NOTES of a NOMAD #240 -All Work – All Play? -16 September 2024

Work-life balance has a big impact on our lives.

A balance between work and play improves our relationships, mental well-being and connection with our inner child.

People of all ages have more fulfilled lives when they have a good work-life balance.

Please contact me with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #237 -Hello from Romania -26 August 2024

The past week has been busy with my arrival in Romania, and participating in a public speaking summer school, and the Agora Speakers International convention.

I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting the amazing team of people at Agora Speakers Romania!

Please contact me with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #236 -The End of the Road -18 August 2024

After over 11,000 kilometres in the past month, the road trip to the Arctic and around British Columbia has ended.

It has been a wonderful opportunity to learn more about British Columbia, meet interesting people and learn more about road-tripping.

Here are details about my past week and some things I learned.

Please contact me with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #234 -To Tuktoyaktuk -4 August 2024

The journey from Whitehorse, Yukon to Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean and back was a six-day journey covering over 3000 kilometres.

The Dempster highway was interesting and so were some of the people I met and my car Charlie, was outstanding.

So far I have driven 6,785 kilometres since leaving Victoria on the 16th of July.

Please forward me your comments, questions, or suggestions.

 

NOTES of a NOMAD #233 -To the Yukon -28 July 2024

This past week I travelled to the capital of the Yukon, Whitehorse.

So far I have driven 3750 kilometres and one of the amazing side trips was to Telegraph Creek in northwestern British Columbia.

Please send me your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #232 -The Toast on the Boat -22 July 2024

This past week, I spent most of it with my best friend, Ken, and we celebrated my birthday at my favourite place.

We visited our old scouting friend Dave and then went on his boat to Ganges harbour on Salt Spring Island.

Please send any comments, questions, or suggestions to me.

NOTES of a NOMAD #230 -LEARN ANYTHING -See-Do-Feedback -8 July 2024

In a recent book, “Get Better At Anything” Scott Young refers to an approach that has been used for over 130 years in teaching surgery.

This See, Do, and Feedback approach is very effective and is used in many fields, including learning communication and leadership.

Please contact me with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #229 -Fifteen in a Row -30 June 2024

In the past few months, I have watched someone in the United Kingdom grow and do exceptional activities.

We have a weekly meeting with people from around the world and this nine-year-old girl has accomplished wonderful results to date.

It is exciting to see and watch her grow.

Contact me with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #228 -What Can We Do About This? -24 June 2024

What can be done about the challenges that our younger generation are facing?

I suggest that the outstanding work of Dr. Marilyn Price-Mitchell is very relevant where she highlight 8 core attributes.

You can find details about her work with free surveys and many articles and printouts that can be used to assist our younger generation on her website at https://www.rootsofaction.com/about/

Contact me with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #227 -The “Mortal Enemy” -17 June 2024

In my downsizing effort, I came across a folder with notes my father wrote.

The notes contain details about a story he often told about an incident in 1930 when his stepfather was driving his 1925 Ford Model T Touring car.

I hope this may be of interest to hear a little information about what the world was like in the 1930’s.

Please contact me with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #226 -Happy 30th Birthday, Charlie! -9 June 2024

At thirty years-old, it was time to treat Charlie to a nice birthday present.

I arranged a “spa” day for Charlie; he is looking and feeling much better now.

After spending the previous six months outside, my chariot, Charlie, my 1994 Toyota Corolla station wagon has been faithful to me and deserved the “spa” treatment.

If you are interested there is a previous video where I show Charlie loaded with my rowing machine and other belongings which is found at Notes of a Nomad Video #91.

Reach out to me with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #225 -Bob and Heather -Life Stories -3 June 2024

Attending two Celebrations of Life for Bob and Heather made me think about life, its fragility and impermanence.

Listening to the stories about others’ lives encourages us to review our values and priorities and have gratitude for what we have.

Also, it can be motivating and makes us think, “What would Bob or Heather do in these circumstances?”

Contact me with your comments, questions, and suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #224 -What a Ride! -26 May 2024

Life has been interesting in the past 80-plus years.

The changes have become obvious as I go through the collected memorabilia as I downsize.

