A Ticket to Nowhere...Exploring the Expansion at the EIA

I got up and out of the house early (for a Saturday) and headed to the Edmonton International Airport.  This probably doesn't sound particularly unusual after all this is meant to be a travel blog so surely I've been to my local airport before.  True enough.  Usually however I go to airport because I am going somewhere or at the very least picking someone up.  Today however this was not the case.

As part of a group of over 1300 "passengers" arriving today I was there to help the EIA to trial the flow through of the new terminal that will be used for departures to the U.S.A. starting on February 11, 2012.  In the fall of 2011 I had seen an article in one of our local newspapers requesting volunteers for the simulation and had thought that it might be interesting to get a sneak peak at the new terminal.  I wasn't disappointed.

No my name isn't really Margaret

A short while after arriving at the special event parking and boarding a yellow school bus I entered the new terminal where everyone was being given their passenger script enclosed in a brightly colored file folder.  Script in hand I was directed up a flight of stairs to the departures level.    After taking a moment to review the information I headed down the hall as directed to collect my boarding pass and luggage.  I was handed a first class boarding pass to Phoenix!  And since I was a first class passenger today my "luggage" had already been checked for me.

Headed to the U.S.A.!

Next stop: security.  Nothing really all that different here.  The usual bag, keys and change in the bin.  I carried on without incident.  Since this terminal will be servicing passengers traveling to the United States the next logical stop was the Customs Hall.  Since today I didn't even need my passport this was a breeze too.  I wasn't even asked if I was traveling on business or for pleasure.

The hard part was over.  Now to head to gate with plenty of time to relax before it was time to board.  It's a bit of a walk to get to the departures lounge so passengers can choose to walk twice as fast along the moving sidewalk.  Now I've encountered these before in many larger airports but I think think that the ones here are the first in an Alberta airport!  There is some lovely art on the walls along here including a mosaic of what appears to be Edmonton's lovely river valley.

Art!

Before you settle in to wait for your flight you may want to stock up on all things Canadian (and other luxury goods) at the Duty Free.  The Duty Free store is located just before you reach the departures lounge.  The passage through here was quite narrow and depending on how busy things were there could be an issue with bottle necking.  Today I didn't stop to shop but proceeded straight through.  Since I wasn't actually leaving the country I was pretty sure we wouldn't be allowed to buy anything here anyways!

By the time I arrived here I had realized that I forgotten the notebook that I normally travel with and since I had wanted to make some notes for this post I went in search of a new one.  At present there are a few shops available with more to come.  I checked out Relay and while they had lots of popular reads I didn't come across a notepad or book.  I settled on a couple of postcards.  After all I just needed a blank surface to write on so the $1.80 I spent was well worth it.  Now if you are feeling a bit peckish before your flight you are in luck.  For the time being there are four food establishments in operation:  Starbucks, Quizno's, Wings Tap & Grill and a Chili's express.  For the trial today free samples were on the menu.  While everything looked tempting (especially the wings) I had skipped breakfast so I tried a mini cupcake and a coffee from Starbuck's.  This morning that fit the bill.  I had about an hour and half in the area before it was time to "board" my flight so I wandered around checking out the amenities.  In addition to the usual seating at each gate there was a variety of other seating in the central hall  including one area that doubles as art.  Power outlets for those traveling with anything they might need to recharge before the flight were plentiful in the seating area.  Add to this free WiFi and the flash-packers among us should be a happy bunch.  There was lots going on during the trial with musicians, jugglers and stilt walkers circulating among the crowd--now I probably won't see this next I'm here but today with the many families with young children taking part I found it very fun and appropriate.  There were definitely people from all walks of life taking part which was great to see.  Additional simulations were taking place around me including a situation with a lost ipod and a mock medical emergency.  Other than the entertainers the only thing that made this scene seem out of the ordinary were the brightly colored file folders we were are carrying with us!

Time to go!

After collecting the delicious lunch that was provided by Krave, a local catering company I was off to wait by my gate.  After all it was nearly 11:30 and since my "flight" left at noon it was almost time to board.  Since today I was "flying" first class I was able to "board" first.  As I exited the departures lounge I was quite amused when I overheard one of the EIA volunteers ask the couple in front of me if they had gotten their lunch (which was over at Gate 74 and if you wanted it you needed to collect it before you left).  The couple insisted they had to board their flight.  To which the volunteer tells them that the have a "ticket to nowhere".  I chuckled at this statement a little as the couple headed back upstairs to collect their lunch.

Welcome to Edmonton!

Meanwhile I proceeded downstairs to the arrivals level as  I was now an arriving passenger.  The second part of the simulation was much less involved--it was just a matter of walking through the terminal, being welcomed to Edmonton by a friendly volunteer, turning in the provided questionnaire and leaving with a parting gift before being shuttled back to our vehicles.  Unlike in real life there was no luggage to collect and no stern looking Canada Customs officer scrutinizing what I was bringing back home!

All in all I think EIA has given Edmonton a new facility to be proud of.  It's world class and will serve the airport's growing number of passengers well.  The simulation seemed to run smoothly as well.  I'm looking forward to flying through the new terminal in March when I'll be headed to Phoenix for real!

If you are interested in what's going on with the EIA expansion you can find more here or you can follow them on Twitter: @flyeia  or find them on Facebook:  Edmonton International Airport.  If YouTube is your thing check out the videos about the expansion here.  Have you seen this for yourself?  Tell me what your take on the new terminal is!

A Time to Honour and Remember all Veterans and Those Who Still Serve

Remembrance Day is important to me.  I'm not a religious person so today trumps even Christmas.  As a Canadian I am free to travel with little restriction to many places in the world.  For this I am ever thankful.  I've had the opportunity to travel to many places significant in past conflicts and the older I get the more important I find this day.

This year I attended services in my home town with a close friend and colleague along with some friends of hers  one of which is a British military veteran.  This year being the first year in 10 where Canadian troops have not been on the front lines was particularly memorable.  I found myself moved to tears several times during the service knowing that the freedoms I enjoy everyday are the direct result  of the efforts of many of those in attendance along with those who have given their lives and the men and women who are currently deployed in places such as Afghanistan.

