love from nyc baby!!! it’s UNREAL!!

So… to continue on where I left off!

My night in Toronto was tame. Our train was late and we didn’t get settled in the hotel until well after 10pm. We needed to eat so the boys and I wandered downtown. We were looking for anything but actually struggled. It seems most places in Toronto (apart from pizza) close at 11pm? Weird if you ask me… plus – it was a Friday night? Maybe we were just looking in all the wrong places. We found one place though and sat down, had a beer and some food. I should correct myself though: I had a beer. The ‘boys’ were only 18 (crazy) and thus, weren’t allowed to drink in Toronto as Ontario’s drinking age is 19. Anyway, while we were eating one of those dodge rose selling people came through the pub. The boys ALL bought me one!! I ended up with a red, yellow,  pink and white rose! Bless their cotton socks – such a sweet gesture. After dinner we walked around, I went to go and check out ‘the’ lake (Lake Ontario) so we walked down to the shore to find HUGE boats in the water. Craziness I tell you!!! This lake (I saw the next morning from the CN Tower) is so incredibly HUGE!!

Saturday morning was chill – I relaxed and decided to go to Ottawa later in the day. I walked around Toronto a bit and went up the CN Tower so I could see the vast array of concrete that is Toronto. It was worth it (though some will tell you it’s not) just to see, quickly, what Toronto was like… I was so impressed with the size of Lake Ontario. After spending a Summer with girls who constantly refer to it’s “Greatness” it was good to put some perspective on the picture. Crazy I tell you!!

I was excited to get back on the train and head out to visit Veronica. I got in about 4pm and she had this whole little tour of Ottawa for me. Took me downtown and showed me parliament etc. It was raining so we just chilled in the car until Chelsea (also from the lodge) called and we went to visit her at work! It felt so weird to be seeing them outside of the lodge ‘cause that’s the only place I’ve really ‘known’ them in, but it was super nice. Veronica and I had some munchies and chilled at Chelsea’s’ work for a bit. We all ended up going out that night too – along with Matt Fish (aka Fish) who also lives in Ottawa but worked at the lodge. It was just so nice to catch up with some friendly faces, have a few drinks and chill out!! I got to have a Beavertail too which was pretty exciting – another one of those things I heard people talk about all Summer!

Sooo… the night ended up pretty funny. Veronica got a little too intoxicated (as they say) and wasn’t quite able to communicate with me how to get back to her place. So we stayed a Fish’s’ house! I spent the next morning (Sunday) just chilling’ with Veronica and sleeping to recover!!!! I headed off to New Brunswick about 2pm-ish.

I was somewhat over the train rides by now, but oh well. The train from Ottawa to Montreal (where I head a 30min layover) was weird – a really commuter train if you like, not like the train from Jasper at all!!! But the train from Montreal to Moncton was back to a more comfortable brand. I had my own chair with nobody beside me and a window view which was great… given it was night time and dark!! Oh well! Montreal scared me. French scares me in general I think! I’m scarred for life after my Paris visit when I was 16 with my sister and her, now, husband.

Anyway, here is my lovely account of my train travels:

Jasper, AB – this was where I started! I have previously caught the train from Vancouver to Jasper with Mum, so I count this as me officially ‘crossing Canada by train’. Dave (from work) dropped me off! I realised later that it was probably the first time in awhile I’ve had somebody take me to the airport/station etc. and say goodbye!

Hinton, AB – this was the first stop after Jasper. Not a stop where you can get off but this was probably about the time I fell asleep. Before Hinton the train takes a slightly different path to the road and I was interested to see the sights.

Edmonton, AB – our first ‘stop’ where I could actually get out and walk. I actually appreciated it too. I took a photo of the ‘Via Rail’ station sign and one man commented “Oh, you’re a newbie!”. His name was Gabriel – an interesting man in his early 40’s who was from the Charlotte Islands or something off the coast of Prince George. He provided much entertainment throughout the trip. Though, I dare say he was slightly on the creepier side. With him was Will – an 18 year old boy (I can say that right, given he’s six years my younger?). Anyway, he was travelling to Halifax – or should I say just travelling without much of a destination. I got to know these two guys pretty well though I doubt I will ever see them again now!

