Toadlane - February 2015

FEBRUARY 2015

toadlane

No1

WATERLOO CO-OPERATIVE RESIDENCE INCORPORATED

EDITOr VICTORIA STACEY

LAYOUT VICTORIA STACEY

ADVISOR HAYLEY PRESS

COVER SHERRY CHiu

CONTRIBUTORS LAURA DOWNING, SUNDUS SHAIKH JES SEE NG SUMIT BANSAL CARLOS MEDINA, FRIDA LIU LU YANG, SHERRY CHiU, HEIDI FAN

toadlane issue 1, february 2015 3. International Travel Tips Jes Se Ng 5. Did you know?

Heidi Fan 7. The Pearls of WCRI Sumit Bansal 9. Fancy Ideas Lu Yang 11. Reviews Heidi Fan 13. Event Updates Frida Liu 14. The Artist’s Corner Carlos Medina 15. Dosha Spa Sundus Shaikh 17. Trends in Tourism Heidi Fan 20. Quite the Zoo Sundus Shaikh 21. The Cook Book Heidi Fan, Sumit Bansal, Laura Downing

LEtter from the editor + editorial policy Thank you for picking up a copy of the new toadlane magazine.

Members of the Waterloo Co-operative Residence Incorporated (WCRI) have worked to put together this entertaining and informative revival issue for your reading pleasure! Over the course of the last month, members have written poetry, recipes, short stories, and event recaps, have taken photos and created artwork for this issue to be a success.

All members of WCRI are encouraged to submit their work for this monthly publication. We are currently recruiting contributors for our next issue, which we anticipate will be even bigger (and better!) than this one.

For contributing to the magazine, you are given 5 pi bucks per submission, as decided on by the

Editor and Advisory team.

We appreciate all effort and work you submit to us, and every piece is carefully reviewed by our team. We do not accept offensive articles; we aim to be inclusive in all aspects of this magazine. All work must be original and created by the person(s) who submitted it. If your work does not adhere to the above, we will email you with the opportunity make changes or submit a new piece.

Don’t let this deter you from submitting your work however! We accept a variety of contributions. If you are unsure if your piece qualifies, send it to us and we can help set you on the right track!

Email toadlane@wcri.coop submit!

to

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

This is it, this is the best time in your life to travel and explore new places. Most young adults have yet to have work commitments or family commitments to hold you back from venturing out into the world and have a crazy time. Obviously, you'd presumably want to return in one peace so here's a list of things you should do or bring before your journey!

Security & Health

• Bring copies of your passport. If your passport gets stolen or lost you want to be sure that you can still get back into the country, or be able to prove your citizenship.

Money

• Look up the monetary conversion before you go. Finding out that one Danish Krone is equal to just 19 cents … bad surprise. Make sure you do your math before you travel to get a sense of where the conversion rate is at.

• Leave a copy of your passport. For extra backup, leave a copy of your passport at home or with someone you trust. Consider making an electronic copy you can store in your email account as well.

• Go to a bank or ATM in the country you’re visiting. The conversion centers in the airport or around the city tend to be huge rip-offs. You won’t get charged as many fees at the ATM or the bank, and the conversion will be exact.

• Register with your embassy. If there’s a problem in the country, this will make it easier for your government to contact you and get you to safety.

• Always have local cash. Not every place takes credit cards. Especially important places like trains or buses.

• Check-in with your doctor and insurance carrier. Double check and make sure that you have all of the proper vaccinations and that you have renewed all essential prescriptions. Also, ask you medical insurance provider if your policy applies overseas for emergencies. If it doesn’t, and you want to add extra coverage, consider supplemental insurance.

• Call your bank or credit card provider. Sometimes banks think that fraud may be occurring if transactions are suddenly happening in Bali when you’re from Toronto, and they will turn off your card as a security measure.

• Check the country’s entrance/exit fees. Some countries require travelers to pay in order to enter or leave the country. These fees are not included in the price of your airline ticket, and can range from $25 to $200.

TIPS

by Jes See Ng.

Photos by Sundus Shaikh

Local Research

• Buy tickets now for places you know you want to visit or see. By buying in advance you’ll be able to skip more lines, and find more deals targeted toward you.

• Get guidebooks. Guidebooks usually include maps, key words or phrases, and give you enough detail on certain sites that you won’t need to purchase the pamphlet at the venue.

