Life changing...

So here I am, sitting at the computer in the spare room in the UK. Yes I'm back home and everyone is asking the question, how does it feel? Well it feels weird, strange, like I've left a whole new life behind, one that I am missing like crazy.

When I left for Canada I didn't know what to expect, all I knew was that I wanted to travel, I needed to get away and discover another part of the world, discover a different side to myself. I never expected to come home wanting to move out there, I never expected to find someone that I would miss so much on my return.

People have asked me what it was like travelling alone, what the hostels were like and I can honestly say if you are considering such a trip then do it! Yes you are nervous, I was sick at the thought of entering somewhere on my own, but just push yourself, push yourself beyond your comfort zone and there is a whole new world waiting for you.

Within weeks I felt like a different person. You talk to people because you simply have to and the confidence you build is such an amazing feeling. Meeting people from all around the world is something that I will never forgot, and these people I hope will always be friends. Sure you get your fair share of... how do I put this? Not your type of people? But you will also meet amazing friends who are in the exact same situation as you and share memories that you will talk about in years to come.

This trip has started a huge new chapter in my life, one that I am so excited about. My plan was to stop this blog when I got home, but I'm going to keep it going, turn the page to the next chapter, the next story. Follow me in mission visa! it's going to be fun.

As I've said, I never believed in fairy tales, but maybe I should have all along...

Fairy tales and happy endings...

It's funny how when setting up this blog I talked about dreams coming true. I was never one to believe in fairy tales and happy endings, never one to believe in dreams; more goals and working hard. However this trip has shown me a totally different side to life.

Have you ever written one of those lists that go something along the line of, 'what to do before I'm 30'? Have you thought that the list would ever become reality? For me it has.

1) To travel across Canada and really see the country.
2) To watch NHL in Toronto.
3) To see Killer Whales in the wild.

The only thing left from that list is to work here in Canada and I plan on ticking that off as soon as possible. Isn't it strange how one simple trip can change your life forever, can change you forever?

Last weekend took me to Toronto, the city that has always been my number one place to visit and it didn't disappoint. A busy city buzz and an electric atmosphere mixed nicely with the chilled out Canadian manner and scenic views.

Toronto took me back to hostel life and I have to admit it was strange to fit back into it after spending over a month in a place with just Anders and I. The usual city hostel dramatics occurred - girls coming home at four in the morning with a boy trauma and a que for the mirror, showers and bathrooms in the morning. The great thing about the hostel is that it was central and easy to get anywhere, meaning easy to escape! Perfect!

Saturday was my day to explore one of the 'seven wonders of the world', Niagara falls. I decided to join a tour, a way meeting people and generally I was being to lazy to arrange everything myself. Firstly we started off with some wine tasting - nothing like four different wines to start the day off hey? Then we were off to the falls and a ride on the 'Maid of the Mist'. This little boat takes you right up to the falls providing spectacular views whilst ruining any kind of fashionable credibility you may have by getting you to wear blue plastic ponchos. It was however quite hysterical to see all these people in blue macs, it looked like some major science experiment had taken over the place and we were the lab rats.

The falls are incredible, but the town surrounding is not so. Fall of big chain restaurants, arcades and haunted houses, it slightly ruins the natural beauty of the water.

Once heading back to the city I used the time to catch up with friends, from home and from Ottawa. Obviously this meant a few drinks and a bar.

Sunday was a day that I have been looking forward to more then anything. Firstly I went to the Hockey Hall of Fame and loved the fact that it wasn't all NHL in there, there was so much world hockey too. I had to be the only to get excited by London Knights socks and Manchester Storm jerseys.

That night was the night of the Toronto Maple Leafs game, the game I have been waiting for since I was 11 and starting watching hockey back in Britain. I admit I was over excited and loved every single second (apart from them giving away two gaols in the last three minutes and loosing of course).

Next day, back to Ottawa to be greeted by my gorgeous boyfriend with flowers and chocolates - Turtle chocolates - I could seriously write a whole blog piece on Turtle chocolates and Turtle ice cream! In fact I think if I eat more I might turn into a turtle!

Now I'm on the run up to going home on the 27Th October. I'll fill you in on any goings on before then.

How things change!

It's amazing how life can take a sudden turn, how one moment you are moving along quite nicely, life is the same, everything is happening how you planned and then something can happen that changes everything in an instant.

Last time I updated this I was off to Ottawa for the weekend and then on to Niagara Falls. Well I still haven't left Ottawa. The whole reason being because of Anders, a guy that my friends from home introduced me to. I won't go into the details, but it seems that I just don't want to leave this place.

