 Jessica Page - puppylover22 | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 28th July 2009 IslandWolfMan | Perfectly Good Pants - From: Coffee, pants, and wine. YES. As a Canadian wanting pants, you should have been looking in the ditch. For you others, look up Corner Gas. |
| 7th July 2009 Steve | Cold Showers - From: My name is Jessica, and I have an internet problem Jess don't you remember PJ'99 all they had were cold showers there! |
| 7th July 2009 Steve | Cold Showers - From: My name is Jessica, and I have an internet problem Jess don't you remember PJ'99 all they had were cold showers there! |
| 5th July 2009 IslandWolfMan | Great Photos - From: Under the Umbrella Tree I looked at the photos on Flickr first and I zoomed in to confirm that was a pit viper. I was not pleased, until I read that your guide took the photo -- I should never have doubted you. That's a female Slaty-tailed Trogon in your last picture and she's holding a feather (possibly from a Great Green Macaw). I was pretty keen on the trogons at the Toronto Zoo in 1975 and used to watch them a lot. There's no way that can compare to seeing them in the wild. I'm envious. Keep those pictures coming. |
| 3rd July 2009 Louise Page | - From: In Costa Rica, but without my boys Dear Jessica, Thanks so much for taking the time to write this - in the middle of getting yourself set-up in Costa Rica. I'm going to try to be cool and not say anything about you flying off to Costa Rica without cash (ohmygodohmygod). Obviously I very much hope that your hostel passed muster and is mostly free of biting things. It would be great to have a few geckos crawling up the walls (they eat the little biting things) and you could watch their adhesive foot pads in action. Please get some sleep! Well I hope that Costa Rica is every bit as beautiful as we've been led to believe. Keep the blog entries coming! Love Mom |
| 3rd July 2009 Dad | Pics would be good - From: In Costa Rica, but without my boys That's a country I'l probably never get to, so pictures would be a big help. Hope you brought your binos, Costa Rica has some spectacular birding. Have a great time and see you in a few weeks. |
| 16th March 2009 Katelyn S | Interesting Site - From: Hitler's Grave is a Dirt Parking Lot--No Joke Even if there is just a few remains, he is where he belongs guys! He doesn't deserve this big fancy gravesite thing! He killed so many people and never had a pinch of emotion for it, not one single emotional bone in his body! This man was sick and doesn't even deserve recognition! This person was a cold and heartless man. He kill so many innocent people, for no good reason. They hadn't done anything to him but stay with their religion and I would have done the same thing because my religion is importaint to me and I would give up anything for it. I would give up my life for it because you don't drop your religion because someone says so! You stick with what you believe in! God would take care of me if my life was taken and I would have everything I needed...so ya know what? Take my life because I won't change my religion but When judgement day comes We'll see who the sorry ones are. ~Katelyn |
| 29th December 2008 Kamilla Dietrichson | Cool blog from your trip to Berlin - From: Hitler's Grave is a Dirt Parking Lot--No Joke Just wanted to help you out with the name of the Berlin gate, it's called Brandenburger Tor. :) Happy holidays Sincerely, Kamilla |
| 31st August 2008 IslandWolfMan | How about an update? - From: OK... one more entry, though Vancouver doesn't really deserve Travelblog status Tofino and TO might qualify for a blog entry. |
| 29th November 2007 Mom | - From: It's A Different World South of the Border Great posting Jessica. I forgot to bring home my computer's AC adapter last night and just about ran down the battery while reading your very long missive. I suspect that the Vancouver meeting will be a come-down after the Quito activities. At the very least there will be a lot less sun, booze, music, and dancing. I look forward to seeing the promised pics when you return to Victoria. Love Mom |
| 28th November 2007 Uncle Dave | North or South - From: Prayer At The Middle of the World Make up your mind. Are you still a Northerner or have you switched ranks? Cherish these days. I'm sure you realize how fortunate you are having done what you have in the last year. Good for you Jess; enjoy yourself. Uncle Dave |
| 24th November 2007 IslandWolfMan | Don't blame the shower - From: World Tour Continues. Next Stop: Ecuador! Writing is always ying/yang Jess. Don't lose the artistic side for the temporary expedience of your academic career. I'm sorry I have to send you out of town to read your writing again but it is a joy to us all. And don't blame the hotel for the drain backing up -- Oh yee, Queen of the hour long shower. Love always, Dad |
| 24th November 2007 Mike Tennisco | Jet Set Jessica - From: World Tour Continues. Next Stop: Ecuador! Hi Jess, Keep going like this and you will end up visiting more of the planet than I have in 25 years in the military! I hope you conitnue to enjoy yourself! I'll see you next week in Vancouver. |
| 24th November 2007 Mom | Not boring at all! - From: World Tour Continues. Next Stop: Ecuador! What a thrill to see that you've reactivated your travel blog! Now it's back to the go old days of checking every day to see what new adventures you've been having. I must let Dawna Brand know about this. Good to hear that you arrived in Quito safely. |
| 29th April 2007 Uncle Dave | - From: The last entry......? Probably not Very perceptive Jess. We are so lucky to live in the country we do, and unfortunately there are those of us that take it for granted. Welcome back! Love Uncle Dave |
| 6th April 2007 Aunt Nancy | No place like home - From: The last entry......? Probably not So Dorothy was right after all. We're so glad you shared your marvelous adventure with all of us. Love, Aunt Nancy |
