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!
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Sunday, 27 July 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, 24 July 2008
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!
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!
Sunday, 20 July 2008
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!
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!
Monday, 14 July 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
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)
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)
Monday, 7 July 2008
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…
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…
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