https://gnomeless.com/2012/08/06/vancouvers-pride-parade-is-better-than-ever/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/hedy-the-mermaid.pngHedy the MermaidThe indomitable Dr. Hedy Fry, MP for Vancouver Centre, had yet another outstanding entry in this year's Pride Parade. https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/1344196823995.jpgViagraViagra was there to give folks a lift as well.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/2012-08-05-12-49-36.jpgTrojanWhoever does the marketing for Trojan should get a raise.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/2012-08-05-13-29-34.jpgGlobalAnd B.C.'s top network, Global, was there in a big old bus.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/2012-08-05-13-03-22.jpgCBCSo was Canada's public broadcaster, the CBC.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/2012-08-05-12-53-401.jpgCTVCTV was on the scene.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/2012-08-05-12-53-40.jpg2012-08-05 12.53.40https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/2012-08-05-12-47-07.jpgTD BankThe TD Bank is closed on Sundays, so one of Canada's largest banks had a lot of folks in the parade.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/2012-08-05-13-24-031.jpgThe Brazen HussiesAnd (I'm not ashamed to admit it) one of my favourite entries in the parade, the Brazen Hussies.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/2012-08-05-13-24-03.jpg2012-08-05 13.24.032012-08-06T19:44:31+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2012/08/04/where-to-go-if-you-like-tolerance/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/2012-07-28-16-27-05.jpgNo bike left behind.No bike left behind.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/1343518025957.jpgNo bike left behindNo bike left behind.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/1343517975529.jpgWhole Lotta SkinSure hope they put on some sunscreen.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/2012-07-28-16-26-34.jpgDon't forget your helmetDon't forget your helmet!https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/2012-07-28-16-26-192.jpgHow folks roll in VancouverThis is how we roll in Vancouver.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/2012-07-28-16-26-191.jpg2012-07-28 16.26.19https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/2012-07-28-16-26-19.jpg2012-07-28 16.26.19https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/1343517980533.jpgHow folks roll in VancouverThis is how we roll in Vancouver.2012-08-05T04:18:15+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/04/06/korean-secret-to-happy-feet/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/temple-and-toe-socks-0201.jpgAjuma wearing toe socksAn ajuma works a pair of toe socks at the Gu In Jung Sa Temple's sungmoo on Sunday, April 4, 2010.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/temple-and-toe-socks-0231.jpgMy New Toe SocksA place for every toe + Every toe in its place = AWESOME!https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/temple-and-toe-socks-023.jpgMy Toe SocksA place for every toe + Every toe in its place = AWESOME!https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/temple-and-toe-socks-020.jpgAjuma Wearing Toe SocksAjuma Wearing Toe Socks2012-05-17T18:23:25+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/about-jeff-melland/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/er-2-392.jpgThe Luxembourg GardensKJ, Jeff and Ian in Paris at one of the world's greatest parks, the Luxembourg Gardens.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/er-2-208.jpgThe Mellands in RomeKJ, Ian and Jeff pictured with some grand Roman building in the background.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/with-mom-and-dad-on-birthday.jpgThe Melland FamilyJeff, KJ and little Ian on his first birthdayhttps://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/monkey-in-his-hanbok.jpgMonkey in his hanbok2011-03-17T17:00:24+00:00weekly0.6https://gnomeless.com/2010/09/25/thanksgiving-korean-style/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/chs-003.jpgThe DudesThe menfolk sitting around enjoying Scotch while the womenfolk put the finishing touches on dinner and bring the food to the table.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/chs-002.jpgIan at the tombs.Ian passing the time while we wait for one of KJ's cousins to arrive with his family. The pink Paul Frank outfit with blue trim is a gift from my wife's younger sister, who insists the outfit is unisex. I'm not entirely convinced, but what can you do?https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/chs-001.jpgGraveyardA view of just a few of the tombs (burial mounds, really) at the graveyard where my father-in-law's parents are buried. You can also see some folks paying their respects.2010-09-24T17:58:30+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/09/18/europe-2010-mvp/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/er-2-399.jpgThe buggy as pushcart.When Ian was out of the buggy, it was darned handy for carrying our daypack and other stuff that wouldn't fit in it.