Instagram story viewer> @thenomadiccanadians> Posts

thenomadiccanadians

@thenomadiccanadians

757

followers

877

following

📍🇨🇦
🇭🇷🇦🇱🇷🇸🇧🇦🇲🇪🇽🇰🇲🇰🇪🇸🇦🇲🇬🇪🇦🇿🇹🇷🇺🇿🇹🇯🇰🇬🇰🇿🇮🇹🇹🇭🇰🇭
"If I'm an advocate for anything, it's to move."-Anthony Bourdain

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

First Half Marathon •
Running is a crazy thing to enjoy. Yet, this monotonous activity has given me so many travel stories, and last year it was a lifeline for me: the cure for my mental health as I battled through my initial cancer diagnosis.
•
I’ve always enjoyed going for a run. Nothing but music and my thoughts. My gear, until very recently, consisted of the same old worn-out socks I used for years, old shorts with the drawstring that never stayed in place and an arm band that may be worth about $10. One area, however, I did not skimp on is my running shoes. But as our nomadic life has necessitated, we travel with the essentials only, so my running shoes were also my daily walking shoes, and they took a serious beating. Crazy glue held my soles together and became part of our travel essentials. 😄
•
Running through unfamiliar neighbourhoods throughout the world. It became part of my routine everywhere we went. Running next to heavy traffic in Georgia, being mistaken for a marathon runner going the wrong way in Albania and having stray dogs chase me in Armenia … it’s always an adventure. 😅
•
My diagnosis last year was a full-throttle punch to the gut. I tried to stay strong, but at times it was a struggle. My mind going to dark places. I had no idea how much running would be such a saviour and how much it would help get me past those initial few months.
•
So here we are back in Toronto, and for the first time I entered a half-marathon. I’ve never run this distance, and to be honest, if not for Lisa, I probably would not have entered. I enjoy running, but not so much the rigid training schedule required to do a run of this length. She motivated and coached me along the way, and what says love more than draining a HUGE blister on my big toe days before the race? ❤️
•
So now the race is done, and to make me feel like I’m part of the running crowd, I now also own some new fancy gear, but I still think about those old, worn-out socks and crappy shorts. 😀
•
🏃🏻‍♂️‍➡️ Final Time - 1:49:13
🏃🏻‍♂️‍➡️ Average Pace - 5:11/km
🏃🏻‍♂️‍➡️ Finished in the TOP 18% of all half marathon runners
•
•
•
#halfmarathon #runner #gratefull #runningmotivation #torontomarathon taken in Toronto, Ontario by @thenomadiccanadians

139

63

5 months ago

Meeting A Hero
•
Meeting someone willing to save others despite danger is rare.
•
Aki Ra, founder of the Cambodian Landmine Museum, is one of those people.
•
At age 5, Aki’s parents were killed by the Khmer Rouge.
At age 5, while most learned to read, Aki was trained in warfare: firing guns, making bombs, and laying mines.
At age 10, Aki was forced to fight for the Khmer Rouge.
In 1978, Vietnamese forces invaded. Aki had to join them or die.
In 1989, Vietnamese forces left. Aki joined the Cambodian army to fight the Khmer Rouge.
By 1990, after the fall of the Khmer Rouge, Aki began clearing landmines with homemade tools and no support.
•
Between 1990 and 2008, Aki personally located and destroyed;
‣ 29,758 unexploded ordnance (UXO)
‣ 4,213 anti-tank mines
‣ 22,349 landmines
•
❞ “Many people considered me an expert. I’m still alive with no injuries. But I was just lucky.” - Aki Ra, A Perfect Soldier documentary.
•
In 1997, Aki Ra opened the Cambodian Landmine Museum. Together with his wife, Hourt, they opened the Relief Centre, caring for child victims of war; they started Cambodian Self-Help Demining (CSHD), providing mine and UXO clearance, and educating the local community on how to identify hazards and keep themselves safe.
•
We had the honour of meeting Aki Ra at his museum. As we listened to his story, someone our age, denied the basics of literacy and childhood, our privilege felt heavy, making us feel small and powerless.
•
Millions of landmines and UXOs remain in Cambodia. Efforts to clear them and educate locals have reduced the annual death toll. There is hope that Cambodia will be landmine-free by 2035.
•
Our travels have taught us humility. We now see privilege as a bridge. An opportunity to listen and learn, which has been our motto throughout. Meeting Aki Ra was deeply humbling.
•
Aki Ra, whose life is dedicated to the betterment of his people, is a real-life hero.
•
❞ “(Aki Ra) is the epitome of one person making a difference.” - Bill Morse, International Project Manager, CSHD, CNN 2010 Hero Awards.
•
•
📚👇🏻Further reading👇🏻suggestions are in the comments below.
•
•
#landmine #cambodia #siemreap #southeastasia #hero taken in Siem Reap, Cambodia by @thenomadiccanadians