Saskatoon, SK – I was looking forward to getting off at Saskatoon. Most of my time between Edmonton and Saskatoon was spent reading. I was on the mission to finish my book (which I call ‘Garp’ for short, but: is the title). I decided I needed to read 100 pages per province to get it finished. I found once I had read a big chunk I actually got into the book. It’s weird really as it made me think about everything. It’s about a writer and his struggle with writing, and life more generally. It’s slightly pornographic and rather horrific at times but I guess I would recommend it. It’s one of those books that if you’re a ‘reader’ I’m sure you would enjoy much more. Be patient with it and good will come! Anyway, Saskatoon is a place I wished I could stop in – though if the train station was anything to go by there isn’t a lot there. It surprised me just how flat everything got after the Rockies. Edmonton and on is very, very flat. I was quite sad but by Saskatoon we were well into the night and there was not much more to be seen. It was cold outside so I didn’t venture out.

Brandon North, MB – I woke up way before Brandon. To absolutely beautiful fields of gold. Really nice peaceful land that was amazing to wake up to. One of the guest service agents (from Winnipeg) told me it was his favourite part of the trip and I can easily understand why. Never let anybody tell you the middle of Canada is not worth seeing. They are quite wrong. Anyway, I was quite unsure where I was but we were well into Manitoba. Brandon North is just the station that stuck in my mind – it was well into the morning (and after my breakfast and breakfast nap) that we passed here. I remember it because I lived with a guy from Brandon – he is the one who told me about Jasper and it’s beauty.

Winnipeg, MB – again, this was another place I wanted to stop and stay in. we had the opportunity for a good 45 min break though and I was quite glad to get off the train. When I purchased my ticket the lady had suggested I go and see the ‘markets’ at Winnipeg should I have the time. So, I did. I walked out of the station and instantly the cold, but refreshing ‘fresh’ air hits you. I looked around and spotted some interesting buildings and old trains so I headed in that direction. I was happy to wonder and take some photos to mark the place in my journey. After discovering ‘something market street’ I assumed I was heading in the right direction. Will and I walked together into the markets and discussed the surroundings. I lost him once he met up with three other guys travelling together (on the train also) and proceeded to just meander through the markets. I was looking for a smoothie and settled with a strawberry shake. I headed back outside as it was really the city and the fresh air I was looking for. I knew there was a Fairmont hotel here too so I was interested to see how close our hotels really do reside to the train station. Walking back towards the station I spotted the old building peeping over the station. I walked through and out the other side to see if I could get a nice photo, but it was hidden behind buildings. Walking through the station though, I looked up and found myself lost in the beauty that was the station itself. In hindsight, I would say the romantic inside me is definitely something that draws me to the railway, trains and the beauty that is train stations. I can remember as a child dad talking about the clocks and flinders street. I can also remember taking photos there with him, catching trams with my grandad and I can also remember going back there as an adult, with several of my friends/family and always enjoying the beauty of the station. I’m yet to find a terribly ‘ugly’ station. There is some bland ones, but they are not ugly and there is certainly some amazing ones.

Malachi/Minaki, MB – I just wanted to take note of these stations. They passed in the second day, which is when I think I really began to appreciate what I was doing. I spent most of my day in the ‘bubble’ that was the dome car. I met many of my fellow travellers. There was a trainspotter – who instantly intrigued me due to his love for trains. He would take note of the engines of trains as they passed as and managed to give me some interesting information about trains in general and was a lovely man to speak to. He kind of reminded me of my dad. He had a friend with him too who spent a little time with us all. Will was there a lot too and we spent a lot of time chatting about the uniqueness of Canada, Australia and many other things. Gabriel was also present and quite a loud contributor to our discussion. There was two sisters, also from Vancouver Island, who knitted/painted/wrote/mended clothes all while travelling the train and enjoying the discussions/views. There was a pair of Portuguese men, who were going to play in Toronto for the Portuguese community – amazing guitarists and singers. One did a rendition of Spanish Eyes that I will never forget. There was also a few other people who would come and go throughout the day – some English people (manly the man in a group of four – one being his wife and the others being her friends) who had just moved to Newfoundland and were travelling Canada. And, another quiet lady who used to work for CN and was a writer by profession. There was also Jackson, who at first, slightly creeped me out. But, given the time he was a lovely man – with hair like Craig (my friend with black curly, frizzy, hair). He had so much information to give about the train as he travelled most of the trains through Canada so many times. He was very helpful and had knowledge of Australian politics which somewhat amazed me.

