just a few items of note

We are only four days into vacation and I am somewhat nonplussed about a few of the things we've seen.  Some intrigue me regarding the future - wi-fi hotspots at the rest stops in both Oregon and Washington.  Some made me even angrier than normal with our current federal administration:  a one hour wait at the border crossing into Canada - last time we came through it took 5 minutes.   Want to learn to treasure hunt?  Forget geocaching - Grocery shopping in the West End of Vancouver - what a trip!  Of course, NO customer service versus excellent customer service was a starting point just the other day.  At this rate my blog will be more about my observations on the things we see and hear instead of just a daily report on the vacation and what we've done.

First, all the wi-fi.  There we were, heading up I-5 just past Medford Oregon when I see the first sign:  Rest stop 1 mile, wi-fi hotspot.  Are you kidding me?  I can remember in January trying to find a Barnes and Noble for their hotspot, and now it's available at the state rest stops.  And - when we stopped for Lee to geocache at one, there were several people with their laptops checking in on things.  Amazing - yet ATT can not get it that there should no longer be a roaming charge or out of country issues with cell phones.  Those who have yet to discover Skype or iChat need to get moving - talking over land lines or cell phones without viewing the person is out of date and too expensive. Get with the program.

Next item of real interest was our experience crossing the border into Canada.  While the lines are not quite what they are at the San Ysidro crossing into Mexico, it took the better part of an hour to cross.  That was unheard of before.  Lee got out and took pictures at Peace Arch Park - the crossing point - including the long lines of cars.  While there were only two lines - and it was July 4th - it still took way too long to cross over to our closest ally.  The manager at the Lynnwood Comfort Inn told us crossing times are getting as high as three hours!  Unbelievable.  What kind of a world are we making?

Now, everyone who knows me knows I can shop with the best of them.  And Vancouver is a city MADE for shopping.  However, grocery shopping is different.  We walked forever to find a grocery store - 1.3 km to be exact.  Want a restaurant?  Just walk out the door and two blocks either way and you'll find any type of food you could possibly desire.  Want to cook it yourself?  Walk through the rain 1.3 km.  At least I got my exercise in for the day.  And we did get some good stuff - just not what I am used to.  But, I got to see a part of Vancouver I've never seen and that's a plus.  I like this city.

Well, it's 5 pm on Saturday evening, July 5.  I think I'll stop for now and have a beer with my husband.  Hope all is well with everyone.  Adieu.  ds