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Alberta – a Contractors Live in the 1980s

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September 27, 2026

DRIVING FOR A LIVING.

After many years working in Alberta’s oil industry since 1977, the federal National Energy Program (NEP), introduced 1981 and eventually ended by 1985 contributed to a severe economic downturn and skyrocketing unemployment in Alberta’s oil industry. [In a separate post I will explain in more detail my own experiences working in the oil industry from 1977 until 1988]. The corporate decisions and government policies from 1977 to 1988 weren’t just abstract economic shifts or headlines; they were a direct hit to families, careers, and the communities built around the patch. I myself lost my home and family, by 1987 driving east to Ontario like thousands of Albertans, to find work. In my case computer systems development, hardware and software conversions, as well as programming, and related technical contract work. In fact, tech and government contracting became a lifeline for displaced industrial workers.

I had fixed up my old Dodge 1974 farm truck and went on the road to Ottawa. It’s a long drive from Bragg Creek (south west of Calgary) to Ottawa. Arriving in Ottawa, I soon started on several systems contracts offered by: Ottawa Cablevision, (a historical cable television provider in Ottawa, Ontario, that was acquired by Maclean Hunter in 1989 and later integrated into Rogers operations), and the Royal Canadian Mint. The Ottawa Cablevision contract had been for a hardware & software conversion. This was strictly a Request For Proposal to convert the current VAX machine configuration to either a DEC or a VAX Powerhouse environment. The other contract was for a Royal Canadian Mint project. Because of my horses background, these nice folks invited me to visit the stables of the RCMP. [The Royal Canadian Mint and the RCMP Musical Ride Stables are two famous Ottawa attractions located about a 15-minute drive apart from each other.] I never forget to visit with those beautiful black horses. Ottawa is a special city with many heritage buildings. In winter we had mountains of snow, the summers were lovely, riding a bicycle along the over 200km long Rideau Canal. It links Ottawa to Kingston. I had rented a suite in Nepean, a residential area bordered by the Ottawa River. During the summer volunteering at The Old Log Farm (thelogfarm.com). Fun stuff. Also spending several weekends driving up to Wakefield, Quebec, a lovely historical village in the municipality of La Pêche, 35 km NW of Ottawa.

During my contract work I went home to Alberta twice, over 3,500 km. In my old truck, with no air conditioning and automatic transmission. No easy driving. Four days solid, and daily close to 20 hours drive. Stopping along the Trans Canada highway, sleeping in the truck. Always choose to park near a large semi truck or freighter for security. The second time I returned from Bragg Creek, my truck engine blew a hole in the oil pan. At that time my son had been with me. We were forced to make a detour of 200 km up North near the great lakes to find a garage for replacement parts. However, arriving in Ottawa I still needed to buy a new engine block. But – all in all the old truck held out. During that summer 1987 we also made several trips to Quebec City – among others celebrating my 50th birthday in Quebec City. These are wonderful memories. My contract work ended later in 1987. Home to Alberta again.

After my return from Ottawa later in Fall, I started a new contract in the Athabasca Oil Sands at Fort McMurray in Alberta, North of Edmonton, by the Athabasca River. Still driving my old Dodge truck from my home in Bragg Creek (one hour south west of Calgary). Highway 2 north runs past Edmonton towards Athabasca highway 63, up to Fort McMurray, a lonely isolated artery of highway. One cannot afford an accident, even now. But then, not even cell phone service. A drive of 435 km from Edmonton through northern Boreal forest, 5 hours drive from Calgary. Again, because of the distance from home I had to rent a room somewhere when arriving at Fort Mac. It was late in the year and already very cold. Tough to find housing with so many contractors working for the big oil companies up there. Arriving at the town site. I parked my truck to go to sleep in it for the night near some residents’ backyard. I was lucky, a nice lady came out to me inviting me inside to have something to eat and a place to sleep in their home for the night. Next day I found a place to stay and rent for a while. My computer contract was for Suncor Energy Inc. This company has massive oil sands mining, extraction, and in-situ production facilities near Fort McMurray to produce crude oil. [Interesting is also that Petro-Canada network is owned and operated by Suncor Energy.] The facilities at the oil sands are huge and not really comfortable. Many contractors in those factory-like office complexes were still heavy smokers and the whole atmosphere surrounding the Oil Sands operations was depressing, to say the least. As a non-smoker I was forced to sit in a drafty outside corridor. In the short time I was there I still made some friends, because – let’s face it, we were all in the same boat.

