Landed in Canada

Before I begin, you MUST check out my Wonderful Wife's latest blog where she describes her Wednesday in Hong Kong. Truly brilliant thing she did the other day... we both attended Sebastian's heart-wrenching graduation from Kindergarten. Later in the morning Tess returned to pick-up Sebastian and two of his best friends, Adam and Annie. First she took them to lunch at Dan Ryan's then a tram ride from Pacific Place, Admiralty to Central.

In Central Tess arranged for Seb, Adam and Annie to have a shoe shine by one of the many street shoe shiners who sprinkled throughout Hong Kong's Central Business District. The pictures are classic... be sure to check them out!

Meanwhile, we have just arrived into Canada. As this entry is posted (via Blackberry) we'll be pulling ourselves off of the airplane to make our way to Immigration. I'll be in Canada for ten days while Tess and kids will be here for just over six weeks. I come back for the last two weeks.

Thanks to Tess, we started the trip incredibly organized with our packing pretty much complete two days before our departure. Last year we came to Canada with eight checked bags. This year we are down to five! (Excludes one car seat.) Not bad! We're bringing two of our support crew, Lita and De, too.

The kids slept for maybe half of the flight. Our seat configuration was quite good, enhanced slightly by a last minute on-board negotiation with one of fellow passengers. No complaints on her part though... we surrendered an aisle in return for a middle seat! We had a middle section seated with Tess -> Carys -> Sela and Lita. Across the aisle the row continued with De and the JJ at the window. The window behind JJ sat Sebastian and I was next to Seb. (At left, Lita's arm, Sela, Carys and Tess' arm!)

Air Canada redeemed themselves a little this trip. Despite being from a two generation AC family, I'm not a big fan of this airline - especially when I am regularly spoiled by Cathay. However, the crew were incredibly friendly, the aircraft modern with uniquely reclining seats and individual TV sets.

Unfortunately, the entertainment system plagued AC for the entire flight. The audio system was broken with Handel strangely replaced by acid rock and the like. The video program failed with most people being unable to watch movies, TV or both. The crew attempted to re-boot several times, even after being in the air for almost three hours.

Overall the flight could have been much, much worse. Of course there were classic moments, too... as passengers drifted off to seat post-dinner, Sela and Carys provided a lovely rendition of "Happy Birthday." Right now Tess has them singing "Hurry Hurry!"

We're fifteen minutes from landing so I'd better sign-off.

Comments

[Maureen aka Mo aka Grandmother aka Mozilla]

WONDERFUL that you are safely landed. Praise God! Have the greatest time visiting your family, Charles.

Love, M xox

[Mellie]

Have a great visit here in Canada!!

[Auntie Pammie]

Glad to know you are "home".
Love a Anxiously awaiting Auntie Pammie xoxoxo

[Blither]

Ahhh Canada! I'll be close to there in a few weeks- Near Langley, Probably not near your parts though
Hurry Hurry !!!

[knobody]

glad to hear you have arrived safely. thank you for taking the time to update the fan club.

[laura]

Yes, we sure appreciate the time you take to update us all. I saw Tess' blog. I am a regular reader. What a great idea for those sweet kids! Shoe shine! HOW FUN!!

I know Tess will have a good time staying so long. The kids will look forward to these yearly trips to their parents' native land.

I spent seven weeks one summer with my kids at my parents' in Saskatchewan. Much as I love my family and having the kids form memories and bond with them, it gets to be a bit too long. Getting back to one's own bed and routine is always blissful, even though I do adore Canada and wish I could raise my kids there:)

Too bad we can't spend 2 weeks every 3-4 months or something, eh??? That would be ideal.

Have a great visit!