Each decade is so different as we age and the world evolves.

This video may be of interest to historians.

Please contact me with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #223 -A Message from Nepal -19 May 2024

A few days ago I received a surprise message from a school I visited in 2023 during my last week in Nepal.

The Wings Agora Speakers Club they started has been active for the past year and they have invited me to join their meeting.

As I had not heard from them since last year, this was an exciting message!

NOTES of a NOMAD #222 -Memorable Things -13 May 2024

We tend to accumulate many items during our lifetime which can become burdensome for those who sort out our estate.

I have returned to Canada and have the challenge of downsizing some more.

There are some reasons why this works for me and it is liberating to own fewer things as they can control you.

Contact me with your comments, questions, and suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #221 -Travel Lessons -5 May 2024

Travelling can teach us so much.

We learn to be adaptable, patient, independent, self-aware, open-minded, and grateful.

However, we don’t have to spend a lot of money and time to gain these important skills.

Contact me with your comments, questions, and suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #220 -It’s Madness! -28 April 2024

Mental health is often not spoken about and considered shameful, but it is becoming more of a challenge in our changing world.

This past week I visited a museum at a large state mental health hospital in California and listened to three speeches that helped prompt this video.

I refer to a TEDtalk by Vikram Patel, “Mental Health for All By Involving All,” which can be found at the link found in the description of this video.

Contact me with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #219 -News Addiction -21-April 2024

Today there is so much access to the ‘news’ that if we are not careful we can become obsessed and even addicted to watching the news.

It has been shown that too much negative news can harm our well-being.

There are some ways I have tried to control going down the never-ending news channels.

Contact me with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #218 -Youth Programs -14 April 2024

Encouraging youth to speak in front of a group and even make presentations is something I have been doing for around two decades.

I have learned a few things and recently sent an award to a young 9-year-old participant for giving her fifth speech.

Having a variety of ages working together also adds some magic to the process.

Contact me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #217 -Juggling Generations -7 April 2024

I was impressed seeing the different generations collaborating at the recent rehearsal of the Great All-American Youth Circus here in Redlands, California.

This reminds me of what happens at many of our Agora Speakers meetings with young and old people working together to improve our interpersonal skills.

Today we have the wonderful opportunity to work with people of all generations to help each other become the best we can be.

Contact me with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #216 -Finland and Sisu -31 March 2024

NOTES of a NOMAD #215 -The Quote and the Email -24 March 2024

“I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I’m not afraid to look behind them.” is a quote by Elizabeth Taylor.

I also received an email from Gabriela, the Agora Speakers Ambassador for Romania inviting me to visit in August.

That is an exciting door to be opened as I plan to visit Romania.

Contact me with your comments, questions, and suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #214 -The Possibilist -17 March 2024

Nelson Mandela said, “People say it’s impossible until it’s done.”

I listened to a fascinating podcast with William Ury, an American author, academic, anthropologist, and negotiation expert.

His stories and approaches about some of the negotiations in which he has been involved are extraordinary.

You can find the podcast at https://tim.blog/2024/02/13/william-ury/

Contact me with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #213 -93 Years Young -10 March 2024

We can all learn something from Richard Morgan, a 93-year-old world indoor rowing champion from Ireland.

Richard started his journey at the age of 73 and had not been highly athletic previously.

His success can be partially credited to consistently doing various exercises, and having a high-protein diet.

If you wish to learn more about Richard you can find the article about him in the December 2023 Journal of Physiology. Also, there is a video about him and his test results. Links to the journal article and video are found in the description of this video..

Contact me with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #212 -What Are These Young People Doing? -3 March 2024

This past week I was in contact with some young people doing something I would never consider when I was their age.

A year ago I visited a school, Everest Academy in Nepal.

This past week a group of their students surprised me with some activities demonstrating that we should not underestimate them.

Contact me with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #211 -How Old Are You? -25 February 2024

Ageism is a systematic oppression against specific age groups.

Older and younger generations can often be excluded from various opportunities due to their age.

There are examples of older and younger people who have contributed to changes in the world.

