Jen & I have worked out that if we sit quietly for long enough we can find out everything that we want to know about our tour group members without even trying or leaving our seats! We haven't even needed to be part of a conversation because some of the people in our group are either so unwittingly loud or just seeking the attention of everyone on the train because whether you like it or not, you're in that conversation!
So far I've learned that Claire has a funny story about her granddaughter (its not really funny, but Claire has gaffawed after every time she's told it and she's told it at least 3 times so far - same story different listener), Trev hates emails and technology cause if he wants to speak to someone, he'll bloody well pick up the bloody phone and bloody well call them. (insert raucous laughter). I also know that Trev hates being on committees, but at his bowls club nobody else seems to be able to run anything without him, so he has to be on them but he bloody well hates the things! I know that Ian loves country music and isn't embarrassed about it and I also know that Kath could possibly be an alcoholic.
Honestly, put a group of people in an enclosed space with a bottle of baileys and they'll spill all their beans willy nilly!
Friday, August 31, 2012
TAXI!!!!!
Remember back in the good old days when somebody would spill a drink of smash a glass and somebody (or everybody) would yell our "TAXI!" and everybody would laugh and slap each other on the back because it was just sooooo funny?
Then...... remember when that got really old and nobody did that anymore?
Well, the people on this bus missed the memo telling everybody that we don't do that anymore and not only that, they've gone all ad lib on us and are just making things up off the top of their heads and shouting them out - clearly not realising that not only is it NOT funny or cool or clever, but it's really annoying as well!
Examples:
Tour Guide: Make sure you have your photo ID when you check in for the floatplane flight. (then jokes...) I will be your pilot today. I've just got my licence. {This bit was quite funny}
Tourist: I've got my backseat licence. HAHAHAHAHA. Or (to wife) did you take that away from me? HAHAHAHA
Tour Guide (on the train explaining that if you get stuck in the toilets that there is a red button that you can press for assistance)
Tourist 1: Ohhhhh, make sure you don't press that. HAHAHAHAHAHAH
Tourist 2: Press it and order a drink. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Tourist 1: Oh yeah, that's a good one. HAHAHAHA. Make mine a scotch and coke. HAHAHAHAHA
You have to imagine that these ridiculous and unnecessary comments are done for the WHOLE TRAIN CAR to hear and enjoy........ Then when anyone looked like they were going to the toilet or indeed announced that they were going to the toilet - some bright spark would yell out "Don't press the red button, HAHAHAHAHAHA" Now, you tell me - how is that funny?
This talk about the red button in the toilet was so over the top that the two old dears next to us, Shirley and Pat thought that you HAD to press the button when you went to the toilet...... geez that took some explaining!
Then...... remember when that got really old and nobody did that anymore?
Well, the people on this bus missed the memo telling everybody that we don't do that anymore and not only that, they've gone all ad lib on us and are just making things up off the top of their heads and shouting them out - clearly not realising that not only is it NOT funny or cool or clever, but it's really annoying as well!
Examples:
Tour Guide: Make sure you have your photo ID when you check in for the floatplane flight. (then jokes...) I will be your pilot today. I've just got my licence. {This bit was quite funny}
Tourist: I've got my backseat licence. HAHAHAHAHA. Or (to wife) did you take that away from me? HAHAHAHA
Tour Guide (on the train explaining that if you get stuck in the toilets that there is a red button that you can press for assistance)
Tourist 1: Ohhhhh, make sure you don't press that. HAHAHAHAHAHAH
Tourist 2: Press it and order a drink. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Tourist 1: Oh yeah, that's a good one. HAHAHAHA. Make mine a scotch and coke. HAHAHAHAHA
You have to imagine that these ridiculous and unnecessary comments are done for the WHOLE TRAIN CAR to hear and enjoy........ Then when anyone looked like they were going to the toilet or indeed announced that they were going to the toilet - some bright spark would yell out "Don't press the red button, HAHAHAHAHAHA" Now, you tell me - how is that funny?
