Friends to British Columbia Travelers's topics - tribe.net

420 friendly couple seek chillaxin buddies in Vitcoria

2008-06-26T18:44:59Z

Hello
Myself and my fiance will be stopping by Victoria on our cruise with the family and we will most likely be bored/broke with the sightseeing tours offered by the cruisline and we were wondering if anyone here would be willing to chillax us and give us a more off the beaten path tour or just find something fun to do. We will be arriving in port on saturday 7/5/08 from 6pm to 12pm. Or if anyone has any suggestions for a young 20 something couple to do on a saturday night that would be great. We would definitely be willing to bribe our chillaxin buddies for thier time. Thanks in advance!
Jon n Katie

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 0 replies

greetings and impending visit!

2008-05-22T01:47:40Z

I would love to meet some polycreative neopagan art-mutants while in the area...
I will be passing through first week in June
let me know if you would like to cross paths and maybe explore
some of the hidden vortexes that must be off the beaten path.
more delight to come!
arun

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 0 replies

Hot springs?

2008-02-26T09:04:35Z

Hi all:

Great idea for a tribe!

I'll be visiting BC (after attending a conference in Coeur d'Alene, ID) for a couple of days, Oct 21-23. Right now I'm planning on going to Ainsworth Hot Springs unless someone can suggest a better hot springs to visit that isn't too far away. I'd really PREFER one that's clothing optional (Ainsworth, sadly, isn't).

Can someone suggest somewhere to go? Wouldja like to go with me?

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 7 replies

Anybody Here that goes to ACOS in Nelson, BC?

2008-02-16T19:59:42Z

I'm going to school in Oregon now but am thinking of studying chinese medicine in Nelson, BC instead as it's way cheaper, greener, and got a rockin' school-or so I've heard. Can anyone confirm the heresay for me?

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 0 replies

Vancouver Bars

2008-01-07T03:03:45Z

I'll be travelling to Vancouver in a couple of weeks with another friend of mine on Tribe and wanted to get some recommendations for good bars / saloons / taverns to visit.

I was in Vancouver last year for several days and enjoyed the bars I visited, but none really stood out in my mind.

What do I consider a good bar? A combination of the following:

* Good beer selection, preferably microbrews. A recent trip to Belgium / Netherlands has made me a bit of a beer snob. :) Hard alcohol is a plus too.
* Having a fun theme w/ appropriate decor can sometimes help.
* great jukebox (subjective, I know)
* large outdoorsey places where one can smoke openly

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 20 replies

TRUTH IS FREE; so is my RETREAT --Vermont

2007-11-24T21:11:42Z

VT=BC
I'm looking to network with folks, to extend an invitation to visit Bald Mountain Retreat (www.baldmountainretreat.com) as my guest. Like-minded people who appreciate rustic accommodations are welcome to come up at no charge. (Those who require a private room can inquire about those accommodations as well.)
Basically, I'm offering people the opportunity to come stay with a retired naturopathic doctor in a truly amazing natural setting, secluded, idyllic, peaceful...
Also, if you might like to lead a retreat, please contact me.
Thank you and you are welcome,
Dr David

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 2 replies

Good community places to live outside Vancouver?

2007-08-09T00:22:27Z

Hello, Does anyone know of places outside Vancouver that have good communities.
We are transplanting our Cowboy Mimes band out that way but don't want to live in Vancouver, we would like to find a community within an hour and a half away.
Any suggestions would be greattttt!!!!!!

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 2 replies

Tips for Oliver?

2007-05-18T02:41:23Z

Some friends and I are going to Oliver this weekend (leaving on Thursday).

Can anyone provide any tips for Oliver or the surrounding areas?

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 1 reply

Wine tours in the Okanagan

2007-03-11T00:04:41Z

Anyone been to any wine tours in the Okanagan?

I was planning on going November 11st long weekend. I was thinking about staying at the El Dorado Hotel. My research into bed & breakfasts turned me off because they were either basic, expensive or a room in someone's house.

Any suggestions for wine tours, places to stay or feedback on Quail's Gate wine tour or the El Dorado Hotel would be greatly appreciated.

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 5 replies

Hostel recomendations

2007-01-15T19:10:39Z

I am moving to Vancouver on the 24th and looking for a hostel to bunk down in until I can find a place to live. I was hoping someone would be able to recommend one, as I have never been to Vancouver before, and have never stayed at a hostel before. I have no problem with shared rooms, but I would need to have somewhere to securely store a large duffle bag and my back pack, and a little peace and quiet at night (at least in the room).

That being said, if anyone is in need of a roommate, please let me know...

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 3 replies

Cheaper motels in Kelowna and places to stay and see in...?

2007-01-10T23:54:02Z

I'm looking for tips and advice on cheaper, comfortable and decent motels in Kelowna. We will be passing through overnight each way on a road trip to Banff.

I'm also looking for travel tips (attractions, places to stay, etc.) for Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Radium and Golden in BC.

Thanks!

stacy

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 2 replies

Post effects everyone IN BC

2006-12-15T05:10:10Z

Ok. The following effects everyone working and living and paying taxes in BC so i am posting everywhere I can. please read. and then email and talk to everyone you know about it and what to do about it.

Here is some information about the unheard of Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement between BC and Alberta.

I want to make two points and then a plee before you read the article.

1)"The Agricultural Land Commission, the
Island Trusts, regional districts and land use restrictions in
provincial parks will all be vulnerable to a TILMA challenge as of next
April (2007)." - This is for any evironmentalist on the culture jamming list and beyond.

2 )"They could then be challenged for
regulating the size and location of commercial signs and billboards,
imposing height restrictions on buildings, or requiring green space
allocations from developers." - For all you cultural jammers out there, you are going to have a lot of work on your hands. all those new billboards, popping up everywhere.

