Indelible Adventures: June 2016

Friday, June 24, 2016

West Coast Vibe

Welcome to Indelible Adventures! If you enjoy what you read here please subscribe to my weekly distribution list via the Indelible Adventures website or browse my latest photos and upcoming adventures and travel tips. In addition, if you'd like to follow me on all my social media - see the links below.
Facebook - Google+ - Twitter - Instagram - LinkedIn - ImageBrief - National Geographic

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After arriving into Vancouver last Friday morning it was if an old friend was welcoming me back after a long absence. During my management consulting years I worked in Vancouver for almost four years, yes it was a tough existence given that I was on a plane for ten hours per week in addition to my regular job. It certainly wasn’t your average commute to work!

There is something intangible about the Pacific Northwest, especially when the sun shines on the snow capped mountains peaks that virtually surround the city. I landed to one of those bright and breathless days, which I knew would be perfect to tackle my first objective of the weekend…

Indelible Tip #1: Challenge yourself If you love getting outdoors and don’t mind a bit of a challenge I would highly recommend tackling the Grouse Grind in North Vancouver. There is no question that it’s a tough and some might say arduous trek up the face of Grouse Mountain, but I find it cleansing especially if you’ve just gotten off a five hour flight. Note: You don’t have to hike up as there is a gondola from the base station every 10 minutes, but if you’re in reasonable shape and don’t mind getting a sweat up then the hike is definitely for you.

It took me about 55 minutes, going at a steady pace to make my way up, and more importantly given the innate natural beauty of the hike it was worth every moment of it. There is something about walking between stands of giant western redwoods and through fields of fern that makes all of life’s troubles just fade away…

Although sweaty when I arrived the cool mountain air soon cooled me off and all I could do was stand in awe at the beauty that was now my domain. With the city of Vancouver stretching out before me, the coast and of course Vancouver Island in the distance it was a picture perfect setting. See of the amazing photos in my shoot at the end of this weeks blog.

Indelible Tip #2: Seize the moment Many of my trips are to locations where I don’t have friends, family or a network (although given the popularity of my blog that isn’t entirely true any longer) and so it's amazing when you can spend time reconnecting and catching up with old friends, and although I didn’t catch up with everyone who I would have liked to I made a good start. I guess I’ll just have to go back again soon. :-)

Not only was this trip about capturing the beauty of this part of Canada through the lens of my camera (just over 750 photos in the two days), but it was also an opportunity for me to get away and spend some time slowing down and contemplating life. Perhaps some might say it was a tonic or an elixir of sorts, but whatever it is I feel so alive after my time there.

Indelible Tip #3: Reconnecting Definitely part of my trip our to Vancouver was to reconnect with old friends, and perhaps make a few new ones along the way. :-) After my hike up Grouse mountain I headed back into town to pick up keys to my friends place, then caught up with Bill and Kev for a beer on a patio in Yaletown. If you go to Vancouver, Yaletown is a must, as its packed with cool little restaurants and bars, in fact many of the cities best eateries are located in this little pocket between False Creek, Robson and Homer streets. Seriously nothing better than a cold pint on a sunny afternoon!

The weekend was a good mix of photography, exploring and socializing as I intermingled lunches, dinners and coffee catch-ups with my exploration. In fact, I even ended up going to a surprise birthday party on Saturday night...so much fun!

I think it’s important to take some time to get away and slow down, refocusing your priorities and taking time to just breathe...

I find that life can sometimes catch up with you in terms of the frenetic pace in which we live. Being continually connected and always on is not only tiring but also takes a toll on your health if you keep it up for long periods, and so its important to completely unwind.

It's interesting that when I go to the west coast it has a whole different vibe than what I'm used to living in Toronto. Some might say its a little more "granola", but all I know is that its a slower, easier pace of life which is not surprisingly one I love. Then throw in the extreme beauty of this part of the world...I know right? The question is "what the hell am I doing living in Toronto?"

Clearly, other than for Zach and Sami I'd love to spend half my time in Italy and the other half in Vancouver.

Remember each day is a gift - there are no guarantees...so what are you waiting for? Time to take a break and live a little!

Enjoy! :-)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Hanoi Posting”

A series of fictional micro-stories by Terence Wallis

Episode 50: Sojourn

The plane touched down just at Malpensa airport in Milan some three hours after leaving London, although as she would soon find out the onward trip to Bangkok was going to be delayed as one of the engines had been damaged during the turbulence and they needed to send another plane from London to complete the journey.

