Clickbait and Facebook

Clickbait is a text, image, or video link with an exaggerated, shocking, or misleading title designed to entice users to click through a website.

This cruise is possible, however when you go onto the website, it's clickbait!  The Facebook page has nothing to do with travel.  I never read it before, it just showed up on my feed as "sponsored" or as I put it "unwanted".  I did "turn notifications off for this post".  Another one will pop up again under a difference name and I'm tired of this garbage.

I continue to see these posts showing travel.  I should have kept the one that said : Cruise from Vancouver to Sydney Australia in 14 days!   It takes Commercial container‑ship speeds (14–18 knots) 16–20.6 days of pure sailing time. Most cruise ships, with stops along the way take around 33 days. I've seen them as short at 27 days with very few stops. There was another one sailing from Vancouver to Italy!  You can do it, but in a few cruises with some stopovers.  More clickbait.

I've noticed other Facebook group pages with an interest or specific subject, show recipes and nothing to do with the subject of the page.  You can answer any post you read with your opinion.  When I read the "opinions" of some people, I see the hate in the world.  

I just checked my feed.  I see "Sponsored", "Follow", "Join" and my favorite "AI Content".  I get more of these than actual posts from my friends in the database.  It's so frustrating.  Also I get videos of people removing weird things from their body and pictures of health problems I don't want to see.  I tried to remove them but they keep returning.  It's disgusting.

False and misleading news.  So much advertising.  Hate posts.  I'm tired of the garbage on Facebook.  It's lost it's intent.  

 

BC Day in a Season of Smoke and Solidarity

 

Yesterday was BC Day.  BC Day is usually a time when we pause to celebrate the place we call home — its beauty, its diversity, its resilience. But this year, the celebration feels different. Our province is blanketed in smoke. Entire communities are under evacuation orders. Families are losing homes they’ve lived in for generations. The scale of the wildfires has reshaped daily life across British Columbia.

And yet, even in a season this heavy, something profoundly hopeful is happening.

Yesterday, Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar issued a statement that captured the spirit of what it means to be British Columbian — not just in good times, but in the hardest ones. He spoke about the arrival of wildfire personnel from Mexico, more than 100 arriving on August 3rd and over 200 more later in the week, who have left their own homes to help protect ours.

His words carried a reminder that feels especially important right now:

“Supporting our neighbours and communities, showing hospitality to our partners and taking care of each other. These are the values that make me proud to be a British Columbian.”

In a summer defined by loss, that sense of shared humanity is something to hold onto.

Wildfire response has always been a team effort — a network of people who don’t stop to think about borders or politics, but simply answer the call when someone needs help. Parmar emphasized that every person who joins the effort strengthens our ability to protect communities and forests across the province. It’s a truth we see every day in the faces of BC Wildfire Service crews, local volunteers, and now, international partners who have stepped forward without hesitation.

On BC Day, Parmar offered gratitude to wildland firefighters here at home and around the world — people who are spending their summer on the front lines so others can stay safe.

His message is a reminder that even in a season of fear and uncertainty, we are not alone. Help is arriving. Communities are supporting one another. And the values we celebrate on BC Day — generosity, courage, and connection — are being lived out in real time.

This year, BC Day isn’t just about pride in our province. It’s about gratitude for everyone who is fighting to protect it.

From the Guadalajara Reporter:

‘THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS DO’: MEXICO ANSWERS CANADA’S CALL AS WILDFIRES RAGE

As relentless wildfires continue to devastate vast stretches of Canada — with more than 900 active blazes burning from British Columbia to the Northwest Territories — Mexico has once again proven itself a steadfast ally. Jalisco proudly contributed its own elite personnel from the state’s Fire Management and Operational Units. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney did not mince words when expressing his gratitude: “That’s what friends do when they face a crisis. This is our moment of need, and Mexico is responding.”

The Unpaid Work Behind Every Flight: Why Flight Attendants Deserve Better — And Why Travel Agents Still Matter

In the 1970s, I spent fifteen years working for a Canadian airline. Over that time, I lived through two mergers, countless schedule changes, and more than a few weather delays. I left before the second merger was finalized, but those years gave me a front‑row seat to the realities of airline life — especially for flight attendants.