My plee: I don't know of any actions/campaigns against this agreement, yet. I hope i will find some to inform you all of. But from where I stand, we need to do something. What? Don't know that part yet. But I think we might be able to angle it from the illegitimacy of the agreement (" no legislation introduced to give it legitimacy")
I just really want to get a discussion on this going. So any thoughts would be great.
I will attach the original article as well on the bottom.

fighting till my last breath,
jax

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 13, 2006

Murray Dobbin

Last April the governments of B.C. and Alberta signed an agreement
called the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA).
There was no public notice, little media coverage, no legislation
introduced to give it legitimacy and no debate in the legislature. The
Alberta-based think tank, the Canada West Foundation, says TILMA will
rid the provinces of barriers that "frustrate business".

The most draconian aspect of TILMA is its investment provisions. Once
the agreement enters into force on April 1, 2007, individuals and
businesses will gain the right to launch complaints and get up to $5
million in awards against governments just because they “restrict”
investment. Since pretty much everything a government does in some way
restricts investment, the two provinces are in for a wild ride.

TILMA claims will be decided by NAFTA-like panels.

What are some examples of government restrictions on investment that
could be challenged under TILMA? TILMA has some exceptions, but land use
planning is not one of them. The Agricultural Land Commission, the
Island Trusts, regional districts and land use restrictions in
provincial parks will all be vulnerable to a TILMA challenge as of next
April. Municipalities will have a two-year grace period before the
government extends TILMA to them. They could then be challenged for
regulating the size and location of commercial signs and billboards,
imposing height restrictions on buildings, or requiring green space
allocations from developers. And they can be challenged starting in
April if they introduce bylaws that are stricter than their existing ones.

We can get some idea of what we might be in for by looking at Oregon. A
ballot measure approved in 2004 gives property owners there the right to
sue for compensation for anything the state or local governments do that
restricts the value of their property. The result is the effective end
of land use planning. According to Sheila Martin, Director of the
Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies, the ballot measure has
resulted in over 6,000 claims totalling over $6 billion.

“The biggest impact of the measure,” says Martin, “has been on Oregon’s
land use regulations which seek to protect farm and forest land.” Land
use deregulation outside the cities has Martin especially worried: “The
urban growth boundary will become ‘leaky,’ releasing pressure for higher
density in the cities.” Many challenges have been filed against “sign
ordinances” regulating the size and location of commercial signs.

Like the dilemma BC and Alberta will face under TILMA, Oregon is now
having to decide whether to pay compensation to keep their regulations,
or waive them for the complainant. The trouble is, there is no limit to
the number of claims that can be made against a single regulation - so
if you want to keep it, you have to keep paying.

How many claims will BC get? Oregon allows anyone with property in the
state to sue over land use regulation. TILMA gives Albertans the right
to sue BC over restrictions on their BC investments, and vice versa. But
Gordon Campbell is hocking TILMA to all the other provinces to get them
to sign on, which would expand the potential number of complaints
against BC. And under TILMA complaints can be made against a wide range
of government regulations or programs, not just land use planning.

TILMA allows for a limited number of “Legitimate Objectives” so
governments can try to defend themselves before a dispute panel, arguing
their regulations were "necessary." But nothing in TILMA recognizes the
kind of quality of life objectives served by land use planning.
Moreover, a government would also have to demonstrate that its measure
is not more restrictive to business than necessary to achieve its
objectives.

BC officials are making extravagant claims about trade barriers between
the provinces, suggesting that TILMA could “save” BC $4.8 billion - an
eye-popping figure, equivalent to what BC earns annually from its
softwood exports to the US. In October, federal officials told a Senate
committee that reliable studies have estimated inter-provincial trade
barriers to be about one tenth the amount BC is claiming, and vary
depending on what is defined as a trade barrier. Is the removal of land
use restrictions part of the "benefits" to be gained by TILMA? What
about the drop in property values that could result from uncontrolled
development?

Alberta cabinet minister Gary Mar told a Richmond business audience the
easy process TILMA provides for complaints to be taken against
governments is "everything Canadian business asked for." He was right
about that. But what about everyone else?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

www.winnipegfreepress.com/westv...c.html

Agreement cuts provincial powers to govern

Winnipeg Free Press

Fri Nov 3 2006

By Murray Dobbin

WHAT if a provincial government signed an agreement forcing it to make
most of its regulations identical to those of another province? What if
this government voluntarily made itself, and every municipality within
its borders, open to lawsuits over virtually anything it did that
restricted investment? What if it tied its own hands so that, no matter
how much a region was suffering economically, it could not provide
assistance that might "distort investment decisions?"

Well, there are no "what ifs" about it. This past spring, B.C.'s Gordon
Campbell and Alberta's Ralph Klein signed an agreement with exactly
these sweeping constraints on the ability to govern. It is called the
Trade, Investment, and Labour Mobility Agreement. B.C. and Alberta trade
officials are now shopping it around to other provinces to get them to
sign on. The agreement comes into effect next April.

According to Todd Hirsch of the Canada West Foundation, the agreement
could erase the borders between B.C. and Alberta so that the only
differences between them will be "voting and the colour of the licence
plate."

Except, once the agreement comes into full force, voting provincially in
B.C. and Alberta could be a waste of time.

Under the agreement, the B.C. or Alberta government will be barred from
doing anything that could "impair or restrict" trade, not only between
the provinces but also through them to another province or country. One
article just flatly decrees that there shall be "No Obstacles" to this
trade.

Governments will be prohibited from providing subsidies that either
directly or indirectly "distort investment decisions."
Click here to find out more!
Some exceptions, such as for water, are permitted but even these are to
be reviewed annually to get them reduced.

The agreement also requires B.C. and Alberta to "mutually recognize or
otherwise reconcile their existing standards and regulations" if these
"impair or restrict" trade, investment or labour mobility. Then it
prohibits new regulations from being introduced that would have these
effects. Since regulation always restricts investment in some way, the
result will be that all future B.C. and Alberta governments will be
prevented from strengthening their regulations.