| 31st March 2007 Mom | - From: The last entry......? Probably not My days will be much the poorer without the anticipation of finding a new blog entry from you. I very much look forward to seeing you in person in the near future. Love Mom |
| 26th March 2007 Mom | - From: Psh. And you call yourself an art museum. Honestly. Hard to believe that World Tour 2006-7 has come to an end. I guess this is my last chance to write a 'comment' because at this moment you're probably jetting back across the Atlantic. I will miss your blog notes greatly - so good of you to conscientiously keep us all posted on your adventures. See you in a few weeks! Love Mom |
| 25th March 2007 Dad | Da Vinci - From: Psh. And you call yourself an art museum. Honestly. Has it been so long that you forgot the DaVinci exhibit at the Royal BC Museum? It was only a very good forgery (err, reproduction) but there was a convincing Mona Lisa that you were within a few feet of, rather than a 30' glance at the real thing. Like you, I much preferred the smaller museums of Europe that had some remarkeable and even famous art that could be examined closely and at leisure. And some of the greatest works were in the churches. Enjoy your last night. "Now, blessings light on him that first invented sleep!" |
| 25th March 2007 Dad again | - From: Memories of Juno Beach--Noooo I'm not talking Canadian surf music here Kelly took gold in 9 (even most Canadians won't know what that means) |
| 25th March 2007 Dad | Not everyone is bored by science - From: Memories of Juno Beach--Noooo I'm not talking Canadian surf music here Why sometimes I watch Daily Planet twice a day. By the way, Jess, I'm scheduled to judge the Science Fair the same weekend as Robbie's wedding. And for all you Canadians, Kelly Scott is defending our honour at the World Championship of Curling in Japan on Sunday. With the time difference, its on at 10 Saturday night here. I said she looked unstoppable at the start of the Scottie and she has only lost one game in 2 tournaments since. Look out 2010. Looking forward to seeing you next week, Jess. |
| 23rd March 2007 Mom | - From: Fondue Fun and Other Amazing Times (WARNING: Do not read if you are studying for exams!) How will you ever be satisfied again when you return to your life back in Victoria? I like to think that your social class is not all that low. |
| 19th March 2007 Mom | - From: And the beer was blessed by God OK. We've been in suspense long enough - What happened after the beer was blessed by god? Did you connect with your friends in the Alps? What was on display at the Red Cross Museum? Looking forward to an update. |
| 10th March 2007 Dad | Congratulations Senator - From: More crazy keyboards. Ahhhh! If you are using XP, you can choose your language options, which includes keyboard mapping. There may be a small FR in the taskbar at the bottom which you can change to EN. Otherwise, there are date/language options in the Control Panel. |
| 10th March 2007 Mom | memorable place names - From: More crazy keyboards. Ahhhh! Hi Jess, Elps Kwelps - what a great name when pronounced by a Canadian tongue. Is the Dutch/French/German pronunciation equally smile-inducing? |
| 5th March 2007 laurel | street signs - From: So much to do, so little internet time jess - i love the differnet walking signs!! i saw a really cute one in france where the red stop man had his hands on his hips :P |
| 4th March 2007 Scouter Mike T | Berlin Wall - From: Hitler's Grave is a Dirt Parking Lot--No Joke I know it dates me a bit, but I can remember watching on TV as the wall came down near the Brandenburg Gate. A friend of mine was actually there that New Years and brought me home a little piece of it. When I visited Germany, I couldn't cross from West to East, so I envy you the opportunity!!! Enjoy your travels and keep posting! |
| 2nd March 2007 Mom | secret message - From: Hitler's Grave is a Dirt Parking Lot--No Joke The question is: What is my secret message? I've tried to scruitinize the writing on the PAGE toilet paper but could learn only that it was a 24 pack. The famous Berlin gate is the Brandenburg gate - It sort of starts with an 'F' if you leave out a few pieces of the letter 'B'. Your photo of this historic structure with the sunset in the background is fabulous - thanks so much from all of us for running to get it in time (see... you're clearly in better shape these days!). |
| 2nd March 2007 puppylover22 | Yah, you're right - From: Hitler's Grave is a Dirt Parking Lot--No Joke OK, OK, you're right about the grave part. Barnaby DID tell us that the Russians eventually found his body and stole the skull and dumped the ashes in the river and identified him using dental records and everything, but I'm sure there's still SOME ash reminants in that area... It's still a really historically fascinating spot for me, for sure! |
| 2nd March 2007 Paul Brewer | Sorry - From: Hitler's Grave is a Dirt Parking Lot--No Joke What a great website ! However...that parking lot is indeed where Hitler was set in a shallow trench and burned...but he isn't buried there. The Russians removed the charred remains of which a piece of Hitlers craniun and dental bridge are all that remain. By the way, the Hotel Adlon doormen are cool about letting you in to check it out. Iv'e been to the big "B" many times and on both sides before the wall came down. |
| 1st March 2007 Mom | stomach obsession - From: Sickies, sickies, everywhere! Woman also compulsively put their hands on their stomach when they're simply putting on weight and it's all ending-up in that particular spot! I speak from experience. Please don't get sick again. I have my fingers crossed for you (when they aren't on my stomach). |
