Since becoming joyful travellers in 2016, we have visited so
many amazing and interesting places.
Here is a sample of just a few:
Envira – Places
Trash Heroes
Trash Heroes is a volunteer group that started in Thailand 2013,
with the idea to clean up a beach. It has grown to 135 chapters in 12 countries!!
Dedicated to weekly cleanups and creating awareness of this massive global problem.
Enjoy our video from Thailand:
Play Video
Consider becoming a Trash Hero when you travel.
Chapters and programs are listed on their website.
We clean, we educate, we change.
Flags – Correction
Dear Subscriber:
The blog that you just received from joyful travellers may have a techie glitch.
Not a bug or anything just that the actually gallery of the flags may not open. (The galley was the whole point of the blog).
If that is the problem for you, here is the link to the actual post.
Forgiveness please, not everything works all the time.
Doug
Flags-How Many Can You Name?
Name That Flag - Challenge
In the last few years, one of my favourite tasks is to capture a photo the national flag of the country we are travelling in.
As easy as this may sound it can often be challenging. Sometimes they are on full display flying proudly in on a crisp wind, other times they are as proud as old socks in the rain.
Never the less the task keeps me amused. Just look what slid into the photo while I was attempting to get this Canadian/Swiss flag tree:
So here is my challenge to you- how many of the following flags can you name?
Try listing the countries off in the box below, or you can e;mail me
dougdyer52@gmail.com
(Big prizes maybe offered but only at the webmasters discretion).
Have fun!
Johanne and Doug
About Us
Spay and Neuter Clinic, Mexico 2019
“We are committed to providing the best house/ pet sitting experience possible”.
Originally
Doug is from Niagara Falls, Ontario and Johanne from Montréal, Quebec. After many diverse adventures and experiences we found each other in 2011 and continued to live out our dreams in beautiful British Columbia, Canada.
On February 6th, 2016 we sealed our love in marriage, and set upon our new path together.
Crescent Beach Pier
Our Dreams
We are very excited about this new phase of our lives and are eager to find house and pet sitting situations where we can be helpful and apply the skills that we share. We find it very fulfilling to assist home owners by providing them with the assurance that their home, pets and property will be well cared for while they are away.
We both have explored the globe widely and our acquired experience ensures that we are able to easily adjust to a variety of situations. We are well aware and accepting of the fact that local comfort levels vary widely.
We strongly believe in community and we have a sincere desire to contribute in a positive manner to the areas we visit. Hopefully we will leave places we visit just a little better off than before we arrived.
We travel light and are able to work around your dates and needs. We prefer to over lap our stay a few days ahead of your departure to become familiar with your home and pets.
We are very pleased to offer pet care tailored to your animals needs such as medications, special diets, exercise etc.
Staying healthy is extremely important to us both, we are non smokers and have no bad habits. ( Johanne does savior an occasional glass of wine with dinner and Doug really likes peanut butter gelato). We enjoy every opportunity to hike, swim and be out in nature.
House sitting assignments in remote locations are always considered.
Our Past Lives
We have spent many long and glorious hours cruising the B.C. coast on our 36 ft Islander sailboat: Swan. Being on the water has taught us to adapt and to calmly handle critical situations as they sometimes arise. Doug is also a Canadian Yachting Association Sailing Instructor, and has had major offshore experience.
SWAN
Johanne devoted her career to child care working in and managing Childcare Centers in California and Vancouver. Her calm and ever cheerful personality served her very well in this field.
Doug built a very successful career a real estate consultant and in management. He has also built sailboats, houses and was the Lead Surveyor on Vancouver’s rapid transit system.
Skill Sets
Johanne, being totally bilingual (French and English) is also functional in Spanish; Doug is determined! We study every day, building our vocabulary and practice whenever the opportunity arises. “Poco a poco”.
Johanne is very good with all animals and has lovingly cared for many different pets over the years. Doug loves taking the dogs for long walks and has considerable experience with obedience training.
We both enjoy landscaping, gardening, and Doug has experience in wood framing, concrete work, simple finishing and basic electrical and plumbing.
Volunteerism
We often find opportunities to contribute to communities we are sitting in. We find being involved in Spay/Neuter clinics, trash pickups and helping out at schools very rewarding.
Doug is a long time dedicated Rotarian and has had the pleasure of serving as President of two very successful Rotary Clubs. ” Being a Rotarian provides me with the opportunity of contributing to others in a small way, even as we live aboard”.
He was formerly a Board Member of Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Langley and as a youth mentor was a positive role model to kids.