During a couple of free days I drove around the area surrounding the town site. Interesting history. Especially the Fort McMurray Heritage Shipyard, home to among others the RADIUM SCOUT, a 1946 Diesel tug boat used for carrying uranium from the North West Territories in Canada to the rail head in Alberta during and after World War II. Material that was used for the Manhattan Project. [Research project led by America during WWII. Purpose to develop nuclear weapons, which by August 1945 were used in the bombings of Japan.]. The SCOUT boat was decommissioned in 1976 and moved to the newly-established heritage ship yard by 1977. During the time I was up there, I also noted that sections of the Athabasca river itself were contaminated with oil slicks. [NOTE. The situation may be different now.]

Being that all this is a large industrial environment, accidents can happen. Like explosions somewhere. In October of that year 1987, not long after I had started my contract, a massive fire had broken out at Suncor’s sole upgrader facility. Which may have caused leaking of some chemicals involving PVC cables. Because of safety and environmental concerns Suncor Energy in conjunction with provincial regulations decided to let contract personnel go. I guess, most of us were glad to leave.

Talking about winter driving in Alberta. In deep winter temperatures could dip to at least -30C and most highways were affected, because not only of heavy snowfall, drifting snow, but also surface ice. My later contract was for Canadian Utilities Ltd (ATCO group of companies) in Edmonton for several years. It started May 1988, shortly after the 1988 Winter Olympics Calgary came to an end. [I like to also show some photos of the Olympics that year.] During those years CUL needed massive upgrades to their existing computer systems converting to Software AG’s ADABAS and NATURAL platforms. Lots of programming work.

Because of the distance from home, I had rented a room in Edmonton during the week. It was a lot of commuting each weekend, about 400 km on highway 2 from Edmonton to Calgary, and then another hour to south west of Calgary. Leaving downtown Edmonton Friday late afternoon, driving home to my then 40-acre ranch near Millarville, Forestry Trunk Road, and returning to Edmonton by Sunday night. More than 4 hours driving. The car I drove at that time was a leased 1985 Chevrolet Beretta (a front-wheel-drive coupe built on General Motors’ L-body platform). Never had an accident, but passed many cars and large trucks in the ditches, inside out and upside down. Leaving Edmonton afternoons, it was a lonely drive on this highway, it felt like driving on the moon, with blowing snow, ice on some patches of road. When arriving at my home near Millarville, lots of snow had piled up during the week, I often found my gate was closed and the driveway going uphill all snowed in. So leaving my car by the road and walking uphill when arriving at my home, the locks of the big wooden entrance door were frozen. Spending the night in my car was the only solution. All in all, I made it !

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YUKON & ALASKA TOUR

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July 2, 2026

My recent visit to the Yukon [Yukon Territory, or YT] has not only been interesting against all expectations, but was an educational experience, and different in many ways. By the way, Yukon officially became a territory of Canada on June 13, 1898. The Yukon is amazing with its natural wonders. The Yukon River is he second largest in Canada, its mountains are the highest in Canada.

Our tour focused on Whitehorse, YT and its heritage vintage venues and cultural treasures, to be topped off by the exiting historical railway journey from Carcross (South East of Whitehorse) through the Coastal Mountain ranges south to Skagway, Alaska. From there sailing back to Vancouver through Glacier Bay National Park and British Columbia’s Inside Passage.

