Vancouver

As most of you know, I was invited to a meeting in Vancouver last Friday. It was put on by Shire pharmaceuticals.

They brought in 11 doctors from Western Canada to get feedback on their product (Vyvanse). Vyvanse is a new ADHD medication which can last up to 14 hours.

They wanted to know what they could do better to promote their product and how they as a company could help us as physicians in our practices. I have been to a few of these meetings over the years for Shire and other companies. I really enjoy them, especially getting to know other doctors from around Alberta and the country. The meeting was held at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel.

This meant I didn't have to get any ground transportation once I got off the plane. Shire offered to not only pay the airfare, but to put me up in the hotel on Thursday night. When I looked at my schedule and flight options, the only way I could make it to Vancouver Thursday evening was to take the 9 pm flight out of Lethbridge, which would get me into Vancouver at midnight Vancouver time. Too long a day I thought after working in my office until 6 pm.

Instead, I thought of a different plan. What if I flew out of Lethbridge Friday morning? If I left on the 5:30 am flight, I could connect in Calgary and would arrive in Vancouver in time for the 8 am meeting. Then I could fly home after the meeting and I wouldn't need to stay over night or pack a suitcase. Perfect!

Well...I should have thought this through. It meant getting up at 3:45 am to get to the airport, travel to Calgary, transfer to a flight to Vancouver, attend the meeting, sit in the airport for 4 hours, get back on a plane back to Calgary, sit for another 2 1/2 hours, get on a plane to Lethbridge, arrive at midnight, drive home (20.5 hour day).

view from the meeting room

the new canada train linking the airport with downtown

Maybe next time, I will stay overnight in the hotel.

The bonus to this adventure was that I got to see the Royal Wedding live on T.V., cause it was playing in the airports in Lethbridge and Calgary Friday morning.

I also had the unique experience of flying into the same city twice on the same day. How many of you have done that?