Well
So I figured it might be a good time to update my life! What a life – heh.
Sooooo…. Where did I leave you all on the magic journey of the world or canada as it seems to be ☺
I’ve some how been away from home now for nine months. I Can still remember my first nights in San Fran wondering what the heck I’d done to myself. I can also remember three months ago being $20CA rich in Vegas with no way home, no way to get money and a little nervous about my state of affairs. I now sit pleasantly, surrounded by all the ‘things’ I have collected stuck to my bare walls of M Cabin in the beautiful Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge ‘Old staff’ – my credit cards are being paid off and I’m evening MAKING tips! Yes, it appears that the guests at JPL like me =)
So… as I said… the roadtrips are back up and running. I’ve now done that beautiful highway I spoke of in Winter 6 times. I’ve been to Lake Louise a couple times, Banff a few more, Calgary once for stampede and Edmonton for a shopping spree.
The stampede was amazing and something I would highly recommend for someone that’s never been to Canada and never really experienced that whole ‘western’ culture. It was an amazing time! I spent 13 hours there one day with Veronica – who, although from Ottowa, embrasses the Western style and music and loved it just as much as I did!!!
I had a hard night there too – when live played. Those who don’t know but my mate Jono who passed away while I was travelling home years ago and then I went to his funeral on my 18th birthday – they played live at his funeral. He loved live and was the person I always think of when they play due to his little obsession. I pretty much cried the whole way through their set. But that was okay. I had a moment to enjoy my life and appreciated being alive – something I don’t do very often. I also decidced I’d never play any good bands at my funeral so nobody has to ever live through that hahaha.
Jasper is treating me well. My homesickness has pretty much left me as I look forward to my future. My friends from Big White are still somewhat around me too which is amazing. Looks like Georgie may be coming for a visit which will be so amazing =) I have a couple mates down in Banff that I’ve spent some time with and Jo is still living in Jasper. Though, she leaves in about six weeks and lately I’ve realised that (again) all my friends are going to leave me. Travelling can really be quite the lonely business can’t it… but yet I feel so surrounded by so many beautiful people! I guess I’m lucky that I will have friends scattered throughout Canada now =) Something I’m also grateful for – nothing like couch surfing your way through the country right? Haha
I have a French book now too – that’s right. I’m re-teaching my self French. Je peut parlez un petit peu francez - I think that’s right. It means I can speak a little bit of French. I learn more everyday! My Assistant FOM is French and brought me one of his kids books for me to read – all I need now is a dictionary!
A day later:
So once again it seems my life is way too busy to even update posts. I should just try and do it more often! Other than the stampede I’ve just been fumbling around Jasper. Jo leaves in about 4 weeks so we’ve spent a bit of time together lately. It’s been nice laughing about all the silly memories we hae from our US trip. We went up to pyramid lake which was a nice 4 hour hike or so before work… and to old fort point – which was the first hike I ever did here. I have some nice plans to hike old man mountain tomorrow and will be getting some good photos of that for sure!
Other plans in the work at the moment are to be in NYC for two weeks (and Washington DC) around the first two weeks of Decemebr. Baiscally to get my visa renewed but to cross another must-see off my list.
Speaking of lists… I’ve actually managed to keep on ‘living the dream’ and I’ve been white water rafting twice now! And I have plans to go once more before Jo leaves!!! Very exciting. It’s such an exhilarating experience I love it. One of the best things I’ve done since being here.
I’m also still aiming for an Alaska trip: http://www.greentortoise.com/adventures/alaskan.expedition.denali.glacier.html this is the one I think I’ll try do at this stage. Any ideas would be great!!!
Anyway, I’ll get some photos up and post again after my mountain adventure. Hope all is well! Love you all
And special birthday hugs to my favourite east coast uncle!!!! xooxxo