Waiting at YVR

Is departure worth a post, even if there is no “eventful” occurrence? Well, yes. The fact that I can even embark upon this journey is rather an Event to me.
My traveling companion is Diana; we’ve known each other for over a decade, and have holidayed together in the past. We plan to spend a few days in and around Sydney, before heading along the Princes Hwy south and west, towards Melbourne. Cyclones notwithstanding, of course. Although the drive can be done in two moderately long days, or the distance covered on the inland route, we are taking it slow. We have plans to stop in a few small towns to browse, hit the beach, sit on a deck, eat and drink. There may even be some gardens and farms to visit. I’ve been invited to a few community gardens, and found one or two others on the internet.

Our flight left late, after some electrical problem was discovered at taxiing. The 777 is full, and so no “gap” seats for stretching out. My seatmate is an airline employee, flying standby, to attend a sporting event. Her party waited five days, in Vancouver, for their flight. In an effort to avoid dry, drab “plane food”, I had ordered a fruit plate ahead of time. The ability to order special meals is definitely an advantage of scheduled, over standby, travel. The fruit was cool and fresh, if not overly imaginative. What is one to do in the middle of winter anyways? I was grateful for the melons, oranges and grapes, though realized that that was all I was going to be served on the 16 hr flight. Good thing I was prepared with meal/snack bars. We had bouts of mild turbulence, but nothing too serious.

Sydney, here we come!

Getting Ready

In preparation for my first trip of serious duration in over a quarter century, it occurs that I could actually share some of my experiences... before I come home and forget everything. Perhaps I'll even learn how to add photos. I don't know; new phone, new laptop; that's a whole lotta new.

Let's begin with a note that my flight to Sydney leaves in 36 hours or less. I have not packed. In fact, there is still a load of laundry on the go. I'll be gone for about four weeks, and the trip encompasses five flights, and two road trips. There is an apartment in Melbourne with my name on the key :) and rumour of fruit in someone's kitchen which is waiting to be preserved.

Community farmers and gardeners have offered tours of their newly turned sites. Fellow chefs have extended kitchen invites. And, it's SUMMER and harvest time in Australia. What's not to like about this? Add a little beach, some wine, a little cheese, maybe a farm or two.

And so, it begins...