How exactly is this going to work? What would happen, for example, if
B.C. voters decided they had had enough of leaky condos and voted for a
party committed to tougher construction regulations? A government
elected on such a commitment would quickly find it had to betray its
promise or be vulnerable to a trade investment challenge.

Plus if either province considers any new initiatives, it has to give
the other party to the agreement the right to comment in advance and is
then obligated to "take the other province's comments into
consideration." In sharp contrast, citizens in B.C. and Alberta were
never consulted by their own governments on this astonishing agreement.

As part of their sales job, Alberta's Gary Mar and B.C.'s Colin Hansen
have claimed the agreement will not result in lower provincial standards
-- just ones that are "appropriate." In reality, however, the agreement
can only lead to deregulation because businesses are only likely to sue
governments over regulations they think are too high, not ones that are
too weak. In a vastly expanded version of provisions in NAFTA, any
resident of B.C. or Alberta will gain extensive new grounds to sue
government. A dispute panel will be empowered to make binding decisions
and grant compensation of up to $5 million for any government action
that violates the agreement. Repeated complaints can be taken about the
same government policy or regulation.

Governments can go on bended knee to trade investment panels and argue
that their regulations were "necessary," but trade dispute panels rarely
accept such arguments. Plus, this agreement only recognizes a limited
list of regulatory objectives as "legitimate."

For example, a city's desire to prevent urban blight is not on the list
of legitimate objectives, so municipal bans on billboards would likely
be a violation.

No wonder Gary Mar could tell a business audience in Richmond that the
dispute process is "everything Canadian business asked for."
The pact creates endless potential for litigation against government
right down to the school board level, without any demonstrable benefit.
A 1998 study done for the B.C. government found that: "efforts to
liberalize interprovincial trade will have almost no effect on trade
flows. The reality is that interprovincial trade barriers are already
very low."

As for labour mobility, all of provisions for increased labour mobility
will already be covered in Premier Gary Doer's initiative to see
professional requirements harmonized across Canada.

To sum up, the agreement pretty much bans new regulation and government
assistance for economic development. Perhaps in anticipation of the
pact, the B.C. legislature's fall sitting was cancelled with the
government claiming there was not enough to do. When asked about the
constitutionality of the agreement, Steven Shrybman, a partner in the
law firm of Sack, Goldblatt, and Mitchell, commented that "a basic
principle of constitutional law is that a government cannot fetter its
own legislative prerogatives by abandoning its authority to govern."

Sounds like what the Trade, Investment, and Labour Mobility Agreement is
all about.

Murray Dobbin is a Vancouver-based writer.

fighting till my last breath,
jax (jaxfitzgibbon@yahoo.ca)

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 0 replies

wanna chill when i'm in vancouver next week?

2006-09-14T05:15:08Z

i'm heading back to the city of my heart! my true earthly home! i can hardly wait to see the sea and the sky and the mountains and all the beautiful shades of green again.

i'll just be there for like a week or so...

anything going on that i shouldn't miss?

anyone want to try to meet up while i'm there? i'm always up for meeting kynd people...

puff, puff, paz,
dragonfly 420

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 0 replies

a voice in the darkness,,,,,,,,(smileing)

2006-09-12T03:14:44Z

Is anyone still alive out there????????

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 4 replies

Looking for a ride: Victoria to Shambhala!!

2006-07-27T22:13:34Z

Hey all you groovy groovers,
I'm getting pumped for Shambles, but there's one problem: I still need to find a ride!!!!
Here's what I can offer: Gas money, fragrant herb, fun times, and a thirst for adventure, be it planned or otherwise.
If you can help me out, I would be eternally grateful! I'm also able to meet a prospective ride in Vancouver.
I'm able to leave any time after August 5th at 3 pm (last day of work).
Peace, and warm wishes!
Chris

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 0 replies

Advice for Banff/Jasper road trip?

2006-07-26T05:06:07Z

I'm in the early stages of planning a road trip in August to Banff and Jasper.

Also planning on going to Golden, Radium and Lake Louise.

Any tips on places to stay, things to see (and avoid) would be great!

Thanks!
stacy

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 4 replies

ski season 2006-2007 - i need a job on a mountain to just pay my basics/lodging

2006-07-26T02:29:23Z

want to snowboard this season in b.c. ..... ANY job where i can survive and proximity/time to hit the slopes. any scoop much appreciated.

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 1 reply

Come visit Vermont www.baldmountainretreat.com

2006-05-09T21:44:56Z

Come visit Vermont www.baldmountainretreat.com

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 0 replies

Fraser Valley & Manning Park

2006-04-12T06:46:34Z

I'm a Seattleite who is traveling to the Fraser Valley/Manning Provincial Park area next weekend. I would welcome any advice on sightseeing and restaurants. I'm staying at the Mt. Baker B&B (Washington) Friday night, then Manning Park Resort Saturday and Sunday nights. I'm planning to spend a lot of time in the Manning Provincial Park, but I'm willing to venture further afield.

Specifically, given my time limitations, is the Hell's Gate Airtram worth it? How about Minter Gardens? I also want to do a horseback trail ride while I'm in the area.

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 2 replies

favorite southern gulf

2006-04-07T17:49:04Z

hey everyone!

it's getting time for another trip to the southern gulf islands for me. which one is your favorite? best camping/hiking/sites?

last time i went to salt spring island and had a blast camping in the provencial park.

thanks!
~cec~

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 0 replies

I need Help! traveling from Vancouver to Nelson jan23

2006-03-24T06:41:19Z

Hello all my beautiful brothers and sisters who may or may not be reading this, I really need help and I'm not sure where or who to ask really, so i'm asking the universe/Spirit/Life/Tribers listening to please help me and my two buddies get to Nelson from Vancouver.
the Three of us are the Outspoken Wordsmiths (check out our tribe) and site http://outspokenwordsmiths.multiply.com
We are independent artists who got together in Victoria and are now touring all of Canada over 6 months (we'll be in Halifax by June)
we live by selling and trading our art(photos, postcards,poetry, CD's,etc) for various things like food and aplace to stay for example.

