Ontario 2026 - The trouble with rental agencies
It’s been a long time since I was excited to fly. I don’t think I’ll ever recapture the novelty of flying when I was a kid – and goodness knows the airlines will never be like that again – …
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Planes
77 posts tagged with this topic.
Irish Family Trip, Day 12
Our flight was early, so we had an early morning. Well, early for some in this family. For me, it was normal. Packed and ready, downstairs, with cab called so we could get to the airport. The taxi arrived on time, we …
Irish Family Trip, Day 1/2
Despite the lack of sleep due to the Dirty Knobs concert and rising early on Friday to prepare for an interview that was delayed, I couldn’t sleep Friday night. Still, I forced myself to sleep in a bit. I took the house …
Cruising to Alaska with Mom, Day 1 - Vancouver and Departure
A few months ago, Mom declared that she’d like to go on a cruise, but it was a struggle to find the right thing, since traveling solo isn’t particularly cheap (double occupancy is a thing), and her mobility …
Montreal, Le Central, Mozart, and Vomiting ... oh my
Alex has a mild obsession with the movie Amadeus. This comes from seeing it as a child, home with a cd, and her father thought it would be an interesting thing for her. Not Strawberry Shortcake, not The Care Bears, not …
Aircraft Manufacturers Need Better Accountability
I realize I’m stepping way out of my bounds on this one. I’m neither a telecommunications expert nor an aviation technology expert. That, by definition, makes me more of an “armchair expert”, …
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Disney World 2016 - Twas the day before Christmas
The Art of Animation Resort had left information on our door regarding our DME pickup. We had until 1:30pm to relax, do any final shopping, and pack. For our final breakfast, we went to Pop Century, to experience their …
Disney World 2016 - The kids find out
The biggest problem with Christmas around our household is Alex’s work schedule. Being an X-Ray Tech at Rockyview means that she has to work any conceivable day of the year, Christmas Day included. Add to that a …
A funny thing happened on my way home
So last week, I was huddled with my mom back in Oakville, Ontario. No, I didn’t publicize this because — and utterly no offense meant to anyone — I didn’t want to see anyone but my Mom (and by extension, my sister and …
Our first family flight
I remember the excitement as a kid on those early mornings where we got up to rush to the airport to fly somewhere. It was a hurried affair that I simultaneously loved and loathed. While most of me vowed to never deal …
The trip home
Well, Monkey, we’re home now. I know it doesn’t seem like it to you, because you’ve lived in three different homes since you were born. But this house, the one in Calgary (where we’re currently adjusting to serious …
Taking a pet from Costa Rica
It figures, just when we thought we’d started to have everything figured out, we hit another snag. (There’s always another snag.) This time, it’s with Asia, our cat. Our problem is not with Canada — all they need is a …
Dear Murphy, Fuck off and die!
Yeah, Murphy, I’m talking to you. You’ve been dogging me now for 10 months, almost non-stop. You’ve always been there, hiding in the shadows, popping out every so often to cause a bit of havoc only to vanish again. …
Xmas in NYC, Day 1
Our first family Christmas away from Canada has ended up being colder than we expected it to be a mere couple of months ago. Back then, we were expecting to be in Costa Rica. But due to certain unforeseen circumstances, …
In Hazy Burlington
Our last day in Calgary — yesterday — was filled mostly by me repacking all of our bags so we could fly out, and then the actual travel here to Burlington, Ontario. We’re here to visit with family (today is Alex’s family …
Where I've been for the last few days
I’m in Panama. Been here since Tuesday afternoon. Been really, really busy. So far, the biggest problem I’ve had here (aside from the aforementioned busy-ness and subsequent inability to talk to my family), is that I’ve …
Setting up the office
Getting everything going here is a bit of a challenge. There’s a lot to do, and we’re starting from scratch. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. There’s currently four people down here working on all this, and only one of them is …
Starting life in Costa Rica
Think of when you went to university / college. You pack your things into a few bags, move to a new place you don’t know, into a place you think is far too expensive for what you’re getting, and then have to go out and …
How to bring a pet into Costa Rica, Simplified
Okay, so a while back I was having kittens (pun intended) about bringing Asia into Costa Rica. Mostly because I simply could not seem to get a straight answer from anyone about the proper process. It was driving me …
Enroute with the cat
Well, we’re on our way. I was up until almost midnight last night packing. Was originally thinking three bags, but went down to two. Which is good, because apparently I’d have been denied the third bag. As it stands, the …
Back in Costa Rica
Years ago, I used to think business travel was glamourous. You got to go to far-flung places, see different things, and engage in activities you just don’t do at home. Then I started going on business trips. I learned …
The Obligatory Vacation Recap
In the few minutes I have before I dive back into another conference session, figured I’d cover some of the items of our last vacation. This was a 2.5 week excursion mostly to Scotland, with a few days in England. Alex …
Ah, snow, my old friend
Late arriving in San Francisco, no thanks to an incoming snowstorm in Calgary. The deicing truck broke down mid-hose, and we had to wait 30 minutes for another one. But it gave me more time to have an interesting chat …
On the way to San Fran
I haven’t even been in Calgary for 48 hours and I’m already on my way out again. It’s been a long day at the office, and the day ain’t over. To point: Every time I go on vacation, fit hits the shan. Makes me regret …
Back in cloudy London-town
Will keep this short. Really bad terminal. Flight went well though not much sleep. got bags but BA damaged stroller. head to oban tomorrow.