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/er-2-021.jpgIan in the buggy.Our little Cosco buggy at Cambridge University. Great for keeping Ian where we wanted him when we wanted him to be where we wanted him.2010-09-17T17:44:38+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/04/15/when-to-wear-a-surgical-mask/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/facemasks-ajumas-and-the-park-at-ulsan-009.jpgSurgical Masks In KoreaWant to wear one that offers absolutely no protection against infection? Why not? Ritual is an important part of life.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/facemasks-ajumas-and-the-park-at-ulsan-003.jpgSurgical Masks In KoreaComing or Going? Doesn't matter. Either is perfectly fine.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/facemasks-ajumas-and-the-park-at-ulsan-001.jpgSurgical Masks In KoreaWant to wear one while using the public exercise equipment? Go for it!2010-09-02T08:06:56+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/08/31/score-one-for-the-scots-2/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/haggis-002.jpgJust About Time to Eat.Fiona and Richard making final preparations for our meal.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/haggis-003.jpgIan Tries HaggisIan's first bite of haggis. Our little guy isn't shy about letting us know what he thinks about the food we give him. If he hates it, he spits it out immediately. If he likes it, he grabs his little spoon and digs in. The kid dug haggis.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/haggis-001.jpgHaggis This is the mythical haggis.2010-08-31T20:23:41+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/08/29/the-continental-awards/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/europe-pix-392.jpgThe Luxembourg GardensKJ, Ian and I at the Luxembourg Gardens.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/europe-pix-306.jpgSaba's PlaceThe best of many rotisserie chicken places we ate at. Very lucky that Ian loves chicken.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/europe-pix-323.jpgBest PastaYum! That's all I've got to say.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/europe-pix-158.jpgPiazza NavonaIan cooling his tootsies in one of the amazing fountains at Piazza Navona.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/europe-pix-245.jpgBest Fruit and VeggiesBest lemons ever.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/europe-pix-242.jpgA Great Way to Start the DayIan starts the day off right with a hit of espresso in Ohrid, Macedonia.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/europe-pix-415.jpgIan Pitches InIan does his part to keep Paris clean.2010-08-29T02:06:53+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/07/27/sofia-vs-ohrid/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/305.jpgOld Town OhridIan and I at one of the beautiful old churches in Ohrid's Old Town. Nice pasty white legs I'm sporting, eh?https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/275.jpgOhridIan playing in a park by Ohrid's lakefront.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/266.jpgSad Sofia #2Typical Sofia sidewalk. Pretty tough to push a baby buggy on one of these!https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/265.jpgSad Sofia #1Typical crumbling building in Sofia.2012-06-20T23:44:06+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/07/24/the-best-little-hostel-in-sofia/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/270.jpgIan at Art HostelIan loved playing in the garden after his morning nap. In the evenings, the place was filled with backpackers and locals.2010-07-29T04:33:57+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/07/18/welcome-to-bulgaria/2010-07-28T20:27:37+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/07/13/how-to-simulate-add/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/crucifixion-of-saint-peter.jpgCrucifixion of Saint PeterThe Crucifixion of Saint Peter by Caravaggio2010-07-15T22:26:27+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/07/11/very-civil-unrest/2010-07-10T22:19:35+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/07/05/the-worlds-worst-airport/2010-07-05T01:04:59+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/06/21/so-long-yangsan/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ready-to-hit-the-road.jpgReady to Hit the RoadWe've "simplified" our lives to this: a travel backpack, two daypacks, a baby carrier and Ian's teddy, Hudson Bear.2013-07-30T19:01:25+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/06/10/fun-with-english/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/fun-with-english-007.jpgAlways for your JoyfulThis has got to be the world's most upbeat and eager-to-please chain of convenience stores.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/fun-with-english-003.jpgMore information on sturgeon.Experts on sturgeon are impressed by the range of formatting they exhibit.