Hold your Horses!

Yeah no worries they don't need a break, you go ahead though.

When we were told to visit the Gili Islands while in Indonesia, we weren't advised of the terror we were about to embark on.

You may think I'm exaggerating however, as a animal lover and plant based eater, a Vegan lifestyle has opened my eyes to the world's behavioural ignorance. 

I remembered someone previously telling us that the islands are without cars, motorbikes or anything that runs on gasoline for that matter. When we arrived to our first Gili Island called Gili Air, we had our first glance at the mistreatment of the poor animals who inhabit this place.

Since they don't have motorized vehicles, they replaced them with horse drawn carriages. This may sound fantasy-like to some or something that should be taken advantage of while visiting the islands. Because chances are that most people probably don't have access to this type of "attraction" where they're from.

One of many horse drawn carriages on the island.

While the majority see it as something exciting and perhaps fun, I see it as a torturous and disrespectful way to treat our fellow earthlings. These horses work all day, everyday in the scorching sun or pouring rain and are left with no freedom whatsoever. 

You might think I'm talking crazy because they're made for this type of stuff right?... Well a long time ago when their literally was no other way to get around, maybe. Nowadays we have NO EXCUSE for this nonsense, there are plenty of ways to avoid the mistreatment of animals.

Horses are herbivores just like cows and what do cows do all day? They munch on grass for up to 12 hours a day, reason being that plant matter is far less dense than anything else. Therefore, they have to eat a larger amount which takes up pretty much ALL of they're time. These horses should be eating all day but instead their time is consumed by carting around pathetically lazy humans, what a disgrace.

They're whipped and constantly strapped to their carriage, theyre given NO space to stretch or lay down or even freely move for that matter. They're equipped with a head piece that consist of blinders and a rod across their mouths which results in excessive drooling and most likely a very discomforting feeling.

I can't even...

I stopped a few times to observe them closely and noticed a few things that might be bypassed by most. When I look into their beautiful eyes I can see and feel the pain, sorrow and fear that consumes them every second of every day. Also, above the fact that they get NO real rest, whenever the carriage driver takes a break (Which sometimes can be hours upon hours) the horse is left strapped down. When you look at their hind legs you can see that they're so tired, that they'll lean on one leg then switch to give each leg a bit of rest.

Everytime I see one of these innocent beings, I can't help but feel pain in my heart and feelings sadness towards the fact that there is little to nothing I can do to relieve them from this misery. In some ways I don't blame the locals for this because most of them don't know any different however, I would step in if I saw one abusing their horse. A Canadian girl we met saw a guy throw a large beer bottle at one of the horses and proceeded to punching him in the face for doing so. 

They also use them to carry building materials and more.

After she informed me of this horrific situation I thanked and congratulated her on standing up for what was right. I don't really give rat's A$$ about who you are or where you're from, as soon as you hit adulthood you've been able to make you're own decisions. Within this freedom you can decide to be a bystander or DO something about it.

Along with these poor horses, all animals deserve equal treatment because without them there is no existence for humans or ANYTHING else. I will forever fight for all beings to live freely and decide their own life paths. Same as women's rights and enslavery, speciesism should be forbidden as sexism and racism now are. 

"The greatness of a nation & it's moral progress can be judged by the way it's animals are treated" - Mahatma Gandhi 

The Reasons Behind Being TOFI

                             

When it comes to health, an endless amount of contradicting information is available for you to get confused over. Drink this, don't eat that, do this, don't do that, it's all too overwhelming for most which is why 4 years ago I decided to take matters into my own hands. Still to this day it is the single best thing I could've ever done to thank my body for putting up with my Sh!t.

Growing up we kind of ate whatever, my mom would buy the basics like, veggies, fruit, grains, starches and dairy. At this time the world wasn't half as conscious about eating habits as it is now. Along with the basics we would always have some sort of "treat" in the house. 

I grew up wanting much more of the treats than the veggies of course, which stayed with me all through my teenage years up until I turned 20. I was literally eating solely processed food because that's what tasted better to my uncultured palate. Now I don't blame anyone for this because it was a time where people didn't really know much about the true side effects of a poor diet.

                             

    

When I hit 20 I went through a bad break up and like a lot of people I tried to keep myself and my mind busy while grieving. Also I thought to myself I'm gonna get jacked! And show her what she missed out on... Yeah I know, typical right?

So what did I do? I went to Chapters and bought a Men's Health Magazine of course! (True androgynous butch lesbian mindset..). I flipped trough the pages and after many pictures of half naked men with sick abs I finally stumbled upon a 7 day "sample" meal plan. This was the answer to everything I thought, I'll just eat exactly like this, join the gym and in no time I'll look like a beast!