• Download apps before you travel. Avoid downloading charges from your wireless carrier and get your apps before you leave.

• Research events going on while you’re there. This will help you make sure that you’re not missing be events going on in the city. Fun things like festivals, ceremonies and natural events. Also be sure to research as a few national dishes to try. You don’t want to leave the country without experiencing what its known for!

Electronics

• Bring a charger adapter. Countries have different size plugs and voltage. So if you want to use your iPod, make sure you can charge it.

• Check the voltage of your electronics. From my own experience I know that nothing is worse than having an adapter and still not being able to use a blow-dryer or a straightener because the voltage isn’t high enough for that country.

• Activate your phone’s global capabilities. There's usually a charge we doing this, but it is much less than the roaming charges you’ll get if you don’t.

Luggage & packing

• Pack an extra set of clothes in your carry-on bag. Don’t be one of those travelers decked out in J’adore Paris apparel because the airline lost your luggage and you have nothing else to wear.

• To check a bag or not to check bag. Each airline has its own set of guidelines as to how many bags can be checked or carried on for free. Make sure to look up what your airline’s rules are to avoid any incremental fees.

• Bring snacks. Traveling abroad is fun, but eating in a foreign country can sometimes become a task. Bring small snacks that will tide you over until you find that perfect restaurant or food cart.

These tips will help ensure that you have a smooth traveling experience.

Even if you do strike some bad luck ... well s*** happens. All in all, have a great time traveling and be safe!

DID YOU KNOW? WCRI HAS A DIY CLUB!

Join your fellow members in creating one of a kind do-it-yourself crafts, on WCRI’s dime! Sign up via the WCRI Community facebook page or by emailing your CEG for more information. So far, we’ve made Sharpie Mugs and Valentine’s Cards!

Diy Cards

Use cardboard, markers, stamps, scissors, lace and more to create one of a kind cards.

Project Cost: Approximately $3-5

Diy Sharpie Mugs

Use OIL BASED sharpie markers to draw designs or quotes on porcellain china. Bake at 375 F for 15 minutes. Project Cost: Approximately $10-15

Photos and DIY projects by Heidi Fan

The Pearls

WCRI is an oyster amongst an ocean of communities here in Waterloo. Every term residents get trusted into the community (the oyster) for comfort, engagment with society, festivity and a whole bunch of volunteering opportunities.

View WCRI as a silly rock covered in some ocean muck, or crack it open and retrieve the precious pearl within.

WCRI contains a tremendously diverse society consisting of residents from every corner of the world forming a network of cultures from which you can download life-long friendships, various languages, different cuisines, some swears and cheers to beer, awesome music, and whole new perspective on today's globalized world. Being a part of this society provides a sense of support and safety. It is common to see residents sharing kitchenware and cooking for each other as well. WCRI consists of 6 divisions; North, South, Kershaw, Clayfield, Carver and Hammar. Each division has a CEG, or community engagement guide, who is responsible for organizing division socials, dealing with roommate conflict and also encouraging members to get more involved. There is an Member Initiative Fund that residents can used to start clubs, organize events and make sports team that compete in the University of Waterloo intramurals. If someone is in need, there are residents hired as RP3, Responsible Person Per Property, who are available to sort noise problems, open locked doors and give advice on how to deal with a messy kitchen.

WCRI provides a key to its community through the many social events the social committee organizes. This committee is run by resident volunteers and its many events provide nights of entertainment and lots of free food. With fancy themes like a night of charm and winter wonderland, these events are a

s of WCRI

great way to sync with the people around you and blow off some steam. Many of these events are held at Weavers’ Arms which is the prized possession of WCRI. The ex-pub holds a pool table, various board games and gaming consoles, a projector and a massive set of speakers. It is a perfect location to party with your fellow residents and also to have a relaxed get together with various blissful distractions. All residents have access to Weavers’ Arms and can book it at different times through the office.

WCRI is a student owned co-operative, however, the office and resident volunteers are the glue we use to construct and fix our delightful community.

The Board of Directors are our governing body and they are the ones who are in charge of our policies. The board is member run and is a perfect example of WCRI empowering residents. Toadlane and the judicial committee are other volunteer organizations within WCRI. The judicial committee resolves member disputes and judges appeals to sustain order, whereas, Toadlane is a member produced magazine to which any member can contribute by emailing their contributions to toadlane@wcri.coop. Volunteering in WCRI not only helps members gain experience and build character, but also rewards them with Pi bucks which can be used to redeem gift cards of equal dollar value. What a sweet deal!

