'Tis The Season of Giving

For those who celebrate it (as I do) the Christmas season fast approaches. Often touted as a 'season of giving' it seems that the modern holiday season is more apt to be the 'season of buying'. Enticing commercials give proclamations of need for this product or that. Stores boldly announce that they carry items for everyone on your list. The list they announce includes everyone you may possibly encounter in your daily life. It truly is the 'season of buying' even with the intention of giving. I find this time of year a bit overwhelming in that aspect. I prefer to make memories, share laughs, break bread and partake in merriment with my friends and loved ones. 

Now I am not posting this to pass judgement or tell you how you should spend your money or what to buy. I am just sharing a bit of how I have seen the season in recent years. I enjoy aspects of the holidays yet part of me is concerned of the effects of such mass consumerism. That is why I delight in the initiatives and ideas that I have heard of over the years. Giving in a different way. Two examples come to mind. One I have been aware of for several years as it is a campaign put on by Metro Vancouver. The other I learned of the other day as it making its debut in Canada on Tuesday December 3: Giving Tuesday.

For the past several years, Metro Vancouver's Holiday Campaign promotes alternatives to buying products as gifts. With the burden of mounting garbage and environmental damage that occurs during Christmas, their clever campaign sets awareness to creating memories and being a "green angel". Using light humour they cast ideas of all sorts. Here is just one example:

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I learned of Giving Tuesday in one the daily papers in Vancouver. It announced its arrival in Canada this very year. What began in the USA in 2012 as counter-measure to the consumer buying frenzies of Black Friday and Cyber Mondays is now making its way to countries worldwide. As part of the UN Foundation, Giving Tuesday has now added Australia, Canada, Latin America, Mexico and Singapore to its roster. This global movement is an incredible opportunity for people to give back to charities of all sorts: local, national and international. A time for us to learn of these varied and needed charities and if able, to give to them. There are many ways to help: money, time, spreading the word and so much more.  Below I have listed the links to the country-specific websites. Please take a look, learn and if able, give in whatever way you can. I know I will. If you would like to promote Giving Tuesday please use the hashtags #GivingTuesday and #UNselfie. Post pictures of yourself and why you want to give. Post it on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook along with the hashtags. It is good to give back. Giving Tuesday USA - Australia - Canada - Latin America - Mexico - Singapore

How To Be A Vancouverite

I could not resist posting this...




P.S. Contains (bleeped) language some may consider offensive

Canada From This Canadian's Viewpoint

As a Canadian I often hear from travelers how Canada is a beautiful country and how friendly her people are (thank you!). Hearing that makes me swell with pride and gratitude. Yes, Canadians are proud of their country - very proud. Some may not be aware of that because our pride is presented in a subdued fashion. We may not yell and wave our flags all the time but that pride is there, no doubt about it. Along with the pride I have for my country is gratitude. Gratitude that my parents chose this country to immigrate to out of every other option they had. Gratitude that I live in a country that is free and views equality as basic human right. Gratitude that multiculturalism is part of our national policy and constitution. Gratitude that this country has vast natural beauty that is unsurpassed. I love my country. 

Now every country, it would seem, has its "stereotypes" and idiosyncrasies. Canada is no exception. I hear from travelers and from other Canadians themselves. So let's take a look at the ones I find to be most popular.

Polite: I don't know if we are more polite than citizens of other countries but we have that reputation.  Being polite serms like common sense to me. Perhaps this article from Canada Free Press may shed some light on it. 

The use of "Eh":  We use it all the time, eh? No, we do not. It is part of the Canuck vernacular however it is not used the way characters Bob and Doug McKenzie would lead you to believe. "Eh" is found less frequently in conversations than stereotypes would present. And NOBODY uses "hoser".

The use of "Sorry": We have a gene for that...actually no but nobody would be surprised if science proved that. It probably goes back to being polite. 

The truth about Hockey:  Hockey is awesome. It is the best sport out there, however, it is NOT Canada's national sport. Lacrosse is. That is because is well documented that lacrosse was invented/developed in Canada. Hockey has numerous stories and many lay claim to its creation. Due to this discrepancy that why it is not out official sport. 

Beer: It's good! Especially craft beer.

French vs English: We have two official languages: French and English. All government services are available in both languages and most products have bi-lingual content on the packaging. Though not everyone speaks French. In Quebec and pockets of the population elsewhere you hear more French. In smaller Quebec communities you will rarely hear English (but not the case in Montreal or Quebec City). 

