July 1, 2009

Happy Birthday Canada!

We're all here and the Vancouver Airport really is one of the most beautiful airports in the world!! All 5 of us are sitting in the departure lounge and ready for our flight....still almost an hour until boarding time though.

Mom and I arrived at the same time as Rob, and John and Hannah were here before we knew it. In true Forde fashion there was a bit of a story though.....John and Hannah's tickets weren't on record (due to the last minute nature of their purchase) so there was a moment of excitement and the agent had to contact Globespan headquarters to confirm John and Hannah on our flight. It was just a little excitement to shake things up though and in the end we all cleared security together.

The drive forMom and I into Vancouver was easy and the sun shone all the way for our send off. We made excellent time and arrived at Carolyn's condo in Yaletown ahead of schedule. Dropped off my bags for the return trip, parked the car, and made arrangements with the concierge for a taxi to take us to the airport. Within minutes our cab driver arrived driving a Toyota Prius. It was a first for both mom and I and we were amazed by the ample room inside that seemingly little car. Our driver was a friendly fellow and before we knew it we had a full understanding of just how a hybrid works and the potential for savings in the cost of operation. By the time we reached the airport it was obvious that our driver should be getting a paycheck from Toyota as he was possibly their best amassador. I told him as much and he agreed to look me up to give me a kickback on his first million in commissions from Toyota once he had conviced them he deserved to be paid for the customers he sends their way. It really is a good idea.....a business card that says...."taxi driver/roving car rep"......maybe I should patent the idea and get in at ground level :-)

Our personalities are showing up as we sit here waiting to board our flight.....Hannah is talking talking talking while mom is listening listening listening to her stories. John has already seen at least one person he knows, Rob is off for a walk to check out the place, and I am documenting the experience while I guess what the other people sitting in the airport might do in their day to day lives.

Hmmmm.....let's see....a lovely specimin just walked by and as luck would have it he appears to be the pilot for our plane :-) Directly across from me is an elderly gentleman dressed in his Sunday best who is also en route to Dublin. I know that because he has been in every line we've been in since arriving at the airport and in the first one he asked if this was the line up for Dublin. There is a man sitting near him who must be an accountant or something like that as he looks like he's never seen the sun andthen there is the girl sitting across from him who is texting like there is no tomorrow....She has more carry on luggage than a small army would need .... I wonder how she made it through security with all of that!!?? Ah yes....people watching in the airport is an interesting way to pass the time.

Speaking of time....time for me to sign off now and go for a little wander before we get on that 10 hour flight!!

Next time I write...we'll be on the Emerald Isle and driving on the wrong side of the road from the wrong side of the car.

Lorrie