So instead of pricking this oyster as a grain of sand, why don’t we get coated by its community and transcend to a pearl?

Fancy Ideas!

People nowadays have more choices than before since many creative products have been launched! indeed our life is becoming more interesting and convenient than ever before. Primarily those creative products can attract people, while one’s lifestyle or attitude could also be changed due to these innovative ideas.

Did you guess what is it?

Ha-ha, it is spoon actually! So cute, isn’t it?

Have you ever heard about Capsule Hotel?

This type of hotels was first developed in Japan, and recently some other countries have opened Capsule Hotels as well. The hotels are designed for those who work overnight or miss the last bus. They have pretty high occupancy rate due to the low price and convenience.

This sofa seems like a perfect choice for people to relax in. They have different sizes and can be changed into various shapes, so everyone is comfortable!

These creative street graffiti designed by David Zinn are so cool! Let people feel warm and interesting when they walk down the street, and realize more fun about the life.

Human beings are so creative that we could feel surprised everywhere in our life.

Ideas come from life, and life is changed by the ideas. So, the more fancy ideas, the better our life will be!

REVIEWS

Life is Beautiful Last month was the 70th anniversary since the inmates from Auschwitz were released from the concentration camps. It is such a tragic and horrifying event in history that the Holocaust happened. Although such a horrible event in history happened, many films were produced incorporating the content of the Holocaust. Many telling stories from a perspective of the survivors of the concentration camps, or perhaps just told stories from the perspectives of the German people of the time.

Life is Beautiful is a comedy film that is told in the 1930s when a Jewish man courts a non-Jewish lady and ends up having a child, but during this time to be affiliated with the Jews was not destined to be a Disney fairy tale ending. During the birthday of the son, the son, the father, and the father’s uncle gets arrested and taken away to serve in the concentration camp. To hide the truths of the concentration camp, the father tells the son that the concentration camp is all a game, and that whoever gets 1000 points gets to win a brand new tank. In order to win the game, the father convinces the son that he cannot cry, ask for food, or ask for his mother, otherwise he would lose points, and end up with the punishment of death. I won’t spoil the rest of the movie, but if you would like to see a humorous film that’s related to the Holocaust, this film would not be taken as hard as the other Holocaust films.

Thinking back about the perspectives of the Holocaust, films mainly focus on two perspectives, the Nazi regime and the Jews. Many Germans followed and supported Hitler because they were blinded by the truths of horrors being done to the Jews, or perhaps the ones that knew what was happening to the Jews did not believe they have the power to stop the Nazis from murdering the Jews. Oppositely, the other perspective was from the Jews, the ones that are religiously criticized and justified to be murdered. Through propaganda, the Jews were not seen as clean and also seen as a threat to the German society, hence through this persuasion, Nazi followers condemned the Jews. There are two extreme opposites for both perspectives, but the perspective of the middle is hardly mentioned. Through the perspective of this film, the son is right in the middle, mixed with Jewish and non-Jewish ancestry. Although another middle perspective I thought about was about the people who were not part of the Nazi regime and the Jews, which was the rest of the non-Nazi population of Germany and the rest of the world, although the rest of the world did help the cruelty of the concentration camps. It makes me wonder what would have happened if the majority of Hitler followers did realize what happened to the Jews in the concentration camps and had moral values and not the ones that the propaganda suggested. Would the majority of them stop following the Nazi regime and help the Jews or what would have happened to the Nazi regime.

Foundation

Gift Cards

I have been using two types of foundation for a while now, a powdered pressed foundation and a liquid foundation. I got a Majolica Majorca foundation from Taiwan back in April, and this was a pretty sweet deal, since everything is so cheap in Taiwan, even Uniqlo was cheaper there. I also got a liquid self-defining sheer foundation from Amway, branded Artistry, and this was a very reasonable purchase.

Do you not enjoy spending all this time thinking about what to get your friends? Unless you are Monica (from Friends), most people don’t enjoy thinking about gifts for their friends. I mean sure for a few best friends that’s fine, but what about the people that you aren’t that close with and you really don’t know what to get them. Well, I’ve found the perfect gift card that says “here, I got you this gift card that you can choose from, and it’s so convenient, you’ll just love it”.