I knew many of them well. We shared the kind of camaraderie that only comes from working in aviation. And even back then, they were talking about something that still hasn’t been fixed: flight attendants don’t get paid until the aircraft doors close.

Think about that.

All the Work You See — Unpaid

If you’ve ever boarded a plane during a weather delay, those smiling, patient flight attendants greeting you at the door? They’re not being paid.

When they help parents juggle strollers and toddlers, or assist passengers in wheelchairs, or lift heavy carry-ons into overhead bins — all unpaid.

When they calm nervous flyers, answer questions, manage boarding chaos, and keep everyone safe before the engines even start — still unpaid.

They were frustrated about it fifty years ago. They’re frustrated about it today. And the industry still hasn’t fixed it.

Who else works for nothing?

A Strike That Highlighted the Problem

Air Canada’s flight attendants went on strike last year. It lasted four days before the government stepped in and forced them back to work. They didn’t win everything they fought for, but they did secure some concessions:

Double‑digit first‑year raises (especially at Rouge), followed by three years of smaller increases, plus improvements to benefits, rest rules, and pensions.

The union made it clear: this wasn’t the victory they wanted. But it closed the dispute.

Still, the core issue remains. They are not paid for all the work they do. And it’s time every airline — not just one — fixes that.

A Word to Travellers: Don’t Do It Alone

If you’ve ever been stranded at an airport trying to get home, you already know how stressful it can be. Long lines. Busy agents. Hours on hold listening to tinny music.

There’s a better way.

A travel agency would have rebooked you long before you reached the front of that line. Agencies like Maritime Travel charge a small fee for booking flights (unless you’re booking a cruise or all‑inclusive package), because — just like flight attendants — we don’t work for free either. We don’t earn commission on flights, so the fee keeps the lights on.

But here’s what you do get:

• A toll‑free number you can call from anywhere in the world

• A real travel agent available 24/7

• Immediate rebooking when your flight is cancelled — often before you even know it

• No waiting in airport lines

• No sitting on hold for hours

When your flight is cancelled, we get the email too. And we start working on your new plan right away.

My Hope for WestJet’s Flight Attendants

WestJet’s flight attendants are currently fighting for fair compensation, and I sincerely hope they don’t settle until they’re paid for everything they do. They’re dedicated, they love their jobs, and they deserve better.

I’m behind them 100%.

For Peace of Mind: Visit a Travel Agent

Travel is stressful enough. You don’t need to do it yourself. A good travel agent can save you time, money, and frustration — and make sure you’re never stranded without support.

And just to be clear: I’m not looking for business. I’m semi‑retired now, working from home, and I only book cruises. I simply believe in the value of the profession — and in giving credit where it’s due.

Flight attendants and travel agents both keep travellers moving. It’s time the industry recognizes the full value of that work.

Welcome August

August was named sfter Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emporer.  It's marks the final full month of summer.  Corn is available and blueberries in our area are abundant.  

 

A Visit, a Test, and a Reminder That COVID Isn’t Gone

This week unfolded in a way that reminded me — gently but firmly — that COVID is still very much with us.

On Tuesday, my nephew mentioned that his dad had come down with a bad cold. He was worried, as any son would be. His dad lives in long‑term care, a beautiful private facility with excellent staff and thoughtful routines. Even so, when someone you love isn’t well, the worry settles in.

By Thursday afternoon, my nephew called again, sounding miserable. “I’m so sick,” he said, “and I haven’t seen my dad today.” I told him to rest, and I went to visit his dad myself.

I arrived around 3 o’clock with the protein drink he likes. He devoured it. He was dressed, alert, and happy to see me. We sat together in the common area — a quiet, sunlit space — and had a genuinely lovely visit. He was sniffling and blowing his nose, but his spirits were good. I wore a mask the entire time, just in case.

Yesterday, the care home called to say he had tested positive for COVID.

My own rapid tests were long expired, so I had tossed them out. I phoned my local pharmacy — no free tests anymore, but they had some for $9.99 with a long expiry date. I bought a box, came home, and tested negative.

Later, my nephew stopped by. I tested him outside, and his result appeared almost instantly — the positive line showed up before the negative one. No ambiguity there.

I've had COVID twice and never got very ill. The first time, I just had a sore throat. The second time I was exposed so I tested. The test was positive but I had no symptoms at all. I don't know if I had it, or the test was faulty.

