Polly want a cracker?
At the World Parrot Refuge on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, winged residents get lots more than a mere cracker.
This non-profit, educational facility operated by FLOPRS (”For the Love of Parrots Refuge Society”) provides a “Home for Life” for previously owned pet parrots.  Parrots have a very long life span, so it is very likely that they will have a need for more than one owner over their lifetime.  Many parrot owners fail to foresee or plan for this, making it increasingly common to have parrots turn up in shelters.  The Refuge is a home for life for …read more

A few years ago, while on a layover, I became very seriously ill.  Although I thought everything would be okay once I woke up in the morning, it became clear in the wee hours that I was wrong. 
Fortunately my airline has some pretty good procedures in place for getting medical attention for ill crewmembers.  Once I realized that my situation was serious, I was able to get help from a co-worker who helped get me to a hospital for emergency intervention.  I was treated and released later that same day to return home. 
The situation was unpleasant, but I had help, …read more

Flight Attendants hate delays just as much as passengers.  We, too, like to get home, or to our destination, on time every bit as much as everyone else.  But if you travel often enough, you realize that it just isn’t going to happen all the time.
Unfortunately, delays are an inevitable part of travel.  Whatever the reason (mechanical, weather, ATC holds, etc.), it means extra time spent at an airport.  Rarely is than fun or relaxing.
Since delays are going to happen, however, it’s always preferable to be at an airport with amenities to help make your wait as pain-free as possible.  …read more

As much as I love travel, there’s one thing that can top it.  And that’s traveling with friends. 
Every experience is different when shared through the eyes of another person.
That was my experience last week in Vancouver, British Columbia.  I was flying with my dear friend, Anita, and her family joined us there to celebrate her father’s birthday. 
Let me explain, first of all, that Big Al is a second father to me, having lost my own father over 18 years ago.  I have come to love him, and his wife Sharimae, as if they were actually family by birth, not just …read more

Along the border between Blaine, Washington and Surrey, British Columbia stands the International Peace Arch. 
The arch stands 67 feet high, and is proudly rooted, one side in American soil, the other in Canadian.  Straddling the longest undefended boundary in the world, the Peace Arch was dedicated in 1921, and was the first Monument built and dedicated to world peace.
The American side of the arch is inscribed:  “Children of a Common Mother.”  The Canadian side is inscribed:  “Dwelling Together in Unity.”  Spanning both sides of the border is the inscription:  “May These Gates Never be Closed.”
Although most visitors to the Peace …read more

Lush was a layover discovery, having first visited the store while on a layover in Vancouver, B.C.
From the minute I walked in the door, I was mesmerized with its display of yummy smelling, hand-made bath products.  From sweet smelling soaps to spicy bath bars, it was all so overwhelming.  The products are all natural, and there is no animal testing.  This is truly a business with a social conscious.
On my first visit I purchased a few items.  When I used them at home, I was hooked.  I loved the products so much that I picked up trips with Vancouver layovers …read more

I’m leaving this afternoon for San Francisco, and then tomorrow afternoon will board Princess Cruise Line’s Dawn Princess for a mini-vacation.  It’s a 3-night cruise, with one port of call in Victoria, BC, and then ending up in Vancouver, BC. 
I don’t know what internet access will be like while at sea.  If I have access, I’ll write about my day onboard the ship.  If not, I’ll post the details next week.
Photo credit:  Princess Cruise Lines