Multiculturalism:  Multiculturalism encourages diversity and the celebration of cultures within....oh come, we all know it's about food! Glorious, succulent, tasty, mouthwatering food!! Thai, Italian, French, Chinese, Malay, Indian, Ethiopian, Greek, Afghan, Finnish, Ukrainian, fusion and so much more. I am certain when the government decided to make it part of national policy it was because they were foodies.

Stoplights: Yes, us Canadian pedestrians will wait at stoplights even if there is no traffic. Maybe we like rules? Maybe we are being polite to the lights? Or maybe we know that Canada has crazy drivers!!! I know on the busy intersection in my neighbourhood that one must be careful or ya might get pegged off.

Snow: We have plenty of snow in Canada but it is not year round. It is during the winter like every other country that gets snow! The only exception are the Rocky Mountains and the Arctic where it is permanent. Come on, ya really can't think that we have snow year round! Oh and Vancouver and Victoria rarely get snow ever. There I finally said it.

Measuring distance in time: Canada is the second largest country by land mass. It is ENORMOUS. And I mean ENORMOUS. By measuring distance in time gives one a better perspective of how ENORMOUS this country really is. 3000 km is a long drive but saying 4 days gives you a more comprehensible idea.

Why are there so many Comedians in Canada?: Well probably because we do not take ourselves too seriously and we can laugh at ourselves. Besides living in a vast country, with cold winters and a small population with idiosyncrasies from region to region it's easy to poke fun at yourself. Here's some of our famous funny people: Mike Myers, Leslie Nielsen, Jim Carey, Seth Rogan, Russell Peters, Eugene Levy, John Candy, Brent Butts, Colin Mochrie, Phil Hartman, Catherine O'Hara, Luba Goy, Dan Ackroyd, Michael Cera, Rick Moranis, Dave Thomas, Ryan Reynolds, Rick Mercer, Michael J. Fox, Tommy Chong, Dave Foley, Martin Short, Tom Green, Caroline Rhea, Howie Mandel, etc. See we have a plethora of funny people

There ya have it...my viewpoint on a few things Canadian. Thanks for tuning in.

GETAWAY TO TOFINO

Several weeks ago I spent a few days on Vancouver Island with some of my closest girlfriends. We headed to Tofino, as I mentioned here. I was excited to get away for a couple of days and relax. It was a great time despite that the weather was a mix of rain and clouds. The sun did shine for us one day.

Tofino is a beautiful coastal town enveloped in green on every side except that of the Pacific Ocean.  We stayed at the Pacific Sands in one of their suites (and jammed five of us in there to save $$$). We faced the ocean with a row of trees lining the view. If you were to sail west from Tofino you would end up in Japan or thereabouts. Without any land between them the waves and storms can be wonderful and awe-inspiring. Even with the rain, we did not see any thunderstorms.

Our resort was on one of the beaches just outside of the town of Tofino. We did cruise into town to book the surfing lessons. Well, my friends did. I am not always confident in the water and the strong waves would have freaked me out a bit as I can barely swim.  I do like the water but if there is a chance of being overwhelmed by the waves I will opt to avoid them. Calm waters suit me best. As well, being a bigger gal, I don't think the surf shop would have a wet suit to fit me. In the end, I was the one who documented my the first-time surfing adventures of my companions.

We also looked around the very touristy aspect of Tofino. That is the main industry I am certain. Among the many surf shops there were galleries, whale-watching outfitters, sea-kayaking and fishing adventures and much more. One would be hard pressed to find a reason to stay indoors at this locale. 

I hope to return to Tofino and have a nice getaway to storm watch and take in the natural beauty on one of its many nature trails.

Ms Brown, mascot of girls getaways

On the beach

She sell seashells on the seashore

Surfing lesson

Surfer girls

Our beach at dusk

dusk

An incredible sunset

An (overexposed) starfish 

Birthday cheesecake and wine

We stopped here on our drive back 

Such lush greenery

Me hugging a very old and majestic tree

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - ALBERTA BADLANDS

It has been said things happen in three's...that is how today's special spot was chosen. On my sister's recent visit she mentioned that next year she will be visiting Drumheller, AB (Canada) to see the Alberta Badlands. Shortly thereafter we watched an episode of The Amazing Race Canada where the teams were in that exact place. Finally, while scoping out Facebook I saw pictures from a friend's trip to see the hoodoos found across the Badlands.

