Best 9 Ways to Get Around Vancouver

Vancouver is a beautiful city.  Majestic mountains, ocean, rivers, and green space are immediately noticeable but how do you get around to really enjoy the place?

1. Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Service

Take advantage of the Hop-On, Hop-Off Vancouver Trolley Car service.  This travels all over the city for a very reasonable fee.  You can stop wherever you want and enjoy the sites and then get back on when you are ready to continue.  If you stop in Stanley Park, check on the horse drawn wagon rides.  The rides are seasonal but take you all around the park in less than an hour. 

2. Foot Ferry

To get over to Granville Island from the downtown area take one of the little foot ferries from the various stops along the seawall.  The cost is very reasonable and the ferries run into the evening.  The ferry captains are full of stories and facts about Vancouver as a bonus!

3. Bicycles

Bicycles are becoming a more common means of tourist transportation in Vancouver.  They can be rented at places downtown close to Stanley Park.  There are also sea kayaks for rent at English Bay if you want “to do the driving yourself!”

4. By Foot

Of course, there is always foot power and Vancouver is an extremely walkable city.  The seawall starts at Canada Place in Coal Harbour and runs all the way around Stanley Park, under the Lion’s Gate Bridge, past BC Place Stadium and the Science Centre.  It continues to Granville Island and eventually ends at Kitsilino Park.  The complete distance is 22 KM.  Or you can walk from Canada Place to English Bay around the park for a distance of 12 KM.  Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes!

5. Skytrain

Take the opportunity to ride all the Skytrain lines.  This can be done in half a day for a very reasonable price and gives a good overview of the lower mainland, as the coastal communities are called.  It won’t be as crowded if you leave after 9 AM and return before 3 PM.  The greater Vancouver bus service is also easily accessible anywhere along the Skytrain route.

The Skytrain service leaves constantly from the airport and takes you right downtown to the waterfront.  From there you can access greater Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and Coquitlam by Skytrain  Huge shopping centres and a couple of casinos are easily accessible from the Skytrain.  There is also no shortage of ethnic restaurants along the way.

6. Seabus

If you just want to spend a little time traveling across the Burrard Inlet, the seabus is the way to go.  The crossing takes approximately 20 minutes and the views are spectacular.  Leave the Waterfront Station and travel over to the Quay in North Vancouver. There is a market and many local vendors have the perfect souvenir gift for you to take home.

7. Westcoast Train

If you wish to venture even farther you can check out the Westcoast train schedule.  It also leaves from the waterfront and travels out to the town of Mission with many stops along the way.

8.Bus Service

The Vancouver bus line service is a great way to site see.  There is excellent service leaving from downtown Vancouver and traveling all over the lower mainland.

Greyhound bus service leaves from near Main Street Skytrain Station at the old CN Train Station.  There you can connect with ferry service over to Vancouver Island and the gulf islands from Tsawwassen.  It’s a nice way to spend a sunny day.  Or you can take a trip up to Horseshoe Bay and catch a ferry to Nanaimo or the Sunshine Coast.

Take a local bus close just outside the Waterfront Station and visit Capilano Canyon or Lynn Canyon or Cypress Bowl.  The Grouse Mountain Chairlift has a fantastic view of the city and harbour.

9.Rent a Car

Vancouver is an easy place to drive around in.  There are so many places to see and a trip up to Whistler is a beautiful way to pass the time.  All major car rental services are available at the Vancouver International Airport as well as downtown.

Enjoy your stay in Vancouver and take advantage of all the things to do see in this beautiful city.  You won’t regret it!

Siem Reap Cambodia

The last time I traveled through Siem Reap was in 2003. I was on a lengthy hiatus and was traveling solo throughout SE Asia. Cambodia was on my bucket list because I had done quite a bit of research, prior to my travels, on the Khmer Rouge Regime and it's devastating aftermath on this beautiful, and seemingly peaceful country. 

It ended up being a pretty rough go for me, as I arrived in Siem Reap shortly after hearing the news of a close friend's unexpected passing via email. He had died suddenly on Christmas day, which, by odd coincidence, also happened to be the Birthday that the two of us shared together. 

Angkor Wat at Sunrise by Paula Wallis

Although I had purchased a three day pass to the magnificent world heritage site, Angkor Wat, I bowed out after two days of temple exploration because my heart, and mind, were just not in it. I spent another week and a half or so in Siem Reap, mostly cycling around the city on a rented bike, or walking aimlessly through its endlessly crowded streets. I can't say that I really absorbed Siem Reap for the wonderfully vibrant city that it is, at the time.

Next, I headed down South to Phnom Penh, where I could finally explore the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng (the genocide museum), which is initially what I had come there to do. I know - good idea, right? 

So THAT kind of did my head in. After that I headed to Sihanoukville, found myself a little bungalow on the beach, and I don't think I left my hammock much for the next two weeks solid, which is probably what I needed at the time.

This country has an amazing history, despite, or perhaps because of, it's horrifically violent past, and the grace of the people here is at jarring odds with the Khmer Rouge legacy. I felt I owed it to this country to go back and give it another chance. All my memories of my time spent there were grim, hard, and tinged with deep sorrow.

So you can imagine what a dream come true it was for me to be accepted onto The Giving Lens team to travel there on a volunteer basis! I got to work with Anjali House; a non-profit organization providing free food, healthcare and education to underprivileged street kids and their families. The whole country is still reeling, and in recovery from, the bloody regime. The generation of children today is indirect, if not direct victims of the genocide. There are not a lot of families there who haven't lost a family member or loved one to the Khmer Rouge, or been affected by the crippling poverty the country has suffered since.

Our purpose at Anjali House was to work with the kids there in a photographic capacity, giving basic workshops on operation of DSLRs (thanks to Andy Cotton of Cotton Carrier Camera Systems for donating DSLRs AND lenses for the kids to use! So generous!) as well as basic instruction in editing techniques in Lightroom, working on their tiny, donated Netbooks. 

I cannot begin to tell you what a rewarding experience this was for all of us. These kids are bright, happy and so eager to learn. They're just like any other kids the world over, but at the same time, they're not. The poverty and backgrounds some of these kids come from is appalling, and hard to think of. But they meet each day with these amazing smiles, and they are all such gracious people. There's that word again. But it's the one word I would use to describe the Khmer people; gracious.