We can use intergenerational connections and judge people by their strengths, not their age.

Please contact me with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #210 -Yuri-WAR -18 February 2024

This video covers a sober topic, that is war.

I just heard that the friend’s brother passed away from being injured in the war in Ukraine.

War impacts the infrastructure, economy, health, education, environment, and many other aspects of our world.

I hope one hundred years from now, that some of my future descendants will see this video and say that does not happen anymore!

Contact me with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #209 -A Message from Arnold -11 February 2024

“You can admit you can’t do it alone. I certainly can’t. No one can.”

This is what Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote in the foreword of the book, Tools of Titans, by Tim Ferriss.

Arnold has become famous and gives motivational speeches and talks and in his recent book, he also mentions helping others as others have helped you.

Please contact me with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #208 -Hiring Skills/Topgrading -4 February 2024

In case you know someone who is involved in hiring I share what I learned as a recruiter for fifteen years.

Up to 70% of people hired are not the best fit for their positions.

I share an approach developed by Brad Smart called ‘Topgrading’ which has stood the test of time.

For more information see the Topgrading website at https://topgrading.com/

Please contact me with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #207 -Virtual Team Challenge -28 January 2024

I share some details about what is happening in January on the indoor rowing machine calendar.

I have been confusing the local gym members as to why some old guy would come in every day and row for hours on one of their Concept2 rowing machines.

There is an indoor rowing machine team challenge called the Virtual Team Challenge for January.

Contact me with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #206 -Saved by Criticism -21 January 2024

At a recent meeting, people gave me criticism or feedback on a demonstration video I had created.

It is often challenging to cultivate an open mindset to constructive criticism, but this can lead to growth and improvement.

At first, I thought they did not appreciate what I showed them.

However, their comments will help make the final product better.

Please get in touch with me with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #205 -Clutter (Things) -14 January 2024

Recent conversations reminded me that often the things we own can end up owning us.

Storing the things we own can be a challenge. Storage has become a growing multi-billion-dollar business.

Cleaning our clutter can be challenging. Less clutter can often benefit our overall health.

Please contact me with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #204 -But I’m Not a Leader! Really? -7 January 2024

I watched a recent short video by Simon Sinek where he answered, “I’m not the CEO, how do I change the organization?”

The answer is you can influence the group of people you are involved with daily. This can ultimately have a positive impact.

You can find Simon’s short video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5VbM95rY58

Please reach out to me if you have comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #203 -The Middle Way -31-December-2023

In a recent Afterparty at an Agora Speakers meeting the teaching of ‘The Middle Way’ from Buddha was mentioned as we discussed the status of the world.

I found it interesting that many philosophers such as Aristotle and many religions have a similar message on how to approach life in moderation.

Please contact me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #202 -Comfort Zones -24 December 2024

Although it is a challenge, getting out of our comfort zone has many benefits.

We can increase our self-confidence, broaden our perspectives, improve our problem-solving, increase our motivation, and unlock our potential.

Please reach out to me with your comments, questions, and suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #201 -Changing Lives -17 December 2023

If you have watched some of my previous videos you likely noted that I believe communication skills are important.

Improving our communication skills has a positive impact on our lives.

How can we inform people about how they can improve their lives enormously by practicing and improving their communication skills?

Please contact me if you have comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #200 -“WHAT” 200 Videos? -10 December 2023

Should you ever wonder where you can easily find the videos that I have posted since February 2020, there is a website.

On the website, there is a list of all the posts with a brief description and a link to each video.

I describe the website and show the page containing the list of videos with links to each video.

The site can be found at https://www.notesofanomad.ca/

Please contact me with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #199 -The Elephant in the Room -3 December 2023

We often hear stories about families with an elderly parent suffering from dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease.

This can be very concerning for the family; as we grow older, it becomes more prevalent.

There are preventive approaches that can be taken to help avoid dementia occurring.

Please get in touch with me if you have comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #198 -Black Friday -26 November 2023

After arriving from Hawaii a few days ago, I had the opportunity to visit a local mall and noted all the Black Friday sales in Australia.

Black Friday sales started the day after Thanksgiving in the USA and appear to have spread worldwide.

