Happy Halloween people......

This is for all my followers (including the zombie community out there. You'd be surprised how many actually take the Aquabus to go to work everyday!)  Happy Halloween! See ya soon on the island.........

Look Around: There's Plenty to be Thankful for!

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

And theres plenty to be thankful for if you live here....I'm reminded of how important friends are when, just before I returned back to my other job as a Youth Worker, I was a little dour heading into the office at Aquabus one day. I was brooding as the school I work at is being 'amal - gamated' with other at risk program's in the next year or so. As the summer season was coming to end, it heralded my return to an uncertain future, which working along the creek had happily displaced for a good while. I was walking down to the GI dock with Jody and Geoff. Seeing me so quiet (for a change!) Geoff simply put his arm around my shoulder saying 'It's going to be alright Des'. The smallest gesture at the most acute moment can mean so much. It meant so much to me, and why I respect him so much.

It is now a good opportunity to also give a shout out to one of my longest followers, who apparently reads my posts without fail. James is the manager at the premier chocolate stall 'ChocolaTas' (I think this is the place!) in the GI market. He was the one who had the good sense to employ one of the infamous Irish girls 'Elaine' this summer. At the end of the week, he would drop by with some of those delicious choc covered Strawberries on his way home. A truer gent you could ever meet, he was as generous with his complements as with his choice confectionery.

Apparently, it will be around about now that the Aquabus limited edition Chocolate Collection tins will be arriving. I need to get one for my Aquabus collection in the MOD II. (That would be the Museum of Des 2.....where all my choice collections are stored. I am the (un)official curator of Aquabus historical artifacts......every great corporation has a record of its past......).

The Irish girls are gone, but definitely not forgotten. I know Adam has already booked his ticket to Dublin for Christmas. But from the looks of things, it hasn't been all plain sailing since Elaine got back home. Seems she boxed someone in with her car and got this 'delightful' note on her windscreen. Nice touch with the printed flowers though.....

Anyhoo, the season has definitively changed, so right now, I'm out of the loop with all things GI. Big Kev is out on the boats again up north, Jody hasn't returned my calls (probably because I am still struggling composing those mini biographies of our drivers for the company website. A task I've worked on since August....although I have written 18 of them). Uncle Ray is probably awaiting the news magazine I bring to him each month, and Siobhan still hasn't responded since that lock-in......so really it's life as per!

For me, my adventures continue on my other blog: desreid.ca. Really, the perfect training for dealing with customers on the creek in the silly season, is a week away with 15 active teenagers in the middle of the Cariboo......buts that's another story.....

Still writing those bio's Jody......

In the meantime.....

peeeaaaaccceee out sisters!

The Thorny State of Cultural Aversity.....

I had an encounter last week which as been bugging me ever since. Its even more focused in my mind as today is the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy in New York, where I had just visited in July. So, to say I have pondering this specific, brief encounter is an understatement as is it is ripe with multiple interpretation and meanings. Especially since the world literally changed for us all regardless of our nationality and cultural make up.on that tragic stark sunny day.


It was Sunday 4th September. The last weekend before the kids head back to school after Labor Day. The weather being good meant it was busy at GI. Deck-handing on Cquabus III and, I was trying to get into that developed routine of prompting customers by announcing fare prices, then collecting for 30 passengers within that very short 4 minute ride between stations. A competent Deck-hand can do this, if they hustle and uses every second available. I just was managing (despite being called 5 times within 10 minutes when the SPCA wanted me to talk about adopting a cat!)


So, I am into a routine and loving the synchronicity of it all: between the revolving line before me and the rhythm of the exchange.  But, all it takes is that one customer, that one customer who wants more information, or wasn't paying attention, who slows you down enough just to get out of that balance you can develop on a really good day.


