The Bags Are Packed

Yes, the bags are packed, new batteries in the camera, documents organized in a file folder, and the wait begins for our ride to Regina.  We'll spend New Year's Eve with friends by having a delicious meal(2nd seating, 9:00 at the Fireside Bistro), then going to bed early to rest up as much as possible for the long trip over the Pacific Ocean...22 hours of travel.  Sleep won't be an option for me, I need to be in the prone position to get some decent rest.  So cat naps it will be!  A movie here, a chapter there, and the occasional walk up and down the aisle to stretch the legs.

My next post will take place in Hanoi, Vietnam.  The weather is around 20 degrees, and a bit rainy.  Hopefully, the rain will subside, but the temperature won't until we get a bit further south.

A final Christmas gift arrived today... the beginning bloom of the Christmas cactus, I was worried that we might miss it!

A Winter Wonderland

People are always excited to get away from the frozen land that we endure for months on end to a warm and sunny destination.  Summer clothes are washed and packed, sunscreen is located from the back of cupboards, bug spray rounded up and off we go with e-tickets and passports in hand.  The get away is always enjoyed and reminisced about for months on end.  But living in a northern climate has its wonders that no one can deny.

Our four seasons brings nature alive to its grandest and finest glory.  My mother, who was an artist, taught me to appreciate the colours of mother nature.  She pointed out the June green which has become an all time favourite for me. Every June, during the last two weeks, the foliage on the trees and bushes is a marvelous green.  It is a light, fresh, beaming hue.  This shade is short lived and eventually succumbs to the heavy dry green of July and August and gives way to golden colours of September.  

Autumn radiates golds, and oranges, and reds that bring a sense of calm to every cell of your body.  There is nothing like getting on your bike on a warm autumn day, the sun shining brilliantly, with only a slight breeze and heading down the road knowing the last days of an Indian summer are slipping away and allowing a pathway for a colder era to take control. 

Winter... talked and complained about endlessly.  It sends us scampering to the inner sanctity of our warm homes.  The brave ones head out to outdoor rinks and play hockey until the witching hour(at least our two kids did).  Others jump on their sleds and and carve up the fields enjoying a fresh new snow fall.  Many dust off their skis and head to a variety of slopes.  Nevertheless, it is a brilliant time of the year that makes you reach for your sunglasses faster than a sunny July morning.

Yes, we will be heading for warmer climates, getting away from the grip of winter.  And yes, I do appreciate to climate we live in.  The change of seasons, brings out the glories of nature.  This past week has sent many  Saskatchewan folk grabbing their cameras to capture the winter wonderland  that was brought before our eyes.  Those that live in a southern climate miss out on the changing seasons and can only appreciate it through visual displays in books, TV and internet.  The pictures don't capture the scent of lilac bushes, the crunch of snow, or the chill on the cheeks. Only us hardy northerners have the privilege of these delights!  

Christmas Craaaaziness!!

Christmas is on the doorstep, and most of my buying, baking, wrapping, and decorating is done.  I`ve always enjoyed Christmas, and it was a magical time of the year for me as a child.  I enjoy the busyness, carols, singing, parties, spontaneous visits from friends, the sparkle of the season, and of course all the food.

This year, of course, was much more relaxing for me.  Being retired has given me the opportunity to slow the Christmas season down.  I fill my days cooking up a storm while watching sappy Christmas movies, and  I absolutely love it!!!  My son laughs at me, saying, "sitting around watching B rated movies again, hey Mom."

But with Christmas on my mind, I have also been busy with travel plans.  Lonely Planet books needed to be bought, and internet searches began.  Many people ask me where we are vacationing this year, but in my mind, we aren`t going on a vacation, we are traveling.  To me, the two are very different. Independent travel isn`t for everyone.  It takes a lot of work, no one does it for you, and any screw-ups are your own!! People ask, "Why?"  Good question!!  Cost is a biggy!  The decision to be gone for three months has an impact on the pocketbook, and indy type travel provides the option for lower costs. Don't get me wrong, all inclusives are a great choice, and you can get some pretty awesome deals if you're on the hunt. They are also great if you are going for a week or two and just want to hang out and relax in a sunny destination.  But for us, and especially now with being retired, indy is the way we like to go.  Our choices give us a better understanding of a different culture, unique foods, fantastic geography, different people and their view of the world.  We have always traveled this way, excluding one experience we had at an all inclusive in Mexico, in which we had an awesome time.
  

As of now, flights have been booked, visas granted, and a couple of accommodations planned.  A turkey has to be cooked and a suitcase needs to be packed.  The waiting is almost over, and I feel like a kid again, anticipating the joy of the unknown, and unexpected.  Asia, here we come!!