Lessons learned from travel

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/09/2021 (640 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Our family just attended a wedding in British Columbia.

What? You travelled out of the province? We did.

Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was glorious and we felt safe the entire time.

Everyone in the airport was masked, as was everyone on the plane. Sanitization was evident and distance markers had been strategically placed throughout. People respected the new space. It was an environment of calm.

The flights were uneventful with some minor delays, which is to be expected. The airlines are trying to offer more flights, but with ticket sales increasing slowly, adaptations are likely. Eventually, staff and flight numbers will increase as Canadians feel ready to travel again.

There were no visibly or audibly sick folks seen anywhere on our trip. Hmm, maybe we’re onto something here. If you’re sick — stay home! We don’t want whatever it is you have. You’ll recuperate faster at home and you won’t get the stink-eye because you’re coughing in public. Maybe people are finally getting the message.

We were equipped with our paperwork, but not once did anyone ask if we were vaccinated. Not the airline, hotel, stores or restaurants. We were instead greeted with friendly, welcoming faces, anxious for visitors to return safely.

After being awestruck by the towering mountaintops and admiring the vast ocean, I have come to a conclusion. I am a Prairie girl at heart and forever will be. I enjoy a nice straight road — one that doesn’t remind me of a roller coaster or necessitate the use of Gravol to reach my destination.

Don’t get me wrong. I am a massive fan of our country, and I enjoy exploring its marvels, but after a time I can’t wait to get home.

I am relieved that our adventure was without incident, as our health and safety were always first on our minds. Not everyone is ready to board a plane, even for domestic travel. Emerging from our isolation cocoons will be different for everybody, and that must be respected.

It’s like dipping your toes in cold lake water. Some people dive right in, and some prefer to sunbathe on the dock for awhile. Stay safe and have patience.
 
Wanda Prychitko is a community correspondent for St. James-Assiniboia. Contact wprychitko@yahoo.ca

Wanda Prychitko
St. James-Assiniboia community correspondent

Wanda Prychitko is a community correspondent for St. James-Assiniboia.

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