We flew from Vancouver to Whitehorse, the Capital of Yukon. I had prepared myself with mosquito spray and a mosquito net. Not necessary at all. It was warm throughout this trip and not one mosquito. There is a wealth of heritage preservation and a strong connection to indigenous cultures. From a historical point of view, the Yukon is particularly interesting because of course of its GOLD. The discovery of gold is what drives the early history of this Canadian territory and Alaska and connects them. [KLONDIKE originates from Tr’ondëk, a word in the Hän language of the local First Nations in the Yukon. It translates roughly to “hammerstone water,”]. Massive gold deposits on Rabbit Creek (renamed Bonanza Creek), located near the confluence of the Klondike and Yukon Rivers triggered one of the world’s most famous gold rushes. Yukon still has massive gold reserves, but 75% of the placer gold is hidden in undiscovered deposits.

During the three days in Whitehorse, we visited a number of historical venues in and around Whitehorse: S.S. Klondike National Historic Site shows the old stern wheeler, built 1937, now dry-docked on the bank of the Yukon River. The McBride Museum displays a large selection of original gold miners paraphernalia. Heritage galore ! The Yukon Transportation Museum has original old bush planes exhibited as well as railroad and early vehicles items. As a top-off a visit to the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs out side of Whitehorse (sorry, no pictures allowed).

WHITE PASS & YUKON ROUTE – RAILROAD [In short the WP&YR]

The most interesting part of this tour has been the historical railroad journey from Carcross, Y.T. ( just south of Whitehorse) to Skagway, AL. Following the discovery of gold in 1896, this railroad was intended to make it easier for the gold miners to cross the high mountain passes, instead of using the Chilkoot Trail, now a national historic site. The railroad was completed in 1900. On a narrow-gauge track it had started in Skagway, Alaska – elevation 0, and ended at Carcross, Yukon, elevation 2,159ft. Crossing the steepest mountain passes at an elevation of 2,888ft at the White Pass Summit. Today the train is used solely for tourists to travel booth ways. Along this route we also stopped at several historic locations, like the old town of Bennett and walking the trail in the mountains by the Chilkoot pass. This railway trip is 46km, approximately 4 hours with stops in between. We sighted several black bears on our train trip. It was a comfortable easy ride with terrific vistas along the 41km of Bennett Lake and seeing this old train making its way around the steep mountains.

FROM SKAGWAY, ALASKA CRUISING BACK TO VANCOUVER, BC

Skagway today is solely a tourist trap. It was an old historic town and had a strong connection with the gold rush. Most large cruise ships, however, are leaving from here or are docking here. Having boarded the cruise ship and sailing South through Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska and the Inside Passage, British Columbia, hoping to spot some remaining glaciers. Unfortunately it was foggy and no good enough sight for some decent photos.

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WORLD WAR II Memories

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May 14, 2026

I know, I know, this is terribly old and boring – for those who were born long after this war had ended in 1945. Not for me, because I do remember, even back to the start of this war in 1939, when I was only 2 years old. Growing up in Germany, my family was very much impacted by this war, whose primary instigator has been a madman originally from Braunau am Inn near Salzburg, Austria. Spreading his evil doctrines to eventually involve all surrounding countries to march to his banner, Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, abbreviated NSDAP, commonly known as the Nazi Party

Invading surrounding countries, attacking by air and boots on the ground, and occupying larger and larger regions of Europe and into England and further south into North Africa. A total mess !

The US only stepped into this war by December 1941. That is where my memories started in earnest, as a 4 year old child. From then on Germany was heavily bombed, day and night. It had been a terribly cold winter. The heavy bombings started in earnest. The Americans came during the day, the British and Canadians during the night. Resulting- for us to stay alive – to always go to bed with all our clothes on, than when the warning sirens for air raids started, to run to the nearest bunkers. Many funny incidents happened as well, such as, across from our home was the outside of the city and big parks. We always had to run across and always fell over the low iron railings around this park.

By that time, around 1941, my father was also drafted . He had worked in a Bank. But they forced everybody to the draft. The last time we saw him, I was 4 and my sister 5 years. All these are memories I will never forget. Later he was missing in action, somewhere in Russia.

Surrounded by lots of propaganda (in fact, Goebbels, then Hitler’s propaganda minister, actually conducted his hate speeches from a big field in our home town) and controls by special elements like the Gestapo (Geheime Staatspolizei), those dudes were deadly. Their mission was to actually kill all Germans who were against A. Hitler.

