Freedom Friday - Forty Five Years

It is hard to believe that I have been living in the Canada for 45 years.  I still remember my first flight out of Manila.  If I remember it correctly it was Northwest Airlines, then Japan Airlines, then once it Canada it was good old Pacific Western (Not Air Canada).  The route was Manila-Tokyo-Vancouver-Edmonton-Yellowknife.  The overnight in Tokyo was eventful. I traveled with another girl who was going to get married to a guy who was my parents tenant in their home in Yellowknife.  We had to stay in a very nice hotel that had many floors.  We met a nice man who worked at the hotel who offered to take us shopping the next day.  I believe his name was Taku.  On the morning of our flight, they had a 7.0 earthquake and from our hotel room, we could watch the building across swaying from side to side.  Luckily it had stopped and we were able to checkout and got to the airport on time.  While waiting at the gate to board a flight, I met another nice older man, Mr. Triggs (not really sure how I still remember all these names.  Since we were going to board a 747 from Tokyo to Vancouver, he asked for my seat number and told me he would look for me once the flight was airborne and able to walk around.  Mr. Triggs was sitting in First Class.  The aircraft had the spiral staircase that takes you to the First Class Lounge.  He did look for me and gave me a tour of where he was seated, had a drink and a snack.  What a memorable first time on a 747.  Once in Vancouver I was met by my parent's friends who took me shopping for winter clothes.  The next day I was on my way to the great white north.  Almost forgot, the winter coat they got me was like a Santa jacket, red with white sort of furry collar and white cuffs and white trim at the edge of the coat.  Boots was a bit clunky but warm and I had a faux fur hat and warm mittens.  This was definitely a shock leaving the Philippines with a 98 F and arriving in Yellowknife with minus 30 C weather.  That was the first time I saw snow.  It had been at least six months since I had seen my parents and it was so great to live with them again.  Ten years in Yellowknife was enough so we moved to Whitehorse and stayed for four years.  After the north, we moved east to Mississauga and a couple of times to Ottawa and finally left Canada when I retired.  Luckily the next city was warm and sunny San Jose, California.  After nine years, we are back in beautiful British Columbia.  Although I have only lived in two territories and two provinces, I have been lucky enough to travel to most of Canada except Nunavut and Newfoundland.  Maybe someday we can still try to get see both. Happy 45 years to me and I am very thankful that my parents chose to emigrate to give us a better and safe future.

Memorial Monday - It's so hard to say goodbye

The past couple of weeks has been a little tough and a bit sad as well.  It's not my excuse for not posting anything new, but I am sure you will understand.  After receiving a phone call form my sister that my brother (he is the oldest in our family) has been in the hospital for a few weeks.  A couple of days later, I got another call, my brother is in ICU.  It was time to make a decision whether to go or not, but it was not difficult.  I knew I had to go.  From past experience, I seem to get the similar news, but a little late and I guess you can figure out what happened.  Luckily I was able to get flights within a couple of days and I arrived at the hospital.  I guess I was not prepared to see my brother's health condition.  My sister and I stayed for most of that day.  We returned about mid morning and was given the not so great message about his condition.  The chaplain was there within minutes and the last rite was given.  My sister and her two sons plus myself were there beside him.  The whole staff of that unit made sure my brother was comfortable and made sure they were there when he called.  Shortly after twelve noon, I told me sister to grab some lunch with her son.  I stayed with my brother and held his hand.  A short prayer was left by the chaplain for us.  There was nothing I could do but decided to read the prayer to him.  It seemed to comfort him and then it was time.  I am thankful that he did not die alone,  I was there still holding his hand.  Saying goodbye was so painful but knowing he is not in pain and now at peace, somehow makes it easier to understand this circle of life.  We will miss him but will never forget the good memories.  

