Border Crossing with Olivia

It wasn't exactly a caravan with drug smugglers, rapists, murderers, gang members and women with duct tape all over, but, by golly, it did involve crossing borders TWICE on two borders. 

And, after crossing one border, our guest Olivia even jumped for joy while taking in a lovely scene at a harbor on Kootenay Lake in British Columbia, Canada. 

We actually transported Olivia back and forth across two borders yesterday without incident but with new insights for her and another wonderful experience for Bill and me. 

The plan for the day had included Canada, since Olivia, who's here visiting from Berlin, had never been to Canada.

Later, as we were on the road headed north, it occurred to me that she probably hadn't been to Montana either.

"Let's take a 'slight detour,'" I suddenly blurted to Bill. "Let's take Olivia to Montana." 

After all, driving to the Montana border on HWY 2 northeast of Bonners Ferry would add just a few minutes to our day. 

Plus, she could cross over the Moyie Bridge along the way.  

On the way back and while moving on toward Canada, of course, we stopped at the Bread Basket Bakery for sweet treats.  

Our guest happily embraced every stop throughout the day and seemed delighted to be adding a new state, a new province and a new country to her travel experiences. 

Olivia, an appraiser, grew up in West Berlin.  

She told us of a time when her grandfather had sensed that the city would be divided, so he moved the family from the east part of the city to the west. 

She has no memories of that time but definitely remembered the "fall of the Wall" in 1989.  

She recalled the growing gatherings near the Wall as citizens sensed something historical was going to happen. 

Not a fan of large crowds, Olivia did not witness the actual event but clearly remembers the pure joy when citizens of East Berlin could once again freely travel to the West. 

We talked about a variety of subjects during our outing, and, believe me, we now know that we all share a passion for the word "out-side."

Olivia loves show jumping, hiking, water sports, SHOPPING and, in general "participating." 

Bill and I look forward to a time when she comes back to North Idaho when it's not winter and when we can go hiking and show her some magnificent back country. 

For the time being, it's been fun getting to know this German lady, one we shall definitely call "friend" from now on. 

Olivia represents yet another example of opportunities and treasured moments we, as a family, have been able to enjoy over the years while hosting visitors from around the world. 

It's eye opening, it's educational and it's downright fun.

Cheers!

It's GAME DAY.

GO, ZAGS!  Beat those Cougars, tonight at 8 p.m. PST. 

And, the Sandpoint Bulldog girls team travels to Moscow today.

GO, Bulldogs!  Beat those Bears! 

Happy Thursday.