Drop us a note and to determine if we are the best fit for your house and pet sitting needs.
Skype is also a great way to become acquainted.
References and Criminal Record Reports are available.
Like Cousins-a Canadian boy in NZ.
Tauranga, North Island
Do you have a favourite cousin that you don’t see often but each time you do it is a wonderful occasion? That beautiful unspoken bond that makes every moment feel just so comfortable and joyful.
That is what being in New Zealand reminds me of – a visit to my favourite cousins’ house.
While spending 5 months visiting many towns and villages on both the North and South Islands, I feel that I am gaining insight into this magical country.
It is logical to look at it through Canadian eyes as there are many obvious similarities that can be drawn. It is easy to observe how our 2 cultures run parallel to each other and yet there are subtle and quirky differences.
I think that both Kiwis and Canadians are somewhat unconventional and we are proud to be seen as just a wee bit offbeat. As kindred spirits, there is mutual admiration.
Geography has been paramount in the evolution of both countries and people. Although Canada is undeniably attached to the world largest power, our sheer vastness often creates a sense of isolation. As for New Zealand, just take a look at a globe, it is floating out here by itself well south of almost nowhere. Being well off the radar is perceived as a good thing by most Kiwis. The fact that the leader of the free world could not find NZ on a map is most comforting.
Both countries were colonized by very brave adventurers from far away. Traversing great oceans bringing with them dreams of building something new. Interestingly, in the 1700s Captain Cook explored and surveyed both these new worlds, planting the flag in opposite corners of the planet for the King and country.
New Zealanders can be proud of the way they have embraced Maori culture. I believe that the indigenous here have been treated fairly and with respect. Regrettably, Canadians cannot say the same of our past.
Peace is a trait that both nations strive for and are they proud of their posture on the global stage. A sense of humour is another mutual trait; neither population takes itself too seriously.
Sometimes we chuckle at local news stories we read: recently the airport in Queenstown ( a major tourist destination on South Island) had to close for the night because the air traffic controller called in sick. Only in kiwi!
But any shortcomings we have witnessed are significantly overridden by kindness and a progressive attitude.
They do however need to do something about traffic safety. Kiwis 3 favourite pastimes are; rugby, sailing, and tailgating. Their death rate on highways is troubling. According to Wikipedia, NZ’s motor vehicle death rate by population is 36% higher than Canada’s.
We do notice that the country is lagging behind in green initiatives: transportation, managing waste, and energy alternatives. At the same time, it is spotlessly clean and litter doesn’t exist. People take better care of their homes and properties.
Both New Zealand and Canada are blessed with some of the most daunting geographies on the planet and the residents love to be out in it. Being active and enjoying nature are routine in both countries. New Zealand certainly gets the nod for a more agreeable climate.
Two attributes that Canadians could learn from Kiwis are civility and the ability to take time to savor life. I have experienced it over and over – Kiwis making time for each other, sharing a kind word and a smile. In Canada, we are too busy with our heads down chasing the prize; we need to picnic more often.
Johanne and I have loved our visit with our endearing cousin, it just feels so right! 
New Zealand-World Leader in Peace and Hope
New Zealand- World leader in Peace and Hope
March 23, 2019, from Nelson, New Zealand
Photo- NZ Herald by Rachel Das
It has been just over one week since the horrific mass murder in two Christchurch mosques. The event that killed fifty innocent people as they prayed, shocked the nation and the world. “How could this happen here?”
Johanne and I have a unique perspective that I hope to share. We are here in this lovely country and we have just spent three weeks in Christchurch. We feel like we know the city. We often strolled through the very neighbourhood of the Al Noor Mosque and in Hagley Park where events were unfolding. The news seemed unimaginable. If you asked us for a few words to describe Christchurch, they would be; peaceful, friendly, welcoming.
So “How could this happen here?” is a very valid question. “Why us?’ is another obvious reaction but it is the language that victims use and it does not look forward. Shocking news such as this is jarring to our psyche and time for healing is essential. However, accepting what has happened and asking “What are we going to do about it is?” is the key to moving past the emotion.
As the week unfolded, we have been able to witness how New Zealanders respond to “What are we going to do about it?” and it is profound and heartwarming.
Their young Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, was instantly on the news and amongst the people mourning with them. The entire country turned to her for hope and healing.
Photo of Jacinda Ardern by Kirk Hargreaves
In my estimation, she demonstrated all the traits of a great leader; empathy, compassion, enlightenment, awareness and steadfast resolve. She was out in the public embracing a broken community, its people and the entire nation.