I was lucky enough to be paired up with 3 different girls for the duration of my time there (one of them, Chhuet, is pictured on the right, above), and I enjoyed every minute of the time spent with them. They had, up until now, been working on digital point and shoots, and had come out with some pretty amazing work. But for most of them, this was their first time getting their hands on a DSLR. Since there weren't quite enough to go around, some of us handed our own over for them to go crazy with. I pretty much couldn't get mine out of any of the girl's hands for the entire time, not that I was trying. It was a pleasure to see them take to it so keenly - flipping through settings like mad, shooting a mile a minute, trying all sorts of crazy angles, and running over to demand I take a look at their work, or to ask "Why it not focus? Why so dark? Why won't it take picture?" when they got stuck on a certain setting. There is nothing so satisfying as watching someone learn something that you both share a passion for. And these kids....they were just amazing....

I could go on about our team's pre-dawn visits to Angkor Wat for some stunning sunrise shots, the beautifully playful, but not entirely friendly monkeys we encountered outside of the temples and took hundreds of shots of, the vibrant night market, with beautiful (and cheap!) Cambodian silk, the $3.00 massages (which include an ice-cold beer), the deliciously spicy Khmer food, about careening through the streets in tuk-tuks,  and stopping for banana chocolate pancakes from the street vendors, about all of the small, delightful things that make this city what it is - but for me, meeting the kids, and watching them stand up in front of their schoolmates and tell us of their hopes and dreams for the future; "in future, I will be lawyer" or "in future, I will be flight-attendant", and their absolute confidence in knowing that this would be so, was what brought redemption to me for my last trip there.

This is not a country that has given up in despair after decades of violence and poverty (and are still dealing with daily injuries and death from the land mines left behind during the Vietnam war). This is a country full of hope and promise, and a whole new generation of amazing kids that are more than capable of bringing about the change they hope to see. That is not to say that the country doesn't have a long way to go. They need clean drinking water, education, accessible healthcare, the list goes on and on. 

So, if you're looking for somewhere worthwhile to spend your time or money on this year, here are the links for some non-profit organizations we had personal experience with during our time there, who are all doing fantastic work alongside the Khmer people:

http://thegivinglens.com

http://www.anjali-house.com

http://www.concertcambodia.org

http://www.thetrailblazerfoundation.org

http://www.pharecambodiancircus.org/circus

http://www.razoo.com/story/Silk-Screen-Printing-Lab-A-Green-Gecko-Social-Enterprise

The above article was written by Paula Wallis, a professional photographer out of Vancouver, Canada.  She recently went as a volunteer photographer to work with children in Siem Reap, Cambodia with an organization called The Giving Lens. Her other photos can be viewed at www.paulawallisphotography.com

Titusville Florida for Romance!

Nothing is nicer than running away for a romantic weekend with someone special in the springtime.  There are so many choices in the USA but here are 6 of the top places that are easily accessible from major international airports.

1.Titusville, Florida
Titusville, Florida is not usually high on the list as a romantic destination but it offers much more than many people realize.  There is nothing more spectacular or romantic than sitting on the shores of the water after dark watching a rocket being launched from Kennedy Space Center.

How about canoeing across the shallow waters and having a gentle Manetee dump your canoe because he wants to play with you?  Then there’s location, location, location!  Less than an hour away is Disney World and Epcot Center, both romantic places to hang out.  Take a trip to Kennedy Space Center for the day too.  All the information you ever wanted to know about that romantic symbol, the moon, is there.  There is also a great nature sanctuary located on the property.

Titusville is also very close to some of the best seafood restaurants in the world.  If you feel like taking a romantic walk along a famous beach, West Palm Beach or Daytona Beach are both located just a few miles away. 
http://www.titusville.com/

2.  Boston, Massachusetts

The city of Boston represents the history of the United States better than any other city in the USA.  The Freedom Trail can be experienced in a matter of 3 hours and is a beautiful, romantic walk through the old stone churches and brownstones.  You can almost hear Paul Revere’s famous ride through the streets.

Take time to check out antique shops and silverware stores in the city core.  Drop by Cheers Pub and Restaurant and capture some more memories of days gone by. The monument on Bunker Hill has 294 steps.  It’s a tiring climb but well worth the view from the top.

It is less than an hour’s drive from Boston to Plymouth.  Even though there is not much to look at anymore, the feeling of where it all started is evident in this small community.  It is well worth that romantic moment.

Of course the top romantic place close to Boston is Cape Code.  It’s only a 2-hour drive from the city, and the peace and ambiance of this wonderful spot is hard to resist.  Spend a quiet weekend biking around the cape or just enjoy the ocean from your front porch of a B and B.

www.capecodchamber.org/



3.  New York City, New York, USA
Whether it is the middle of summer or a cold day in winter, New York is one of the most romantic cities in the world.  It isn’t that it is a beautiful city.  It just has such a wonderful sense of ownership and pride.

Take a stroll through Rockefeller Center at any time of the day or night, and there will be people around.  Keep an eye out for famous stars attending events close by. 

The shopping is fantastic and even taking your sweetheart for a walk along 5^th Avenue is a special treat.  And who wouldn’t want to enjoy a romantic carriage ride around Central Park?  Or walk through the park and stop for a ride on the turn-of-the-century carousel.  There is a sense of peace around the dedication to John Lennon at the special Strawberry Fields Memorial, also in the park.

If you choose, you can walk for miles around the New York Harbor, or take a ferry over to Ellis Island and also visit the Statue of Liberty.  And don’t forget to experience that romantic moment overlooking the city from the observation deck of the Empire State Building.

Broadway is famous for it’s live productions and it’s the perfect way to spend a romantic evening.  If you can’t get Broadway tickets, look at some of the great off-Broadway productions always available.

Then there is Times Square.  The noise and the people and the food and the light shows and the spontaneous music concerts draw huge crowds every night.  

http://www.nycgo.com/

4. Charleston, North Carolina, USA

Imagine Scarlet O’Hara in “Gone With The Wind” and you have a picture of one of the most romantic scenes in the world.  The heat of Charleston wraps itself around all that is feminine as well as historical.

