Dear So and So

[shootingstar]

BEcause I had sleep disruption and have had to attend to realigning my sleep patterns after my concussion, I find now that if there is a time zone difference of over 2 hrs.or more, I need to be more conscious of my sleep needs.

I'm the sort of traveller that likes at least knowing general travel plans to areas I don't know ..meaning things that we might see along the way, if right weather conditions, cycling, snowshoeing or hiking. I am not a totally outdoor traveller...ie. I want to escape to the wilderness for many weeks. After a few hikes and then in the evening, if there is no Internet, I get bored. Reading a book is nice, but doing many evenings of this, I wonder what else I am missing in the area that I'm visiting.

I do find people, culture, history and art very interesting to learn about an area. I like wilderness activities and trips which ALSO include an outing to a town, an historic point, etc. For instance in the Canadian mountain regions..there are historic markers for the Gold Rush, building of the national railway, Japanese-CAnadian internment camp sites during WWII, wineries, rail trails...all marks of human touch.

I understand some folks just want to see wild animals, vegetation, etc. in a foreign country outside of North America. Yes, the wildlife safari in Africa, etc. But you know, it almost sounds insulting, not even learn abit about the local culture nor meet the locals who live there. (beyond a local safari guide) To me that's ironic, and very "protected" way of travelling....NOT meeting the reality of locals and their real culture.

Wherever I travel, I like dropping by local bike shops, a local art gallery/arts/crafts centre, bookstore (because local books are not marketed heavily online) or if there's a farmers' market. The latter you really get a flavour of locals and foods, particularily outside of North America...but also in different regions....New Mexico market is very different from British Columbia different from Quebec! And may I add, Hawaiian farmers' market is totally different.