There comes a time after a long wearying journey that you'd just like to go home; but once we get to Halifax, after the rain stops falling and the winds stop blowing, we'll still be somewhat stuck for a while. All of our belongings, except for the computers and a few of our clothes, are still in Portland while the Mayflower driver waits to have his truck fully loaded for points east. Having seen for ourselves what a truly long haul it is between the one place and the other I have no complaints other than a vague wish our stuff would just be there all nicely arranged, waiting for us.
Since that won't be the case, and we want to get out of the hotel habitation scene sooner rather than later, we're making up a shopping list whose first item is a bed - or a sofa bed. For that we'll need sheets and pillows - then a lamp to read a book by - then towels and stuff for the bathroom - then a kettle, a pan, 2 plates, 2 bowls, 2 cups, 2 knives, 2 forks, 2 spoons.. the list goes on but hopefully, it won't get too much longer. To think we were concerned about getting all the way here before our stuff arrived at the border in Nova Scotia is laughable now.
The contract says it will be here no later than Sept. 23rd but I've been scoping out this hotel room to see what they could spare. Hmpff.. gone are the days when you could collect hotel towels; anything missing they just add to your credit card bill. The other temporary aggravation is we'll have no internet service until next Friday so I guess we'll be spending some time in wi-fi connected restaurants and sports bars. It will continue to be interesting for a while yet - never mind the fact it's 8:30 in the evening here and still 4:30 on the other coast. That still feels very weird as did losing an hour every other day on our way across.
One thing I can safely say about Canada is that it's much like the US in many respects but without the hand guns. That's a definite plus.
Tomorrow we travel to our new home by the sea. Crow flew in this evening to let us know the skies have cleared between here and there. He's relaxing on his travel perch now and sends his greetings.
Bon soir, mes amies.
☀
it's a fine mess... um adventure you got us in, ollie.
ReplyDeletei love being in hotels. i like looking out the window and seeing something other than my neighbors or the backyard. i like collecting soaps and little shampoos. i like room service, but it confuses me that they shut down room service at 1am-- right when i most want to order something.
sera - It's a far different thing to enjoy hotels on holiday when you do have a home to return to.. still an unknown for us.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'll call room service for a cocktail.
Like the US, but without the hand guns. Nice!
ReplyDeleteThat waiting part is so hard. And not knowing? The two combined would make me a neurotic mess.
ReplyDeleteYou seem to be handling it with the grace and humor I always imagine you to possess.
I'm hoping for the best. When we moved here, our stuff was on a truck and, at first, we thought it wasn't going to be able to reach our home - it was out of that particular delivery range. Luckily, the driver bent the rules.
I'm hoping you have the same sort of luck and things go your way.
You signed off with:
ReplyDelete"Bon soir, mes amies."
You're not going to become a Francophone on this blog, are you? Oh well, if you do, I'll study hard. Wouldn't want to lose you.
Here's a way to cut down on the tools and equipment:
Get a spork, a spoon and fork in one tool. Found at camping store, then carry a pocket knife and share it. Three tools instead of six. Then, use the bowl as a plate, cuts down on a couple more. Don't mention it, it was my pleasure.
Number one, lose the gun.
Number two, buy a canoe
Number Three, live multiculturally
Number Four, that's all, there is no more!
Can you really tell that people don't have guns by walking down the street?nJust wonderin'
Hey Crow, glad you made the trip along with susan and the others.
Peace.
tried to post.... lost in cyberspace.... been that kind of day...... too tired to remember what i said...... be well. enjoy your first days in Halifax. it's an adventure.
ReplyDeletenancy - It really is very laid back compared to what I'm used to.
ReplyDeletelisa - I'm trying to avoid neurotic but we came close to sheer rage when we saw that the apartment we rented months ago was totally unlivable on Sept. 5th. The weekend superintendent promised to have it fixed by tomorrow afternoon so we'll see. Meanwhile, we're charging this hotel bill to the company :-)
spadoman - I promise not to go overboard with the Frenchiness and thanks for the good advice about savings on dining supplies.
Around here at least all of that is quite true and you would absolutely love this place. Yes, you can tell people aren't packing - not that I met many who were in Portland (at least not obviously anyway). Today we saw policemen walking a beat - something else neither of us could quite believe.
Crow says, 'Hey!'
gfid - I'm sorry you lost a post. I've done mine off-line in text edit since that happened to me. Thanks for the good thoughts - this place is very neat.
ya, being on the road is different from anything else. the first thing i do in any motel room is take off the comforter. if i am lucky, the sheets underneath are clean and crisp. or at least clean.
ReplyDelete