Reminders of the civil war permeate the area as you and you partner stroll through the streets.  Take a tour of an antebellum mansion and fantasize about the beautiful women and handsome men dancing in the magnificent ballroom.

Visit a plantation that is still in operation 3 centuries later. Experience the heady smell of magnolia trees in bloom.  Walk through forests dripping with Spanish moss and feel a sense of early history.

There are studios where you can dress up in 19^th century garb and have your photos taken.  Climb into a horse drawn surrey and enjoy a relaxing and romantic tour of the city.

Dine out at one of the many fine restaurants in the area.  Seafood is a southern favorite and don'’ forget to order a mint julip.

http://www.charlestoncvb.com/visitors/

5.  San Francisco, California

The hills of San Francisco are dotted with funky, brightly painted condos and crooked streets.  It’s definitely a walking city for people in good shape so consider paying the extra dollars to stay downtown in one of the romantic hotels and enjoy the city on foot.  There are always tours of Alcatraz leaving from Fisherman’s Wharf or just hang out in the wharf area for a fantastic seafood meal.

You can get a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge from many spots in the city.  Just ask your hotel concierge where the best place is.

Of course, you can’t go to San Francisco without a ride on the cable cars.  Consider taking the cable up the hills and walking back down!  The history of the city is very interesting and there are many places to visit during your stay. San Francisco’sChinatown is also a must-see area.  It’s ornate gates welcome tourists from all over the world.
www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/

6.  San Diego, California
San Diego is a wonderful, romantic playground.  There are places to walk and boat and swim or even plan a day cruise offshore.  If you have made this your romantic destination for 3 or 4 days, consider taking in the San Diego Zoo.  You’ll spend your hours observing the antics of the animals in a very natural setting.  Of course, you can always get on a bus to tour the facility. 

The original “old town” offers many good Mexican restaurants and the main street stays awake late into the night.  Take a walk out to the end of the peer.  It’s a perfect spot to watch the sunset and enjoy the local surfers’ last evening runs.

If you have rented a car, take a drive up the coast and spend some time checking out the city of La Jolla.  Checking out the cliffside parks and tidal pools are a great way to spend a romantic day.
www.sandiego.org/

  

Mission Creek Walkway in Kelowna

Sailing on Lake Okanagan

Kelowna is situated in the Okanagan Valley of BC, 6 hours north of Spokane, Washington and 4 hours northeast of Vancouver.  The city butts up against beautiful Okanagan Lake.  It’s a vibrant vacation city with lots to do during the summer.  Whether you are looking for beach time or tasting wines at the many cottage wineries, there is lots to take in.

Walking and Hiking

1.Mission Creek Walkway

One of the easiest access points for Mission Creek walkway is on Springfirld road just north of Orchard Park Mall.  The walkway meanders for a number of kilometers beside the creek.  It is a great place to walk dogs (on leash, of course)  or just to get some exercise while enjoying the fresh air.

2.Kelowna’s Boardwalk

One of the nicest walks along the shores of Okanagan Lake is Kelowna’s Boardwalk.  It starts at the bridge, goes through Kelowna City Park, then past the Yacht Club and the Grand Hotel and Casino.  On summer weekends there is often music in the park.  Continue on past the boat locks and into the beautiful marshland area.  There are places to sit and just enjoy the view along the way.

3.Bear Creek Park

Bear Creek Park is located across the lake from Kelowna.  It’s about a 15-minute drive from downtown but worth the journey.  You can walk up the trails above the park and get into some stunning scenery away from the bustle of the city. 

4. Kettle Valley Railway Trail

The Myra Canyon section of the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) Trail is located just minutes from town.  It’s a great way to spend the day and don’t forget to take a picnic lunch with you.  The trail is also open to bikers and has a total of 455 kms running from Kelowna to Grand Forks.

5.Knox Mountain Regional Park

For those tourists who enjoy mountain biking, Knox Mountain has some challenging hills.  It is definitely a medium to advanced level climb.  The mountain is also crisscrossed with good hiking trails.  Access is restricted one weekend in May for the annual Knox Mountain Hill Climb.

Other Activities

6. Lakeshore Wineries

There are many wineries located throughout Kelowna but one of the most populous is Lakeshore Rd., just east of Kelowna.  Follow the road out along the lake for a few kilometers and stay to the right at the fork.  Take time for lunch and sightseeing as well.

7.Kelowna City Park

The park is a great place to take the kids.  There is a large water play area situated in the center of the park, with lots of open space for picnicking.  There is also a great beach area and swimming zones are marked.  A short distance away you can rent ski-boats but you must have a valid boater’s certificate.

8. Scandia Golf and Games

Scandia is a great place to take the kids.  It has a mini golf course and a number of other things to do including a batting cage.  Big kids enjoy it too!  

9. Golfing

Kelowna has a number of top-notch golf courses that are open to the public.  Whether you want to play just 9 or go out for 18 holes, there are a variety of courses offering different skill levels.

Seniors and Medical Travel Insurance

Travelers shouldn’t have to take the big banks to small claims court but that is their only recourse lately, it seems.  The CBC Go Public reported recently that seniors who have made travel medical insurance arrangements through their bank are getting stung when it comes to having their insurance paid for medical emergencies while out of the country.

Letter from the Royal Bank

I’m within 2 months of being a senior and I’m not going to stop travelling anytime soon.  I recently got a notice from the Royal Bank of Canada explaining that my RBC WestJet Mastercard would no longer cover me for my 2 weeks medical insurance when I turn 65.  They will cover me for 3 days though and then I can top up through them.

First of all, what the hell are the banks doing in the insurance business anyway?  Don’t they think they are already making enough money off the seniors who have been investing all their lives to finally be able to afford a trip occasionally?  Since when are “insurance adjusters” medical experts who can determine that certain conditions are a result of pre-existing conditions...... after the fact!

I think I’ve only ever extended my travel medical insurance through RBC once.  That was before 9/11 when the world appeared to be a little more peaceful.  I remember that the questions I was asked about my “pre-existing” medical conditions were vague.  Thank goodness I didn’t have to use that medical out of the country!  Who knows what may have happened.