We don't have very much money but we can definetly help pay for gas if anyone can help us get to Nelson from Vancouver around the 23rd of January.

A nice Van would easily be able to take all of us and our bags.
a smaller car would be able to take one or two odf us and most of our bags, which is also very good and usful!

PLEASE! If you are going to Nelson through Vancouver or know of anyone who is, or even have any ideas of how I might have better luck finding a ride, Please Please contact me and let me know! either reply to my post or email me at gamerdasilva@hotmail.com

Any and all help is so very appreciated and honoured.

with very much love and hope,
Dragon

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 3 replies

420 and Entheogen Friendly Gay Vegan seeks vancouver home spring 06

2006-02-14T18:07:40Z

37 year old gay vegan escaping President Bush's United States for the more civil Canada. Seeking a place to share with some easy going and fun people or person.
I love places that are rustic and have character. I am an easy going guy into reading, music (mostly old blues, R&B, jazz, alternative and 70's pop), entheogens, yoga, meditation, kirtan, gardening and nature walks (lovely shrooms to be found). I am responsible and respectful and although myself a vegan I have a "live and let live" attitude.

I am quiet and very low maintainence. I try to genuinley get along with everyone - after all "It's all good!" I don't drink or smoke tobacco (again my live and let live attitude).

Thank you for reading my ad and Namaste!

jamie

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 1 reply

Looking For Dinner Dates

2005-12-16T19:18:47Z

Hello Ladies,

I'm visiting some friends next week, and as much as I love them, there's no way i can spend all my time with them. Nor can they satisfy all my needs. So.....

I'm hoping to meet an attractive woman who is feeling a little adventurous and would like to spend some time with a really funny guy from L.A. If you dig vegetarian food, all the more better. Would really like to find someone to enjoy the veggie cuisine of Vancouver with me. Of course I'm also interested in a great many other things...like dancing.

If there's chemistry and more happens, well...picture a real big grin on my face.

Age is not important. Just be mature and secure with yourself.
Interested? Shoot me an email and we'll see if we can hook up.

I'll be in town from Dec 20th to Jan 5th.

Peace,
Andrew

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 0 replies

Places to have fun in visit to Vancouver BC?

2005-12-03T23:16:09Z

I will be visiting Van -downtown from sun eve Dec 11th to Wed Dec 14th. ave not been in your fine City if many a year. Exploring for possible future place to live/work play.

Want the urban Vancouver experience - I know maybe Dec is not the best time of year , but i have a free plane ticket and place to stay. Want to explore gay areas, clubs - bi-male into shamanism, trance dance, beat as well as like coffee shops, bookstores, meet friendly people and some fun.

Thoughts, ideas welcomed

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 1 reply

If you could go anywhere in BC...

2005-11-02T05:50:21Z

Where would you go?

I would go to the Queen Charlotte Islands.

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 23 replies

hi all

2005-08-16T18:41:40Z

good and happy to be here once moer
well all need to know is that i will be happy if any body can make my journey from my country home here in nigeria possible ,that means if any body can help me to come over to canada ,i will be happy nad am ready to pay you as soon as am there working thanks all

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 0 replies

hi all

2005-08-16T18:31:30Z

goood and happy to meet you all cos is loving meeting nice people
well am here to let you know that am a new member and i will be happy to know all you do for a new friend
thanks
i love you all

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 4 replies

Canadian Adventure Travel?

2005-07-12T20:14:01Z

A friend of a friend is traveling from Australia for Burning Man this year and will be in Vancouver for a whole week before heading to the Playa. She would like to spend her week getting out in the mountains/rivers etc. for some adventure travel. Anyone have recommendations for guided tours/trips out of Vancouver? Think kayaking, climbing, biking etc.

Thanks!

Holly

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 1 reply

Places to stay, things happening in Van Sat. the 28th

2005-05-26T17:13:22Z

So I am coming up to Van for a couple days to visit a friend and hang out and chill out. So I will be staying with him Thursday, and Friday night. But since I am rarely in BC I wanted to extend my stay, anything reccommendations of cheap but cool places to stay, or interesting things happening Saturday the 28th?

A bit about me, I am a musician and a DJ so I would enjoy checking out musical events live or electronic . . .though good recommendations of places to get coffee or beer are also welcome

Thanks in advance for any tips, cheers!

James

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 1 reply

Long weekend getaways in BC?

2005-05-22T05:56:39Z

I am going up to Shuswap Lake for the weekend.

Anyone else travelling in BC this May long weekend?

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 1 reply

Mesa Luna

2005-05-16T18:19:14Z

Hey BC kids,

Has anyone gone to the Mesa Luna in Vancouver? I am trying to decide if I want to go see Josh Martinez there this weekend.

Thanks!
Cecilia

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 0 replies

brand spankin' new

2005-05-08T07:20:44Z

Hey I'm Leni a.k.a MJ, I live in Mission (oh joy!) and have for quite some time. I'm just looking to meet some people to have meaningful conversations and party with. Some of you may have seen me at fairies and fools, although I was having a really horrible week and was off in my own world most of the time.
Things have brightened up since I got home AND I joined this wicked-ass site! What more could I ask for.... Maybe a couple pounds of hash but whatev.. *shrugs*

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 1 reply

Here's the deal...

2005-05-06T00:00:01Z

I have decided to move to Vancouver from southern CA by 21 September. So, I'll need to meet people to share beer and such with...