This talk about the red button in the toilet was so over the top that the two old dears next to us, Shirley and Pat thought that you HAD to press the button when you went to the toilet...... geez that took some explaining!
Get your Fruit and Veg Here.....
In Canada blackberries grow wild along the freeways and major roads, so when we got to the market on Granville Island we really wanted to try them. They were on the counter next to the most beautiful looking blueberries and strawberries and plumbs etc..... we grabbed a punnet and because we were a little confused and they were very busy we ended up with 2 pounds of blackberries. They were delicious, but we ate a few then carried them around all day and night until the next morning when it was decided that they had started to smell a little - so they were thrown out.
Kookyville
Granville Island has a bit of everything..... there's a university campus, fresh fruit and veg, clothes shops, novelty shops and a cement factory for all your cement needs. There's even a little old fashioned kaboose that's been reinvented as a pet shop where you can buy everything your dog or cat could ever need. The man in there even bakes his own dog/cat biccies! We couldn't take any home for Leo, but we did purchase him a special prize.
Happy Birthday Leo
xxx
This Is How You Do It.....
This woman is a water aerobics fanatic. She LLEERRVVEESS water aerobics! She can't go a day without exercise, especially swimming. She's travelling with her non athletic friend from the north of England who was terrified of getting into bathers to accompany her.
We got all of this information whilst she showed Jenny how to really do a lunge.......
And....... Lunge
On the bus, they show you a video of how to stay fit and healthy and well on the trip, meaning wash your hands and do some exercises whilst you're sitting on the bus. They also showed us an extremely short video on what to do if you come face to face with a bear...... I would have thought they'd give you more information other than "just back away slowly", but thats all we got!
Anyway, here is Jen showing me her best lunge........
The Lion Gate Bridge
The Vancouvians, for some reason, are really proud of this bridge. I think it's based on the design of then Golden Gate in San Fran, but I can't be toadally sure...... Anyway, they love it and they kept mentioning it and showing it to us.
Always Take the Weather With You
Another beautiful day in Vancouver. As in Stanley Park overlooking the city skyline.
The man who took the picture tried to take off with my camera, but I chased him down. I think he'll think twice about pulling a stunt like that again.......
I joke, I joke!
Water Glimpses
Back in Vancouver for one night before we board the Rocky Mountaineer train. Lst time we stayed in this hotel we had a view of the carpark. But look at us now.....
Goodbye Vancouver Island
After an average Chinese dinner from the oldest China Town in Canada we bunked down fairly early before boarding the BC Ferry back to Vancouver. This was to be our practice boat before the cruise. The sun was shining, the water was flat calm and it was beautiful..... Until Cindy came to sit next to us. Let me just quickly tell you about Cindy......
Cindy is about 50 years old and wears a lady Di style ring on her wedding finger the size of a 50 cent piece (we were wondering if it was real, but didnt dare ask). She has 3 children. 1 daughter who just started college this year on Vancouver Island. Her son, Findlay is 17 and is at boarding school on the island as well. He's got some academic learning difficulties, but the school has done wonders for him. Since he's been at this school she's realised that he's very good at sport - something she never knew about him! Spencer is her 12 year old who has just started boarding school. She didn't want him to go, but he insisted...... I wonder why?
She's married to Ian, but travels with Simon, her "friend" from London. They travelled around the world (including Perth) because he's a barrister. (are you wondering... Who cares? Yeah, us too) Cindy is going to Tuscany to just relax next week, but she's only going for 18 days because she worried about the 12 year old settling in to boarding school. When she comes back from her trip it will be colder and she'll have to use her big car because she doesn't like to drive her small car in the snow. And fair enough!
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Our Pilot
This is Mike - his planen safety talk consisted of: "There are 5 exits, they're all pretty easy to see and you've got a life jacket under your seat" That was it.