30

3

6 months ago

The Killing Tree
•
3 words. 3 words that represent unspeakable evil. 3 words that conjure up horrifyingly disturbing images burned into our memory.
•
There were about 300 Killing Fields in Cambodia. Choeung Ek, near Phnom Penh, is one such killing field. This is where the communist regime, the Khmer Rouge, brought prisoners to be murdered. The Killing Tree was at the centre of this horror.
•
Graphic details and quotes come from the audio guide we used during our visit.
•
Pol Pot, the genocidal tyrant and leader of the Khmer Rouge, stands alongside Hitler and Stalin as one of the most brutal and evil men to ever exist.
•
❞ “Better to kill an innocent by mistake, than to spare an enemy by mistake.”
•
Pol Pot sought a classless, farm-based society. Religion, education, and money were banned. People were forced into the countryside to work the land. At first, educated people, influential families and the religious, like monks, were murdered. But soon, Pol Pot turned on everyone. No one was safe. In just 4 years, 1975-1979, as many as 2.8 million were massacred—25% of Cambodia’s population. His own people!
•
❞ “Keeping you is no gain. Losing you is no loss.”
•
At Choeung Ek, 20,000 Cambodians were murdered. Bullets were too costly, so the methods were barbaric—blunt force trauma, strangulation, beheading, and slashing throats with saw-toothed palm fronds. Even these deaths were not enough.
•
❞ “To dig up the grass, you must also remove the root.”
•
The Killing Tree was where babies and children were brutally killed—taken by their feet and smashed against the tree. This ensured children could not grow up to avenge their families. Standing by this tree broke us.
•
Of the 20,000 buried, 9,000 have been exhumed. Shallow graves mean remains still surface after heavy rain. Of the 129 mass graves, 43 remain undisturbed, left in peace.
•
Our hope is that you take a moment now to acknowledge these atrocities—and then take some time to learn more about what happened here so that -
“You too will now be a keeper of (our) memory”.
•
•
•
#cambodia #phnompenh #killingfields #choeungek #khmer taken in Killing Fields At Choeung Ek, Cambodia by @thenomadiccanadians

26

2

6 months ago

Seeing is believing.
•
Before heading to Cambodia, we researched Angkor Wat. We watched videos and documentaries and read all the blogs, but nothing really prepared us for what we would see when we arrived.
•
Angkor Wat is a vast archaeological park spanning 400 square kilometres. Once the capital and spiritual centre of the Khmer Empire, it contains more than 1,000 temples and shrines.
•
With so much to explore in the complex, it’s impossible to see it all. With our 7-day Angkor Pass in hand we tried our best. How did we get around? TukTuk, of course!
•
Angkor Wat Temple alone covers 400 acres. Exploring was mentally and physically exhausting, especially in 35°C heat. Despite that, we chose to return to this temple for a second visit.
•
Built in the early 12th century as a dedication to the Hindu God Vishnu, it later transitioned to a Buddhist site by the end of the century.
•
The temple is one of humankind’s greatest engineering feats. It was built with millions of sandstone blocks and no mortar. The moat holds millions of cubic metres of water and regulates groundwater levels to prevent the subsoil from shifting beneath the temple.
•
The human effort is incomprehensible.
The carvings are exquisite.
The scale is staggering.
It was sublime.
•
If you haven’t been, add this to your next trip. If you leave without your jaw dropping and your mind reeling, we can’t imagine it.
•
Angkor Wat Temple & Complex is truly magnificent.
•
•
Images:
1-11 - Angkor Wat
12-13 - Prasat Pram
14-16 - Ta Prohm
17-19 - Preah Khan
•
•
#angkor #angkorwat #cambodia #khmer #siemreap taken in Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia by @thenomadiccanadians