However, I should tell you about Kingston. I have to admit that for now I am not staying in hostels meaning I can't give you updates on the hostel life and I am being spoilt by having a place for just the two of us. So when we visited Kingston it was to stay in a hotel, a million miles away from any hostel. A room with an amazing view, one that looks out over the marina on to the water and a little balcony on which to relax with a drink in hand and take in the scenery; there's something almost magical looking about the water as it glistens in the suns rays.

Kingston is a cute town, has a gorgeous waterfront walk, old buildings that hold charming character and small streets that play home to a number of shops and bars. Being a university town, you are sure to find a bar or two to party in the evening and that we did with people from the hotel who we randomly met in the room a few doors down.

Nursing a slight hangover, the next day took us to Picton and a place called Sandbanks. Beaches that stretch out in front of you, soft sand beneath your feet, the ocean's waves lapping and huge sand dunes which give the most amazing view once you climb to the top of them.

Then back to Ottawa after being stuck in traffic for hours. Why is it that when you hit traffic you automatically need the toilet, it feels like you've just drunk five litres of water and it's bursting to escape? Also you suddenly become the hungriest you have ever been and topic of conversation becomes food and what delights, (not sure delights is the word), you can find to tuck into once you hit services.

Now my plans have changed. I will be heading to Toronto and Niagara next week, but then back here to Ottawa which seems to have become a home from home and I no longer feel like I'm travelling, just happily living. The next few weeks entails hockey (ice) games, the falls, discovering Toronto and just enjoying the time I have left before my trip home.

I'll update you soon!

A touch of relaxation...

This week has been a little different to the rest and I have had a welcome break from the backpacker life. Although when I got back into it I realised how much a have a love/hate relationship brewing with my backpack, (which is now fixed and back to full working order), and how I am becoming used to living out of this thing. Something I never thought I would say.

I got to spend the week in and around Morin Heights, north of Montreal and beautiful. My friends from home, Allan and Claire, scooped me up for the week and took me to Allan's family cottage up in the mountains. Well compared to the likes of Whistler and Banff these are hills, but big ones! The view from the decking stretches out for miles and there is an endless sea of teas and that gorgeous sound of silence.

We had BBQ's and fires, one of which to celebrate Claire's birthday. Fire obviously means marshmallows, you can't have a fire going and not have marshmallows, that would simply be criminal.

Out and about we swam in lakes and waterfalls making the most of the hot,hot weather and exploring towns which are little with charming character, far from the buzzing city life and town centres I've become accustomed to. No one is rushing past you, in fact no one is rushing, just relaxing and enjoying the life.

One of Allan's friends let us loose on his ATVs which is where I become Charlie's Angel Essex girl! OK I could pretend anway. So much fun to zoom around the dirt tracks looking hysterical I'm sure as I tried to get on in a lady like fashion in my frilly skirt.

Now as I write this I'm in Montreal. It's a gorgeous city with an easy to follow tube, sorry metro, making everything accessible. You can see everything from the Old Port, to cathedrals with lavish decor or shop,shop, shop - oh how I wish I could do the last option.

Last night myself and a few girls from the hostel decided to join the 'Bar Tour' or in English a pub crawl. Lots of drinks, giggles and dancing provided a good night and I even managed the task of getting onto the top bunk of a bed that sways every time you move or even just breathe.

One thing I must mention is that I have no flight now. Yes I booked Zoom and they've gone bankrupt. Typical. So I'm busying around trying to find another flight and apparently there are airlines offering half price tickets for Zoom costumers, but obviously when you try and call them you are stuck on hold for abut 20 minutes listening to some awful music that is on a loop, slowly driving you crazy and I'm sure I'll go to bed humming the tune like a mad woman with an airline obsession.

Tomorrow I'm back to Ottawa for the weekend; Ottawa part three as we went for an over night trip doing the week. Then off to Niagara Falls.

I'll speak to you from the falls.

Bonjour!

Here I am sitting in the hostel in Quebec, making the most of the free Internet and planning my next move.

The train seemed like a much better option then the bus for the journey here to Quebec City, I really could not sit on the bus for another 20 odd hours. What a difference it is, you get your own sit meaning that no one can sit next to you and feel the need to talk to you for hours about anything and everything when all you want to do is sleep. You get a cosy little blanket and pillow to curl up to and even coffee brought to you. So much better then the stops every two hours, freezing air con blasting out at you like they think they are carrying peguins and someone squashing you to the corner on the Greyhound bus.

After getting over the fact that my waist clip on my backpack had broken and just tying it around my waist hoping it would hold, I got to Quebec at seven in the morning to find that the train station had no luggage storage and I could not check in until five in the evening. Lugging the broken backpack around for hours in the heat did not seem like the best idea and luckily the light shone on the bus station and its hidden lockers.

I soon discovered that Quebec is split into towns, one part being up what sometimes feels like a thousand steps. Plus it is this bit that has all of the tourist type things. I have walked up those steps about 50 times I swear and I think my legs are just now on auto pilot because I can't actually feel them there anymore.

