Who knew that Sacramento could be as rainy as Vancouver?

My last business trip took me to Sacramento.
The whole journey started somehow on the left foot: initially I was supposed to go to Oakland. I booked my trip with Alaska Air. Because I could not find a non-stop flight I chose the next option: one stop.
To make the long story short, my trip was canceled. I phoned Alaska to notify them and they were very nice and mentioned that I would be penalized $75 but I can use the credit within a year, to book any trip to any city served by Alaska.
Sweet! I was happy with the arrangement and kept wondering if our national carrier, Air Canada has anything like this?
About ten minutes after the cancellation, I was told that I had to leave for…. Sacramento this time.
OK, back on the net, I found the best option for leaving and returning Vancouver: Sunday at 1 PM, returning Tuesday at 3 PM.
A short conversation with another Alaska Air agent finished the booking; I used the credit and everybody was happy.

On a pretty decent Sunday- not too much rain in Vancouver- when everybody had a nice family lunch, I was getting ready for my first leg of the trip, the flight to Seattle. That proved to be bumpy, in a small Bombardier plane, served by Horizon.
Luckily the flight was short, about 30 minutes in the air. Arriving at Seattle, I had the surprise of finding that I had to take the train towards gate N. That was NOT in my itinerary. I was not supposed to change terminals and knowing that I would have avoided the route because I am a nervous Nelly. Everything proved to be much easier than I expected. I mean, compared to Pearson Airport in Toronto, where you have to take a bus to change terminals, the Seattle train even had information written and spoken in Japanese. But you still have to pay attention to the announcements.
Next step was to take the plane to Sacramento. I left enough time between flights to accommodate any possible delays, due to bad weather.
This time, the plane was a Boeing big enough to fly at 30,000 ft and avoid turbulences. As on any domestic flight, you are offered snacks and non alcoholic beverages, including coffee for free. No lunch.
The plus was getting the pillow and blanket free of charge. If I am not mistaken, not all air carriers offer these basic items for free anymore.

Arriving at Sacramento Airport my first impression was weather related.
It was cold, windy, overcast, very much like Vancouver. In my mind ‘California’ was supposed to be sunny, full of palm trees and happy people.
I guess I had it all wrong.

Returning back home everything was fine until I reached Seattle, where the flight was delayed almost three hours due to some mechanical problems to the plane. I was not happy at all. Instead of arriving at 2 PM I arrived at 5 PM, right in time to start fighting the rush hour, in Richmond on a rainy day.
Everybody who lives in Vancouver knows what ordeal that is.

Conclusions:
Alaska Air is a good carrier and I understand now why one of my colleagues has a membership with them.
The tickets are cheap and the service very good.
As an International Traveler you can enter your passport data on line and therefore you don’t have to be seen by an agent at the airport.
As well, you can do your check-in from home, if you have a carry-on baggage, print your boarding pass and voila, you are ready to go, hassle free.

Christmas at Big White

I have just had a talk with one of my colleagues about Christmas preparations and he mentioned that for the first time since his kids were born, they are going to spend Christmas away from home.
The kids’ dilemma: how is Santa going to know where they have gone and would they get any presents at all?
What my colleague planned for this year was a family reunion at Big White. They have rented an apartment to accommodate three families, two of them with a combined number of four kids, along with a set of grand parents.

Big White has been known as Canada’s affordable ski destination.
For $365 a night you can get a 4-bedroom loft at Chateau on the Ridge.
Among the amenities, for this amount of money you get: Bar, Dining Room, Dishwasher, 2 Full Bathrooms (Tub/Shower) and one ½ Bathroom, Full Kitchen, Gas Fireplace, In suite Laundry, PlayStation 2, Pool Table, Portable Stereo, 2 Televisions, 2 VCRs.