Woohoo!!! I'm outta here!!!!

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 10 replies

weekend trip

2005-04-27T17:33:58Z

hey all,

i live in portland and i want to do a trip up to canada this weekend, but i've never been that far northwest. could you give me some ideas of good places to go. i'm thinking somewhere remote, beautiful and not too expensive and maybe somewhat close to the border (don't want to have to drive forever).

thank you for the help!
cecilia

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 2 replies

Raw Oysters in Vancouver

2005-04-27T05:27:44Z

Last time I was in Vancouver I didn't see any good restaurants for raw oysters. Our guidebook led us to believe that the Olympia Oyster Company was the place to go, but alas, they only had cooked oysters.

Can someone recommend a good place for raw oysters? I know Vancouver has great seafood, so I figure it's just a matter of knowing where to go. I can eat a dozen at a sitting and make a meal of it, if the price is right.

Slurp!!

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 2 replies

SF bay _BC -- Win a free trip

2005-04-26T02:46:56Z

For those with friends in the SF Bay area (like me) or any California residents, this is a chance to win a three-day trip for two from SFO - Vancouver. I've been living in SF this year but was in Victoria for years. So get your Cali friends to enter .. and maybe take me with 'em!

http://bart.gov/news/features/features20050317.asp

Contest closes April 30. (No, I don't work for Tourism BC.) Wish I'd posted sooner.

BTW The Montgomery BART station in SF's Financial District currently has wall-to-wall ads of Beautiful BC -- Van, Vic, Granville Island, Whistler Village, Kootenays, Chilcotin, Northern BC, Tofino ... you name it. Make me wanna go -- effective advertising!

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 0 replies

coming through bc in august

2005-04-15T00:51:40Z

hey all!! happy days!

i'm from duncan, went to school in victoria and currently living in toronto. i plan to come into bc via hitchhiking or rideshare during august. the boyfriend and i are planning to backpack & tent it from edmonton to calgary to banff, stopping over in nelson...

can anyone suggest good places to stay, or bad routes to go, or things we should check out along the way? where are the best camps?

thanks, and remember the grass is actually greener sometimes.
amira

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 2 replies

Hi - just wanted to say I'm new here!

2005-04-07T07:14:18Z

Hello from the most magnificent place on earth - truly!

Mark

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 7 replies

The Dream CO(llective)

2005-03-21T13:15:53Z

So, many of you may be familiar with me from parties, fire performances, various sexual astrology posts, or pleas for rides between LA and San Francisco. It's possible that I've talked to (or at!) you about Dream Co(llective) and how I want to establish a travelling higher conscious show with organic food, conscious music, psychedelic art, clothing and cool shit made from recycled materials, along with information on alternative ways to live outside the box, eat healthy, heal yourself naturally, etc. All broadcast by pirate radio/internet radio of course, and transported by bio-diesel buses.
Now, I want to leave every party I throw open to donations, let people pay what they can afford so everyone who wants to, gets to come. If you know me, you know I do my work with astrological guidance and Goddess oracle advice on the same principle, helping people comes first and everything else is secondary. So here's what I'm trying to do...below is a list of some of the skills I have. It's not all of them, just the ones I can think of right now. I've lead a diverse, crazy and highly nomadic lifestyle with one of the strangest array of work skills of anyone I know, so if you need something done, chances are I can do it. I'm offering my skills in exchange for any help at all with making this dream a reality:

-Freelance writer, researcher, fact checker and editor for 10 years professionally
-Astrologer -specializing in the astrology of human sexuality and relationships
-Tarot card reader -The Goddess Guidance Oracle cards, which are source of feminine wisdom and guidance.
-PR work
-Hand drummer
-Fire poi spinner
-Erotic poet and custom writer of erotic fiction
-Photographer
-Event promoter
-Talent agent - specializing in fire artists, drummers, jugglers, circus talent, etc.
-PA (both production assistant and personal assistant)
-Gourmet chef:including vegetarian and raw
-Film editor (AVID system)
-House/pet sitter
-Dog walker
-Horse groomer
-Pirate radio station DJ/owner
-Club DJ
- Medical marijuana work
-Secretary (type 65 words per minute average speed)
-Transcriber
-Carpenters assistant, drywall assistant, painter, gardener, various other manual labor jobs
-Au pair
-Tutor for ESL students and children

I'll be travelling northward soon, hoping to throw the first Dream CO(llective) show on Hornby Island in BC on 4/20. Keep checking the Dream CO(llective) tribe for updates.

Our first show will be no later than June 21st, on the day of 24 hour daylight in either Alaska or the Yukon, currently working out locations for both to see which is most feasible. So money, materials, laptops, transport, equipment (preferably attached to people who want to come and check it out) etc are all good. I'm aware that this is a long shot, but I want all those little places that have no clue what Burning man is all about to have their eyes opened, too. We coastal communities are lucky because we have information sources to enlighten us and open our eyes. I'd like the rest of North America to get that same chance.

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 0 replies

Lovin our weather!

2005-03-14T23:00:29Z

I heard Toronto's getting snow - ouch

:)

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 5 replies

Harrison Hot Springs

2005-03-14T20:19:50Z

I am going up to Harrison Hot Springs for the weekend. A few couples and my better half are renting a cottage on the lake. I cannot wait to go there. The weather should be good: sunny, high of 8C.

I will report when I return.

Have a great weekend!

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 4 replies

Hi everyone - new here just wanted to say hi

2005-02-25T01:47:29Z

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 8 replies

Looking for Friends and Cob in B.C.

2005-01-19T08:57:37Z

Hello Friends and Friends-to-be!