I really liked the pressed powder foundation because it is very convenient to put on in a rush. It comes with a sponge, which is convenient to take on the go. The powder is very light, but it does not stay on as well because after all it is powder. It stays on better if I base my face with lotion and sunscreen, as the dampness of the lotion, usually water based, helps the powder stay on. I then usually put bronzer on and the rest.

As for the sheer liquid foundation from Artistry, this was a great purchase, it feels very light and definitely will stay on the face, as it’s liquid-based.

It also has SPF and UVB/UVA 15. It might not be as convenient as the powder because I normally put it on with a sponge, but sometimes I also use my hands to put it on. It does not look as fake as the powder because it seems more natural, especially from the sheerness of the liquid, although the powder can sometimes be easier to see when seen up close. It is definitely not disgusting and cakey like other types of foundation. Also, as far as I know, all of the make-up products from Amway are all made from organic ingredients, so for sure it won’t be as harmful to your skin. I would say if you’re trying to go for an organic affordable foundation, Artistry’s foundation is the best choice.

Even Sandra Bullock supports Artistry, just YouTube her.

Liquid or powder, it is really up to you, but having both would be very convenient for all occasions.

This gift card is pretty amazing, you don’t have to go to a store to pick it up, you can actually just order it online and get it mailed to you with free shipping. Once the recipient opens the gift, they have the option of choosing from around 20-30 items in the brochure catalog. Once they have their eyes set on an item, they go on the website and enter in the gift card code to redeem the gift. Shipping is also included, the beauty of it is that the amount you paid for the gift card isn’t even on the card because the only thing that matters is what the person wants as their gift. There isn’t a few dollars left of the gift card or hidden fees! The main focus is really on giving a gift that you don’t have to really put an exact amount to, but allows your friend choose the gift they really want. I’m sure if Ross gave this to Rachel for her birthday, she would have appreciated it more.

I think they’re reasonably personal, but not too personal that the recipient has to exchange the gift. So the next time if you’re thinking of getting a gift card for someone, give the Gift Card by Ribbon a try. They are super convenient and saves you tons of time, and really show that you care.

Purchased here: http://www.amway.ca/Shop/Product/Category.as px/Gift-Cards-by-Ribbon Ribbon Website (about): http://www.myribbongift.ca/Product/Album

SOCIAL COMMITTEE FRIDA LIU EVENT UPDATES In this cold winter term, the Social Committee Group in WCRI will accompany you in this winter and this can be one of the BEST Moments. For living with us we want to give you back something too! We have already planned three big events that you do not want to miss out and will make this winter a memorable one! And THE BEST PART IS THAT IT IS ALL FREE and provided for. All we just want from you is to show up either alone or with roommates!

The other two events are still a mystery, but look forward for any new posters and check your e-mails! But we do know that it will be a lot of fun with even more prizes to give away! The only clue we can give you is that the second one will be on Sunday, March 15 for St. Paddy’s day. And the last but not the least; on Sunday March 29th, there will be the end of term Bonanza. It will be a party right before your exams start, so we will make sure it will be nothing less than exciting and fun!

The first one will be coming up soon on Wednesday, February 25 from 8 PM – 11 PM, the Wednesday right after reading week. The event is called ‘’A Night of Charm”, which is valentine themed, and will take this opportunity to allow you to meet with other members in the community through speed meeting. Not only do you get to get to meet other members of the community, there will also be many fun games to play and even more prizes to give out! There will also be delicious food served for anyone who shows up including a chocolate fountain to top it all! And to wrap things up, there will be a dance party for everyone to enjoy! There will be lightings and great music! So why spend this cold winter alone?! Why not come and have some fun! Even if it is to grab a cup of hot chocolate to warm yourself in this cold winter!

It will be a huge celebration for each event with different themes so do not miss out any and remember to mark it on your calendars! If you’re ever bored, don’t forget that there are movie nights for everyone, which you can relax and enjoy some food during this term; especially during this stressful midterm/exam period. The movie will be chosen by YOU! Remember to go on Facebook to vote for the movie you want to watch! It will be projected on a large screen for cinema experience.

More information about the time and date will be announced later. Keep eye on it! There are lots of fun games and foods waiting for you. So come out to the Weaver’s arm! Bring you roommates and floor mates! The Committee Group in WCRI wants you to have the best experience while living here with us!

