If you've not already heard, I finally have a new, temporary home/travel base. I now reside in Kitsilano, Vancouver, and for those of you who don't know it's kind of like the equivalent of St Kilda in Melbourne. Its just out of Downtown (city) and has a beach, and is a bit of a trendy hub, close to pretty much everything. If you're not familiar with Melbourne, I have no other comparison, you'll just have to google it if you're that interested.
The new roomies are Joel (25y.o. Installer of Outdoor Watering Systems) and Jodi (28y.o Valet for Mercedes...for another 2 weeks anyway; he informed me last night that he gleefully quit). It will be interesting living with 2 guys; at this stage they seem tidy enough. I'm still deciding whether taking this room was desperation based or not, while I feel around to regain my groove in the comfort zone. Hopefully it won't take too long. But at least I have my weekends back to do with what I will, and can get back into the serious business at having a look around this outdoor playground.
Whistler seemed like an obvious place to start. I think I mentioned a while back organising a trip for the Canada Day long weekend just passed, so jumped on the Moose bus on Saturday morning with about 18 others and headed off...to the grocery store actually. It was promoted as a stop to prepare for lunch and drinks, but I suspect it was the all important coffee stop, and well received it was. Nourishment organised, we headed off to Shannon Falls, about the 3rd highest falls in North America, and um...it was OK. We had a short half hour walk through the forest which was amazingly spectacular. There's just something about looking at trees covered in almost wispy, flouro green moss as though you're looking through slime that is amazingly soothing.
Back on the bus and off to Alice Lake, and our picturesque lunch destination. It was a welcome break, as my eyes were getting sore from always keeping them ooot for bears. I was surprised to find people swimming in the lake, with wetsuits, when I was rugged up with jumpers etc. This acclimatising thing has only just kicked in, as the sun has been elusive for most of the time I've been here so far. Its about 25deg today and relatively nice - I can just manage a t-shirt.
Back on the bus with Whistler aboot 40 minutes away and I was getting excited about jumping off and having a look around...OK I wanted to run smack bang into a bear at the earliest possible moment! We'd got a big rap for the hostel we were to stay at, the Alta Vista Hostel, a.k.a. Alta Vista Chalet B&B. Its a very flash establishment during the peak winter season, but for the summer they rip out the nice queen beds and cram in the bunk beds. It was nice, but the only complaint was that the shower was clearly clogged, so you kind of had to stand in everyone else's shower water. I'm sure I've stood in worse...
It was about a 15 minute walk into Whistler Village from the hostel, on a little pathway that ran sandwiched in between the highway and the golf course. Even within close proximity to both the road and the busy golf course, I was slightly nervous on that 1st walk alone that I would tragically, yet excitingly, fall victim to an opportunistic cougar. Alas, and then thankfully not. Now, I didn't get to the nice ski spots in Europe, but if I had, I expect that Whistler Village would look a lot like them. All lovely chalets crowded around a tiny market place and winding walkways. I would love to see it in full snow - so I think I will, although clearly not staying at the Alta Vista Chalet B&B when the price gets about as steep as the slopes.
Being the long weekend and a hot spot for summer biking (pardon the pun), Whistler was hosting the Red Bull Elevation BMX competition with BMX'ers from all over the world. Having only ever seen a few bike parks, usually consisting of some small ant hills and shallow puddles, I was blown away at the course set up for those crazy adrenalin junkies. Whistler has almost as many mountain biking trails as they do ski runs - which is a lot. I watched the BMX final on Sunday, and despite some heavy, heavy falls there were no major injuries sustained - they had clearly been sustained in earlier rounds and many of the competitors were carrying wrist and ankle injuries, the severity of which was unknown as yet, as it might mean that competing in finals was jeopardised...
Sunday morning I jumped in a gondola with a fellow traveller from Ontario - c/o Bermuda, that would take us to the top of Whistler Peak. There are often bear sightings on the way up, and when we got to the first section change there was a notice for bear sightings about half an hour prior! Excitedly we carried on in hope, and with excitement mounting as we approached Tower 16, where the sighting had been. Nothing. Not for all the wearing out eyes looking in the gondola.