I am searching for a cob project and other earthen home techniques or a place in B.C. where i might apprentice to a Cobber. I live and work on a small island called Star off the coast of N.H. from April-September, so it unfortunately precludes me from being able to participate in classes offered, say at the Cob Cottage Co. in Oregon. So, I'm looking for something in B.C. because I have a long-term goal of moving to B.C. (I have friends who've invited me to come to Nelson) and leaving the U.S. for good. I have heard that cob is available and thriving in B.C. but I do not know where to look. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I am also looking to meet friendly souls actively doing their part to awaken the new paradigm of unconditional love and planetary sustainability. I want to meet anyone and everyone who loves.

Blessed Be

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 1 reply

U.S. to scan Canadian residents who aren't citizens here

2005-01-13T02:41:18Z

TORONTO -- An expanding U.S. policy to "digitize the borders" could end the special status Canadians have as the only foreign nationals not being fingerprinted and photographed at the border, or could bring a push for a U.S.-approved "North American travel card," a U.S. Department of Homeland Security official said Thursday.

Source: http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=aacb07de-76bc-4ec1-abf0-6aab59271594

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 7 replies

Rick Mercer and Bif Naked in Vancouver

2005-01-11T16:53:57Z

Monday Report

http://www.cbc.ca/mondayreport/

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 0 replies

Beefed-up U.S. border screening begins

2005-01-11T16:33:14Z

SARNIA, ONT. - In a move that could affect thousands of Canadian landed immigrants, American officials began Monday to fingerscan, photograph and run checks on certain visitors at three border crossings into Canada and Mexico.

The border checkpoints – at the Blue Water Bridge in Sarnia, Ont., along with Laredo, Mexico and Douglas, Ariz. – are testing grounds for the U.S. Homeland Security Department's new border security technology.

The new rules will be applied to 17 other Canadian border crossings by the end of the year.

The screenings apply "to every single person from every single nation, wherever they're from, anyone who has to have a visa to go into the U.S," said Robert Mocny, with U.S. Homeland Security.

The measures, part of an anti-terror program called U.S.-VISIT, apply to landed immigrants to Canada, but not Canadian citizens. That exemption may change in a few years, according to program director Jim Williams.

The crossings will test the program before the government extends it to 50 of the busiest land border entry points into the United States.

Visitors to the U.S. will have to scan their index fingers and have their face digitally photographed at the border point. The information will be run through a database of people the U.S. has barred from entry, or who it wants for immigration or criminal investigations.

Homeland Security will store the information indefinitely within a national database, but says it will restrict the use of information.

American officials say the fingerscanning and photographing process will take about 15 seconds.

Washington is spending $340 million US on inkless fingerscanning machines, digital cameras and computer equipment for the new security program. Another $340 million US will be spent in 2005.

Another security measure under the program affects truckers crossing into the United States. Beginning Monday, they'll have to take part in a pre-screening process, and must supply – ahead of time and in writing – a detailed list of what they are carrying.

Only about 20 per cent of truckers have been pre-approved by U.S. Customs, and the remainder have been given a 30-day grace period.

David Bradley, head of the Canadian Truckers Alliance, says truckers have no choice but to comply. As much as 70 per cent of Canada's trade with the U.S. moves by truck.

"We'll meet those challenges. We have to. It's our bread and butter," said Bradley. "I'm concerned the governments, particularly on the U.S. side, are not ready for this."

A post-Sept. 11 security measure, US-VISIT (Visitor and Immigration Status Indicator Technology) began on Jan. 5, 2004. It will be rolled out over the next two years.

Source: http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2004/11/15/fingerprint_us041115.html

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 1 reply

so umm.. Hi BC!

2005-01-09T12:46:05Z

so i'm here in Van to visit a friend of mine, and i'm having a good time so far.
I'm here for another week. I guess I'm looking for some guidence on anything not to miss, or some info about events in town and venues for general debauchery.

any opinions are most certainly appreciated.

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 2 replies

a thought, a poem, and a wish...

2004-12-21T20:44:09Z

"Jesus, why is that fat white bearded man going squirming down chimneys, sneaking around peoples crucified, dieing, brightly decorated trees, and leaving all that meaningless, corporate Earth-raping junk lying around on your birthday?"

"Oh, shut up and pass the eggnog!"

<> - <> - <>

I woke up this morning
all breezy and free,
and thought to myself
well this feels like me!

I thought and I pondered,
and then thought some more;
what's with this world,
what is the score?

In this way I sat
lightly tapping my knee,
all safe and secure
whilst sipping my tea,

when a wish came to me!

I think it a good one,
why don't you see:

May this up coming year of
two thousand and five,
be for us all

without war,

and alive!

<> - <> - <>

I wish for you all the Wisdom and Knowledge that will ensure you of a Peaceful, Happy future on this coming holy Solstice time, when the darkness passes to Light, and we again see that the Sun will indeed continue to feed our flowering Earth, and bring the warmth of the "gods" into our bones.

Sweet giving Love, Holy Solstice Light,
Serene Christmas Happiness,
and to all a good night,

Adrian

Happy Winter Solstice everyone!

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 0 replies

Hiya!

2004-12-20T16:18:58Z

Don't know when I'm coming, but I'm glad I found this tribe before I did!

Actually I was supposed to be up there this Tuesday but overscheduled myself.

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 1 reply

On Our Way to B.C.

2004-12-20T16:18:17Z

Hi there everyone,

this is Sonny and MoonStar Two Feathers. We are in the bay area right now and will be heading towards B.C. ( Abbotsford to be exact ) in a week or so and was wondering if anyone here is from or around that area. If so let's chat here or there .....We are going to be trying to start a New Moon Drumming circle there or join one if there is one there already. check out our tribe...newmoontribe@tribe.net

Sonny and MoonStar

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 2 replies

Bandi's Vancouver restaurant closed?