There are many opinions about this shopping period which starts the holiday season in many countries worldwide.

Please contact me if you have comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #196 -Long-term Friendships -12-November 2023

Long-term friendships are important in our lives.

They offer support, trust, shared memories, stress reduction, fun, and enjoyment.

Last week three of us connected and had an enjoyable time sharing each other’s company once again.

Please contact me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #195 -The Happiest Person in the Happiest Country -5 November 2023

In this video, I discuss hearing an interview with Ella Kanninen, a journalist and TV presenter who was chosen as the most positive or happiest person in Finland, the happiest country in the world.

I think Ella’s main message is that “positivity means confidence in the future.”

I believe there are solutions to the world’s challenges if we work together and help each other solve all the issues we are facing.

Please contact me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #194 -How to Know A Person -29 October 2023

An interview with the authour, David Brooks about his recent book, “How to Know A Person,” inspired some thoughts about deep listening and helping others.

When we conduct effective conversations and listen actively to others we make others feel heard, understood, and recognized.

This can help us find common ground, solve problems, and improve the world around us.

Please contact me if you have comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #192 -Travelling Across Canada -15 October 2023

This past week at a dinner, Steve told us about his wonderful trip across Canada mainly by train.

It was wonderful to discuss the trip with three friends discovering much of Canada he had never seen even though he is an accomplished world traveler.

Please contact me if you have comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #191 -Speak Out – Lead – Make History -8 October 2023

With another conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Hammas the average citizen is the one who suffers.

I believe a formula that will help solve so many problems in the world is ‘Speak Up – Lead – Make History.’

We can all dig deeper into our lives, step up, and apply the above formula by improving our communication and leadership and making the world better.

Please contact me if you have comments, questions, or suggestions.

 

NOTES of a NOMAD #190 -100 Years From Now -1 October 2023

This past week I received an email from a high school student asking me to write a reference for her debate coach application.

Her mother suggested that she include what she wrote when asked about a person who inspired her.

This made me think about my favorite quote about 100 Years From Now

Please contact me with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #186 -Your Money or Your Life -3 September 2023

In 2012 when I was on a four-month overland trip from Cape Town to Cairo two of the seventeen people referred to a book.

In a recent down-sizing effort I came across a notebook that referred to the book, ‘Your Money or Your Life.’

I know the book had an impact on those who read it, so in researching the book I found some elements that I thought I would share.

They made sense to me, perhaps they might do so to you.

Please contact me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #184 -Climate Change -20 August 2023

I have noticed so many more extreme weather situations in the past few years.

When I was in Australia a few years ago they experienced terrible fires. What happened in Hawaii a few weeks ago was horrendous.
Here in Canada we are in the midst of the worst wildfire season on record impacting so many people.
As the world changes there are more issues requiring us to fix and thus we need to be able to change how we communicate and collaborate to solve the many challenges.

Please contact me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #183 -Rabbit Holes -12 August 2023

So many ‘rabbit holes’ have us getting deeper into something which becomes time wasters.

It is not easy to avoid them, but with some techniques such as setting some priorities and being aware of where you have spent your time it is possible to have a more balanced life.

Please contact me if you have any comments, questions or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #182 -Artificial Intelligence -Good, Bad, or Ugly? -5 August 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the latest hot topic and is being touted everywhere.

Is AI helpful? Is AI going to take our jobs? Is it going to take over the world?

I believe the key point is that AI can be good. It could be bad, or even ugly.

It is up to us to decide what and how we use AI as an effective tool and how we can avoid it being misused.

It is important to use AI as a tool that can assist us to create a better world.

Please contact me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #181 -Benefits of Volunteering -29 July 2023

Volunteering offers wonderful benefits, such as connecting us to others, is good for your mind and body, and brings us fun and fulfillment.

As a volunteer since 2009, I have enjoyed and received many benefits from my involvement.

If you are interested in volunteering there are websites that can connect you to volunteer organizations.

Please contact me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #180 -What Happened Last Year? -22 July 2023

As it was my birthday this past week, I reviewed what occurred this past year.

