Bhangra, saris and palak paneer: a tale of a sari and acceptance
My friend, Aditi, whose family is from Punjab, India invited me to her brother’s wedding reception.
Stepping into a vegetarian heaven
Newly landed in Vancouver, I remember the remarks I heard before my departure from Montreal.
Support for cultural travellers
On the morning commute, or indeed whenever I ride the SkyTrain, I am struck by the image of the many hands clasping the central stand for support.
I don’t know why, but today I felt like having chips
It never happens to me, but it did happen.
My life is an ongoing cultural journey
Three countries represent different stages of my life: the Philippines, Japan and Canada.
Sport in the City
Before arriving in Vancouver, an abundance of googled images of the city flooded my mind.
Language Exchange
Ní hǎo mā? I fumbled over the basic greeting in Mandarin for the third time.
City of Lights, City of Glass: a yogic balance
Lotus Land, Raincouver, Vansterdam – you probably already know all of Vancouver’s nicknames.
More than an education
Raised in a rich and predominantly white town in the southern interior of B.C., I was not often exposed to other races and cultures while growing up.
Where liberty dwells, there is my country
It’s been just over eleven months since my family and I landed in Vancouver.
Notes on a Paradise
My feet had hardly touched the ground in Vancouver after a decade long absence before I was inundated with the phrase: “British Columbia.
Close encounters in unexpected places
When I look closely, I see a variety of people and cultures in many places – on university campuses, while travelling and in social settings.
Two is more than just 1+1
At my high school, curious teachers and classmates sometimes ask me, “What language do you speak at home? English or Mandarin?”
I tell them I speak both.