Anyhow, these stations, we did not stop at. Nobody had scheduled a stop, which is what you have to do for these stations. They were more like little shacks, where you could retreat. Often, they were right on some amazing lake that had a collage of colour on the rim – green, gold, ochre, red, auburn: the beautiful colours of Fall (as opposed to the rain we, Australians, experience in Autumn). One other, important to me, side note is that I have officially fallen in love with Fall. What an amazing season. The colours are beautiful and the trees are amazing. I can’t begin to express the freshness and closeness to nature I feel anyway, not to sure about Canada, when I see these amazing colours blooming. It makes everything seem so much more real.

Sioux Lookout, ON – this stop interested me. It has some interesting history about the first nations of Canada. It was absolutely pouring at this stop, but that didn’t stop me from getting off. I just walked out into the rain and completely enjoyed the freshness of the rain. It was cold rain, like it always seems to be here in Canada, but it was lovely. I headed to the only thing that seemed open just so I could wonder to a destination with some purpose. I looked inside and got a snack. I was a little disappointed as I wasn’t planning to walk anywhere in particular but it was so wet and raining that I needed some relief. Once inside, I found ‘Adbusters’ which is an amazing magazine. Anyway, I only had five bucks on me so it was a no go. The stop was longer than I had planned and one of the lovely Portuguese men – who I always go to call Mohammad knowing full right his name isn’t Mohammad, but I can never remember his name – offered to go and purchase it for me as he was heading off. He was a lovely man. He later gave me his business card and told me when I get married to call him and he would play at my wedding. Who knows!

Homepayne, ON – an amazing stop. Four in the morning. I had been somewhat partying in the dome car after Sue (the writer for CN I mentioned previously) had got the lights in the dome car turned off. (The previous evening we were told we weren’t allowed due to people drinking in there when the lights go out.) It was ironic as I had no plans to drink the night before but this night Gabriel and others had purchased some vodka at Sioux Lookout. So, the Portuguese man (not Mohammad!) played us music and we all chatted. I even had the opportunity to meet some of the other travellers on the train – including a good old token pommies who lightened up the atmosphere. We also were joined by the three girls who were travelling across Canada together (also from Vancouver Island) and were sitting in front of me. Again, they were only 18 as well. Anyway, Will had me promise I would stay up till the next stop after Sioux Lookout. Why, I’m not sure. Nonetheless, at four am I awake, from my interrupted and partial sleep in the dome car where the music was blaring (Still), to Will telling me to come outside. It was pitch black outside, even the station did not seem lit up. But, like the good lass I am, I got up and went outside. I don’t think I will ever forget what we saw. It was amazing. I always think the stars in jasper look unreal and so bright in the dark, dark nights sky. But this, this was incredible. With all the lights out in town (a gentleman standing by told us the power had been out as there had been an incredible storm blow through – which made sense to us as it had been raining most of the day on the train). I stood, and stare up into the night sky for as long as I could. It was just breathtaking. I don’t have the words to explain it. But it was amazing.

Carepol, ON – this was just another stop. And, albeit for myself, nothing more. I had waited for this particular stop as Jackson told me that after Carepol there would be amazing yellow trees for me to gaze at – I was quite excited to see these beautiful trees. Anyway, we had begun to wonder down one of the streets. I needed water and was just flowing suit with Gabriel and the gentleman who is not Mohammad. Will was with me and laughed while I took photos of some very gorgeous tree’s. he suggested we had just 15mins to walk around this time, which I thought was wrong as I believed we had 30 – so I just kept walking. Until, I realised Gabriel and co. were going for more booze. I thought this was unnecessary and decided to turn around. I purchased my water and we headed back to the train. Thank god we did. As we got to the door the gentleman was waving us on. We suggested that two passengers were yet to get on the train and they politely, but sternly told us that they simply did not care. Returning to the dome car I watched the road beside the station to see if they would come hurtling down. There was nothing. The tiny town seemed empty and there seemed to fuss or rush of people to get aboard the train. The Portuguese man’s friend come up the stairs of the dome car and explained he was not onboard. The train took off. It’s a slow process the train leaving a station and will and I were certain we would see them walking down the road we had previously walked, but there was nothing, nobody in sight. Ah well, lucky it wasn’t me?

