Friday, December 14, 2012

The Rockies Reloaded

"Back to the future"

I suppose as part of the 'Circle of Grad School', another one of my travels this year was to back to the location of my first roadtrip as a PhD student, the resorts of Banff and Jasper, situated in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

To be honest, I have seen more spectacular natural beauty in other parts of the world, but for some reason, the Canadian Rockies still appeal to me... Canada is home, and we are lucky to have such raw, untouched beauty within driving distance of Vancouver.

Ironically, during my first road trip, there were 13 of us who made the trip and this time there were 13 people as well... the only difference being was that 10 of us were newcomers, and some of the newcomers were 'new' to the concept of camping to say the least.

It is kind of funny, but in a way, this trip was disaster after disaster... there seemed to be some sort of mishap every day, and its lucky that no one got injured over the course of 4 days... and yet for some reason, amongst all the chaos, I still had a really fun time... the first time, it was an adventure due to NEW experiences... this time it was an adventure due to UNFORESEEN experiences... and of course, the chance to learn new things... to always carry dry wood to a campsite... to ensure there is gas in your car... and yes, even to learn that when you go somewhere as a group, make sure everyone actually STAYS in the group, are the things I learnt, just to name a few...

Sometimes, it isn't the destination, but the people who make the trip, and I am lucky to have found an exceptional bunch of people a second time around to make this trip just as memorable as the first.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

An Evening in Paris

I think it is safe to say that I have traveled more in the past 12 months then I had in the previous 29 years combined... one of the best parts of graduate studies is the chance to travel to different parts of the world, experience new cultures, all under the guise of attending a conference. In September, I got to go back to Europe to present my work at a conference in Belfast, Northern Ireland. While this trip was less adventurous then my backpacking journey through Switzerland 3 years earlier, I still had a grand time, and particularly enjoyed my time in Paris, France.

It turns out that this was a trip would test my preconceptions of the French, and their stereotypes...

First, what is not true... contrary to popular perception, the French are NOT impolite! We have all heard the stereotype of the 'snooty Frenchman', who hates foreigners intruding in their homeland, and despises the English language. Turns out this is not true at all! I found the French to be no less polite than any other nationality... as a tourist, I found that if I took the initiative to try a few broken words 'en Francais', most people were so impressed they would be extra friendly and respond to my queries in English... be it at a restaurant, a train station, or in a hotel, my impression of the rude Frenchman was totally shattered, and I must say that I found everyone there to be a friendly lot :)

Hmmm.... what is true? Well, the French are FASHIONABLE! I have never seen such a well dressed bunch. It was very rare to see anyone in baggy jogging pants, or torn t-shirts... everyone looks smart and sophisticated in their formal/semi-formal attire... everyone was well accessorized wearing their matching scarves and caps... really a very good looking group. I tried my best to fit in, and even did a bit of shopping along the Champs-Elysees to try and fit in, but alas, try as I might, I looked like quite the misfit in amongst a group of smart French blokes!
 
Oh.... and how could I forget... French food... and in particular French pastries, are DELICIOUS! Every morning, I would start with a cup of coffee (which was actually a shot of espresso), and a buttery, flaky pastry (the chocolate croissant was my favorite)... is there any better way to start your day? And of course anytime I walked by a crepe stand, it was impossible to resist... the sugary thin pancakes just called out to me, and I had to have one. At the end of the trip, I am sure I gained more than a few pounds, but who cares... it was totally worth it!

Paris really was a magical experience... I had a grand time. Trekking around for 14 hours a day, the memories of having my breath taken away with my first glance of the Eiffel Tower, taking a boat cruise on the Seine River, gazing down upon the city from Basilica Sacre Coeur, looking for hidden chalices in the Louvre, and imagining myself as royalty as I wandered in the hall of mirrors in the Palace of Versaille... they will all stay with me for the rest of my life.

Paris, je t'aime, and I hope to meet you again soon!

Monday, June 18, 2012

Oilsands: Boon or Bane?

Last week I had the opportunity to go and visit my cousin and her family who are currently living in Ft. McMurray, in Northern Alberta, Canada. Ft. McMurray has been in the news over the past 15 years or so due to its location as the hub of production and development of oil from the Athabasca Oil Sands.

From a frontier town of a few thousand people only 2 decades ago, the population has swelled to around 100,000 people, rapidly straining existing infrastructure. Therefore, along with development of the oilsands around it, the town itself has been extensively developed, with construction going on everywhere, from houses, commercial centers, roads and even a new airport. The promise of six figure salaries, and the ability to work on one of the most exciting and cutting edge engineering projects in the world has lured people from all of the world to brave -40C winters and converge on this once remote town in Northern Alberta. Honestly, I thought it was a nice place. The population  is diverse, all basic amenities are available, and at least in the summer, I thought it was a beautiful place to spend an evening.