I usually purchase my travel insurance through BCAA or the travel company I’m booking my flight through.  The only time I’ve had to rely on it out of country was on a trip to Amsterdam.  The whole process went very smoothly with no follow-up concerns.  Friends have done the same.  They also look at getting a disclaimer on their insurance to remove responsibility from the insurance company should they have a pre-existing condition.  For instance, if someone has a heart condition but wants to be covered for a possible car accident it can be written up.  Unless the person has a heart attack, he is covered for all other eventualities.

Cancer is a condition that unscrupulous insurance companies will take advantage of.  If the cancer has been surgically removed (prostate, breast, lung, colon, kidney, etc.) and your surgeon has deemed you cancer free, you are cancer free!  It is no longer a pre-existing condition!  Get a letter from your surgeon stating you are cancer free in case the insurance company tries to tell you that you have a pre-existing condition. 

And while you are at it, it might be a good thing to get a report from your doctor on your health and any "pre-existing conditions" you might have before you take your next trip.  Send a registered copy to the insurance company and have them quote your rate based on the information your doctor, the specialist, has supplied!  You certainly don’t want to deal with the stress that the seniors in the CBC article have to deal with.  

The stress might become a pre-existing condition in the eyes of an insurance broker working for the bank!

Traveler Moments in Ogema Saskatchewan

I had an opportunity to live in small town in southern Saskatchewan for a few years.  It was quite a culture shock since I was a “Big City” gal.  I must say that I met some of the nicest people I ever had the pleasure of knowing while I was living there.

There is a lot of history in Saskatchewan.  The province was settled by immigrants from all over the world.  The ones that survived the harsh prairies during the Great Depression still have descendants farming and ranching in the rural areas. 

The opportunities I had were very different from anything I’d experienced before.  I got an chance to travel around the country and meet some very interesting people.  I remember interviewing a local farmer/ rancher about his hobby.  He was a “teamster” who did heavy horse pulling.

At one time in history, heavy horses were very much a part of farm life.  They were used for plowing and cultivating fields, moving grain and supplies, and transportation.  In modern times they have become, like many of their four legged counterparts, hobby animals.  There are heavy horse clubs all over the prairies.

The teamster I met was from southern Saskatchewan.  He had owned horse teams for many years and gone to a number of meets with the different clubs.  His team looked like Belgians, but only one was a purebred.  They weighed in at less than 3400 lbs. so they were classed middleweight on the heavy horse pull circuit.  The following is a description of a pull at a meet.

The team enters the ring, being driven by the teamster who has spent many hours working with them.  He walks quickly, holding the reins tightly.  The muscles on the horses’ withers ripple as they lean into their collars.   The man gives a command to “step up” and they prance anxiously, showing their excitement.  Another command “okay” is given, and the team moves forward into position.  A second man called a hooker steps up behind the team and gets in position to connect the evener to the sled.  The driver talks to the horses, trying to keep the team quiet and keep them in line. 

The horses strain forward, anxious to begin working, constantly ready to move.  The driver fights to keep them still.  The team is oblivious to the heavy storm clouds rolling out thunder and lightning, and the crowd in the grandstand, so intent are they on their job.

The pin is dropped which ties the team and sled together.  The hooker jumps quickly out of the way to keep from getting caught in between.  The horses respond immediately to the weight behind them and begin their award winning pull.  They plod forward in unison; a finely matched team being encouraged every step of the way.  A few minutes later it is all over.  The driver yells “whoa” and the team immediately stop their pull.  They have hauled 6500 pounds, enough to surpass the closest contender.  The hooker moves in and releases the evener while the driver congratulates the team.  A minute later, their win is announced, and the team is driven off the field.

One of the things that is important to horse pulling clubs is to educate the public.  Pulling is not a cruel sport.  There are strict rules that must be followed.  Only voice command can be used during a meet.  If any teamster is caught abusing his team, he is disqualified immediately.  If there is a serious issue with the way a teamster handles his horses, the other drivers will be talking to him.

More women are becoming involved with the sport, quite often taking the position of hooker for the pull.  They are also driving teams for the wagon pulls, which is common event at many small horse shows now.

Many of the club members run two teams.  “The excitement of pulling gets in your blood,” one teamster remarked.  “It’s easy to imagine what the pioneers went through when you go to a meet and the horses are pulling wagons and plows, as well as weights.”

The oil industry has caused a boom in southern Saskatchewan over the last few years. Even with the changes happening, people still have a desire to hold onto their heritage.  In the small rural community of Ogema on Highway 13 between Weyburn and Assiniboa many changes have occurred.  People had dreams and the dreams became realities. The town has done much to save their heritage.  Deep South Pioneer Museum was started over 25 years ago to preserve the local history.

More recently, the Ogema station house has been resurrected and a heritage train runs on the local track once again.  Starting the Southern Prairie Railway was the dream of a number of people in the community since the late 1990's.  In 2012 they had their inaugural journey.

Now it is something that tourists should experience to really understand the Saskatchewan heritage.

Exploring Oahu

Many of my peers have journeyed to Hawaii over the years but this winter was my first visit.  Being situated right downtown in Waikiki, Oahu, a block from the beach, was a perfect location to start my first experience on the islands. 

It was a trip down memory lane for Ron, who spent a number of years visiting the island during the 80s and 90s.  Some of the places he frequented in Waikiki were still there.  The Shorebird Lounge, right on the beach and now attached to the Reef Hotel, had remained an icon in the area.  It had changed over the years though and become much more upscale.  Even though he couldn’t get his favourite beer there anymore, Primo, we still managed to visit the place 3 times during a 10 day stay.  Ron was on a quest to find more of his old haunts that also carried his favourite beer but didn’t luck out with either.

The International Market, which had always been a place to take visiting friends to see, and an area Ron frequently talked about, was also gone.  Many of the international stalls have relocated in an area just north of the old site but “It wasn’t the same,” Ron said.  The original land, with the giant Banyan tree, was making room for high end stores like Saks 5^th Ave.  The Banyan tree was struggling with age and disease and may or may not make it into the new landscape.

We rented a car one day and headed up island to visit some more of Ron’s old memories.  After a quick stop at Diamond Head we continued on to Hanauma Bay.  It is a beautiful lagoon, still used for snorkeling and diving, but environmentally protected.  It was a great place, but with a cold front suddenly passing across the island, it was not really a place we spent much time visiting.

