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Give Me a Chance
Related to country: South Africa

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

One of my most favorite discoveries on my first trip the Western Cape region of South Africa was the Alluvia Winery. Located just outside of Stellenbosch this boutique winery makes some fabulous wine. It is a much smaller winery than those surrounding it, yet there is some truly unique about the place. It also has a great story. When there last time I learned that the owner of the vineyard had decided to venture into the winery business as a way to leave a lasting legacy for his children. He also believed that Johannesburg, with its high crime rates, was the best place to raise a family.

On a recent trip to South Africa this fall, I had the opportunity to visit the winery again. Was stocking up on some great South African wines from various vineyards (hope Canada customs is not reading this!) and remembered that I liked this particular vineyard a lot! Upon arrival into the tasting room (got to love the tasting part!) my father and I discovered that they had added another wine to the Alluvia collection. The story behind why this particular wine was developed is remarkable.

After moving his family to the area, the owner discovered that just down the road from where his vineyard was located is a place called Kylemore. This particular area is one of the Stellenbosch region's poorest areas. Even in beauty lies poverty. When this was discovered the owner felt that it was necessary to do something. Hence the "Give Me a Chance Trust Fund" wine was created. At the moment the proceeds of this wine are going to help a certain amount of youth in Kylemore. From what my father and I gathered from the individual telling the story, it is not just money that is given to these youth, but also time. Already because of this fund there has been some of the youth entering university.

Anyways, just thought I would share as I thought it was a nice little twist to the story of wine-buying in the Cape Region!

October 15, 2008 | 2:37 PM Comments  0 comments

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4:42 marathoner

Words can't even describe how I feel right now. After 18 weeks of training, I have achieved what I once thought was impossible. When I first started running years ago in Montreal I never thought I could run a marathon- if someone had said to me after running that 10 km race that one day I would run a marathon I seriously would have thought they were insane. But strangely enough how I felt yesterday was similar to how I felt when I crossed that 10km finish line years ago. The sense of accomplishment and achievement is still the same- no matter what the distance.

I think one of the main reasons that I achieved what I did yesterday has a lot to do with the people that are in my running life. Some may think that running is a pretty solitary sport and maybe for some that is the case, but one of the main joys of running for me have been the people that I have met along the way. All of the people I have run with have helped me become the runner that I am.

I can't believe that I have run a marathon- is a really surreal experience. Crossing that finish line has made me realize that I can achieve the things I set my mind too. Impossible really is nothing.

September 29, 2008 | 11:09 AM Comments  0 comments

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Untitled
Related to this project: Creating Local Connections Canada/Liaisons locales Canada

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Hey guys, hope you are all doing well! As all you Canadians know we are going to be having an election soon! So, I just wanted to invite all of you to share your views on the up-coming election! Is voting in the Canadian election important to you? If so, why is it and what are the issues that you care most about! Check out the blog here: http://www.tigblog.org/group/elections08

September 18, 2008 | 5:11 PM Comments  0 comments

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Longest run yet

This Sunday I managed to run the longest distance I have ever run- 35 km and then some (I say then some because I think I may have added some distance by messing up the route). The route took us all over the place and I also experienced another "First"- seeing what Scarborough look like!

The run was a really good one for me physically and mentally. If I could run a race like that I would be extremely happy. I also was really proud of myself for finishing this distance. It made me realize that I should have confidence in myself and that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. I think when I cross the finish line at the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon at the end of this month it will mark a new chapter in my life.

September 9, 2008 | 3:09 AM Comments  0 comments

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So...

I know that this blog was supposed to be about my road to the marathon, but today's entry is not really about running--more like my lack of running these days.  At the moment I just feel so overwhelmed, useless, and all round tired (emotionally and mentally more than physically).  I haven't slept more than two nights in my own bed since July 29th and won't sleep in my own bed again until August 25th.  My diet is thrown off and I can't eat where or when I want.  Am just worried about if I will actually fulfil my goal and my dream at this point.  Agh am way too emotional.

August 13, 2008 | 10:08 AM Comments  0 comments

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