Packing Seminars
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Locations
South
#480 WillowPark Village
10816 Macleod Trail South
Calgary, AB T2J 5N8
(403) 777-1767
North
#165 Dalhousie Station
5005 Dalhousie Drive N.W.
Calgary, AB T3A 5R8
(403) 239-7084
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Just for fun, here are some totally random, almost totally useless trivia facts.
Did you know any of these? Will you remember them?
Banging your head against a wall burns 150 calories an hour.
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When hippos are upset, their sweat turns red.
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Bananas are curved because they grow towards the sun.
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If you lift a kangaroo's tail off the ground, it can't hop.
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The total number of steps in the Eiffel Tower are 1665.
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A lion's roar can be heard from 5 miles away!
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A company in Taiwan makes dinnerware out of wheat, so you can eat your plate.
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Sea otters hold hands when they sleep so they don't drift away from each other.
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In 1930, female flight attendants had to weigh less than 115 pounds.
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Did you know that pigeons are a source of fertilizer in Cappadocia?  Yes, the use of pigeon droppings as fertilizer is the secret behind the famed reputation of Cappadocian fruits as the sweetest and most succulent in Turkey.
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Travel Tips
Here are some random Travel Tips to keep in mind on your next trip.
I could have - or did - use every one of these while on our Vietnam trip.
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Pack light.
It really is okay to wear the same shirt a few days in a row.
Take half the clothes you think you will need...you really won't miss the rest of them!
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Always visit the local tourism office.
They know about everything going on in town.
They can point you to free activities, special events happening during your stay, and everything in between.
And they're a great resource for finding affordable, local restaurants.
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Look both ways when you cross the street.
Especially in countries whose traffic flow is different than you're used to.
I know it's hard to believe, but pedestrians do not have the right of way everywhere in the world.
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Read a history book!
You can't understand a place's present if you don't know anything about its past.
It is never a bad thing to read up on the destinations you are planning to visit.
Never eat in a touristy area or near a tourist attraction.
As a general rule, try walking about five or six blocks in either direction before deciding on a place to eat.
You'll be rewarded with lower prices, and possibly, a real local "find"!
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Get city attraction cards.
If you are going to visit a lot of museums and other attractions in a short period of time, a city pass is going to save you money on admission.
Plus, most provide free public transportation too!
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Get good shoes.
You walk a lot when you travel - often even more than you think you're going to. Don't beat up your feet.
Nothing puts a damper on a day of sightseeing like sore feet. Show yours some love!
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Watch Out
For These Scams
Bus Scams
Worldwide
How it works:
A common bus travel scam will see a stranger helping you stow your bag above your seat while his accomplice pickpockets you or slashes your backpack.
Another variation of this scam includes a Good Samaritan that is helping you stow your luggage suddenly takes off with your bag and/or hands it off to a runner near the front of the bus.
What you can do:
The best way to avoid bus scams is to be extremely wary of overly helpful locals,
never let your bags out of your sight, keep your most valuable possessions as close to you as possible and never allow strangers to touch or handle your bags.
You can also invest in a lock and cable set so you can lock your bag to the overhead compartment.
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Bus/Train/Subway Scam
Italy and Spain
How it works:
You are sitting near a subway door with your bag on the floor between your feet.
Someone on the platform will slip a hooked stick (like a cane) through the doors and pull your bag out onto the platform - just as the doors are closing.
Needless to say, the bag will never be seen again!
What you can do:
If possible, hold your bag on your lap.
If you must put it on the floor, make sure you wind the strap around your arm or leg so no one can snatch it away.
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The Finger Trap
How it works:
This one is popular below the Eiffel Tower.
Street entertainers will create an elaborate design with a piece of string and offer to show you a trick if you put your finger into the middle.
A quick release of the design has your finger stuck in the string and the artist asking for money before they let you go.
What you can do:
Bottom line? Don't fall for anything street entertainers and hustlers throw your way.
Don't let them put anything on you - and for heaven's sake, don't ever touch anything they offer you!
