First Leg!

Hello from YVR International Airport!

Legs
I don't know if it's a result of years of running long distance, but I've been thinking about this trip in legs. For example:

• Vancouver to Toronto to Santiago to Buenos Aires - first leg. 
• Buenos Aires to Ushuaia - second leg.
• The boat - third leg.

Then everything in reverse, but lumped together because that's "on the way home" which is inherently less exciting.

Treat Yo'self
We chose to treat ourselves and stayed at the Fairmont YVR last night, just to avoid having to get up really early for the mad dash to the airport. And what a joy that decision was. We managed to avoid the deluge that took place yesterday morning/early afternoon and again this morning, and even had the opportunity to sleep in (which for us normally means 7 AM anyway, but we would've had to get up earlier if we hadn't stayed in the airport last night).

Coronavirus Observations
Seeing a lot of people in masks around Vancouver - on the train to the airport last night - and also in the airport today. Hate to break it to these folks, but the masks are going to do nothing (probably). First of all, not enough is known about the transmission of the Coronavirus to be clear on how it is spread. Second, only N95 masks (like the ones worn in surgical environments) protect a wearer from breathing in potentially hazardous materials - but even then, this is usually small particles found in the air and not necessarily germs.

Again, did I mention not enough is known about how the Coronavirus is transmitted??

Perhaps I'm being too harsh, though. If wearing a mask that is technically useless makes these people feel more comfortable, then fine. So what if I think it's pointless and asinine and flies in the face of current science and knowledge. Whatever.

Not to say that I'm not worried about the virus. Of course I am. Just - I'm not going to start wearing a mask simply because I feel the need for a senseless security blanket.

No masks in these bags.
© Matthew Boulton