Our local service was followed by a shorter version at 11 o'clock at the local cenotaph where we heard The Last Post again and another 2 minute silence was observed.  To conclude the service one of our veterans read this article which I must confess I did not wholly agree with.   It's entitled "The country the world forgot - again".  Now I understand us Canadians despite being proud aren't always concerned with taking credit even if it's due.  I also understand that our military and peacekeeping contributions in many conflicts have been sizable as well and that is not always recognized.  Add to that the issue of our national identity being lumped in with that of our neighbors to the south and it might be true that we as Canadians are often forgotten.  My issue with this article however being read at Remembrance Day services had to do with a couple of comments within the article that to me seemed to take shots at the British and the Americans.  Today is not the day to disparage our allies of all people.  They too have given and continue to sacrifice lives to gain and protect the freedoms that  we hold dear.  As I stood along side my friend and her friend in his British military uniform I cringed as I listened to one of our Canadian vets read this passage including these criticisms.  I found that I felt quite offended.  I'm sure no offence was intended, and certain parts of the article were apt but in its entirety it felt inappropriate.  The service concluded on this note and on the walk home I felt compelled to seek out this article and read it for myself.  I was somewhat surprised to find that it had been written by someone in England in 2002 in response to Canada's involvement in Afghanistan.

In truth my experience today reinforced that today is not only a day to recognize my own country's contributions to conflict past and present but also to honour all men and women around the world who pay the price for freedom with their blood, sweat and tears.  All those around the world who fight in the name of the freedoms we take for granted deserve our gratitude today and everyday.

Lest we forget.

Last year I wrote about some of the sites I visited in Europe that were touched by war.  Read my blog post from last November 11 here.

P is for Procrastination

Are you a procrastinator?  I am.  I admit it.  It's awful.  A couple of months ago I started thinking about making my summer vacation plans.  I researched a couple of small tour operators, I looked into flights and buses and trains.  And I booked nothing.  Partly because I was waiting for the next seat sale.  It came and went.  And so did another one.  And still I couldn't commit.  Am I afraid of commitment?  Well, yes and no.

I've been working a lot lately.  And I have had my eyes on the prize--that being exploring a part of the country I haven't yet been.  Sigh.  If everything worked out I was going to check out Moose Travel Network (East) and Salty Bear Adventure Travel--both look like they would be a blast.  And now Air Canada may be about to strike.  I've spent some time on a picket line myself so I am not enamored with the idea of crossing one.  I'll fly Air Canada again once things are resolved.  In the meantime I am sort of glad I'm a procrastinator.  Usually it seems to work in my favor.  Maybe I'll find a fantastic last minute getaway instead.

For now my summer getaway is back at square one...oh well.  Guess I should start thinking about booking the time off....

Gearing Up for a Great Canadian Summer!

For the better part of the year my country is cold.  I mean really cold.  I moaned about it last winter and come next winter I am sure I will again.  I love my country---but I hate it's winter weather.  So for Canadians the warm kiss of the breeze on a summers day is precious.  It's why when it's 15 C in early spring (and a week ago it was -15 C) you will see people roaming around in shorts and a T-shirt.  And sandals.  Mind you I'm not one of those people.  I run cold and if I'm in shorts the weather is definitely warm.

A summer day in Canada?  It could be but no this is Scotland!

It is only recently that spring has come and I am already working on summer plans.  And this summer I have decided that its all about Canada.  There are a couple of reasons for this.  Canada is a HUGE country.  I've been fortunate to have traveled throughout quite a bit of it but there are provinces I still haven't visited. I also am not in a position to be able to take too much time off at once and for some of the places I also want to go I just can't justify the airfare if I'm going to whip through in a week or two.  So what a perfect reason to explore a little more of the place I call home.  My plans aren't yet written in stone yet but the name of the game is go somewhere new.  

I've traveled both solo and in groups before and I certainly like the group dynamic, especially when I am not going to be in one place very long so I have decided to look into a couple of small Canadian tour companies operating in Eastern Canada.  The master plan if it works out is to join a group with one or both companies and blog about my experiences on the road.  In the coming days I am hoping to see what I can arrange.  

In the meantime I am also looking forward to exploring a little more of my own backyard as a long lost friend returns to visit.  My friend Y was an exchange student at my high school when I was in grade 11. We lost touch when she returned home but I thought of her often.  Then a few months ago she found me on Facebook.  I was so excited to hear from her.  She is coming back to visit for a few weeks this summer and I am super excited to take the opportunity to visit a few of the local attractions as we have this chance to take a walk down memory lane.

So it's shaping up to be a great Canadian summer.  Looking forward to sharing more!  Have you got some suggestions of where I should go in eastern Canada?  Leave me your comments!

T is for Travel Blogger?

So I've been absent for a while.  I'm sorry.  I really am.  Real life has been my focus lately but I have still got my eyes on the prize.  The prize being the next trip.

I've been working on improving my health and fitness level--which needs to happen if I am to tackle a couple of trips on my bucket list down the road--the Inca Trail and Kilimanjaro.  I'm working hard at my job and working a extra hours both because I want to see the business I work for succeed and the few extra dollars can be added to my travel fund.  I'm continuing to live with less and save more instead.

Several of the places I've been or have been hoping to visit have been hit with disaster or unrest in the last few months.  I can only hope that things will improve and the people of all of these places will recover and prosper.  And that I will get the opportunity to visit someday.

I've been questioning whether I can call myself a "travel blogger" lately.  I've barely been blogging let alone traveling.  I want to be doing of these things but there are only so many hours in a day.  And dollars in my bank account.  I'm on a bit of a break from traveling but there are still many stories to tell from my previous adventures and hopefully many more adventures yet to come.

Wandering into 2011

I have to admit that 2011 has gotten off to a bit of a slow start.  My internet presence has been negligible and real life has taken over.  Since December my focus has been the holidays, family, friends and work.  I had hoped for a winter getaway but instead stayed home and shoveled snow.  A lot of snow--I haven't seen a winter like this since I was small.

2011 so far has also brought a couple of firsts for me as a blogger too.  I wrote my first ever guest post.  To read my post, Living with Less:  What Travel Has Taught Me About Money & Material Things, head over to Spunkygirl Monologues.  Pam, both a fellow traveler and fellow Albertan, runs the site and this month is hosting posts from other spunky girls every day.  I am very glad to be included among them. 