The Hoodoos of Alberta's Badlands

Badlands are basically eroded (soft) rocks and clay leaving incredible hoodoos, canyons and crevasses. Alberta's badlands cover an expanse of over 90,000 square km and is riddled with fossils. From trails to dinosaurs to stunning hoodoos, the Alberta Badlands are a sight to see.

Photo credit: Grant Black, Calgary Herald

TOONIE TRUST

Canadian $2 Coin

In my efforts to save money I have come to realize something: I like to see money grow in various ways. For me, it is not entirely about just putting money aside in the bank. That is the biggest part, budgeting and planning being the stronghold of that area. However, there is a flip side to the coin, so to speak, in that I like to see what I can do in small ways. The Cold Hard Cash has been proving itself well. I have purchased two major items on my RTW Packing List and am saving for some other needs. I have tangible results. Those results spur me onward. 

Onward with the jingle of toonies. For those of you not familiar with the Canadian monetary system "toonie" is a nickname for the $2 coin. To explain this I will give you some history. In 1987 The Royal Canadian Mint and the Canadian Government introduced into circulation the $1 coin, which would replace the $1 bill. These gold coloured coins were minted on the reverse with the image of the loon, a prevalent bird in Canada. As a result, the name "Loonie" came to mean a $1 coin. In 1996 the $2 coin was introduced and the nickname "Toonie" (or "Twoonie") fell into place. And yes, it is part of the Canadian-English vernacular. That is where my Toonie Trust comes in to play. 

Not long ago, I was making a small purchase and paid for it, in its entirety, with toonies. The cost was approximately $8 yet I handed over $10 worth of the coins and received my change. That made me realize how much toonies are used AND how easily they add up. Adding up so easily that I could have a jar of change worth more than the quickly forgotten penny (which is no longer used in Canada). My TOONIE TRUST has begun. Since I try to pay for many purchases with cash I can use toonies to my advantage. When I am given toonies as change I will attempt to not use them throughout the day. I will not make a point of using them and at the end of the day I will transfer them to a jar to watch the sum grow. As it grows I will deposit them into my RTW account and see my balance rise. I know some may see this a silly way to save but for me, money not seen is money saved. A toonie here and a toonie there does add up. Five toonies equals ten dollars and twenty-five equals fifty. That is $50 in my bank account and can be one day on the road (as proposed by Matt Kepnes in How to Travel the World on $50 a Day). You do the math. 

Here's to the small steps resulting in big ones!

Photo credit: Wikipedia (Photo owned by The Royal Canadian Mint)

~SIGH~

Today is July 1. Canada Day. My favourite holiday. I love birthdays and I love Canada so the two together is awesome. This year, however is not as joyous as years past. This year is kinda sucky. This was supposed to be the day that I start my big adventure. HA - I am not so lucky.

Little over a year ago I made a proclamation right here on this blog. I followed through on what so many had suggested I do - pick a date! I did. I picked today, July 1, 2013. And here I sit in my living room with no goal attained. Disheartening it is. 

Me, crying

So why did you not go away you ask. Well the polar opposite happened of what I anticipated. It was akin to a ginormous boulder placed on my path. One that I had trouble going around or over. I oft hear that if you visualize your dream it will happen. Set a plan and a goal, set a date. I  did that and I get squat. It is frustrating and disconcerting (stomping feet and shaking my fists)!! 

So that is how I feel today. I will still enjoy this day because it is a great day for a great country. I know that much of my previous situation has changed, as have I. I continue to learn, continue to plan and I will go. I am just sad that today was not the day.

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - CANADA

Today I am posting in honour of the best country in the world: CANADA!!! Yes, I am biased since I love this country immensely. Tomorrow is July 1st. Canada's 146th birthday and my favourite holiday of the year. I love birthdays (especially mine) so I love to participate in the activities that are around town and wish everyone a "Happy Canada Day". 

Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons: Maria Azzurra Mugnai

Map of Canada's 10 provinces and 3 territories

Canada is the world's second largest country and shares the longest continuous border with the neighbouring USA. Canada also has the world's longest coastline. Pretty awesome eh?

Map credit: Canada Info

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - THUNDER BAY, ON

Here I am visiting the city I grew up in, Thunder Bay, ON. I have chosen to post one of my own photos of this city that served as my home for many years and provided me with some amazing people who are my family and friends. Even though Vancouver is now my home, both physically and emotionally, I return periodically to connect with those who call this northwestern Ontario city home. 