As it happens, my family was also targeted, because my mother strictly forbade us to say HEIL HITLER in school. One of our neighbors found out and phoned in to the Gestapo to report my mother. I remember that day when they came to our home (Totenkopf Kommando, whatever) threatening my mother and investigating where my father was (who of course at that time was some were way up north in the ice and snow of Russia, as a soldier). The preferred method of execution at this time was among others still the Guillotine – “chop, chop, head off”. The only reason they left my mother alive was, because she had two little girls. Those were the times we lived in then. Several of our relatives also spent time in some concentration camp.

But there were also good times and good people. When the Russian front turned back and masses of people in Poland and the Baltics started on their march west to get away from the atrocities of this war, we had an influx of Poles, Czechs and also Russians in Germany. They always organized food for us children.

THE DAY THE WAR ENDED – May 1945

The first troops who advanced into our city – Braunschweig – were the Americans, before they pushed further down south to later occupy the southern zones of Germany. I was 7 at this time, my sister 8 years. We were sitting on our balcony watching the big tanks rolling along directly in front of us, the Americans waiving, throwing packets of chewing gum and hair pins into out balconies. So funny, what do we do with that ? instead of one decent meal after years of war. Then they were busy setting up their camp directly across from our house in this big park, but before stringing razor wire along the entire street and piling up high mounts of dirt and soil against our houses, to separate the population from the soldiers.The soil they had dug up from our cemeteries. Which in fact resulted in us growing up and playing with the skulls of the skeletons from those dead ancestors. What a world ! Makes me laugh now. But all of this is true !

Across from our building in the park they set up their camp. There was a big army kitchen and a huge monster of a cook. We went over and tried to get some food. But this big cook also had a German shepard dog and chased us out. Dangerous situation that. After the American GI’s left, the British occupation arrived and stayed in our sector, Northern Germany until recently. They were always nice to us. Taught us games and such.

Of course, the biggest outfall of such a war are always the unexploded bombs left behind, and the rubble from the buildings. Especially shortly after 1945, bombs literally were everywhere on the ground, in the park. We found live ones (those are the smaller incendiary elongated kind), and played with them. Once in a while they exploded. Should have seen the cops come running and give us hell.

I grew up in this very old city which was almost completely destroyed during this war, but quickly rebuild, leaving there in 1961, then leaving Germany in 1965, to the Netherlands, 7 years, mostly working aerospace and ESA. Large NGOs international organizations. Switzerland a year (Unesco). Leaving Europe for good in 1974, to start my university at Syracuse, in the USA. Eventually from there to Canada by 1976.

With all the wars and international conflicts, I think about this once in a while. Especially now at my age, memories tend to come back easier, and once in a while with my sister, who is also still alive and calls me, we talk about this.

But strangely my experiences as a child, having survived the entirety of WW II, have taught me at least one thing: Nothing can scare me. In all those years of my international travels, and several visits to my former country – last year 2 months transatlantic cruise to and from Europe – to revisit my former home town and the street, where I grew up and the building across from that park still there. Amazing ! In those travels I have been in so many situations of danger (like plane emergency landings, WW II unexploded bombs, people evacuated, terrorist attacks in train stations), leaves me cool.

Compared to what we had to endure, nothing can bother me anymore !

Not to become boring (or why the hell start all this up again), I only like to record all of this for myself, seen from my side as a young child, and also how it all changed our entire life, my sister’s – who was one year older – and mine. And mainly my outlook and my political opinions.

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Re-visit the past – Braunschweig, Germany

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June 19, 2025

My last days in my former hometown Braunschweig. Which I all well remember, having survived the war and grown up there till I left in 1961. Our house was in one the best areas at the edge of the city and directly across a big park. Nearby was and still is my high school, a gymnasium for new and classic languages and science. I walked up there, had a look. It is now an integrated lower and high school system housing many classes at all levels.