We continued north with stops at Sandy Beach and other well-known surfing areas.  The waves, sand, and colour of the water were incredible.  The drive was slow going because of the traffic and only a 2 lane highway, but we enjoyed it.

One of the things the north end is well known for are the shrimp farms and shrimp trucks.  We stopped at the first one we saw, ready for lunch by then.  It wasn’t a fancy set-up.  We ordered what we wanted from the back of a big van and then I headed for the corner store next to the shrimp truck to get our beverages.  Guess what?  The store had Primo beer!  I was happy with a small bottle of California Cab-Sav. 

The store clerk remarked, “Are you drinking these outside?”  The plan was to eat at the picnic tables set up by the store so I answered yes.  “The state says you gotta keep it in paper bags then,” she said.  I thanked her and took my finds outside. 

Ron was excited about doing the bag routine on the side of the highway.  They called his name and we got our food.  There was something special about sitting on the side of the highway, staring at the ocean, eating delicious shrimp prepared in a truck, and drinking booze out of a paper bag.  It was a great new memory for Ron, and me too!

We eventually continued on our journey, heading toward Kuhuku.  Kuhuku was the place Ron spent 9 consecutive winters visiting.  He, and some of his buddies, rented a house right on the ocean.  He knew the house was long gone but he wanted to share the memories with me.  I had already heard most of the stories but looked forward to seeing the places where the memories took place.

We found telephone pole #33, Ron’s actual address while he stayed there.  It took a few minutes to walk down to the beach and locate the original home site.  Most of the neighbouring houses had been torn down over the years and the land was now a state park.  I understood why Ron wanted to show me the area.  It was so beautiful.

After spending awhile soaking in the peace and quiet of the ocean shore we continued on with our journey.  Our next stop was the party place from days gone by.  Pat’s at Punalu’u is a 1970s condo building that is still rented out to full-time residents and vacationers and situated right on the ocean.  Ron’s memories were of many evenings spent at the lounge, closed down now and in a state of complete disrepair.  He remembered the times when Hawaiian women tried to teach them how to hula.  No-one was successful!

Our next stop was the Kuhuku municipal 9 hole golf course, again located right by the ocean.  Driving down the local road took Ron by the site of another old local hangout, Yuki’s Bar.  The bar and Yuki were long gone, replaced by a small retirement community. 

The golf course was still there but over the years the green fees had increased.  Instead of a $1.50 per round it now cost $16.50.  I’m sure if the weather had been better, he would have suggested playing a round!

We left Ron’s memories behind and continued on our journey.  Neither one of us had any interest in visiting the Polynesian Centre.  We preferred the real Hawaiian music and dancing available to enjoy at many of the local lounges in Waikiki.  We stopped at the Dole pineapple facility though.  It was part of my memories growing up and finally seeing how a pineapple grew from the ground was interesting.  

The drive around most of the island took less than a full day and we were back in Waikiki in time for dinner.  The tour gave me a better idea of what Oahu was all about and introduced me to some of the other culture.  I’m glad we took the time to get away from Waikiki.

We were in Oahu for 10 days but I think taking just a week to visit the island is about the right amount of time.  We had rented a place with a kitchenette, which helped keep the costs down but Oahu is expensive to visit.  It’s well worth seeing at least once though.

Pork, Pineapple, and Poi in Oahu

Pork, pineapple, and poi are pretty standard food sources on Oahu.  I was aware of pineapple but didn't realize how popular pork was as a food staple.

Roast pork (kalua pork - wild pig) is part of the luau.  The pig is wrapped in banana leaves and cocoanut fronds and buried in a pit with hot coals and is left to cook all day and then served as part of a Hawaiian party.

Aside from being a part of the luau, pork is on the menu in many restaurants and in many forms.  My favorite preparation so far is kalua nachos.  The combination of pork and a fresh pineapple relish is awesome, mixed with onions, cheese, guacamole and sour cream.

The jury's still out though on things like bacon candy.  I tried it but I didn't like it.  It reminded me of the inside of pork rind that had somehow been rendered right down to something hard.  The taste was what I remembered and getting it served as garnish on ice-cream wasn't exciting!

I found out a lot more about pineapples this trip too.  I didn't realize the fruit grew on bushes on the ground on a perennial plant. There is nothing sweeter than fresh pineapple and I made sure I ate lots on this trip.  I think I'll make it more of a staple in my diet.

Pineapple ice-cream hit the spot too but I'm still looking for pineapple wine to taste!

And poi?  Hawaiian poi is a traditional food staple made from the Taro root.  It is not something I developed a taste for this trip.  Maybe it will eventually grow on me... or go the way of the bacon candy.

Hanging out in Waikiki

Hanging in Hawaii is suiting my lifestyle very well right now.  We arrived Saturday night in Waikiki, Oahu.  The Speedi Shuttle Service got us to the hotel (and will get us back) for a very reasonable cost.  We checked into the Imperial Hotel.  Its a little 80s but the staff are great and its a 5 minute walk to the beach/ sand/ ocean.

Ron wanted to see if a couple of places were still around after 30 years so we headed out for a walk as soon as we dropped our bags.  We found the Shorebird Beach Bar.... still in the same place but the look had changed completely.  

The next day we went looking for the Rose and Crown Pub, situated in King's Alley.  It's a place where Ron got thrown over the fence one night 30 (or more) years ago by the bouncer!  He eventually was allowed back in but it meant buying the bouncer his favorite drink.  

The pub has been renamed and is now the Island Rock Cafe.  I loved the look of the place. The owners have set it up like a vintage 50s Soda Bar with lots of memorabilia.  Ron was also happy because they still carried his favorite Hawaiian beer, difficult to find nowadays in Oahu.

One of the things I'm enjoying is the cultural experiences.  A good place to check out the entertainment is the Kani Ka Pila Grille at the Outrigger Reef. There are amazing singers and dancers telling the Hawaiian stories through music and motion.  Last night we listened to a young woman sing while she played an 8 string ukelele.  

The Hawaiian Center, a couple of blocks away, also gives free hula and ukelele lessons for anyone who wants to learn some basics.  I'll take those in next week after getting my tanning days in!