Thunder Bay, located on the shores of Lake Superior was incorporated as a city in January 1970. A young city the result of the amalgamation of the north's Port Arthur and the south's Fort William. 

I snapped this photo today at Hillcrest Park. When I recall my childhood town the above image of "Nanabijou", the Sleeping Giant comes to mind. Appearing to be an enormous giant resting, this natural landmark is synonymous with this city. 

THE NEED TO KNOW - DOCUMENTATION

Where are you from? What is the reason for your visit? How long will you be staying?  What is your citizenship?

All these are common questions asked of travelers when crossing into another country. That is why proper documentation is of the utmost importance. Without it you are, well, screwed. 

We all know that proper ID is a necessity. Without it we can not prove that we are who we say we are. It is needed, among other things, for many daily activities such as driving, buying a cell phone plan, buying prescription drugs or going to a bar. As stated above, with travel it is imperative to have your proper ID and papers. This is regardless of how you enter a country (plane, train, foot, car, bus etc). There are only a few exceptions to traveling without proper documentation. If you are traveling within Canada you do not require proper ID if you are going by bus, train or getting a ride with someone in a car.

How about everywhere else? Let's take a look.

Driving (within Canada):

If you are driving within Canada, be it a rental or your own vehicle, then you require a valid Driver's License (DL) and car insurance. For visitors you to Canada, while you may be able to drive within Canada on your country issued valid DL for up to 3 months, it is STRONGLY advised that you obtain an International Driver's License/Permit to have along with your country's DL. Car insurance is mandatory in Canada.

Flying:
To board an aircraft you must provide valid ID that matches the name on the reservation. This means that one will have to present either one piece of valid government-issued ID with the passenger's photo, name, date of birth and gender OR two pieces of valid government-issued ID with one showing the passenger's name, date of birth and gender.

International travel:

A valid passport is required for international travel. Canada requires that all passengers traveling by air, including children, carry their own passport when traveling to another country. For more information on obtaining a passport and upcoming changes visit the Passport Canada website.

Regardless of how you cross a border (by air, train, water, foot, motor vehicle) Canadians will  have to present a valid passport to enter a country. If you live in another country please check with your government agency to find out what the requirements are. Most countries require passports to enter. 

Visas:

According to the Canadian Government's Travel website a Visa is:

"A visa is an official document, usually stamped or glued inside a passport, giving permission from a foreign authority for you to enter a country.

Visas are issued by foreign government offices in Canada. Requirements, fees and processing times vary, depending on the country and type of visa you need. The most common categories are business, work, student and tourist visas.

Remember that representatives from the country to which you are travelling need to see your passport before issuing a visa. If you cannot visit the foreign government office in person and must mail your passport, use secure mail services and enclose a stamped, self-addressed return envelope."

So they are important. Not all Canadians require Visas for all countries. In many cases, a valid passport will suffice. Before you go, do some research to find out if you do require a Visa, what type (business, tourist, student, transit, etc), cost and how long the process will be. In many instances it is a quick and painless process. Other times it is a lengthy and expensive endeavour.

Medical Insurance:

Buy it! You can never know what will happen when you are out of the country. You may get sick, have an injury or be involved in an accident. Out of country medical insurance can take care of the monetary aspect of your medical care so you can focus on getting well. Do not assume that Canada's universal health care will cover you out of the country. It will not. If you do not have travel medical insurance you will have to pay for any medical expenses out of your own pocket should you be unfortunate enough to require care. If you have travel medical insurance on your credit card (or through other avenues) check the fine print for any exclusions or other pertinent information. Travel medical insurance can be purchased through a travel agent, when booking flights online and through some banks (e.g. RBC Insurance).

Other types of insurance to consider are Trip Cancellation and Interruption, Evacuation Insurance, Baggage Insurance and special considerations if you are an adventure sport enthusiast. DO YOUR RESEARCH!!

And finally, remember to carry all your documentation with you. It is also a wise idea to photocopy your documents and carry a copy in your luggage, away from the originals. Giving a copy to a trusted family member or friend who is not traveling with you is another option as well. Should you lose your documents then a quick phone call can give you the info you need to replace them.

I hope this has been helpful for you novice travelers. It may seem overwhelming but once you know what you need or where to get the information then you know.

For more detailed information, tips and travel health for Canadians, please visit the Canadian Government's Travel website.