An excerpt from

Ten Poems to The Lover and One to Destiny Carlos Medina [I] Tonight I nervously turned wantingly gestured toward a shaded door behind you.

Where oft’ in my faults there grow compelling reason In love there thrives a chaos.

The sensive portions where we Form together homes want space For things human as yourself.

And your newest space in me; One dark peculiar courtyard.

[II] My obligations cast Thee last of its caustic needs.

My Humanity protests You are my breath; I need you!

the Artist’s Corner THE TALENTED artists of WCRI

I play a game of terms: What if I’m otherworldly?

What if I decide I go?

What if I abandon this Whole sad semiotic globe?

Impossible! I retort.

These tumid airs assume We fly, but this science is Mere alchemy!

Show me a man who truly Cognifactures gold from scrap?

See? We’re bound to some bitter rules.

You are human; you must love.

My Obligations ignore Me and I coldly fleet From task on soulless task; I do not want to need you.

You and the Seasons Carlos Medina

Through this fall weather a new summer begins in me. In my thoughts we have surpassed the spring and you are beating down your temptress rays of heat. I am happy, and you are the sweet bloom I carry within the satchel pressed to me. I’m a wandering man like Johnny Appleseed, and your diary is the book I carry. And your pretty smile is what I wish to spread throughout the world.

Family Trees in Early Spring

Carlos Medina Acryllic on canvas

My name is Sundus Shaikh and I am an architecture student currently enrolled in the Cambridge campus.

Each term we have a design studio course in which we are asked to design a certain type of building. For this particular course, we were asked to design a spa for a site that runs along the Grand River in Cambridge, in Galt. The spa had to accommodate the following programs: Reception, Dry Sauna , Wet Sauna , Dance Studio, Multi-purpose Room, Outdoor Garden, Offices, Washroom/ Changerooms, Therapy Rooms, In-House Therapists

DOSHA SPA

by Sundus Shaikh

Emphasis also needed to be given to the atmosphere and experience of the spa. It is with this in mind that I decided to design an ayurvedic spa. Ayurveda is form of traditional medicine that originated in India thousands of years ago. Its main aim it to holistically heal an individual through diet, herbal remedies and exercises. As such, I chose to have the entire spa revolve around the concept of ayurvedic healing and experience.

TRENDS IN TOURISM

by Heidi Fan

Food & Beverage Trends in Tourism In recent years of the food and beverage trends in the tourism industry is that more local and organic

foods are being served more often. It is almost as important as destinations, since the tourists really care about the origins of the food and beverage that they are consuming. This perhaps brings many questions of why tourists care about such a quality, perhaps it is to support the local community or try the authentacious foods of the destination, or that having in mind that organic foods is always more healthier.

Since allergies have become a bigger issue in the recent years, allergy awareness have been more sensitive towards more service industries. More restaurants are offering on their menus of what possible allergy ingredients are in the food, but many are telling the customers on menus to inform the server of any allergies that they need to be aware of. Of course this seems more of an allergy concern, but moreover, the restaurants do not want bad publicity or anyone to die because they did not ask about the ingredients of the food, although most people with severe allergies would ask in advance of the ingredients used. Not only is allergy awareness trending in tourism, but many normal coffee shops or places that serve a wheat product would ask. For example, I am lactose sensitive, and I normally get coffee from Starbucks and ask for the lactose-free milk or soy milk on-the-bar for my coffee, it does not cost extra, as oppose to ordering a latte that requires a lot of milk. This dairy allergy awareness trend is also found at Williams and the International News in the SLC, where you can ask for a soy milk option for your coffee (which by the way, you can save $0.30 off if you bring your own mug) and they will open up a pack of soy milk just for you, although Tim Hortons is still lacking in this sensitivity.

Another common allergy are nuts, which should be more concerned in Asian restaurants, as peanuts is the common ingredient chosen for Asian dishes. Also, airlines that use to serve peanuts on board do not hand out peanuts anymore, instead they have changed to other snacks, such as pretzels. As for the wheat options, many bakeries are now offering a gluten-free option, as well as restaurants that serve bread normally. Even at Burrito Boyz (on King St. and University Ave.), there is the option of having a gluten-free tortilla for the burrito or quesadilla, and of course a naked option of just the ingredients inside a burrito without the wrap. Another interesting fact to note, for those who have a lactose allergy or really like avocado, Burrito Boyz also offers a guacamole that is dairy-free, which I prefer regardless of my lactose sensitive allergy, because it is richer in avocado and not water downed with dairy.

