(posted by Ange)
Okay...this is a bit of a long one, so make yourself comfortable.
As you know, we recently did a trial run of our Excellent European Road Trip Adventure. This adventure was on a somewhat smaller scale, but still proved to be quite excellent and adventurous.
We arrived at YVS just shortly after a breach in security. Unfortunately we missed all the action, but still had to wait in a very long line to get through security. Our carry-ons contained no lighters, matches, nail files, scissors, nail clippers, deodorant, water, contact solution, hair gel, Dr. Scholl's gel inserts, make up, cough syrup, non-labeled medication, nail polish, lipstick, Jello, hand lotion or any other prohibited objects, so we were able to breeze right through. I did have some liquid filled gum in my bag, but was able to slip that past them! (how secure are our airports really??!!)
Our first bit of excitement came when we heard West Jet calling our names, threatening to close the door if we did not show up IMMEDIATELY! Oooooo - scary! (As if we couldn't have just hopped on the next flight leaving an hour later.)
The flight was a long one - over an hour. We managed to remain civil this entire time. I believe the personal T.V.'s were a big part of this. Thank you WestJet for thinking of how these long cross-province flights in cramped quarters can affect relationships and for providing this comfort. You could add a few more channels though.
From the Edmonton airport we were whisked directly to St. Albert by private car service via Gary. A 10 minute drive from Edmonton, it is small town, yet easily accessible to the big city. According to its website, it has a rich arts and cultural scene. The town boasts the Musee Heritage Museum as well as 18 public art galleries. We thought this would be a perfect primer for Paris, Rome, etc!!!!! Here we would not only visit family, but immerse ourselves in the arts and culture of the town. Unfortunately neither my dad nor his wife Laurie had ever heard of St. Albert being this rich arts and cultural centre and so we saw none of this.
We were lucky to score free accommodation in an old age home, which we thought would be a very hostel-like experience. Not really. Maybe a very high class hostel which included free internet access, big screen T.V. for movie watching, pool table, library, hair salon, etc. I guess it was more like a hotel, minus the maid service and mint on the pillow. As I reported earlier, we were kicked out, through no fault of our own, at 10:00 p.m. one night due to a supposed "double booking". (We believe we were being discriminated against because we are from B.C.) So, yes...all of our belongings had been packed up and left outside our room for us to discover upon our return from a long day visiting Edmonton's famous Museum of Consumerism, the West Edmonton Mall. The stores, the activities, the call to spend money...it was definitely a must see and has prepared us for long days at the great museums in Europe, although we are skeptical they can come close to comparing to this spectacle!
Anyways...after being kicked out of our hostel (yes, it's back to hostel, or should I say Hostile), we hit Tim Horton's and then the road (this is an adventure!!) for an extremely long 2 hour drive through barren Alberta (simulation of driving through the small villages of France, minus the scenery) to the quaint village of Didsbury, where Dave's mom took us in. As we drove, we smiled at each other, knowing for sure we could fly by the seat of our pants given any obstacle and see it as an adventure and another good story to tell.
After 3 days in Didsbury it was time to hit another city. Off to Calgary for a night of preparing for all the wine we will be drinking in France and Italy. We managed to polish off 8 bottles with my cousin Craig and his wife Heidi and amazingly woke up hangover free. Good news for the longer drives we will face in Europe! I would feel bad if Dave had to drive for hours with a hangover while I sleep in the passenger seat. We made the long 3 hour journey back to St. Albert where Gary splurged on a hotel for us. We weren't going to stay in that hostile hostel again!
And there you have it...we made the long cross-province flight home, congratulating ourselves on being the most excellent traveling companions, assured that we will have no problem having a big adventure on a grander scale for 6 months on the other side of the world!
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
On Hiatus
(posted by Ange)
To my loyal audience who are checking their email daily for more great posts....
I am currently on hiatus. Dave and I are doing a mini trial run of our big European Road Trip Adventure. We landed in Edmonton on Sunday, are heading down to Didsbury (who can find it on the map first?) and then Calgary and back up to Edmonton to fly home Sunday. This trip is certainly an adventure. So far we have experienced life at a retirement community (we equal this to a hostel for old people); we've been to the world's biggest hall of consumerism, the West Edmonton Mall (the equivalent of a grand museum in France or Italy) and just tonight we found ourselves and our belongings expelled from our room. With no accomodations, and our first real feeling of homelessness, we are hitting the road and heading south, to be taken in by Dave's mom (Thank god we have more than one relative in Alberta!!!)
