Worth

What does it take?  

I use Sherpa travel to keep abreast of the changing entry requirements.  From there, decide on flight routing etc.  For example, I have to test in Hong Kong if I wish to transit through Seoul.  But not if I fly through Singapore.  I have to test to go back to Canada if I went to Hong Kong.  Thus I shall pass on Hong Kong for the time being.

And depending on destination, there may still be a requirement of the arrival country to require masking on the flight to and at destination ie.  Japan, Taipei etc.  

If I want to go, I will happily follow the rules because the joy and exhilaration of being there trumps the perceived inconveniences.  Plus it is prudent to understand the cultural perception towards foreigners.  

Example, the last election in Japan, Prime Minister Kishida had strong support of the population to not open borders to the world due to belief that foreigners tend not to follow masking or hygiene rules, thus would be a risk for increased covid infections.  

For those of us who don't live in a highly sought after travel destination, we may not think of the anxiety of those who have to work in the tourist industry, dealing with the masses of visitors from everywhere.  So I continue to do my best to not behave in a worrisome way locally.  

Note to those planning on travelling to Japan:  Depending on arrival time of your flights, the line ups to get through passport control can be long!  I've averaged 2 to 3 hours at Haneda and Narita landing at 8 pm and 4 pm respectively.  Take that into consideration when planning transit into the city.

I had forgotten just how beautiful Taipei airport is.  

Zanzibar cont'd

Jambiani beach was hands down the most stunning locale I visited on 2022.  Pictures don't adequately show the energy and extent of the tide in that part of the Indian Ocean.  

It was mesmerizing to behold and be standing in as it goes in and out. So different from any of the other bodies of water I've ever experienced.  Never thought I would prefer to walk on an ocean floor more than the regular beach.

Likely not a surprise that there is a great divide between local life and villa life.  The beach is public, unlike resorts in the Maldives as an example.  

What this means is an understanding of the demographics of the island, which is almost completely Muslim.  There are significant fines associated with inappropriate dress to both individuals and travel companies.  

Channelling...

Was channelling this little one last week as I went in and out of the trees.

Winter

No snowboarding this season for a couple of reasons.  I can't maintain a toe edge due to my foot injury.  It's getting there but not enough.  

My snowboarding instructor has developed dementia and is at the point where he sometimes forgets how to get home.  We couldn't believe the difference a year has made.  Worried and upset for him.  

I've concentrated on developing ski endurance.  Getting mileage on my legs.  It's coming along.

Ended up getting new equipment.  D talked me into getting fitted for new boots after having an excellent experience with his fitting.  Our equipment would be considered old, pushing 12 years.  And his point was I would know once I get my feet into a new pair.

So I went and also had an excellent experience.  Then I found out my ski bindings are too old to service, making my skiis obsolete.  It is a safety and liability issue.  

Fortunately the ski shop had 1 pair of last season's skiis that fit me, at a reduced price.  So for the last week, I have been breaking in new equipment.  Had a few rough days with sore feet and legs but it is coming around.

I think I skied more this season than I've ever skied in my life.

We have a new food truck on the mountain.  Serving Ukrainian food by a family that arrived in Canada last November to escape the war.  

It has been really upsetting to hear about what their lives were like, which family members are still there, how close the bombings have been to their homes.  I can tell his son isn't sure about Canada yet.  They want to go back, once the war is over and rebuild.  

I've eaten there enough that he gives me complementary borscht (so delicious).  Last visit, he asked me if I was a professional skier because I am out everyday...made me choke up some soup in laughter...

I've been cherishing all the small conversations like this, with the lifties and on the chair lift.  There are so many good people around.  Renews hope.  

ZNZ -- Zanzibar, Tanzania (Jambiani beach) Pics only for now