| 27th February 2007 Mom | toast - From: Maastricht: Home Sweet Fake Home Loved the toast story. So nice to know that absent-mindedness is not my exclusive domain within the family. Maybe toast abstinence can be your default item for Lent. I also got a chuckle from your stories about your friends' broken Lent commitments - the road to hell... Hope you enjoyed Nelly. Best wishes, Mom |
| 24th February 2007 Aunt Nancy | - From: Yah, I can't think of a clever title tonight. Sorry! How about "Is that a tugboat on your head or are you just happy to see me?" |
| 21st February 2007 Dad | - From: Yah, I can't think of a clever title tonight. Sorry! My suggestion for a title is "Even Vegans like Carnivale in Maastrich" |
| 21st February 2007 Bingley, Mike Bingley | - From: The Sistine Chapel and Vatican City. Wow. I'm told that the Swiss still have the best trained army and the largest one per capita in the world but aren't allowed to send it anywhere but the Vatican because of treaties - their neutrality dates back to the days when they were the best trained mercenaries in the world. |
| 20th February 2007 Dad | - From: SPARTA! (clap clap clap) SPARTA! Hockey and blimps just naturally go together ;) The Canucks have a flying whale. http://www.norburnrc.com/flyingwhales.htm Sounds like a Salmon Kings game. Always a good time. |
| 20th February 2007 More Dad | - From: I know, I know, I'm bad for not updating Those soldiers appear to have learned how to march by watching the Wizard of Oz. Speaking of which (witch?) I got this episode on tape. You're going to love it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmQBsh26LCE |
| 20th February 2007 Dad | - From: Longest Train Day EVER! That explains why you were on Skype this morning and didn't call me. I went to get a cup of coffee at 9 with the intention of calling you, but when I came back you were gone. Sounds like great fun, but anywhere Phoebe is, fun is just around the corner. |
| 17th February 2007 Aunt Nancy | Jess the Brave One - From: SPARTA! (clap clap clap) SPARTA! Do you know that children's book? I just wanted to remind you how much those of us who know (and love) you enjoy your fabulous travelogue. You are so full of life! Your voice comes through in every entry - funny, free-spirited, full of curiosity. Bring on the questionable wine, the riot police, the strudel stealer - "I'm not afraid, I'm Canadian!" You make us smile. |
| 15th February 2007 Dad again | Free Internet - From: Out of the land of the Euro Free internet but no updates for 3 days ;) Happy Valentines Day, Jess. |
| 11th February 2007 Emily Rae | - From: A trip on the Titanic Hello, from a fellow travelblogger! I'm going to be traveling to Italy in a month or two and was wondering if you could give me some advice on getting around. I want to see...well, everything...and thought that a train pass would be easiest. The only one I've seen offers just three days within two months - I'll be in Italy for a week and want to travel more than that! I'm also a student. Any advice? Email: travel_goddess@hotmail.co.uk |
| 10th February 2007 Dad | Canon A300 Settings - From: Bologna and Venice, cont. Your camera has a setting for cloudy days that boosts contrast. Its worth taking pictures anyway and fixing them with software later. You should check that you have automatic white balance (AWB) on the rest of the time. Use the FUNC button to get the menu. http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/A300/A30A.HTM |
| 9th February 2007 Mom | - From: Bologna and Venice, cont. Hi Jess and Derek, A shame that Venice was so expensive. I seem to remember it being quite a bit cheaper than Rome when we were there years ago. Hope you like Vanity Fair. I read it a few years back and liked it - as I recall it dealt alot with the road to dispair when pursuing a course of trying to keep-up an expensive, fashionable lifestyle to impress the Jones's. I certainly hope that your most recent outbreak of bug bites receed soon. Alec will be arriving in Honolulu next week so it will be great to see him again. I really hope that you like Venice. I had a marvellous time their while attending a Mollusc Symposium about 6 years ago. It's really a charming city. Love Mom |
| 9th February 2007 Dad | Plaid - From: Bologna and Venice, cont. Burberry Plaid. The scarf is real but my trenchcoat is a fake. With the scarf, I can pull it off though. |
| 4th February 2007 Mom | - From: $12 an hour!!!!!! Hi Jessica. Venice was our favourite city when your Dad and I were in Italy. I hope it is just as lovely in the winter. Mind you, in certain spots it is necessary to hold breath as the sewage pipes occasionally spring leaks and the smell is pretty ripe! As an undergraduate, I took a course titled "The Roman Republic" as an Arts option. It really made seeing the sites of Rome all that more interesting, although most of the big historical monuments are from the Empire period. We ate lots of pizza in Italy because it was the only thing that we could afford. |
| 2nd February 2007 Dad | Groundhog Day - From: $12 an hour!!!!!! Foggy on Groundhog Day is good -- means the end of winter. Try to check your email or call me collect. |
| 31st January 2007 laurel | holy!!! - From: The Sistine Chapel and Vatican City. Wow. man jess! i can't believe all the places you've been already!!!! that's so awesome!!! say hi to derek from me!! |
| 30th January 2007 Dad again | WOW - From: The Sistine Chapel and Vatican City. Wow. Is that coincidence? Bill Gates released Windows Vista today and the motto is "Wow". |
| 30th January 2007 Dad | Vatican Guards - From: The Sistine Chapel and Vatican City. Wow. I should have mentioned that they took your camera but gave it back when you left the Vatican if you tried to take a picture in the Sistine Chapel. It was still under restoration (in 1989) and they only let a limited number of people in a time. As neat as the Coliseum was I much more enjoyed wandering the Forum and the Palatine hill all day with a detailed guidebook that identified all the sites. It was 35oC and we pretty much had the place to ourselves. We'll compare pics when you get home. Don't forget to have a bologna sandwich (you'll have as much trouble trying to get a Danish in Copenhagen). |