2004-12-08T19:09:33Z

A few years ago my boyfriend and I had a fabulous dinner at Bandi's, a Hungarian restaurant on Howe St. in Vancouver. This was one of those meals that you'd never forget: The owner was extremely gregarious and generous, and the food was outstanding. We'll be going up to Vancouver next month, and I wanted to go back to Bandi's, but after doing a web search it appears that it might be closed. Anyone know?

If it is closed, this is a sad state of affairs for Eastern European cuisine in Vancouver. Many years ago I used to enjoy a great German restaurant on Robson, but I guess that closed down. I did have a very good meal at the William Tell a few years back, and it looks like that is still open, but it's pretty pricey. Any other suggestions on German, Swiss, or Eastern European restaurants in Vancouver?

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 1 reply

U.S. tourists urged to buy Canadian disguise

2004-12-08T19:08:56Z

American tourists hoping to avoid awkward political discussions while travelling abroad are being urged to pass themselves off as Canadians by a top U.S. clothes retailer that's offering a maple-leaf-bedecked disguise kit over the Internet.

Source: vancouversun.com

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 0 replies

Bandi's Vancouver restaurant closed?

2004-12-04T03:32:46Z

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 0 replies

Anyone have BC radio contacts?

2004-11-26T20:09:23Z

Hello. I am a Seattle based musician. I have a club night here in c-town, and have produced recordings that have got some airplay in the us from la to new york and in Canada from Toronto to Halifax . . . but not in BC!

So if anyone can give me the names of some cool BC college or community stations I would sure appreciate it. I am a big fan of Van. And want to get my music to the area so I can work on doing more gigs in the area.

cheers, thanks et merci!

James

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 8 replies

oh, canada. sniff.

2004-11-11T05:44:39Z

wanna move to canada? here's hope:

http://www.marryanamerican.ca/

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 3 replies

BC Royal Museum Egyptian Exhibit

2004-10-25T02:38:08Z

Has anyone seen this exhibit? It ends October 31st.

http://www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/visit-museum/egypt/index.html

I have not had much luck getting over to Victoria to see it.

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 12 replies

Cheap Hotel in Victoria?

2004-10-22T15:35:22Z

Any recommendations on a decent, cheap hotel in downtown Victoria? I plan to go there some time in the next couple of weeks to see the Egyptian exhibit. I've stayed at the Dominion before, but I've heard some pretty serious complaints about it recently.

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 6 replies

Visited West Vancouver Island

2004-10-21T23:19:30Z

This past weekend I went to the westcoast of Vancouver Island. We stayed in a cabin in Ucluelet (I was last there 4 years ago). Beautiful! Even with the slight showers, the area was still breath taking. Tall green forests, ocean waves crashing on the rocks, and endless walking paths and beaches.

We strolled along Long Beach and saw many surfers in the icy waters. We drove up to Tofino and saw the view from Radar Hill.

I also noticed a Tofino transport bus and a hostel in Ucluelet.

Marvelous!

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 0 replies

Due To

2004-10-07T22:14:57Z

Due to stalking, abusive trolls on Tribe.net I'm leaving this Tribe. It's for your beneifit because they may follow me here and disrupt your enjoyment of this Tribe.

I've enjoyed your company.

Thanks..

Vinnie

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 0 replies

BC Burners (Burning Man)?

2004-09-25T17:39:21Z

It would be nice to see this be a discussion for this years BM, who knows maybe it could evolve into a tribe or camp...you never know!!!

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 7 replies

Cortes Island

2004-09-16T07:02:59Z

A.K.A. "Fantasy Island" as the cynics on Quadra Island put it...

I'm an American who experienced the splendour that is this Island. It is the headquarters of Hollyhock. I was "exported" up there by Gordy Ryan who heads off the African Drum Workshops in the summertime. I was playing guitar for the backup band, three sessions per day, two hours per session.

There is something to be said about coming from a purely concrete, toxic place like Los Angeles, and arriving at a remote, rural and rustic destination such as Cortes. I really, really had to get used to:

--walking through the woods with a flashlight

--hitching a ride to The Tak (one of the two restaurants on the Island, I believe.)

--people who greet you with a radiant and genuine smile that seems to say, 'I'm glad to be in this beautiful place, and I can tell you are too!'.

--fear of cougars

--slimband internet

--power outtages

What can I say? I had a beautiful time while not doing much of anything. I've been to many natural places of beauty and been overwhelmed by them. Cortes, however, has a kind of beauty the likes of which I've seen nowhere else. It is subtle, feminine, vulnerable, pristine and benign. (The cougars never attack the humans there.)

The first time I visited I came with all the psychological city baggage. I had a lot of resistance to the vibe of "Fantasy Island". I'm a cigarette smoker, and found that I could only smoke in designated areas, which I had absolutely no qualm with, since I immediately felt--in spite of said resistance--the sacredness and purity of the place. Something inside of me said, 'never desecrate beauty like this...ever!'

It took three days for my mind to slow down to stillness--one of the many prices of Los Angeles living. One day, I was standing on a sand heap I put together as my 'smoking temple' in front of Gordy's cabin. Suddenly, and for no good reason, as I gazed at the subtle beauty around me I had the impression, I noted, that the beauty I was looking at, somehow, in some ineffible way, went beyond just gazing at the physicality of the place. I was, I sensed, 'seeing' a kind of beauty that went beyond the physical.

It was in this moment that it happened: I began to feel the energy of Cortes Island creep up from the soles of my feet and throughout my body. When it reached my heart, I realized what was happening. The thoughts the immediately came through my head were:

--"I'm having a life transforming experience--and I don't know why or how"

--"This place has entered my heart."

I felt almost literally as if the energy of the Island became part of me. I had a feeling akin to being in love but without a specific love-object.

When I had a second opportunity to go to Cortes, I jumped on it! After the year had passed from last summer, I couldn't make out in my mind whether or not the experience I had there was actually a dream I had...or not. I came back to find out. The same thing happened, perhaps less dramatically, but I felt even moreso, that I was part of Cortes Island and it was somehow, mysteriously part of me.