Sudbury Jct., ON – being the station after the MIA passengers, the dome car was filled with laugher, but sorrow and hope, that the two would get in a cab and meet us at this destination – which is only just further down the road. No such luck. Sudbury was interesting. This section was where I learned the origin of ‘slag’ – as there was ‘slag’ from the mining that goes on in this most beautiful section of Canada. I was just waiting for my long promised yellow fall trees. Jackson also pointed out the tallest smoke stack which we could see far off in the distance. A few people also joined us at Sudbury.

Parry Sound – again, the only reason this station has any importance as this was the boys last ‘hope’ for reaching the train. After their lack of arrival at this station they were Toronto bound and I would not see them again. Interesting little story to tell and it certainly made me realise the importance of getting BACK on the train throughout my journeys.

Toronto, ON – wonder why this stop has importance? This was the end, or the beginning. In some ways my adventure was over. My self exploratary and completely satisfying journey across Canada was over. I had now accomplished what I wanted when I left home – Ironically a year later, but not too soon. It was also, however, the beginning of the journey I find myself on now. My journey to the different ‘homes’ I now have in Canada. My Canadian family – if you will. But, the train family was not quite out of sight. As we waited for our bags I told Will that should he need anything I was staying at the Royal York. I told him my last name. I don’t know why but he reminded me of Luke from back home and I think my somewhat motherly instincts kicked in. After spending a summer with a bunch of 18-21 year olds you would think 18 didn’t seem so young. But when your first away from home, without a hostel to stay in, in a new city – a new, big, city – alone, it was my only reaction. I have since wondered what made me offer, but I think it was also that since travelling, I have come to realise that sometimes it’s the kindness of those you don’t really know, the strangers, the passers by, that helps the most. The advice on the train, the places to stay and the important feeling that someone within a close proximity to you cares have helped me, and others I know, throughout our journeys. I actually heard the three girls from Vancouver Island say it on the train when they got on in Edmonton. Anyway, my offer resulted in Will and the three boys from Vancouver Island sleeping on the floor of my hotel room. They told me, as we walked out to dinner (which they paid for, as well as buying me four beautiful roses – to say thank you) that on entering the hotel they had some people (dressed in suits) say “Do backpacker stay here?”. It made me laugh, but glad that my somewhat demeaning and sometimes annoyingly morally improper attachment to the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts could get such a reaction. Why wouldn’t backpackers stay at a five star luxury hotel?

All my friends are leaving! It’s sad and hard but it was bound to happen. I’m driving my friend to Edmonton on Weds and having a final blast there with her! Queens of the Stoneage are playing so i’m AMPED to see them.

As for my own life who knows what I should or will do =) It’s all so up in the air. I’m slowly getting things together. Thankgod for parents! My dad and mum have been helping me sort out the red tape of being a foreigner in Canada! My latest achievement has been to insure my car - and i can legall drive in Canada now - these are exciting times for all of us. hahaha.

All things going to plan I will get my US tourist visa in September when i’m in VAn with mum and hit the states up for a bit in October to get my next canadian work permit. I tell ya - they don’t make ANYTHING easy here.

I have taken a job at Big White and was all ready to go… but I’m seriously reconsidering my options after realinsing the money situation of Big White. I really want to holiday for two months next year in Montreal and explore Quebec.

Speking of French - mine is getting better (slowly) I have bought some books and practise with my friend Jo (not the aussie) a lot. So maybe I will speak fluent sometime soon… it’s nice to be back learning something though - a little mind stimulation never goes astray!!

As I said, I have a week off to hang with mum next month in Vancouver and Victoria. And hopefully I’ll get another few days off to hit up Banff and Lake Louise with her… who knows Will be nice to get my reassuring mother hugs … and all my requests !!!

so i hope your all wonderful, smiling and treasuring the sunny life that is Australia. The rain here is annoying and i’m positive it is only going to get colder… hahah… bring on the snow!!!

love you all !!!