After getting back home to Vancouver, I have spent a bit of time doing a bit more research about the oilsands and their development. It holds special interest for me, for several reasons. As an Engineer, I thought the project was fascinating and COOL. Getting the chance to see machines larger than the size of most buildings, and get a glimpse of a development site which is hundreds of kilometers in area is basically an engineers dream. Moreover, my current area of research is related to investingating some of the potential effects of global climate change. Production of oil from the oilsands is a carbon intensive process, and environmentally speaking, not very friendly. Undoubtedly, development of the oil sands has a significant carbon footprint and thereby is contributing to global climate change.
The following thoughts are just my opinion. I am no expert by any means,  nor do I have any vested interests in what is going on right now in Northern Alberta.

Socio-Economic Impact:

It has been recognized by economists that the development of the oilsands is probably the single biggest reason that Canada was able to avoid the worst of the global recession. At current prices, production and selling of oil from the oil sands is extremely profitable, and pumps millions of dollars into the economy, which in turn creates thousands of jobs directly in the sector, and thousands more indirectly in related services. However, some reports indicate that development of the oil sands has artificially made the dollar stronger than it really should be, and increases inflation. Therefore, the argument is that the economy is over dependent on the development of natural resources, and the strong dollar is weakening other parts of the economy, such as the manufacturing sector. Honestly, I am not an economist, and I wonder if it is simply a case of sour grapes, as power shifts within Canada from the manufacturing hubs in the East, to the natural resources which are abundant out West.

Currently, in terms of reserves, because of oil sand holdings, Canada is in posession of the second largest known reserves of recoverable oil in the world behind only Saudi Arabia. In terms of oil which is currently unrecoverable, it would have the worlds largest reserves by a long shot. It is only a matter of time before technology is developed to tap into these currently unrecoverable reserves and make Canada number one globally. With these kind of numbers, and the worlds current dependence on oil, it gives the country tremendous political clout, and may make our neighbors to the south a bit less condescending in terms of attitudes to the country. Proximity, and a stable political environment give the mouse a bit more of an upperhand against the elephant. In my novice opinion, I do feel that if we use this resource diplomatically and wisely, Canada can definitely use it as a power to improve our standing economically and politically on the worlds stage.

Environmental Impact:
At first look, the development of the oil sands is environmentally devestating. Swaths of forest are cut down to make the sites accessible, and toxic water from the extraction process is spewing into tailings ponds which are located throughout the oil sands. Pipelines need to be built to transport the oil away from Alberta and into the United States, or to ports along the Pacific Ocean for transportation to Asia. Moreoever, compared to conventional practise, extraction of oil from the sand is an especially energy intensive process, as the oil which is extracted is in the form of bitumen, which needs to be upgraded through a complicated process into conventional crude oil. Undoubtedly, the ecosystem of the oil sands is being disturbed and perhaps irreparibly destroyed.

My particular area of research involves looking at the effects of climate change on infrastructure. The main contributor to climate change is the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Therefore, I had particular interest in looking at how much carbon dioxide was being emitted as a byproduct of the extraction process. The results were rather interesting. First of all, clearly, it is an energy and carbon intensive process, and a major contributor to emissions. However, if we look at things on a larger scale, surprisingly, the oil sands were not as bad as some people make them out to be. 5% of CO2 emissions in Canada can be attributed to oil sands development, which is equivalent to about 0.1% worldwide. In the scheme of things... that is a very low number. Looking purely at the numbers, there are other sources of emissions which are much greater and it would make more sense to try and reduce them, than to worry about 0.1%. I still strongly believe that we should not blame China and India for trying to develop and consume in a way that the west has been doing for the past century. Per person consumption levels in the west are still faaaaaar to high, and I think we can make a larger dent in emission levels by consuming less ourselves. Rather than driving prices of oil up by cutting down supply levels, to me, it make more sense to try to drive them down by reducing demand.

Environmentalists fear that development of the oilsands will provide a ready supply of oil and thereby discourage the use of greener forms of energy generation. However, realisticly speaking, I feel that not making this source available will only drive up world prices further and at some point we would give into human greed and start extracting anyway. If not here, then extraction of oil sand would surely be done in other parts of the world. Rather, after giving it some thought, it would make better sense to make use of this asset to improve the countries standing, but to try and develop it in a more sustainable way. How we should do this is something that a proper policy needs to be worked out, and it needs to be done soon, as we are rapidly heading towards the tipping point at which we will irreversibly change our planets ecosystem.




