Greetings All,
Well we are headed home after having a nice relaxing visit with the kids, as I am sure you noted with our previous posts that really were not very exciting. The weather has cooled off considerably and we hear they had some snow today .
Air Canada manages to strike again. Our flight is delayed by a hour however this time we are sitting on the plane waiting. Due to mechanical problems we have to return to the gate as some valve will not open that is needed in winter conditions and the switch is not working. So they manually open the switch that apparently can stay open while flying.To me it is better then crashing so I relax and read. However we think we are now late and miss our connection at Calgary to Toronto. No big deal we get in later again better alive but alot of passengers are extremely upset. The guy beside me keeps stamping his feet and muttering. He finally makes a phone call and I discover he is on his way to a funeral and has paid $1000.00 to get there only to miss the whole event he thinks.
We are finally on our way and the ride is rather rough in spots but just over a hour to Calgary. We luck out with our connection as we find out we get off the plane and then get right back on the same plane. Only the second leg of our journey is in executive class.The funeral guy lucks out as well as they held his flight over as there are a number of people on the flight that needed the same connection to Lethbridge.
Once off the plane we find out that they changed our ticket to a later flight as they did not realize we were on the plane that was delayed. The agent quickly changes our ticket back so we have the same seats in executive class. They announce preboarding for us and there are a number of business men standing in line. The agent tells us to go right in front of them in the blue line as that is executive line. So Fred and I get through ahead of them all. We get lots of nasty looks but so sad too bad that is how they line up and we follow directions(sometimes).Works to our advantage and sucks to be them . I figure if they travel this class all the time then they should know.
We are greeted by the steward he takes Fred's coat and hangs it up. He later get's mine as I am not so organized and do have my arms full.This is the only way to travel if you can afford it. Free drinks,earphones,large seats ,lots of leg room and choice of dinner.No plastic glasses or cutlery either .All china,glasses and metal. Just before landing your coat is delivered to you so you can deplane handily.
Our luggage handle got broken unknown to us so the lei we had at the top of the case was now at the side. Like doffus we watch the bag go around the carousel 3 times as I told Fred that is not our bag as the lei is at the wrong spot. He finally check bag and you guessed it it was ours.What door knobs :)!
We are home safe and sound for one day and next we head to Cuba on the 27th. I will not be posting however until we get back as Cuba does not have e-mail access but I will do a summary blog of our week in Cuba.
Take care all and we hope you have enjoyed sharing our travels with us.
Sandy & Fred
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Vancouver - February 23 & 24 Walking Days
Greetings All,
We wake up to sun head to the gym for some cardio. We then head out to shop for supper as we are dinner duty. We get carrots for carrot and onion,stuffed pork chops and mini red potatoes. We return to the condo just in time to miss the rain.We are both rather stiff and know we must really make a effort to get back in shape.Jonathan works on Fred's PC then mine updating stuff so we will be all prepared for England.
Supper is a sucess and we have a relaxing evening with the kids.
February 24 - Last full day in Vancouver. It is overcast and we head out to walk again.
Fred picks up a tax program and we walk around to a different A&P. This one is bigger and on two floors. Roast chicken is on the menu tonight and we pick up special dessert for supper as we celebrate Amy's birthday early. We luck out again and miss the downpour. We prepare our luggage for tomorrows flight and relax the balance of the day.
Supper is a sucess yet again and we relax the balance of the evening.
Bye for now,
Sandy & Fred
We wake up to sun head to the gym for some cardio. We then head out to shop for supper as we are dinner duty. We get carrots for carrot and onion,stuffed pork chops and mini red potatoes. We return to the condo just in time to miss the rain.We are both rather stiff and know we must really make a effort to get back in shape.Jonathan works on Fred's PC then mine updating stuff so we will be all prepared for England.
Supper is a sucess and we have a relaxing evening with the kids.
February 24 - Last full day in Vancouver. It is overcast and we head out to walk again.
