cuba or bust

Well, looks like I'm going to Cuba.

I handed in the US$125 today to pay for my visa, and submitted a copy of my passport. Unless I get, for whatever reason, turned down, it's pretty much official.

I've never wanted to go to Cuba. I mean, I've never not wanted to - it's just never been on my list of "Must Visit" destinations (such as Kenya, Egypt, Russia, Italy, Greece and, yes, Newfoundland). But there was an opportunity to go with my church, who is organizing a 10-day evangelistic mission at the end of May.

Lots of Canadians actually visit Cuba regularly. My editor, Shannon, and her huband Dean, are there right now, on a belated honeymoon (their first attempt, after their wedding a year and a half ago, was thwarted by hurricane Ivan). And there are plenty of others.

But while I could go to Cuba (or anywhere) on my own and stay in a comfy resort and spend my days exploring, I'm leaning more and more toward purpose driven travel. That's not to dismiss recreational holidays (I embark on one of those in a couple of weeks, when Kyle and I take our own honeymoon in England - and possibly France).

But if I'm going to travel the world - as I am want to do - I'd rather do so while accomplishing something at the same time - raising money for some worthy organization, building churches, digging wells, or - in the case of the Cuba trip - interacting with children, teaching people about healthy lifestyles and being a spiritual representative for something I believe in.

And there are perks - aside from feeling like you're doing something good while you experience something new. You get to mingle with people you (or at least I) wouldn't otherwise encounter, learning about the country and culture first hand, rather than just observing from afar. In addition to the touristy things (because we'll get to do those, too) we'll get a behind the scenes look at life in this bastion of Communism. How cool is that?

Oh - and since Kelly is also going, we'll get some sistah bonding time in as well.

The downside is, apparently every meal will consist of rice and beans. 'Nuff said there, I think.

So anyway, time to polish up my español. Adventure beckons.

blecht

I avoid the mall whenever I can. But every now and then, something comes over me, my defenses are let down and I am sucked back into the ridiculous world of chain store debasement.

Such was my experience today. I discovered last night that my favourite every-day coat was worn through the right elbow. Well, it will be nine years old next autumn, what can you expect? Fortunately, I'd seen lots in similar styles this winter. And now that winter is over (with the exception of the odd snowfall and bouts of -0 C), these coats should be going on sale. Or so I thought. So I did a quick swing through every roody store that looked like it might carry the kind of coat I was looking for, growing increasingly resentful of being there with each successive store.

I don't know why I hate malls. Maybe it's because they're full of teenagers and I tend to hate teenagers. Maybe it's because they're also full of slow moving retired people who have nothing better to do with their time now then to step out in front of people who are walking with a purpose, trying to minimize their time in the mall. Maybe it's the lights. Maybe it's the tiled floor. Maybe it's the fact that there's always something new you're "supposed" to have and I'm always trying to save for something else.

Whatever it is, it makes my hair feel flat and limp and my hands feel grimy and my skin feel droopy and my mouth feel sticky and my feet feel cramped and I just want to get away, get away, get away.

Don't even get me started about trying things on, in crampy little changing rooms with hideous lights and mirrors that stretch you out sideways.

So now, even though it was only an hour and a half, I feel cranky and drained and inclined to wear only my black turtleneck and cargo pants with my favourite everyday winter coat with a hole in the sleeve for the rest of my life if that's what it takes.

I'm a girl and I. Hate. Shopping.

Things I learned during today's misadventure:

1. They evacuate the building if the power goes out for more than 10 minutes, which it did, just as I arrived.

2. Kelly Osborne is the new face of Accesorize.

3. Brittany Spears may be pregnant again and Brangolina may be married (according to US).

4. The price of greeting cards is just ridiculous.

5. March 3 is definitely too late to be looking for stylish, discounted winter coats (my raison d'etre).