The announcement from British Airways caught almost everyone by surprise "We apologized for the delay in British Airways flight 12 from London to Bangkok. Unfortunately our plane is no longer in service, another plane is now en-route from London's Heathrow and will arrive early tomorrow morning. We are expecting an 8:00 am departure and it is imperative that you return to the airport no later than 6:00 am in readiness for your onward flight to Bangkok". The announcer went onto say that British Airways in the process of arranging accommodations and to be seated until further notice, but it soon turned into a mob scene with everyone scrumming around the BA desk hoping to get more information. Lea stood to the side of the writhing crowd and felt a touch of giddiness after hearing the announcement. Okay now what she thought?

A moment later she felt the gentle touch of a hand on her lower back, "I know a beautiful hotel where we can stay, and can still be back in the morning to catch our flight" the voice whispered softly into her ear, Lea smiled and blushed deeply as she recognized her seat mates voice from the plane. After landing they awkwardly smiled and released each others grasp and it was then that Alessio had formally introduced himself. Lea had warmed to him immediately, not only was he impeccably dressed, and ruggedly handsome but what sealed the deal was he big brown eyes and his mesmerizingly soft Italian accent which she could listen to for hours...

"Where would we go she stammered, her brow furrowing slightly as Alessio smiled confidently and said that his cousin had a hotel just outside Milan and that a driver was on his way to pick them up. She hesitated for a moment before deciding to go with her gut, reasoning that her journalist instincts would have kicked in if she had any doubts about him.

She was both curious and a little excited...although not willing to admit this to herself just yet.

It was raining softly as the Mercedes pulled to the curb in front of the terminal, and the driver got out and walked to Alessio, smiling and with a barely noticeable nod opened the umbrella to shelter them from the rain. The driver opened the door and allowed Lea to step into the luxuriously appointed back seat, with the pungent smell of new leather teasing her senses.

Moments later they were speeding from the terminal toward the hotel, and all the while Lea's stomach danced with butterflies...

Next week: Episode 51: Light at the end of the tunnel

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This week's photos are all from last weeks trip to Vancouver and the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Enjoy!

Huge Western Redwoods on Grouse Mountain

Loved the gnarled stump

Freshly carved hand rail on a part of the Grouse Grind

So incredibly steep...yeah, this part had steps!

The view of all the large freighters and oil tankers parked at the entrance to
Vancouver harbour - in the distance is Vancouver Island

The gondola pier on the cable car back to the bottom of Grouse Mountain,
with North Vancouver beneath it

Inside the chalet at the top of Grouse Mountain - such an
awesome painting...it was an enormous canvas!

The Three Lions peaks are still snow capped - taken from the cable car on my journey down

An ode to Ansel Adams and my inspiration for taking up
Photography

The Grouse Mountain cable car takes passengers up both ways

In the heart of Yaletown!

The World of Science Sphere on False Creek

Such an interesting sculpture near National Ave and Main Street

One of my favourite photos - taken in the lobby of
the Hotel Vancouver on West Georgia Street....stunning chandelier!

Friday, June 17, 2016

Airport blues

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This week I’m writing my blog from 35,000 feet as I jet my way to Vancouver, British Columbia, seat 18C to be exact...

As I was heading to the airport this morning at 5:30 am I was mentally flipping through ideas for my blog, but it struck me that a huge part of our travel experience is through an airport. And so, for better or for worse the variety of experiences is just as varied as the places we travel. However, what I found is that irrespective of the country or city that you’re visiting there has been a significant shift in the traveling experience, some good others not so good.

Take for example the monumental changes in security since 9/11…understandable, but not friendly to those having to grind through the long security lines, virtually get undressed then expose all of your belongings to x-ray machines under the ever watchful eye of the security guards with often police and military looking on – no fun or redeeming qualities in any of this. To be sure it’s a painful and aggravating process that we all must endure.

Any sort of complaint or display of frustration is dealt with both swiftly and harshly – yeah, I definitely don’t want to be on that no-fly list! So we all grin and bear it because the alternative is both inconceivable and incomprehensible.

The melding of keeping people safe and treating them respectfully somehow got lost in translation, or perhaps it’s the incongruence between the fun and excitement of traveling against the backdrop of keeping the masses “safe” which puts everyone a little more on edge. I find that everyone’s anxiety levels are significantly raised either via frustrations, impatience or often both. We live with it, but no one likes the prospect of enduring this process no matter who they are.

