Valentine’s Day

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S. Pasadena, CA  for sharing this joke.

Rodney’s Puns

Sent by Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

Funny Video: Sad Valentines

Thanks to Maling of Caloocan City, Philippines for sharing this video

Wow! Video: 30,000 Car Donation

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. for sharing this video

Thought-Provoking Video: How to Keep Your Brain Healthy

Thanks to Choy of Quezon City, Philippines for sharing this video. Watch only if you have time. It’s 30 minutes long.

Parting Shot

Thanks to Naomi who sent this joke.

The post Overcoming the Fear of Flying appeared first on Traveling Archive.

V-Day

How was your Valentines Day? If you know my wife, you know she loves surprises … especially on Valentines Day. You can ask my wife and she will tell you about my many secret Valentine schemes. This year was no different.

In late January the men in my Monday Bible Study group started planning for V-Day. We were to sing “Thank You for Being a Friend,” the theme song from the TV sitcom, Golden Girls. Of course we changed some of the words to be more appropriate for the occasion. Because it was difficult to schedule a practice meeting, I posted instructions on the web and we had to communicate via text and email.

As V-day approached, I was getting more and more concerned about everyone getting their parts right. Yes, I was getting stressed out. It was so bad that I had a nightmare about being in front of the women and forgetting my lines. My wife even said I was mumbling in my sleep as if I was having a nightmare. I thought that was funny.

The Saturday before V-Day, Andy planned to come over to my house to practice. Our wives were attending a Saturday church event so I texted him: “The coast is clear.” Wouldn’t you know it, his wife saw the text message. Disaster! The jig was up! But Andy somehow kept his cool and the secret plot was still on. His wife bumped into my wife and asked: “Did you know Andy was coming over to meet with Raoul?”

Somehow they thought we planned dinner together and so Andy and I rode along with that assumption. In order to keep the charade, we did have dinner together. Andy and I exchanged winks because, surprisingly, the women were still clueless. That was a close one because If they had probed us we wouldn’t … we couldn’t lie.

V-Day finally arrived and our lesson that evening was about unity. It was a natural segue to the surprise. “And since we are talking about being a team,” I said, “we men have a little surprise for the women.”When I saw the puzzled looks on all of their faces, I knew we men had pulled off the surprise. Then, with red ties on and camera rolling, we started our tribute to the gals.  And, wouldn’t you know it, (remember my nightmare?) I DID forget my lines. In my frazzled state I kept playing the wrong chord and we had several false starts. But other than that, we did goooood. The men took turns reciting poems to the ladies. We gave them chocolates and a memento of the song. The women said they felt so loved. One of them even said we should have Valentines every day. We men scored high points.

In case you are interested, here is a link to our practice song. We had another version with bongos but the lyrics on this one is a lot clearer.
CLICK HERE

Our ROLES may be different but I believe women are EQUAL to men. Neither gender is superior. We should not compete; rather, we should complement each other and work toward a common spiritual goal. That evening, we men wanted to honor the ladies for who they are and what they mean in our lives.

I trust that YOU showed your love to someone special this Valentine. If not, maybe plan something next time. I realized 2 things. First, it isn’t a perfect performance or gift that makes a woman happy … it is knowing that there was thought and effort in the gift. Second, I realize when we do something special for people we love — our gift creates joy and their joy comes back to us a hundredfold.

But this is just me. TGIF people!

“Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it a meaning”
— Anonymous

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Rey of Simi Valley, CA for sending this joke.

Videos of the Week

They Should Have Asked My Husband
Sent by Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

Pam Ayres, the British comedian, describes her expert husband.

Touch Me Please
Sent by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

If you have pets, you know they enjoy being stroked. This is a heartwarming video of animals and how they love to be touched.

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Heavy Thought of the Week

Sent by Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Bobbie of Quezon City, Philippines who shared this

The post 4 Marriages appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Love is in the air! In need of a few ideas for Valentine’s Day this year? Don’t stress, we’ve got you covered. Here is a list of seven Vancouver Valentine’s Day date night ideas for you and your special someone.

Lot185 Café + Wine Bar’s Four-Course Valentine’s Menu

Lot185 Café + Wine Bar is pleased to offer a delicious four-course dinner menu for Valentine’s Day. Coffee shop by day and wine bar by night, you can find this unique dining experience inside the Vancouver Convention Centre West. The restaurant has beautiful views of Vancouver’s waterfront and Northshore Mountains, the perfect location for you and your Valentine. The dinner is priced at $65 per guest (additional beverages, tax, and gratuity not included), and features delicious menu items such as Pan Seared Quebec Veal Tenderloin, Michel Cluizel Chocolate Mousse, and a complimentary glass of bubbly.