Back in Vegas
It’s been nearly a dozen years since I was last (and first) in Las Vegas. It’s been a long time, and this city has changed a lot since I was here last. And not all for the good, I should say. If you’ve watched CSI, …
We have a travel-safe baby
I’ve had the luxury of travelling many places of the last few years. Of those times, I’ve been on more than a few planes that were exhibit to babies that did not travel well. And by not travelling well, I mean they …
Raining in Ruskin
We flew out from Calgary this morning to Abbotsford, to attend Alex’s family reunion (hosted by Allen at the family “farm”). I haven’t been here since sometime last year, and I’m struggling to remember …
A Middle Ontario wedding
My friend Kathryn got married this weekend. A truly wonderful event that forced my hand to leave the comfort of my familiar Cowtown (and miss the opening of the Calgary Stampede) to visit rural Ontario and experience the …
Aloha from Hawaii
Yeah, I know — why am I on a computer if I’m on vacation? Relax, I have good reason. Our house is now effectively sold, and for whatever reason we’ve been unable to fax properly from Hawaii back to Calgary. Very odd, …
I got my bag back!
We slept last night with the sliding door to the balcony open (with the screen door closed) and the air conditioning off. A bit humid, but wow, does one feel better with fresh air in your lungs. I honestly don’t think …
How not to start a vacation
Oy. This vacation is not off to a good start. One of the conditions of this vacation was that we were to incur no red-eye flights (in other words, no sleeping on the plane). That meant getting there and back was going to …
Flying Cows
I hate Air Canada. Yes, I’m complaining again. It’s their seats. It’s ridiculous. Never get pinned in the row in front of the wing exit row. It’s narrower than the rest (I’m certain of this). I got stuck behind Grandpa …
Air Canada Sucks
Yes, I know I’ve ranted about Air Canada and their lousy service few times before, but just when you’d think they’d start to act better, they slap you in the face again. I’m currently in Huntington Beach, CA (more on …
Je quitte Paris!
The flight left Charles du Gaulle at 11:30. That meant, of course, that I had to be there in sufficient time to check in, get through security, find the flight, and so forth. Thankfully, I’d gone through the trouble last …
Je suis en Paris!
I’m beginning to understand why people hate business trips. You can’t pack what you want (you have to pack for meetings with clients) and you don’t travel necessarily when you want. But at least the locations can be …
Going through Montreal
Under normal beginning-of-vacation circumstances, I would have risen without too much a care about work and prepared for my imminent departure to wherever it is that I’m going. However, things being what they are, I had …
Things seen along the way
[This entry originally posted on How To Get Lost: Things seen along the way.] As we’ve moved along over this journey, I’ve taken pictures of things for posting to the blog. Some of them didn’t make it, for one reason or …
The Last
[This entry originally posted on How To Get Lost: The Last.] Yesterday was a day of lasts. The last train (finally, even if it was just an airport tram; I was thwarted from taking the airport express train by a …
Our first plane ride in a month
[This entry originally posted on How To Get Lost: Our first plane ride in a month.] We left the hotel early this morning — before 7:00 am — to catch a train to the airport. Strangely fitting that our last train would be …
Ohio, Nippon!