When we reached the main jump off point there was snow laying about lazily in patches, like snow does, and such a chilly breeze blowing about that I was pleased with my prudent decision to bring a second jumper along for the trip. Further on up the next chairlift we reached Whistler Peak, and the valleys and snow-capped mountains spread out 360deg around us. It was a pretty amazing sight. I mean I've stood in the middle of the Himalayas before (ooh, what a name dropper!) and that was mind blowing , but to actually be on the peak, even if the elevation is only 2,182 m (7,160 ft. for pre-Gen X - furlongs unknown...) kinda did make me feel like I was standing on top of the world. But if I had to choose, its still Nepal all the way - sorry Canada.
I'll try to post some of the pics, even though they do, as pics of mountains often do, fall shot of telling the true story, as soon as I can. And just so you know, I risked frostbite to get them it was that cold - they talk about batteries freezing - what about shutter button fingers!?
Wandering around up there, Canadian Traveller was lucky enough to spot and point out a creature that we didn't recognise at a distance, so for story telling purposes we dubbed it a Cougar. Unfortunately we later accurately identified it as a Whistler Marmot that does in fact whistle, and whistled so much that they named the mountain after its call that echoed through the valleys. Well, I think its a good story even if they may have been pulling my leg. Shortly after that I spotted the cutest little chipmunk, but it ran away before I could ask whether it was Chip or Dale.
As the gondola went back down the mountain down, in a manner similar to that of my hopes for seeing a bear, it finally happened. In a clearing offering a full view there was a bear, better described as brown. As we kind of floated over it we noticed her two cubs standing in a trickle of snow run off. It was very exciting, and I don't think I need to tell you that there was definitely Hi 5'ing going on in that gondola. I suspected that it was a Black bear, as they are more common around Whistler, but Canadian Traveller thought Grizzly. I'll hold my final call until I have more bear classifying experience.
That's pretty much it. I've still been working out at University of British Columbia, filling in where required, and trying to get my manners up to a level suitable to take out into the Canadian Public. For those of you who have not encountered this before, Canadians are extremely polite, and it kind of makes you feel like a red-necked neanderthal to be honest, and I would not consider myself all that ill-mannered. Well, maybe some room for improvement.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
A 'Pictorial Account' of my Travels in Canada
Happy Birthday Col.
Whohoo! Look at that blubber fly! Belugas at the Vancouver Aquarium.
Monday, June 18, 2007
The Birds
Yes, the Birds were strange today. I was walking down the street contemplating, well, nothing in particular really, when a big black raven (looked like a crow to me, but here I think they are just ravens) cawed loudly in my ear as it flew past in complete disregard of my personal space. From its perch in the next tree it kept cawing at me, and swooped several times, clearly not in favour of my presence. It was then that I had flashes of me taking Jessica Tandy's place, in front of that poor excuse for a 1963 backdrop of black birds being jostled around on the ends of fishing line, with me flailing my arms wildly in vain hope of keeping my eyes in the sockets where they belong. Like the movie, it was a little surreal.
Just like my wild ideas of being over-run by cute, furry little squirrels, because they are absolutely everywhere. Yes, I think the 'fresh air' is definitely laced with the distinct aroma of whacky tobacky, and I have succumbed to the parallel universe that it provides...
Well, work was completely unchallenging, although I think I will like sitting there, being paid for doing absolutely nothing. Seriously, I am looking after a phone that will not ring in the University of British Columbia's Architecture Dept., simply because its summer, school is out and there is no faculty currently on campus. But it does get me out of the house.
Just like my wild ideas of being over-run by cute, furry little squirrels, because they are absolutely everywhere. Yes, I think the 'fresh air' is definitely laced with the distinct aroma of whacky tobacky, and I have succumbed to the parallel universe that it provides...