It is the 400Th birthday of Quebec so there are lots of random happenings around the town. Lots of street entertainers, shows, bands etc. Canada seems to be full of statues so naturally there is a statue on every corner.

A beautiful city with a romantic feel, cobbled streets with lots of old looking buildings stretching down small streets occupied by art shops - worlds about from the rest of the country, sometimes I really did feel like I was in Europe. One thing though, I really wish I had paid more attention in my French classes, I feel like I look blankly at every person that speaks to me.

Matt, who I mention to have met in Victoria, was staying here to which is when we discovered Quebec City by night and realised you could actually walk for hours. Yes more walking the next night too. I must have walked around the city so many times and could probably tell you the position of any place.

One thing about this place is the religion. There are plenty of Cathedrals around, but they are all like tourist spots with guided tours and leaflets to give out. Somehow it doesn't seem right, when you see people actually worshipping and then others busying around like little bees with cameras chattering away.

Tonight, its a couple of drinks at the hostel with a few of the people here and then an early night as it is a six am start for me. Off to Montreal to stay with friends from home. Claire tells me I have a room over looking the mountains of Montreal. A little bit of paradise awaits I feel.

Scotland, Lobster and the Titanic!

Halifax - right on the east coast. A beautiful town seeped in history and a touch of glam; oh and a very Scottish influence! Bagpipes everywhere, even men in skirts, sorry kilts!

My trip to Halifax didn't start of too successful. After a 22 hour journey on the bus, my back was clicked into one position and I looked like I had just stepped out of bed on a very bad morning. I walk into the station ask how to get to my hostel and just get a stern response, a response stating: "Don't go there." There was no, 'maybe you shouldn't, I wouldn't', it was straight forward don't. Apparently the hostel I had booked is in a really rough area and you never walk around alone at night. After some deliberating I decided to got to the cleaner, better located HI down the road from the station, deciding that to be safe was better then loosing a little cash and I went with my gut instint, which is usually the correct one.

Well I'm glad I stayed there because straight away I met Anna from Germany and we arranged to go for a drink and a bit to eat and we met Sonja and Anna in our room, arranging to met with them later. After a couple of cocktails and fish and chips, (nothing like the ones from a good old English chippy though), we went to a pub with a band playing, a band that reminded me of a wedding band which obviously means great cheesy tunes to dance to and we twisted the night away. Unfortunately they were all leaving on a tour the next day so I set out to check out the town.

The harbor is beautiful with a tourism vibe, much like Victoria, but this place has lots of seafood. The words 'Lobster Roll' jumped out at me from a board and my instant thought was yum. Now I would like to know where the hell the lobster was in my lobster roll! They should have really called it lettuce roll with a smidgen of lobster meet you can barley taste tucked in the top!

Making breakfast one morning I turn around to see a girl staring back at me. At first I thought, 'oh great random weirdo, just smile', then it clicked that it was Anya who I'd met in Regina. I'm so glad I changed hostels, does make you wonder about the 'what's meant to be theory' hey? If I had gone to the other place I would never have seen these people.

So we decided to be tourists for the day and had the funniest time on the bus that turns into a boat and the guide that should have either been a model or a stand up comedian! Good looking and funny, so we giggled like little girls at all his jokes.

I never knew that the Titanic sunk so close to Halifax, in fact Halifax was the first to get boats out to retrieve the bodies. There's obviously a museum dedicated to this and after the amusement of looking at each other in 3D glasses we were taken round a trip of the wreck. Reading the facts though, things like the myth of women and children being saved first shocked me - still more men from first class were saved then women and children in the second and third classes.

One thing I must mention about Halifax at this time of year is Shakespeare by the Sea. At first I was a bit weary about a bunch of Canadian actors doing Shakespeare, but this was amazing. A small setting right in the middle of a huge park; you couldn't have asked for a better place for 'A Midsummer's Night Dream'. The woods were prefect for the fairyland story and provided the likes of Puck with the ideal place to jump around in. Mixing a little contemporary, they really brought the play to life in a great funny way - the way it is meant to be. Although I did get picked on as being the Essex girl in the pre-performance warm up! Typical.

That's the short story of Halifax. An amazing town with great things to do, history in every corner and a bit of bonny Scotland to make you feel at home, just without the snow.

Next Quebec for a little touch of French. Bonjour!

Stories to tell

When you think of a capital city you are bound to conjure up images of buildings sky high lined up one after the other and busy, stressed businessmen and women rushing around the streets, but Ottawa is a complete contrast. There's a different statue around every corner each with a different story to tell, beautiful buildings dating years back and Parliament Hill that can be viewed from the river where the buildings pop out from the trees creating an almost magical castle like scene. Why is it that everything looks more incredible from the water, what is it about a little stretch of blue in front of a place that makes you think 'wow'?