[This entry originally posted on How To Get Lost: Ohio, Nippon!.] Last country. Almost home. Being in Japan, actually, is almost like being home. This country is so familiar to me (well, certainly Yotsukaido, Chiba, and …
Back in the USSR ... sorta
[This entry originally posted on How To Get Lost: Back in the USSR ... sorta.] Flew in Miami Beach BOAC, Didn’t get to sleep last night. All the way a paper bag was on my knee, Man, I had a dreadful flight. I’m back in …
On the way to Russia
[This entry originally posted on How To Get Lost: On the way to Russia.] Why is it that British buildings are so freaking hot? My bag finally appeared at the hotel last night. Clean underwear is a good thing, indeed. …
The Tale of the Missing Backpack
[This entry originally posted on How To Get Lost: The Tale of the Missing Backpack.] As I wrote yesterday, my bag is missing. British Airlines didn’t deliver it along with myself to London, England, which has left me a …
London, and bag gone AWOL
[This entry originally posted on How To Get Lost: London, and bag gone AWOL.] The flight out to London was great. Wow. I love British Airways — amazing service for an airline. So far above anything Air Canada could ever …
Canadian airlines need some common sense
Today, early in the morning, JetsGo pulled the plug. I’m not surprised, really. They were an okay airline, not unlike WestJet, but they didn’t have the following WestJet has. (There’s Deadheads, and then there’s …
New York Meetings - Outbound
Leaving Alex this morning wasn’t easy. Given the events of the last couple of days, I would have preferred to stay in bed with her. But business calls, and I’m off to New York (though Newark) for business meetings with …
Mercedes-Benz meetings, going home
Despite having the room to myself, I was really groggy when I got up this morning. I know it wasn’t a result of last night, though, as I didn’t feel any worse for wear. I showered, packed, and checked out (using the …
Mercedes-Benz meetings, Calgary to Chicago
I hate waking up before 6:00. There’s just something fundamentally wrong with it. Today, though, it was necessary. Today, I fly to Chicago. Was ready for my 6:30 pickup. Allard was collecting me for the trip to the …
Troubles trying to get home
Travelling is never easy. Especially when my best friend Murphy is along for the ride. I rose late (catching up with sleep lost the night before), and met up with Craig, Jill, and her daughter Jamie in the concierge …
Search Engine Strategies Conference 2004 San Jose, Calgary to San Jose
The trip to San Jose wasn’t the most enjoyable I’ve had, but it was far from a bad experience. Craig and I breezed through security. It goes to figure that it you arrive with plenty of time at the airport, there won’t be …
Turning Japanese Again, Returning to Canada
I can’t even call this a “last day”. Yesterday, really, was our last day. Today is the packing/travelling day. And the day to say goodbye to dear friends. I hate leaving friends behind. Chris is one of my …
Turning Japanese Again, Flying to Japan
I slept like crap. And it wasn’t because I slept on the couch at Aunt Brenda and Uncle Mike’s last night. I’m certain it’s because of stress. Kind of ironic to have this crop up the night before I leave on vacation, eh? …
Flying home to Calgary
I woke earlier than usual — about 8:45 or so. Craig was still up, but not nearly as tired as when he’d scared the bejezesus out of me. Turning down his offer of a beer (for Craig, this was still the end of the day), I …
Flying to Montreal to visit friends
I honestly couldn’t wait for 5:00 to come this morning. Today is the start of my first break longer than a long weekend in almost a year. I’ve been working away on my job, barely taking time off, slaving through one of …
My Trip to Japan, returning home
When I finally arrived home from my stint with the CBC so many months ago, I was happy to be back. It will be nice to be home after my trip to Japan, even though it’s sad to leave it so soon. When I arrived almost two …
My Trip to Japan, Calgary to Yotsukaido
It hasn’t been that long since my last outing, but it’s time again for my next great adventure. This time, I’m leaving the continent for the first time in almost 14 years — I’m going to Japan. Chris is staying there …
Halifax to Huntsville
I hate alarms. Especially when they go off while you’ve still got an hour of darkness left of the night. I had an early flight to Toronto, though, and wasn’t keen on missing it. I had packed the night before, so all I …
Flying from Calgary to Prince George
T-Minus 8 days There’s nothing like trying to plan one and a half months of a chaotic life in excruciating detail. It’s a little easier when someone else does all the dirty work, but ultimately, it’s you that will make …
Stuart and Therese's Wedding in Ottawa
