RETIREMENT GLIMPSES / CONTINUED FROM OTHER SIDE (PAGE 5)

Approaching retirement means facing a powerful question: "What are you going to do now?" Most retirees give a lot of thought to what to do with their "golden years". They ask, what mix of activities do I want? What skills do I need to hone, what areas of my specialty do I wish to continue to have contact with, so that I might still hopefully make a contribution? How should I spend liesure time -- travel, theatre, camping?

In my own case, there are negative as well as positive elements affecting that mix. In spite of some continuing health problems, I still follow my favourite fields -- autos and economic conditions. I read novels, play a little bridge, spend part of the winter in the south and part of the summer in the north. However, the glue that holds the picture together is my many friends from academia and business, my wife, children and especially grand-kids. And don't forget a daily exercise program, good diet and regular medical check-ups. They pay off.

Finally, focus on the positives and do your best to side-track those negative forces. I can say, without reservation, that retirement life can be both pleasant and challenging..

R.K.C.
Leamington, Ont.

CAMERON MacINNIS - CIVIL ENGINEERING / Interesting World Travel -- and a move to the big T-O

In November, 1992, a year after retirement, I presented a paper to the International Conference on the Chemistry of Cement in New Delhi, India, following which I toured Northern India and Nepal, including the great temple city of Khajoraho, Varanasi on the Ganges and Katmandu in Nepal. Then on for two weeks in Jordan and Israel. The highlight in Jordan was Petra, where 2000 years ago the Nabotaeans literally carved a city out of the rose-red rock, based on agriculture and control of the area's strategic silk trade route. Petra was protected for several hundred years (approx 500BC-500AD) by a ring of impenetrable mountains known as the siq.

I crossed from Jordan to Israel via the famous Allenby bridge on the River Jordan, and visited Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Haifa, with a tour around the north, viewing the Golan Hieghts, visiting a kibbutz and a major "dig" at a Roman site south of the Sea of Galilee. I also had a trip down the "West Bank" to the Dead Sea and Masada, the site of Israel's last battle with Rome. In Jerusalem I literally bumped into Patrick Watson (The Globe's correspondent in the Middle East) and travelled with him on my return trip from Jerusalem to Amman (courtesy of The Globe and Mail).

Many members may know that I moved to Toronto six months ago, and am now fairly settled in a condo at 80 Front Street East, across kitty-corner from the St. Lawrence market. I am enjoying myself immensely -- do lots of reading, am taking two courses at the U of T (continuing studies program), take in a lot of theatre and music events, swim almost every day, do lots of walking, play some bridge, do some volunteer work and belong to an Amnesty International group. I see Kate McCrone on her frequent trips to Toronto, and she keeps me up to date on activities at the University of Windsor.

I have plans for a trip to Salt Lake City in March for the spring conference of the American Concrete Institute, of which I serve on two committees. Am also planning a brief trip to New York in early April. When any of you are in Toronto, I hope you will give me a call, and we might have a drink or meal together. (416-214-1743).

C.M.,
Toronto

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