Speaking of the Parliament Buildings, I couldn't help but laugh at some of the stone carvings. As you walk underneath the doorway you look up and are greeted with faces bulging out. The only way I can describe these faces is like something from the Muppet's, the Marley Brothers in The Muppet's Christmas Carol to be precise. Continue to walk around and you spot more faces, creatures and random figures jumping out at you.

The view from the top of the hill is amazing, looking out over the Ottawa River to the rest of the city you can quite easily get lost in the sights - or being a typical Essex girl just get lost on the hill. After meeting some people back at the hostel myself and Kyle went up there at night. The lights of Ottawa is a beautiful view and, if you're anything like me who is slightly like a moth and drawn to pretty lights, you would find this pretty spectacular.

There's loads to check out in the town, including a cute market that sells anything from fruit to necklaces, different monuments and the changing of the guard - although they look like Beefeater soldiers and I was wondering who is guarding Buckingham Palace! I was later informed that they are Canadian soldiers and not a rip off of our guards. Looked pretty similar to me.

At nine o'clock every night they play a light show on the front of Parliament. It takes you through the history of the country, obviously mentions the natives, whales and hockey, then right at the end, as the national anthem plays, they show numerous clips of the country. To be totally honest it was good to see, but it slightly reminded me of one of those tourism adverts you see on TV and expected it to finish with the words 'visit Canada, a country like no other' splashed across at the end.

My time drew to an end and a thunder storm hit, in which myself and my backpack got stuck in, I nearly missed my coach to Halifax as the taxi didn't turn up and then sat on the bus for 22 hours, yes that's right 22 hours, to arrive in Halifax which is right in the East. I'll let you know how it goes.

So I met this guy...on a rock...whilst tresspassing

I must quickly mention Winnipeg. I say quickly because I don't really have too much to say on the place. It's quite a sweet little town with a nice market by the river and cute little bars nicely placed with a view. The one thing I did love about Winnipeg was some of the paintings on the buildings, some made me think of how I imagined a gang land scene in an old crime novel. Whilst here their festival was on, where dances from all over the world preformed. I went to the Chinese one and to be totally honest it reminded me of one of the variety shows I used to drag my poor parents to see me in whilst I was at school, but the lion dancing (as in people in the loin costume) was pretty cool.

Off I went to Thunder Bay thinking I would only stay a couple of days as it is a small town. Five days later I'm sitting in the library writing this. If you ever come here then you must stay in The Sleeping Giant Hostel. As soon as you walk in the homely atmosphere hits you and instantly you feel comfortable. Gail, the owner of the hostel, is amazing and creates such a great vibe between guests as everyone hangs out in the living room or the kitchen - I don't think I have felt so chilled out in ages.

Thunder Bay has a beautiful marina, but outside of the town lays hidden beauty. Mount McKay has gorgeous view points and the carved Indian figures you find at the top are gorgeous to see. I'd like to think they hold some kind of romantic story as they look out to sea!

There's nothing like swimming in a lake with amazing natural views surrounding you, there's also nothing like watching people nervously jumping of the rocks into the waterfall. As I told them it would be fine, I backed away and walked down the rocks! As if I was going to jump in to the bottom of a water fall!

Gail so kindly took us across the border to the Pow Wow. One thing that jumps out for me is seeing generations of people in one place, ranging from the tiny tots to the elderly and I found myself memorised by the happiness that surrounds them. Oh I must quickly mention the Moose burger. Yes yummy at the time, but so rich lets just say it didn't agree with me. It had to be tried though!

So here's a story for you. I met this guy, on a rock, whilst tress passing. Intrigued? I was told to check out these rocks, they're kind of a hidden secret and some of the paintings on them are amazing. However no one is actually supposed to be there. So when some random guy, Greg, shouts at me from the top of the pile my first reaction was to think I had got caught. Anyway some how this lead to pancakes, apparently the most amazing and I will now make it my mission to try out as many as I can to compare - I think I owe it to the pancake world.

So that's the short story of Thunder Bay and as I am writing this I am both slightly hung over and still full from the huge dinner and drinks we had last night back at the hostel, actually sad to leave such lovely people behind and a place that I have felt so comfortable. But Ottawa is calling and the 22 hour bus journey is ahead of me!

Living in a ghost town...

Off i trotted to Calgary from Edmonton. I can see what people mean about the city, the outside isn't appealing, but when you find the city centre it is completely different. With a park and a long street full of restaurants and bars with tables outside creating that city buzz that I love so much. People sitting around with friends, sipping on a glass of wine and chatting about the world, or more likely the guy they met last night or that fabulous pair of shoes they splashed out on the day before!

I can say that I saw the whole of Calgary - impressive for a day hey? Well I took a trip up to the top of the Calgary Tower which allows you to over look the whole city in a glance. It is quite amazing to see the built up city on one side and then the 1998 Olympic mountains on the other.