Touring Thursday - Just cruisin'

This year I celebrated my birthday without any big party instead it was a get together with our couple friends.  We spent the weekend in Discovery Bay and the weather was perfect.  Our friends recently bought a pontoon boat and we were lucky to be able to cruise for a couple of hours in and around the the bay.  We arrived late and we joined our friends for lunch.  Then it was time to sail and since I don't know how to swim and a little afraid of the water, my friend got me a special life jacket.  After a while it was getting too warm and I removed the jacket and was comfortable and a little brave that I even dipped my feet on the water.  When we return we had a BBQ pork, grilled corn on the cob, garden salad and garlic bread.  Of course my friend served cake and ice cream since it was my birthday.  Here's some of the photos we took for our trip.  It was a perfect birthday and I love all the cards, gifts, surprises, text greetings, email greetings, telephone calls from family and friends.  

 

 

Travel Thursday - By Air, Land or Sea

Just in case you are wondering why I have not posted anything since last week, here's my story and I am sticking to it.  Between flying to Arizona to pick an RV, then driving it all the way to Texas and back to California, time just flew by and soon we were packing again our bags to leave for Canada.  The only travel we didn't do is by sea.  Although we might do a little of that soon as our friends just got their new boat.  Last week we were in Vernon, BC

to look for properties and reconnect with my friend Dot.  After nine years since we last saw each other, there were too many stories to share that we would stay up late each night to get caught up with our lives.  The Okanagan Valley is such a pretty place and I took some photos to share.

Highway 97 going to Vernon, BC

This is the view from the window of the church in Winfield.

Signs Saturday - Welcome signs

When the road seems like it has no ending, that's when you start taking boring photos of everything.  While traveling on our new RV, I found myself doing a lot of different things so I don't get too bored during those long drives.  Although Jeff does not drive for hours and hours without stop, it still feels like a long time to go from point A to B.  During that week we were in four different States.  Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas.  I'm sure everybody knows Texas is the biggest state.  It seemed forever when we cross the State Line.  I keep asking Jeff "are we still in Texas?".  As much as I like to take great pictures, it was very difficult to take a good one when the RV is on the highway plus the high winds that causes the vehicle to swing side to side.  Anyway, here's three welcome sign that I was able to take and if you zoom on it, you probably would read where we have been.

This one is more of a real welcome sign to the state of New Mexico.

This shows the flag of the State of Arizona.

It's too bad that this sign wasn't designed with a bit more creativity/

Wanderlust Wednesday- Where to go next

When I retire, I will travel and see the world.  Once we are retired, we will have all the time to travel.  These are just a couple of statement you hear from friends, family and people in general.  Do you really have all the time to travel once you are retired?  Maybe or maybe not.  It's not just time because you now have to put aside funds for travels as you retired income is less than when you were employed.  But it also depends on where you live which is what I am experiencing.  When I use to live in a certain part of Canada where winters are very long, you really have to plan a holiday once or twice a year to give yourself a break.  One of the incentives of living up North was that employers provide airfares to their employees and family annually in order to travel.  I am not sure if that is still applicable now.  We were a little spoiled because we were able to take advantage of that and we look forward to it every year.  When I moved to the eastern part of Canada where you truly experience the four seasons, it wasn't as bad not to go away every year, although friends and family do go away a lot so some warmer climate during the winter months.  Now that I live in sunny California, where the weather is nice every day even when it's cloudy and lately no rain, I don't have that same desire to get away.  Although lately I am experiencing a travel withdrawal.  I am sure you just read the post about Viking cruise and we are looking forward to an all inclusive trip to DR next year.  Yesterday while checking my email I just read an update on my AC miles will now have an expiry date.  Now I need to figure out where we can go next year so I can use it as it's good for one trip for two people.  There was no such rule before so I need to figure it out as booking a trip using air miles is not as easy as before.  You need to book at least 3 months or maybe more in order to get the right amount of points.  I could offer my points to my daughter and her husband but she does not have enough vacation leave to visit us.  Where to go next?  I've selected a few photos of favorite destination, how many can you identify or which one have you visited? Happy Travels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sailing Saturday - Viking Cruise

There is something very interesting and exciting about this Viking Cruise.  The first time I saw a brochure in our mail was about five years ago when I first moved here.  We are not experienced cruise traveler but we have been on three and it has been fun.  Although I have to really express my disappointment with NCL - Norweigian Cruise Line.  The destination was different because it was an Alaskan Cruise.  I know I have posted my issues with them.