Given that over the years I’ve traveled a lot! Almost 2 million air miles is a significant amount no matter who you are. Of course, like most of us we align ourselves early in our traveling career with certain airlines, hotels, car rentals to take advantage of the loyalty programs and pick up some perks along the way. Why not! :-)

Of my swag of air miles three quarters have been with Air Canada, and although I know that all airlines have their issues but I often find myself surprised, and not in a good way with Air Canada!

This morning, after getting through security I went to the Air Canada lounge, and grabbed some oatmeal. Since forever there have been cranberries, raisins or brown sugar to add to the oatmeal to liven it up a little, which I always appreciated. So this morning when I couldn’t find any of these I asked an attendant who informed me, a little too brusquely that they no longer providing these accoutrements…btw really didn’t need the bitchy face either. The arbitrary nature of this is no surprise when it comes to Air Canada, but really of all the things to cut?

However, what I love most is the way they constantly go on about being voted the best airline in North America…to be clear that is a low bar my friends! Every other airline in North America has driven our flying experience to all time lows with the nickel and diming of flyers, think - buying of those crappy disposable headsets, snacks/food and those infuriating baggage fees when you have to check a bag. This is especially aggravating after "charging you like a wounded bull" for the ticket in the first place, and then not allowing you to take carryon but instead having to check it – it’s like a ‘win-win’ for the airline.

I also love the bevy of ridiculous surcharges and taxes that are tacked onto the price of your ticket to over inflate the price of travel. Can you say galling? The most frustrating part is the hundreds of millions of dollars in profit they continue to wring out of traveling public, all the while lowering the bar on overall customer experience and the services they provide. Just sayin!

I’m not sure who votes for these awards, or even how to vote, but with the loss of my beloved cranberries and raisins I’m giving them a low score if I ever get asked. ;-)

Okay, so where was I before I got sidetracked on my airline rant….

Oh yes, even after getting through the first hurdles of your airport experience somewhat emotionally unscathed, I often find myself immersed in a giant shopping mall. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but it’s a far cry from the airports of even five years ago. Can you say commercialized and non-descript?

Case in point is this morning I flew from Toronto’s Pearson International airport, which is arguably the gateway for travellers from all corners of the earth into Canada. I endeavoured to take a step back and look at the airport with a fresh set of eyes and what I realized was that I could have been in any shopping mall in the world. There was little to distinguish it Apparently I missed the memo on the fact that we were just going to substitute the airport for a giant shopping mall.

I was overcome with the feeling of emptiness on my realization that my airport had lost its way. There was no unique identity, nor feeling of being welcomed into Canada or Toronto…just another faceless airport.

It’s quite sad really, but like many things in life it seems that the travel experience has been completely sanitized at the price of creating an exciting portal that readies you for an adventure or welcomes you home with a warm embrace after another life changing experience. Nope, bland and boring are the only words that spring to mind. Eek!

As you know I travel a lot, so don’t get me wrong Toronto is not alone…almost every airport I’ve been in the last two years is almost identical. Seriously I could have been in any country in the world this morning - same brands, same feel...

Okay, TW get over yourself – it is what it is. That being said I feel better with sharing my inner most thoughts with you, although I’m not sure you do? ;-)

Now that I’m on the plane all of these worries fall away as my excitement builds for my adventure to Vancouver. Another of my favorite North American cities nestled high in the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by snow capped peaks and with the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean lapping at its feet – one of the most picturesque cities in the world bar none! I worked here from 2007 to 2011 and so very excited to be coming back even for just a short visit.

Stay tuned in the next couple of weeks for what I’m expecting to be some spectacular photos from the series of shoots I have planned.

Ciao Ciao!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Hanoi Posting”

A series of fictional micro-stories by Terence Wallis

Episode 49: Accused

Within minutes of arriving inside the Citadel which is Hanoi's military headquarters the prisoners were led one by one from the vehicles that had transported them from the Old Quarter. Mai was helped from the car by an awestruck private who showed her to an adjacent building, while Anh was led purposefully toward a large doorway by the officer in charge. Trung and his cohorts were roughly taken from the back of the truck and pushed single file toward the main barracks building.

Anh was led into the basement, along a corridor and then into a dimly lit interrogation room. Once seated the accompanying officer offered Anh a cigarette which she snatched just a little too forcefully from the outstretched pack, she smiled malevolently knowing that in just a few short minutes she would be free to go, and that this half wit would be severely punished by his commanding officer for taking in one of Hanoi's most important residents.