Pretty roomy cabin huh?
Up in the Sky I Fly
Jen and I are not sure why, but a few months back we chose what activities we were going to take part in on this trip and somehow we chose to squeeze onto this plane with 12 other people!
Why? you ask? Well we thought it sounded like fun at the time, but when you are crammed into a very small area with the stench of fumes and no air, it's not as fun as you thought it was going to be.......
Great news is that we have one more of these flights booked during this trip - but at least there will be bears to see at the end of the flight.
Rub My Nose for Luck
So apparently you rub the lucky boar's nose and make a wish........
I wished that I knew why the lady behind me has ear covers on!
And yes....... I have a name badge on - it's all about being part of the tour group!
Happy 60th
The the 60th Anniversary, Jenny Butchart's son built this fountain. Apparently he just got together with a plumber friend and fiddled around until it worked.
I'd say he did alright.
Chocolate Dreams
This reminded me of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory...... I was expecting Oompa Loompas to come marching into the scene at any time.
From Humble Beginnings.......
The Butchart Gardens are built on an old cement quarry. People told Jenny Butchart that she was crazy and that nothing would grow there...........
The Butchart Gardens
Today we visited the world famous Butchart Gardens..... you've heard of it, right?
I had visited the gardens 19 years ago and had always remembered how beautiful they were.
On the way there our tour guide, Brent showed us a video about the making of the garden back in the day of Jenny Butchart and I was even more amazed.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
New Direction
Every time we go out of our room or the lift in the hotel, Jenny goes the wrong way. Every time! It's becoming quite comical.
Meet and Greet
Tonight was the first official night of the tour and we were being treated to a meet and greet buffet style dinner. We would officially meet Brent, our tour guide and we'd get to sit with 6 other tour mates and make small talk with them. We asked and answered the standard questions -
1. Where are you from?
2. When did you arrive?
3. What do you do?
When we walked into the dining room, we quickly scanned the room to see firstly if there were any seats left and secondly if those seats were next to any cool looking people. A lady, whose name we later learned was Lorraine was waving madly at us, signaling us to join their table, so with nowhere else to go, we walked over and smiled broadly, introducing ourselves. Lorraine was traveling with a man called Ian. We're still not quite sure if they were married or in fact, just related. Lorraine seemed to have a cousin in every town that was mentioned in Australia, so it's possible that if Ian wasn't related to her, we were! Ian had a very pronounced lisp and as hard as he tried he just couldn't get "Shelley" out. I answered to all his attempts though. He tried.
Next to them was Barbara and Rob. The only pair of pants in that relationship were owned and worn by Barbara. If we get stuck on this trip and aren't quite sure what to do or where to go, we'll just ask Barb, she knows everything!
The complete the trifecta were Pat and Shirley, travelling companions. Both deaf, making conversation hard, but they seemed lovely. Especially Shirley. She told us a story of when she once wanted to change her name and when we asked her "to what?" she said "oh, something like Cheryl or Shelley, I like Shelley". To which I replied in jest, "Call yourself Shelley, then you're bound to get called Cheryl!" Shirley looked at me and said "pardon?" I'm not sure if she didn't hear me or she was confused about what I'd said, so I just smiled and nodded at her and went back to eating my dinner.
I love the meet and greet.
I don't like to judge a book by its cover, but looking around the room, I have a feeling we might have had the same conversation no matter what table we chose.
1. Where are you from?
2. When did you arrive?
3. What do you do?
When we walked into the dining room, we quickly scanned the room to see firstly if there were any seats left and secondly if those seats were next to any cool looking people. A lady, whose name we later learned was Lorraine was waving madly at us, signaling us to join their table, so with nowhere else to go, we walked over and smiled broadly, introducing ourselves. Lorraine was traveling with a man called Ian. We're still not quite sure if they were married or in fact, just related. Lorraine seemed to have a cousin in every town that was mentioned in Australia, so it's possible that if Ian wasn't related to her, we were! Ian had a very pronounced lisp and as hard as he tried he just couldn't get "Shelley" out. I answered to all his attempts though. He tried.