I was living on my own at this time so I headed to the grocery store and instead of buying my usual chicken nuggets and pizza I bought, whole wheat bread, Turkey bacon and eggs. In my mind, I was ahead of the game here and soon enough my body would transform like magic. That same day I got a membership at the gym and had no clue what to do or where to start, but no worries I had my trusty Men's Health Magazine to guide me.

                           

    

I'd say about 3 months after going to the gym every morning for an hour and eating according to the meal plan, I could with full confidence say that absolutely NOTHING had changed. Great! What the hell was I to do now, or even better what was I doing wrong? I didn't have the slightest idea, so I gave up and felt defeated.

Being part of the health food movement for several years, I've realized that most people have or will feel that same feeling of defeat at some point. Just like me, it won't be by choice but by negligence, denial and brainwash from society's desire to keep you in the dark from the truth.

It isn't a coincidence that 1 in 3 people will have cancer in their lifetime and that the majority of westerners are sick in some way and are on some sort medication. It's all part of the largest scam ever, to keep people sick because let's be honest here, there is no money in health compared to the amount of money made from the sick and dying.

How is the junk food, meat, egg and dairy industries supposed to make money if no one is buying their products? They wouldn't which is why all promoters of these products are working for or paid by these industries to make them look good. If this is news to you, well... I don't apologize because everyone needs to know the truth about the pain and sorrow these companies are bringing into the lives of people and families around the world. They are killing innocent humans and animals by the millions for their own selfishness and greed. 

Needless to say, something isn't right and don't follow the pack if they're not happy, you won't be either. If you're tired of being on the never ending yo-yo diet and your sick of either having extra unwanted weight or feeling sluggish all the time them try something different, go against the masses.

This is what I did almost 4 years ago when I took matters into my own hands. Instead of listening to other people, I did my own research and experiments. Through these changes I discovered that a vegan lifestyle is the only way to live a healthy, meaningful, ethical, compassionate and vibrantly amazing life. 

To most that may sound bias but like a lot of people, I've tried various fad diets like Paleo and more. I can tell you first hand that before going plant based I didn't feel this alive and clear minded. My eyes are now open to the true darkness and light of the world. 

I've eaten junk food, I've eaten high amounts protein, I've eaten "low carb" and it was a complete waste of time. Nothing until veganism was able to make me feel as wonderful as I do now and I know with every inch of my being that this is what I need to be doing to not only save myself but save others too.

All of this rambling to say that you can be thin on the outside but this doesn't mean that you're healthy on the inside and the inside is what's important. So instead of being TOFI (thin on the outside and fat on the inside), why not thrive to be healthy all around. I've been thin and healthy looking all my life, even though I was never truly healthy on the inside.

You're the only person who has authority over your life, use this to your advantage and save yourself the trouble of getting sick along the way.

"It is more important to prevent animal suffering, rather than sit to contemplate the evils of the universe praying in the company of priests."

- Buddha

Hello World!

Welcome to The Sun Food Traveler.

                     Where sh!t gets REAL!

                                             

                                                 Lost and Loving it.

Through this blog you will have access to what my Hyperactive mind is up to in addition to mine and my lovely girlfriend's worldly travels, all the Vegan goodness we encounter along the way, my beliefs and so much MORE! This is a no bullshit zone where I speak the unfiltered truth. A loving, compassionate and passionate heart solely resides here at The Sun Food Traveler.

We left our native country of Canada over a month ago and I hesitated to start what I consider a "Legitimate" blog because I let my fears and uncertainties get the best of me. I thought to myself, why would I start a blog when there is probably millions of others that will be better than mine or I would ask myself "Can I even write? Will anyone want to read my stuff?". 

Now that we're 52 days into our travels I definitely regret not starting it sooner. What stopped me to begin with is truly non sense when I actually think about it but expressing myself won't be taking a backseat anytime in the near future, I'm going at this full THROTTLE! 

                         

As I mentioned previously we've been gone nearly 7 weeks now, my beautiful girlfriend, Veronica and I left Kelowna, BC on January 9th and flew to Singapore to commence our crazy travels around the world. Because of my own stupid insecurities you've all missed out on our adventures through Singapore, Malaysia and most of Thailand! 

On the bright side I've been blogging on a separate blog recounting everything we do each day, this way our friends and family can know what's up and we have all our adventures noted. I will do my best to write a few blogs on the last 7 weeks to make sure you don't miss out on anything, especially all the vegan awesomeness we've experienced.

       

As you follow my blog you will quickly realize that when I'm passionate about something, I'm very dedicated and truthful to what I believe in. While that may come across as ignorant at times, which I can assure you it most likely will, I recommend you carefully pick and choose the blogs you read. As I indicated before I'm a very passionate person and I stand by my beliefs like nobody's business.