The minutes ticked slowly by as Anh held her gaze at the officer, who unblinkingly returned it just as maliciously. Eventually she could hear the sound of footsteps in the corridor, then stop before the door burst open. General Binh stood in the doorway and surveying the scene then motioned for the officer and the guard to leave the room at once. Once they had retreated into the corridor the General turned on Anh, and without smiling walked toward her and slapped her hard across the face. Anh was rocked by the hard blow across her cheek and was lucky to not be knocked from her chair.

Anh had been caught completely off guard by the turn of events, not only had she expected General Binh to apologize and release her at once, but now also that something else was afoot. Now it was Anh's mind who was racing, normally the military kept out of her affairs as long as she continued to pay her tribute, but something was different this time...

Tôi không có thời gian cho việc này (I have no time for your games!) Các nhà báo Úc ở đâu? (Where is the Australian Journalist?)

Rarely had Anh been intimidated, but General Binh was an imposing figure, not only tall (almost 6'2") but also powerfully built. His most recognizable feature was the enormous scar that ran across his nose and left cheek. Rumour had it that he'd received it when the fin of a rocket propelled grenade sliced his face during the Tet Offensive in February 1968.

This highly decorated hero from the American war was the stuff of legends and no one messed with General Binh. He ran the Hanoi military district with an iron fist and now a tremor of fear ran through Anh as he stood before her and slammed his fist hard on the table, the impatience visibly seething from every pore and sinew of his being.

All she could do was look into his cold eyes to know at once that this was now a life and death decision...

Next week: Episode 50: Sojourn

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This week's photos are all from last year's trip to Firenze, so the only way to fix my longing for Italy is to book a trip...which I did this week. So I'll be there the first10 days of October Iand plan on spending a few days on Lake Como then down to visit my friends Arianna & Alessio in Tuscany... Can't wait

Enjoy!

A view from the Bell Tower in Firenze on another magical Italian morning...

Early morning shopkeepers checking out the local traffic

The crest and symbol of Firenze (Florence), and such a recognizable
and defining logo for Italians

The ubiquitous scooter - the lifeblood of Italy

Such an interesting design for a door - not your average
Italian door....lots of North African overtones to the architecture

The Duomo in Firenze - spectacular!

The adjacent Bell Tower to the Duomo - hand cut colored marble
if you please...such craftsmanship!

If you don't go early you have to deal with a 400 meter line...how many hours
do you want to stand in line. I got there at 8:00 am to be first in line - awesome!

Only sometimes...and I like it!

Beautiful afternoon reflections in the Arno river in Firenze

Friday, June 10, 2016

Eighteen...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is it about our generation and our kids? Oh and by the way, I am an archetypical example of what I’m talking about so don’t think this is a rant, no far from it. Recently I hatched a plan around the kids eighteenth birthdays/graduation present, but using this as a backdrop - oh how the pendulum has swung since I turned 18.

I explained to them that my present to them each was a three week trip to a destination of their choice…the downside is that they have to go with me! Not surprisingly Zach was “all over it like a dirty shirt” and had a handful of great ideas and options right out of the gate. In fact over breakfast this past weekend he shared with me that he wants to go backpacking in Europe and reeled off a host of fantastic things to see and do almost immediately. Of course, no backpacking trip is complete until you buy a train pass and have to coordinate schedules to get between cities.

Clearly another endearing thing about backpacking around Europe is staying in all types of accommodation including hostels! This trip isn’t about doing it in style, but learning to live on the road with the bare minimum, while at the same time building confidence in your survival skills particularly within other cultures especially where English is not the first language spoken. And seriously that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

True, he’ll have me with him but the majority of the planning and execution will be on him to manage, I'll just along for the trip with my camera.

His “must see” list begins in Berlin, then onto Prague, Bratislava, Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg and finally Munich. Clearly the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree with respect to his thirst for adventure, and so exploring some of Europe’s most historic and interesting cities is a top priority for him. Zach will have graduated high school by then and be looking to make the move to University so a perfect time to explore the world and get a taste of bigger world.

Zach has a deep love of world cultures, history and politics, so this trip has him really excited about spending time in each of these amazing cities, and I’m sure that he’ll be researching each with a keen eye to uncover some of the lesser know places and important historical sites in each city. Fortunately Zach is a mature and independent soul, so I’m sure he’ll want to spend a good amount of time exploring by himself…

I must say he’s going to be blown away by what he's going to discover on our adventure. The innate beauty along with the deep historical roots make for a unique trip, especially as Zach is the consummate history buff.