Then, I realized something important: I haven’t had a COVID shot for two years. Life got busy, the urgency faded, and I simply didn’t prioritize it. But this week was a wake‑up call. COVID is still circulating, still unpredictable, and still capable of knocking people flat.

This year, I’ll be getting my shot. No hesitation.

I hope this strain isn’t a bad one. I hope my nephew recovers quickly. And I’m grateful that his dad, even while sick, was able to enjoy a quiet afternoon visit and a favourite drink. I hope his case doesn't get worse. The sad part is he's now confined to his room and we can't visit!

Sometimes the smallest moments — a phone call, a test strip, a shared hour in a common room — remind us how connected we all are, and how much care still matters.

Cruising - 7 things your cabin steward can give you if you request it

Most people don't realize you can request items from your cabin steward:

Pillow options:  most cruise lines have different pillows.  If you don't like the pillows you have ask what else is available.  Some cruise lines have a pillow menu!  

Bed Configuations:  When your agent books your cabin, they request what you want.  However, I've found out many times the cabin stewards don't read the reservation.  Ask them to change to either together or apart if they are not what you want

Power Strips:  You cannot take a power strip on a ship with a serge protector on any ship.  Most have these availalble for your use.  If there are not enough electrical outlets in your cabin, ask for a power strip.  The newer ships have many electrical outlets, but some of the older ships don't have enough.  Check the USB outlets, some don't work!  You won't find out until you wake up and your phone has no charge!

Bath Robe and Slippers:  If you have a suite, they are automatic.  If you are in a regular cabin and you want these, just ask.

Wine Glasses:  If you brought on your own bottle of wine to be consumed in the room, ask for wine glasses.

Hangers:  There are never enough for us, and we always ask for more,  It's never been a problem.

Kettle:  If you like to have tea or instant coffee in your room, most cruise ships have them on board.  If the cruise ship has ever sailed in the UK, they will have them and you just have to ask.

Cruise ports often missed

In the terms and conditions most people never read, the cruise line has the right to cancel a port.  When they do, it usually last minute.  If they do, make sure they refund the port charges you have paid.  It's always disappointing, but when we've been on a cruise that had a port cancellation, it's always been for a good reason.

Port Stanley, Falkland Islands:  It's often removed when bad weather or the Drake Passage threatens Antarctica itineraries, so cruise lines protect time in the Southern Continent.  50% of cruises that are expected to visit are cancelled, so know this before you go.

Dutch Harbour, Alaska:  This is a remote, rugged cruise port located on Amaknak Island in Unalaska, Alaska famous as the top US Commercial fishing hub.  Ships usually dock at the Industral City Dock located 4 km from the town center.  Weather is a huge factor for cancelled cruises.

Santorini, Greece:  This port relies on tendering and there is a lot of wind.  Another reason is the number of ships in port.  Caps are put on cruise ship passengers visiting the island.  Some days there are too many ships and the island doesn't want another 5,000 people from a huge ship.  If you want to visit Santorini, go on a small ship, not a mega ship.  Your chances of visiting would be much better.  Azamara cruises stay until late in the evening so the masses of people from the other ship are long gone!  

Tarshavn, Faroe Islands:  I loved this port.  We were fortunate to visit.  Weather would be the problem as it's in the middle of the Atlantic between Scotland and Iceland.

Georgetown, Grand Caymen: Georgetown lacks a cruise pier, so ships anchor offshore and sometimes cancel preemptively if winds or swells could strand passengers ashore.

Isafjordur, Iceland:  This port has frequent high winds and a relatively small dock, leaving larger ships dependent on tendering until planned dock renovations happen.

Lerwick, Scotland:  Depending on the size of ship you are on will either dock or tender.  Winds are a problem with tendering so this port gets cancelled frequently.

Cruise lines private islands:  They aren't actually private islands, but pieces of land the cruise ship purchases and locals manage the private beach.  Most are tender ports so again, it depends on the weather conditions.

Summary:  I love the large ships for the different entertainment venues and more activities.  However, the smaller ships get into more ports.  The best example is cruise lines that dock by the Tower Bridge in London!  Only small expedition and boutique cuise ships (58 meters with a shallow draft) can dock at "Tower Bridge Upper".  If you are on one of these ships you will disembark right beside the HMS Belfast.