Will give you the full details upon my return.
To my loyal audience who are checking their email daily for more great posts....
I am currently on hiatus. Dave and I are doing a mini trial run of our big European Road Trip Adventure. We landed in Edmonton on Sunday, are heading down to Didsbury (who can find it on the map first?) and then Calgary and back up to Edmonton to fly home Sunday. This trip is certainly an adventure. So far we have experienced life at a retirement community (we equal this to a hostel for old people); we've been to the world's biggest hall of consumerism, the West Edmonton Mall (the equivalent of a grand museum in France or Italy) and just tonight we found ourselves and our belongings expelled from our room. With no accomodations, and our first real feeling of homelessness, we are hitting the road and heading south, to be taken in by Dave's mom (Thank god we have more than one relative in Alberta!!!)
Will give you the full details upon my return.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Heavey Metal Heaven
(posted by Ange)
Did you know that, according to Mel, a girl I am talking to on my travel forum, Germany is the heavy metal capital of the WORLD??? Did you also know that Dave is a heavy metal thrasher freak? (feel free to request the long hair, posing for the band photo.) Did you know that aside from Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson, heavy metal is my LEAST favorite kind of music? Actually, it's not any kind of favourite. I don't get it, it hurts my ears and I just plain don't like it.
Anyways, being the wonderful, selfless, giving girlfriend that I am, I kindly told Mel that while I was not interested in this trash, my boyfriend was, so sure, go ahead and share what you know with me. I think Mel may also be a heavy metal thrasher freak. She lives in Munich and knows ALL the clubs to catch these thrashing bands. Not only that, she knows ALL the clubs in Dublin too! AND she kindly sent me the link to a website that lists heavy metal clubs all over the WORLD! I am beginning to wonder if there is some Star Trek-like heavy metal fan cult out there.
On Sunday night, Dave returned home from a 3 week trip to Ontario. So Monday morning, while I was still caught up in the bliss of our reunion, I mentioned the above to Dave. Of course, he was VERY excited (possibly more excited than greeting me at the airport after our 3 week separation!!) And in this blissful haze I told him that we would definitely see some bands and that I would "totally" go with him because it is something he would love to do and I know it would make him happy if I went with him. He gave me an out, but I insisted I would be by his side, shaking my head up and dow while my hair flew around widely, eighties style. This absolutely thrilled him, making me come off as the best girlfriend EVER (which, of course, I am).
Now that the blissful haze of our reunion has cleared, I have come to my senses. I had thought that maybe wearing earplugs and drinking copious amounts of alcohol could take off some of the edge, but in my now rational, right mind, I realize that earplugs and alcohol are not going to cut it. What will cut it is if I can convince Mel to accompany Dave to these bad ass concerts while I do whatever non-heavy metal freaks do in Germany. Mel, if you can hear me above the noise of your heavy metal music, please call!!!!
Did you know that, according to Mel, a girl I am talking to on my travel forum, Germany is the heavy metal capital of the WORLD??? Did you also know that Dave is a heavy metal thrasher freak? (feel free to request the long hair, posing for the band photo.) Did you know that aside from Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson, heavy metal is my LEAST favorite kind of music? Actually, it's not any kind of favourite. I don't get it, it hurts my ears and I just plain don't like it.
Anyways, being the wonderful, selfless, giving girlfriend that I am, I kindly told Mel that while I was not interested in this trash, my boyfriend was, so sure, go ahead and share what you know with me. I think Mel may also be a heavy metal thrasher freak. She lives in Munich and knows ALL the clubs to catch these thrashing bands. Not only that, she knows ALL the clubs in Dublin too! AND she kindly sent me the link to a website that lists heavy metal clubs all over the WORLD! I am beginning to wonder if there is some Star Trek-like heavy metal fan cult out there.
On Sunday night, Dave returned home from a 3 week trip to Ontario. So Monday morning, while I was still caught up in the bliss of our reunion, I mentioned the above to Dave. Of course, he was VERY excited (possibly more excited than greeting me at the airport after our 3 week separation!!) And in this blissful haze I told him that we would definitely see some bands and that I would "totally" go with him because it is something he would love to do and I know it would make him happy if I went with him. He gave me an out, but I insisted I would be by his side, shaking my head up and dow while my hair flew around widely, eighties style. This absolutely thrilled him, making me come off as the best girlfriend EVER (which, of course, I am).
