Home sweet home

Well, we made it!  After:

- 8 months and 11 days or 

- 36 weeks or

- 252 days or

- 6,048 hrs

My car is home. Along with me and Gwen.

The road trip was great. We saw three completely different cities each boasting their own unique flavour.  Boston for its history, New York for its busyness and Chicago for its architecture.  Along the way we had many experiences with traffic, crowds and accents. 

The food was good too. Gwen and I were taking at lunch, we had many delicious meals with only a few that didn't quite meet expectations. 

My favourite events in each city were:

- Boston - the freedom trail walk

- New York - the World Trade Center memorial

- Chicago - the architecture boat cruise

But my all time favourite was spending each moment of each day with Gwen. I missed her during these past 8 months and am very happy to have her back and to be able to see her each and every day. 

The rest of the week will be spent unpacking and getting things back to normal. I also need to make my way to vw to see about getting my rear drivers door fixed so that it will open. I suspect that the guys who replaced the glass didn't do something up correctly as the door (which opened in Boston and New York) wouldn't open again in New York when we left. You pull the handle but it does not unlatch anything. 

Looking forward to seeing you all again very soon!

In Minneapolis

We just arrived at our hotel in Minneapolis after a 6 hrs drive from Chicago. We started the day with some shopping in Aurora Illinois at an outlet mall. I actually spent about as much as Gwen which wasn't very much. New jeans, pants, work shirt and some new shorts for baseball. 

The drive went well no real complaints. We ate lunch before we left the outlet mall in Aurora. We stopped for supper in Eau Claire Wisconsin and then finished the drive into Minneapolis. 

Now, time for the hot tub and relaxing before a repeat day tomorrow - shopping and driving. I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tomorrow.  

Last day in Chicago

Today was another busy day of walking around. We started with a delicious breakfast at Wildberry. We then walked to the Buckingham fountain to take some pictures and made our way back along Michigan ave to do some shopping. 

After shopping we went to navy pier but not before a stop at Gwen's new favourite tea shop "Argo Tea". We walked around navy pier taking photos and getting the last of our souvenirs before dinner at Bubba Gump. 

After Gwen scorched her mouth with the spicy shrimp that she ordered we made our way back to the hotel to drop off bags and then went to the Hard Rock Cafe to watch the hockey game. Luckily we also were treated to a Rolling Stones tribute band who was playing during the game. 

Tomorrow we will try to leave "early" so that we can get some shopping done at an outlet mall near Chicago before driving 6.5 hrs to Minneapolis. 

I don't know if I am sad that this trip is ending or if I am excited to be home. Time will tell...

Chicago and its architecture

Today we spent the majority of the day taking in the sites of Chicago. The city is very architecturally diverse, my favourite being Art Deco:

We did a river cruise today and learned all about the different styles of architecture and the inspiration for each. This cruise was recommended to us by a few people we know and it did not disappoint. The most impressive piece of trivia that I can recall was the number of buildings over 15 stories that were built between 1920 and 1930 - over 120 buildings. Between 1930 and 1950 - only about 19. Quite interesting the drastic drop off during the depression and war. 

After our tour we walked down Michigan avenue which is where all of the shopping is located, but we didn't do any shopping. Another interesting point, Michigan ave is where the lake shore used to be, now the shore is much farther east due to the backfilling of earth during construction of Chicago. 

Here is a photo of a water tower that survived the Chicago fire in 1871, the only standing building still around today:

After walking we ate lunch and then made our way back to the hotel to dress warmer for the afternoon out and about.  We went to Millennium Park check out the bean:

After the bean we walked about a mile to the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears tower) to check out the sky deck located on the 103rd floor:

You could also stand on a glass platform which we did:

After the Willis tower we went for dinner to a restaurant called Chucks Manufacturing and then back to the hotel, we are pretty tired. 

Tomorrow we will go to Navy Pier and probably do some shopping in Michigan ave. 

Made it to Chicago

What we did today:

Drive 800 miles

- End -

The drive went well. It started off a little later than expected and had delays in New Jersey due to an accident on the interstate. Traffic was ok - it was busy but not too bad. 

We spent roughly $30 on tolls today ranging from $1 in NJ all the way to $15 in OH.  

We ate lunch in restaurant in PA and had dinner just outside Toledo. We even found a Tim Hortons in OH so I had to try the coffee to see if it was the same as at home which it pretty much is. 

Don't really have much to say - I'm pretty tired from the drive. 

Not sure exactly what our plan is for tomorrow but we will see what the day brings. 