I was also excited to hear my site has won its first ever award.  E College Finder.org went looking for sites promoting study and work abroad opportunities and experiences.  And they found me.  Wow.  Consequently I've been recognized as one of their Top 75 Study Abroad Ambassadors!  I'm in good company too, among some of the sites I enjoy myself such as Do It While You're Young, Two Backpackers and Traveling Canucks.  There are many other great sites as well!  There is a whole list of links to check out and if you are looking for study/work abroad info you should take a wander over there.

The new year is still pretty bright and shiny as far as I am concerned and there is still much to come.  As always I am looking forward to sharing my wanderings both past and future with you and I hope that 2011 has started off with a bang for you!

Living with Less: What Travel Has Taught Me About Money & Material Things

A funny thing happened to me as I attempted to do some Boxing Week shopping at the end of 2010.  I made my way through several stores, amongst the throngs of bargain hunters, looking for a bargain myself.  I had decided that if I didn't go on a trip over the break I would treat myself to a new (and bigger) TV.  But even though I found many a tempting deal I just couldn't do it.  I couldn't part with my hard earned cash for something as frivolous as a new TV when I had visions of beaches and ruins and fabulous foreign food dancing in my head--you see, travel has simply made me change the way I think about money and "stuff".

Before I traveled I had spent most of my life attached to stuff.  Books, magazines, old clothes, gifts I received way back when I was a teenager (which is a half a lifetime ago now), and even some of my old school assignments that I was particularly proud of…I had kept them all.  When I packed everything up to pursue a chance to live overseas there were an awful lot of boxes that I packed up and stored for my eventual return...  


To read the rest of my very first guest post please head on over to Spunkygirl Monolgues. While you are there check out some of fellow Albertan Pam's posts about her adventures in Asia last year. 

The Darkest Days - Seeking Sun on the Shortest Day of the Year!

Rhodes, Greece looking sunny and even ... tropical.

Today is the Winter Solstice--officially the shortest day of the year.  Today the sun didn't rise until nearly 9 in the morning and set just after 4 in the afternoon.  I don't know about you but the shorter days leave me desperately wanting to see more of the sun.  Although I live (and grew up in) a part of the world that experiences a very harsh winter I really can't say that I enjoy it.  The good news is that tomorrow the days will start to get longer again.

In less than four days I will have some much needed time off and if I have my way I'll be spending at least a little of it in another time zone.  And if I am even luckier it may even be somewhere that has daily highs above 0 C!  As I write this it's minus 19 C--anything warmer will do.

The hard part is that its got to be cheap.  My budget is small so a cheap flight and accommodation is a must.  Fortunately I have no qualms about going at the last minute but at this time of year that doesn't always translate into savings.  I am looking for a deal.

So for the past while I have been  scouring budget sites looking for the perfect winter getaway.  I am easy to please, a cheap flight and a hostel bed would suit me just fine.  Sadly this time of year, travel can be at a premium with people all over heading home and abroad to see family and friends.  So as a result, thus far no dice.  Still I am hoping that if I keep looking maybe I'll find exactly what I am looking for--at the very last minute.  I've been checking out Expedia, Travelocity and LastMinute.com to name a few.  Any suggestions would definitely be welcome--please post them.  My traveling companion and I will be eternally grateful!

And if nothing else Hawaii in January is looking promising--too bad I don't have any time off then!

Until next time, happy traveling!

Feeling Under the Weather When You're on the Road

For most of the last week or so I've been sick.  Sore throat, chills, fever and feeling achy all over.  Bottom line, it sucks.  I've been dosing myself with Vitamin C, echinacea, chicken soup and the occasional Neocitran.  There's not much worse than when you are are ill.

Except when you are away from home.

Even if you love to travel and were to make up a list of the pros and cons of globetrotting, being sick or getting injured while on the road definitely makes the top of the cons list.  Think about it--you plan an amazing trip, pay for it and then hit the road.  Part way thorough you suddenly aren't feeling so well.  It doesn't matter what it is, but the last thing you want to happen is to be so miserable that all you want to do is go home to your own bed.  And what if you can't?  If you are living and working overseas like I did for a while going home may not be the easiest option or not one at all.  Nearly every traveler I have met has some sort of story relating to being sick on the road--it's more common than not but the most important thing is to keep your story from becoming a horror story.

So what's a savvy traveler to do?

Well there are many things that you can do to stay healthy during your trip.  First things first--start before your trip.

Before your trip:

• Eat well, drink lots of water, and get plenty of sleep.  
• Do some research.  Certain ailments are more common in some parts of the world.  Is the water safe to drink?  It may not be wise to eat uncooked food in some cases as well.  Keep in mind that the locals may have no problem with the water where you are traveling but bottled water may hold the key to keeping your insides happy.
• See a travel health professional well in advance of leaving.  They can provide you with emergency or preventative medicines that you can take with you.
• Get vaccinated.  Depending on where you are headed this may be especially important.  Some countries require proof of vaccination as a condition of entry,  Yellow fever vaccination is an example of this.  Your travel health professional can help you with this too.
• Get travel medical insurance!  If you don't need it this trip count yourself lucky--but if you do need you could likely save yourself a lot in costly foreign medical bills.
• Prepare for the possibility of motion sickness (if you have never traveled by water you could get seasick and just not be aware of it--I was once on a cruise with a woman who didn't realize she suffered from seasickness until she was on her trip--the only time she seemed comfortable over the course of that four days was when we were on land.
• The same goes for altitude sickness---give yourself some time to acclimatize before taking on serious changes in altitude.  You will have a better chance of reaching the top! 

During your trip:

• Drink lots of water.   If it has been recommended to drink bottled water do so.  Be wary of ice added to drinks and any beverages that may be made with local water.
• Know your limits when enjoying the local bevys.  (And that goes for any other substances you may be enjoying as well.)
• It will probably be hard but try to get enough sleep.
• Wash your hands, same as you do at home.  Carry hand sanitizer to use when soap and water aren't available.
• Enjoy the local food but try to eat a variety of foods.
• Pack some protection!  Sure you are on vacation but an STI (or an unwanted pregnancy) is a souvenir to avoid bringing home
•  If you do have an injury or find yourself ill seek medical attention.
• If you have the opportunity to rest when you are feeling under the weather--do so.