Next to them was Barbara and Rob. The only pair of pants in that relationship were owned and worn by Barbara. If we get stuck on this trip and aren't quite sure what to do or where to go, we'll just ask Barb, she knows everything!
The complete the trifecta were Pat and Shirley, travelling companions. Both deaf, making conversation hard, but they seemed lovely. Especially Shirley. She told us a story of when she once wanted to change her name and when we asked her "to what?" she said "oh, something like Cheryl or Shelley, I like Shelley". To which I replied in jest, "Call yourself Shelley, then you're bound to get called Cheryl!" Shirley looked at me and said "pardon?" I'm not sure if she didn't hear me or she was confused about what I'd said, so I just smiled and nodded at her and went back to eating my dinner.
I love the meet and greet.
I don't like to judge a book by its cover, but looking around the room, I have a feeling we might have had the same conversation no matter what table we chose.
Whale Watching Tours
It's great to see a city/country play to it's strengths and in Canada their strength is definitely the wildlife and the sighting of the wildlife. A particular favourite is the Orca or the Killer Whale - you can take a boat the sight them, you can buy the frindge magnet that depicts them folicking and you can be amazed by the colourful topiary whales - compete with spurting blow hole!
Taxi!!!!!
These little guys are the water taxis. They fit about 10 people on at one time and we witnessed that if they all sit at the front, the boat travels in a sort of vertical position. How gorgeous are they? We were thinking maybe my Dad could take up a little part time job in Mandurah ferrying people to and from the pub.
Snuffelupugus Trees
Check out these cool trees that look a little like Mr Snuffy or Irish Wolf Houds. They are placed to protect the entrance to The Empress Hotel.
I love the way the ivy covers the walls - it's so Miss Marple!
Photobomb!
When you are lining up a photo, what is the last thing you would expect to wander in front of you?
This is our hotel in Victoria, Vancouver Island. She's a beauty and has been there for about 100 years. It faces onto the harbour with a lovely view of the boats and water..... our room faces the car park.
They are big fans of the Queen Mum as her picture is plastered all over the hotel when she visited about 100 yeras ago.
On The Road Again......
Today we fly to Victoria Island to start the first leg of our Canadian/Alaskan Odyssey.
The last few trips I've done with me Jenny have been mainly filled with much older people. Now, don't get me wrong - there's nothing wrong with the elderly, except when you need to pile on a bus in a limited amount of time. We've had people with zimmer frames and I think that's fantastic that this particular lady was still getting out there and seeing the world, but it did add to people's (our) frustrations. Very important to pack your patience...... life's greatest virtue!
On the last trip I was named: VRO - Veteren Retrieval Office. This title was bestoed on me after a number of our party would wonder off and then not know where we were, so my experience as a teacher and keeping a large group of kids together came in very handy as I would do a head count then scan the tourist location (filled with 1000's of people) for familiar faces and then go and collect them.
It will be very interesting to see who our tour partners are going to be for the next couple of weeks.
The last few trips I've done with me Jenny have been mainly filled with much older people. Now, don't get me wrong - there's nothing wrong with the elderly, except when you need to pile on a bus in a limited amount of time. We've had people with zimmer frames and I think that's fantastic that this particular lady was still getting out there and seeing the world, but it did add to people's (our) frustrations. Very important to pack your patience...... life's greatest virtue!
On the last trip I was named: VRO - Veteren Retrieval Office. This title was bestoed on me after a number of our party would wonder off and then not know where we were, so my experience as a teacher and keeping a large group of kids together came in very handy as I would do a head count then scan the tourist location (filled with 1000's of people) for familiar faces and then go and collect them.
It will be very interesting to see who our tour partners are going to be for the next couple of weeks.