103

24

7 months ago

Finally!
-
We first visited Vietnam in 1999 and more recently, Myanmar, Laos and now Thailand. Cambodia has always eluded us….until now.
-
The recent history of Cambodia is tragic & heartbreaking! For most of us, it’s hard to comprehend what the people of Cambodia have had to endure.
-
We go as we always do. Eager to learn, ready to listen, and when we leave, take a part with us.
-
To take an excerpt from the late great Anthony Bourdain, “ travel isn’t always pretty, isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart.”
-
Hello, Cambodia….we’re ready to dive in.
-
-
#cambodiatravel #cambodia #khmer #travelstories #southeastasia by @thenomadiccanadians

55

6

8 months ago

Would you consider living in another country?
•
People have asked us this question several times over the years, and as we’ve travelled from country to country, we’ve thought about it ourselves.
•
Before we continue, we want to say we’re proud to be Canadian and we love our country, but if we ever decide to take a break from Canada, test the waters, so to speak, Bangkok ranks at the top of our list.
•
Bangkok is hectic and manic! To paraphrase Nigel Tufnel from Spinal Tap…it’s an 11! However, despite the chaos, there is a calmness, a peacefulness. There is an undeniable allure!
•
Over 11 million people call Bangkok home, and yet it’s oddly very comfortable here. Somehow, we feel much safer than our home back in Toronto….considerably safer!
•
We’ve spent 3 months in Bangkok over the last 12+ months. We’ve navigated the labyrinth of various neighbourhoods, getting a sense of the local rhythm. There’s not much we don’t like, but to get a true sense, we’ll have to spend some time here during the rainy season.
•
Many people don’t like Bangkok, and we get it. It can be overwhelming, but for us, we can’t help but think Bangkok is not done with us; there is a lot more to our relationship yet to unfold.
•
In the meantime, see ya later, Bangkok, and thank you for the last 2 months!
•
KHAP KHUN KHA 🙏 🙏 💗💗
•
•
*
#thailand #southeastasia #bangkok #nomadiclife #travelstories taken in Bangkok by @thenomadiccanadians

99

10

8 months ago

Imagination
•
The city of Ayutthaya is just north of Bangkok.
•
Now, pause for a moment and imagine... the city of Ayutthaya once had a population of 1 million inhabitants and was one of the largest cities in the world!
•
Between the 14th and 16th centuries, Ayutthaya, was the flourishing capital of the Siamese Kingdom, now known as Thailand.
•
Its history is rooted in its connection with the surrounding rivers and canals. We walked through the streets and zipped around them in one of the tuk-tuks unique to Ayutthaya, with the friendly Mr. Kai. We explored some of the city’s numerous temples, a UNESCO Heritage site with around 400 ruins.
•
Sadly, the city came to an end after the Burmese invasion in 1767. The city was decimated, completely burnt down, statues decapitated and historical records destroyed. Tragically, Ayutthaya was abandoned and never rebuilt to its former glory.
•
The city now thrives in a different way. You come to learn about its amazing history. You absorb the history of where you stand. One of the great cities of the old world.
•
It is hard to grasp the scale of what Ayutthaya once was... but if we close our eyes... we can imagine.
•
•
Images: 1, 2- Wat Phu Khao Thong
3- Wat Mahathat
4- Wat Ratchaburana
5, 6- Wat Phra Si Sanphet
7- Wat Mahathat
8, 9 - Wat Chaiwatthanaram
10- Wat Worachet
11- Wat Lokaya Sutharam
12- Wat Maheyong 13- Ayutthaya Tuk Tuks
•
•
#thailand #ayutthaya #temple #buddah #historygram by @thenomadiccanadians