As you know I've always been a bog proponent of expose my kids to the larger world and do it as often as we can. There are so many great things that take root from these experiences in the form of independence, confidence and a general curiosity of the world.

Indelible Tip #1: A voice. For the most part I always give Zach and Sami a say in where we go and what we do when we travel together. I’ve found that one of the best things about traveling with them is when they are a big part of the decision making process they own the outcome and I don’t have to entertain them or make them happy... Nope, the only people they can complain to is themselves, and perhaps learn a thing or two about themselves along the way. Trust me it gets easier as they’ve gotten older, but to be fair I started them off when they were 12 and 10 and so now they are quite experienced travelers.

Indelible Tip #2: Mixed bag I’ve also found that introducing them to travel early has been an eye opening experience in that they have had to learn to adapt to all sorts of cultures and environments. Although I love luxury travel as much as the next person I also like road trips, and staying off the beaten track so varying the types of accommodation and activities is an enlightening experience.

A great example is when we were on our road trip to Florida via the Freedom Rights Trail last Christmas and we stopped in Birmingham, Alabama to go see the Civil Rights Institute. There were only a few people at the museum and afterwards I walked across the road to take a photo of the 16^th Street Baptist Church that was bombed in 1963 at the height of the Civil Rights movement. As I did a man approached and asked what I was doing, I explained that we were visiting the city and that this is an important part of recent history that my kids should know about.

For the next 15 minutes he proceeded to talk about growing up in the neighborhood during that era - a serendipitous conversation that brought a human face to the drama that unfolded here. He then took us and showed us some amazing little tidbits on the Church building that are not easily noticeable unless you have someone who can show you. It was a fascinating moment in our trip and visibly reinforced the fact that you need to be open to experiences and learn to trust your instincts when you travel.

Indelible Tip #3: Learning the Art As you can tell I’m also a big proponent of teaching my kids the art of traveling so that they can explore and appreciate the amazing world that we live in on their terms. Even something as simple as teaching them the first rule of traveling (i.e. placing everything you think you should take on your bed, but then only take half) is such a simple, yet effective rule that applies to everyone irrespective of age.

I always say, if it doesn’t make the pack list after following the first rule of traveling and you desperately need it when you’re away - buy another! Only rarely have I had to buy something to make up for my shortfall. Plus the value add is that you don’t need a big bag to lug around when a smaller, perhaps carryon will suffice. Just sayin!

Zach is already excited about buying his backpack and planning the trip, even though it’s literally a year away. The most exciting thing for me is feeling his excitement and enthusiasm for his pending adventure… what a memorable gift to have for your eighteenth birthday.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Hanoi Posting”

A series of fictional micro-stories by Terence Wallis

Episode 48: Powerless

John felt completely powerless given the situation and brooded over what to do with the Hanoi situation. He looked at the clock on the adjacent wall in his office, it was almost six o'clock and although he'd gone through the motions all afternoon it wasn't until then that it struck him that Lea was leaving for Hanoi that night...

"Shit" he said out loud, and called her office but there was no answer. Next her called her flat...his heart began to sink as couldn't remember her flight details, in the past she would have given them to him but since the whole matter with Bill being posted to Hanoi a definite coolness had invaded their relationship.

He hesitated to call Glenda, but felt he had no choice. Dailing the number, it rang twice before her recognizable voice came on the line, "hello" she said formally. It's me, what time does Lea's plane leave for Bangkok he asked a little too hurriedly. There was a moments silence before Glenda responded, "seven o'clock no thanks to you" she said pointedly.

John had no patience after the eventful day and responded tersely "look somethings come up in Hanoi and she can't go". "A little too late don't you think?" John wasn't sure if Glenda knew that he'd gotten her working papers for Vietnam so didn't press the matter too hard before gruffly hanging up.

Next he called British Airways to see if he could catch Lea at the boarding gate, but the British Airways agent was apologetic, "I'm sorry sir but the flight has just pushed back from the gate".

As he hung up the phone his head was spinning, he was worried for the safety of Bill and Phuong and now Lea was on a plane bound for goodness knows what, could it get any worse he thought. Taking a deep breath, he reasoned the only thing for him to do now was get on the earliest flight to Hanoi and sort this out when he got there...

Next week: Episode 49: Accused

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This week's photos are all from last year's trip to Italy...this week has been hard as I've had Lake Como and San Giovanni on my mind. Feeling strangely like I need a fix of this beautiful part of the world.

Enjoy!

TW