| 28th January 2007 Aunt Nancy | Travel in Italy - From: A trip on the Titanic You're going to have a fabulous time travelling in Italy. I've sent you the contact information for you uncle's cousin in Cosenza via email. They're in the "toe of the boot" so I don't know if you're going to head south down the coast (a wonderful trip if you do) or continue north through Europe. For a nice but reasonably priced dinner in Roma we recommend Tre Amici (down a side street from the Parthenon). Con amore |
| 28th January 2007 Dad | Harlequins - From: A trip on the Titanic You'll have to keep your eyes open for the Swiss guards at the Vatican with uniforms designed by Michelangelo. |
| 28th January 2007 Dad | No news - From: A trip on the Titanic As I told you by email, I haven't received any notices that you updated your blog so I suspect no one else has either. Mom told me about the bedbugs but when I went to look there was only the old London entry. Don't know what the problem was but it looks OK now. By the way, those "Royal Guard" soldiers, the Evzones, were wearing the modern Greek uniforms from the 19th Century. They only wear the white on Sunday. |
| 25th January 2007 anonymous | - From: I can't believe I'm here! You can see the rest of the Acropolis when you go back through London...most of it is in the Royal Museum :) |
| 19th January 2007 Dad | Welcome back - From: The Saga Continues Or actually, I guess goodbye. Usually you can get a better deal if can haggle at the desk but you have to be ready to turn around and walk away. Every place has a different policy. You should have asked to borrow his computer ;) Assuming you are headed to Italy or Spain after France, I'd go to Normandy from England for a few days then train all the way to the Riveria. Have fun. |
| 17th January 2007 Joost | Have good fun in Europe! - From: Bye Bye Bangkok! Ha Jessica, Derrick, Mark! I just quickly read al your story's from the last copple of weeks and it looks like you all had an amazing time in Malysia! I like that because i "have" to spend there 2 weeks at the end of February. At the moment I am in Angkor Wat (Cambodia) and it is amazing over here. The Tempels are even more beautiful then I already aspected (and I had really high expectations)! Vietnam was like a rollercoaster (big up's and downs). If you compare Bangkok with the big cities of Vietnam, then Bangkok is like a nice friendly, cousy, quiet city. But Vietnam has also some incredible nature (halong bay; mekong delta, central highlands) and some beautiful small villages. But overall I really had a good time overthere! So enjoy your time in Europe (I hope you have nice wetter) and if you're in Holland in March or April ( I fly back 28th of February), send a mail and maybe we can meet again! Greetings, Joost |
| 7th January 2007 Mom | dizzy - From: Entrapment in the Petronas Twin Towers I felt dizzy and ill just looking at your picture of the twin towers looking down from the sky walk - then I read that the skywalk was only half way up! Yikes ... I hope the construction workers were well paid. Mom |
| 6th January 2007 giggs_core | Hye - From: And Then There Were Two (Plus one) Hye Jess...That was the nice story about your travel to Singapore...I hope u`ll tell more about something new in Singapore that I never heard of...Take care...See ya.. |
| 6th January 2007 KLster | - From: And Then There Were Two (Plus one) Sports bar in KL city it self im not too sure maybe reggae bar or irish pub ? normally those live telecast pubs / bars are located outside of kl . Bangsar & Hartamas is a famous spot for live telecast sports like english premier league , cricket , rugby , hockey and etc etc , cause lots of expatriate who lives around the area i mention , both of the places are not far apart . |
| 5th January 2007 Dad | Your bed awaits - From: Entrapment in the Petronas Twin Towers I'll make sure your bed is ready for a 24 hr slumber on your return. See you at the ferry next week. |
| 4th January 2007 puppylover22 | Thanks for the tips! - From: And Then There Were Two (Plus one) Hi KLster. Thanks for the info on the Scout shops. I'll be sure to check those out. I'll try to make it out to Bangsar, too. Any suggestions on a sports pub that might be showing the World Jr. Hockey Championship games? |
| 3rd January 2007 KLster | - From: And Then There Were Two (Plus one) . |
| 3rd January 2007 KLster | Happy New Year ! - From: And Then There Were Two (Plus one) there are a few scout shops you might want to check it out in central market near by petaling street ( china town ) and also evergreen outdoor shop in campbell complex near by little india . a few suggestion's , try checking out bangsar & desa hartamas at night , it's one of the famous hang out joints for the locals , slightly outside kl , it takes about 10 minute ride from kl sentral to bangsar , and 20 minute ride to desa hartamas by taxi . those places are famous for night life activities , plenty of pubs , chill out bars , restaurants to eat . info & photo of bangsar http://www.cuti.com.my/Sub/Kl/shopping/kuala_lumpur_bangsar_jalan_maarof_telawi.htm |
| 2nd January 2007 Uncle Dave | Hello from Elora!!! - From: New Year's Fun and a Drastic Change of Plans Wow. Sounds like you're having the time of your life! Are you looking forward to coming back to Canada? Thanks for the Christmas card, and we hope to see you in August. Take care, jess. |
| 2nd January 2007 Aunt Nancy | Happy New Year from Creston! - From: New Year's Fun and a Drastic Change of Plans There's nothing like being outside all night in a strange city surrounded by a huge crowd of people - just what holidays are made of! I'm glad you are such a great sport and willing to see the fun in just about any situation. Our New Year's Eve was only slightly less exciting (hah!). But the snow is falling again and the Nelson ski hill has the best conditions in the whole area. Glad you're not going to be long in Thailand. We were worried (especially when we also heard an airplane went down). Take care! |