Besides allergy awareness, many food and beverage sectors, especially in North America, really promote the nutrition values of the product, such as the fat and calorie intake, even beers are advertising for lower calorie consumed beers.

Accommodation Trends in Tourism As for accommodation trends in Tourism, many changes have been made over the years, as more and

more middle class citizens are able to afford to go on vacations. In fact, the tourism industry is a multibillion industry, and also the cause of income for many destinations, mainly because you can turn the feature of any place into the reason for tourists to visit .

In recent years, since the variety of tourists have increased at destinations, accommodations have also changed in order to be suitable for all types of tourists. For example, many service places cater to various disabilities of travellers, such as ramps for the travellers who have a wheel chair or even a baby stroller.

Having these qualities of a place really help the travellers feel more at home and at ease, and definitely have a good review. I have a dog myself and I cannot go to many places bringing him around, especially in the winter, so it helps when I go call up a restaurant or destination ahead of time if they are okay with domestic canines being at the location. There are a few more hotels and restaurants that are more lenient in bringing dogs. Although sometimes things may go wrong, Home Depot use to have a policy where dogs are allowed to go into the store with the owners, but there was this one case of a dog biting the sales associate and that set the precedence of that policy. I know dog hotels are really expensive per night, sometimes even more expensive than a human room at the hotel, so if you want to bring your furry friend with you on vacation, it won’t hurt trying to call hotels that allow you to bring dogs, of course be very careful of the sanitation for you and your dog for your stay. As for restaurants, the Beertown in Uptown Waterloo allows dogs on their patio, but this will only work during the warm months. Also in trend that tourists look for in accommodation and food & beverage are equality and human rights, where fair trade products, service, and labour are highly praised.

Instead of the traditional hotel accommodations, other cheaper options are being more popular for travellers, especially the ones that travel around not so lavishly, such as hostels, Airbnb, and couch surfing.

Airbnb refers to someone having an extra mattress lying around the house and charging it for a nominal fee, which normally is expressed upfront to the traveller, of course Airbnb are not as legitimate as renting a room at a hotel. As for couch surfing, it is literally what it sounds like, a host having a couch and letting travellers stay overnight to sleep on the couch, and this is absolutely free. Couch surfing is aimed normally towards the young travellers backpacking, and not having as much funds for refined luxury accommodations. There are different trade-offs, if the traveller spends more money on accommodation, then they would have less money to spend around the destination, and probably will stay for a short period, whereas if the accommodation wasn’t as expensive, or free, then the traveller would have more money to explore the destination and supporting the local community, and even staying longer with the feasible funds.

3 Significant motivators of Tourism There are 3 main motivators for tourism: business, visiting friends and relatives, and pleasure. Every destination you travel to will fall under one of these motivators, even volunteer tourism.

You know the people who sit in business class on the plane or travel to places for work? Well, they are motivated to travel because it is for business reasons. Usually business people who travel to another destination will not only go just for business, but also check out the place. Although if they are super busy with work, the people hosting them would most likely offer the business traveler to see local attractions. The destinations for business are usually chosen by the business corporation, and the traveller does not have much choice, although all their living and eating expenses at the destination are usually paid for.

As for visiting friends and relatives, these destinations are usually more of a familiar place, at least familiar to your friends and relatives, and thus you would trust going to the destination, and also have a sense of safety. Visiting Friends and Relatives Tourism is the most common and is often domestic tourism, and the destination choice is based on where friends or relatives live, as opposed to the attractions of a place, and often contributes to the local economy, since it’s usually not only for a few days. For people who are more non-adventure tourists, they would most likely travel to destinations just for this sole reason because it seems more familiar and accomplished that relatives and friends are seen. I always travel to Hong Kong because I have relatives living in Hong Kong, but I also travel around to enjoy the countries around, but my main motivator is to visit relatives, but also enjoy my stay in Hong Kong.