Although I'm hard headed or stubborn sometimes, I am also very open minded and always up for a real conversation or interaction. One of the things in life that I believe is among the hardest to achieve, is to not take sh!t personally, frequently you'll hear someone state that they "Don't care" but in reality they actually do. 

       

           (Seriously though, Do it!)

I truly believe that if you can present yourself in a way that is respectable and compassionate without being judgemental or hateful then you've really hit the sweet spot. (C.M.A, cheesy moment alert!) Just speak from the heart and you will be heard.

If you want to dish it out you've got to expect to get it back ten times harder. If it knocks you on your a$$ then suck it up and get back at it, don't dwell just make things happen because no one else is there to do it for you.

Again welcome to The Sun Food Traveler! I can only hope you'll enjoy my blog as much as I will have the pleasure to write it for you.

"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music" - Frederich Wilhelmina Nietzsche

Young, Wild and Free

                       

You know that feeling you get when you just know you're EXACTLY where you should be? 

Well that's what I'm currently feeling, especially since arriving to Bali. There is a lack of words that are able to describe the breathtaking beauty that this place effortlessly thrives with. 

When you watch movies filled with amazing scenery and follow social media overwhelmed with worldly pictures you can't help but be overcome by good feelings. However, I can almost guarantee that a large amount of people feel that these are unattainable fantasies.

Why? Why is it so crazy, to see that insanely gorgeous picture of Thailands turquoise water or Bali's endlessly green lush rice fields and think, NAH! That'll never happen so let me just put that picture as the wallpaper on my phone and it'll be enough.

                        

                  Ubud.

That picture doesn't have to be the end of the road for that desire, ultimately it should be the beginning. That picture should bring you happiness, excitement and motivation to accomplish whatever is needed to make it become a real life experience.

I see COUNTLESS Facebook accounts post this quote; "Travel while you're young and able. Don't worry about the money, just make it work. Experience is far more valuable than money will ever be.", yet none of these people actually live by this. 

A wise man once answered an important question for me. He was able to answer this question because he is a retired man who is currently RVing across North America and loving the traveling life.

                         

                  #NomadLife.

I was curious to know, if he had had the choice would he have traveled when he was younger or had he gone down the right path of working and saving the traveling for after retirement. Without any hesitation the answer was, travel while you're young.

To some people this is a crazy but a secretly tempting thing. For most this will be put on the back burner by reason of it being too unrealistic, unpredictable and lacking security. It may be an unsettling feeling for the masses, but to me being stuck is much more of a nightmare.

As overused as that quote may be, it tells no lies and the BIGGEST favour you could ever possibly do for yourself is to live by it. Your friends and family might think you're nuts or maybe you'll think so too but at the end of it they're probably just jealous "wink".

                          

Give yourself Peace of Mind, eliminate the thoughts of wondering what if from your mind and take the leap.

"Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around."

- Henry David Thoreau

Ink Not Mink

                      

      PeTA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).

Getting ink can mean as much or as little as you personally desire. Whether you get something that has a GRAND meaning with a precious story behind it or just stamping yourself with something you simply think is cool ultimately, it's up to you.

Personally, the majority of my tattoos as of now have some sort of meaning backing it up although, I do have some that don't. When I think of tattoos I think of them as a permanent form of body art and not just some ink engraved into your skin.

It's so much more than that. It can go from being the stupidest mistake of your life to the most amazing experience. In my eyes,(not always, I've seen some pretty brutal ones) I see it as beautifying your body. 

I got my first tattoo when I was 18, its a rose in which its stem spells my grandmother's name "Lorraine". Still to this day its my favourite, even though I've gotten many more since and that its one of my simpler pieces, I love it and always will. 

                         

                                     PeTA's "Ink Not Mink" campaign.

Since my first tattoo 6 years ago, I've gotten approximately $2500 worth of work on my body. While there are some that I may end up getting covered, I don't regret any of them. Reason being that at the time I was very sure of what wanted and loved, atleast enough to mark my skin with it.

There is one thing to remember before getting your first ink, you WILL want more and more and more. Now in my opinion this isn't a bad thing other than being tough on my wallet however, other than that I absolutely love it.

                       

      Pretty much...

I guess you could accuse me of being an addict to some extent because I do crave it and go through withdrawals at times. I love the sound of the machine and the whole process of my Ideas being turned into a masterpiece by my tattoo artist. 

I would be foolish not to admit that when the high speed needles puncture my skin, it's quite unpleasantly painful. As painful as it may be though, its still more than worth the temporary discomfort because once it's done, (or when he stops to grab more ink or to stretch his wrist) it's an amazing feeling.

Whether you're covered in them or haven't gotten your first yet, tattoos are an AMAZING way to express yourself through memories that you get to carry with you forever. Never regret, only learn and grow through experience and always live with a lack of fear.

"Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely".- Buddha