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1998. I’m living the dream as my first contract as a bar waiter is underway, working for the popular Carnival Cruise Lines, on the MS Tropicale.  Yes, this is me in 1998, on MS Tropicale. Full head of hair, bow tie and everything. After a late shift in the piano bar, I’m closing the joint all by myself when two inebriated girls walk in and become increasingly interested in my person. With no one else around, I’m an easy target. Soon after I reveal my country of origin, one of them starts pulling my uniform stating that she wants some Romanian d!@&. Now, I can’t say that I feel in danger anytime during this episode, but things could escalate pretty quickly and, given our respective statuses, not in a good direction for me. I could lose my job faster than my clothes over this. Luckily, my night manager is doing his rounds and saves the day - so to speak - when he steps inside the lounge. 1999. I’m still a bar waiter sailing the blue waters of the Caribbean, this time on the MS Pa...

This year I had more weddings in Calgary than Edmonton, and the Ramada has become one of my second homes. But this is not about that. This is about a Punjabi love story filled with emotions, hunting trophies and party light sticks. It starts as expected, with the bride getting ready at her home. Before anyone else, she makes her way inside the gurdwara, where she'll go into hiding for a couple of hours or so, waiting for everyone else to come. Meanwhile, at the groom's home, Ella's feeling creative: A bright red, royal turban is growing in front of everybody's eyes: Oh, deer: Apparently, everybody is in a hurry to get to the temple, hence all the sports cars: The milni takes place under Ruppy's undetected supervision. Soon after that, everybody makes their way inside Darbar Sahib. An ancient ritual consists of smart phones popping up at the first sight of the bride: It's always a victory to catch the first look and the authentic expressions on the couple's f...