Tomorrow we are heading up to the North Shore to do some more reminiscing for Ron.  He spent a lot of time holidaying in a place called Kuhuku; address telephone pole #23.

Vancouver - an International Community

I had an interesting taxi ride at 3:30 am yesterday morning as I headed for Vancouver International Airport.  My taxi driver had a very thick accent, as many drivers in Vancouver do.  I asked him if he had been in Vancouver very long and he answered 25 years.  That didn’t surprise me since the focus on immigrating to Canada is not always about learning the language.  It is about creating a better lifestyle for the immigrant.  Getting a job doesn’t necessarily mean having to know how to speak English.

I asked the driver, “Where did you grow up?”

 “Afghanistan.” 

My automatic reply was, “I guess you were glad to get away from there.”

He remarked, “We immigrated for the same reason many people did.  Someone said Canada was a beautiful place to live, without the crowding that many countries experienced.  There was no war as we hear about it now.  In fact, what we do hear is not true, even though I also thought it was true.”

He went on to tell me that he and his brother had decided to take a trip together overseas about 6 years ago.  They would have liked to visit their homeland but, like everyone else, about the war and what was happening on the news and through social media.

“We decided to go to India and Thailand instead.  While we were traveling through Thailand, we ran into a young Swedish woman who was living in Afghanistan and had been there for 7 years.  She loved the country and did not find it dangerous at all!  My brother and I decided to get tickets and for the first time in 20 years visited with our relatives in our homeland.  When we returned to Canada and talked about our peaceful experiences other family members made the trip too.”

With all the media attention about war in Afghanistan, what is the true story?  The taxi driver said there were areas where fighting was going on and has been going on for years.  People knew not to travel where the fighting was happening. 

When I hear a story like this, my concern is whether the involvement of the US Military and the Canadian “peacekeepers” was or is still necessary?  The US sent their soldiers over to fight and many of them returned scarred internally and beaten down physically.  Is there even a reason for them to be there? 

The media hype definitely keeps the war at the forefront.  Is war really just a money-making scheme for the US and other countries though?  There is big money in wars; military equipment including tanks and guns and aircraft and uniforms and the list goes on!  There’s also the employment factor when people are needed to serve.

By the time I got to the airport I had a different perspective about Afghanistan.  It’s never been a country that I had on my list of places to travel but for those who do, maybe look into the possibility of visiting there.

Puerto Vallarta at Night

I’m off to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico again shortly.  It’s amazing how many travelers never really spend time getting to know the city.  They go down for their one or two week “all inclusive” stay on the beach and never leave the resort.

That’s a great relaxing holiday when a person only has a couple of weeks off.  But for a person who is retired it’s one of the safest cities around to walk in after dark.  My favorite time is Sunday night.  The Malecon (boardwalk) is alive with music and vendors and food stalls.  Families, consisting of grandparents down to babies, are out visiting and taking in the party atmosphere.  There is often traditional dancing happening at the main square in front of the cathedral and anyone can join in.  Or head down along the beach walk to the Romantic Zone for more exercise.

With 2 feet of snow on the ground right now in Canada, we hide out in the winter at night.  I remember when I had the boys from Mexico staying with me to learn English.  One of the first comments they had was “Where is everyone at night?”  They weren’t used to being indoors, even when the temperature dropped down to freezing in their home town.  Mexican lifestyle is about socializing.

If we were walking in the evening in our own town and a group of young guys approached us, our first thought would probably be “troublemakers!”  Down in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico it’s a normal part of the evening activity.  They will make eye contact, smile at you, and say good evening.

The entertainment can vary on the weekends.  In November there was a Volkswagen meet and cars came from all over Mexico and lined up along the street.  Then there were dancing horses with bands supplying the music.  The nightclubs are open 7 evenings a week so there’s no shortage of music for any age. And there’s always entertainment in the pit in front of the arches on the Malecon on the weekend.

Starting December 1 every year is the procession of businesses and villages celebrating the Virgin de Guadalupe. Each evening for 12 nights, a parade consisting of traditional dancers entertain the hundreds of people sitting on the curbs.  Often the dancers are in bare feet, which are all cut up by the time the reach the cathedral.

Every type of traditional food is available in the square.  It’s so neat to see parents introducing their little children to the tastes of their own childhood.

Don’t be afraid to enjoy the streets and the sounds after dark in Puerto Vallarta!  It’s part of a wonderful vacation.

What to Do When You Get Sick Traveling

The older we get, the more chance there is of getting sick on an out-of-the-country holiday.  That shouldn’t stop us from traveling but it’s a good idea to go prepared.  This particular trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for me included some medical treatment that I wasn’t expecting and I wasn’t as prepared as I thought I was!  I’m still shaking my head at what transpired.

Puerto Vallarta has been known for years as a place to buy cheap medication, with or without a prescription.  Nowadays, you may be required to have a very cheap consultation first with a doctor who is often situated next to the drug store if you are requesting more potent drugs.

Because of the large medical tourism component in Puerto Vallarta, drugstores and “hospitals” can be found every couple of blocks throughout the city now, especially in those areas catering specifically to tourists.  People staying in old town, Zona Romantica, and Conchas Chinas can easily access the clean, modern facilities.

Many people use medical tourism for specific reasons.  They may have been told they need an MRI or CAT Scan and there is a waiting list of 6 months to a year in their home state or province.  Or they are on the waiting list for a hip or knee replacement and again the wait is long.  Depending on your age and your ability to pay, it may take a lot of the stress off of you to have the procedure done quickly.  Whether your medical insurance will cover any of the costs needs to be determined before you leave your own country. 

If you want to recuperate in a warmer climate and you have the money, going to Puerto Vallarta for a medical procedure may be the right option for you.  Do your homework first though!  Talk to people in person or online who have had the same procedure done in Puerto Vallarta.  Find out what their experience was like, including the follow-up care.  Do as much research as you can on the hospital where you want to get the procedure done. 

Also research the surgeons. There are many well trained surgeons in Puerto Vallarta who have taken their initial training in Mexico City or Guadalajara, which have excellent medical training facilities.  They’ve often gone on to take more studies in their field of expertise in the USA or Europe.  They’ve chosen to return to Mexico because that is where their families live, a very important part of Mexican culture.