Fred picks up a tax program and we walk around to a different A&P. This one is bigger and on two floors. Roast chicken is on the menu tonight and we pick up special dessert for supper as we celebrate Amy's birthday early. We luck out again and miss the downpour. We prepare our luggage for tomorrows flight and relax the balance of the day.
Supper is a sucess yet again and we relax the balance of the evening.
Bye for now,
Sandy & Fred
Vancouver - February 22- Chef Jonathan
Greetings All,
We wake to a overcast rainy so another movie day. Jonathan has a awesome collection that covers pretty much everything. The three of us head out out to Costco and Save a Centre to shop for supper. Jonathan makes a stuffed steak with goat and cream cheese, chive and fresh thyme, mushroom aborio rice. Sayaka has been invited to dinner and provides dessert of truffles and cupcakes.
We watch the Academy Awards a first for Fred and I and Sayaka. Interesting but not something I think worth watching unless you follow the movies.
A good night was had by all.
Cheers,
Sandy & Fred
We wake to a overcast rainy so another movie day. Jonathan has a awesome collection that covers pretty much everything. The three of us head out out to Costco and Save a Centre to shop for supper. Jonathan makes a stuffed steak with goat and cream cheese, chive and fresh thyme, mushroom aborio rice. Sayaka has been invited to dinner and provides dessert of truffles and cupcakes.
We watch the Academy Awards a first for Fred and I and Sayaka. Interesting but not something I think worth watching unless you follow the movies.
A good night was had by all.
Cheers,
Sandy & Fred
Monday, February 23, 2009
Vancouver - February 21 -A Somewhat Disappointing Day
Greeting All,
Today was to be a sailing day but good old mother nature did not co-operate at all.
It is a beautiful bright warm sunny day but absolutely calm and the water is like glass.
No sense trying to sail with no wind and gas is too expensive to motor around the ocean.
As the weather is so great Jonathan and Amy take us to Brakendale to see the eagles.
The scenery is breath taking and we discuss about places to live. I think the kid's have mad a perfect choice as BC has everything. Must be the story of our life here. We are either too late or too early :). The eagles were here when we were in at Christmas but we would have never got out to see them given the snow. They come in mid December and leave around the end of January.
So too late but have some great photo opportunities. We stop for lunch in Squamish at a microbrewery, the Howe Sound Brewery. Food was mediocre but Jonathan said you come for the beer. The guys did seem to enjoy their beer. We stop at a dive site Porteau Cove and take more photos. The water is clear and there are a number of wrecks to dive.
Supper is sushi. We are not fans of raw fish but I did have tuna. I did tell Jonathan I would try anything once and it was not that bad. The cooked and veggies ones were yummy and the noodles delish. Another movie night then bed.
Oh in case you want to know we are too early to visit the Haida Museum as it does not reopen until mid March so I guess we will have to visit again to sail and visit the Museum.
Bye for now,
Sandy & Fred
Today was to be a sailing day but good old mother nature did not co-operate at all.
It is a beautiful bright warm sunny day but absolutely calm and the water is like glass.
No sense trying to sail with no wind and gas is too expensive to motor around the ocean.
As the weather is so great Jonathan and Amy take us to Brakendale to see the eagles.
The scenery is breath taking and we discuss about places to live. I think the kid's have mad a perfect choice as BC has everything. Must be the story of our life here. We are either too late or too early :). The eagles were here when we were in at Christmas but we would have never got out to see them given the snow. They come in mid December and leave around the end of January.
So too late but have some great photo opportunities. We stop for lunch in Squamish at a microbrewery, the Howe Sound Brewery. Food was mediocre but Jonathan said you come for the beer. The guys did seem to enjoy their beer. We stop at a dive site Porteau Cove and take more photos. The water is clear and there are a number of wrecks to dive.
Supper is sushi. We are not fans of raw fish but I did have tuna. I did tell Jonathan I would try anything once and it was not that bad. The cooked and veggies ones were yummy and the noodles delish. Another movie night then bed.