I had time to kill and hanging around the bus station didn't seem like the best idea, so with no idea what was going on I took a trip back to the park to discover some drama school putting on a production of 'Grease'. Yes, I admit I know every single word and was holding myself back from running onto the stage and breaking into a chorus of 'Summer Loving'. I have to say though that they cast Danny all wrong - who can live up to John Travolta in his day? No one!

After a long overnight trip I arrived in Regina. On first impressions I thought it was a nice little town, clean, relaxed and chilled out. I soon discovered that chilled out isn't how to describe it, I think the word 'dead' is more appropriate. Everything closes at around five and doesn't open until 10am to midday. It must be great to work around here, what a short working day, beats the 9:30am until 6pm I was doing. There was my trip to 'the home of the Mounties'. It took me a hour to walk there and once I was there and nicely glazed in sweat from the beating sun it was closed. So I decided to get a coffee, it was closed - are you getting the picture?

Every person I've spoken to in the hostel has asked me if I have found anything to do and my answer every time has been no, in which they respond exactly the same with a bemused look on their face. I did meet a girl my age, Anya, the day I got here and we had a couple of drinks, but unfortunately for me (not for her) so had planned her escape from ghost town and was leaving later that night.

There is the Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. Being a hockey fan I thought I would check it out (and it was free). I think the description maybe wrong - it's more like bits of laminated paper stuck to the wall with a few photographs.

I did however discover a huge park today, with a massive lake and a swimming pool - I was expecting to get to the pool and find it closed, but to my surprise it was open!

Tomorrow I run as fast as I can to the bus station and go to Winnipeg for a couple of nights and then over to Thunder Bay and start my mission around the East. I can't wait as that is where I've always wanted to go. Just hoping the money holds out as it seems Greyhound (the bus company) are eating my savings!

Sea lions in a shopping centre?

Last time I signed off by saying that I was heading to a foam party and I can't not mention such a great night! After two dollar drinks at a hidden pub called 'The Pump and Tap', myself, Kelly and Shanae (two of the best Aussie girls ever) headed - a little tipsy - to the foam party. As the foam pumped out into the middle of the dance floor I found myself being stuck in the middle, not being able to breathe and throwing my arms around like a mad woman frantically trying to find a way out.Once back in the air it was time to dive back in only to repeat the same action and the whole time just laughing continuously.

The next morning I took a six hour bus ride to Edmonton. It's strange to be away from all the gorgeous sites I have been seeing and to be in a town.To be honest I was wondering what I was going to tell you about Edmonton as it is just a town and the hostel is quite different, as in the people seem to keep themselves to themselves, but to be honest it has been so nice to just chat to people but explore on my own, recharge my batteries and gather my thoughts.

However yesterday I had the most bizarre shopping experience. If I said to you a shopping mall you would conjure up images of shops, restaurants, possibly a cinema and a bar right? How about sea lions, stingrays, penguins, ice rink and a theme park.Yes, you are reading right, there is a theme park with all kinds of spinning roller coasters (which I obviously had to check out), a sea loin show that randomly takes place in a pool in between shops next to the 'Sea Caverns' which houses fish, sharks, turtles and penguins. Whilst all this was fun to see, I did have to wonder if it was really good for these animals to be kept in a shopping centre without a lot of natural sun light etc.

Oh and I must mention the petting zoo. I thought to myself how lovely, I'll just wonder over and look at the pony, rabbits, goats etc; yes lovely until I saw a llama beaming it's evil eyes towards me, no doubt ready to take a chunk out of my arm at any second! Those of you that know me will know that camels and llama's scare the life out of me and those of you who don't know probably just think I'm a mad woman right now. Let's just say I moved on quickly!

Today I took my book and headed for the park and then to Starbucks and, as boring as this may seem to some, I haven't felt so relaxed in a long time, which is when I thought to myself I will definitely be doing more of this when I get home. When it comes to needing some 'me' time, just take a book, grab a coffee and get completely lost in my own thoughts. I also decided that on my return I will be writing that diary style book that I have always talked about doing... maybe I'll do that in Starbucks too, I think they could make a lot of money out of me.

On a serious note, one thing that I have learnt already - if you want to do something then just do it. If that means doing it on your own, then who cares? No one is looking at you or judging you for it and if they are then they need to find something more important to worry about.

So my next move... I'm off to cowboy land (ye ha!), Calgary, for a day. I've had warnings so decided not to stay. I'm getting there in the morning and leaving at midnight for my ten hour trip to Regina. I can't believe it has been three weeks already!