Well, work was completely unchallenging, although I think I will like sitting there, being paid for doing absolutely nothing. Seriously, I am looking after a phone that will not ring in the University of British Columbia's Architecture Dept., simply because its summer, school is out and there is no faculty currently on campus. But it does get me out of the house.
Friday, June 15, 2007
So, about those bank fees. I think I have met the greatest person in Banking, ever. His name (altered for the sake of getting sprung) is Sven. He works for a reputable financial institution, although when I stole a glance at his title I did note that it said Trainee. I like it, someone new still willing to work for the little people - I hope he has a long and prosperous career in finance.
On your average checking account (that's a general everyday savings account to us Aussies) you can expect to pay between $7-13 in fees per month. Oh, and that's just to have the account. You still need to pay for additional transactions from this ATM and that, and then there's the overdraft insurance, and numerous other transaction penalties that I won't bore you now. But my youthful look has clearly played a part with Sven putting me down as a student where I pay only a fraction of the monthly fee! And he actually said (almost verbatim, as again I don't want to get Sven into any trouble) that "XYZ Bank is rolling in Money!" How much do I love that!?! Finally someone on the inside admits it.
Anyway, said bank account opening was required before my first day of work, starting tomorrow. I'm actually supposed to be looking up how to get there now, but I'm feeling rather cashed up now that I'm about to work, and feel I can while away the hours, and dollars, on the internet.
Its funny, walking around the streets here, I get an unsettled feeling from all the big trucks. When I say trucks, they're not really trucks, they are completely, stupidly oversized 4WD's and vans and utes. Its un-nerving as they all have tinted windows, like Timothy McVey might be driving any one of them. But then I suppose if you did happen to unexpectedly cross paths with a bear or Moose in a not so picturesque fashion, you might want a bit of size about you.
But I think I'm getting the hang of looking left 1st for traffic, and no, I don't think it has anything to do with the large fluorescent LOOK sign painted on the roads here at all. Its still a bit odd, and I don't think anyone J-walks - I got some strange looks earlier today as I was rushing to make the bank before 4.30 close. Speaking of things closing, I really do have to find out where I'm going for work tomorrow. Whohoo! Boo! Oh, I'm torn...
On your average checking account (that's a general everyday savings account to us Aussies) you can expect to pay between $7-13 in fees per month. Oh, and that's just to have the account. You still need to pay for additional transactions from this ATM and that, and then there's the overdraft insurance, and numerous other transaction penalties that I won't bore you now. But my youthful look has clearly played a part with Sven putting me down as a student where I pay only a fraction of the monthly fee! And he actually said (almost verbatim, as again I don't want to get Sven into any trouble) that "XYZ Bank is rolling in Money!" How much do I love that!?! Finally someone on the inside admits it.
Anyway, said bank account opening was required before my first day of work, starting tomorrow. I'm actually supposed to be looking up how to get there now, but I'm feeling rather cashed up now that I'm about to work, and feel I can while away the hours, and dollars, on the internet.
Its funny, walking around the streets here, I get an unsettled feeling from all the big trucks. When I say trucks, they're not really trucks, they are completely, stupidly oversized 4WD's and vans and utes. Its un-nerving as they all have tinted windows, like Timothy McVey might be driving any one of them. But then I suppose if you did happen to unexpectedly cross paths with a bear or Moose in a not so picturesque fashion, you might want a bit of size about you.
But I think I'm getting the hang of looking left 1st for traffic, and no, I don't think it has anything to do with the large fluorescent LOOK sign painted on the roads here at all. Its still a bit odd, and I don't think anyone J-walks - I got some strange looks earlier today as I was rushing to make the bank before 4.30 close. Speaking of things closing, I really do have to find out where I'm going for work tomorrow. Whohoo! Boo! Oh, I'm torn...
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Jazz and Blues in Vancouver
I know its been a bit of a spell since the last update, but things have slowed right down for me - sorry.
I said a tearful fare thee well to mum and dad yesterday, so promptly headed over to a friends place with a bottle of red wine. Mmmm red wine. It had been a nice week hanging out with the folks, and was a great excuse not to look for a job and all that jazz, and just get acquainted with the city, you might say. Unfortunately the heavens opened up and made that kinda wet for most of the week... I accused the parents of bringing the rain with them, as it had been perfect until they arrived Monday night.
