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600km Walking Pilgrimage through Spain

Written by Denise Chng Lisan & published on September 2 2008

From the moment I discovered an ancient pilgrimage path in Spain in June last year, the attraction of walking hundreds of kilometres towards an assured destination grew on me daily. My eagerness to go on a month-long journey on foot across the steep slopes, lush valleys and forests of the Pyrenees, and through countless small towns and villages, was part of a subconscious quest to find depth and meaning in my life. At the age of 33, I was approaching – prematurely, perhaps – what seemed to be a mid-life crisis.

Straits Times Life! Article,Denise Chng Lisan,Camino de Santiago,Camino Frances

Letter from Quebec: Preserving Heritage

Written by Denise Chng Lisan & published on November 8 2008

'TRAVEL is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living,' wrote Miriam Beard. Life in Quebec is now my teacher, pointing out my knowledge gaps and honing my ideas of living - be it language, culture, life-skills, or the environment.

Denise Chng Lisan

Summer is here!

Posted by Denise CHNG Lisan On Saturday, June 21, 2008



Growing up in 25-30 degrees Singapore, I have to say that I take the sun for granted. But over here in Quebec, people's lives revolve around the sun and the warmth it brings. The weather in a single day can change and vary drastically, making it difficult for one to guess what to wear when going out. Checking the weather forecast is as important as checking the flight schedule when you fly. e.g. no bbq or outdoor activities or laundry when the forecast says it is going to rain. Having been tricked by the changing weather, I've gotten smarter about my dressing.....always bring my luggage of gloves, head warmer, winter jacket, umbrella, sunglasses, etc etc no matter what....cold or warm.

As the cold passes, the summer flowers start to bloom. The barren trees start to come to life with bounty green leaves. Even the smiles of the people can be felt in the air, as the sun shines generously on their faces. The activities of the locals come to life, as more and more people get out into the sun to cycle, jog, or just to take walks to bask in the warm sun. Gardening is a great joy at this time of the year, as everyone takes advantage of the sun to grow their favorite herbs and flowers. Little children put out their tents in their gardens. Big people just sit out on the patio to have a cup of coffee, or beer.

I am lucky to to be here to witness the change of seasons.

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    Ave Maria - Lourdes, France
    IN MEMORY OF MY MOTHER

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