Although I've done my best over the years to stay well as I have traveled I certainly have not been immune to the various traveler's maladies.  Minimizing the impact if you do fall ill is key to making sure that the memories from your trip are fantastic.  Hopefully these tips will help to keep you well on the road.

Until next time happy traveling!

Road Trip: The Sequel!

Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park

West.  Go west.  I love the west.  As I mentioned in a previous post, Road Trip! my summer was bookended by two road trips.  The first, to Saskatoon with an old friend happened on the May long weekend and was all about about good food and relaxation.  The road trip at the opposite end of the summer was over the Labour Day long weekend at the beginning of September.  I went to one of my favorite places in my home province of Alberta--Jasper National Park!

I have lived in Alberta most of my life and a a result have had many opportunities to venture into the Rocky Mountains.  My earliest road trip memory involves a family RV trip to British Columbia and I still remember driving westward.  I was awestruck by the scenery.  There have been many trips west since then and each time I am struck by the sheer majesty of the mountains rising up to greet me as I drive toward then.  Sheer rock faces, evergreen trees, rushing mountain streams, fascinating wildlife and pristine aquamarine lakes are found not long after entering the park.

If you are just driving through the National Park, you can do so free of charge.  If you are staying overnight however you should be in possession of a park pass.  Park passes are available at the gates to the park where you will be stopped and asked where you are headed.  Current park rates (2010) for an adult is $9.80 per day or $19.60 for a family or group.  If you will be spending a lot of time in the parks in a given year you can also purchase an annual pass which is good for 27 National Parks and 77 National Historic Sites in Canada.  Travelling from Edmonton you will reach the park gates in about 3.5 hours and the town of Jasper after about 4 hours.

This trip had an added bonus for me as I was meeting up with a friend I met while in Ireland in 2009.  Hailing from Ottawa, Sarah had been exploring the west coast and the rockies in the previous week.  It was fantastic seeing and chatting with a fellow travel enthusiast, blogger and photographer.  Like me she has spent a considerable amount of time in Europe having traveled to many of the same places and a number of different ones as well.  You can read about her adventures on her blog In Which Sarah Sees The World.

I really enjoyed our visit although it was very brief.  After driving into the Jasper town site we met up by the information centre and took a wander through the town.  Most of the shops and restaurants are clustered within the town centre and walking is by far the easiest way to get around.  After a cup of coffee and a bite to eat we ventured out of town so that I could check in at our hostel--one of the many YHA hostels in the area.  If you prefer more luxurious accommodations you can certainly find them in and around town.   There are also a number of campgrounds in the area for those who enjoy roughing it.

The Town of Jasper from the top of the tramway. 

Once I'd gotten my bed for the night our next stop was to head up to the gondola that travels up Whistlers Mountain.  First opened in 1964 the Jasper Tramway will take you up the mountain in just a few minutes, giving you views of the surrounding mountains and the town far below.  Before heading down you can enjoy a meal or a drink while enjoying spectacular mountain views surrounding you.  Keep your ticket for the return trip down the mountain--you will pay $29.00 for a round trip adult ticket on the tram.  Although I had been to Jasper many times before this was the first time I had taken the tram.  I found a bit expensive but as a one time thing I think it was worth the view (and the snow we experienced on a rather chilly September day).

Heading into town for dinner that evening Sarah and I were considering enjoying a pint at Jasper's very own Brew Pub.  After checking out the menu we concluded that while it looked good the price was not within our backpacker budget.  After wandering down the street we found ourselves in another pub--The De'd Dog.  The De'd Dog is a local pub that seemed to be populated with both locals and visitors alike, the price was right and the food very good--both in taste and portion size.

Boat Cruise on Maligne Lake

After a quiet remainder of the night over drinks we set out the next morning to see Maligne Lake.  After a 44km drive south from Jasper which winds slowly uphill passing Medicine Lake you will reach Maligne Lake which is a popular place for boating, fishing and other pursuits.  There are hiking trails along the lake.  The trails were quite muddy the day of our visit so we took a stroll right along the water.  If you decide to take to the water by canoe or perhaps on the commercial boat cruise you may find yourself in sight of tiny Spirit Island which is one of the most photographed landmarks in the world.  In any case the views are stunning--don't forget your camera!

We only had a short time in Jasper but if you have more time another site you may want to visit is the Columbia Icefield, I stopped here on a previous trip to the area.  To get here take the Icefields Parkway out of Jasper (you must have purchased a park pass to travel this road) and you will reach the site of the Athabasca Glacier--the most visited glacier in North America.  Over the last 125 years the glacier has been shrinking and you can see how much it has receded--a distance of over 1.5 km.  There is a marked path that you can take to set foot upon the glacier however be careful--it still can be very dangerous and visitors have lost their lives here.

Unfortunately for my friend Sarah, not all of her trip went as planned and she decided to cut the remainder or her trip short and accompany me back to Edmonton from where she returned safely to Ottawa.  It was a fun visit, albeit short and I hope to have the privilege of traveling with her once again.

So bottom line I still love road trips!  I hope that you too will take the opportunity to visit Jasper and the rest of the Canadian Rockies.  They have a great deal to offer any traveler.  And in another time in another post I will share more about another of my favorite rocky mountain destinations--Radium.

Until then happy travelling!

Lest we forget...

Lest We Forget...

I know I am fortunate to live in a country that has not known modern warfare, at least within our own borders.  Despite this, we have not been untouched by war as brave Canadian soldiers, both men and women have served our country preserving the freedoms that we enjoy as Canadians.  Other places in the world have not been as lucky.