For reservations call, 604-647-7416

Valentine’s Day After Hours at the Vancouver Aquarium

Pucker up for an intimate affair at Vancouver Aquarium’s After Hours this Valentine’s Day.
Vancouver Aquarium® scientists agree that blushing can be considered camouflage when discussing topics such as coral sex. Indulge in an alluring and amusing exploration of the sex lives of aquatic animals during the Valentine’s Day-themed After Hours on Thursday, Feb. 14 at the Vancouver Aquarium, an Ocean Wise® initiative. With a drink in one hand, your partner or pal in the other, get set for a scintillating night. In addition to exploring the Aquarium’s galleries at night, you can also enjoy special programs covering a range of hot topics.

Leave the kids at home; this racy event is suited for an adult audience. Cocktails, beer, and wine will be available for purchase throughout the Aquarium.

Where: Vancouver Aquarium (845 Avison Way)
When: Thursday, Feb. 14 from 6 to 11 p.m.

Purchase your tickets early to have Valentine’s Day plans sealed with a fish and to avoid disappointment (the event often sells out). Tickets are only available online at vanaqua.org/after-hours and are $27 for members and $35 for non-members.

Feather the Love Nest with Juke Fried Chicken

Juke Fried Chicken is giving lovers of its signature southern-inspired fare a delicious way to celebrate Valentine’s Day once again with the return of its popular ‘Let’s Cluck’ fried chicken bouquet on Thursday, February 14.

Available in limited quantities for both pickup and delivery from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. during Valentine’s Day only at both the original Juke (182 Keefer Street) and Little Juke (1074 Davie Street) locations, the Let’s Cluck bouquet swaps flowers for eight mouth-watering pieces of Juke’s trademark gluten-free, crispy fried chicken in decorative wrapping.

Inspired by Ariana Grande’s kiss-off tune, Bar Manager Olivia Povarchook will unveil a special V-Day cocktail, ‘Thank U, Next’. This saucy drink will be available at the Chinatown location from Monday, February 11 to Saturday, February 17.

Orders can be made online at jukefriedchicken.com or via email at

in**@ju**************.com











starting Tuesday, January 29.

Reminisce the Journey of Your Relationship with the Help of Pinnacle Hotels

Feeling nostalgic? Reminisce with your sweetie at one of three Pinnacle Hotel restaurants this Valentine’s Day. Accompanied by live music and beautiful waterfront views, each property is serving up a special menu on Thursday, February 14th to celebrate the occasion.

See the menus here:

P2B bistro & bar
Pier7 restaurant + bar 
The Lobby food + drink

Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar’s Very Special Valentine’s Day Dinner

This intimate one-night-only service features a special multi-course menu featuring the restaurant’s award-winning West Coast-inspired cuisine for $120 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Fire up your palate (and love life) with optional wine pairings selected by Restaurant/Wine Director JP Potters available for an extra $85 per person. Items from the Valentine’s Day menu will also be available à la carte on request.

When: Thursday, February 14 beginning at 5 p.m.

Check out the menu

Reservations are highly recommended as seating is limited for both Boulevard locations: call 604-642-2900 or book online

Fall in Love at Burdock & Co

The Main Street eatery invites lovers young and old – as well as family and friends – to cozy up over a multi-course farm-to-table Valentine’s Day feast. The Valentine’s Day menu has been perfected by the “Local Champion” in the 2018 B.C. Restaurant Hall of Fame, Chef Andrea Carlson. The menu features farm-fresh vegetables, ethically-raised meats and sustainable seafood sourced from nearby producers. Tickets to this special dinner cost $80 per person (plus tax and gratuity). There is limited availability, so guests are encouraged to book early!

Tickets can be purchased online through Resy.com

When: Thursday, February 14
Time: 5:30/6 p.m. & 8/8:30 p.m.

Make Valentine’s Day Memorable with a Romantic Dinner at Dockside Restaurant

Granville Island makes a perfect escape from the every day, and Dockside Restaurant’s creative West Coast cuisine, refined waterfront surroundings, and memorable views create an ideal destination for romance on Valentine’s Day.

This year, Valentine’s Day at Dockside will include a three-course table d’hôte dinner, live music by Melanie Dekker, bubbles, and roses, for a very special romantic experience. Executive Chef Mark Crofton and Dockside’s culinary team have created a delicious menu that’s filled with inspired preparations and indulgent flavours. Dishes like Oysters Two Ways, Cornish Game Hen Ballotine, Pork Tenderloin Wellington, and Surf & Turf are rich, inviting, and indulgent. Vegetarian options are available, and every meal finishes with sumptuous house-made desserts for sharing.

Valentine’s Day dinner at Dockside costs $75 per person (tax and gratuity not included) and reservations are highly recommended. For full menu details and reservations, visit www.docksidevancouver.com or call 604-685-7070

Live the Dream on a Romantic Adventure in Africa with African Travel, Inc.