Other services:
- Ski in/Ski out
- Ski storage
- Underground parking
- Common hot tub

Going there
1. Fly into Kelowna International Airport
There are many air carriers providing services to Kelowna: WestJet, Horizon, Harmony and AirCanada.
2. Driving to Big White
- Once arrived at Kelowna Airport you could rent a car or use Big White Shuttle service to get you into the resort. Keep in mind that shuttle services must be booked in advance!
- Of course you can choose to drive all the way from Vancouver or Lower Mainland; in such case you are going to be prepared for the treacherous drive along Coquihalla highway. You better check this site to get the updates on the road and weather conditions.
- Finally, if you want to feel super special, you rent a limousine

Activities while there:
- Big White Telus Park
- Dog Sled Tours
- Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides
- Skiing
- Skating
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing

Making reservations:

From Canada & USA
1-888-676-9977

From United Kingdom, Germany, & France
00-800-7542-2754

From Australia
0011-800-7542-2754

From Mexico
001-800-514-9977

The bizarre word of internet marketing

I have been trying for quite a bit of time to understand the dynamics of internet marketing. And I could not say that I do have a clear understanding.
For once I have no idea how some people can post 4 or 5 times a day. Don’t they have any other job? I guess not.
There is absolutely no way you can work a full time job and then when you are home, dedicate the rest of your time writing about things you could not care less.
I have been reading some blogs belonging to people who make over 1000 dollars a month writing blogs.
Some of them are boring to say the least. Others are passing info found on other sides, using their words or putting it into a different format. Hence, when PayPerPost verifies their blog for example, the content seems to be original.
To some extent it is, but more often than not I could not find any real value to whatever was written there.
And I am not saying this because I am not a good sport. This is what I really believe.

I truly believe that if you write about things you are interested in, probably you are not going to find too many company eager to pay you money for that.
For example: my role model is Leonardo DaVinci, and if I could channel his spirit I would do it in a blink of an eye.
I would like to write more about his personality and his genius.
Now, most marketers will pay you to write about car insurance, life insurance, plastic surgery and other things like this. You can’t monetize your blog writing about DaVinci, right?
Then, what is your solution? You have to prostitute yourself and write about something you can be paid for. Right?
How much joy is that?
Probably the joy of getting the cheque. In today’s super pragmatic world, there is no room for dreamers.
Do you remember the artists in the past? Most of them lived and died dirt poor.
Now we have a new motto ‘It’s no business like show business’.
Some artists are very rich. But I digress.

Going back to the question ‘how to make money on the net’, I must accept that I don’t have the stomach to write about stuff I don’t believe in.
So, probably I am not going to be accepted by any program that pays you to blog.

Tibet- The Roof of the World

First it was Seven years in Tibet, followed by Kundun to get me hooked. Suddenly I had a revelation, a wake-up call.
Since then, I’ve started planning, so far only in my head, my trip to Tibet and Nepal.

A few months ago I had almost touched my dream, but it was not to happen yet.
I spent hours and hours gathering information about how to go there.

Some important things to know before planning your trip:
1. You have to get a Chinese visa first.
2. You can apply for a Tibetan visa only after you get the Chinese one; apparently vice-versa won’t bear very well with the Chinese officials. Some travel agencies would facilitate the Tibetan visa if you take their packages
3. Prepare yourself for the altitude problems: headaches and some sort of sleepiness.
4. Drink lots of water while there.
5. The average temperature in the summer time is about 15°C in Lhasa, meaning that you have to be prepared with warm clothing
6. While there, allow yourself a day of accommodation: rest and sleep, take your time to absorb the new environment

The most popular tour is to Lhasa.
When booking your trip keep in mind that the busy season is July-August and although Lhasa has 14 star-rated hotels, you have to make your reservations far in advance to make sure you are going to get a room.
I was supposed to go to Beijing, therefore I looked for flights from Beijing to Lhasa. There were a few of them, but you have to have your trip to Tibet booked and preferably to be part of a group to be allowed to go there. I guess it’s all about politics.
My understanding was that it’s very difficult to get a Tibetan guide; probably it’s again due to political reasons.