I come before two women. A mother with her adult daughter, who had an infant in a stroller. They were both Middle Eastern, the Grandmother wearing a full one piece dress, covering her head to feet, her face open. Her daughter, vibrant, young and attractive had her hair covered in a scarf. I asked her for the two fares: $6.50 in total. She held her handout, open with a Tooney, a dime and pennies and looked me straight in the eye. I asked again and she tilled her head ever so slightly to the right, her almond eyes widened displaying confusion. We stood in silence together, locked at that point before it proceeded to awkwardness. I decided to move on, get the other fares. By this time we came into GI, Jody ready to get the next group on. I was determined to get that fare - I got out the equivalnet fare in cash. 'I need this'. The Grandmother smiled and stated again: 'No English'. Her daughter ignoring me now and conversing in Arabic or Farsi with her mother.


I heard of this situation before, but chose to disbelief it. I didn't want want to think that there was the sense that in other cultures, it was accepted to chance your hand and not pay what was expected. Fundamentally, it would seriously undermine our acceptance and tolerance of others in our causal day to day encounters.  In my mind, if that had happened to me, I was confident that I would be determined enough to get that money regardless. Yet, here was that very situation before me, with Jody telling me to get back on board and he would deal with it himself. It is frustrating because we live in a society which is renowned for its tolerance of other cultures. I know from my own past, living in London that I remember groups of white 14 year old kids ganging together and waiting for Indian and Pakistani kids to pounce on them.


My England had a dark belly of discrimination and hate towards those of different skin colour. However, one of the qualities I admire and gain pride from being a Canadian is Canada's live and let live attitude. (It is not perfect, working with First Nation kids and having any minutiae knowledge of this countries history shows that.) Yet, being destined from what one character in the film 'The Commitments' self termed  the 'Blacks of Europe' or the Irish, I have a developed sense of 'fair play' which certainly isn't perfect being skewed and prejudiced by life experience. I still debate about my own views towards wealthy white South Africans - especially those who emigrated abroad after 1994.


It's just having that sense we all have, that gut feeling when we know. We know that we are being played, that the biggest lie is that one that is the most blatant. She looked me right in the eye and she chose to simply lie. Jody said she gave him just over $2 and let it go. Which in itself, is a very Canadian thing to do. Its the undermining of that sense of fair play, of that general common acceptance and of payment for something received. What makes me frustrated is that she represents a national and cultural group which continues to be viewed negatively, especially since 9/11 and with nutters like Pastor Terry Jones ready to burn the Koran. (Jesus what next?).


Which is why I took this so personally.

Why, would you pretend that you didn't understand? I could have been wrong, but I just can't shake the sense she did know English. It's one person, a couple who really don't give a damn and yet we say one person can make a difference. Then, do the right thing: make me belief you really are like me and you.  Who want, what we all cherish for our children, a community where trust and respect is paramount to a good and decent life. I understand there is a lot of history of mistrust and hate in the Middle East and for good reason. I am painting very broad strokes, yet it is our own personal encounters and experience of our places that colour our perception of reality.


Because those two customers were  a visible part of that general ethnic group, you do so much more damage to the greater universe by pulling shit like that. Yes, others do it, but the heightened sense of emotion, between our two cultures means we all need to work harder to bring harmony and understanding between us.


On both sides.....


peeeaaaaccceeeee out sisters.....

Gentleman...we salute you!

 End of a era, but still looking good nevertheless.....

When Transport Canada decided that Cyquabus I, had docked at GI for very the last time, it truly was the end of a era in Aquabus history. Since her launch by heavy crane from the Spyglass dock in 1995, the hardy original 12 passenger pontoon bike carrier has plowed the waves on the Hornby run for 15 straight years. No doubt she paid for herself countless times ever since. It seemed a sad ending to know that she has been destined for the scrap yard for a few hundred dollars after her loyal service.