“This is not who we are” were her initial words for the country and they understood that because it is what people were feeling. Soon after she vowed to quickly change the gun laws.
In the United States, the undisputed world leader in mass shootings, the mantra touted by ineffective politicians has always been “Now is not the time to talk gun control.” The only thing that ever changes is that the sale of weapons goes up.
Keeping her promise, in less than one week, the New Zealand parliament passed legislation to ban all military weapons. Gun owners began to surrender their rifles, and there was a buyback offered. That is what effective leadership looks like. The people could be assured to know that something positive was being done.
The weekend after the shooting, we attended what is called Race Unity Day in Nelson. Nelson is a lovely city of just over 50,000 people, yet in the park, there were 36 nations proudly represented. They were sharing with each other their diversity with traditional food, costumes, and entertainment. The sun shone and warmed us all.
Diversity is a word we proudly tout in Vancouver, but this was actually much more than that. Unity was the mood of the day; people of all walks coming together. It wasn’t them and us, where this group has a booth here and those over there have another, this was a very colourful community expressing their “oneness”. A sense that we are all in this together prevailed and our respect for each other is unwavering.
I also was aware that this is a country under “high alert” after the attack. What “high alert” looks like in NZ is; in a crowd of a few thousand people in an open park, there was just a handful of uniformed officers. They mingled about talking to people and enjoying the event. Their armament did include tazers but clearly, guns that kill would not be required here.
Maybe it is partly to do with its geography, a knowing that we are all on this small island together, that helps to foster this underlying sense of unity. There have been many amazing stories of kiwis helping one another through this recent pain. Compassion for one’s neighbour flows easily here.
Without question, New Zealand will heal and grow from this horrible event. It is my hope that the rest of the world will watch and follow the lead of this most peaceful nation. We love New Zealand and its people!
Photo by Sally Roome
joyful travellers
The Beavers of New Zealand
The Beavers of New Zealand
(photographic proof)
No one knows for certain what brought him here; certainly the north end of South Island was not on any tourist brochure in the 1850’s. In fact it was just about the point where you would fall off the end of the earth.
Some say that he was on the lam and others believed he was on a mission of love. Either way, Pierre La Foot turned a lot of heads back in the day. Proudly he galloped on his trusted stead, Belle, his blonde hair and buckskin jacket flapping in the breeze.
Our story unfolds in a trashy tavern in Wrangwingwkamgara (sp), a tiny coastal town of dubious reputation. This is where Pierre first met Mickey. They were shooting pool and pounding bad whiskey with beer chasers. Daily problems slipped away and all was good in the world.
Mickey Conley had been deposited in New Zealand aboard a convict ship and had the scars to prove it. Pierre was from some frozen place far, far away. As you can imagine, verbal communication between the two was not crisp. They got on well despite the fact that they understood not a word of each other’s peculiar dialect. A friendship was forged with hand signals and gestures. The whiskey helped.
They parted company with Mickey inviting the stranger to stop in and meet his family.
“How will I find you? Eh”
“Tis the wee hut where the Opawa River bends south”. chimed Mickey.
Weeks passed and life went on as it always does.
It was a rainy afternoon when Pierre and Belle appeared over the horizon. What he found surprised and shocked him. There was Mickey’s hut as he described it in the bend in the river but much closer to the river than seemed practical. Belle was knee-deep in mucky river water well before they reached the modest hut.
In fact the thatched roof was only a few feet above the high water, and it reminded him of something he would see in the ponds at home.
He could hear muddled voices from inside. He called out. Yes, it was Mikey and his family. They were huddled on their bunk beds as the river invaded their soggy abode.
“Mais oui ! Just like beavers huddled in a den!” Pierre chuckled.
They seemed accustomed to their lifestyle and it never occurred to them to move to higher ground. Some people just get comfortable where ever they land and never see brighter days just over the ridge.
Pierre said his adieux. Scratching his head, he moved on sensing that there was little for him here.
In a few miles, he came across a beautiful young woman who was slowly sauntering home towards the river. As a gentleman, he dismounted his stead and in his best English chatted the lady up.
As it turns out this was Mickey’s oldest daughter, Kaitlin,returning from town. Quickly it became clear that this was a sad young lady who despised her life. She felt trapped living with the beavers. Don’t they know that there is a better life out there?
Pierre was a sly fox and swiftly enchanted her with tales of chateaux in the forest. A land where everyone had a dry bed, and a warm fire.