A typical 4-day tour to Lhasa costs about $413 for a group of at least 6 persons; if you go by yourself would be around $1099; flight is not included.
The tour includes: The Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple , Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka.
If you are more adventurous, you can take the 15-day tour from Kathmandu, which will cost you about $3200, not including the flight there.

Potala Palace

1. Visiting the golden roofs costs an extra fee of RMB 10 yuan. Taking photos inside the room also charges extra fee, the prices are clearly shown in the rooms.
2. More rooms are available in hotels on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Ways of getting to the top:
- By taxi from the back of the hill.
- Climbing up from the front path.
Opening time: 9:30am- 13:00pm; 15:00pm–18:00pm
Price for the Ticket: RMB 100 yuan per person

Jokhang Monastery

Lamas of Jokhang Monastery chant sutras at night, it is worth listening.
Guides are not enough in the monastery and only serve for tourism groups.
The life-sized statue of Sakyamuni aged 12 is the most scared statue in the eyes of Tibetan people.

Sera Monastery

The Sera Monastery is the representative monastery of the Gelugpa of the Tibetan Buddhism. It lies on the southern slope of the Serawoze Mountain in the northern suburbs of Lhasa. The monastery was built by SagyaYexei, one of the disciples of Tsongkhapa who was the founder of Gelugpa of the Tibet Buddhism in 1419. It is one of the six main monasteries of the Gelugpa of the Tibetan Buddhism. As one of the three main monasteries of Lhasa, it is here that the monks “famous daily debates” take place.
Location: It is located in the southern slope of the Serawoze Mountain of the northern suburb of Lhasa. Some people believe it means “hailstone”, while others believe it means “raspberry”, the full name of the monastery is “Sera Thekchen-ling Monastery”.
Transportation: By minibus in downtown. It is advisable for you to take a taxi.
Open Hours: 9:00-16:00
Admission Free: RMB:30

NorbuLingka


NorbuLingka – meaning ‘Treasure Park” is named the Summer Palace, located west of Lhasa. The beautiful garden was first built in the middle 18th century. That’s where they deal with affairs and hold religious activities. The garden covers an area of 46 acres, with 370 rooms of different sizes. In the garden people worship Buddha, spend their holiday, and study the Tibetan-style palaces.
Location: NorbuLingka, colloquially named “Dalai Summer Palace”, is located about 3 kilometers west of Lhasa.
Ticket prices: RMB 2 yuan for Tibetans, RMB 70 yuan for each tourist.
Opening time: 9:00-12:00,15:00(reopen time) on Monday-Saturday. Tibetan opera performances at 11:00.
Transport: From the Tibetan Hospital to the gate. RMB 2 yuan for each person.

The Residences at the Ritz Carlton

With Vancouver recently voted the 2nd best city in the Americas by Conde Nast Tarvelers’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2007, the interests in developing high rises to complete the skyline image of the city increase.
The newest addition will be The Residences at the Ritz Carlton, located on West Georgia Street.

The 600 foot, 60-storey glass tower features a 5-star, 200 room hotel (Ritz Carlton Vancouver) and high-end residential units. The recreational and spa amenities will be accessed by both hotel and residential users. Beginning at level 7 there will be 18 levels of hotel units. Level 25 contains mechanical equipment. Beyond level 25, all floors contain residential suites, primarily one and two bedroom units ranging from 500 to 1000 square feet, with larger suites on the upper floors. The top two floors contain two-storey penthouse suites that, in addition to open balconies, will enjoy very large green private terraces on the roof level. Balconies and roof terraces are defined and protected by horizontal and vertical extensions of the curtain wall glazing of the tower.
The Residences at the Ritz Carlton, Vancouver are designed by Arthur Erickson with Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership and feature top-of-the-line natural stone, steel and wood finishes, with premium appliances, fittings and fixtures.