Lastly for pleasure, this can range from sunbathing in Cancun, Mexico to volunteering in Kenya. Travelling for pleasure really depends what the traveller defines as pleasure to them, especially travelling to another destination. For tourists who like to enjoy and relax on the beach, going to a sunny destination with hotel resorts that lies beside the ocean is the best choice for those tourists. As for tourists who pleasure more in the adventure, backpacking and traveling through Europe would be very satisfying for these tourists. As for service or volunteer tourism, also sometimes known as the “alternative tourism”, can be a pleasure for tourists because the definition of pleasure is solely defined and drawn out by the tourist. Ultimately, the product of tourism is experience for the tourists, so if going on the a volunteer tour to Kenya to help out children gives the tourist a good experience, that would be considered pleasure to the tourist because their pleasure comes from serving others.

These three motivators seem to be separate, but they can all be mixed together for the reasons to travel. Since I do not have much excess money to travel, visiting friends and relatives would be my highest motivator, second to pleasure, and last to business, since I don’t have a job.

QUITE THE SUNDUS SHAIKH ZOO! Felix was unemployed for several years now. He had applied for many jobs, including those that were not related to his path of study, yet he found no success. “I badly need a job. Any job would do!” he told his friend Eric, who promised that he would help him find something suitable.

It was not until Felix had almost given up hope, that Eric finally called him up and told him about the strangest job he had ever heard about.

“The gorilla at the local zoo ran away, and my friend, who happens to be the zoo-keeper, was wondering if you would be willing to wear a gorilla costume and act as a gorilla until the animal is found”, said Eric.

“Are you insane?!” shouted Felix.

“It’s the only job I have for now, it’s odd, but they’ll pay you a decent amount” “Ugh, ok fine. I’ll check it out” replied Felix.

As soon as Monday of next week came, Felix went to the local zoo and went through a short training session, after which he wore a heavy gorilla costume and was sent to his cage. Shortly after the zoo had opened, crowds of people flooded in. Some children ran to the elephants, while others were eager to take a look at the large aquarium. Several families made it straight for the lion’s den, which was right beside his cage. Felix noticed however, that apart from the mere glances or short stops, nobody really cared to observe him in his cage. “Well if I am a gorilla, then I should act like one?”, he thought to himself. And then he began, running around the cage, making odd noises and lightly beating his chest. It wasn’t too long after that he attracted quite a crowd. Children stared at him with excited faces and the occasional “oohs” and “aahs” began to be heard among the audience. Felix started to actually enjoy what he was doing! He started running even more vigorously, beating his chest even harder and started to climb the cage walls. He eventually became so enveloped with euphoria that he started swinging on the monkey bars above so hard, and accidentally swung himself in the lion’s den.

Suddenly, his heart sank. The silent, ferocious-looking lion began to make his way towards Felix. Felix began to sweat in fear, began to pant, began to regret every single moment of that day. The lion slowly came closer and closer. Crowds of people began to rush to the cage, children were crying, some were biting their nails, others stood in silence. The lion began to come closer and closer. Felix was frozen in his position and began to pray and cry at the same time. More and more people began to crowd around the cage, some prayed, some gasped, some covered their eyes. The lion came closer and closer until he was a mere feet away from Felix. One girl screamed for help, but everyone was too shocked in the moment. Felix began heavily sobbing now and the lion was only a few inches away. His drooling mouth seemed ever so empty, and his eyes were filled with anger. Felix was prepared to take his last breath...

But then, he heard a whispering voice... “Ssssshhh, don’t say anything, we might lose our jobs!”

THE COOK BOOK SUM-IT-UP COCONUT CURRY sumit bansal

A vegetarian dish that can be made and stored for 2 days with each day adding to its taste and richness. The recipe has a mixture of spice with a creamy texture that you can’t get enough of.

Ingredients: ¼ cup of butter 1 diced red onion 2 diced chillies(optional for heat and any kind would work) 4 minced cloves garlic, minced 2 Tbsp salt 1 Tbsp black pepper 1 Tbsp red chili powder 1 Tbsp coriander powder 1 Tbsp garlic powder ½ Tbsp turmeric powder ½ Tbsp cinnamon powder 3 cups of cubed portabella or brown mushrooms 2 diced red peppers 1 diced green pepper 2 cups of diced long green beans 2 cups of baby spinach leaves 2 cups diced tomato or cherry tomatoes 1 can of 60% or higher coconut extract Directions: 1. On medium heat, setting ‘4’ on most stoves, add butter to a pot big enough to hold all ingredients. Once the butter melts, add red onions, diced chili and garlic.