Hot Eggy Waters

Yet another few days have past and I've only got one night left in Banff! You've probably heard of this place and would be expecting me to write loads about Mounties as I'm in the Rockies... sorry to disappoint girls, but there has been no Mountie sightings and no bear sightings, unless you count the large stuffed bear dressed as a Mountie next to a shop, then you've got two in one!

After a 16 hour bus ride, which I have nothing to say about apart from uncomfortable, I arrived half asleep and started my trek to the Mountain Y Lodge Hostel. So what do I say about Banff? Well it's gorgeous, which is what I have said in every blog post so far. You walk down the high street and look straight on to a mountain which is either surrounded by clouds or beaming in pure sunshine. It rains for about ten minutes and then brightens up again, in fact I got caught in it yesterday when I emerged from the hot springs to stand at the bus stop with a towel wrapped around my head - if you had put me in a basket on the front of a bike then I would have easily been mistaken for ET.

The Upper Hot Springs was a little disappointing. I had visions of a hot mountain pool, surrounded by beautiful views and a real natural setting. Instead I got a swimming pool, surrounded by bars and trees and was crammed with so many people you couldn't move. It was 39 degrees and at least I can say that I have sat in the mountain spring waters - apparently it has all sorts of healing attributes so it's a shame it didn't heal the backache from my concrete slab, sorry bed, that I have been sleeping on and the headache from the amount of times I've sat up and smacked my head on the bed above.

A place called 'Cave and Basin' was worth a look. This is where all the national parks began, when this cave and springs were discovered. You walk into the cave and feel an spooky atmosphere and then see pure blue water in front of you, the only light coming from a vent at the top of the cave which is like a little peep hole to the outside world. All very beautiful, but let me tell you about the smell. The only way to describe it is eggy. People used to be able to swim in these springs, but it got me thinking; if you could would a eggy smelling pool really appeal to you and would you come out smelling of rotten egg? All very healing apparently.

So to the rest of Banff. If you love walking, hiking and horse riding then you could ask for better. The nightlife is set in a small quaint town. I meet two girls from Leeds in my dorm and headed out in the evening with them, randomly ending up in a Mexican and an Irish bar - how very Canadian. Just a quick note about the nachos that we decided to share last night - I am not joking the basket had to be about 40cm in diameter and piled up to about 10cm tall. The waitress did set us a challenge to eat them all, but I really don't think anyone could. By the way that was on the menu as an appetiser!

As I'm writing this I'm thinking about tonight's plans as I'm meeting up with Kelly who I met in Vancouver and her room mate and then heading to a foam party! Then thinking how the hell am I going to get up tomorrow morning for a six hour trip to Edmonton? That's when you're next hear from me and I would have been here three weeks already.

Yogi Bear land...

My time at Whistler has come to an end and I'm truly sad to leave this place. I keep saying it reminds me of Yogi Bear land, with massive lakes surrounded by huge trees and picnic benches. Yes I've had a few strange looks when I've said that, but it's the only way I can think of to describe it.

I stayed at the South Side Lodge in a place called Whistler Creek - about a ten minute bus ride from the busy village. The views are to die for and every corner takes you to a new place. There's nothing like walking down a valley, turning the corner to see the trees part and a huge, glistening lake stretches out in front of you.

Whistler has been all about chilling out for me. With a hour walk into the village I got thinking and realised that I have absolutely no regrets about this trip and meeting people in the same situation as yourself teaches you so much about life, about yourself.

I met a girl, Carly, straight away and instantly become friends; well I nearly knocked her out as I battled with the door to my room, the door that you seem to have to run up and elbow your way into like in some kind of action film! We ended up in a bar until whatever time in the morning discovering each other's lives (she is working up here and gearing up for the ski season) and like me she wanted to take a break from things and travel whilst young enough.

Yesterday was probably the most chilled out of all as we just laid by Lost Lake sunbathing, chatting and watching the world go by. I did paddle, but have to admit the water was way to cold for me to venture in any further, the thought of just jumping in and becoming a human icicle just didn't appeal to me. The day was followed by a night out where Michelle (from Newcastle - the first British person I've met) joined us and we randomly ended up in a club and just letting go doing some crazy dancing; which I'm sure was highly comical to those watching.

As I sit here typing this it's great to reflect on the past few days and it's so good to feel settled. This whole trip is one huge challenge for me and there was moments in the first week when I wondered what the hell I was doing and I'm sure there will be more moments like that. But now, the nerves aren't there so much and I'm getting used to everything that comes with traveling, like sharing a room, a bathroom, making yourself talk to people... not drying or straightening your hair - I can hear my friends gasp with amazement now!

So many people talk about being a girl traveling on your own, some tell you not to do it, but if there is anyone reading this that wants to go alone then all I can say is do it! Grab on to that challenge and live your dreams.

Right, I'm signing off from Whistler and am just about to jump on a bus for 16 hours to Banff. See you there!