In 1945 after the American army tanks had entered Braunschweig, they occupied this large building for the distribution of food to the remaining civilian population,  mostly children. A few days ago I walked up that path, past the school, and uphill. There are train tracks, and crossing them there is also a large private garden area, where my family also used to have a garden with a little stone house. I do remember, having visited there with my little boy when he was 3 years old. All lost in the 1070s after my mother died, when I was already many years in North America, then Canada. I made a picture of the Solanger entrance, now locked.

Up on top of this same road,  just behind the train tracks, used to be bunkers,  shelters from the WW2 bombings. As small children during the early 1040s we had to run up there every night for shelter. Interesting life. At least a little bit more exciting than just boring kindergarten.

My last visit there, that’s for sure, no living relatives. But the city as such is very pleasant, with many greens, parks, trees everywhere. I mostly enjoyed the inner -restored- city center of the old city with the dome and the lion, surrounded by many old half timbered buildings. Meeting nice people, discussing the past as well. Predominately, I guess as in most of Europe, are the enormous number of bakeries and pastry shops. It’s fun, just to hang out for a good cappuccino, sitting outside in the sun.

Some of the following pictures show our house, still there, the park across, the road past the school and uphill.

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New York City then and now

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May 21, 2025

NEW YORK CITY here I come

2025, 2001 and 2002 

Let’s start with 2025. We sure are in a different time now. Thinking about visiting New York City now – well. In a nutshell; I had already booked and paid for an extended voyage to Europe, from Canada. Plane and ship, transatlantic voyage from New York City with the Queen Mary 2, Brooklyn, to London UK, then on to Hamburg. Later in June return by ship, again on my way back to Brooklyn cruise terminal, couple of nights in NYC.  Returning to Canada by air, from La Guardia airport NYC. 

All went well across the border , surprisingly still very busy,  at Toronto US border control to arriving safely at La Guardia. Shuttle buses and services not so well. It used to be to find share rides with Uber at decent prices. Most shuttles go to Manhattan. Finally had to get a cab to my hotel, located in Brooklyn,  near the cruise terminal. Of course at a steep cost, because of street congestion at that time, there was a street road race on. The name of this hotel is Lodge Red Hook. Not much sightseeing that day, then off to the ship next morning. Sharing a taxi with other hotel guests. Maybe on my return to NYC, same hotel booked, we will have a few days to hopefully make a visit across from Brooklyn to Manhattan.

Our very long ago visits to New York – New York, have been very exciting. I agree that it always has been and is always one of the most exciting places to visit.  Yet, one of the most devastating events ever in US history was 9/11 – the attack and complete destruction of the World Trade Center towers in South Manhattan on September 11, in the year 2001.  [https://www.iwm.org.uk]. The same year we visited New York in August, not knowing what had yet to pass on this 9th September day.  Arriving by train from Washington DC at Penn Station,  stayed in a hotel near Central Park, walking distance from the center where all the action is. At midnight after a nice dinner and taking in the the long-standing performance of Les Miserables  at a small  very vintage theatre (reminded me of being somewhere in London).  At that time in 2001 the World Trade Center complex with the 2 high towers was still visible. WTC 1 and 2.   It was August 9, 2001.   All important venues and sites are located in lower Manhattan,  such as Broadway, Times Square, Wall Street and 5th Avenue Rockefeller Centre.   Walking along the entire stretch of Broadway was a totally amazing experience, even for a fairly seasoned traveller. Never seen so many people from all over the world, so many different languages taking in. Exciting, exhilarating. And yet I felt safe among the crowds. 

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Travel adventures – Marrakesh, Morocco

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January 5, 2025

 

Aujourd’hui une example comme on peut écrire utiliser le iPad multi language clavier.  En suivant, j’aimerais écrire quelques de mes expériences en Maroc, la ville rose, Marrakech. Parce que la plupart des bâtiments sont colorés dans une couleur rose. 

Une ville, que j’avais visité en 2012 pour une mois. Et malheureusement après seulement une semaine j’avais cassée mon pied gauche, pendant croiser une rue très pleine avec traffic. La plupart les merdes vélomoteurs.