44

3

8 months ago

It’s the simple things.
•
Remembering to stop, realize where we are, or what we are doing, and truly be in the moment has created unforgettable memories.
•
In search of food around a busy tourist attraction, we heeded some simple advice we heard years ago, and one that rarely lets us down. If you walk away from the tourist area, a whole new world will open up. The local feel will appear, and that restaurant you are searching for will find you.
•
So off we went. Not 500 metres away was a busy noodle shop. Bingo!
•
A family-owned restaurant for over 30 years, they immigrated to Thailand from China many years ago, and now the second generation helps to run it.
•
The pork noodle soup with pork wontons is to die for! It tasted like more! So delicious that we went back the next day. 😋
•
Out front was Wei, a polite and friendly man making steamed buns. We bought the ones filled with red bean paste and yellow mung bean. Soft little pillows of deliciousness. 😋 He was kind enough to walk us to where we could get a songthaew.
•
While eating our delicious buns and soup, we watched the rhythm of the restaurant - the hard-working family, constant flow of customers, take-out, and mopeds zipping by. Call us crazy, but we could have sat here for hours.
•
We are lucky to have seen historical works and natural wonders, but sitting in this restaurant resonates more. Some of our best memories come from days like this. Observing, listening, talking with locals …. being the proverbial fly on the wall.
•
Exactly the type of place we love, to just be.
•
•
•
#thailand #maeklong #southeastasia #travelessentials #travelmoments by @thenomadiccanadians

46

7

9 months ago

Loud ✔️
Chaotic ✔️
Hypnotic ✔️
Stimulating ✔️
Bustling Crowds ✔️
Hot weather. Very hot ✔️
Food. Food. All of the Food. Everywhere ✔️
•
2025 was a devastating year for us. (you can check out our pinned posts for more info)
•
It has reinforced our desire to travel. Live life like this is your last year! DON’T WAIT.
•
So we kick off 2026 in one of our favourite cities: Bangkok, Thailand. We are probably the only people to visit Thailand and not go to the Islands ... 🤔😇 ... maybe one day.
•
Wherever you may be, we wish you and your families and friends the best 2026 has to offer. 💗
•
#thailand #sea #bangkok #southeastasia #landofsmiles taken in Bangkok, Thailand by @thenomadiccanadians

101

20

9 months ago

Ciao, Italy! 🇮🇹
•
Our first time in Italy was a whirlwind tour. Bari and Rome for less than 48 hours each!
•
In Rome, despite Lisa having a stomach bug, we visited: St. Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum, and the Vatican! Purchasing tickets in advance was key! Thank you to Elyssa @romewise for detailed info on how to do that. 🙏🏼
•
We will definitely return to Italy, but next time without the stomach bug.
•
Ciao, Italy! 🇮🇹
•
SANTA CLAUS
✝️🎄☦️
•
Agios Nikolaos (San Nicola / Saint Nicholas)
Born Mar 15, 270 AD, to Greek Christian parents
Patara, Asia Minor (modern-day Türkiye).
317 AD, he became the Bishop of Myra (modern-day Türkiye)
Died Dec 6, 343 AD, in Myra.
Known for his devotion and generosity, Saint Nicholas also became the patron saint of children, sailors, and those falsely accused, among others.
•
The Great Schism of 1054 divided the Christian Religion into the Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church.
In 1071, after the Battle of Manzikert, concern grew over the safety of the remains of Saint Nicholas.
In 1087, Italian sailors brought Saint Nicholas’ remains to Bari, Italy.
☦️ Eastern Orthodox Churches see this as blatant theft.
✝️ Roman Catholic Churches believe this to have been a rescue mission.
•
Note that the Basilica San Nicola is a place of great pilgrimage for BOTH Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians.
•
The 18th Century saw a merger of Dutch and English traditions, and the modern-day Santa Claus was born.
Note that modern-day Christmas gift-giving has become commercialized, whereas Saint Nicholas gave to help the less fortunate.
•
Images:
1,2 - Colosseum
3,4,5,6 - The Vatican Museum
• double helix staircase, Giuseppe Momo, 1932
• Gallery of Maps, ceiling, 1580-1585
• St. Grata collects the remains of St. Alexander, Ponziano Loverini, 1887
• Election of the hermit Pietro da Morrone as Pope Celestine V in 1294, Cesare Nebbia, 1585-1590
7,8 - St. Peter’s Basilica
• Dome, Michelangelo 1626
• Bernini’s Baldacchino, 1626
9 - The Pantheon
10 - Bari, Marina
11,12 - Bari, Old City
13,14,15 - Basilica San Nicola
• exterior
• 12th-century Ciborium (canopy)
• The Immaculate and St. Nicholas, Carlo Rosa, 1662
.
#rome #bari #italy🇮🇹 taken in Italy by @thenomadiccanadians