Oh in case you want to know we are too early to visit the Haida Museum as it does not reopen until mid March so I guess we will have to visit again to sail and visit the Museum.
Bye for now,
Sandy & Fred
Vancouver - February 19 & 20th, 2009 Condo Hunting
Greetings,
Another bright sunny day in Vancouver and today we have a mission from Amy and Jonathan.
After the gym we head downtown to check out a condo for the kids. It is larger than the one they are currently in and is advertised as one bedroom with two dens. Well they sure do take liberties with describing a unit. The dens were far from what we would call a den. One was basically a storage unit and the other a walk-in closet. The bedroom held a double bed and there was no space for dresser drawers. I think all the space was in the the living room and hallway. The agent took 3 other couples plus a single guy and us all at once through the condo. Needless to say it was a no go for the kids as the bedroom would not even hold their bed let alone anything else.
We then head further downtown and go for lunch at Whitespot a chain in Western Canada. The food is good and portions are decent. Lunch is good but we are place beside to extremely annoying young native girls. Unfortunately their behaviour is the kind that give the natives a bad name. Well they finally leave only to be replace by two giggling young girls. I guess a sure sign of old age for us as we find is annoying as well. After lunch and a short walk around downtown we head back to the condo as we are tired and stiff.
Amy and I head out to the bridal shop and I get to see her dress. No secrets are being given away but it is perfect, and that is all that is being said. We head back and pick up Fred and head out to Hurricane Grill for dinner. Jonathan has to attend a work function so its just three of us. The menu is huge. Fred has a very varied dinner, starters of Jamaican Patties,then salmon bisque and a deluxe burger. Amy has chicken quesadillas and I have the deluxe burger and salad. The burger is the best we have had in a long time. From here we pick up Wedge and head to Feraz and Fraser's place to meet up with Jonathan were they are having a bit of a get together. We have a few drinks and are about to leave when I am asked did we want to do some rum shooters off the Pirate Sword before we head out. I said I try anything once but Jonathan says no. He then explains what they do. Thank god for a son who cares. The trick is you have to snort the rum through your nose. Yuck and painful I am sure and while it may clean out your sinus I don't think it is worth doing. Only in Vancouver I guess cause I have never heard of this before or yet another sign of age :). Well home to bed a lot wiser.
February 20th - Today we skip the gym and relax and do laundry for ourselves and the kids. Amy and I get a pedicure as she has a short day at work. The massage chairs are amazing and do a very intense message. The foot baths however are portable and not very comfortable. Amy is totally relaxed and has a nap. Me I have been spoiled by Kim at Nail world in Ajax as here they don't even do any designs. Once we are finished we walk back get Wedge and Fred to head off to Jonathan's work for drinks. We get to meet and chat with some of the staff we met on our last visit at Xmas and catch up. From here back to the condo for dinner of Swiss Chalet and movie night.
Cheers,
Fred and Sandy
Another bright sunny day in Vancouver and today we have a mission from Amy and Jonathan.
After the gym we head downtown to check out a condo for the kids. It is larger than the one they are currently in and is advertised as one bedroom with two dens. Well they sure do take liberties with describing a unit. The dens were far from what we would call a den. One was basically a storage unit and the other a walk-in closet. The bedroom held a double bed and there was no space for dresser drawers. I think all the space was in the the living room and hallway. The agent took 3 other couples plus a single guy and us all at once through the condo. Needless to say it was a no go for the kids as the bedroom would not even hold their bed let alone anything else.
We then head further downtown and go for lunch at Whitespot a chain in Western Canada. The food is good and portions are decent. Lunch is good but we are place beside to extremely annoying young native girls. Unfortunately their behaviour is the kind that give the natives a bad name. Well they finally leave only to be replace by two giggling young girls. I guess a sure sign of old age for us as we find is annoying as well. After lunch and a short walk around downtown we head back to the condo as we are tired and stiff.