| 1st January 2007 Mom | - From: New Year's Fun and a Drastic Change of Plans Good on you girl!! I'm so proud of all your good decisions and the way you always keep your head and look on the bright side. Let's have a proper toast to peace on earth when we next get back together. |
| 31st December 2006 Mom | Happy New Year!! - From: The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round Thanks for the lovely land snail image Jess. I got down on all fours to photograph one at the Univ of Sydney campus and a security guy came by and thought I was a little daft (something to tell his mates about). I hope your ankle is feeling better as there will likely be lots to explore in Singapore. Hope you have a great time on New Year's Eve. I'm hoping to be able to see the Sydney fireworks from Sancta Sophia as its on quite a promintory - probably a long shot. Best wishes, Mom |
| 31st December 2006 Scouter Mike T | Great Photos & Missing You - From: Photo Update The photos are great Jess!!! I truly envy you the opportunity to travel in some of the countrysides that I have missed in my Navy port visits!!! Eddie was home for Christmas and commented on how much he missed getting all of your e-mails, keeping everything up-to-date. He also noted how much you have blossomed from that shy, quiet little blond girl that he first met as the Area Youth Rep!!! Enjoy your trip and keep posting! I'm having a great time living vicariously! |
| 30th December 2006 Granny | Lovely flowers - From: Photo Update Thanks for the pictures and thinking of me |
| 26th December 2006 Aunt Nancy | Where the boys are! - From: Carols, Santa Hats, and Booze, and a Free Hairstyle--Chirstmas in KL Well, Jess, sounds like you are just a boy magnet! I think you need a break from being the dorm mom, though. Reminds me of a time during university when a girlfriend and I were in the Bahamas and we ended up sneaking seven guys (friends of hers who were vacationing in Florida) into our room for a couple of nights because they booked a flight from Florida but neglected to find a hotel. I guess they make up for it in entertainment value (the milk challenge notwithstanding). Hope you're having a great boxing day. It was such a treat talking to you today. You are a marvel of communication! Have lots of fun on the last leg of your adventure. Be careful. Love from all of us in the snow. |
| 24th December 2006 Mike Bingley | - From: The Milk Challenge. Just for the record - I have never considered said milk challenge (or well, watching jackass) - sounds gross. Have a merry christmas! |
| 23rd December 2006 Dad | Boy:Girl Ratio - From: The Milk Challenge. Here's another pic from a Brit in Georgetown who is also surrounded by male friends (and complaining a bit). Its not all men, just most men. http://www.travelblog.org/Photos/759030.html?popped=2 |
| 23rd December 2006 Dad | I'll be home for Christmas - From: The Milk Challenge. Its no coincidence that "I'll be home for Christmas" is such a popular song. When I was in Michigan in 1981, we were all going to be in Creston for Christmas -- including Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Dave and Aunt Sherri. I drove from Houghton to Duluth, MN. Took a bus to Thunder Bay. Train to Vancouver. Bus and ferry to Victoria. 2 days later I got a ride with friends to Spokane with the intention to take the bus to Creston. However, there was a blizzard raging and we got there 2 hours late. They were going to NY so I started to hitchhike north at 3PM, in a blizzard, on Christmas eve. The first 2 rides to Sandpoint were fine but the next guy had a case of beer on the seat (half empty) and dropped me at his turn in the middle of nowhere in the dark. After an hour without anyone even slowing down, I started to walk up a long, long hill the 10 mi to Bonner's Ferry with my suitcase. No backpack, this was supposed to be an urban holiday. On the corner of a sharp curve, the bus roared past without stopping. If I'd realised I'd passed it I would have just waited. However, a guy from Bonners who'd passed by twice turned around and came to pick me up. He was renovating a store in town and had to keep running home for tools. I warmed up in his gift store by sweeping up some sawdust for him and then headed back to the highway. I was very close to Creston but by now its late on Christmas eve and there is no traffic going north to Canada. Finally, common sense struck and I walked back into town and called my sister in Creston. It was only a 20 minute drive and the border guard stayed a few minutes late so we could return to Canada after midnight. I made it "home" for Christmas but just barely. |
| 23rd December 2006 Dad | Rough and Tumble - From: Death of a surfing dream... by drowning Don't you remember rough and tumble? We used to play almost every night (at least until you were 4). That video looks exactly like it. |
| 23rd December 2006 laurel | ohh boys.... - From: Death of a surfing dream... by drowning nice video jess! have i ever mentioned i'm glad i'm not in your position??? keep it up girl!! less than 3 weeks for you now! isn't that crazy?? good to talk to you this morning! hope you had a fun time dancing last night!! :) |
| 22nd December 2006 zamski | Glad you enjoyed your stay - From: Sometimes, money CAN buy happiness! As a KLite (as we KL denzins call ourselves) glad you enjoyed your stay here....and I really feel proud of your compliments...although the part about Jurassic park is strecthing a bit. I found your story on being proud to be canadian really touching...as they say....your home is where your heart is. |