Friday, June 15, 2012

Tuum Est?

UBCs motto is 'Tuum Est'... which is latin for 'It is yours'.

I have spent over a decade at this prestigious university, and have probably had my happiest moments in life, biggest dissapointments and have even shed a few tears here. The campus now has a special place in my heart and at times, I feel more at home here than I do at my own home.

For the past few months though, I feel more and more like a stranger on campus... the energy of being surrounded by young people no longer rubs off on me. I have seen generations of students come and go, and yet I remain stagnant. The surroundings have changed so much, and I no longer feel as if I want to adjust.

Perhaps these days 'Tuum Est' is no longer applicable to me and UBC any more.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Yet More Restaurant Reviews

Yes, I have been eating out alot.

1. Nooru Mahal Restaurant
4304 Fraser St
Vancouver, BC

Nooru Mahal is a Sri Lankan Restaurant located around Fraser and King Edward Avenue. Being Sri Lankan, the food was mainly non-veg South Indian.

I tried the Chicken Biryani, and was quite impressed. Moreover, the price ($8.95) was quite adequate. One of the lesser known South Indian gems in Vancouver.

Location: 2.5/5
Service/Ambience: 2.5/5
Food: 3.5/5

2. Bombay Se
7500 120 St
Surrey, BC

Bombay Se is one of the most widely known Indian restaurants in the Lower Mainland, mainly as they tend to serve up Authentic 'Bombay Style' food. Here you can fine chaats, sizzlers and other appetizing dishes that you don't find in Vancouver South Asian Restaurants. Alas, I have always felt the prices were far to high however.

They have recently started up a dinner buffet service to rectify this. The buffet spread is plentiful, and at @ $12.95, it is something you shouldn't miss.

Location: 3/5
Service/Ambience: 3.5/5
Food: 4/5



More Restaurant Reviews: Sushi

1. BC Sushi
2126 W Broadway
Vancouver, BC

Although I have been to this place many times I had stopped going due to a severe decline in the quality of service. The main reason for going here is that they offer a very cheap ($12.95) all you can eat special after 9:30PM on weekdays.

I am happy to report that the quality of service has increased (orders are no longer mixed up as much), and the taste of the sushi is still decent.

Location: 3/5
Service/Ambience: 2.5/5
Food: 3/5

2. Ji Sushi
475 W Broadway
Vancouver, BC

Ji Sushi is a newer sushi restaurant, located just across from city hall. We started going here for all you can eat in response to the decline in quality of BC Sushi.

In terms of all you can eat, I feel this is still superior to BC Sushi. The standard buffet menu found at most restaurants is applicable here, and the cost is only $1 more than at BC Sushi.

Location: 3/5
Service/Ambience: 3/5
Food: 3.5/5

3. One More Sushi
2155 Allison Rd
Vancouver, BC

One More Sushi is probably the most popular sushi place on campus. Reasonable prices and good quality.

Location: 3/5
Service/Ambience: 3/5
Food: 3/5


Restaurant Reviews

I have gotten extremely lazy with this blog, but am going to try my best to update it. For this post will very briefly review the restaurants I have been to in the past few months.

1. Saffron Indian Cuisine
4300 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC

Their grilled meat dishes were quite delightful. Good ambience, service, and decent prices. I recommend you drop in, if you are in the area.

Location: 3.5/5
Service/Ambience: 3.5/5
Food: 3.5/5

2. Boteco Brasil
2545 Nanaimo St
Vancouver, BC

Highly NOT recommended. The food was overpriced, and there was nothing authentically Brasilian about it. We payed about $20 /person for fried chicken wings and rice. Although the waitress was friendly, the service was terrible... we ended up waiting an hour for the food to arrive at our table.

Location: 2.5/5
Service/Ambience: 1/5
Food: 1/5

3. The One Cafe
6091 #3 Road
Richmond, BC

Dropped into this place on the way back from a Paintball outing. In general, was not impressed. Although the service was prompt, the dishes were oily, and not very appetizing.

Location: 3.5/5
Service/Ambience: 2/5
Food: 2/5

4. Pondok Indonesian
950 W. Broadway
Vancouver, BC

In general, I enjoyed this restaurant. Although a little bit expensive, I liked the food and the place seemed very friendly. My friends and I tried Karaoke for the first time in our lives here. However, later on, I queried one of my Indonesian colleagues who informed me that the food served here is not very authentic.

Location: 3.5/5
Service/Ambience: 3.5/5
Food: 3/5

5. Taste of Vietnam
1016 W. Broadway
Vancouver, BC

My friend and I had made up my mind to try out a Vietnemese restaurant, as neither of us had ever done so. It ended up being quite a struggle, as for some reason, that evening, all the restaurants seemed to close early. Luckly, we managed to struggle into this place at the last minute, and we were pleasently surprised. Although understaffed the service was good, and the prices were very reasonable. The spring rolls, and any of the soups are highly recommended.