Monday, August 27, 2012
"Well, You Get What You Pay For"
Conversation with waiter.....
Waiter: Would you like some wine?
Me: Hi, we're trying to choose. We're Australian, so we don't want an Australian or New Zealandish wine, what can you recommend?
Waiter: Well, we have this one and this one (pointing to extremely expensive wines - $155 per bottle) Or you could go for this one, it's half the price, but you get what you pay for right?
After he's gone.......
Jenny: We could just get the house wine, that'll stuff him.
I guess I did make the rookie mistake of asking him for a recommendation. Note to self, Don't ask wait staff for wine recommendations.
Waiter: Would you like some wine?
Me: Hi, we're trying to choose. We're Australian, so we don't want an Australian or New Zealandish wine, what can you recommend?
Waiter: Well, we have this one and this one (pointing to extremely expensive wines - $155 per bottle) Or you could go for this one, it's half the price, but you get what you pay for right?
After he's gone.......
Jenny: We could just get the house wine, that'll stuff him.
I guess I did make the rookie mistake of asking him for a recommendation. Note to self, Don't ask wait staff for wine recommendations.
Jack & Daisy
These were the happiest guys in the park..... Laying on their backs, swimming around, being thrown food. So natural.
The Jellies
One of the highlights of the park though was the two very small exhibits of jellyfish. How gorgeous are they?
Due for an Upgrade
The Aquarium however was in dire need for an upgrade. They didn't have many animals which was probably good in hindsight because their tanks were tiny and a little grubby for my liking. Everything looked old and rundown. I felt a bit sorry for the animals, and was reminded why I don't like circuses (with animals) or zoos.
To the Aquarium.......
Jen had always wanted to see the Beluga Whales, so we were off to the Aquarium for the morning.
On the way we stopped in at a swimsuit shop, which had 40% off everything except goggles and we got inside we realised why. Jen held up a pair of togs that seemed to be a singlet with stubble shorts attached at the waist. Only very few can pull that look off, so we passed.
Following the very nondescriptive bus map we finally came across the stop that should have been where the topless tourist bus stopped. In every other city we've been to there are 100s of these buses, but in Vancas, apparently there are only 2 and no matter where you are going, they are always going the other way! So we walked.
The Belugas were worth it.
Cultural Vancouver
On our first outing today we walked past the Art Gallery and were about to cross the road when we were stopped by workmen with stop/go signs. They were directing traffic and pedestrians. The man had turned his sign to stop and called out "wait where you are" but a very bold and daring pedestrian walked out into the traffic without hesitation. A whistle blew and a sign was waved, but onward he marched and then yelled "What did you want me to do? Stop in the middle of the f@&$ing road, you f@&$ing idiot!". We were all a little stunned and the man in high vis simply responded with...... "What a loser!". You see, it doesn't matter what your job is, there's always one person who will give you the shits!
Side note : Madds, I couldn't convince Jen to climb up on the lion!
Bobbing Corks
Amongst Jen's collection of newspaper cuttings about Canada was an article that described these little ferry boats as "bobbing corks" and when we saw them we couldn't have agreed more. They pick you up on one side of False Creek and jostle over the 150 metres to Granville Island on the other side.
This is something we've planned to do in the next few days.
Are Hotdogs Good for You?
Probably not, but geez they smell gooooooood! Must try one before leaving so we can compare with the ones in New York.
Oysters and Hwhite Hwine
First night in Vancas and we found this little place - Joe Fortes. A roof top bar with all your oyster needs.
YUM!
Just some tasty little morsels we found in the first shop we came to........ They're toffee apples!
Bec, I expect you to have your own version by the end of the week!
Jerry Blomm
Years ago Jen filled in a magazine subscription with her name: Jenny Brown, but when it arrived a few months later it was addresses to Mrs Jerry Blomm! So we've been calling her that ever since.
This is the sign I held up for my lovely mother at Vancouver Airport. I thought after a million hours in the plane. It would be nice to be greeted by something familar.