| 17th December 2006 Philip | Hey - From: Sometimes, money CAN buy happiness! As a fellow malaysian, i would like to welcome you and thank you for visiting! Malaysia is filled with fun! YAY! Maybe next time you could visit the jungles or climb a mountain here in Malaysia. =D |
| 17th December 2006 Rizby | - From: Sometimes, money CAN buy happiness! Glad you enjoyed Malaysia....and Jurassic Park IS also the "Jaws" of my generation! |
| 14th December 2006 IslandWolfMan | Dads are for whining - From: Just a quickie Seeing you by video was enough -- lets try that again some time. |
| 12th December 2006 Dad | Oh well - From: Back to Pad Thai, ATMs, and 7-11 Travelblog said that if I joined up my comments would appear immediately and wouldn't need to be moderated. They lied. Overall, though, this is a great travel blog site. I've dropped in on other people that are in the same places as you to see what others are doing. The bears at the waterfall is a common item. Alec still has 2 more exams -- I'm sure you're not missing that especially since he's had some rough ones. |
| 12th December 2006 Jonathan | - From: Back to Pad Thai, ATMs, and 7-11 Great blog !!! |
| 11th December 2006 IslandWolfMan | I joined up - From: Why Would Anyone Leave Paradise for the City? I think this will allow me to post comments without having to wait for your review. Let's see if this works. |
| 11th December 2006 Ryan Cho | I get the chair - From: Why Would Anyone Leave Paradise for the City? Ha. Put a leash on my brother. Though tell him that if he dies, i get the office chair in his room, which i have in fact been co-opting since he's been gone. |
| 10th December 2006 DAD | Don't worry, we're reading - From: Why Would Anyone Leave Paradise for the City? I don't want to clutter things up with my comments all the time, but I know lots of people are reading. Ran into Laurel at UVIC (Hi, Mark). Guess where MEC dry bags were made? (Well, not Laos, but Thailand and Vietnam). |
| 6th December 2006 Robin | long time no talk - From: Learning the Laos Language wow jess. how i envy you as i sit on a computer in the library studying for my enevitable onslaught of exams... i just read through a couple of your blogs...wow. sounds like you are having a ridiculously fun time. laos sounds fun! you should check out the golden triangle if you get the chance. i went there in grade 10, its where thailand, burma, and laos meet, its pretty cool, you can see all three borders, and there are crazy army men all over the place. its the hotspot for the opium trade there. they even have this cool opium museum with creepy wax figures smoking opium... imagine a group of 15 year olds checking that out... anyways, i dont even have to wish you a good rest of your trip because i am positive that it will be amazing. wow. the vast contrast in our lives right now is still kinda sinking in... must get back to studying... see ya, robin |
| 2nd December 2006 Dad | It wasn't the French - From: Lovely, lovely Laos You give the French too much credit. I'm sure you've found out by now that Luang Prabang was the historic royal capital of Laos. The French only took advantage of an already beautiful city -- which is now a UNESCO heritage city (like Quebec city in Canada). The fusion of ancient and urban architecture was one of the reasons for its designation. http://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=479 The buses do have a reputation. There was an article in Outside magazine that you don't want to read. http://alisonwright.com/learningtobreathe.htm I put the links in my posts here for other people to read. You have quite a following. Miss you, Dad. |
| 30th November 2006 Jonathan | So exciting - From: Bundled in Balaclavas... not just Victoria is chilly! Hey, I just found you blog a couple hours ago and want to say your posts are great (very good stories)... it sounds fantastic there. I'm leaving from Victoria to go to Thailand at the end of December. www.fr1.blogspot.com |
| 24th November 2006 Dad | Wish I was there - From: So much has happened... too much to write... >We'll be trekking through the jungle on a combination >of jeep, foot, elephant, and bamboo river raft Now that's my kind of trip. Take lots of pics - especially of the hill tribespeople. There are a lot of Tibet influences there. You guys are having an amazing time. |
| 24th November 2006 puppylover22 | Thanks, Kyle! Miss you guys too! - From: Bangkok: What next? Hey Kyle! I'm kicking myself for not getting to it earlier, but I just sent out an e-mail all the Western Division youth reps to wish them well at the AGM. I forgot that you guys were all getting there early this year, and I left it too late. Probably no one's going to be checking their e-mail, but I sent it to Andy Ackerman so hopefully he'll be able to pass my comments on via his trusy Blackberry. Maybe you could check your e-mail and pass the word, too. Have a great time, and hopefully don't get too cold! I could seriously go for a snowstorm right now. Chiang Mai is a little better for me for temperature, but the heat still zaps my strength. And I'm leaving for a 3 day trek through the jungle tomorrow! Yikes! |
| 24th November 2006 Kyle | Missing you at AGM - From: Bangkok: What next? Well we're here in Winnipeg for the AGM and boy do we miss you! A few have asked if you were going to be here, so I had to explain that you were on the other side of the world having a great time while we're sitting with our ears open! haha. Keep having fun, love reading your updates and checking out the pics! :) |
| 24th November 2006 slim | Thailand - From: Bangkok: What next? You sounds like you have a lot of fun in Thailand. Are planning to visit the other part of Asia too? |
| 21st November 2006 Rick | This is Reet - From: Goodbye Bangkok. Hello Beach! If you are wondering who Reet is, here is her blog. http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/Reet/ |