Amy and I head out to the bridal shop and I get to see her dress. No secrets are being given away but it is perfect, and that is all that is being said. We head back and pick up Fred and head out to Hurricane Grill for dinner. Jonathan has to attend a work function so its just three of us. The menu is huge. Fred has a very varied dinner, starters of Jamaican Patties,then salmon bisque and a deluxe burger. Amy has chicken quesadillas and I have the deluxe burger and salad. The burger is the best we have had in a long time. From here we pick up Wedge and head to Feraz and Fraser's place to meet up with Jonathan were they are having a bit of a get together. We have a few drinks and are about to leave when I am asked did we want to do some rum shooters off the Pirate Sword before we head out. I said I try anything once but Jonathan says no. He then explains what they do. Thank god for a son who cares. The trick is you have to snort the rum through your nose. Yuck and painful I am sure and while it may clean out your sinus I don't think it is worth doing. Only in Vancouver I guess cause I have never heard of this before or yet another sign of age :). Well home to bed a lot wiser.
February 20th - Today we skip the gym and relax and do laundry for ourselves and the kids. Amy and I get a pedicure as she has a short day at work. The massage chairs are amazing and do a very intense message. The foot baths however are portable and not very comfortable. Amy is totally relaxed and has a nap. Me I have been spoiled by Kim at Nail world in Ajax as here they don't even do any designs. Once we are finished we walk back get Wedge and Fred to head off to Jonathan's work for drinks. We get to meet and chat with some of the staff we met on our last visit at Xmas and catch up. From here back to the condo for dinner of Swiss Chalet and movie night.
Cheers,
Fred and Sandy
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Vancouver February 18, 2009 - A Walk Along the Sea Wall
Greetings All,
Another bright and sunny day in Vancouver. This morning we headed to the gym to get some cardio in before heading out to walk along the sea wall. It is a beautiful spring day and the weather is nice a warm. After lunch we walk along the sea wall for about 2 1/2 hours in total. We walk all the way to Stanley Park to a area called Second Beach. You can see mountains and the freighters off of English Bay. Pictures are really the only way to show the beauty of the walk and we hope to have some uploaded for tomorrow.
Really not much to report except both Fred and I are a little stiff tonight.
Have A Good Night,
Sandy & Fred
Another bright and sunny day in Vancouver. This morning we headed to the gym to get some cardio in before heading out to walk along the sea wall. It is a beautiful spring day and the weather is nice a warm. After lunch we walk along the sea wall for about 2 1/2 hours in total. We walk all the way to Stanley Park to a area called Second Beach. You can see mountains and the freighters off of English Bay. Pictures are really the only way to show the beauty of the walk and we hope to have some uploaded for tomorrow.
Really not much to report except both Fred and I are a little stiff tonight.
Have A Good Night,
Sandy & Fred
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Vancouver February 17, 2009 - Granville Island
Greetings All,
We woke to a bright slightly cloudy dry day. We spent the morning relaxing then headed
out. We walked down to the Ferry launch a short 10 minute walk to take the water taxi across False Creek. The taxi ride it self is less then 5 minutes and a nice short cut from walking across the bridge to get to the island.
Granville Island is open year round as it is a tourist site that has a fair sized market plus a number of boutique type stores. As well along the streets are more stores and boutiques, restaurants and art galleries. We took a short walk around before we headed into the market itself. We are on the supper brigade tonight and have decided on steak, sweet potato fries, mushrooms and Caesar salad. Once our purchases were made we decided that lunch was in order, however, the island is a bust as the one place we find is so busy that we decide to head back.
The sun has now come out and the sky as cleared and it is a beautiful spring afternoon. On the water taxi ride back we decide to go to Browns a restaurant we went to on our last visit. Again a short walk to Yaletown, however, the restaurant was not were Fred thought is was. We decide to head back, but decide to go one block further down and find Browns. Due to the late hour we decide on a drink and starter to share.
