Greetings from Turtle Lake, Saskatchewan

I've arrived in Canada after a 16 month absence. The trip itself consisted of a $45 cab ride from home to the airport. They checked my luggage through to Vancouver- and I discovered that the person working there had been to Saskatchewan! She loved Saskatoon berry pies. How very exciting to discover a traveller who knew of SK, instead of just BC. My flight to Auckland was on one of the tiny planes Blenheim is known for- 10 rows, 21 seats, and I endeed up in the very back of the plane with the only 3 row seat in the plane. The poor man beside me got the middle and he was crushed between myself and the other fellow. It was the skinny plane without overhead lockers, and also I think without a lavaratory. Anyhow, I arrived in Auckland without incident, and made my way following the blue line to the International terminal. I wandered up to the shopping area, and finally through the gates. This was the first time I travelled with the new security "liquids/ gels" thing in action. I had a ziplock bag with my stuff ready- and though I went... (Although I did manage to leave my handbag at security - but only for a minute or 2 before I realized my load seemed a little too light.)

When I finally went to my particular gate, I discovered that I was to be on the inaugural flight from Vancouver to LA. I figured this out rather quickly, as I walked in to be handed a cocktail made of manuka honey and maple syrup, and was also handed a waffle with maple syrup. The room was decorated with maple trees and a ton of fake snow... I pity the cleaners. Anyway, eventually we made it onto the plane where I was delighted to discover there was no one sitting next to me. HURRAY!!! The flight crew was quite excited about it being the first flight, and the airline as well. They gave us presents (unfortunately not thinking of those with connecting flights, it contained lotions and gels...) They also provided free beverages during the flight. This wasn't overused due to a period of extended turbulence. I managed to sleep a bit, and finally the 13 + hour flight drew to an end as we landed in Vancouver.

I waited a seeming age for my backpack to finally come through, and then proceeded through customs and rechecked it. And then it was Canada- where I quickly proceeded to have some long awaiting for rootbeer (but not until after watching the Maori ceremony- as there were important folks on the inaugural flight, including folks on a trade delegation).

I decided to treat myself to one of those back massages, and again discovered another difference of being back in Canada- needing to add tax and tip. After an hour or two further of nice chatting with other young travellers from NZ and India, I was in Edmonton- where my brother picked me up. We went to Moxies for dinner- and I loved the non-stop pop! I forgot about that as well... And finally we made it home to mom and dads about 2am.

I've had a pretty relaxing few days since then, have visited some family and started trying to decide what clothing, shoes and handbags will be making the journey back to NZ with me.

Last night I was delighted to watch the election results and see that a change is coming. I only wish I would have been here to work on the campaign.

The snow began to fall last night during the election results. There are a solid few inches now, I'd say.

Temps havent been too bad- in the -2 neighbourhood right now, but it still feels cold for me. That said, the internal house temperature is so great and toasty warm! :)

Tomorrow mom dad and Shawn and I leave for Kelowna BC, (about a 15 hour drive)- to visit my older brother and his wife & her family.

After that, a stop in Regina, which was my home for 10 + years, is to come.

Other initial readjustments to Canada-
orange cheddar cheese
YUM YUM perogies
Call display & telemarketer