Today in Canada we recognize Remembrance Day.  It's a sombre day of reflection and thanks as well.  I have many memories of past Remembrance Days that I hold close.  One of these was doing a reading at a school assembly when I was in first or second grade.  I read (In Flander's Fields I think) to the entire school and guests.  Even though I couldn't fully comprehend the meaning of the day then I still knew it was important.  In high school I was involved in another school assembly for Remembrance Day as my drama class presented several scenes with themes of wartime.  By this time I already knew the fear of potential of war from when the Golf War erupted back when I was in junior high.  I was afraid that war might touch my home.  And to some degree it did.  In my lifetime Canadian forces have been engaged in several conflicts both as peacekeepers and in an active combat role such as in the current conflict in Afghanistan.  Today we remember all those involved in these missions as well as in the First and Second World Wars and Korea.


One of the many freedoms that we enjoy is that of being able to travel.  As Canadians we are welcome to visit many countries around the world.  Visiting places touched by some conflicts has moved me more than I would have ever expected.  Here are five places I have visited that have touched by war in some way or another in the 20th century.  I think that all of these are worth a visit if you are visiting the area.


1.  The Memorials and War Cemeteries surrounding the site of the Battle of Gallipoli
The Battle of Gallipoli was fought in 1915 between Allied and Turkish forces.  The casualties were heavy on both sides.  The conditions were horrible and a strange camaraderie developed between enemy soldiers.  This is demonstrated in many of the stories told and in the Respect for Mehmetçik Memorial which depicts a Turkish soldier carrying an Australian soldier back to his trench.
There are more than 80 cemeteries and memorials dedicated to both Turkish and allied dead which included soldiers from Britain, France, Australia, New Zealand, India and even Newfoundland (which at  that time was not yet a part of Canada).  I visited several sites including ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery.  Though I know of no personal connections to any of the dead here the visit stuck a chord with me as I wandered between the graves, watched the waves crash against the rocks and saw the trenches that still exist.  To learn more about these sites and others on the Gallipoli peninsula check out the Turkey Guide.  ANZAC day is observed on April 25th each year and services are held at the site. 


2. Orkney Islands, Scotland
During WWI and WWII, the site of Scapa Flow was used as a Royal Navy Base.  After WWI the German fleet was brought here until a decision was to made on its future.  A number of these ships were shipwrecked and this remains a place that divers come to explore.
After the start of WWII the HMS Royal Oak was sunk by a German U-boat at Scapa Flow.  The Italian POWs held here were put to work building barriers (also known as the Churchill Barriers) to stop access to some of the channels.  These barriers had the added result of becoming a way to travel from island to island by road.  Today once you take the ferry to Orkney from the mainland you can see the rest of the islands by car.  These prisoners also built the Italian Chapel which is situated on the island of Lamb Holm.  The small but ornate church is a main attraction on the island.


3. Placa Sant Felip Neri, Barcelona
Wandering through the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona I was struck by the sheer amount of history.  The beginnings of this area were as a Roman village. Today there is a mix of old and new buildings standing side by side.  The streets are winding and you never know quite what you are going to find as you turn the next corner.  The Placa Sant Felip Neri is a tiny square tucked away in the quarter that is filled with history.  During the Spanish civil war it was here that people were rounded up and put to death by firing squad against the facade of the church.  The wall is riddled with marks left behind from the bullets and also damage from the air raid of January 30, 1938.  Today the square is tranquil and shady but it remains a symbol of the suffering of the Spanish during the Civil War.


4. Dachau Concentration Camp, Germany
Not far from Munich lies the site of Dachau, the first concentration camp that first held both political and Jewish prisoners during the Second World War.  When you enter the gates you see the sign Arbeit macht frei which means "work will make you free".  Sadly for many of those that entered those gates this was not true.  Over 25 000 people died in the camp.  Today it is a memorial site and museum.  When I visited in November 2007 the day was cold and it was just beginning to snow.  I imagined those imprisoned who were without adequate food, shelter and clothing living in this site in the cold.  Imagine being forced to work outside for long hours without so much as a jacket or a pair of shoes.   The air was crisp and silent as I walked between the barracks and along the path to the gas chambers and the crematorium.    The experience was sobering and one I expect never to forget.


5. The Vimy War Memorial, France
The Battle of Vimy Ridge represents a defining moment for Canada as a nation. It was the first time that Canadians fought as a national force rather than as a part of the British Army.  This event remains a symbol of of both achievement and sacrifice.  In honour of this sacrifice France has given use of a part of the former battleground to Canada to build a memorial site.  Part of the site is also considered Canadian soil. Unveiled in 1936 the Vimy Memorial is located on the highest point and can be seen from a distance.  It took 11 years to build.  You can see a few of the trenches up close but most of the area is closed off for safety reasons as there are still dangers such as exploded munitions.  The structure is awe inspiring and sobering at the same time.  The memorial is one of two National Historic Sites of Canada located outside of Canada. 


All of these sites left their mark on me.  Visiting them and many others helped make the history more real.  And this Remembrance Day I remember those that fought and still fight to make sure that we remain free.  I hope you will remember them too. 

Job Opportunity of a Lifetime

Find a job you enjoy and you'll never work a day in your life.

-Confucious

The Job Opportunity of a Lifetime!

I love this quote and I'm sure there is a lot of truth in this however as things stand I love the job I have now most days but it certainly is still work.  On the best days not as much, but on the bad days...well you get the picture.  I've definitely been lucky to have some jobs I have enjoyed but I have also had my share of not so enjoyable ones like most people.  I mentioned in my previous post Travel Contests Galore!  Who wants a free trip?  that I was planning on applying for Transat Holidays Vacationer Wanted.  I can't resist even though I love the job I have now.  Why?  Well, travel is seductive, alluring, compelling.  It makes me do things I would not normally do.  It's like a drug and it is my drug of choice.  I like nothing better than hopping on a plane to fly into the wild blue yonder--if my destination is unknown to me so much the better.  The sights, the sounds and the smells of a new destination are intoxicating every single time.  In fact it gets better every time.  I'll rough it to see just about anywhere but I also have a taste for a little luxury, great food and fantastic company!  The reality is this job will be work some days too but I am sure the fantastic days will far outweigh the rough ones.  Twelve trips in twelve months to some fabulous locales sure sounds good to me!  Like I said before I couldn't help myself and I submitted my video today just before the deadline.  Wish me luck!


