My escapades and trips from around the world. Mostly Chicago, to be honest.
Broadcast
nephrus.net is on YouTube with clips from anime conventions, events, and other things.
Current Conditions
Travel
Tax free shopping in Washington on hold
Frederick Linsmeyer • July 2, 2010 • TravelWashington state’s generous offer of giving British Columbians a tax break on cross-border shopping has been stopped in its tracks. The City of Bellingham and Whatcom County have asked a judge to place a ban on excluding BC residents from the state sales tax due to the imposition of the HST.
The city and county expect to lose almost $3 million in tax dollars collected from shoppers and have asked the courts to remove the break for those north of the border. This loss in revenue has the potential to significantly impact smaller retailers and communities.
The case will be heard in court on July 9th, when the judge makes the decision on lifting the ban or leaving it in place.
Source: News1130
Shopping in Washington just got easier
Frederick Linsmeyer • June 9, 2010 • Travel
Canadian coins and American dollar bills
With the HST implementation date of July 1st approaching, Washington State has decided to give visiting British Columbians a reprieve by providing tax free shopping.
The tax free shopping is limited to purchases that will be returning to British Columbia, which doesn’t include dining and hotel stays. British Columbians will also need to provide proof that they live in the province in order to qualify. The discount is only available at the time of purchase and cannot be claimed on items bought before July or after leaving Washington.
Other provinces eligible for this include Alberta, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Quebec and the Yukon. Ontario will also join the list along with BC this July.
Check out the Cross Border shopping tips article before making the journey stateside.
Source: News1130
The Chicago-style hot dog
Frederick Linsmeyer • May 18, 2010 • Travel
Chicago-style hot dog from Gold Coast Dogs
It isn’t a trip to Chicago without sampling some of their unique cuisine – one of which being their famous take on an American tradition: the hot dog. The Chicago-style hot dog looks intimidating, seeing as the bun and wiener are laden with enough colourful toppings to evoke the term “dragged through the garden.”
The hot dog is an all beef wiener, most often of the Vienna Beef brand, which is a local company founded back in the 1890s. The wiener can be steamed, boiled or grilled before being placed in a steamed poppy seed bun with the following toppings: yellow mustard, sweet neon green relish, chopped onions, single pickle spear, tomato wedges, sport peppers and celery salt. Under no circumstances is ketchup to be placed on the hot dog.
You can find hot dog vendors all over Chicago from the street corners to Wrigley Field. I finally had my first Chicago-style hot dog from Gold Coast Dogs at Union Station – and it was delicious. My friends enjoyed my reaction to the sport peppers when I bit into them, but overall it was really tasty. The Chicago-style is probably the best tasting hot dog with its fresh and distinctive flavours.
West coast of Vancouver Island
Frederick Linsmeyer • March 25, 2010 • TravelIf you’re planning on visiting British Columbia, make sure you take an extra day or two and head over to Vancouver Island to take in some of the magnificent scenery. I had the opportunity to drive out to Ucluelet and experience the coast line, and it is quite something.
Cathedral Grove
The only way to reach the western side of the island is to take Highway 4, which starts at Qualicum Beach on the east coast. The drive here isn’t too bad, but make sure you stop and visit Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park, which is roughly 20 minutes from Qualicum Beach. Here, you’ll be treated to centuries old Douglas Fir and cedar trees that tower into the sky. There are trails that weave in and out of the massive trees and you can see a living forest at work where fallen trees give birth to new saplings. The highway divides the park, so there’s no need to take any side roads to visit.
The city of Port Alberni is located mid-island on an inlet that stretches out to the Pacific Ocean. Nearby Sproat Lake is home to the two largest firefighting air craft in active service, the Martin Mars Water Bombers. Before leaving, take some time to stop and have lunch and check out some of the stores. Also, ensure that your car has a full tank because there are no gas stations until you reach Ucluelet or Tofino.
The winding drive to the coast
The 2½ hour drive is not for the faint of heart as the road climbs to grades of almost 18% and winds precariously around steep cliffs and valleys. However, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the mountains and Kennedy River. Be aware that there may be snow on the roads, so have snow tires equipped (usually between October 1st and April 30th).
After coming down from the mountain pass, you’ll end up at a junction: Ucluelet on the south, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and Tofino on the north. Since Ucluelet was closer, I decided to visit the town instead. However, check out Pacific Rim National Park Reserve if you can and step out onto Long Beach. There’s a staffed Parks Canada information booth at the junction between Ucluelet and Tofino where you can purchase permits to visit the park.
The shores of the Pacific Ocean
Ucluelet is located on a peninsula that juts southward into the waters of the Pacific. There are a few beaches and a number of trails which provide rich views of the ocean. The Wild Pacific Trail meanders along the coastline around the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse where the rugged rocky terrain gives way into the chaotic waters.
