Saskatoon to Vancouver

I had three rides in place to get to the airport and ended up going in with my first option.  Funny how things work out.  

I am a mess before I travel -so anxious but lucky that instantly disappears the minute I am seated in front of my gate.  Today was no exception.  This morning I had coffee with a friend, then said a proper see you later to another, washed my truck and had it backed in beside Randy’s house by 2:30.  I was at the airport shortly after 4 which seems ridiculous for a 7 pm departure when one doesn’t have to check luggage, but it works for me.  I would much rather sit in the airport than on my couch waiting to leave at the last minute.  It also didn’t help that I couldn’t check in on line last night.  Air Canada said I needed a visa - I always check during my planning because they can be a nightmare.  Fortunately, because of technology, most countries now offer evisas which are obtainable with a few clicks and a credit card.  I can’t believe how easy they have become.  When I think back to my first overland 10.5 years ago:  the kitchen table was covered with application forms and instructions.  Each country wanted different information.  Some demanded blue pen, others black.  Some wanted a 2” x 2” photo, others different dimensions.  I sent 4 applications together to New York via courier, then had the Uzbekistan embassy send the whole package on to DC.  Luckily I have a cousin living there so he picked up the first one and moved it to the second, then couriered everything to Vancouver to the Chinese embassy.  It was so nerve wracking but everything turned out, as it usually does, if we remember to just let it.  Anyway….

I booked my flight from Philippines to Chiang Mai last night and found out today at check in that that flight confirmation was required.  All good.  I was through security without any issues which is odd, usually they want to look through something, and in no time I was at the gate, 2 hours early but relaxed.  I feel for people who suffer with anxiety.  There seems to be no way to turn it off - what a living hell. 

The flight from Saskatoon to Vancouver left early, if you can believe that.  We hear so many stories of delays but I was lucky this evening.   Upon arrival in Vancouver, I strolled around, found my gate then a nice quiet spot and comfy chair to wait about 5 hours.  Hope I don’t fall asleep and miss my flight.  I won’t take my magic chocolate until I get on the plane, then that will be the last of that until I come home.  I don’t need any dogs sniffing, barking and growling at me in Taipei, my next stop!