Greetings! 3-21-08 Travelogue: Denver to Vancouver, Day 1, Part 1

Greetings! 3-21-08 Travelogue: Denver to Vancouver, Day 1, Part 1 - United, DIA

March 21st, 2008 by leafworks

Friday, 21 March 2008
Manitou Springs - Denver Colorado

Travelogue: Day 1 - Part I: Manitou Springs - Denver, Colorado

HAPPY EASTER & SPRING EQUINOX EVERYONE!

Greetings … I am the new Editor for Wanderwords as well as a frequent poster to this column from ages past. Every now and then, when I take trips, I’ll be posting a installment piece on my adventures to various places. This time, for the next 12 days, from Colorado to Vancouver, British Columbia; as I am enroute to the SAA’s Annual Conference (Society of American Archaeology) being held in Vancouver, B.C. from March 26-30th.

What a fast pace world we live in. Speeding from point to point, destination to destination. I enter the bee swarm today in the millions of travellers today who are escaping for what common man would call “Easter Weekend”, and others call “Equinox Weekend”. The differences is simply religious and astrological focus, and seldom do the holidays collide and fall on the exact same weekend. I usually get to mix mine with early Spring Breakers but today the holidays mix, which quite reasonably, share exact roots in origin and commonality, but have differences of focus in belief.

It’s a beautiful day today … skies are clear and the moon was full. I awoke at 4 am, last minute packing of my frame backback, travel bag, and laptop bag - and out into the chilly and desolate streets of Manitou Springs, Colorado. I work full time as an Archaeologist for the Government and on the side, I have a little gift boutique in Manitou Springs. I travel alot. This is one of the reasons I was offered editorship for this blog.

I do like leaving this early as the work traffic is not yet on the roads and traffic is next to non-existent. A smooth drive to Denver awaited me. Of course just as I started to enter Denver, i was met with commuters, so I took the Toll road to the airport - $6 sucks in toll fees, but it cut out traffic and the roads were bare again. Parked and boarded the parking shuttle to the terminal. It was jam-packed with sleepy-headed yet eager tourists. Dropped off at the DIA terminal that looks like a series of white teepees inter-connected, i made my way up to the United Airlines check-in kiosks. There was a humongous line, but only lasted 15 - 20 minutes for check-in. For some reason, I couldn’t e-check last night on my computer, as there was some issue with the ticket. Same thing happened at the kiosk - it had me call a representative, and that rep was clue-less, everything seemed fine. Still had to track down an agent for a manual check-in. Goddess knows, I hope my luggage gets to Canada. Making my way to the gate, I had a little time to chill for breakfast and a quick internet check. I’m on my way to Vancouver! A city I adore, that I consider home, and is the heart of where my friends and family reside on this planet. It’s been too long since my last visit.

Shadow of the plane on the clouds
descending on Seattle

It dawned on me how many people lug-around big bulky suitcases. You rarely see backpacks. What’s up with that. If you really want hands free travel, get a frame-backpack and use that for your check-in. Have a small roller duffel bag that converts from Duffel to roller for your carry-on. With how often there is luggage delays and lost luggage these days, especially with the fact that they take the time to inspect everyone’s luggage, there is always delays. I couldn’t advise more to travellers to carry at least 2 changes of clothes in your carry-on just in case.

United Airline flight window view
leaving Denver, Colorado

United Airlines
Today (year 2008) seems to be one of the more popular airlines with cost-effective and efficient flights. My employer booked me on this airline, and while I normally prefer Northwest Airlines, sofar my experience has been more than satisfactory. I did board an international flight that is bound for Tokyo with a stop-off in Seattle (where I’m getting off) where I’ll board Air Canada for the remainder of my flight to Vancouver, British Columbia. Free headphones, travel magazine, juice/soda, and a biscotti. The seats were comfortable and already had a pillow and blanket without having to ask for one. The seats of course, are crammed, just like any other flights in economy, but more comfy than the usual (except Northwest). Plenty of overhead space and under-seat storage, so i didn’t have too many issues. Flight personnel very friendly and helpful. Rating: 4 stars out of 5.

Denver International Airport (DIA)
Aurora/Denver, Colorado. A very state-of-the-art Airport, with modern art displays, tented by large pavillion teepee-like structures protecting against the winds and snow gusts, also giving an ethereal architectural display of settlement on the plains as the airport is in close proximity between Denver and the state of Kansas, in the heart of the plains most western edge. Tornados are common in the area away from the seasons or months that carry snow, and serves as a Tornado shelter. Panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains as you sit waiting for your flight in this mile-high location. Efficient staff and services, shops, restaurants, and a effective check-in/screening process. DIA does take advantage of the technologies lying around out there. Wifi, tele-services, and a postal office area within the terminals. By far, minus the crowds, DiA is one of my favorite airports. Rated 5 stars out of 5.