The other thing that may be important to you is whether your doctor speaks English or not.  Many of the newer hospitals in Puerto Vallarta have a number of people on staff who are fluent in both Spanish and English.

I’m not here for medical tourism.  2 weeks into my vacation I was dealing with a very tight chest and had difficulty breathing.  I started coughing a lot.  I finally ended up in a very nice “Hospital” in old town.  A friend who lives in PV all winter accompanied me. There was also another “Hospital” located across the street, next to a drugstore. 

The toll free number I had to call from Mexico to my travel medical insurance company did not work.  It went to a phone number advertising medic alert bracelets.  It took a few hours to get that straightened out so I was flying blind for awhile.  Insurance companies sometimes don’t realize making a call in a foreign country isn’t always easy.  The insurance companies usually have a list of recognized medical facilities.  Next time I will be more pro-active about getting the information on hospitals before I leave home.

Hospital on Every Corner!

I was in what looked like a small, clean emergency room, similar to what I was used to at home in Canada.  There was an English speaking doctor on staff and I went in to see her and gave her my symptoms.  She suggested getting me into an emergency bed before doing some further testing.  A drip was hooked up, just in case I was dehydrated, a common thing for many patients in Puerto Vallarta.  I didn’t think I was dehydrated because I’d been doing the preventative things; drinking electrolytes and avoiding too much alcohol.  My bodily functions were also working well, which was also an indicator of good hydration.

The doctor also made arrangements for blood work and a chest x-ray, a normal process I would have gone through at home.

The next thing that happened was the receptionist came around to collect a pre-payment from me.  Obviously they weren’t going to bill the insurance company directly.  I had a choice. Pay 10,000 pesos upfront or charge it to my mastercard.  Since I didn’t have that much cash on me I put it on my card, the equivalent of about $850 CDN.

While they were dealing with me another woman about the same age ended up in the bed next to me.  She was also put on a drip and her husband put up the required 10,000 pesos.  She remarked at one time, "This is only dripping once every 6 seconds!"

The next 2 hours were spent on tests, including the chest x-ray.  I watched the saline solution go down maybe a ¼ cup to ½ cup during that time; definitely the slowest drip I ever had!  The doctor finally figured I needed a shot into the intravenous drip for whatever was bugging my lungs.  Then she suggested arranging for a CAT scan the next day.

About that point I was beginning to question my treatment.  Once the decision for the scan the next day had been made, I was disconnected from the IV, but not before the final bill was presented and signed off.  Final total was over $1,000 CDN.  Did I feel better?  Yes, I could breathe without coughing.  I was handed a prescription for antibiotics, post nasal drip, and cough medicine, another $35 worth of treatment.

The doctor told me to show up at the “hospital” at 8 AM the next day for my scan.  Before I left she said their CAT scan was broken down and I’d have to go across town to get it done and then see an internist at that office in the afternoon.  Hmmmm?

I got back to the hotel and decided before I had any more tests or treatment I’d better try again to reach the insurance company.  Good thing I did because if there was a follow-up CAT scan, I needed the okay from them first.  They contacted the doctor and got her to send through copies of the medical treatment I had received.  There was no request for a CAT scan.  I have it in my records though, which I will forward in a few days when I get home.

I will be reimbursed for my medical costs but it could have ended up costing me out of pocket if I hadn’t followed my gut feelings.  We also found out after that the facility isn’t a “Hospital” but a glorified clinic.  Had I seen someone upstairs, I wouldn’t have been “admitted” for all the tests.

I’ll go prepared next trip with the information I need to pass on in case of an emergency.

Solo Travel vs Companion Travel

I love to travel and I’ve done a lot of solo traveling.  At the age of 65 I’ve reached a point when being a solo traveler is no longer high on my list.  I'm going to share my perspective on solo traveling in this article.  

My next article is a guest article from a friend, Ruby Cooper whom I've traveled with in the past. She is very much a solo traveler and over the age of 65.  Ruby's article can be found at http://rubycooper.com/youth-hostels-not-just-for-the-young/

I’ve reached the age where I enjoy the company of a regular travel companion more often than not. I'm talking about those trips out of country that are 2 weeks or more. I still enjoy my “solo” time while on my travels though.  Being an introvert means I have to have down time, whether I’m just walking on the beach by myself, people watching, or, in my case, writing.

I’m lucky that my regular travel companions understand my travel needs and give me the space I want, while enjoying their own space. It's taken time to develop friendships with people who enjoy traveling the way I travel.  

I'm not a high end, high maintenance, all-inclusive traveler.  I enjoy being immersed in a new culture when I'm traveling.  If I travel solo at my age to a new country, sometimes it's difficult to immerse the same way because of my age and some of the fears I have now compared to a few years ago. It’s not always as easy to start a conversation with someone new in a strange country as it was a few years back.  Or maybe it’s more that I’m still willing to talk but other solo travelers my age are sometimes more hesitant!

Traveling with a companion has it's benefits. For instance, the other day, a wet rainy day in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, my companion and I went out together for lunch. There were only a few people in the restaurant as I’m sure many were hiding away in their hotel room or staying on the huge cruise ship that arrived in port that morning.  I could have enjoyed a bite to eat by myself while watching the rain fall because I enjoy my own company.  It’s not the same though.

Reaching 65 means revisiting much of what I did earlier in life.  It is a time when the memory is better about things that happened in the past.  We got the opportunity to talk about the interesting travels we had in the past and how things have changed over the years.

A travel companion helps with what is happening in the present.  For instance, trying to locate my glasses before I left the hotel room is sometimes frustrating on my own.  Having someone say, “You mean the ones on your head?” is very helpful.  It's just the way it is later in life.

Knowing someone is there if I’m feeling crappy is good too.  The years when I can blame it all on too much tequila are long gone.  If I’m sick now there’s a darn good reason and it’s nice to have someone around the same age who “gets it.”  Having someone around who doesn't mind running to the “tienda” to buy electrolytes for dehydration is good.  If the stomach issue gets worse, it’s nice if a travel companion is there to handle the medical emergency part.

