Mastodawn

I noticed this thought provoking work of guerrilla art at the bus stop by Vancouver's English Bay. Someone asked for my interpretation of the sign. I said how it was perhaps referring to a call by indigenous ancestors of this land and of Palestine for us to reflect on our position towards genocide. Moreover what we do or fail to do in response to Gaza has consequences that matter. Ultimately we are held accountable for our beliefs and actions. Turns out, I was talking with the artist.

John Sóos 🍉Feb 24

UNRWA Feb 23

“We used to have a house. Now a classroom is where we sleep, eat, and try to live,” says 8-year-old Sharif, living with his family in an UNRWA school-turned-shelter in #Gaza.

The young boy has been confronted with sudden loss and displacement, and out of school for over two years. He’s now resumed learning in UNRWA’s temporary learning spaces, and feeling he’s getting his life back.

Sharif dreams of becoming a doctor, driven by what he has witnessed. “I want to treat people and ease their pain,” he explains. “I don’t want anyone to feel helpless the way we did.”

John Sóos 🍉Jan 30

Spotted what struck me as being a lovely symbol of Palestinian resilience & resistance in the small garden by my guesthouse in Luang Prabang, Laos. The cactus - “saber as-sabbar” - patience, endurance + of course, the beloved watermelon - longstanding stand-in for Palestine. While it may have been unintentionally created by the gardner, what comes to mind is that the two together represent a beautiful & powerful statement of strength and liberation. Palestine will be free! #Palestine #Laos

John Sóos 🍉Jan 22

Endangered elephants are learning to socialize after being rescued by Laos' extraordinary Elephant Conservation Center (ECC). Prior to being released into the wild, the traumatized animals need to learn how to be part of a herd - something they never experienced as they were separated and forced to perform in casinos or other unnatural environments. Observing the care provided by the staff for these beautiful animals was a valuable lesson in responsible coexistence & environmental stewardship.

John Sóos 🍉Jan 12

Whilst searching for the Mekong river in Vientiane, capital of Laos, I stumbled upon fellow globetrotting adventurer, Tintin. Unfortunately, I was unable to help translate the menu. #Laos #travel #Tintin

John Sóos 🍉Jan 4

Alice McFlurry

Jan 4

I can't help but feel like this peace sign is laughing at us.

John Sóos 🍉Dec 29

Even when it's a dark, cold, rainy winter night in Vancouver - magic abounds at English Bay Beach. Christmas lights adorn a cluster of massive trees and a friendly glow from the Inukshuk welcomes passersby. Peace to all.

John Sóos 🍉Oct 2

As the systematic annihilation of Palestinian life in Gaza approaches 2 years, the best our kowtowing, genocide-enabling governments are doing is to finally issue re-cycled, meaningless "two-state solution" statements. What use is calling for "acceptance of a Palestinian state" when the Netanyahu Government has repeatedly stated that there will never be a Palestinian state? In Vancouver? Ride your bike in solidarity with Palestine, demand an end to genocide & the release of flotilla hostages!

John Sóos 🍉Sep 1, 2025

Heartwarming to see the good people of Iceland join people around the world in solidarity with Palestinians in their struggle for liberation. Graffiti seen in the streets of Reykjavik demand an end to Israel’s genocide. Free Palestine! Let Gaza Live!

John Sóos 🍉Sep 1, 2025

Hiking beneath an Icelandic waterfall. Thank you for this magical moment.

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