2. When you see the onions lighten in color (purple to white in about 3 minutes), you can add in the mushrooms. Afterwards, add all spices indicated above and keep stir for 3 minutes.

3. Then add in the rest of the veggies. Keep stirring for 7 more minutes and add the coconut extract. TIPS: It is better to leave the can sitting for a while and only pour in the top 70% to get most cream out without pouring in water. Stir continuously for 7 more minutes and the curry should be cooked.

4. Taste the curry and add more salt if needed. The coconut curry begins to bubble once cooked. For a good test to check how well the curry is cooked, eat a piece of bean in the curry. It should not be too crunchy and should have absorbed the flavor. If not, cook for another minute and repeat process till beans are perfectly cooked.

5. The curry can be eaten with rice, quinoa or any type of bread.

Matcha Pound Cake heidi fan

Ingredients: (Make sure ingredients are room temperatured) + Butter - 130g (1/2 cup = 115g) + Sugar (granulated) 140g + Eggs 2 + Pastry Flour 120g (1 cup = 110g + 1/10) + Baking Powder 1g + Green Tea Powder/Matcha 14g (1/8 cup) + Red Beans (optional) 80g Directions: 1. Preheat the oven for 180°C/350°F 2. Mix thoroughly pastry flour, matcha powder, & baking powder together in a bowl and set aside 3. Make sure to sift all 3 dry ingredients together 4. Mix the room temperature butter until smooth enough to mix 5. Whisk butter and sugar together, until creamy and smooth 6. Mix the mixed eggs in slowly, whisk mixture until smooth 7. Mix the dry and wet ingredients together with a spatula Bake for 1 hour, or until toothpick comes out clean

grandma’S dressing laura downing

This recipe comes from my grandma’s kitchen. It is a sweet, french/catalina style dressing. If you are not big on sweet salad dressings, just use the sugar sparingly.

Ingredients: 1 cup white sugar 1/2 cup vinegar (cider or white) 1 TBS dry mustard 1 TBS celery seed/salt 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 1 can tomato soup (the one where you add milk/water yourself, but don’t add it for this recipe!)

1 cup vegetable oil Combine all ingredients, excluding the vegetable oil, and mix well.

Add the vegetable oil in small batches while mixing. Store in a sealed container in the fridge.

EASY CHOCO OAT COOKIES heidi fan

Ingredients: 2 mashed bananas 1 cup quick oats A handful of chocolate chips A splash of vanilla Directions: Mix and bake @ 350째F for 14 mins These cookies make a great healthy alternative than normal chocolate chip cookies. They're really simple to make and with only 3 ingredients. They might taste a little different than normal chocolate chip cookies because they're a bit chewy than normal cookies. Give them a try if you have bananas that are going ripe very soon.

BUTTER PESTO FILLET PASTA heidi fan

Ingredients: 1/4 cup Salted Butter, half to pan sear fillet, half for pasta sauce 2 tbsp Pesto, half to pan sear fillet, half for pasta sauce 2 Basa Fillets Pasta of your choice Directions: 1. Boil and prepare your pasta, prepared to be put into the pan after the fish 2. Melt half the portion of butter into the pan on medium heat, make sure not to burn the butter 3. On medium heat, pan sear the fish for 6-8 minutes on each side, then add 1 tbsp of Pesto to the fish 4. After the fish is cooked to perfection, turn heat to low and make room in the middle of the pan for butter 5. Melt the rest of the butter in the middle of the pan and add the rest of the pesto to create the pasta sauce 6. Mix in the pasta with the sauce and fish Enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Biscotti heidi fan Ingredients: 1 cup white/brown sugar 1/2 stick of butter, softened 2 eggs 1 tbsp vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 large spoonfuls of cocoa powder 1 tsp baking powder 4 pinches of salt 1 cup chocolate chips Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350째F 2. Cream sugar and butter with mixer until light and fluffy 3. Add eggs to mixture, one at a time, continue to beat 4. Add vanilla extract to mixture 5. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, in another bowl 6. Mix dry ingredients to the wet mixture until smooth 7. Combine chocolate chips to the final mixture 8. Shape the mixture into logs on parchment paper 9. Bake for 30 mins, take it out when it looks like cookie texture 10. Cut up the logs in diagonal directions to replicate a biscotti 11. Take the cut up pieces of biscotti and bake both sides again, around 10 mins each side