I had anticipated that by this time, I would be preparing to reunite with my family and loved ones in Barbados after an extensive and my longest journey to date, spanning 27 days. However, it seems Air Canada had other plans, as I find myself drafting this post from a hotel room at the Wingate by Wyndham, conveniently located near the airport. Here's what transpired: my five family members and I arrived at Calgary International Airport at 11pm for our 1am flight, AC158 to Toronto, only to discover it had been cancelled. There were no available flights to connect us to our subsequent flight, AC1840 from Toronto to Barbados. The Air Canada desk attendant, appearing unsure of how to assist, directed us to a phone near the check-in desk. Securing a flight out of Calgary seemed an insurmountable task, even with assistance over the phone. That's when a kind-hearted young lady, Sarah Alajele, offered her help. And indeed, she was a godsend. After numerous calls and discussions with her supervisor, staying on the task even when here shift was over, we managed to secure flights that would eventually bring us home by the 14th. Air Canada is accommodating us at the Wingate for two nights. We will then depart for Toronto on flight AC130 on the 13th, endure a 21-and-a-half-hour layover there, before boarding AC1336 to Grenada on the 14th at 9:15am. After nearly a 5-hour layover, we will finally board Caribbean Airline flight BW233, arriving home at 8:20pm.
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| One of the 2 Wilson's Warblers seen from the window |
Today marked our first bonus day, which I spent entirely indoors. Mentally prepared to head home, I awoke feeling very tired for the first time on this trip. I stayed in to avoid the cold weather, which ranged from 9 to 14°C, and spent most of the day sleeping. From the room's large window, I did some birding, with views towards the Airport Casino and a hedge of shrubs. The highlight was observing two male Wilson's Warblers (Cardellina pusilla) foraging in the hedge for insects, along with three White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis). Raptors are a constant presence here, and I hope to photograph them tomorrow. Let's see how it goes. :( |
| One of the 3 White-throated Sparrows seen from the window |
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