New York day 3

Boy my feet are tired.  Today started at the 9/11 memorial. We timed things just right, we got there at around 10 which is exactly when the memorial opens up. We got through the line and security pretty fast and spent about an hour and a half salmon around checking out the memorial pools and the grounds. It was something to see. 

From there we went for lunch at a small diner nearby and then caught the subway to check out the High Line which was really neat (and not to mention cold and windy - definitely not shorts and sandals weather which was what I was wearing). 

From there we made our way back to the hotel to change into some warmer clothes and rest a bit. Then we did some souvenir shopping and explored the toys r us at Times Square. 

We also went and grabbed some fries and a shake at the Shake Shack which always had a lineup outside but today there was no line. The fries were great and my Fair Shake (milkshake with fair trade coffee) did not disappoint. 

Now we are in Rockefeller centre again scamming some free wifi while we wait for our studio tour at NBC. 

Tomorrow will be a long day of driving. I hope to leave as early as possible (ideally at 7am) to get off the island before it starts getting too busy. Hopefully we can get up early enough...

Here's a photo from the High Line:

New York day 2

Today was another busy day. We started with breakfast at a restaurant called Juniors, just down the street. It was delicious!

From breakfast we made our way to a few stores at Times Square (M&Ms and Hershey) but didn't buy anything. We also saw a massive Lego structure built from over 5 million Lego pieces promoting a new Star Wars series or game (not sure which). It was really cool!

We then walked to 5th ave and did some shopping. Gwen bought a dress at Ann Taylor and we both bought items from H&M. We even went to Saks on 5th Avenue, just to say we have been. It was massive - 10 floors of clothing and accessories. Not quite the same as the Bay but close. The major difference being the price, Gwen found some dresses for $800 and we found a sport coat for $2000 (which didn't even look good, in my opinion). 

After shopping we went back to Rockefeller centre for lunch and reserving two tickets for the NBC tour Friday at 6pm. We then went to the museum of modern art and spent over 2 hrs checking out all of the pieces of art. 

After the museum we took the subway back to the hotel. The subway was very full today as it was raining this afternoon. It was so full that we barely fit into the car - I was right against the door and there was barely enough room for the door to close. Luckily I had more room than the guy who's coat got caught between the doors. 

We had dinner at a pub about 5 mins from our hotel. I had a beer sampler and was disappointed with the beer - of the six types I only liked one...

After dinner we quickly showered and got ready for the Lion King. The show was AMAZING! The costumes and props were really well done and the acting was superb. Well worth the tickets. 

Now we are back at the hotel getting ready for bed. Tomorrow we will do the 9/11 memorial in the morning and hopefully do the High Line which is an old elevated roadway or train line that has been transformed into a walkway. We will see what the weather is like tomorrow, if it is too rainy we will have to think of something else. 

Well, time for bed. Goodnight!

In New York

Our first full day in New York was definitely busy. 

We started with breakfast at a small diner across from Madison Square Gardens. We then went to Penn Station (right beside MSG). From there we took the subway to Ferry station at the southern tip of Manhattan island. We got onto the free Staten Island ferry which takes you to (surprise surprise) Staten Island but not before taking you right beside the Statue of Liberty!

There isn't anything to really see on SI so we got on the next ferry back and got the best view of the NYC skyline. Unfortunately it was cloudy/hazy but we still got a pretty good sight. 

After the ferry we went to a pier and got a good view of the Brooklyn bridge. Then, we walked down Wall Street and saw the New York stock exchange. We took the subway (during the start of rush hour, wow) to Central Park and walked around for a few hours. I'm curious how far we walked, my legs and pretty sore. 

After Central Park we took the subway to Times Square and had dinner at Bubba Gump which overlooks the intersection of 45th ave and 7th ave - right at Times Square. 

Since we still had time left in the day, we went to Rockefeller Center and went to "the top of the Rock" - 67 floors above the New York rooftops. All I can say is amazing. Th night sky cleared up and you could see all of New York - from the Statue of Liberty to beyond Central Park. WOW. 

Well time for bed. Not sure what we will do tomorrow but time will tell. Hope everyone is doing well back home (and out west). 

Oh yeah, on the way back the sidewalk was blocked off at our hotel. We didn't know what was going on but then saw people taking pictures an getting autographs from actors in one of the plays. And we saw Sigourney Weaver. 

Boston to NYC

We didn't leave as early as hoped but had a good sleep and relaxing morning. We left Boston at about noon. We drove about an hour and a half to a town called Starburn MA (I think...). We got fuel and ate at a small restaurant/pub. 