Disclaimer: The information provided on "Eeva's Wanderings" is meant  only as tips and suggestions. I, the author, am not responsible for any harm, injury, loss of life or property or any other misfortune that may occur should anyone act on, re-use or their interpretation of the information provided. I will try to provide up-to-date information but I am not responsible for any information that is out-of-date or incorrect. All opinions are my own and in no way are meant to mislead, defame, harm, humiliate or injure anyone.

My "Traveling Companion"

There are a number of (travel) blogs that I follow and among them I was happy to discover that some authors travel with a "companion". As a matter of fact, I know of several friends who do the same. I was pleased to learn this as I decided, quite some time ago, to do that exact thing. It's nice too know that there are others who have a mascot too. 


So who will be my buddy when I go RTWing, you ask? Well he is a furry, hockey loving, blue earmuff wearing, camera toting Sasquatch ! Back in February 2010, during the Vancouver Winter Olympic games, my BFF gave me a key-chain with one of the three Olympic mascot attached: Quatchi. He loves hockey - need I say more? Additionally, we make a good pair since he enjoys traveling and meeting new people. Oh and food. We're a travel match made in heaven. Although I have not traveled with Quatchi yet, I intend to tote him along on my summer trips to visit family as a starting point.




I realized as I was penning this post that I should find Quatchi (tucked safely away in my rucksack along with all my travel gear) and have a fun photo op! Especially since the night before I learned that a fellow Couch Surfer also traveled with her Quatchi key-chain. I was spurred on to finish this blog post and snap some adorable pictures. I dug into my closest and hoisted my trusty bag onto my bed. My kitten was intrigued by a new place to sit in as I hastily pulled items and threw them around. Uh...where was Quatchi?! He was not there! I sifted through everything strewn about my  bed. He was nowhere to be found. I checked the junk drawer, silently scolding myself for putting this special key-chain in such a place. Nope! Not there either. Where is Quatchi?! I check every known place he could be. HE'S MISSING!!! What now? I must of inadvertently put him in the "toss/donate" pile when I moved in the fall. Replacing a 2012 Winter Olympic mascot key-chain was not that simple, I suspected. They were only available for a short time and in limited numbers. Three years later there can not be a store carrying them. Hmmmm...but this is the 21st century. The Internet to the rescue, specifically E-Bay. Not only do I find an unused Quatchi key-chain with tags still attached, he is being sold locally! I placed my order and picked him up days later. Easy-peasy! Gotta love the Internet!

So here is my "new" traveling companion. Piper was interested in him but I was afraid he might become her new toy so I had to remove him from her little paws. Quatchi's first trip will be to Ontario when I visit my family in the upcoming months. I anticipate the day when Quatchi and I will begin our epic journey!  Onward ho!

A Taste of Home

As much as I enjoy talking and posting about travel and far off places, it is good to remember home as well. The video below, put out by Tourism Vancouver, sums up my feelings for my favourite city!!

Sunday's Special Spot - Dawson City, Yukon

GOLD! GOLD IN THE YUKON!! 

Dawson City was the epicentre of the Klondike Gold Rush, turning the area around the Tr'ochek Hwech'in First Nations' fishing camp into a 40,000 person frenzy in search of riches from 1896 to 1899. Named in 1897 after geologist George M. Dawson, Dawson City served as the capitol of the Canadian Yukon Territory from 1898 - 1952, after which Whitehorse was named the capitol.


Old gold rush buildings barely standing, Dawson City, Yukon, Canada.

Now, Dawson City (pop 1300) offers travelers history, events and spectacular natural beauty. Dance hall girls and gambling at Diamond Tooth Gertie's; hiking and breathtaking scenery at Klondike River and Tombstone Territorial Park; Gold Panning Championships in the summer and the Yukon Quest dog sled race in the winter; viewing the Northern Lights and experiencing the midnight sun, I can see why Dawson City would be amazing to visit at any time. It's on my list of places to go.

The photo is from Flickr. It was taken and is owned by travfoto.

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - OKANAGAN VALLEY, BC

I just returned from an extended weekend trip to the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada. I stopped in Kelowna and Penticton, 2 cities in the heart of the Okanagan Valley. An area known for it's wineries, fruit orchards and hot, dry summers it's easy to see how one can be taken in by the natural beauty that surrounds it.

View of Okanagan Lake from Therapy Vineyards. It is located on the Naramata Bench in Penticton, BC, Canada

I took this picture at Therapy Vineyards, which was one of 7 vineyards that I visited with friends. This was the 4th one on our "tour". We visited 3 in Kelowna area and 4 on the Naramata Bench in Penticton, BC. Well worth it!