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The Pipestone Patter
March 2018
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Welcome Back Loyal Readers!
Welcome back everyone.
Boy, oh boy, it seems like it's been a long time since we last talked, doesn't it?
Those of you who keep track of such things, are aware that there was no Newsletter in February.
Now, I'm not saying you all desperately missed it or anything - I'm just saying you may have noticed the lack of scintillating, interesting and often irreverent reading material in your inbox last month.
Well, that's because my Wonderful Husband and I were in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos during the month of February - and all you loyal readers know how technologically deficient I am - so it simply is not within my limited capabilities to put out a newsletter if I'm not actually sitting in front of my computer!
But, we're back home now, so I am able to grace you with my thoughts once again.
Let's get started!
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Spotlight On ...
Eagle Creek Load Warrior
Okay, so the Load Warrior isn't exactly brand new - but it has been refined and restyled.
And best of all?
It now comes in a gorgeous purple colour!
P.S.: This purple (or Concord, as Eagle Creek likes to call it) is much, much nicer in person than it looks in these photos. You really want to see it live, in all it's glory!
It's built a little bit like a duffel bag - only it has wheels, a bunch of handles in different places so you can pick it up any which way you want (or need) to, and it's much more stylish than your average duffle bag.
We took the 26" with us to Vietnam, and it worked like a charm!
It's easy to get around with, and there's lots of room to pack all your necessities.
And how can you not love the purple one?
However, if purple is not your thing,
it also comes in Black, Olive and
Blue.
And, of course, it comes complete with Eagle Creek's
No Matter What™ Lifetime Warranty.
- Built in durability to handle decades of trips around the world, and backed by the No Matter What Warranty, to prove it
- The Exo-Skeleton seamless composite
 fabrication strategically wraps around the edges and front panels of the bag to strengthen wear points for maximum abrasion resistance
- Corners are protected with reinforced hypalon material to protect against fraying and damage from drops and drags
- Oversized treaded wheels with protective wheel housings and durable kick plate keep your bag rolling a lifetime of miles over curbs and cobblestones
- Lightweight anodized aluminum mono tube handle cuts down on the weight compared to a traditional handle system
- Multiple grab handles and a rock climbing inspired Harness Handle™ for easy grab-and-go
- Exterior compression straps stabilize heavy loads and restrict unwanted movement
- A top pocket with key fob allows easy and quick access to travel essentials
- A large internal zippered mesh com
 partment on the front panel adds extra organization
- Extra durable lockable zippers with finger- friendly pulls mean you can open your bag even with gloves on
- An expansion zipper offers 3 more liters of capacity when needed
- Interior compression straps secure contents to help make organization easy and to keep clothes wrinkle free
- ID Tag pocket and contrast accents throughout for easy ID so you can always spot your bag in a sea of other bags
- Reflective accents for dusk and nighttime visibility keep you visible and seen by night traffic
If you're in the market for some new luggage, I can highly recommend this bag!
Here are the sizes and prices:
20" International Carry On - $269.00
22" Carry On - $279.00
26" - $299.00
If you want to see an explanation about all the features and benefits of the Load Warrior
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Spring Lines are Here!
I know it seems very hard to believe, but spring really is on it's way.
And after the cold winter we've had, it can't come soon enough!
Of course, one of the best things about Spring, is the fact that all clothing lines come out with new products. New styles and new colours abound.
Well, at Pipestone, our Spring Lines are coming in fast and furious.
From David Cline to Royal Robbins and Ex-Officio,
 they're here. Add in new lines like Craghopper and Kuhl, and you've got even more choices.
We've got new items in both Men's and Ladies styles, so there is something for everyone.
We've even got a few new colours in the Ex-O Underwear, and, we even carry a new Travel Bra!
So if you're ready to welcome Spring with open arms, why not come in and check out all the new Spring fashions. I'll bet you find something you like!
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Tales from the Road
My Wonderful Husband and I have been lucky enough to travel to many places throughout the world.