Yet, with the addition of the latest Cyquabus duo on steroids: IV and V during the recent Olympics, these direct descendants has drastically changed the dynamics of ferrying passengers across the creek. This summer has demonstrated that with the addition of these two vessels, with their combined capacity to take 60 people, has changed the experience of those using our service before they even come aboard. The Olympic experience aside, up until last summer at peak events such as Canada Day, it was common to witness line ups stretching as far back as Johnston Street. With people waiting in the hundreds running along the Arts Club Theater, I often had to police the line until they could get onto the dock. This no longer happens, as lines are now reduced to the 50-70 range before these two mammoths arrive to load and go in rapid succession. Shorter waiting times for fare paying punters, means reduced opportunity for personal scream therapy at the expense of tourists on auto pilot......

Yet, that decision two years ago, to built not one but two new bigger Cyquabuses at the same time for Olympics, must have raised the pulse of both banker and owners alike. For who really knew what was going to happen during those 2 weeks in February? But based on a very savvy sense that the games wouldn't be a bust, it seems inconceivable today the mere idea of not having these two vessels in the fleet considering the bumper numbers this summer.

It sure looks good on a very canny and wise ownership who decided to really let it roll and came up trumps! And it couldn't be a more fitting tribute to Geoff Pratt on his recent 50th birthday. Heres to you sir and many more happy adventures together on the creek!

Uncle Ray has a fit......

'Haven't you given that up by now?' complains Uncle Ray.

Calming his nerves by bolting back yam fries into his leathery red cheeks by the dozen, every ones favourite Uncle is holding court at the 'backstage. He is re-telling the terror he faced as his steering went on his boat. In between discussing the finer points of navigational rights of disabled boats, I thrust that infamous promo card into his face.....No, Uncle Ray I won't give up riding the wave after bumping into me old mate: Micky Bubbles! Yes, he came across the creek again, and while he was keeping low-key under a baseball cap, he seemed genuinely happy when I gave him a copy as well. Wherever it constitutes celebrity stalking as I asked him to sign another card when he came back to the dock is debatable. But he did so with grace, and then proceeded to give away a strip of Aquabus tickets to a group on the dock. A classy gent for sure....like many along this fair creek.

Happy belated 50th Birthday Geoff!

For now.....

peeeaaaacccceeeee out sisters.......

Farewell to the Irish Girls 2010

Jody takes all the girls to Cuba for a well earned holiday......

The weather is still warm and hot during the day, yet the easterly winds around 6pm indicates what the calender already tells us; the summer is slowly ebbing away heralding fall and all change again. So it is with this 'summer of shamrock love', as those giggly mascots of Ireland pack their bags and head back to the wee nation with harsher realities to contend. The girls certainly stamped their identities on GI and smack bang between the eyes of several smitten young lads at Aquaboose. At least two of them, will have their hearts wretched and pulled across the Atlantic by August end.

With plans to see the New Year in on O'Connell Street, Adam and Will both were interested to hear how my own journey involving a chance encounter with a bikini babe on a beach in Greece, ended 3 years later with marriage and moving to the best city in the world. For they are both at the start of their own lives, ripe with potential, yet with hard choices ahead of them. Helen and I often smiled to ourselves when we heard of relationships coming apart with couples mere miles apart. If it is meant to be, it's meant to be.

On those great nights which work best, when they just occur spontaneously, bringing together happy energy and giggles, the girls were in full effect. They hung out, loved the attention and were just as silly like the rest of us. Other times, the simple facts of such diverse birth dates, makes one realize that 2 or more generation apart can draw happy memories for some, and confusion for others. Mention a band like 'Duran Duran' and Rach thought I was choking. Mags parents probably met over this very band and she wasn't even a twinkle in her dads eye when Simon lamented on and on about Planet Earth!

The girls are young, so why would they want to hang out with us old farts? Even those good looking hipster's who look like Mr. Clooney has his limits. (Although as 'old school' as I am, I did take umbrage with Mr Ga Ga himself: Max Millions who said I was a terrible dancer! Bah!)