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/fun-with-english-002.jpgSharks and SturgeonsWhat's the difference between a shark and a sturgeon?https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/fun-with-english-004.jpgLilycalIf you enjoyed "Dances with Wolves", you'll love "Dances with Lillies".https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/fun-with-english-001.jpgWowVery impressive indeed.2014-05-26T01:52:04+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/06/05/south-koreas-pageant-of-democracy/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/fans-election-dinosaurs-and-jp-009.jpgDinosaur ParkIan gets the heck out of the way of a dinosaur.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/fans-election-dinosaurs-and-jp-004.jpgCampaigning ajumasA bunch of ajumas getting the word out in a Busan shopping mall the day before the vote.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/fans-election-dinosaurs-and-jp-005.jpgSpeechmobile 2A candidate giving a speech to all the cars and pedestrians on a busy street in Busan the day before the election.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/fans-election-dinosaurs-and-jp-015.jpgFans, Election, Dinosaurs and JP 015https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/fans-election-dinosaurs-and-jp-002.jpgSpeechmobileA speechmobile for one of the candidates parked by the side of a road in Busan.2010-06-09T00:55:49+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/06/08/death-by-electric-fan/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/fans-election-dinosaurs-and-jp-001.jpgFan DeathUnsafe at any speed.2014-04-24T10:40:17+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/05/07/haedong-yonggungsa/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/cliff-temple-hockey-school-and-childrens-day-012-e1273164425984.jpgHaedong YonggungsaImposing statues of the twelve Chinese zodiac characters lined up to wish us a fond farewell as we make our way back to Gae-young's car.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/cliff-temple-hockey-school-and-childrens-day-010.jpgHaedong YonggungsaA view of the temple complex from the such and such Buddha.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/cliff-temple-hockey-school-and-childrens-day-007-e1273164086829.jpgHaedong YonggungsaThe such and such Buddha.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/cliff-temple-hockey-school-and-childrens-day-006.jpgHaedong YonggungsaAll religions should make donating money this much fun.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/cliff-temple-hockey-school-and-childrens-day-004-e1273163643545.jpgHaedong YonggungsaThe something something with the something or other towering above it. I don't believe the steel rods have any special significance.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/cliff-temple-hockey-school-and-childrens-day-005-e1273163404477.jpgHaedong YonggungsaYoung-ju stands a safe distance from me as we pose in front of the big gold Buddha.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/cliff-temple-hockey-school-and-childrens-day-003-e1273163188329.jpgHaedong YonggungsaDevotional figures left near a statue of the Great Goddess Buddha of Mercy's ride.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/cliff-temple-hockey-school-and-childrens-day-002-e1273162908127.jpgHaedong YonggungsaAnd, no, Haedong Yonggungsa is not wheelchair accessible.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/cliff-temple-hockey-school-and-childrens-day-001.jpgHaedong YonggungsaMy little guy and I check out all the little Buddhas.2010-06-05T16:57:59+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/06/01/the-house-in-yangsan/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/home-in-yangsan-009.jpgView from my primary smoking spot #3View from my primary smoking spot #3. Just past my father-in-law's garden is the property of one of the neighbors'. I still haven't decided if this is the world's smallest farm or a garden on steroids.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/home-in-yangsan-008.jpgView from my primary smoking spot #2View from my primary smoking spot #2https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/home-in-yangsan-007.jpgView from my primary smoking spot #1View from my primary smoking spot #1https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/home-in-yangsan-0121.jpgEmergency Smoking SpotThis is my emergency smoking spot. It's where I smoke if my father-in-law is puttering about in his garden by my main smoking spot. This is where I received the packet of mineral salt I talked about in The Salt of the Earth.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/home-in-yangsan-011.jpgThe front laneAfter we're finished visiting the dog, the cows and the rice paddies, Ian and I head up this little lane that leads to the house. It also has storm sewer grates, which means Ian has more little rocks to drop.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/home-in-yangsan-010.jpgThe In-laws' HouseThis is the in-laws' house. In a country where most people live in small apartments, we're living large here in Yangsan.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/home-in-yangsan-006.jpgMain Smoking SpotThis is my primary smoking spot. You can see my father-in-law's garden right below.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/home-in-yangsan-005.jpgKimchi PotsThe pots used by my mother-in-law to make kimchi, soy sauce, denjung and so on. You can also see the backyard dog, Samsunhee. Awesome dog.