We decided on pulled pork nachos. The starter was huge and could easily have feed 4 people as an appetizer. We struggle through to finish it. A different twist on nachos but absolutely delicious. Time to head back with our groceries and prepare for supper.
Fred barbecued the steaks and I prepared the balance of the dinner. We relaxed for the balance of the night.
Good Night All,
Sandy & Fred
We woke to a bright slightly cloudy dry day. We spent the morning relaxing then headed
out. We walked down to the Ferry launch a short 10 minute walk to take the water taxi across False Creek. The taxi ride it self is less then 5 minutes and a nice short cut from walking across the bridge to get to the island.
Granville Island is open year round as it is a tourist site that has a fair sized market plus a number of boutique type stores. As well along the streets are more stores and boutiques, restaurants and art galleries. We took a short walk around before we headed into the market itself. We are on the supper brigade tonight and have decided on steak, sweet potato fries, mushrooms and Caesar salad. Once our purchases were made we decided that lunch was in order, however, the island is a bust as the one place we find is so busy that we decide to head back.
The sun has now come out and the sky as cleared and it is a beautiful spring afternoon. On the water taxi ride back we decide to go to Browns a restaurant we went to on our last visit. Again a short walk to Yaletown, however, the restaurant was not were Fred thought is was. We decide to head back, but decide to go one block further down and find Browns. Due to the late hour we decide on a drink and starter to share.
We decided on pulled pork nachos. The starter was huge and could easily have feed 4 people as an appetizer. We struggle through to finish it. A different twist on nachos but absolutely delicious. Time to head back with our groceries and prepare for supper.
Fred barbecued the steaks and I prepared the balance of the dinner. We relaxed for the balance of the night.
Good Night All,
Sandy & Fred
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Back to Vancouver - February 16, 2009
Greetings All,
Well we are on our way to Vancouver to visit Jonathan, Amy and Wedge. We got a phone call early in the morning and were advised that our flight was canceled and that we had a choice of a 1:00 pm or 4:10 flight. Fred picked the later flight as we could not make the 1:00 flight given the time we got the call. Once at the airport we were informed that our flight was once again delayed by 40 minutes. So a word of warning to traveling with Air Canada especially if you have a connecting flight to catch give yourself a lot of time maybe even a extra day as this seems to be the norm lately rather then a fluke.
The flight itself was uneventful, nice and peaceful. We did have the German Snowboard team for the 2010 Olympics on the flight. They did not look very athletic and if they were coming to practice they are out of luck as the snow is all gone.We also did a big no no on the plane. We had landed and people were getting out of their seats to grab the carry on. Fred and I like sheep followed only to realize that the plane hand not stopped moving.Thank God we had no fast stops on the way to the docking stop. We were lucky and needed to double check the seat belt sign in future. We did get off the plane quickly considering we were at the back of the plane.
We had a pizza with Jonathan and Amy and then bed.
Sandy & Fred
Well we are on our way to Vancouver to visit Jonathan, Amy and Wedge. We got a phone call early in the morning and were advised that our flight was canceled and that we had a choice of a 1:00 pm or 4:10 flight. Fred picked the later flight as we could not make the 1:00 flight given the time we got the call. Once at the airport we were informed that our flight was once again delayed by 40 minutes. So a word of warning to traveling with Air Canada especially if you have a connecting flight to catch give yourself a lot of time maybe even a extra day as this seems to be the norm lately rather then a fluke.
The flight itself was uneventful, nice and peaceful. We did have the German Snowboard team for the 2010 Olympics on the flight. They did not look very athletic and if they were coming to practice they are out of luck as the snow is all gone.We also did a big no no on the plane. We had landed and people were getting out of their seats to grab the carry on. Fred and I like sheep followed only to realize that the plane hand not stopped moving.Thank God we had no fast stops on the way to the docking stop. We were lucky and needed to double check the seat belt sign in future. We did get off the plane quickly considering we were at the back of the plane.
We had a pizza with Jonathan and Amy and then bed.
Sandy & Fred
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