of freedom” in Iraq is a big mistake. An adopted or forced democracy never works unless people themselves have the aptitude, operational philosophy and mindset that not only allows them to realize democracy’s true purpose, mechanisms and benefits but also allows them to sustain and utilize it.