But now, the time has come. I've been to two interviews with temping agencies which I hope will get me some work fairly quickly. I've started looking at rooms - starting with the crap ones in an effort to eliminate them completely and leave the great ones for me to take my pick of. Hmmm.
Canada Day is coming up on the 2nd July, and apparently it goes off. Canadians being the patriotic folk they are, it will be interesting wherever I am, so I've booked a trip up to Whistler to see what kind of trouble I can get myself into there. There's still snow up on the higher peaks, so hopefully I'll have some work with nice medical benefits by then!
But in general, I'm loving Van. (with the exception of the incredibly costly mobile phone plans and bank fees)! The scenery still manages to blow me away (especially from mum and dad's swanky pad on the 28th floor). I've been looking up opportune times and places to catch the grizzly's fishing for salmon, and the polar bears, and anything else that looks cute and fluffy (cougars/wolves) that will require much thought in getting close enough to in the wild without getting myself eaten, or a bigger, more expensive lens... (Yes, unfortunately that is what I think about often - fluffy, but dangerous animals...)
Well, I need to go and call a Canadian about a room. Take care everyone. Would love to hear some news from y'all!
I said a tearful fare thee well to mum and dad yesterday, so promptly headed over to a friends place with a bottle of red wine. Mmmm red wine. It had been a nice week hanging out with the folks, and was a great excuse not to look for a job and all that jazz, and just get acquainted with the city, you might say. Unfortunately the heavens opened up and made that kinda wet for most of the week... I accused the parents of bringing the rain with them, as it had been perfect until they arrived Monday night.
But now, the time has come. I've been to two interviews with temping agencies which I hope will get me some work fairly quickly. I've started looking at rooms - starting with the crap ones in an effort to eliminate them completely and leave the great ones for me to take my pick of. Hmmm.
Canada Day is coming up on the 2nd July, and apparently it goes off. Canadians being the patriotic folk they are, it will be interesting wherever I am, so I've booked a trip up to Whistler to see what kind of trouble I can get myself into there. There's still snow up on the higher peaks, so hopefully I'll have some work with nice medical benefits by then!
But in general, I'm loving Van. (with the exception of the incredibly costly mobile phone plans and bank fees)! The scenery still manages to blow me away (especially from mum and dad's swanky pad on the 28th floor). I've been looking up opportune times and places to catch the grizzly's fishing for salmon, and the polar bears, and anything else that looks cute and fluffy (cougars/wolves) that will require much thought in getting close enough to in the wild without getting myself eaten, or a bigger, more expensive lens... (Yes, unfortunately that is what I think about often - fluffy, but dangerous animals...)
Well, I need to go and call a Canadian about a room. Take care everyone. Would love to hear some news from y'all!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
A few remaining pics of China there allows me some closure with the place that leaves a bittersweet taste in my mouth. Time heals all wounds and questionable travel experiences, and I'm sure in a few months, possible years, I'll look back on the place with fond memories...or something like that anyway. It worked for India!
But now, to Vancouver. Its been a great introduction to a place that gets over 2m rain annually, to arrive and have blue skies and high 20's every day. Until today - I'll allow one day of rain I suppose... Lets see, arrived Wednesday but after the flight etc, don't remember too much of the day, come to think of it, Thursdays also a bit of a blur. Friday I did a town tour out to the foot of Grouse Mountain, which is Vancouver's closes of 3 really close ski mountains. There is snow still on it now, and man, what a skyline... Our local guide Erik (the Viking - native Norwegian) took me and a few others from the hostel on n amazing stroll through he forests just outside Vancouver, explaining as he did so that Cougars are in the area, but have not been known to attack a group of 6 or more people. We were 36, so naturally I was disappointed with our diminished chances of spotting something interesting, that moved anyway.