Aussi en Marrakech on trouve que les rues sans construisent avec un trottoir très profond. Ça veut dire, quand on croises une rue pleine de circulation, c’est très facile de glisser et tomber. C’est pour ça que j’ai vues plusieurs touristes avec des jambes ou bien les pieds cassés.

Qu’est-ce qu’on fait ?  Trouve un clinic local avec un spécialiste en orthopédies.

On m’a examiner, parque. Fait les radiographies de cet pied et aussi des mes hanches. Heureusement, pas des fractures . Sauf la pied gauche.

Mon plan était de au moins visité Casablanca et Fez dans le nord de Maroc.

Maintenant pas possible. Alors, j’ai resté en ville dans cet hôtel . Très mauvais plan, parce que ma jambe gauche avais développé une grande caillot de sang. 

Toute façon, en lieu de départir plus tôt et retourner en Canada, je suis resté là.

Pendant ce temps j’ai rencontré des Marocains intéressants, plusieurs femmes, très gentilles, et fait des amies.

J’ai suivi le voyage du Maroc au Canada, via Lisboa, Portugal, où il y’avait une grève à l’aéroport. Et j’ai due rester toute la nuit . Lendemain via Frankfurt à Vancouver, Canada. 

Enfin, toute l’année suivante mente visites au hôpital avec un program des anticoagulants.

Malgré tous, pendant ce temps en Marrakech très limitée, j’ai visité plusieurs locales spéciales .  Et rencontre des femmes marocaines extraordinaires.

Merci quand

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TRAVEL and LEARN

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June 12, 2024

TRAVEL AND LEARN

The pleasures of travel – whether alone or with a partner or in groups – should most and foremost be also a learning experience. According to my favorite motto in life (‘the more you know, the less you know’) to learn even more, travel more. And definitely not always to the same locales. I have traveled alone most of my life since the 70s to many continents and countries. And I always learned something new. Not necessarily always from a particular city or town or area, but also from the locals.

One of the best ways to get away from groups and the most known tourist sites, is to go the byways, side streets, back streets, to really dig into the local atmosphere of a place.

Talk to the locals, learn. Even if they speak a different language. I never had a problem with that. I may be blessed to operate in five languages, but that’s not always necessary.

Take for example North Africa, easy, Arabic and French. Take the entire continent of Africa, one of the largest in this world, one can always get around with either French or English. Russia (my travel to Saint Petersburg), talking to our taxi driver in either German or even French, works. I like to talk to the locals, find out about their country, or when I need something.

But what is much more rewarding besides learning other cultures, is learning about their nature. Especially now, with the global warming, how much others are doing to protect their environment, habitat and nature.

In all those many years traveling alone, as a woman, I never encountered any nasty people. The odd times someone stole something, but it was my own fault. [Particularly damaging for your eyes, when your sun glasses disappear in North Africa. Those you definitely need.].

[The following is besides the point: I have been, attacked, years ago, even physically, but do not wish to mention which country.].

Tip: when traveling and you loose something essential, there are always, in each country, no matter where, the second-hand stores. In fact, when I traveled, I always only take a small suitcase, so I can buy some clothes at my destination.

If you travel in a larger group, you may be better protected, but often learn less.

We all like to enjoy our travel and learn in the process. But not in the middle of the night, or late evening, or even in a totally remote street somewhere. With all that said, enjoy the the feel of a new country, respect their people, their culture, their nature, their wildlife. And keep away from street food, buy your own fresh food in markets. That should keep you healthy.

Last not least, the most rewarding experience in my entire life has been – not work, work, work, but travel, travel, travel. And the memories of it.

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Finding family through advertising

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October 2, 2023

The story of how I found my only sister, with whom I did not have any contact for over ten years. This happened in 1992. Instrumental in this story was the Bargain Finder Press, Edmonton, Alberta.

{[ https://www.cylex-canada.ca/company/the-bargain-finder-press-ltd–166 ] The Bargain Finder Press seems to have no real owned website, even today.}  Nowadays it’s probably easier to locate family oceans away, but then just around the time we all had started on the Internet not so long ago, it still seems like a special thing to me.

