dragons vs. lions

hand balancing, part of Dralion by Cirque de Soleil

Take dragons of the east and mix them with lions of the west and the result is Dralion. As part of Cirque de Soleil's touring season, Dralion will be on view across North America for the remainder of 2011. Currently, it is being staged in Victoria and is remarkable.

Cirque, the brand, has set itself the major challenge of living up to its own hype while constantly expanding and developing, and touring, new shows. Thus far it does not seem to disappoint. How can it, really, when its mainstay is the wondrous limits, or lack thereof, of the human body? And it still retains a charming circus-like quality. Take your imagination and go to revel in the live music and amazing acts for which Cirque de Soleil has rightly earned its reputation.

safari disposition

Kruger National Park; photo by melissa berry

Kruger National Park; photo by melissa berry

Kruger National Park; photo by melissa berry

For some a safari requires a lot of patience. Long periods of time may pass without spotting an elephant or a leopard or one of those things one might go to see. In a zen-like moment of realisation I saw that this is often the approach people take to life, waiting for the big stuff and tolerating the rest.

I am grateful to have a safari disposition, which requires less patience but open eyes. In life (as on safari) I am drawn into the setting, the context, the everyday; it never fails to amaze me. When the elephants and leopards of life appear I am ready and eager to appreciate them as well.