After the Covid lockdown has eased and I had received five vaccines so far, I managed to move around this past year.
I sorted through many photos, some of which you may have seen if you watched my videos.

Contact me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #179 -Recovery -15 July 2023

During my twelve-week journey through Nepal earlier this year, I started coughing and not eating well for the last few weeks.

When I arrived back in Canada I saw how much weight I had lost and started working on some routines to recover.

In the past ten weeks, I have put on weight and recovered my fitness by implementing regular daily and weekly routines.

Please get in touch with me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #178 -Friendship -7 July 2023

The past week was outstanding as I spent a few days on my friend Ken’s boat.

We traveled to Salt Spring Island and spend a few days in the marina.

I felt so blessed to be able to spend time with a good friend, and enjoy excellent food in a beautiful spot in the world.

Please contact me if you have comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #177 -Remembered How? -1 July 2023

This is the final video answering the fifth question posed by the Barefoot Investor, Scott Pape, an Australian authour.

The question is, “How would you like to be remembered?

I refer to working with young people for the past 20 years to assist them to enhance their communication and leadership skills.

Please contact me if you have comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #175 -Barefoot Question 3 -Being A Dad? -17 June 2023

The third question from Scott Pape, the Australian author known as the Barefoot Investor is, “What does being a dad mean to you?’

This video contains my thoughts about being a dad and comments about some good information sources about approaches I would have found useful.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #173 -Barefoot Question 1 -Meeting Mum? -4 June 2023

In a recent newsletter from Scott Pape the Australian author known as the Barefoot Investor, he discussed his ‘Ultimate Fathers Day Present.’

This consists of asking your elderly parents five questions and recording their answers prior to them disappearing from our lives.

My daughter in Australia suggested I answer the questions, so today I respond to the first question, “How did you meet mum?”

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #172 -Being Grateful -27 May 2023

Being back on Vancouver Island on the west coast of Canada, I feel so grateful to live here.

I am appreciating the exquisite combination of the ocean, multitude of trees, and snow-covered mountains.

The air is healthy, the tap water drinkable, and the people are hospitable.

It is great to be back here after being absent for six months.

Please contact me if you have any comments, questions or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #170 -The Gift for Nepal -12 May 2023

This video is a recording of the presentation I gave during my twelve weeks spent in Nepal and visiting schools in the seven provinces of Nepal.

Because the young generation is facing more changes and challenges than any previous generation, it is important that they learn the skills that will enable them to have fulfilled and happy lives.

Please reach out to me if you have comments, questions, or suggestions,

NOTES of a NOMAD #166 NEPAL -Week Ten -(Inaruwa) -17 April 2023

It was New Year’s Day in Nepal last week.

So Happy New Year for 2080 according to the Hindu calendar used in Nepal.

Also, since last week was during school vacation I conducted a Summer Camp approach having them at the school in the morning and a road trip some afternoons.

We did journaling, Agora Speakers practices, learning to cook, and four road trips.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #165 -Week Nine -(Damak) -10 April 2023

This past week, I had an enthusiastic reception in the school and the library that I visited.

Also, the bus ride from Damak to Inaruwa has some dramatic activities which delayed my arrival in Inaruwa.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #164 -NEPAL -Week Eight (Dharan) -1 April 2023

I spent the past week at the Shree Public School which has 3425 students.

It was the first government-run school as all previous schools were private schools.

I will maintain contact with the English teacher, Buddha Sagar as he appears enthusiastic about the Agora Speakers program.

I received an interesting ‘Token of Love’ from the school.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #163 -NEPAL -Week Seven -(Pokara) -26 March 2023

I spent this week in Pokhara which is Nepal’s most popular tourist destination and is known for its Himalayan range and lakes, and its adventure activities.

I am not a good tourist. I saw or did none of the above.

I did work in a school and a college and did do a few unexpected things.

Please contact me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #162 -NEPAL -Week Six (Nepalgunj) -19 March 2023

This past week was spent in Nepalgunj which is close to the border with India.

I had a great time working with about eighty students in the Spring Dell Academy from Grade 5 to Grade 10.