If you have read my previous post, My (travel) story...and why I want to keep traveling!, you will know that I took a huge chance on a job that would have given me a chance to travel before.  It didn't work out the way I hoped but despite that it led me to spend a year working abroad anyway which was still an amazing opportunity.  I would do it all again for another opportunity to see a little more of the world.  This competition is already fierce and only a select few will be the final contenders for this opportunity of a lifetime.  I'm hoping to hear opportunity knock but I am sure whoever is chosen will be amazing.  And in the meantime I will keep on taking a crack at whatever opportunities may come my way.  


If you want to have a peek at my application video here it is!  If you have ever wanted to visit the West Edmonton Mall--you can get a little bit of a sneak peek here!







Hope you enjoy it-- and if you do you can share your support on the Vacationer Wanted Facebook page.  Just click Like and leave your comments!  And if you have a travel dream too don't stop dreaming and don't stop trying to make it happen.  When it comes true you will be glad that you did!


Next time as promised we will have Road Trip:  The Sequel!
And until then, happy travelling!

Road Trip!

I love a good road trip.  On a really good one you will laugh, cry, love and maybe even fight.  I've done my share over the years.  I grew up in Canada in smaller city that only recently started public transit and having a car meant freedom.  Summer camping trips, an impromptu trip somewhere 3 hours away to have a meal or just a drive for no reason--I'm guilty of all of these.  Of course that was many years ago when fuel was half the price it is now, I had summers off (except for the part-time summer job - had to pay for the fuel somehow) and I didn't have so many bills to pay.

One of my favorite trips was many years ago back during my very last year of university.  A good friend of mine and I drove from Edmonton, Alberta to Kingston, ON (and actually as far as Ottawa).  We packed up and drove it over the course of several days with stops in Regina, Saskatchewan (to visit my Dad), Bloomington, Minnesota (to check out the Mall of America), and Niagara Falls, ON (I'd never been there before despite having lived in Ontario for about 3 years at this point) just to name a few.  We camped, we ate cheap and listened to great music and sung along too.  We chatted.  About everything and anything.  Even though our lives have gone in different directions I often think fondly about that friend and that trip.  At the end of the year she even flew back to Ontario to meet me and come along on the return trip.

More recently I've done shorter trips.  One at the beginning of this summer and one at the end.  In opposite directions even.  Over the May long weekend I had the pleasure of accompanying one of my oldest friends on a road trip to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to visit her sister and just relax.  A weekend of food, movies, reading and even a little Scrabble ensued.  After work on Friday we hit the road stopping in Lloydminster a town that has the distinction of being partially in the province of Alberta and part in Saskatchewan.  After a bite to eat it was time to go again.  We rolled into Saskatoon sometime around midnight.  I was glad I wasn't driving--I generally have a pretty good sense of direction but for some reason I always seem to get lost there.

There were three notable restaurants we dined in over the course of the weekend.  Traeger's Restaurant and Bakery, which had an excellent french toast also had desserts in the case looked amazingly decadent--it's almost too bad we came for breakfast!  The next time I'm in town I'm going for dessert.  Another local breakfast favorite is The Berry Barn which is just south of Saskatoon. This place is very popular and reservations are definitely needed.  The food is tasty and the star attraction is the topping bar which you can have over waffles or cheesecake or whatever sounds good to you.  When I was there the toppings included strawberries, peaches and of course saskatoon berries.  When you've finished eating you can linger in the gift shop or if you have come at the right time of year you can pick yourself some berries to take away with you.  Last but not least we had dinner at The Cave.  This one is worth visiting strictly for the decor.  Once you step inside it looks--like a cave, complete with stalagtites.  The menu is varied and the portions were large.  I was suprised by the fact that there were tablecloths.  I was not expecting that.  You also get a map--keep it since you might need it to find your way to the bathroom!

My summer was bookended with one last road trip.  West this time.  Stay tuned for my next post when I head off to the Canadian Rockies.

Until then happy travelling!

Travel Contests Galore! Who wants a free trip?

Lately it seems everywhere I look I see a new travel (or travel inspired) contest out there.  I'm sure a lot of this is to do with the proliferation of the internet and social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and others.  And another thing I'm sure of is that every company that sponsors one of these contests is getting an awful lot of bang for their marketing buck by running them.  For the travel obsessed like myself, these contests represent an opportunity to potentially see a little more of the world on someone else's dime!  Sure they may be a longshot but they sure are fun--and some of the prizes to be had are pretty fabulous.

Best Travel Job Ever - Earlier this year my friend Alesha and I participated in the Best Travel Job Ever which was a contest sponsored by Flight Centre, Air Canada, Intrepid Travel, Roots and Henry's.  The entry required contestants to enter a video that was posted on Youtube and the entries that received the most votes were put before a panel of judges to choose finalists and eventually a winner.  This one was a lot of fun and I can only hope they might do it again.  The site is still up and if you are looking for some inspiration you should check it out.

Paradise Hunter  - 52 Weeks of Paid Vacation - This job offer is open until November 5, 2010 but I think it qualifies for this post.  In a one minute video you need to show why you should be the next host for Paradise Hunter.  There are some great videos and host job winner will also get a $60 000 salary and their very own piece of paradise at the end of the year.  Open to applicants around the world over 18.

Transat Holidays - This one is positioned more as a job offer than as a contest but I still think it also fits this post.  The successful applicant will have the opportunity to travel on Transat Holiday trips throughout the next year and then write and video their experiences.  In addition to the travel there's a $40 000 salary too.  You need to be over 21, have a valid Canadian passport and submit a maximum 2 minute video and your resume.  I couldn't help myself so I've applied for this one--I love my job and don't want to leave it but the opportunity is so good I had to give it a shot!

GAP Adventures - Earlier this year GAP had the Create Your Adventure Contest. This one was kind of cool and the grande prize winning entry by a young man named Ryan will be on offer in the 2011 GAP Adventures brochure.

Intrepid Travel - This one is current.  Real Life Experiences or Win 30 Trips in 30 Days.  Choose one of the trips from the map and explain in 25 words or less why you want the trip and you might be selected to win that trip.  If you are planning on booking with Intrepid soon enter!  Just for entering you will be emailed a voucher that is good for 20% off an Intrepid trip.