There’s a number of resorts, artisan shops and eateries in Ucluelet, so stop by before making departing to take in the local atmosphere. It’s well worth the visit.
Stricter security measures for U.S. bound flights
Frederick Linsmeyer • December 26, 2009 • News, TravelIf you’re flying to the United States anytime soon, be prepared for new security measures in light of Friday’s attempted destruction of a Northwest Airlines plane.
Passengers will undergo an additional search, which include a pat-down and inspection of carry-on luggage. The restrictions also include limiting carry-ons to one item only. Extra bags will be put on the plane as checked luggage.
Consider leaving earlier as there will be delays since the new processes will definitely slow everything down.
Source: News1130
Cross Border Shopping Tips
Frederick Linsmeyer • November 27, 2009 • TravelCanadian coins and American dollar bills
With the Canadian and US Dollar almost at parity and in today’s economy, deals south of the border are usually enticing. Before you head down, do a bit of research on where to find the best deal and how to make the trip easier.
Before you go
Before leaving, check and see what the current exchange rate is. This is important as a difference of a few cents can mean a higher credit card bill. Sites like XE and Yahoo! Finance have up to the minute rates between currencies. However, not all financial institutions are quick to update their rates, so there may be some differences between the card issuer and actual market data.
Prior to hopping in your car, clean it out. This doesn’t mean wash the windows or vacuum the carpets, but to remove anything unnecessary from your vehicle such as gym bags, extra clothing, bottles and garbage. This is a preemptive suggestion in the event you’re flagged for additional screening (see below) and a subsequent vehicle search so that it goes by much more quickly.
Peace Arch Crossing
At the border
Crossing the border can be a lengthy process. US law requires all visitors to carry a passport, enhanced driver’s license, NEXUS/SENTRI/FAST card or visa based on your country of origin. Delays are common at border crossings. Fortunately, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) post their wait times as do the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for Canadian ports of entry. These two sites are instrumental helping you find the closest crossing with the shortest wait.
At the crossing, border officials will ask you standard questions about your residency, purpose and length of trip, before letting you enter. Have your passport ready when you pull up to the officer. If multiple people are in the vehicle, have all passports ready for inspection. Be truthful when responding to the officer and declare all items you have acquired outside of the country.
There are restrictions on how much can be brought back into Canada: if you’re out of the country for less than 24 hours, there are no exemptions on duties or taxes for any items purchased (this includes alcohol and tobacco products). The CBSA lists what is admissible based on the duration of time spent out of the country.
Additionally, you may be selected for further questioning by officials. Follow their directions, answer truthfully, and remain calm. During this process, your vehicle may be searched. Any items that have not been declared may be taxed or confiscated.
Once in the United States
Once across the border, you may find some stores do not accept Canadian debit cards. American debit cards usually have a Master Card or Visa logo on them whereas the Canadian ones do not. It’s best to bring cash or credit, although stores or malls close to the border will take the loonie (some retailers may not have the current rates and might charge more). Should you run out of cash, American ATMs will allow you to withdraw money using a Canadian debit card, but like at home, fees will apply.
When you’re finished shopping, keep all the receipts and a total amount of goods with you. Duties and taxes are based on how long you’ve been out of the country for and how much is being brought back in (see above). Don’t try to disguise purchases or hide them — they will be confiscated during a search.
If you follow these tips, you’ll have fun and pass through customs with little to no problem. Happy shopping!
San Antonio
Frederick Linsmeyer • August 20, 2009 • Photography, Travel
The Alamo at night.
I recently returned from a short visit to southern Texas to attend an anime convention in San Antonio, called San Japan 2.x. While there, I had the opportunity to tour the city and take in the sights of one America’s fast growing cities.
Despite the heat (which averaged over 100° F, or 37° C, on most days), my journey was a very pleasant experience. However, the one thing that really stood out was how friendly everyone is — from those at the fast food counters to security guards. Very impressive.
There’s quite a bit to do in San Antonio, visit the historic Alamo, stroll along the beautiful River Walk, have fun at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, take in the view from the Tower of the Americas or spend some money in one of the many shopping malls.
I hope to return again soon, to see more of this gorgeous city and to take advantage of the wonderful Texan hospitality. If you’re interested in more information, stop over at the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau web site for a free guide that offers a look into this amazing city.
Pictures from my trip are available on Gallery.
Passports Required for US Entry
Frederick Linsmeyer • May 27, 2009 • TravelIf you’re traveling to the United States by land, on June 1st, 2009, a passport is now required. Even for a quick trip across to take advantage of the rising Loonie, a passport (or other approved document) will need to be presented to the US border officer.
Check out the Canada Border Services Agency web site for further information, and alternative documents that can be used to enter Canada and the United States.