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/home-in-yangsan-0046.jpgThe Cows Next DoorTwo of the four cows that Ian loves to visit every day. We always know when Ian wants to go outside, because he points to the front door and says, Moo! (Sometimes quite urgently.)https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/home-in-yangsan-003.jpgCow Farm FieldThis is a field right next to the cow's shed. Every now and then, the owner of the cows let's them run around here.2010-06-05T16:47:43+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/05/13/the-battle-of-yangsan/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/the-kids-002-e1273682654857.jpgThe Battle of YangsanYou can just feel the love, can't you?https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/the-kids-001.jpgThe Battle of Yangsan So-min scores a point.2010-06-05T16:08:48+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/05/19/ian-gets-star-treatment-in-korea/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/recent-pictures-of-ian-great-granny-temples-cute-shot-010.jpgIan Reuben MellandThis is the face that stops Koreans in their tracks.2010-06-05T16:06:01+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/05/21/the-salt-of-the-earth/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/salt-of-the-earth-001.jpgSalt of the Earth 001Are you on the right road?https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/salt-of-the-earth-002.jpgSalt of the EarthThere are a wide range of uses for this mineral salt.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/dsc03928.jpgDSC039282010-06-05T16:04:29+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/05/30/two-things-i-miss-about-home/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/lack-of-grass-0021.jpgLack of Grass 1The lawn in front of the in-laws' house is nice, but our little guy needs a lot more space than just this.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/lack-of-grass-002.jpgLack of Grass 1The lawn in front of the in-laws' house is nice, but my little guy needs a lot more space than just this.2010-06-05T16:01:23+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/05/06/its-all-about-the-kids/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/cliff-temple-hockey-school-and-childrens-day-030.jpgChildren's Day CakeSo-min and Ian discuss whether and when to blow out the candle on the Children's Day cake.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/cliff-temple-hockey-school-and-childrens-day-026.jpgThree Cousins on Children's DayAll the cousins in one spot. Jun-pyo, So-min and Ian, as well as Jun-pyo's mom Kyung-hee (my younger sister-in-law), and my unphotogenic self.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/cliff-temple-hockey-school-and-childrens-day-016.jpgChildren's Day PicnicWe thought SPO 1 Sport Park would be a great place for a picnic - and a million others in the Busan area had the same idea.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/cliff-temple-hockey-school-and-childrens-day-034.jpgChildren's DayIan With His Children's Day Loot2010-05-06T03:45:56+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/05/04/the-real-rulers-of-south-korea/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ajumas-003.jpgAjuma VisorsAjuma visors come in a variety of colors - but all black is best for intimidating the young.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ajumas-001.jpgAjuma Working OutAn ajuma with full visor works out.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ajumas-002.jpgAjuma Crossing The StreetYou wouldn't want to mess with this ajuma.2010-05-05T18:26:34+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/04/21/what-if-north-korea-did-it/2010-04-20T16:55:49+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/04/13/abab/2010-04-17T12:02:39+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/04/08/korean-health-care-in-great-shape/2010-04-07T16:49:53+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/04/05/buddhism-with-korean-characteristics/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/temple-and-toe-socks-019.jpgSungmooA monk performs sungmoo, the dance to ask the local god to protect the town.https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/temple-and-toe-socks-011.jpgSome pigJaymul pig with money offerings stuffed in his mouth and ears. https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/temple-and-toe-socks-004.jpgGu In Jung Sa TempleMonks play instruments and chant during ritual to ask local god's protection of the town.2014-12-10T03:25:49+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/03/31/land-of-morning-calm-indeed/2010-04-04T18:46:41+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/03/29/are-they-trying-to-make-flying-a-pain-in-the-arse/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/ec82aceca784-155.jpgThe ASB 2010XThe last word in anti-shoe bomber technology2010-04-02T04:08:41+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.com/2010/03/22/why-we-are-gnomeless/https://gnomeless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/cam04237.jpgCAM042372010-03-23T19:48:13+00:00monthlyhttps://gnomeless.comdaily1.02014-12-10T03:25:49+00:00