Now that the blissful haze of our reunion has cleared, I have come to my senses. I had thought that maybe wearing earplugs and drinking copious amounts of alcohol could take off some of the edge, but in my now rational, right mind, I realize that earplugs and alcohol are not going to cut it. What will cut it is if I can convince Mel to accompany Dave to these bad ass concerts while I do whatever non-heavy metal freaks do in Germany. Mel, if you can hear me above the noise of your heavy metal music, please call!!!!
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Disaster Response
(posted by Ange)
I have received some response (but no offer of real help) from people from all over the country regarding my previous plea for assistance in the Big Bank Account Disaster (or BBAD) of 2006, which is now being rated as one of the biggest disasters of its kind in recorded history. Well, actually I've just had 2 responses: my mom and dad in Vancouver and Edmonton respectively. But I think the news is slowly starting to reach "the people". One kind lady dropped by to buy some china bowls from me. It's amazing how one stranger will come together and lend a hand in times of great need.
Anyways...Gary and Loret's comments and my own responses may be worth reading, so I'm just pointing you all in that direction. Feel free to comment yourselves on this or any other post. Those who know me know I love the attention!!!! :) And by the way, I'll answer any comments you post. :)
I have received some response (but no offer of real help) from people from all over the country regarding my previous plea for assistance in the Big Bank Account Disaster (or BBAD) of 2006, which is now being rated as one of the biggest disasters of its kind in recorded history. Well, actually I've just had 2 responses: my mom and dad in Vancouver and Edmonton respectively. But I think the news is slowly starting to reach "the people". One kind lady dropped by to buy some china bowls from me. It's amazing how one stranger will come together and lend a hand in times of great need.
Anyways...Gary and Loret's comments and my own responses may be worth reading, so I'm just pointing you all in that direction. Feel free to comment yourselves on this or any other post. Those who know me know I love the attention!!!! :) And by the way, I'll answer any comments you post. :)
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
European Funding Disaster...Donations Desperately Needed!
(posted by Ange)
NEWS FLASH: there has been a devastating disaster in my bank account. Major bills hit the account on September 1 in a category 10 storm, leaving me more penniless than I already was. I have contacted the local government, the provincial government, the federal government, the Red Cross, Angelina and Brad, and all have turned their backs on me. They say they are busy dealing with "real" disasters and crises around the world, but I sense some sort of discrimmination here. I need Anderson Cooper to investigate and keep these people real for me! Anderson, if you're reading this...please help!!!
I have set up my own trust fund in a small container in my living room. It remains empty. If you would like to donate to this devastating turn of events, please send your cheques made out to Angela Simpson, care of my address. Food, blankets, clothing, clean water and crisis counselling are not needed. A tax receipt will not be issued, nor will a transparent accounting of how the funds are spent. I can tell you that there are no administration costs, and therefore 100% of your donations will go directly to the affected person (that's me).
I sense you are all laughing at me and that I will not be inundated with envelopes full of money in my mailbox.
Okay. How about a Run for the Cure of the Bank Account? CIBC? A Live Aid for the Bank Account Disaster Concert? Bono? Bob? A telethon for the European Funding Disaster? Tony? Sigh. I shall await to hear back, but I will not hold my breath, as I do believe I am being discrimminated against as a poor woman attempting to do something outside her means. Where is the love?
It seems I will have stick to my original plan of not shopping and waiting for Dave to move in and split the rent with me. I will however, keep you posted, in the event that CIBC, Bono, Bob or Tony hear my plea and come through for me. Your empathy is greatly appreciated, although you could do better! :)
NEWS FLASH: there has been a devastating disaster in my bank account. Major bills hit the account on September 1 in a category 10 storm, leaving me more penniless than I already was. I have contacted the local government, the provincial government, the federal government, the Red Cross, Angelina and Brad, and all have turned their backs on me. They say they are busy dealing with "real" disasters and crises around the world, but I sense some sort of discrimmination here. I need Anderson Cooper to investigate and keep these people real for me! Anderson, if you're reading this...please help!!!