There comes a time in your life when things start getting a lot more adult than you’re normally used to. For me, it was when my friends started getting married. But I didn’t really start getting self-conscious about it …
Christmas in Oakville, New Years Eve in Calgary
I didn’t think it was possible for 10 days to go by so fast… Having missed Christmas at home last year (for reasons I don’t think I need to go into), I decided a month or so ago to return home and experience …
Wedding in Toronto
Whirlwind weekends. Gotta love ’em… This weekend, as some of you already know, I was in Toronto. One of my friends, Jay, was getting married to his girlfriend of six years, and I was fortunate enough to witness …
Live from Cincinnati, Getting Home Again
Be it ever so humble … and a little messy … there’s no place like home. I missed yesterday’s log. Oops. Basically, the testing went well — the changes I made held and so far, things are looking good. That …
Live from Cincinnati
It’s been a long day. It all started about a week ago. One of our clients, whom I’m afraid I cannot mention, had a problem with the website we developed for them. Actually, it wasn’t the client so much as it was our …
Visiting Friends in Calgary, Deciding to Leave Vancouver
I get by with a little help from my friends. In this case, it was Stuart and Therese, two of my oldest and closest friends. I ventured to the wilds of Calgary to say “Hi” and check out the sights. Well, at …
Visit to Ontario, Returning Home
The alarm went off at 8:00, and I staggered out of bed. Chris and I had made tentative plans to go for breakfast, but I needed to call him and find out. Chris couldn’t make it. The whole week had been like that — we’d …
Visit to Ontario, the Flight to Toronto
Allison was supposed to call me when she got downtown. I was a bit concerned that it was 2:00pm, and I hadn’t heard from her. I was supposed to pick her up at 2:00 at the Stadium Skytrain station. We still had to go over …
BC Rail Royal Hudson 2860, West Coast Railway Association, Comox Airshow, and Skyhawks
Another birthday has come and gone, and save for a minor panic attack when I realised I wasn’t 21 anymore (yes, that actually happened, believe it or not), I’m doing okay. Things got off to a start on Friday, when Pure3D …
Weekend in Calgary, Banff (Bamf!)
This entry is long overdue — I should have issued this sometime last week. But it’s been one of those weeks where I’ve barely had time to check my email, let alone write any. It all started a few weeks ago, when I heard …
Music Trip to Orlando, The Long Trip Home
A Dream… With a start, I realized that the fire I had felt had suddenly died off. No longer did I feel the burning from within and outside. I was cool once more, and I was clear headed. Once again, I was on a …
Music Trip to Orlando, All-nighter in Oakville and Arrival in Florida
A Dream… “Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your captain speaking.” came a husky voice over the p.a. I shut off my walkman to listen to the message. “We have encountered some technical difficulties, …
Behind the Iron Curtain - My Trip to the Soviet Union, Touring Helsinki and Heading Home
Observer’s Log: Traveldate 890714.17 Day 15 We are presently at our cruising altitude of 31,000 ft heading for New York. A few minutes ago, we passed over Iceland. Earlier this morning, Kelly B., Pete and myself scouted …
Behind the Iron Curtain - My Trip to the Soviet Union, Traveling to Helsinki
Observer’s Log: Traveldate 890713.11 Day 14 We have just visited St. Issac’s Cathedral near the Neva. It is a very large cathedral, compared to others that we have seen. Established in the early to mid 1800’s, it is a …
Behind the Iron Curtain - My Trip to the Soviet Union, Traveling to Leningrad (St. Petersburg)
Observer’s Log: Traveldate 890711.18 Day 12 If you’re wondering what happened to Day 11, it was spent trying to figure what the hell happened to this journal. Two nights ago, I gave the journal to Greg the Wonder Dummy …
Behind the Iron Curtain - My Trip to the Soviet Union, Traveling to Sochi on the Black Sea
Observer’s Log: Traveldate 890707.10 Day 8 Today, almost all of us “men” leave for Sochi, about 4 hours before any of the girls. Most of us are just laying around while the girls are at the beach (some have …
Behind the Iron Curtain - My Trip to the Soviet Union, Flight to Moscow
Day 2 began pretty much the way Day 1 ended — at 35,000 feet. The only thing that really marked the passage of a day was a change in the clocks. Unfortunately for me, it wasn’t clear when the day actually started. You …
Behind the Iron Curtain - My Trip to the Soviet Union - Leaving Canada
It was a most unusual Friday, but it started off as a very routine morning. As usual for a summer day, I awoke late in the morning, about eleven o’clock. The day was sunny and bright, with only a few clouds in the sky. …