So Face-book is stuffed with snaps of these young celtic things beaming with 20 somethings like themselves. You hope they will have made happy memories over here which they will cherish in years to come. To look back on when they also hit their fourth decade with just the same screaming kids, despondent husbands and other crap we all face. (OK life is not all that bad, but you get my point).

By all accounts, it's not always an advantage to be part of a pack who all know each other. The other night, a mad night ensured at the 'Republic' downtown, when the girls battled heads, causing tears of melancholy typical of the Irish and the demon drink. (My own Uncle Brenden was the very same one night, with a illicit bottle of pot-sheen, lamenting his past....) What can you expect with 11 girls, all 'best friends' living in the ming-ing halls of sorority ville? But Chris did his magic, and they were all up dancing and hugging each other once again! Well done Mr UFC!

The secret of life is to be open to change, and the potential of possibility. The strength of Aquabus is its diverse range of people, which each summer brings new youthful faces who bring that dynamic attitude.

 

Of course, we will miss them. I will miss Rachel for her endearing hugs, love of life with that gorgeous smile. Elaine, the savior of the 'choc's', with her savvy sense of fair-play and confidence. Rebecca who simply is a lovely caring girl...(Adam, of course you should go in December!) And Aishling. Oh Aishling. The girl who started it all: O Canada, zap straps and postcards. Sadly, the wedding fell though (visa restrictions on multiple brides, big fights with the Maid of Honor, the court case is going to be stupid). It all ended with long regretful glances across the dock....

Of course, limited life experience can also make some their age a right pain in the arse for being some what self absorbed. Yet, on the whole, they held their place well, worked hard, and represented their nation at its best. We will miss them, but are grateful for the time we shared together.

Lets hope their younger fans can survive the departure!

Miss you luvvies! ;-) xx

peeaaaccceeee out sisters!




postscript: Mags: you're gorgeous + I love u all!

King Kirk, dour Eric and the Flag Twins....

He wore an expensive cut jacket, probably in soft lamb, which matched his precise goatee covering puckered cheeks. But as he minced past me on the way onto GI, I knew that steely side stare screamed 'WTF!' all be it very quietly. Hey Mr. Eric 'Will & Baste' McCormick, so wot if I'm in my Canada Day work helmet and red socks: I'm a celebrity round here don't you know?

Working on the dock, you'd think I was wearing buck cheeked chaps without me jocks on underneath. Is wearing our beloved Maple Leaf as a cape really so provocative to cause one customer to tell Jordan, deckhanding across to Hornby Street:

'What's with the guy wearing the flag? They should put him in a straight jacket and walk him off the island!'

Wot? Gear down big rig! Maybe looking like a clown unleashed his coulrophobia.....jackass!

It's raining on the dock, and I am helped in my attempt to lighten the mood by the lovely Rachel. She throws a tricolor from the old country over her shoulder as well. Bubbly, funny and with the cutest smile which would make any judge say 'I believe you', she is one of the infamous girls of Eire. I'm sure when August 25th rolls around, We will all calling Jody in panic mode saying 'They're gone - what now!'

What now indeed, but life rolls on. Just remember, they're here to have fun and if we can have a few giggles along the way: lucky for us. They give us the gift of reminding us old gits that life is to short, and we used to be just as exuberant and bursting with raw, wide eyed youthfulness when we were their age. The secret is to be respectful at all times - however much is consumed on a messy night at the backstage - where they still feel safe, and leave our presence without basically feeling creeped out!

A job which John S. and I take very, very seriously of course....

And now, Ladies and Gentleman, its time once again for:

DES REID'S Celebrity Watch on GI.......

I wasn't born with these radar ears for nothing. Although John can't believe that I can recognize a celebrity from 15 feet away - just by hearing their voice, I knew a former Canuck celeb when I hear one. The man who stood on his head as the goalie for Vancouver Canucks in the 94 series against those pesky Rangers, was sitting on the patio at the Arts Club having a great time. So when Kirk McClean passed us, we had to give him a shout.


Des asks: What would happen if the Limey and Kirk went on a boys weekend to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico together?