| 20th November 2006 Ryan Cho | Ha Ha - From: Hey, get this monkey off my back! Ha Ha. Derek seems to have beat the Asian curse that plagued me with female apathy to me all throughout China. From the pictures you book looked relaxed. It's pretty great to see. I just got back from being in Ottawa for 3 days doing some random international development stuff. I was good to renew friendships and contacts, and might (maybe) lead to a job possibility in September. I'm procrastinating on the large volume of written work and projects that dominate my time right now. I'm also in the midst of changing my living situation for January. I look with great jealousy at your current state of fancy free floating around. Keep floating flower flier. Say hi to my brother for me. Ryan |
| 20th November 2006 Louise | monkey business - From: Hey, get this monkey off my back! Great update Jess! I hope the bully monkey is enjoying your water bottle. At least it wasn't your camera that he/she fancied. I very much envy you for your encounter with the wild monkeys, even if if meant fighting off aggressive ones. If Derek can be a "babe magnet" I guess you get to be the monkey magnet (hopefully none of the babes have bared their teeth yet - or anything else for that matter). I'm continuing to enjoy my relatively tame existence in Sydney, but miss you all. |
| 17th November 2006 Rick | Canadian Tourists - From: Hey, get this monkey off my back! What kind of colouring books did the other girls have? |
| 13th November 2006 Rick | You're surrounded by Canadians - From: My first scam! (Don't worry, it's more funny than anything) This is the most viewed page on the TravelBlog website -- another Canadian on Ko Pha Ngan http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Thailand/Ko-Pha-Ngan/blog-100440.html Small world isn't it! |
| 12th November 2006 Scouter Mike T | Rover-ish Youth - From: My first scam! (Don't worry, it's more funny than anything) The Rover-ish youth was Jake Shepherd. Sounds like your still having a great time!! Keep posting! |
| 9th November 2006 Scouter Charles | A Thai one on Girlfriend? - From: Derek's got a new Thai girlfriend Jess, Yes the title got my attention. I enjoy reading your blog of daily adventures. I am certain that you will enjoy your exploration below the waves with your new gear. Keep us posted on your journey. |
| 9th November 2006 laurel | pineapple express - From: Derek's got a new Thai girlfriend so.. it turns out you guys in your thailand heat are sending the pineapple express our way, giving us downpours of rain!!! so thanks!! :) haha i just like the term. at least you guys are getting the better part of it! still sounds like you're having a blast. good you got you switch your tickets - but aren't you guys only supposed to be in thailand for 30 days??!! anyways, keep having fun! ps tell those prostitutes to leave my boyfriend alone!!! :P |
| 7th November 2006 Scouter Mike T | Re: Scammed - From: So far, scam free! Hey Jess, I'm having a great time keeping track of your journeys. Having visited many of the places you plan on going, I can only say that you only get scammed if you feel you paid more than the experience was worth. Put your own value on what you want to buy or do, and you'll never go wrong!!! As for bartering, start you bid at about one-third of the asking price and you should come out ok. Don't be afraid to walk away, because you can almost always find what you want again a few feet down the mall. Keep posting and have fun!!! |
| 7th November 2006 Dad | We need pictures - From: So far, scam free! Lets see some pictures of the Big Buddha -- the beach's namesake. |
| 7th November 2006 Dad | - From: So far, scam free! $100 for fins, mask and snorkel in Thailand sounds a little high. Many resorts offer use of them for free. But if that's what you want for Christmas, go ahead. Put them in a mesh bag on the outside of your pack to keep the water and sand out. (I know but I have to offer some parental advice). Is your bag getting over-stuffed and heavy with your acquisitions? You 3 can ship a box home by courier to lighten the load. You should get a map. I wouldn't want to be on a bus not speaking the language and not knowing where I was/was going. I see from the online map that you are only 1km from the ferry on the north end of Big Buddha beach. Sounds like you are happy with where you ended up and that's all that counts. That's not a scam in my book. |
| 6th November 2006 Kyle | Wow - From: Goodbye Bangkok. Hello Beach! I try and read as often as I can. Your entries are so great to read. We all know you're having a good time no matter how fast the taxi drivers go! Enjoy those billboards!! Keep having fun, Jess! |
| 5th November 2006 Reet | Scammed! - From: Goodbye Bangkok. Hello Beach! Sorry I meant to say put all your valuables on YOU on the bus, dont leave them in your backpack... I hope the price you got was killer. |
| 5th November 2006 Reet | Scammed! - From: Goodbye Bangkok. Hello Beach! Hi, I hope the trip works out well but you were well and truly scammed by this lady. TAT is the government licencing agency basically, so any agent can display TAT (like a registration)... Places try to scam unsuspecting tourists by calling themselves TAT when really they have nothing to do with the govt. You will see most travel places have TAT licence no's, but they are pretty easy to obtain. Anyone that tries to tell you they are part of the Govt agency are lying. Put all your valuable in your backpack tonight - they will probably go through your main bags in the bus hold. Be very careful. She was a scam artist. |
| 4th November 2006 DAD | Joey's a big boy - From: Another day, another experience Joey has a 24" chest, which is pretty impressive since I'm only 38" but weigh 5X as much. |
| 4th November 2006 Lindsay | Eat! - From: Well.... we're not in Kansas anymore The best Pad Thai I ever had was from food stalls -- just avoid anything you can't identify! :-) Anyhow - love the posts - dangerous to read though, just makes me want to pick up and leave. But only one more month of classes left! Have fun (or really... I should say - Keep having fun!) |