Not a "Selfie"

Then of course there are pictures to take. Too many “selfies” get tiresome. Yesterday, there was an older guy sitting at the next table and he had a camera on the table beside him.  I attempted to start a conversation, but after a few minutes I gave up.  He spoke English but wasn’t interested in conversing so I didn’t ask if he wanted his picture taken.  Obviously he did the selfie routine.  It’s much nicer to have a companion take pictures, even if they don’t turn out to be the greatest after a few drinks!  

Then there is the safety thing.  I know that a person of any age can end up in trouble traveling by alone.  I’m aware as a woman that I’m even more vulnerable, especially at my time of life.  If I’m staying in hostel type accommodations, there’s a good chance I can connect with other travelers going to the same place as I am.  If I’m staying in a hotel, it’s different.  Better to have a travel companion traveling with me.

I won’t quit traveling anytime soon but traveling solo is becoming less and less in my travel plans these days!  For instance,  I'm looking forward to my first trip to Hawaii in March with a friend, who's been there a number of times.  The other opportunity that has come up is to start arranging group travel with a dozen people or less.  We can do all the pre-trip planning as a group and enjoy the travel experience together. 

There are still instances I will continue to travel alone but I'm not quite as brave as Ruby!  That may change though the older I get!

7 Ways to Avoid Robbery When Traveling

Security is a big thing when traveling, especially for the “Over 65” travelers.  I just watched a video picked up by Yahoo on “How to keep your valuables safe while on holidays.”  It addressed how hotel staff takes advantage of tourists and rob them.  I want to tell the other side of the story.

I have spent many years traveling and even living in Mexico.  The first time we drove down (1998), we didn’t find anyone who spoke English for two weeks.  We stayed in a number of small hotels whose main concern for tourists was to have safe drinking water and no cockroaches. In some of the places we visited there were children who would sit and listen to us speaking.  They had never heard English before.

Halfway through our trip, we got an hour and a half away from one hotel and I realized I’d left my passport and money pouch tucked under the mattress.  It was a quick trip back followed by the explanation in my “spanglish.”  The hotel manager took me to the room, where the bed was already made up for the next guest.  The maid would have seen it when she made the bed but she left it there and told the manager, hoping we’d return.  Not a thing was missing!  I tipped an American $20 (4 days wages for a maid) for all of them to share.  Two of the staff were in tears and I almost was too!

I’d never been robbed in Mexico until 5 years ago.  There is always a first time for everything.  My first (and last) robbery occurred at an all inclusive resort.  99% of the staff at the resorts are honest but there is always the 1% though that can’t be trusted no matter where in the world you travel. I personally feel the reason for robbery in an all-inclusive resort is the huge monetary distance between the staff and the customers.  Most servers and housekeepers average $7 to $8 per day in wages in the large resort cities in Mexico.  In the smaller ones the wages are often less, especially for the maids. 

In order to feed their families, it requires extra income from some source.  The honest ones work 2 and 3 jobs and really count on their tips. The thieves find robbing vacationers an easier way to make extra money.  They don’t usually last long before being caught. Mexican are a proud culture that doesn't appreciate thieves ruining their reputation anymore than we do.

The place I am currently staying at is the oldest Mexican Hotel in Puerto Vallarta.  It’s very traditional with friendly staff.  Our regular maid, El Vira, has a great personality with a wonderful smile. 

A Swan - compliments of El Vira

Since I’d never stayed here before I was cautious the first couple of days and made sure I felt secure.  It didn’t take long to relax.  I began tipping El Vira 20 to 30 pesos every couple of days.  It's not much but makes a big difference to them.  After being here a week, she displayed her talents folding towels.  We’ve enjoyed a collection of elephants and swans around the suite.  I feel completely safe with our regular maid.  We know what her day off is, so we don’t get the room done that day.

I make sure I tip well in the restaurant too. and it's great because it  doesn't take long to get constant good service with a smile.  I also try really hard to use my limited Spanish.  Before long they are confident enough to practice their limites English with me. 

7 Ways to Avoid Robbery When Traveling 
1.Get to Know People
Staying safe and secure in a foreign country is about building relationships.  Whether you are visiting for a week or 6 months, take the time to know those around you.

2.Use the safe

Many Mexican hotels have a safe in each room or one at the front desk.  Personally I prefer having one at the front desk.  They are like a safety deposit box set up.  Make sure you lock up your valuables and even your not so valuable items.  When I got robbed I left a couple of pieces of Mexican jewelry lying in the bathroom that went missing. I imagine the items were easily resold.  The camera that was sitting on the table went missing too, yet the charger that was in the suitcase was still there.  Obviously it was a “line of sight” grab.

3.Make sure you lock your door

Hotel security can check the computer in all-inclusive and newer hotels and determine who has accessed the room and at what time.  Every staff in housekeeping has an employee card that registers on the computer.  Every time you enter the room it is recorded.  If the door isn’t quite latched when you leave it won’t register on the computer. In older hotels, you are responsible for your key.  Don’t lose it.  It can be expensive to replace it.  When you leave the hotel to do some site-seeing just give the key to someone at the front desk.

4.Lock the patio doors

Most all-inclusive resorts have balconies.  Check and see if your balcony is easily accessible to the one next door and keep it locked.  We figured that someone possibly came into the room next door, climbed over the balcony, and then left through our door.In an older hotel, check that there is motion light or lights in the dark corners of the balcony or hallway and they are working.

5.Immediately report to security

If your door isn’t latched when you return, have a look around and then report to security.  Even if something isn’t missing at the time, the thieves may be planning a heist.

6.Let the tour company representative know right away

If you traveled down on a vacation package, let that person know immediately so they are aware and can help you with the paperwork if necessary.

7.Check your insurance policy before you leave home

It’s a good idea to know what you are and aren’t covered for before you leave home. For instance, if you have just purchased you camera on a major credit card, it may be covered by the credit card company.

It’s a nuisance if you are robbed because there is lots of paperwork to do. The hotel security will check your room out thoroughly. Don’t expect any compensation from the hotel though because they really believe in personal responsibility.  That doesn’t mean they won’t be sympathetic.  It just means they look at things differently.

If they happen to catch the culprit though they will definitely take care of the problem and in a much harsher way than in other North American countries.