From there we continued a lot I-84 until just past Hartford where we got onto CT-15 which was a dual lane highway with no commercial vehicles. The drive was really nice, rolling hills and curves. There were a few sections where traffic was down to 20 mph but for the most part pretty good. 

Once onto Manhattan Island, we hit some serious traffic - less than 10 mph. I thought this was because we got there right during rush hour but it turns out it was because there was an accident.

We then made our way towards the hotel. Much more traffic but at least it was generally moving. We got to the corner where our hotel was and saw that the entrance has been moved due to renovations. We had to pull onto a different side street which was a one way so had to make a loop. 

As we were looping around we ended up driving through Times Square. Pretty surreal. 

We got checked into the hotel and then made our way to Madison Square Gardens for the game. We got there about 45 min before the game and there wasn't very many people there. 

We went to the merch shop and bought t shirts and a souvenir puck. We then grabbed something to eat - I had a hotdog and a beer and Gwen had a chicken sandwich minus the bread. 

We made our way to our seats and saw that we had t shirts and a towel for the game!  

The game was pretty good it was too bad the Rangers didn't really show up to play...  We saw some famous people at the game: Liam Neeson (actor), Darren McDaniels (rapper from Run DMC) and some guy they called "The Great One". 

After the game we made our way back to the hotel but not before a snack - Gwen had fries and I had a turkey burger. 

Not sure what we will do tomorrow but we want to try to see Central Park and do the Staten Island ferry. We will see what the weather is like and decide from there. 

And the road trip continues

Yesterday was a good day. We went to the Boston Tea Party museum and learned lots of history about Bostonand the start of the American revolution. 

From there we went for lunch at Barking Crab right on Boston harbour. Gwen had crab and I had a mahi mahi sandwich. It was delicious. 

After lunch we went to Harvard and wandered around the campus. I don't know what exactly I was expecting but wasn't super impressed - it looked like a university. We got ice cream near by and ate it on the steps of the library. 

After Harvard we made our way to the bar that inspired the set for Cheers. We got there in time for happy hour which had half price appetizers. Gwen got fries and I got nachos and salsa. Total bill with a beer - $12. We made a friend too. His name was Jonathan and he was an IT recruiter from Toronto. We had a good conversation with him - he was quite interested in our road trip and sounded like he would rather join us than attend his business meeting. 

After Cheers we went to Newbury street for some window shopping. We then made our way back to Quincy Market for dinner at an Irish pub. I had Shepards pie which was really good and Gwen had a steak. 

Tomorrow we pack up and drive to New York. 

Bahstun day 2

Busy day today. Well, after we slept in....

We walked around the freedom trail which takes you on a 3 mile walk through Boston showing you the major historical places including a churches, cemeteries, famous buildings, the bunker hill monument and the USS Constitution.  The walk took us about 4 hrs to complete which included a stop for lunch. 

My favourite stop was the bunker hill monument. We walked up the 294 stairs to the top and see the Boston skyline. It was pretty cool. 

After the walk, we returned to the hotel to shower and change before dinner. Then we made our way to Chart House for dinner. I had prime rib and Gwen had lobster. I also had some clam chowder, it was delicious. 

After dinner, we went for a drink at the (replica) Cheers bar and then back to the hotel. 

We aren't sure what the plan is for tomorrow just yet. We will probably visit Harvard and maybe Fenway Park. Other than this not too sure. We will see what the day brings...

Here are some pictures from the day:

The Freedom Trail

Boston Common

The Freedom Trail - always marked with red brick

Granary Cemetery

Old State House

Paul Revere House 

Bunker Hill Monument from a distance

Downtown Boston from the top of Bunker Hill monument

USS Constitution 

Night skyline

Road trip Day 1

Day 1 consisted of mostly driving and a little bit if sightseeing. 

We left Montreal at 10, a few hours behind my intended 7 but we needed some more sleep as Gwen's flight was a little delayed and by the time we got her bag and back to the hotel it was past midnight. 

The drive went well, once we got the GPS to follow the same route that Gwen planned using google maps. The wait at the boarder was about 30 mins, not bad at all. After the boarder guard asked where we were from, he made the comment "kind of a round about way to get home isn't it?"

Once in Vermont we stopped to fuel up and go to the bathroom. Gwen used the men's washroom. We then stopped to look for a place to eat when I stopped to wash my car. It took $2 to start the wash (manual) so I plunked in $3 thinking this will be good for a quick rinse. 