What a gentleman, he was approachable and laughing away with us. For some reason, which I can't fathom now, his lovely female friend pointed out where else he has abundant follicles on his body. All we do know is that Kirk self declared to our collective mirth, that he has hairy toes as well!

Kirk McClean: you are a true gent, one of B.C's best and deserving of DR's celebrity sighting of the day!!

Before I sign off, a shout out to my good friend Jake. The other day he was looking forlorn at the back dock. It seems he was having a losing battle with a belligerent engine, and he just looked done. To my surprise, I found him later in the Arts Club, having a much needed break as suggested. I mentioned that my own lads would just love to work at AB - it would be the perfect first job for them in their teens. How can you not feel that this young men is class supreme when he said: 'Of course! Any kid of yours is my kids!' Love that man!

And on that happy note, I sign off for now. Until next time:

peeeaaacccceeeeee out sisters!

Summer of Shamrock Love 2010....

An Irish proverb states that time is a great story teller. Well, this season is turning into the summer of shamrock love. As reported earlier on Canada Day, Granville Island has been smitten by the arrival of an army of young, lovely colleens, all seemingly from Bono's postcode. For some mad reason at least 20 of them, came over en-mass and have shacked up in the vacant fraternal halls at the 'Greek' village at UBC. Guess, they heard about all those crazy Canook boys on the west coast after the Olympics. But, time is a ticking, and fortunately it has been hot, hot, hot along the creek. The right set of circumstances for party fun, snatched glances and shy smiles to develop on the ever busy deck of Cyquabus IV traveling to Jail-town.

We also just had that annual firework festival: the 'celebration of light, a summer favorite in the city. For Aquabus regulars, it is viewed between a sigh for some, and gritted teeth for others. While it is certainly appreciated for drawing out thousands of customers who use our service, it can also puts those drivers working that night a little on edge. Once the last kitchen sink has been blasted off into the air in a massive crescendo of visual delight, the show really begins for the mass exodus. That sleepy creek, quickly becomes a 8 lane boating channel of bobbing madness as all those floating vessels turn around and head back to the creek. Super yachts, party ships, Bubba Gump Shrimper's and every thing else; right down to the loons all dressed in black with day glo sticks for navigation lights in their micro dinky dinghy's are all out there for a Aquabus driver to dodge trying to get very eager fare paid passengers across. Quite a heady brew for any salty captain, let along a driver out for a fun job for the summer!


Maybe it was that emotional edge, that caused romance to burn under the 'en espanol' display by Mexico on July 28th for one recent Irish arrival. For it was with shock and surprise, when one seasoned veteran in our ranks, who shall remain nameless for obvious reasons later, that got up, raised his glass at the 'back stage lounge and proposed marriage to one young colleen we all know as Aishling. Everybody gathered around held their breath in eager anticipation, but as the girl said later '....he's gorgeous! I had to!' she declared 'Yes!'

According to urbandictionary.com, the Celtic translation for Aishling is 'dream' and apparently she is a 'true rarity' for being a 'true beauty well known amongst her friends, for being down to earth and being caring while having stunning looks' no less! Well, she certainly wasn't on earth that night, as she floated on the clouds looking down at her disbelieving girl friends who couldn't believe her luck at getting such a catch.



Aishling stares in awe at the beautiful hand made ring made by her friend Noreen.

Aishling good friend Rachel said she would be the maid of honor whilst crying on Wills shoulder, only after being quoted later saying that the mystery suitor was a 'dry shite'. Her other friend Elaine seemed to be a bit peeved to be a mere bridesmaid. Nevertheless, all the girls ended up getting langered together in celebration.

The mystery of the 'seasoned veteran' continues. But, lets just say that the happy couple to be plan to live in Abu Dhabi, as polygamy is freely accepted there.


disclaimer: the reading of this blog entry does not entitle the reader to 100% accuracy of actual events.....more like 3%: they actually are all stunning in real life!