It took only a little more persuasion and Kaitlin was on the back of Belle, embracing Pierre and her new life. She did not look back as they rode off to some distant dream land.
Years passed and Pierre and his young bride were living in the woods outside of Chicoutimi in Northern Quebec. Pierre had built them a sturdy log cabin on high ground and Kaitlin was pleased.
Oui, the bed was dry but thank god there was a warm fire! Here the rivers don’t flood; they just freeze up for 7 months of the year! Their young son was healthy and raised on French Toast and organic Maple Syrup. On Saturday nights he played goalie for the local team.
Pierre provided a comfortable lifestyle for them by hunting and tending to his trap-line. The irony was that his steadiest source of income was the beaver he caught. You see, while the beaver was admired for its relentless work ethic, it was much more valuable as pelts on its way to the tannery where its pelt would become part of Paris haute couture. Kaitlin was appalled by the inhumanity of it all.
And then, like the wind, he was gone. The call of the gold rush was too much for Pierre and he upped stakes and headed west. That was last she saw of her buckskinned stud-muffin. She stayed on and found work as a bar-maid in town. The loggers were friendly and the tips were good! Later she went on to become a founding member of – Save Our Beaver society. S.O.B. grew into a nationwide organization with chapters coast to coast. It’s members were the Vanguard of the environmental movement.
Back along the Opawa River life went on as before. (It would be generations before the locals realized they could produce the World’s Best Sauvignon Blanc). Pierre’s tale of the beavers huddled in their den had stuck in the local lore. With a sense of indifference, the residents grudgingly became known as the beavers of Beaver Station.
Round about 1878, another stranger rode into town and settled at Beaver Station. Newcomers from away were finding the region very fertile and the growing season long. The district was slowly attracting new blood.
Bucky was his name, a handle his father had given him, a handle he wished he could shake. Since leaving his home in Chicoutimi, the young man had wandered across many continents. He was drawn to this area hoping to find a community where he might fit in. It was, after all, the place of his mother’s childhood.
Not much was known of Bucky. Out here in the new frontier, folks did not pry much into another man’s background. Everyone had a story, most of them better left in the past.
It was rumored that he had relatives in the area but this was never confirmed. Some said he looked like old Mickey who use to live at the river’s edge. Mickey and his wife had cleared off and headed to the city when their daughter vanished.
Bucky took up residence on a ridge well up from the river. He felt at home here, he put down roots. He ambitiously started a saw mill and lumber yard. Business was good and thanks to his influence, decent homes could now be built. The beavers went “upmarket” and spread out to higher ground.
He worked hard, treated people fairly and was well respected. It wasn’t long before he found himself elected Mayor of Beaver Station. His first order of business was to pass a motion to change the name of the fledgling community. Lingering memories of the father that abandoned him had left a sour note in the mind of the new Mayor.
It was ultimately decided that they should honour a fallen soldier from some distant war. The towns people unanimously agreed that any address would be better than Beaver Station.
And that is how the bustling, vibrant town of Blenheim, Marlborough was founded.
P.S. With new found confidence, Bucky officially changed his name to Robert Douglas Chatham. Friends and neighbours called him Bob and that became the final footnote of The Beavers in New Zealand.
Infinite Shades of Jade
From Bequia in the Grenadines
Having the luxury of spending 3 months on this tiny magnificent Caribbean island has taught me a lot. It has put certain things into perspective and given me a greater appreciation for the wonders that surround us.
Bequia is just 7 square miles and apart from the amazing natural setting, there is not a ton of distractions. Island life has a distinctive cadence and people from “away” that can not find the rhythm don’t last long here.
My time here has taught me is how to appreciate the small things. Small things that when you take a moment to look,are pretty darn impressive in their own right.
The Infinite Shades of Jade that the Caribbean displays, are sprinkled with diamonds by gentle sea breezes. A guy could be mesmerized for hours. Finding words to adequately describe the shades would be a lifetime pursuit.
The incense of the Frangipani flowers that is like a sensual embrace. When ever I passed by the Frangipani bush that seems to bloom continually, it would draw me in to savour a moment.
I have since found that I have a great awareness of the natural aromas when out for a walk.
Of course people too have traits that deserve special attention. Kindness and good intentions blossom when given the right amount of time and nurturing. There is much humour to be shared if you take the time.
I heard a speaker once say:
” If you want to get more out of life and live longer, slow down”.
So thank you Bequia, you have taught me to take the time to appreciate the many small marvels that surround us.