I have set up my own trust fund in a small container in my living room. It remains empty. If you would like to donate to this devastating turn of events, please send your cheques made out to Angela Simpson, care of my address. Food, blankets, clothing, clean water and crisis counselling are not needed. A tax receipt will not be issued, nor will a transparent accounting of how the funds are spent. I can tell you that there are no administration costs, and therefore 100% of your donations will go directly to the affected person (that's me).
I sense you are all laughing at me and that I will not be inundated with envelopes full of money in my mailbox.
Okay. How about a Run for the Cure of the Bank Account? CIBC? A Live Aid for the Bank Account Disaster Concert? Bono? Bob? A telethon for the European Funding Disaster? Tony? Sigh. I shall await to hear back, but I will not hold my breath, as I do believe I am being discrimminated against as a poor woman attempting to do something outside her means. Where is the love?
It seems I will have stick to my original plan of not shopping and waiting for Dave to move in and split the rent with me. I will however, keep you posted, in the event that CIBC, Bono, Bob or Tony hear my plea and come through for me. Your empathy is greatly appreciated, although you could do better! :)
Friday, September 01, 2006
What A Girl Wants...
(posted by Ange)
We all know that when a woman asks a question, there is a certain, specific answer she has in mind. She will deny this and beg for honesty, but this is just a front. Example: "How do I look?" Expected answer: "Fabulous". Example: "Do I look fat in this dress?" Expected answer "Noooo! You look as thin as (insert Supermodel of the day)". Example: "Where should we go for dinner?" Expected answer: Well, you better know where she wants to go!!!! Are we getting the picture here?
So when I ask "Can I buy a car in Germany, register and insure it, and then drive it around Europe for 6 months?" The answer I want is "YES!!!"
Enter Dietmar, my hero, the man who knows how to answer my question. Who is Dietmar you ask, and where did you find this knight in shining armour? And more importantly, is Dave still in the picture?
Dietmar is a "travel expert" whom I found on Travellerspoint, a travel forum on the web. Dietmar tells me "yes" there is no problem buying a car in Germany to drive around Europe. He tells me there are two options for registration:
1. an Überführungskennzeichen", which is a registration you put on a car if you buy it in Germany but intend to bring it to another country.
2. a "Saisonkennzeichen", which is a seasonal registration one could get for 6 months.
(Question: why do the Germans have to use so many damn consonents???)
I believe there is also a normal registration we could get allowing us to drive through the EU. My good friend Dietmar provided a wealth of other information and suggested that since he lives near Frankfurt, he could help us with our purchase if he is around at the time of our arrival. Or maybe he just wants to meet a cute Canadian girl. ha ha ha
But alas, Dave remains my real hero and knight in shining armour, and is most certainly in the forefront my picture!
And no, I will not take any no's to the car question for answer!
We all know that when a woman asks a question, there is a certain, specific answer she has in mind. She will deny this and beg for honesty, but this is just a front. Example: "How do I look?" Expected answer: "Fabulous". Example: "Do I look fat in this dress?" Expected answer "Noooo! You look as thin as (insert Supermodel of the day)". Example: "Where should we go for dinner?" Expected answer: Well, you better know where she wants to go!!!! Are we getting the picture here?
So when I ask "Can I buy a car in Germany, register and insure it, and then drive it around Europe for 6 months?" The answer I want is "YES!!!"
Enter Dietmar, my hero, the man who knows how to answer my question. Who is Dietmar you ask, and where did you find this knight in shining armour? And more importantly, is Dave still in the picture?
Dietmar is a "travel expert" whom I found on Travellerspoint, a travel forum on the web. Dietmar tells me "yes" there is no problem buying a car in Germany to drive around Europe. He tells me there are two options for registration:
1. an Überführungskennzeichen", which is a registration you put on a car if you buy it in Germany but intend to bring it to another country.
2. a "Saisonkennzeichen", which is a seasonal registration one could get for 6 months.
(Question: why do the Germans have to use so many damn consonents???)
I believe there is also a normal registration we could get allowing us to drive through the EU. My good friend Dietmar provided a wealth of other information and suggested that since he lives near Frankfurt, he could help us with our purchase if he is around at the time of our arrival. Or maybe he just wants to meet a cute Canadian girl. ha ha ha
But alas, Dave remains my real hero and knight in shining armour, and is most certainly in the forefront my picture!
And no, I will not take any no's to the car question for answer!
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