Traveling Millions of Years Through Time (Grand Canyon)

My measly 25 years on this planet is like a spec of dust compared to the millions of years in front of me. There is no other place (I think) on this planet in which you can literally see the millions of years of Earth's history with a single glance than at the Grand Canyon.

I wound up in the Southwest because of my job in January this year. And of course, if you're going to be in Arizona, you absolutely have to go see the Grand Canyon. I flew in a few days earlier just to get a chance to experience this world famous landmark.

Prior to my visit, I always imagined the Southwest as just a hot dry dessert. I never even considered any other weather conditions. Boy was I wrong! I hit a major snow storm on my drive up from Vegas to Flagstaff. Actually, I have never in my life driven in such a winter snowstorm (and I've live in Chicago for 20 years!). The highway was moving less than 10 miles an hour with almost 0% visibility and skidding vehicles on all sides. Not only was it one of the most scariest drives I've ever had, I was also by myself in the middles of nowhere. There were no exits until you reach the city. What's more, all the road signs were covered in snow and cell phone reception was impossible. I almost had a nervous breakdown, actually I probably did. But I just kept following a truck, carefully outlining its tracks in the snow with my car just so I wouldn't get stuck. I took a gamble on taking the second exit as we approached Flagstaff (the first one was dark and seemed like it went to nowhere). Thank heavens my hotel was right off the highway exit as you approach the city. Phewww! Survival.

So, as I learned firsthand, some regions in the Southwest have really bad winters, especially in high elevation. But there was no way I was going to let the snow keep me from seeing the Grand Canyon. A long hot shower later, plus 10 back to back episodes of Hardcore Pawn and Chinese food, I was passed out, eagerly awaiting my trip to the Grand Canyon the next morning.

I woke up super early and set out to drive to the Grand Canyon. Luckily, the snow storm passed and the roads were cleared. I even broke a personal record: for the first time in my life, I hit over 100 miles per hour while driving. And the more I though about it, the more it made me realize that speed is just relative. When driving through the barren snow covered land, going 100m/h feels no different than 10. You see nothing but the road in the horizon.

Visiting the Grand Canyon during the winter turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Because there aren't as many tourists as in the summer months, it gives you a chance to really personally enjoy the beauty of the landscape.

It felt surreal seeing this vast wonder with your own eyes. It was such an indescribable feeling approaching the edge of the canyon, looking down at the depths below. I just kept thinking about how lucky we are just for being on this planet. Being there, you cant help but think how minuscule you are in front of mountain, how powerless you are in front of a river, how insignificant you are under the stars. It was both humbling and empowering at the same time.

The Grand Canyon reveals millions of years of Earth's history. The plains of the Proterozoic and Paleozoic strata (yes, I do Wikipedia everything) were uplifted because of continental shifts. A few millions of years thereafter, the Colorado River has persistently cut through the layers of rock. Thus, the Grand Canyon is unique in exposing some of the oldest layers of rock on this planet.

I also found it really interesting that there are still some Native American tribes that live inside the canyon. I also heard that mules, as well as helicopters, are used to deliver items to the villages.

Wandering the icy pathways, it's pretty freakin' terrifying approaching the edge, especially cause many places don't have a fence or anything between you and the cliff. You can literally walk right up to the edge and look down below. The ice and snow does not help.

I asked one of the bus drivers if there are many accidental deaths at the Canyon. Boy, as soon as one question was out of my mouth, he did not stop talking as he graciously shared information about the Canyon and the people that lived there. Although I cannot recall most of the facts he told me, he did say that surprisingly there are not too many accidental deaths, but some suicides do occur every year. What a scary thought.

When not wandering the frozen pathways, the Bright Angel Lodge is the place to warm up. They had delicious soups and sandwiches. And if you're ever there, ask for Paul. He’s cute.

The Season Of Change

No other season brings a blend of raw emotions like autumn—of mystery and pensiveness, of reflection and nostalgia, of melancholy and excitement. There is something magical it.

It is the time of year that you that needed long walk in the park where you ponder endlessly. You put on that favorite over-sized sweater and hit the streets wearing your heart on my sleeve. You slip the headphones into your ears and let the the songs fill the heart.  You simultaneously feel the summer sun's lingering rays and the coming winter's cool blows.

As you walk, you can see the world change its colors, admiring the golden leaves being swept into the wind and then reluctantly falling to the ground. The crisp cool breeze kisses your cheeks as you squeeze the warmth of your sweater.

You observe the strangers that slowly pass you by, each lost in their own thoughts. You reflect on your past and imagine a perfect future.  You slowly and carefully organize all the little compartments in your brain. You let go of old and make room for all the new that is yet to come your way. Your mellow heart mingles in between the summer's commotion and winter's lethargy. As the world changes its colors, you too make changes within your heart and mind. You  piece together the puzzles of your life.

The days grow shorter, the nights get colder and your heart gets fuller.

You look forward.

Autumn is the time to sip on the hot chocolate, to swing in a hammock, to sleep-in those extra 5 minutes, to bite into the caramel apple, to read a classic, to snuggle underneath the blanket, to smell the spices, to eat your favorite comfort food, to give in to temptation, to indulge, to cuddle, to hug, to reflect ...

... and to feel like all is right with the world again.

10 Things We Can Learn From Dogs

Ever notice the uncontrollable pure bliss of a dog as you barely step foot through the door? Dogs never fail to take pleasure in the simplest of things. Just seeing you, and they become ecstatic.

I've never had a dog when I was little because my mom always told me she was allergic. However, now that I'm older and gave it some more thought, I have become suspicious that those allergies were all just a scam because she didn't want to get stuck doing all the work.