I'm going back to play on Cortes Island with the band "Island Rhythms" on September 15--two days before my birthday. And then, Gordy, me and the band are going to proceed onward to Vancouver to play at The Commodore nightclub to play with his band, "One Breath Away". This will be in tandem with the release and book signing of Rex Weyler's new book "Greenpeace: How a Group of Ecologists, Journalists and Visionaries Changed the World." Rex is the founder of Greenpeace, and actually, Hollyhock, the New Age Retreat was initially the very first headquarters of Greenpeace.

Gordy and Rex will be celebrating their new creations together.

If you live in Vancouver, DO come to The Commodore on September 21st and feel the vibes of Cortes Island that we'll bring to you through the music. The style is funk with a New Orleans twist of spice. You'll dig it!

Peace. And thanks Canada and you Canadians. Yeah, yeah!

--V

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 16 replies

Pics

2004-09-03T20:46:35Z

Hey everyone, hope you enjoy some of the pics I will be posting while travleing around BC...check'em out.

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 1 reply

In Vic Looking 4 Fun

2004-09-02T03:58:54Z

Your happy go lucky moderator is going to be in Victoria as of Sept 1, I was originally going to head up the BC coast to the Sunshine Coast, but spontaneity won out, and now I am in Port Angeles waiting for the ferry (that I missed by getting an oil change).

So if your in Victoria, send me a note...I may try to get a group together...or just hang out with some of the "yokals" and have fun...

Ta ta

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 7 replies

Quiet these days

2004-09-01T22:25:13Z

I just wanted to make a note that this tribe has been pretty quite since burning man...coincidence...maybe; maybe not?!?!

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 1 reply

my gf and i are in Vancouver and visiting Nelson for first time

2004-09-01T02:43:57Z

hey there.....

i've lived in Vancouver since 2000 and am finally getting outta town to Nelson, BC this long weekend with my girlfriend who is American (from Seattle area). It is apparently Nelson Pride this weekend--should be a hoot and i hear Nelson is absolutely gorgeous....any feedback or things to do in Nelson?

What a bitch to find WC accessible lodging....we are having to pay through the nose for such a room at the friggin Best Western. It sucks that gimps who have little money have to pay through the nose and that none of the numerous hostels are accessible.

Anywho, let's hope it doesn't rain all weekend.

siam

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 1 reply

Finally some moisture

2004-08-26T14:56:24Z

It has been so dry.
The rain just started falling.
BC needs it bad.

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 7 replies

Good Vancouver Cam

2004-08-23T06:39:14Z

http://www.jericho.bc.ca/webcam/webcam.html

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 5 replies

Would you have us?

2004-08-21T18:49:30Z

My b/f and I would love to move to Canada especially after having talked at length about it with Chris this weekend. Part of this decision will revolve around whether or not Bush steels another election. So, knowing that Canada doesn't want any old dumb schmuck off the street and knowing that there has to be some sort of paper work and such to fill out, can someone recommend a best course of action for two people who may feel a need to make a run for the northern border?

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 25 replies

Twisted Humor

2004-08-20T19:18:35Z

Why do so many Canadians have a warped sense of humor? Enquiring (American) minds want to know!

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 8 replies

Canadians

2004-08-18T19:08:43Z

Gotta love 'em.

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 26 replies

Talk, bitch, and/or suggest to the Moderator

2004-08-18T00:26:08Z

Well, my intention with this tribe is to create a forum for people who live in BC to build friendships with people who are or would like to go to BC...but where it goes from here...who the hell know. I am going to set some stuff up to get the ball rolling, but if it all changes right away, I am ok with that.

A little about me, I am from BC. In particular, I was born in Garden Bay/Pender Harbor (for those that don't know that is the Sunshine Coast), raised in Vancouver till about the age of 7, where we moved to Fucking Saskatchewan (Yes, I believe that is the official name), then to Fucking Wisconsin. I moved to Florida at 19, and I now live in LA (see the trend?). But I am thinking about moving back to BC...hence the idea of starting this tribe.

Do not hesitate to contact me...I am very approachable and I try to avoid having an attitude...

Most of all, the way I see it...I hope this tribe is for people how are looking to have a lot of fun!!! So have a good time here!!! Don't be a SHITHEAD if you can avoid it!!!

And always remember, if you're not from Canada, the best way to make a Canadian friend is to bribe them with beer!!

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 3 replies

The People who live in BC Register (Who, When, and Where?)

2004-08-18T00:24:14Z

If you care to you can post your name and location and what you are up for if people are coming thought your area.

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 4 replies

The people who no longer live in BC (just like me) Register

2004-08-13T06:44:49Z

Ah, let's see... I don't fit in any of the other registers and nor do I drink beer. So if you're like me and you've deserted the mightiest provincial regionn our nation has to offer for lesser places like... um Portland Oregon where I now live.

Feel free to post your name/location here and whether you'll take CASH bribes (if you don't drink beer) for others who feel the need to escape BC.

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 0 replies

BC People Vacationing to where? (Who, When, and Where)

2004-08-12T22:03:14Z

Planning a vacation in the not so distant future...well tell us. Where are you going, what are you looking to do, and who would you like to meet?...and remember, the same rules apply outside of BC as inside...bribe them with FREE BEER!

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 0 replies

Anyone just moved to BC? (Who, When, and Where)

2004-08-12T21:58:06Z

It would be great to get some feed back about how it is going for you!! So tell us!!!

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 0 replies

The "Hey I'm going to BC" Discussion (Who, When, and Where?)

2004-08-12T21:56:26Z

As a thought, you might want to post/tell people when and where you will be, and what type of activities you are into...and always remember the suggestion about bribing new friends with FREE BEER!!

posted in Friends to British Columbia Travelers - 0 replies