44

4

10 months ago

We are finally here. At the airport 🎉 … 5.5 months delayed … eager to resume our travels. The past 8 months here in TO have been the most challenging of our lives, so it goes without saying that there are a lot of emotions. … what’s that? … no, we’re not crying. 🥹
🌏
This has been the longest we’ve spent in one city in the previous 4.5 years. Extra items were taken out of our storage locker, drawers were suddenly filled with stuff, routines formed and a general feeling of being settled began to creep in. All the things we do not want right now. Interestingly, feeling settled felt … unsettling.
🌏
We are forever grateful to be off once again. Off to one of our favourite cities for two months, followed by one month in a new country. But, first, we spend four days in Europe.
🌏
Despite our challenges, we value the time spent with friends and family.
💗
Still, we have missed our adventures.
🌏
Forever grateful.
🥰

#travel #travellife #traveler #travellifestyle #grateful #journeyoflife #nomadiclife #nomadiclifestyle by @thenomadiccanadians

128

48

10 months ago

Let me start by explaining the meaning behind my latest tattoo, and then we can go from there.
-
For the man in this tattoo, it’s too late. While he led a relatively good life, he never really accomplished what he wanted to do. Conservative by nature, he always played it safe and worried incessantly about his future. Never truly living in the present. Always waiting for the perfect moment. Then. In the blink of an eye … life passed, and regret set in.
-
I had thought about the elements that make up this tattoo for over a year. Finally, while in Spain in January of this year, I had a video call with our tattoo artist @mikeycharettetattoos , who helped me pull it all together. The plan? Get the tattoo once we return to Canada. Thank you, Mikey, for this great piece!
-
Contemplating this tattoo came without any idea of what was to come: My devastating diagnosis of Bladder Cancer.
-
Since then, every day I see this tattoo on my arm, I am reminded that our decision to travel was the right one. There’s no time to play it safe. No time to f**k around. I am thankful that my prognosis is good. The promise of travel keeps us positive. Still, the anxiety and fear of the future weigh heavily on me.
-
Our nomadic life of the past four years has been an incredible journey for us; challenging, emotional, enlightening. Our current life is very different from our past life. As cliché as it is, we have never felt more alive and attuned to what it feels like to enjoy every moment.
-
To my partner, my best friend and beautiful wife, the next chapter for us begins. It will be a bit more complicated for a few years, and not as planned, but the journey does not end here! I think of all of the people we have met and all of the incredible experiences we have shared together. We have so many stories still to be told. For now, we keep going. When the time is right, you’ll do what you do so well … write baby write.
-
Maybe one day that coffee table book will happen….😁
-
-
-
#nomadiclife #nomadictravel #offbeatenpath #livelifetothefullest #livelife taken in Toronto, Ontario by @thenomadiccanadians

89

39

a year ago