There’s nothing more magnificent than celebrating a special romantic occasion in Africa. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, wedding or anniversary, you’ll experience the romantic trip of your dreams with African Travel, Inc. by touching an ancient culture, discovering the magic of the wild and relaxing in spectacular luxury.

Who wouldn’t want to celebrate a life milestone with a romantic picnic on the banks of the Zambezi River, sleeping under the stars on the enchanting Kenyan landscapes or listening to the echoes of lion roaring at an oasis camp ground in Botswana?

“Love is a celebration and Africa offers a plethora of romantic experiences that will surely create unforgettable memories,” says Sherwin Banda, president of African Travel, Inc. “Couples who travel with us can relax because every part of their trip is planned, so they can enjoy quality time as they begin a new chapter together.”

African Travel, Inc. specializes in celebratory and romantic travel to all parts of Africa. With this, we create a travel gift registry with all the details of your plans and itinerary. The site can be shared with friends and integrated into their social media platforms. Contributors can simply call or email African Travel, Inc. with their gifts, which can also be posted on the site in weekly updates.

According to a recent article from Vox, gift registries are evolving into something that is more personal and representative of the couple, such as honeymoon or family vacation funds.

Allow your friends and family to give you the gift of love with your registry, so they can travel with you and book the finest hotel accommodations, fine-dining experiences and exceptional safaris. If you have already set-up another registry, you can add the link to your safari vacation itinerary and encourage your friends and family to contribute to help make your travel dreams come true.

Our handcrafted, personalized itineraries will give you the memories of a lifetime, such as a 12-day trip to South Africa where you can discover the magnificent wildlife, scenic ocean views, decadent wines and authentic South African food. Whether you are looking for a safari excursion with a large group, an intimate couples’ massage, or a luxury dinner overlooking the ocean, our travel experts can help you craft your memorable journey.

Your sample celebration journey could include a four-night stay at the 5-star, award-winning hotel, Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cape Town, with luxurious spas, sight-seeing of mountain tops, exclusive wine tours and views of the pristine beaches of Camps Bay. On the following four days you can stay at the Simbambili Game Lodge in the renowned Kruger National Park and go on drives with expert rangers to see astounding wildlife, such as the Big Five, and possibly a leopard from the Sabi Sands, which has the highest concentration of leopard in the world.

You can spend your last four days in paradise while exploring the Bazaruto Archipelago, with the options of reef snorkeling, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing. You’ll be lodging at the blissful Azura Benguerra Island, a protected marine conservation area with pristine beaches and unspoiled coral reefs, where you can soak up blissful vacation memories while lying in the sun on pearl white sand.

No matter how intimate or large your group is, we will work with you on land and air arrangements to ensure that every detail of your trip is taken care of, so your time can be spent enjoying your celebration. We are dedicated to giving you an incredible adventure with the ultimate African experience.

Lovebirds Fly to NYC and Los Angeles for Valentine’s Day

Americans Traveling Internationally Choose Mexico and Canada for Romantic Getaways

New York City and Cancun reign supreme as the most popular domestic and international romantic destinations for Valentine’s Day travel in 2019, with NYC claiming the top spot for the third year running and Cancun for the fifth year in a row.

Los Angeles (#2) jumped from fifth place last year, while newcomers to the top 10 domestic list include Miami (#5) and Phoenix (#9). Las Vegas (#10) fell from second place in 2018, while Seattle (#3), San Francisco (#4), Chicago (#6), Atlanta (#7) and Boston (#8) round out this year’s list.

Americans leaving the country to celebrate are overwhelmingly headed to visit our neighbors to the north and south – with four Mexico and two Canada destinations dominating the list: Cancun (#1), San Jose Del Cabo (#3), Mexico City (#7) and Puerto Vallarta (#8) in Mexico; and Vancouver (#5) and Toronto (#6), Canada. The remaining top 10 international destinations are warm weather locales: San Juan, Puerto Rico (#2); Nassau, Bahamas (#4); Oranjestad, Aruba (#9) and Montego Bay, Jamaica (#10).

Allianz Global Assistance, a leading travel insurance and assistance company, reviewed Americans’ travel plans* for roundtrip flights for two to domestic and international destinations the weekends immediately before and after Valentine’s Day, departing and returning from February 7 – 11 and February 14 – 18, 2019.

“Couples are predominantly heading to warm destinations for this year’s holiday. On a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend, flight delays or cancellations, lost baggage and illness are the last things you want to worry about,” said Daniel Durazo, director of communications and marketing at Allianz Global Assistance USA. “But unexpected travel hiccups can happen anytime and anywhere, whether you’re celebrating in a metropolitan city or on a tropical beach. Luckily, the right travel protection policy can provide peace-of-mind and make travel disruptions easier to handle if they do occur.”

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