Living spaces
Interiors features three sumptuous colour schemes to choose from: Purist, Westcoast and Classic.
Purist: European fitted kitchen by Bulthaup in white lacquer with contrasting island and tall cabinets in aluminum finish. Underfoot, sexy terrazzo tiled floors. Premium Sub-zero and Miele stainless steel appliances.
Westcoast: European fitted kitchen by Bulthaup in vertical elm veneer with contrasting lacquered island and tall cabinets with vertical elm surfaces. Contemporary flared plank wood floors. Premium Sub-zero and Miele stainless steel applicances
Classic: European fitted kitchen by Bulthaup in dark aluminum finish with contrasting island and tall cabinets with high-grade walnut surfaces. Herrringbone wood floors with walnut finish. The same premium appliances.

The price range: from $2 million to $10 million.

Kicking Horse winter vacation

The Legend
In the summer of 1858, James Hector set out to discover the Kicking Horse Valley. His expedition took him through some of the most beautiful and rugged country in the West. During a river crossing, one of the pack horses kicked Hector so hard that others in the expedition mistook him for dead. As they began to bury poor old James, they noticed his eye twitch. The legend says it was a stiff cup of Kick Ass™ Coffee that brought him back to life!

Source: http://kickinghorsecoffee.com/pages.php?cID=1&pID=1

Location
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is located on the eastern-most slopes of the Purcell Mountains, 15 minutes north of Golden, BC, 3 hours west of Calgary, Alberta and 1 hour west of Lake Louise, Alberta. In winter, there are daily shuttles to the resort from Golden and from Banff.
The first four-season resort to open in the Rockies in 25 years, Kicking Horse is surrounded by six national parks: Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier and Mt. Revelstoke, Jasper and Banff.
During the winter, Kicking Horse offers a breathtaking 1,260 m (4,134 ft) of vertical and is famed for its champagne powder. Thanks to this and more, Kicking Horse has been recognized as “Small Resort of the Year” by the UK’s Good Skiing and Snowboard Guide (2004 and 2005).

Kicking Horse announced that it will be open on December 8, 2007.
So far the snow conditions look like this :
55cm new snow in 48 hours
Mid-mountain base 138 cm
Mid Mountain snowfall 262 cm

Staying there:
Vagabond Lodge
At Kicking Horse, it doesn’t get much better than the Vagabond Lodge. Located across the road from the Golden Eagle Express Gondola at the base of the resort, Vagabond Lodge is the ultimate ski-in/ski-out facility. The Vagabond Lodge features 10 rooms with a European ambience. In order to promote a relaxing stay for guests, rooms at the Vagabond Lodge do not have telephones or televisions. Room amenities include beds with feather-rest and duvet, private bathrooms with heated floors and deep soaker tubs, and some have a balcony or a loft. The common area at the Vagabond Lodge boasts a huge split-log bar, to which guests can bring their own beverage of choice, a river rock fireplace surrounded by overstuffed furniture, a games room, satellite TV, and high speed internet/wireless. The Vagabond Lodge also has a secure ski/snowboard storage area. Culinary delights at the Vagabond Lodge are the daily continental breakfast, hot lunch, and afternoon cookies, as well as tea and a pot of coffee that is always on – all included in the price of your room. Vagabond Lodge is your all-season home for both adventure and relaxation.

Please note that children under 12 are not permitted at this property.
Amenities and Services
Adults Only
Boot Dryer
Common Hot Tub
Complimentary Coffee/Tea
Fireplace
Games Room
Golf Nearby
Includes Breakfast
Lounge
Ski In/Ski Out
Ski Storage
TV Lounge
Walking Distance to Lifts
Wireless Internet Kiosk

Rates: $135 per person
Source: www.skihills.com

Special package:
$309 pp Opening Weekend Special
Stay 3 nights pay for 2
2 days of Adult Lift Tickets
Breakfasts and Lunch
Taxes not included. Based on double occupancy.
Source: http://www.vagabondlodge.ca/