Obedience Training – My Life Lessons from a Dog Trainer
Obedience Training – My Life Lessons from a Dog Trainer
June, 2018
As any one who has been to Obedience Training knows – it is not about the dog!
Training the dog is just the topic – the dog owner is the actual student.
Recently I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with a dog trainer and learn how to better manage a dog. In the process, I also learned more about myself and how to be a better human. I came away with 4 life lessons that can be as effective in everyday interactions with people as they are with pets.
Tazz and her 2 legged friend
It was challenging, all that required concentration. It was however very rewarding and I am most grateful the the experience gained.
My partner and side-kick in the endeavour was a rowdy white Shepherd pup named Tazz. My guru on the path to enlightened animal handling was Galo.
Tazz wants to be a good dog she just has a lot of fun puppy energy. However, a lack of focus and a streak of anxiety are 2 hurdles to learning for Tazz.
Galo is a very experienced animal trainer; much like a zen master/dog whisper kind of guy. I wanted to call him Yoda.
Tazz (lobo)
Classes were at 8 AM three days a week, and man did I have lots to learn about the interaction between human and dog.
On Day One I strutted into class and when Tazz wouldn’t obey I immediately raised my voice. “Tazz Sit! Tazz SIT!! Galo, the master, taps me on the shoulder and softly said “do you think the dog can not hear you”?
OK so let the learning begin:
Lesson 1: Sensitivity
Dogs, like humans, primarily receive their input from non- verbal communication. Remember the theory we learned about communication being 80% physical and 20% verbal? For a dog, this rule applies but ten fold. Despite what some dog owners think, dogs don’t speak our language (and they don’t speak Spanish or French either). They are however very astute at reading our movements and physical subtleties.
A gentle voice and a soft hand on the leash go a long ways in getting the results that are desired. Raising my voice actually caused more anxiety for the dog and my own frustration level to soar.
After observing Galo for sometime, it dawned on me that the dog is taking it clues from his body language and responding in a purely physical way. Hmmm, sounds like a life lesson to me. Can I do a better job of paying attention to how people communicate? I think so. Not just being a better listener but also being tuned to what people are communicating with their body language. Sensitive Guy here we come!!
Lesson 2: Forgiveness (a divine attribute)
Oh this is a biggie!! Have you ever noticed that your dog will be just a thrilled to greet you whether you have been on an extended trip to Europe or just out to the corner store? It is widely believed that dogs have little sense of elapsed time.
So being angry and scolding your dog for chewing your slippers while you were out is just a waste of breath. They have no idea why you are angry.
For learning to occur, you can only correct or reward your pet for their most recent action. No point in holding a grudge, the dog doesn’t get it. Most likely the humans that you are still angry with don’t get it either. They have long forgotten about your chewed up slippers. Best let it go.
If we pay attention, our pets can teach us this divine attribute. What if we were able to forgive all of our enemies for their previous misdeeds, could World Peace be achieved?
Lesson 3: Patience
Week 2 Galo asked me “how easy do you think it is for a dog to learn to heel”? Like an idiot I said “it should be very easy”. “Really? Follow me”.
With me heeling at his side, and trying to follow his lead, Galo quickly demonstrated the need for patience . I soon realized just how difficult it was to stop when he stopped, turn when he turned, back up when he did. (If you want to feel really foolish try this role-play at home. You be the dog).
Maybe I could practice being a tad more patient with the people near to me?Certainly I need to be more patient with Tazz.
Poco a poco.
Lesson 4: Observation
What will send this dog into a barking frenzy next? Well that C.A.T. racing into the alley certainly will.
Once Tazz has seen the cat, squirrel, dove, etc., the likelyhood of a calm walk is all but lost. It is so much easier to walk a dog that is heeling and obeying than it is to correct one that is trying to dislocate your shoulder. In our world, if we can learn to observe and anticipate that C.A.T. headed down the alley, maybe some of life’s unwanted surprises can be avoided.
With the lifestyle that Johanne and I have chosen, we are changing our address, city and sometimes country every 5 weeks or so. Observation in a new surrounding is critical. Where are the potholes (literally) and what should we be aware of to make our journey comfortable and with few surprises.
Actually, I have learned this skill by watching Johanne who is very much in tune with her/our environment. Her skill of observing and anticipating the C.A.T. on the next corner has often kept us safe.
I am certain that there are many more lessons that Tazz and Yoda could teach me, but these 4 life lessons come with a lot of home work. Gracias.
joyful travellers
P.S. Do you have dog training experience? Drop us a comment.