| 4th November 2006 anonymous | Thanks for the update! - From: Well.... we're not in Kansas anymore I was pleased to read your latest update Jess - the first from Thailand. Thanks for making the effort to post it as it sounds like access to the internet is not as easy as in Sydney. Hopefully you'll soon adjust to the culture shock and figure out where to pee and eat while in Bangkok. I also hope that you can keep taxi travel to a bare minimum! I felt guilty eating my supper tonight while thinking of you searching for something safe and edible (nobody is offering me free champagne though). Hang in there you daring trio... |
| 4th November 2006 Mike Bingley | - From: Lack of Travelpass = Lots of Walking Shocking indeed! I do hope that you at least carved an apple or something. |
| 31st October 2006 Dad | Halloween - From: Lack of Travelpass = Lots of Walking You should have gone to Japan if you want Halloween. Its huge there. Its going to be pretty weak here tonight, Jess, without your energy. NO PUMPKINS. I will put the dancing ghost out though. Catch up to you in Bangkok. |
| 30th October 2006 Kyle Tiney | Wow - From: Blue Mountains and a Manly Beach Man Jess, i'm really jealous! This is making me excited for my trip to New Zealand next August though. I'm quite excited about that! Keep updating, it's great to see how much fun you're having down there. (ACT weekend was good, long but good.) Miss you Jess! |
| 30th October 2006 Kyle Tiney | Yay! - From: MCAT RESULTS!!! This is quite late, i'm just catching up on all of your posts. Sounds like you're having an amazing time! Way to go on the MCAT. That's so awesome! We're all proud of you!!!!! |
| 28th October 2006 puppylover22 | Marmot Mascot! Right on! - From: Coogee-Bondi: walking, walking, and more walking! Plus a Platypus for good measure That's sooo cool to hear! Pretty funny that they wouldn't have some kind of a fish mascot, though... I wish I could see a picture. There wasn't one on the TC site. It said something about him wearing a diaper, though? Halarious! I'll have to keep thinking about a name for him.... |
| 28th October 2006 Rick | Platypus are Cool but so are Marmots - From: Coogee-Bondi: walking, walking, and more walking! Plus a Platypus for good measure I could watch that platypus all day. Did they tell you about the neat electric sensors on a platypus bill so they can find prey in the dark? On a local update, the Salmon Kings have chosen the Vancouver Island Marmot as their mascot. They have a man in a marmot suit that rides an ATV around the ice. http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/sports/story.html?id=fb15eeba-616a-4b21-a0e7-24906992aa37&k=26294 And there's a name the marmot contest. Any suggestions? |
| 23rd October 2006 Grayson | Impressed - From: Surfaris Update #1 Jess, it sounds like you and the guys are having just an awesome experience. I had forgotton about this blog, but was reminded when I received an email from Derek. I came home from studying and was going to go to bed, but half an hour later I have just finished reading your blogs...your blogs which are INCREDIBLE!!! I became completely immersed in your stories, felt as if I was living them. Jess, what you are doing (by keeping such accurate, detailed summaries) is awesome, it will be something you will treasure forever, definitely a great idea, and be sure to keep it up (because I am still living vicariously through you guys). Wish I was with you guys, and hey, don't let the bed bugs bite k! Take care, Gray |
| 20th October 2006 anonymous | - From: Surfaris a Success! Mom's computer can copy DVD's when you get back to Sydney. |
| 16th October 2006 Ryan Cho | Congrats - From: MCAT RESULTS!!! That sounds great Jess. I'm glad that you did well, and it warms my heart to know that your hard work is paying off. Please keep the updates coming, as they are joy to read. |
| 15th October 2006 Alec | So much for pot bellies and chunky soup - From: Finally, World Tour begins! I pictured homelife without the ladies to be toilet seat up, chunky soup and pot stickers for dinner every night, and lots of beers with dinner (without mom to "tisk tisk" us). Instead, Dad made steack, this good salad and black tiger prawns for dinner the first night and a homemade chinese food spread tonite. Love the blog. By the way, Dad and I are 2/3 postings so far (Loser) |
| 14th October 2006 Rick | Congrats - From: MCAT RESULTS!!! Fantastick Jess. I already sent a copy of this to the Dean of Medicine at UBC. |
| 14th October 2006 Steven Mandoli | Congrats - From: MCAT RESULTS!!! Hey Jess, congrats on passing your MCAT exam. |
| 14th October 2006 Louise (aka 'Mom') | internet success - From: Zoo Adventure! Mom did get the internet figured-out! The problem was a defective internet port in my room in Sancta Sophia. Internet access is no problem when I plug into a port in the computer room. So... Jess can send pics very soon. I can't believe I actually hauled some sweaters and coats to this place! It must have hit 35oC today (like yesterday). I'll give Jessica, Derek, and Mark a lecture about not letting themselves get dehydrated. Bye for now. |
| 12th October 2006 Laurel | - From: Finally, World Tour begins! Ahhh!! Jess!! I'm sooo excited for you guys!!! AWESOME update!! Love hearing all the antics. Sounds like a great time so far. Can't wait to hear more as you guys go along! I'm so happy for you! Keep 'em coming!! |
| 12th October 2006 Dad | Hands off Buckaroo - From: Finally, World Tour begins! Show those drunks a picture of your mean dad, that stares down grizzly bears and timber wolves, and his attack dog. All in all, sounds like a great start. Best to you and the boys. |
| 29th September 2006 Jeff | Pancake - From: How many more sleeps? Just be sure to find Pancake....he's been lost so long! |