Facebook Contests: Facebook also has tons of contests (travel and otherwise) if you know where to look.  Find the pages of your favorite products and services and they may just have something for you!
Here's a few current ones to check out:


Travelocity and the Mexico Tourism Board - Like these two on Facebook and figure out where  the Travelcity Gnome is in Mexico.  Winners get a Mexican vacation and contest is open to US and Canadian residents 21 or older.

Cathay Pacific - Want a pair of business class tickets to Hong Kong?  Like Cathay Pacific on Facebook and enter your Asian inspired dessert to win.  It could even be served on their flights.  Open until January 2011.

Baileys Brings You Home - Who doesn't love this Irish tipple?  Baileys wants to reunite you with your family and friends for the holidays and is giving away round trip tickets to anywhere in the US.  Entrants submit a video or essay--and like Baileys and Facebook too.  To enter you have to be a US resident and over 21.  Enter before December 10th.

So take a chance and enter one or all  of  these (of the ones still open anyways).  It might just be your lucky day.  And if you hear of any cool travel contests drop me a line!  In the meantime get your cameras rolling, your keyboard tapping and your creative juices flowing.

Until next time happy travelling!

Working Abroad--Why you should do it and why I wish I had done it sooner!

In the streets of London.

I spent much of 2008 and 2009 living and working overseas.  Since I was young I had dreamed of experiencing life somewhere else in the world.  In retrospect it was an opportunity that I would not trade for anything.  I only have one regret and it's that I didn't do it sooner.

I recently received a message from an old friend of mine (who has been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work in the UK herself) who was trying to help another friend of hers out in getting the type of visa I got to work in the UK.  I was more than happy to pass along any help that I could because I know how much that opportunity has enriched my life.  I  hope that the information I provided was of some help.  But that request also got me thinking--I wish I had known about these opportunities sooner.

Living and working in another country isn't just about earning pounds or euros when you are used to making dollars.  It's about learning about another culture, enjoying new food, friends and adventures.  If you are just getting started after finishing school a year abroad doing a job that may not be a career builder will not be a blight on your CV (or resume for those of us in North America).  Your time overseas can tell a possible employer that you are independent, adaptable, and willing to take on new challenges.  You just left everything that was familiar behind and journeyed out into the great unknown for heaven sakes!  Take a bit of credit where credit is due.

There are some great resources out there if like me you wish to spend some time abroad.  If you are a Canadian you should check out The Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada site - Canadians Travel and Work Abroad page.  This site lists destinations that young Canadians are eligible to participate in work exchange programs.  There are plenty of options, especially for Canadians, including the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Italy and Japan just to name a few. There is also a link on this page for young nationals of other countries who want information on coming to Canada to work for up to a year.  This page is a great place to start if you are still investigating the possibilities that are out there. Most work permits or visas available under these programs are require you to be between the ages of 18 - 30, however there are a few that participants can be eligible up to age 35.

If however,  you have already decided that you are ready to jump on the next plane there are a few things you need to consider first.

1.  For many of these programs you need to apply BEFORE you arrive in your destination country.  You have to prove a few things before you are accepted such as your age, your citizenship, and proof of sufficient funds to help support yourself when you arrive (or to purchase passage home.)  There can be other restrictions as well--research the program for the country you hope to visit.

2. In most cases once you have applied, paid the fee and ticked all of the other requirements off the list you will have to send your passport to the embassy or high commission of your destination country.  If all goes well it will be returned to you with a brand spanking new visa in it.

3. Some destinations will require you to have a valid return ticket when you arrive--if so don't purchase a one way ticket until you have checked this out.

4. Some programs restrict the type of work or the duration, ie you can only work for the same employer for 6 months on your permit.  Keep this in mind when looking for work.  However also keep in mind due to the magic of the internet you can begin your search for work even before leaving home.  A couple of sites I found helpful for my work search in the UK were WorkAbout and AnyWork AnyWhere and Reed.co.uk.   If you looking for work in a specific field there are many other sites out there as well.

5.  You will probably need a tax number before starting work in your host country.  In Canada this is referred to as a Social Insurance Number, in the UK where I was working its called a National Insurance or NI number.  Apply for one as soon as you are able--usually once you have arrived.  Check into labour standards and minimum wages.  Know your rights as a worker!  Unfortunately some employers will try to take advantage of temporary foreign workers as they are more likely to get away with infractions.  I have my own story about this.

6.  A local bank account is helpful, especially when you are going to be in the same country for a significant amount of time.  It can be difficult to open as a foreigner walking into a bank in strange country so there are organizations that can help you get this done.  I used First Contact in London and setting up my account with HSBC was nice and easy (for a small fee of course).  First Contact or similar companies will help you out with other things as well.  If you are headed to another country inquire about similiar agencies that can help you get set up.  Once set up you will have a place to deposit and save your hard earned wages in the local currency.  The bank will likely also provide you with local cheques and a local debit card.

7.  Health Insurance!  This one I can't stress enough.  Foreigners are not often covered if they require medical attention outside of their home country and this can lead to big medical bills even for something as simple as a broken bone.  In some cases if you have a visa that is valid for work you may be covered as was the case with me while I was in the UK.  I learned after I was in A&E (Accident and Emergency)  that Canada has a reciprocal health agreement with the UK.  I had separate insurance as well but was lucky enough not to have to pay for anything and therefore I didn't need to make a claim.

So do your research and then have some fun--the experiences you have and the people you meet will teach you things that you can't learn in any book or by watching TV, or even surfing the web.  You will probably have the time of your life.  Life is to short not to take a chance once in a while.

So why do I regret not doing this sooner?  I got my visa after I turned 30, which is the cutoff age of many of the programs available.  If I had gone away sooner I probably would have taken advantage of the opportunity to have worked abroad in other countries as well.  But its a lesson learned and I still had the time of my life.  If you are thinking of working abroad and have any questions I might be able to help you with I invite you to drop me a line and I will try to cover any questions in a future post.

Until next time, happy travelling!

My (Travel) Bucket List

Most of us have goals that we may only ever dream about.  For me, many of those goals have focused on travel.   I have been fortunate to have been able to cross a few things off my own bucket list.  So I thought I would take the opportunity to share it here with you.  Since I have already managed to cross a few things off my list I have had to come up with new things to add to it as well.