I had last personal contact with my family in Fall of 1974. Since leaving Europe for good, to start a graduate degree program at Syracuse University, New York State, USA. Traveling with my 7 year old little son. I had not heard from my sister since 1977, when my mother passed away in Germany. So, lost contact. (family-related stuff, of course).

After graduation we ended up in Canada 1976. Got myself a job (first with TELUS/then AGT, Edmonton, Alberta). Following, many years working in Alberta’s oil industry, until the late 1980s, when the Canadian Government program (NEP) pretty much wrecked this industry, leaving many of us loosing their jobs and looking elsewhere for contract work in Ontario. (Myself included, on the road with my old Dodge farm truck.).

During this period of (system contract work), I eventually ended up in Alberta again, and in the summer of 1992 doing some computer development work for Canadian Utilities in Edmonton.  I decided to post a classified ad in the Bargain Finder Press, Edmonton. Trying to find my sister in Germany (Name, last known address).

The ad read: “URGENT, HL (my sister’s name), please contact your sister (my name) in Canada, Tel. #.” One day I received a call from a man in Germany, telling me he saw the ad and knows my sister. And will tell her.  Two days later, sitting at my desk, programming computer stuff, my sister is on the line. From then on, gradually resuming long lost contacts and telephone connections again.

You see how small the world is. However, there are still some dear people I have been trying to locate over the years, unsuccessfully. Even traveling as far as Tunesia.

[BTW. I never actually used the Bargain Finder Press for posting anything after that. SHAME ON ME !]

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International Travel Europe and beyond

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February 17, 2023

Lands without borders. What can be easier and less stressful. In the past when I revisited Europe (that was before the pandemic) I always stayed the minimum of three months, which in my case is also the maximum allowable – as a Canadian. It has happened, when last in Berlin, Germany,  2010, I needed an extension visa, as my stay there at a vacation apartment in Berlin-Kreuzberg had been over four months. For that purpose I needed to stand in line at a local immigration center. All others who were also waiting in line – mostly from the Middle East wearing a hijab, or Africans – staring at me. A former German, being born in that country, having left that country in 1965, and now a “foreign Canadian”.  I got my extension visa for 10€. During this same stay in Berlin, I had also booked an 8-day trip to Saint Petersburg, Russia. Difficult to get a visa for Russia. In Berlin, I stood in line outside the Russian Consulate with mostly Russians and Germans, requiring visas. Mine was automatically refused, because I am Canadian, and as such I needed to return to Canada, apply there for a Russian visa.

What I needed is proof of residency in Germany. Not easy with a stay in a vacation apartment. I went to see the local city department for getting a residency form. The lady there refused. I begged her, (I had already booked the trip and paid for it). Finally, she gave in and gave me this form. (Why was that possible ? because I speak the language.)

Returning to the Russian Consulate, – standing in line again – an agent finally granted me a big nice one-page colourful visa for one month. How nice ! In general I found that visiting Russia had been otherwise stress free. Language-wise, one can talk to people, sometimes German, often French. No problem. Easiest travel was from Germany to Spain, airport to airport, you arrive in Spain, walk out without any border controls.

Several times I booked a stay for longer than 3 months. When leaving the country, border controls any country never seem to care, but when arriving back in Vancouver, Canada, they make a big fuss about one day longer.

I know Europe so well, being born there, worked in many countries, travelled extensively everywhere, never had a real problem. Borders are so close. Often booking a months’ long stay in one country allows to just walk over a bridge to be in another. And the best of this is, to speak all those different languages.

Grenzgebiete – border areas. A good example is the most southern part of Germany with one of the biggest lakes Lake Constance (Bodensee), 570 km². Konstanz, the largest city on the borders of this lake is a delightful very old city, which during WWII did not get bombed out, because of its vicinity to Switzerland. [The burghers simply turned off their light during the bombing raids, and being this close to the Swiss border, got saved].  The house where I rented was very old, thick stone walls, Roman origin, no Internet of course. A nearby public library had access, though.