It's in the past and I am over it but I know that the next we go on another cruise it won't be with them.  Now each time I see the commercial on TV about the Viking Cruises, I start imagining us being on one of their ship.  In case you have not heard about them, here's some amazing points that I found on their site.

• Their destinations and itineraries are so unique.
• The tours at destinations are included.
• The 24 hour room service is also included.
• There's less stateroom in the ship which means the service is more personal.
• Their chef shares his experience and even recipe for passengers to try at home.
• The activities on board are educational and historical.

When would be a good time to do one of these expensive cruise?  I think maybe for our 10th wedding anniversary.  This is a great way to see some of the European countries and their culture, art and cuisine.  It would also be fitting if we go in the month of May so it will be a double celebration as I would turn 65 that same year.  Which means I only have three years to convince Jeff and plan this big adventure.  For now I am just dreaming but hopefully we can actually do it.

 

 

Timecapsule Thursday - Virginia City

Do you remember those old western movies?  The very small downtown where the sidewalks are still made of wood with really old buildings were in Virginia City, Nevada.  We headed this way after we watched the hot air balloon races.  They were having the Camel, Ostrich and Zebra races.  When we got there we found out they were charging $20 per person.  So Jeff ask me if I wanted to spend the money there or save it for playing the slots.  I am sure if you know me, you know what my reply was.  Anyway, I took some pictures to share.  There was even a small area where they did some sort of play involving cowboys and indians.  I am not sure if you have a favorite western but mine was Trinity is my name.  I am guessing it's a movie similar to the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.  

 

Whimsical Wednesday - It's the happiest place

Whether is Disneyland or Disneyworld, everyone who has visited these resorts claims that it's the happiest place on earth.  It's at least 37 years ago since I have been to Disneyland but I still remember that ride where you see all the different dolls of the world.  I think it's called "It's a small world".  Although now a days there are many more exciting rides which I probably would not try but just the whole resort is filled with characters that are from certain fairy tells or whatever movie it might have been.  Now that I live in California and Disneyland is only six or so hours away, I almost want to go and see all the latest attraction they have.  The only thing that is holding me back is the amount of children around, the long line ups, and whatever it is that has infected certain areas.  There is also that Aulani resort in Hawaii that is so interesting everytime they show the commercial for it.  But again it's for family with children.  It's not that I don't like children, it's just that my idea of a vacation is having fun with adults around.  This means that I wouldn't be able to experience all the good things about Aulani.  So where is the second happiest place on earth?  I might say that where I live is the second happiest.  The perfect weather, an amazing life without too many stresses and of course the ability to enjoy retirement.  All the day to day things that I enjoy is already a blessing and I don't take it for granted.  I guess I am saying that I don't have to go somewhere to be happy.  Where would you go to find that happiest place on earth?  

 

Travelling Tuesday - Where to go next

It took forever to acquire enough air miles points for me to take Jeff somewhere and fly for free.  This is the year that we can do it and I have started checking out availability for the destination that will take the least amount of points.  So the search begins.  There are a couple of places we are debating on visiting.  Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and Whitehorse, Yukon Territory.  You are probably wondering why these two of all places in Canada.  These were the first two places that I lived when I first emigrated to Canada.  I lived in Yellowknife for 10 years and Whitehorse for four years prior to moving to the province of Ontario.  Although I think the Yukon is much more scenic, most of my friends have moved out as well.  While Yellowknife is also scenic in its own way, I have to say there are still friends and relatives that are still living there.  Apparently the city has grown so much that I wouldn't recognize the size of the streets and all the different buildings that has been added.  If I can remember it correctly, it has been at least 32 years since I left that true very northern community pass the 60th parallel.  It will be great to see all the friends and relatives after all those years.  Jeff would certainly like to see the Northern Lights and what life is like living in the North, or the city at the end of the road.  Maybe I'll take a survey and see how many actually participates, please check out the POLL located on the right corner.

Yellowknife's sky 

Just outside the city of Whitehorse