Palliser Lodge Resort
The Palliser Lodge at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, 14 km from Golden, BC offers guests full-service luxury accommodation in an unparalleled mountain setting. Well situated in one of the area’s premier locations, the Palliser Lodge boasts spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and is just minutes from a wide variety of exciting outdoor summer and winter adventure activities. The Village at Kicking Horse Mountain is within easy walking distance from the Lodge. Each of the 48 well-appointed condominium-style guest suites has been designed for the optimum in guest comfort and convenience. From the comfortable Hotel Rooms to the spacious 1 and 2 Bedroom Suites, units can accommodate up to a maximum of 6 persons. All 1 & 2 Bedroom Suites have full kitchens including dishwasher, refrigerator, oven/stove, microwave and cooking utensils. In addition every 1 & 2 Bdrm Suite has a fireplace, flat screen color television, and balcony. Situated just outside the village at Kicking Horse Resort, Palliser Lodge Resort will ensure quiet enjoyment while maintaining the convenience of ski-in/ski-out access.

Amenities &Services

Common Hot Tub
Common Laundry
Fitness Gym
Front Desk
Ski In/Ski Out
Ski Storage
Walking Distance to Lifts
Wireless Internet Access

Rates: from $199 up to $ 489 for 2 bedroom penthouse

Whitetooth Chalet
Whitetooth Chalet is a 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom chalet located at Kicking Horse Resort, just a 10 minute walk to the downhill runs and right next to the nordic trails. Whitetooth Chalet can sleep up to 8 people and includes a full kitchen, two wood-burning fireplaces, marble countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms, heated floors, and a plasma TV with satellite channels.

Amenities & Services
Private Garage
Walking Distance to Lifts

Rates: $400

Glacier Lodge
Glacier Lodge is located at the base of the Golden Eagle Express Gondola and features exceptional views of the Columbia Valley and the Rocky Mountains beyond, or of the village plaza. Each unit features a full kitchen including dishwasher, private deck and a spacious living area warmed by a cozy gas rock fireplace. Amenities at Glacier Lodge include a common area hot tub, steam room, fitness gym, and ski storage.

Amenities & Services
Common Hot Tub
Fitness Gym
Ski In/Ski Out
Ski Storage
Steam Room
Underground Parking
Walking Distance to Lifts

Rates: 1 bedroom $250

Do you want a beach property at reasonable price?

Courtesy of Don Ediger who wrote for International Living, we got some general information on beach properties that could be bought for a good price in various countries.

So, if you want a place in the sun, but don’t want to spend more than $100,000, there are 10 destinations you need to consider:

Costa Rica: It’s a favorite retreat for North Americans who like the country’s cool mountains or beautiful, wide beaches. Costa Rica has superb sport fishing, birdwatching, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, and horseback riding. Property prices are rising–but not so fast that you can’t still find bargains.

The Dominican Republic: It’s one of the least expensive countries in the Western Hemisphere. Ocean-view condos are on the market for just over $100,000. For a little more than half that amount you can find an apartment in the capital Santo Domingo, known for its old world charm.

Belize: This English-speaking Caribbean country offers big tax incentives to foreigners who live part- or full-time in the country. While Ambergris Caye and several other coastal areas have become expensive, there are still real estate bargains galore, particularly in the exotic rainforests only a few miles from the ocean.

Mexico: The country has been a favorite of second-home owners for many years, but prices in Mexico can vary just as much as the climate. Today’s savvy property shoppers are attracted by low prices around Yucatán’s Gulf Coast and by the big advantages of the Lake Chapala area–golf, tennis, hiking, and horseback riding, as well as theater, concerts, and garden clubs.

The Bahamas: Sports, nature, and an elegant lifestyle continue to lure people to these islands just off the Florida coast. Though the Bahamas have a reputation for pricey real estate, it’s not difficult to find condos for $100,000 and three-bedroom houses for around $200,000.