Over the last few days, I've been hard at work dog-sitting two adorable pooches. My job description entailed ball tossing, smothering the pooches with attention, napping, swimming in the pool, and strutting my stuff.. err I mean, walking the dogs around the block. Spending my days with these pooches, they've taught me a thing or two. Or ten...


Here are 10 things that I've learned from these simple furry creatures:

1. Be hysterically excited to see everybody. The second you hear the doorknob turn, jet uncontrollably towards the door an jump all over the person in front of you. I mean, doesn't everyone want to be greeted with such enthusiasm every time? If we humans could add a little (or a lot) more pizzazz into our greetings, I think the world would be a better place.


2. Your good looks can let you get away with anything. I mean, who can resist that adorable puppy face? At the very least, it's always worth a try. 


3. Smell everything. A dog's nose is always twitching, sensing the world around them. We, too, should be smelling everything- food, flowers, treats, new people, potential mates and everything else in between. 


4. You're never too old to learn a new trick, or two. Yea, it's always hard in the beginning, but in the end, it may bring you never-ending amusement and satisfaction.


5. Nobody wants to be left alone. A quick run to the store left my dogs in despair. I couldn't even sleep in another room or take a shower without them scratching at the door. 


6. If it's not wet and sloppy, it's not a real kiss. Can't argue with that.


7. Always be curious. Who knows what you may find around every corner, under the rock or behind the bush? The world is a fascinating place, so never stop exploring.


8. Grooming is important, but sometimes you just gotta get down and dirty. Don't slack off on your personal hygiene, nobody around you likes that. But sometimes you may be offered with an opportunity to run wild, play in the dirt or swim at a beach. Don't ever pass up those moments of diversion and revelry.


9. Take lots of naps. A nap is the answer to any problem. Whether you're overworked, underpaid, overwhelmed, or undersexed-- a nap lets you recharge and gets you ready to tackle anything. 



10. Cuddle whenever possible. Period!

Trying to do some work on my computer, but somebody strongly insists we go for a walk instead.

Worldly Possesions

My backpack is small, overstuffed and there are more souvenirs than anything else. But its not the size that matters, because I´m bringing back with me so much more than what can fit in my backpack.

Just few things I picked up along the way:

• Honorary badges of blisters, bruises and travel wounds

• New vocabulary of Spanish swear words

• Tasty & exotic culinary recipes

• A horribly-attempted English accent

Walking on Sunshine

As I walk to the train station in the early morning, with each step it gets lighter and lighter as the sun lazily creeps into the sky. I am most definitely not a morning person, but I woke up extra early to catch a train to my next destination.

The sunrise reminded me of my dad. He would always call me "sonechko," meaning sun in Ukranian. He'd especially use the nickname for me whenever I would get up in the mornings (usually late mornings), saying "O, sonechko stalo" meaning "aww, the sun is finally up."

Now that I think about it, I find it ironic because I´m always grumpy in the mornings. Regardless, I was always his sunshine. That's why he named me Olena, my name meaning "light."

The last time I heard my dads voice was one year ago, when he called to wish me a happy birthday.

A Smile Is Worth A Thousand Words

What is the easiest and fastest way to make new friends?

Correct answer: just smile!

A big 'ol cheesy one! From one ear all the way to the other ear.  

No one can resist but smile back. And the best part is that it doesnt matter the language that you speak, because a smile is universal.

Forgot About The Stars

Living in the city, sometimes you forget how bright the stars shine at night. Our vision is blurred by streetlights, cars, buildings and a multitude of electronic devices, that we can't even see the vast universe when we look up at the sky.

I forgot about the stars.... until I had to walk home in pitch black. You literally couldn't see a single thing in front of you. Foot after foot you feel the beaten path as you try to remember your way back home at night, hoping not to step in mud, or worse, manuer.

It was breathtaking to have the whole universe shine so brightly before your eyes. I was in awe in how many millions of stars I could see.  I searched for familiar patterns, wishing I payed better attention back in astronomy class.

The best part of the night sky is that no matter where in the world one may be, we all look up at the same extraodinary universe above us.

Re-Visiting My Childhood Playground in Ukraine

Whenever I think of  Ukraine, I always remember the childhood days I'd spend with my dad and family. My dad grew up in a tiny village a few hours away from Lviv called "Hlibiv." When I was little, I used to come visit my dad every summer, so I spent a ton of time exploring, playing, and getting in trouble in this little village.

When I got older, my dad moved to live with us in the States  so my yearly trips to Ukraine ended. It's been over five years since I've last been back.

Re-visiting Hlibiv meant more than ever to me this time around because my father was no longer here.

The Question On Everyones Mind

I'm visiting extended family in Ukraine. And no matter where I go or who I'm with, everyone always asks  about the same topic...

Me: "I just graduated from one of the top universities in the U.S."
Them: "Yea, but ... when are you getting married?"

"I'm going to be backpacking through Europe for a few months."
     "Ehhh... But do you have a boyfriend??"

"I'll be looking for a full time job when I get back."
     "Ok, but are you seeing anyone???"

"I'm looking forward to starting a career soon."
     "But what about kids?"

"It's good to see everyone again."
     "Have you seen the handsome and available men around here?"




Dear Everyone,

     I fully appreciate your concern and suggestions (and nosiness into my personal life). But I'm only 22  and would like to take the time to see the world and start my career before I settle down. But don't worry, I will keep you all updated if situations change. And I definitely won't forget to invite you to the wedding (just as long as you bring lots of gifts).

Love,

Olena