Of course, owning a Travel Store doesn't hurt. We DO have to test out the products we carry, you know! So really, when you look at it - we pretty much HAVE to travel to all these places, right?
We had been to China, but so far, we had not been to a lot of southeast Asia.
Vietnam. Cambodia. Laos.
All these countries still needed to be crossed off our list.
So, if any of you know my Husband, you will know it goes without saying that he was going to make sure we visited these places at the first possible opportunity.
We would fly into Hanoi, stay there a few days, and then hook up with a Guide to travel throughout Vietnam during the Tet holiday, then venture on our own into Cambodia and Laos. We would end up back in Hanoi to spend a few days resting up before heading home.
As always, I was happy to go along with whatever my Husband planned for us.
(Actually, when I come to think of it, I'm a pretty ding-dong good wife. Not to mention a great travel partner. I'm easy going, laid back, and up for just about anything. I never get mad, and I'm just generally a joy to be around. Just ask my Wonderful Husband. And if he disagrees with my assessment, let me know - I'll have a word or two for - I mean, with - him.)
Before we went to China, I was a little nervous because I didn't really know what to expect - and I worried about what the food would be like - but now I was an experienced Asian traveller, so this trip didn't worry me at all.
We explored Hanoi for a few days and then met up with our Guide.
We went to Ha Long Bay, which was amazing.
Eventually, it was time to hook up with a group of about 10 people, for a bus ride to Hue, stopping in Da Nang.
When we got onto the bus, our new Guide gave us a run down of where we were going, what we were going to see, and how long we would be at each destination.
His English was good, but the sound system was not. So I may or may not have heard, understood and processed everything he said. Or maybe I just wasn't paying very good attention.
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Handy Gadget
Well everyone, here's yet another product that was recommended to us by a customer.
We thought these wallets sounded like a good idea, so we searched them out for you - and tada! - here they are.
Secrid Wallets are made in Holland, and they've been around since 1997 when the first "Secrid Bodycard" was released.
Since then, the collection has grown, winning many awards along the way.
With an aluminum core, the wallets protect your cards from bending and breaking, while remaining small enough to fit in any pocket - but even better, they protect your cards from RFID theft.
Thanks to the patented mechanis
 m and the aluminum casing of the Cardprotector, your cards remain protected even during use.
By revealing only a portion of the cards, the sensitivity for the radio signal is substantially reduced but sufficient for contact over short distances.
By minimizing the exposure, you
 remain outside the reach of digital pickpockets, even while using your cards.
Also, by registering your product online you receive one extra year of warranty on top of the two-year standard warranty!
There's even an optional "Moneyband" you can purchase to place around the "Card Protector" model. That way, you can kee
 p your cards and your bills all in one place.
These wallets come recommended
by several customers, as well as by us at
Pip
estone. Why not come on in and check them out?
There are many styles and colours to choose from.
Prices range from $21.95 (for the Money) to $44.95 - $134.95 for the wallets.
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So, you're settled into your airplane seat all ready to fly to China, or Africa, or Australia - or, anywhere, really.
Yeehaw - your long-awaited trip is finally beginning!
Just another six or nine or twelve (or more!) hours, and you'll be there.
Now, I don't care how excited you are about your  trip, spending that much time sitting in an airplane seat can be somewhat daunting - to say the least!
And, if you happen to have back problems, that trip can become excruciating.
Well, here's an easy solution.
It's the Portable Gel Seat Cushion from Travelon. 
It's a seat cushion filled with gel. The gel provides firm, comfortable support.
The forward slope of the design encourages proper lumbar curvature, which helps to relieve pressure on the lower back and tailbone.
It's easy to take anywhere, as it folds for easy travel, and it includes carry handles.
Once folded, storage of the seat cushion is a snap.
While it's fabulous  for airplane travel, it's also great for the office, a car or train ride, sporting events or even while sitting at home.
You know what? This Portable Gel Seat Cushion might just end up being the most important thing you pack for your trip!
Colour: Black
$59.95
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