I spent four months there and made many trips to Switzerland, you can almost walk there from the city. Re-visiting Geneva, where I worked for UNESCO/BIE for my last assignment, before leaving for the United States. The lake, one of the largest, which shares three countries – Austria, Germany, Switzerland. All easily and fast to visit, from Konstanz. [In Europe I always use the train.]. Another trip to Austria, and further on to Vienna. All so close. When on the train to Geneva, there were camouflaged) border controls, checking passengers. Just walking through.

France – my favorite country. The southern part by the Mediterranean See, a hop and a skip from Italy, Monaco, and across to North Africa. Tunisia – no visa required for up to 120 days (I spent months there); Morocco, can stay for 90 days; my last visits 2012. Tunisia border controls – beware. In the 1970s I had overstayed my visit, and the plane to return to Holland only flew once a week. Twice I could not return. Then the next week, a Dutch pilot and his crew simply took me in the middle, walking up to the plane. To get out. These border controls are carrying arms. So are the Federales in Mexico.

Many changes since the 1960s, travelling from North Germany to Berlin, at that time still occupied and shared by four countries. Dangerous. Special trains, because many East Germans trying to flee the DDR (East Germany), hiding underneath a train. The Stasi and VoPo controlling all passengers. [What I did is, not take any compromising passport with me- like when I worked for the European Space Agency/ESTEC in Holland. If someone asked, what I do: “I am just a simple secretary.”].

Now all this has changed over the years. I wonder how it works out now, with the UK out of the EU. As a Canadian and a visitor I can stay in the UK for up to 6 months, as this is all part of the British Commonwealth.

[Nowadays, the British monarchy rules over 15 remaining realms, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Tuvalu.Sep 22, 2022].

With all this said and done, Imagine North America – where I arrived 1974 in the USA – then since 1976 Canada, it is huge. In fact Canada is so huge, takes a lifetime to see all of it. Nice ? yes, lots of space, but can also be boring at times. Still, Canada is the safest country to live.

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NATURE CONSERVANCY of CANADA NCC

Filed under: LIFE STORIES — Leave a comment
September 9, 2022

NATURE – the most worthwhile cause for preservation and conservation, a healer, a life saver.

Leaving your estate to a good cause is the most rewarding action one can take, even if there is family to consider. Since seven years ago, when making my will, deciding to leave my estate to various charities (among others the major part of it to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, NCC), I feel good about myself and my decision.

And since surrounding myself with nature I feel better, and lead a better life. Visiting our parks, and surrounding myself with my own gardens at home here. Talking about parks: In all my travels and residing or working abroad – from Scandinavia to North Africa, Russia, North America to Mexico and all countries in Europe – I have not come across such a beautiful park as right here, ten minutes from where I live (Beacon Hill Park, Victoria, BC).

[Note. Parks are the most worthwhile attempt to recreate nature, while natural habitats are more than than, they are giving back to nature.]

[This post is not about all those travels and visits of nature areas, else I could fill a book with it. It is only to remind others what a good idea and feeling it is to leave behind for NATURE CONSERVATION. Protect nature from development, being run over by humanity and high risers, and above all help restore natural areas, thereby giving back to wildlife. What they deserve.]

YET, it is wonderful to witness how many efforts are made worldwide to do just that.

Canada, the second largest country (after Russia), with almost 3.85 million sq.miles. How many wild places do we still have ? Only about 23 per cent of Canada’s land habitats are still wild, and the oceans are even worse off – with only 13 per cent untouched by humans. That makes for about seven million square kilometers of wild land and another two million square kilometers of untouched ocean.Nov 1, 2018.

[ https://globalnews.ca/news/4620290/canada-worlds-wildlife-save-it/ .

And who can be held responsible for large-scale destruction and exploitation of the last wild places ? Mostly Governments. Who are afraid to make the right decisions and pass the right laws, because of fear not being re-elected.

[ https://news.mongabay.com/2021/04/with-british-columbias-last-old-growth-at-risk-government-falters-critics/ ]

My photos CLICK HERE: [ https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZGgGoNeyQ5Uxt2iy9 ]

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