Childhood Dreams

I've come to end the of my time in Victoria, Vancouver Island, so here's my little run down. After arriving on the ferry I found my way through the town to a place called the 'Turtle Hostel' and yes they had a little tank of turtles in the reception. By the time I had got there I had visions of falling backwards onto my backpack and my legs waving around in the air looking like a turtle that has fallen onto it's shell, so i thought it was an appropriate one to go to really. The owners of this place were... how do I say it? Characters? A little Chinese pair who shouted English words at you, but you got the gest.

The first couple of days here I explored on my own finding the harbor which is absolutely stunning and it amazing to see a seal just pop his head out of the water right next to you. With a tourist atmosphere it still somehow manages to hold onto a calm, relaxing atmosphere where you can sit and watch the world go by. I took a stroll around the Government buildings and explored the town.

Everyone has those dreams from when they are a child, you might want to drive a Formula One car, fly over a rain forest – mine was to see Orcas in the ocean. It was here in Victoria where that dream came true and seeing two pods, with a baby, was possibly the most amazing site I have ever seen.

Luckily I managed to obtain a visitors pass and one night at the hostel I got chatting to Dani, from Germany, and Matt, from Australia. So a couple of random nights out pasted, our mission to try every Martini on the cocktail list and thanks to Matt for the jumper usage... it's freezing around here at night!

Myself and Dani used the pass and explored the museum, castle and bays around Victoria, taking in some beautiful sites. Matt and I used the pass to zip trek! This being zip wires set high up in the trees and you shoot across them, each wire faster then the last and more exhilarating then before. Some how you still manage to take in the sites even though you are zooming across, spinning around and holding on tight.

So there's a quick run down of Victoria, a beautiful town that I would definitely come back to. A town which is full of charm, buzz and has whatever you are looking for...I think I managed to find it all!

Tomorrow I'm off to Whistler for some mountains and bike riding – fingers crossed that I won't break a bone!

Vancouver Sunburn!

So here I am sitting in a little hostel called ‘Turtle Hostel’ in Victoria, Vancouver Island. Arriving in Vancouver last Friday was possibly the most exciting but the must terrifying thing that I have ever done. Luckily there was a girl, Kelly, on the bus who was in the same situation, going to the same hostel and looking for someone to talk to as well.

So off we trotted to the HI Central Vancouver hostel. As I opened up the door to my dorm this girl just randomly turns and looks at me. What can I do apart from say hi and then try and settle myself? Top bunk – never fun!

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised with the showers. I think I have prepared myself for the worst so I was relieved to see that there were no smears on the walls and no gremlins in the toilet. However, working the shower seemed to be a mission in itself. Whatever happened to just turning it hot and cold? Later I found out that I had to pull it, twist it, do this and that – how complicated can a shower be?

So Vancouver city itself. There’s something quiet spectacular about seeing a built up city sky line, set against picturesque mountains and beautiful ports. A short distance from the buzz of Granville Street is the peaceful port where you can watch the world go by.

Stanley Park is a must. We were determined to find the aquarium, with the baby whale, and the totem poles. You would think that this would be easy – look on the map and walk towards it. No, three hours later we discovered that we had actually been walking in the wrong direction and had passed three beaches (yes beaches in the city – get your head around that!). So we trekked back to the start and the lovely volunteer guy gave us directions. Great half hour away – oh no we walked at least another hour until we eventually found the shuttle bus that runs you around the park and saw everything we wanted to see.

The park is beautiful, with lakes, beaches, forests and so much to take in. Just remember the sun screen as I’m not walking around with arms like a cooked lobster. Why is it that we only associate sun screen with tropical climates?

So to see the sights yesterday we jumped on a sight seeing bus. Oh the amount of times I’ve looked at people in London on those buses and wondered why the hell they are on one. Really this bus was a glorified taxi, but we got to go to Granville Island. Again amazing views of the water and a great tourist style atmosphere with amazing street entertainers and massive food markets.

So there’s a short (as short as I could get it) run down of Vancouver. I hopped on a ferry this morning, so I’ll let you know the ins and outs of Victoria.

Girl Power...

“The real definition of girl power is having the strength to be vulnerable and trusting” – Jill Cuniff, of Luscious Jackson

Never has a quote been so true. I’ve had numerous conversations about going away alone and the hardest thing will be making new friends and trusting them to be genuine, good people. You get so set in your ways at home, you know who to trust, who to be weary of and how to communicate with people in certain situations. But this is a different country, a different, new and exciting way of doing things, of seeing the world.

Every single person I have spoken to about Canada has told me how amazing the country is, how friendly the people are and how I will fall in love with the place – although I have been told that I have to return!

With only a day to go before my flight I’m full of excitement, nerves and am ultimately intrigued to discover a new place and to see how this three month adventure will change me as a person, if at all.