Well it was good but not for a quick rinse. How about a 12 min wash with the foam brush and many different pre soak and rinse settings. My car was spic and span. 

Lunch was at a restaurant in St Albans VT called Maple City. Gwen and I both had skillets. 

We then drive the rest of the way to Boston stopping at rest stops in each state to get a new highway map. All except for Massachusetts where we haven't found a place with maps yet. 

We checked into our hotel and then made our way downtown using the subway system. This subway is much older than Montreal...

We wandered around the Long Wharf and then made our way to Quincy Market for dinner at Salty Dogs. Gwen had scallops and I had haddock. It was delicious!

We then made our way to Hard Rock Cafe for a drink before making our way back to the hotel. 

Today's plan is to do the Freedom Trail. Stay tuned...

Long weekend traffic

Good news regarding P Eng

Hello Adam,

 

We have now received all three completed reference forms. We have also received your final progress report, together with supervisor comments.  Your file is on the agenda for review at the Experience Review Committee's next meeting - scheduled forJune 12.  If the Committee is satisfied that you have met all the requirements of the Pre-Registration Program, your file will then be forwarded to the Registration Committee (the final approving body) for consideration.  The Registration Committee meets once a month (with its June meeting tentatively set for June 26).  If the Registration Committee grants you professional registration it would become effective the day of the RC meeting.

 

Results of the June 12 review will be posted at your online profile, typically within 24 hours of the meeting.

 

Regards,

Lorraine Dupas

Apegm

Dinner

Prep:

Cooking:

Final product:

Bon apetit!

One week to go!

We are all booked for our trip starting next Saturday, I can't wait.

Gwen and I will start our adventure on Saturday where we will drive just over 5 hrs to Boston. We will be in Boston until Tuesday when we will drive 3 hrs to New York. We will be in New York from Tuesday to Saturday (staying at a hotel a block away from Times Square). From there, a full day of travel on Saturday where we will end up in Chicago 12 hrs later. Our stay in Chicago will be Saturday to Tuesday and then we will make our drive back with an overnight in Minneapolis.

All hotels are booked so now we just need to plan what to do each day...

This week was busy but not too bad. I am definitely looking forward to having Francois back in the office to help out with projects and inspections. I will be focusing most of my week on transitioning my medevac project over to one of the guys in Montreal to handle while I am away for two weeks.

The plan for today is to get a new hockey bag so I can ship unneeded clothes back home. I need a new hockey bag anyways so this will be a dual purpose bag. After this, I need to clean up the office at Bombardier as I have lots of papers on the desk. Then, probably a work out and lunch and trying to decide what to make for supper. Any ideas?

Tomorrow will probably be laundry day and packing up my bag to get ready to ship back home. I don't remember if the shipping department at the bus depot is open later during the week, I seem to recall they were only open until 5, but maybe that was on the weekend.

Well I should get started with my day. Have some things to do before watching the Pens vs Isles tonight. Go Isles (Gwen)? Haha

Welcome home (For Francois)

Francois and his family are now back in their apartment. I helped them in Saturday move stuff back in that they moved out while I had the place.

I don't know we're they put all the stuff. Their living room was pretty much full of boxes of clothes and other things. Lol.

I left them a welcome home gift, figured it was a nice touch.

Hope you all are enjoying the weather back home - it sounds like a warm one, just like Montreal today ;)

Dans Montreal

Well I'm back in Montreal. The flight was good, I'm jet lagged. Feels like 9:51pm right now but it's only 3:51. Tomorrow will be rough I think.

Had a long day today. Breakfast at 7:30 and left the hotel at 8:30. We had some technical difficulties with the GPS that wouldn't charge and lost power about 20 mins outside of Zurich. I then tried to use Francos phone but it too was dead. I pulled out my laptop to charge the phone (because apparently the 12V outlets in the car weren't working) but the phone was too dead.

We stopped in a small city (which I have no idea right now) to get a different charging system for the GPS. We bought a USB cable and a 12V charger from the owner of the store, he didn't have a 12V charger for sale in the computer store. We went back to the car and tried again to charge the GPS and/or phone but no luck. The 12V system must have blown a fuse for something because none of the three outlets would work.

Luckily we it enough power into Franco's phone to get us to the highway and we drive the old fashioned way - using signs.

Well I think I should have a quick nap so I can pack my car and move out of Francois apartment tonight. We are going to transfer keys tomorrow sometime.

Here are some photos from the day:

1. A tunnel
2. Franco buying the accessories that didn't fix the problem
3. Out the window while taxiing
4 and 5. Four course lunch
6. A snack