The school principal was very supportive and interested in the Agora Speakers Youth program.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #161 -NEPAL -Week Five (Chitran) -10 March 2023

After a 13-hour bus ride, I arrived in Chitwan, Nepal on Sunday morning where I worked with the students at Orchid School.

I continue to learn as we progress and enjoy the hospitality of the people of Nepal.

I discuss some of the aspects of Nepal in which I believe implementing Agora Speakers clubs can make a positive contribution.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #160 -NEPAL -Week Four (Surkhet) -3 March 2023

This week I traveled to the Surkhet area of Nepal and spent the week at the Eager Bridge Secondary School introducing the Agora Speakers Youth programs to some of the students.

The first half of the ride was exciting as I had the same driver, Rabin from the previous fast and furious week. He took me to see the Wall of Death motorcycle/car show at a local fair.

Also, I visited a Hindu/Buddhist temple built in the 12 century that has been restored in 2021 known as Kakrebihar.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD -Where Am I? (Attariya) #159 -24 February 2023

It was another eventful and exciting week in Nepal.

It started with a 9-hour ‘fast and furious’ car trip sharing the road with dogs, cattle, people, tuk-tuks, tractors pulling trailers, mini-buses of all sizes, large buses and trucks all vying for space.

I had a busy with at Everest Academy in Attariya in western Nepal, very close to the Indian border.

We had a ‘School Show’ inviting neighboring schools to attend and I even visited a Nepali Army base.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #158 -NEPAL-Week Two -17 February 2023

This week after a ‘bUmPy’ bus ride from Kathmandu to Butwal, I spent a remarkable week at a school.

It is hard to express how enjoyable it was to be in a school dormitory and watch children during the week enjoying their time at school.

Overall, it was an eventful and productive week promoting Agora Speakers Youth programs in this community.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, and suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #157 -NEPAL -Week One -11 February 2023

My first week in Nepal was outstanding.

I visited four schools and shared information about Agora Speakers youth programs with many other schools that have expressed interest in the programs.

I think this might just be the best week of my life so far!

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES OF A NOMAD #156 -A Day In Singapore -4 February 2023

On my way to Nepal from Melbourne I spent a day with Ban Peng Gao, the Agora Speakers Ambassador to Singapore.

He was extremely generous as he was busy with his accounting business and family during the Chinese New Year.

Singapore is very unique in the world and has many similarities to Switzerland as being a safe financial center that remains neutral on many political issues.

It has become a very important business center and for a small island, it punches above its weight in so many ways.

I would suggest you read the Wikipedia article about Singapore to quickly learn more https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore

NOTES OF A NOMAD #155 -Next Step, Nepal! -27 January 2023

In a few days’ time, I will be on my way to Nepal via Singapore.

As I will have limited availability to the internet, I will likely only be able to respond to emails and upload some videos until I return to Canada in early May.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #154 -Changes -20 January 2023

I was born in 1942 during the Second World War and the world has changed since then.

I review some of the changes that have occurred in my life and some of the skills that the current youth will need to cope with change during their lifetimes.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #153 -An Agorian Week -13 January 2023

This past week there has been a flurry of activity in Agora Speakers International.

As an Ambassador for Agora Speakers, I attended some meetings and have been in contact with others interested in the organization.

I also have an update about the forthcoming trip to Nepal.

Please reach out to me if you have comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #152 -Innocent Infuence -6 January 2023

I have been going to the gym regularly here in Melbourne, Australia.

Apparently, people have noticed that I spend a much longer time on the rowing machine than the average person.

This made me aware that people notice us and that we can have an impact on others even when we are not aware of them.

Please contact me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #151 -Youth Testimonials -30 December 2022

Since I have been working with youth groups since 2004, I thought it would be good to get some testimonials from those involved.

I recently sent out a request and have received a few testimonials which I can share.

The plan is to use them to promote other youth to join a youth group.

Please contact me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #148 -Communication & Leadership Epitomized -10 December 2022

Communication and leadership are important to actively build a better world.

I refer to Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine as a person who epitomizes the power of outstanding communication and leadership.

Assisting our younger generation to improve their communication and leadership skills is of great interest to me,

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.