Rawi Warin Resort Koh Lanta Yai, Krabi July 2007 My wife Lory is not a squeamish kind of woman. She was raised on a farm in the river hills of the North Saskatchewan - running barefoot, riding horses, milking cows and raising calves to sell for slaughter. She also raised cats that were half pet, … Continue reading Lory and the Monitor Lizard →

Waitomo, New Zealand October 9, 2001 We stood on the brink of a cliff that dropped thirty-five meters down a narrow shaft to the entrance of a cave. Our guide Sarah, was giving us beginner abseiling instructions. Between my healthy fear of heights and Sarah’s strong Kiwi accent, I found it difficult to follow her … Continue reading Black Water Rafting →

2000 - 2004 CE Islamabad, Pakistan   In July 2000 Pakistan became our fourth overseas home, after three years in Kuala Lumpur. We have loved each and every one of our seven overseas homes. Friends and relatives were surprised to learn we were moving to Islamabad to work with Rob Ambrogi, Director of the International … Continue reading Culture Shock Pakistan →

Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, November 1994 Lory was waiting outside the restaurant, in the open tropical courtyard. She was smiling and her eyes were sparkling. With excitement in her voice, she said, "Norm, come over here!" I walked toward her, unaware that the source of her amusement was the antics of a caged monkey in the … Continue reading The Monkey with the Serengeti Sunglasses →

Bukit Lawang, Sumatra, Indonesia                 Wednesday, October 5, 2011 I looked into Suma’s eyes, searching for a sign of recognition. Could this large and limber orangutan and I share a history? Are we somehow related? I had to know. In September 2011, Michael Ingram and I flew from Pekanbaru … Continue reading Hangin’ Out with the Orangutans →