Enjoy!

My Original (Travel) Bucket List

I've checked the following off the list!

-Visit the acropolis in Athens, Greece.

-See the pyramids at Giza in Egypt.

-See Paris from the top of the Arc de Triomphe

-Travel through the streets of London on the top deck of a double decker bus.

-See the Canadian flag that stands at Vimy in France.

-Listen to Galway Girl in a real Irish pub.

-Ride in a hot air balloon. (this was in Luxor, Egypt)

-Take a cruise on Loch Ness.

-Visit the Alcazar in Segovia, Spain.

-Whitewater rafted the Kicking Horse River in Beautiful British Columbia.

This is just the tip of the iceberg...

My new and improved list is too long to include everything but here are some of the highlights:

-See the maritime provinces of my own country--I have only been to Newfoundland so far, but never to Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia or New Brunswick.

-Climb a bigger mountain--I can say this because I've actually climbed two, one called Marble Mountain here in Canada and Mt Sinai in Egypt--I hope one day to tackle Mt. Kilimanjaro.

-See Macchu Picchu after having hiked the Inca Trail.

-See Bath and Stonehenge--I spent a long time in the UK and missed out on these!

-Sample sushi in Tokyo and see some traditional kabuki theatre in Japan as well.

-Walk along the Great Wall in China.

-Wander through the streets of Moscow.

-Visit the many amazing people I have met from Down Under.

-Go on Safari in Africa....

And too many more to list here.  I hope that I have only seen the start of my adventures and that they will continue for many more years to come.

Next time The Working Holiday and why I wish I would have known about this sooner!

Happy traveling!

The Great Debate...

I've been getting itchy feet lately.  It's almost been a year since I've been back home and I am feeling like its time for a new adventure.  So the great debate begins.  Where do I go next?

The possibilities are endless and I found myself at a travel show last month checking out some options.  My problem is at least for the meantime I have already been to many of the places I had hoped to see but there are still too many more.

So at present the top contenders are:

1. Peru--I have always wanted to see Macchu Picchu so it's still on my list.
2. Australia and NZ--I have met many awesome people from this part of the world and I would love to visit and explore where these people have come from.
3. Japan--The culture, food and history fascinate me--what better reason to visit somewhere is that?
4. Mexico--I've never been on a "beach vacation".  Maybe its time I start.  Plus there are great ruins and its warm there when its cold at home.

And now I ask you, dear readers to give me your two cents.  Where do you think I should go next and why?  Please vote and share your opinion!

Next post:  my Old and New and Improved Travel Bucket Lists!

Until then, happy traveling!

I'm baaaaack!

Reality has come crashing down around me these last few months.  New home, still learning the new job, summer...well you know how it goes.   I have kind of withdrawn from a lot of things as a result.  Unintentionally of course.  But there are new things to come.  First off this site is slowly going to get a new look.  How do you like my header?  It will be a work in progress but I am looking at bringing you more of my adventures and misadventures as well as sharing my favorite travel related information that you can find here on the world wide web.  I look forward to your feedback as I expand this site.

Until then happy traveling!

Guest Post By Krista D. Ball

Not everyone has the desire to travel the world. Not everyone has the means, either. Yet, I think a little exploration can do our minds good. If we spend too much time in the same place, we become entrenched and our world view becomes stilted.

As a speculative fiction writer, the imagination needs constant stimulation in order to keep up with creating new worlds, cultures, and even races. Visiting new places, even as simple as a new ethnic restaurant or a small town gift shop, expands my world just a tiny bit more.

I confess that I’ve never had a burning desire to see the world. I trust the internet when it says that there are pyramids in Egypt and that there are leaning towers in Pisa. However, I have travelled in small ways and have seen many things crop up in my writing.

I’ve been along the coast of Labrador and saw firsthand what cultural genocide, corruption, and alcoholism can do to a proud people. I’ve been to outport Newfoundland where I saw people cling to their culture in the midst of economic upheaval. And I’ve seen the Rocky Mountains and myself an early explorer.

As humans, we need to continue expanding our minds or else we risk mental atrophy. Regardless if it is grand or small, travel is one of the important ways that we continue to explore the world around us. And, in doing so, we explore our own lives.

Krista D. Ball is a speculative fiction writer in Edmonton, Alberta. Her upcoming novelette, Harvest Moon, travels back in time to visit a fictional First Nations tribe in northern Alberta.

I've been remiss...readjusting to life at home after a year abroad

Apologies for taking so long to post this. It seems as if the rest of my life has gotten in the way lately of sharing my travel stories. I am hoping this will soon improve. I've now been back for nearly seven months and I am slowly going about reclaiming the accouterments of the average person's life. The new job was found sooner than anticipated and while it started out as temporary and uncertain it has since become more permanent. For this I am grateful. I got my phone number back too--I've only had it for 10 years now and I don't know if I could ever give it up. I've been saving as much as I can to pay off the bills from the last trip too. This still hasn't stopped me from dreaming about the next one though. I am slowly trying to tie up all the loose ends, bank accounts, taxes, you name it. I made mistakes in not considering a lot of things before I went away. Lessons learned I guess. For right now I am looking forward to reclaiming my own space. The last few years have been characterized by short stays in shared accommodation. While this way of life has many merits and I have had wonderful experiences the time has come to start over. I am however very grateful for all those who have put me up over the last couple of years. So needless to say I am looking forward to my new digs.

So for now my travel plans aren't big ones but that doesn't mean they still can't be fun ones. A long weekend road trip is first up and then I am hoping for at least a couple of short camping trips over the summer. Who knows what the summer will bring?

For those of you who followed the Flight Centre's Best Travel Job Ever and the entry made by Alesha and I--I wanted to thank you all for your support. However I just found out there is going to be a little bonus round! Vote for us one last time on May 20th, 2010 to get our names in to win a trip to video blog in sunny California! To go to the page to vote click this link!

And you won't have to wait too long for the next post--tomorrow brings a guest post from a fabulous new Canadian writing talent, Krista D. Ball. Her novelette Harvest Moon will be published in the fall. Her post will discuss how travel has influenced her writing. I hope that you will enjoy it. To learn more about Krista's work please visit her website www.kristadball.com.