But the scenery was amazing. This is the area they have come to dub North Hollywood, so all you old X Files fans - I was there...We wandered through forest with massive trees about 550 years old with moss hanging from every limb, as the waterfalls keep the air fairly moist to keep everything incredibly green. It was so inspiring that I decided to come back the following day and climb Grouse Mountain.
Grouse Mountain can be conquered by one of 2 methods. You can catch the gondola up for an incredibly un-scenic ride if you're crammed into the centre of the car, or you can climb up an elevation of 850m in 2,9km of almost vertical stairs. I chose the latter, as I think all this fresh air is getting to me. It was busy, busy, busy. Some people were actually coming down, suggesting that they'd started at 9am, just for something to do on their Saturday morning! The average climber takes 1.5 hr, so I guess I'm an average climber as that's how long it took me to the minute! There were some spectacular views over Vancouver city, and on south into Washington State where the snow capped mountain ranges were clearly visible.
I got my first glimpse of Grizzly Bears, albeit through wire, as there is an orphanage on top of the mountain. There is currently no rehabilitation and release policy on orphaned bears in Canada (surprising) so the two 6 y.o. bears there are now permanent Grouse Mountain residents, while the keepers work on the red tape to get release programs up and going.
Sunday I ventured over to Granville Island which has a great little market happening, and today, I'm sitting, watching the clock tick laboriously by as I wait for my folks to get back into town for what I'm sure will be a big exciting, possibly emotional reunion! Unfortunately I'll be working on my resume to fill in the time, which obviously means that work will be just around the corner! Hopefully that will be as easy as the 15 minute wait for my Social Security number (Centrelink could take note of that!!!)
But now, to Vancouver. Its been a great introduction to a place that gets over 2m rain annually, to arrive and have blue skies and high 20's every day. Until today - I'll allow one day of rain I suppose... Lets see, arrived Wednesday but after the flight etc, don't remember too much of the day, come to think of it, Thursdays also a bit of a blur. Friday I did a town tour out to the foot of Grouse Mountain, which is Vancouver's closes of 3 really close ski mountains. There is snow still on it now, and man, what a skyline... Our local guide Erik (the Viking - native Norwegian) took me and a few others from the hostel on n amazing stroll through he forests just outside Vancouver, explaining as he did so that Cougars are in the area, but have not been known to attack a group of 6 or more people. We were 36, so naturally I was disappointed with our diminished chances of spotting something interesting, that moved anyway.
But the scenery was amazing. This is the area they have come to dub North Hollywood, so all you old X Files fans - I was there...We wandered through forest with massive trees about 550 years old with moss hanging from every limb, as the waterfalls keep the air fairly moist to keep everything incredibly green. It was so inspiring that I decided to come back the following day and climb Grouse Mountain.
Grouse Mountain can be conquered by one of 2 methods. You can catch the gondola up for an incredibly un-scenic ride if you're crammed into the centre of the car, or you can climb up an elevation of 850m in 2,9km of almost vertical stairs. I chose the latter, as I think all this fresh air is getting to me. It was busy, busy, busy. Some people were actually coming down, suggesting that they'd started at 9am, just for something to do on their Saturday morning! The average climber takes 1.5 hr, so I guess I'm an average climber as that's how long it took me to the minute! There were some spectacular views over Vancouver city, and on south into Washington State where the snow capped mountain ranges were clearly visible.
I got my first glimpse of Grizzly Bears, albeit through wire, as there is an orphanage on top of the mountain. There is currently no rehabilitation and release policy on orphaned bears in Canada (surprising) so the two 6 y.o. bears there are now permanent Grouse Mountain residents, while the keepers work on the red tape to get release programs up and going.
Sunday I ventured over to Granville Island which has a great little market happening, and today, I'm sitting, watching the clock tick laboriously by as I wait for my folks to get back into town for what I'm sure will be a big exciting, possibly emotional reunion! Unfortunately I'll be working on my resume to fill in the time, which obviously means that work will be just around the corner! Hopefully that will be as easy as the 15 minute wait for my Social Security number (Centrelink could take note of that!!!)
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