Location: 3.5/5
Service/Ambience: 3.5/5
Food: 3.5/5

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Jab Jab Dard Ka Baadal Chaaya

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara was indeed a wonderful movie released last summer. One of the underrated parts of the movie was the amazing poetry penned by Javed Akhtar and recited by Farhan Akthar over the course of the film. The scenes where poems are recited in Farhans head in the midst of total silence (sitting on a boat after going diving, admiring the surroundings, driving away from the love of your life, around a campfire in the middle of the night) are the kind of scenes which we can all relate to in our lives, via different, often simple and unexpected experiences, and all have special significance for us for our own personal reasons.

My favorite poem from the movie was when Farhan is coming to terms with how cruel, and irresponsible his father was after meeting him for the first time. The poem is as follows:

Jab jab dard ka baadal chaya
Jab ghum ka saya lehraya
Jab aansoo palkon tak aya
Jab yeh tanha dil ghabraya

Humne dil ko yeh samjhaya
…Dil aakhir tu kyun rota hai
Duniya mein yunhi hota hai

Yeh jo gehre sannate hain
Waqt ne sabko hi baante hain
Thoda ghum hai sabka qissa
Thodi dhoop hai sabka hissa
Aankh teri bekaar hi nam hai
Har pal ek naya mausam hai
Kyun tu aise pal khota hai
Dil aakhir tu kyun rota hai


These days, I often listen to these words and try to tell myself that everything will be alright. Thank you Javedsaab for putting into words what I often think about, but fail to emote.

Restaurant Review: The Reef

The Reef
4172 Main Street
Vancouver, BC

The next new cuisine to try, after some thought, was Jamaican. In all honesty, I never realised that Caribbean folk had their own cuisine, and in fact, it is really a bit of a fusion between all the different ethnicities which inhabit the islands. However, I was glad that we went and explored these new tastes.

The specialty about Jamaican food is their use of 'Jerk' Marinade. Jerk Sauce is a garlicy, spicy marinade with a strong hint of ginger which is used to flavor most meat dishes which are served. Additionally you will find liberal helpings of Indian spices mixed into the cuisine, such a various curries, and Roti, which is often served on the side.

I ordered the 'Jamaican Bun' from the 'Special Tings' section of the menu, which was basically a chicken patty marinated in jerk sauce and served on a bun, along with coleslaw and plantain chips on the side. I particularly like the taste of the plaintain chips, as they were different from the french fries you usually get with a burger at most restaurants. We also managed to finish off a pitcher of rum punch between the two of us!

I liked this restaurant. The location is a bit far from campus, but the ambiance is warm and friendly, meant to replicate the Caribbean, and there is a DJ playing reggae music late into the night. The prices are not too bad, and of course, how can you say bad things about a restaurant which serves drinks with umbrellas in them? ;)

Location: 3/5
Service/Ambiance: 4/5
Food: 3.5/5

Restaurant Review: Vallartas Mexican Restaurant

Vallartas Mexican Restaurant
2991 E. Broadway
Vancouver, BC

Long time since I have blogged. Why you may ask? Well, I have spent a considerable amount of time EATING! :D More specifically, trying out new cuisines with a friend who shares the same interests...

Well, finally, after much searching, a good Mexican Restaurant has been found in Vancouver. I present to you, Vallartas Mexican Restaurant!

Vallartas is a family run, small restaurant, located at the corner of Broadway and Renfrew in Vancouver. While from the outside, the restaurant looks quite shady, and in fact, was a bit difficult to locate, since the signboard is not clearly visible, but this actually ads to the charm when you get inside.

Food is cooked by an elderly Latina woman and was served by her daughter. While the spoken English is a bit weak, the food is prepared and served with love. And what PORTIONS! I don't think I have been to restaurant which has been so generous with their serving sizes.

We ordered a bit much, not realising the portion sizes were so much... Quesadillas for appetizers, Chicken Burrito for my friend, and a Roasted Chicken Platter for me. Topped off with a Corona for good measure. In all honesty, we could have done without the appetizers, as ultimately, we were unable to finish our meals and took them home for lunch the next day.

Perhaps because of the individual attention given to each dish, and the authenticity of the restaurant, I really enjoyed the meal, and was happy to finally discover a place where you could get a decent Mexican meal in Vancouver. Considering the portion sizes, I would say that the prices are also quite reasonable.

Location: 2.5/5
Service/Ambiance: 3/5
Food: 4/5