I’m sure I will come back with a different view on life; after all I am living in hostels and carrying a backpack. This from a girl who has had the privileged of being whisked away on press trips in the past and has become accustomed to a little bit of luxury. But I can’t wait to be totally independent, carry my life on my back and find adventures that some can only dream of.

Oh and as for packing… It took me five attempts and a lot of decision making! Unfortunately those straightners will have to stay safely tucked away at home. Watch out for a lot of head band wearing as an attempt to control that hair of mine!

(Quote from, Go Girl!, edited by Helen Exley, Helen Exley Giftbooks, 2005)

Panic, party and packing!

I’m sitting here thinking that I can’t quite believe how quick my trip has crept up on me! When I first planned my little adventure it seemed like ages away, but all of a sudden I’ve only got a few days to go.

The list has dramatically decreased in size since my last entry, although I have to admit it was only yesterday that the final ticks marked the paper.

A fabulous leaving party was had on Saturday and I’m still thanking whoever is watching over me for making the weather perfect and not the typical rain storms of British summertime! With the drinks fountain flowing with a summery cocktail mix, champagne corks popping and lots of laughs, singing and dancing, I had that moment of realising how lucky I was for the support everyone has shown me.

So now the most important, but possibly the most traumatic part of my preparations is to come; the packing. I’ve packed once and realised that I had only stuffed my clothes into the backpack, so unless I plan on taking no toiletries, sleeping bag or electrical goods I will have to start again and cut the load in half… help!

The plan for tomorrow is simply lay everything out on the living-room floor and decided what I REALLY need to take. ‘Really’ means I don’t need shoes for every possible occasion and there really is no need for those super smart, but super heavy jeans.

You may see that I’m not the strongest of people so lifting my backpack will be a challenge in itself. I’m just hoping it won’t make me feel like I’ve done five classes of body pump in a row!

I’ll let you know how it goes…

So many lists!

With just three weeks to go I’ve lost count of the amount of lists that I have written. What to get, what to pack, what to do, then three days later I’ll start the list again thinking to myself, ‘I really should get to the point where I am ticking these things off one by one’. But they just get stashed away in my diary until the next time realisation hits me, panic mode takes over and I’m yet another week closer to my travels.

Everyone keeps asking why Canada, why three months? Well the basic answer to that is three months is about all I can afford and my reasoning behind Canada I can’t really explain, I just have a fascination with the country and have always wanted to explore it.

Ever since completing my degree in Journalism I have been working on getting there, emailing numerous companies to see if I could gain an editorial internship or a part-time job. Then it come to decision time and looking closely at my bank account I worked out that I could just travel, obviously cutting back on little luxuries and saving like crazy, but meaning I could really discover the country that I have accustomed such a love for. And now is the right time. I know it may sound a little sickening and corny, but I truly believe that you know when things are right.

Last night was the first time that I looked at my backpack and felt excited, instead of being filled with the dread of getting everything into something that I have to carry around on my shoulders! Yes I may have also looked a little strange as I smiled to myself, but hopefully no one was watching.

On this weeks to do list:
1) Hostel – yes I know I’ve left it a little late in the day, but I will be booking the first hostel I plan to stay in when I arrive in Vancouver.
2) Travel insurance – How is it that you know exactly what company you are going to use, how much it will cost, even have a lovely little discount, but yet it still takes ages to get round to booking it?

Flights are already booked so as long as those three things are done then I’m ok. Tickets, insurance and first accommodation, they’re the main things aren’t they?

Now I only have one week left at work and I can say goodbye to interior news writing and hello to the exciting world of travel writing.

Now I must get on with ticking off my lists!

Another day has past...

Another day sitting at work, watching the clock, counting down the days, hours, minutes until I leave and jet away to Canada for three months of exploring (does getting horrifically lost, wondering around streets count as exploring?)

It’s still a couple of months before I can hand in my notice and then another month before I can leave, but fingers crossed the 13th of July will creep up fastest then a formula one driver on his final lap.

‘Oh, I wouldn’t go on my own’, seems to be the reaction I get from most people, but what the hell, you only live once right? And I fully intend to give my dreams a good go! Knowing me I’ll get there decide that I hate sharing a room, sharing a bathroom will disgust me and the thought of all my gorgeous shoes sitting at home will cause me pure agony.

But now’s the time to say sod it and go for it! I’ve talked about travelling Canada for years and saved up all my spare monies to be able to do so.

Thinking about arranging where to stay in the first instance, how to get there and what to take seems to be a mammoth task in itself. Three months of stuff needs to be packed into a bag that I consider just about big enough for a weekend away!

Ok hands up, I do usually completely over pack and two weeks away often requires a suitcase that I can’t lift! So time to cut down and be logical… what do I really need to take? The theory I’m working on is if it rolls up small then I can pack it.

Good luck to me!