Nanaimo

On Tuesday 29 May, I flew up to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island for a Canada Revenue agriculture conference on Wednesday and Thursday.

Day started with beingunceremoniously dumped back to economy by United, who were too poor in customer service to come out and actually tell me. When challenged, I was told that I should contact customer service who will 'probably' refund me the difference. This is typical of 'service' in the States. It is either brillant or, more often than not, woeful. Comes down to whether there's potentially a tip involved or the person's job is so secure that they don't give a damn. I know there are fantastic exceptions, but there are way too many that seem to want to prove this as a rule.

Anyway, had a fantastic few days in a wonderful small town. Typical was my taxi driver, resplendent in his red Hawaiian shirt. Told me he would pick me up on Thursday and he did. Then gave me his phone numbers to call for local advice on where to stay, rent a car, etc when I brought the family back next time. Should also mention that the airport makes Hobart's look international. One gate in and one gate out. My taxi driver knew the flight timetables (they obviously change so much!) so he knew which flight I would be leaving on.

Should also mention the flight attendant on Air Canada Jazz on the 20 minute flight over to Nanaimo from Vancouver. Thought he was the world's biggest joker and loved laughing at his own jokes. Sad but true was his motto for Air Canada: we're not happy until you're not happy. While waiting for the (late) flight, they called for two passengers to volunteer for the next flight, as they were overbooked, in return for flight credits, lunch, etc. After selling what a great deal it was to the two women who accepted, they then worked out that they weren't overbooked at all and just put them on the flight with no compensation!

Backdrop to the town is a mountain that is eerily reminiscent of Mt Wellington. While the foreview is a wonderful harbour, protected by a range of islands, with the Coastal Ranges (I think) in the background which ring Vancouver. Flying into Vancouver was impressive - beautiful city with fantastic geographical setting.

Anyone remember 'The Beachcombers' & "Relic'? Well it was shot at Gibsons which is the town framed by the view across Nanaimo harbour back towards BC. Those shots of floating logs were exactly what I saw flying into Vancouver.

My Canadian hosts were wonderful and I came back with offers to visit Toronto and Price Edward Island amongst others. Getting back to BC and Vancouver Island is also something I'd like to do in the future. Had some great meals out, was introduced to hockey (although supporting the Senators in the Stanley Cup finals wasn't such a great thing) and we spent the final night by catching a ferry over to Protection Island for dinner at the Dinghy Dock Pub. According to the teenage girl who was rather depressed at growing up on the Island where 'there's nothing to do', there's about 250 people live on the island.

Week could only have been improved by having more time (pity about having to work and give a presentation etc!) and having a mountain bike with me! There's a few good looking trails out the back of town that would have loved to explore. Also noted how much closer the Canadians are to Australians in their outlook on life. Much different to the States. Major surprise for me was the expectation of separate bills everywhere we went - from your own tab at a table in a pub to the Dinghy Dock Pub. Not providing this was seen as bad service and the Canadians would just get up and leave. Can't see that being provided by any eating establishments down under!

Malcolm