Flights were great, customs officers were extremely jerk like, train to the hotel easy peasy....... Hello Vancouver.
This is the sign I held up for my lovely mother at Vancouver Airport. I thought after a million hours in the plane. It would be nice to be greeted by something familar.
Flights were great, customs officers were extremely jerk like, train to the hotel easy peasy....... Hello Vancouver.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Farewell London Town
This trip is going so fast, I can't believe we're at the end of yet another leg! My last night in London is being spent with Tanya and Nick - at their flat - watching a movie and having a delicious home cooked dinner (even though I said I was never eating again after Kat's extravagant feast last night, the big English fry-up then lunch!) because I don't think I could face going out anywhere. That's right, it's come down to this and who knows - maybe tonight will be the first night since I left Melbourne that I might be able to go to bed before midnight? I'm now feeling the effects of being on the other side of 40!
The highlights for me on this English leg were definitely catching up with all the lovely friends I made whilst living here and all the food I've eaten!
Thank you for feeding me.
So now I'm packed..... I've sent a parcel of bits and pieces home so I can keep my svelt 23kg suitcase figure.
Tomorrow I catch a mid morning flight to Vancouver where I'll meet my lovely Mum, Jenny who is flying in from Perth and from there the next adventure begins.
Bring it on!
The highlights for me on this English leg were definitely catching up with all the lovely friends I made whilst living here and all the food I've eaten!
Thank you for feeding me.
So now I'm packed..... I've sent a parcel of bits and pieces home so I can keep my svelt 23kg suitcase figure.
Tomorrow I catch a mid morning flight to Vancouver where I'll meet my lovely Mum, Jenny who is flying in from Perth and from there the next adventure begins.
Bring it on!
LIfe in the English Country Side
Here we have:
Back (L-R): Kat, Shaun, Nick, Kevin, Kate
Front (L-R): Matt, Me, Tanya, Bella and Amelia.
This group of people are my very dear "London" Friends - even though none of them (except Tans and Nick) live in London anymore. But it was London where we first met. Matt was the very first person who approached us in the little pub called Sully's where we first made our home and asked us if we wanted to play pool. We were the only girls in the pub, and he was the best looking bloke in there, so he probably thought he was in with a bit of a chance...... but we've become great friends ever since and with Kat, Shaun and Kevin and a few other missing people we evolved into a tight knit little group and had much fun! We've all moved on now, back out to the country towns we originally came from, or growing up and having kiddies, but it's great that we all still keep in touch and are in each other's lives in some way or another.
The memories of that time I spent in London were amazingly good and even though I'm way too old to ever try and relive them now they're forever there with me.
Thanks you guys - you're the greatest!
xxx
We all went out for a super duper lunch before heading back to the big smoke.
Isabella Mae
This gorgeous poppet is Kat & Shaun's youngest daughter and is yummy enough to eat!
The girls LERVE Tanya!
Amelia Blossom
How lovely is this little angel? She is Kat and Shaun's oldest daughter and just too gorgeous!
Hoo Ha!
On my second last night in London, Tanya, her lovely BF, Nick and I trained it out to a little place called Kintbury, which is about an hour out of London to the west. Our old friends, Shaun and Kat were hosting us for the evening. Shaun picked us up from the train station and drove us to the even smaller village of Inkpen where they live and were treated to a delicious feast of Greek Meatballs, Seafood Boulibaisse and a lovely homemade creme caramel - OMG, it was like we were were eating in a fine dining restaurant! A bit of wine was consumed and my poor lovely friend, Matt was a little worse for wear the next morning!
Nothing a big English fry up won't fix!
Public Declarations of Love
Someone in Shoreditch, London ahs obviously been to Paris and seen their Bridge 'o Love and chhanged up the idea here. I love the wool hearts. Behind this fence was a demolished building..... nice to pretty things up.
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