Guadeloupe and Martinique: The French West Indies combine Caribbean culture with a Riviera lifestyle. That means dining and dancing as well as opportunities to enjoy nature, whether it’s a hike around a volcano or a dip in ocean waters that Jacques Cousteau described as among the best in the world.

Nicaragua: Despite the potentially worrisome outcome of recent elections, the country remains a haven for second-home owners. Bargains are the big reason. Even at property developments with top-notch golf courses, you can get a condo near the ocean for less than $100,000.

Guatemala: Despite the aftermath of a long civil war, this historically rich country is stabilizing. The major area for second homes is around exotic Lake Atitlán, but property shoppers are also discovering the charming old capital of Antigua, where it’s easy to find apartments for less than $150,000.

Honduras: While the country differs greatly from region to region, many owners of second homes live comfortably on $1,500 a month. The price is especially low considering the country’s clear ocean water, white-sand beaches, and the laidback lifestyle.

Panama: When you live in Panama, you have easy access to the ocean for swimming, fishing, and surfing, and to forests for hiking, birdwatching, and horseback riding. Moreover, Panama actually pays you to live there through its pensionado program, which provides discounts of up to 50% on everything from public transportation to doctor’s visits, electricity, and restaurants.

Skiing and winter vacation around Fraser Valley

I am not a ski aficionado but once in a while I feel like wanting to learn skiing.
When you pay premium for the opportunity to live in Vancouver or Lower Mainland, this is the least you can do to enjoy what the nature offers. People pay good money to come and enjoy British Columbia.

What can you find at a reasonable driving distance from Vancouver:

Hemlock Valley
It may be the ‘best kept secret’ but for the past two years it has been shut down when the ownership changed hands. According to the rumors I’ve heard, it’s going to be open this winter season. We went there once, about four years ago, to enjoy an afternoon of tubing. Yes, I know, how lame is that, right? I was scared out of my mind on the first run, when I realized that I don’t have much if any control on the gizmo. I could almost project an image of me crashing into a tree.
A two hour drive from Vancouver will take you there. It’s even closer if you are driving from Abbotsford, Mission or Chilliwack.
Activities: cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, tobogganing and a tube park.
What’s New at Hemlock Resort this Season
Brand new Rental Equipment
Completely Renovated Cafeteria, Bar & Day lodge
New wider, user friendly off loading ramp on the beginner chair
All new educational components integrated into EVERY group program!
Summer Grooming & Glading on Slopes
More open days
New booking system and procedures to ensure a smooth, easy to manage group adventure
Upgrades done on all chairlifts
Source: http://www.hemlockvalleyresort.com
Current conditions: -10°C, snowing, base snow: 48 cm at lodge depts, 68 cm alpine depth
Accommodations: Check the info here for staying there, or drive to Harrison Hot Springs and spend an après skiing marvelous time at Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa.
My best memory : a wonderful evening in mid December, relaxing in the hot spring pool while the snow kept falling.

Manning Park Resort
Located in Manning Provincial Park, in the Cascade Mountains near the British Columbia/Washington border, http://www.manningpark.com offers downhill skiing and snowboarding, and is the premier cross-country and snowshoeing destination in southwestern British Columbia.
The drive from Vancouver is about 3 hours, making it an attractive weekend destination.
Activities: skiing and snowboarding on more than 140 acres of terrain, Nordic skiing on 30 km of groomed trails or on more than 190 km of backcountry trails with 2 warming huts, snowshoeing, tube park, skating and hockey, snowplay area, terrain park and a recreation center.
Resort Services: Ski & snowball rentals, ski & snowboard school, child care centre
Accommodations:
There is a minimum stay as following:
- Winter: 2 night minimum for all accommodations on weekends & holidays
- Winter Holidays/Spring Break: 3 nights minimum for all accommodations
Prices:
From $164 for a Queen Room (based on double occupancy) in the Manning Lodge to $364 (based on six) for a Tri-plex Chalet
Important note: the resort opens full-time on December 20, 2007