Special love to my to east coast aunties! Happy birthday ronis! I wonder if you got my email!?

Love ya all ! Keep your Canada holiday plans alive!!)(@#&()!@&#

• Seen a hockey game - Day 1 in Canada: Canucks vs. Nashville
• Seen snow fall
• Enjoyed a white Christmas
• Learnt to snowboard
• Learnt to ski (kinda)
• Gone white water rafting x 2 !! Amazing..
• Seen a bear - grizzly, black, cubs and plenty of them!
• Seen the Canadian Rockies - uh, I believe I live here?
• Gone hiking - I think so… just a few times =)
• Gone mountain bike riding! Today!!

Things I never though I’d do but I have…

• The most amazing drive in the WHOLE world.
• Seen so many beautiful lakes and waterfalls
• Enjoyed the crisp glacier water - drank it and swam in it!
• Hit golf balls at a driving range - I can hit 150 yards!!!

So… things are doing well! I’ve even bought a car! Pretty stoked. Got a dodgey old thing for cheap from an Aussie couple who are headed home. They’re so sweet and the guy is going to help me sort out all the insurance and stuff. Having wheels will give me so much more freedom now and during the winter. Hopefully, it’ll keep on going and I’ll drive myself to the East coast next summer. I’ll be pretty happy with that!!! =)

I went to the driving range today - so much fun! I wanna play golf now (yes aiden you heard it right!!!) So i’m going to keep going now and get better! Yay =)I also went to Maligne Canyon and that was amazing too - did some mountain biking. Yep, full on day but it’s been great. Really good actually. Nice to do some chill stuff about jasper instead of heading out again =)

Hope everything is well with you all. Keep in touch you slackers!!!!!

xoxox

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

So I finally am getting around to updating…

Anybody would think I was having fun in another country or something?!

I’ve been in a very contemplative mood lately so I’ve been thinking about heaps of stuff and where I am and what to do next….

First things first!

After Coachella, which was amazing!!! And, still is so vivid in my mind… Basically, one of my fellow big white friends (a Canadian girl named Rhiananon) was driving to NY with another mate – Mike… they were going to come to las vegas with us before hand but I had planned to catch the bus there. Anyway, long story short, myself, Andrew, kiwi, Michael and her all piled into her car (with all of our things – which was a lot for one little car right… even a snowboard!! Which had to go between the chairs in the front and on somebodies lap….) So squishy… but lots of fun =)

We were crusing along in Arizona when suddenly someone heard a noise – car was stopped, looked at and.. uh oh! Some belt or something had broken ?! Yep, I’m not a car person haha so, anyway, this results in us being stuck on the side of the desert in what seems like totally isane heat. It was soooooo hot. Inside the car was cooler I thought so I just hung out in there feeling just a tad shabby and sorry for myself =p Awesome!!!

We had a couple interesting visitors and one helpful border security man that helped us to establish, first, where we were and second, what we should do. Lucky Rhinannon had Canadas RAC equivelant so we got towed to a town nearby… well like 30 miles ! Okay, I totally don’t remember the name =( How sad… I could find it in a map though – it began with B!

Anyway, we got stuck there and told her car would cost HEAPS to fix. I was meant to be meeting Jo in Vegas so I was a little concerned about how I would meet up with her now… =p troubled times hahaha. (she had no phone).

Anyway… long story short ‘cuase I’m sure you don’t have all day (by the way I was in my pj’s the WHOLE time… walking around some random town hahaha – I had assumed we’d just be in the car so I wasn’t that worried and didn’t get dressed…. ? I was comfortable – so shoot me!!) We ended up hiring a car and driving to vegas. It all sort of worked itself out… the car got sold, and they flew to NY. But, it made for an interesting day haha which I don’t think ANY of us were ready or in the mood for …

Vegas was stunning. Driving in at night was quite spectaculor and an amazing sight to see… We spent our first name at Circus Circus which was a not too shabby establishment. We didn’t gert in until about 1030pm so by the time we got out we were wondering the streets of vegas until about 3am !!! Crazy I tell you – it did not feel that late at all hey… all of the casinos are well designed so that you get lost and forget what time of day it is!!

The next day Andrew and Kiwi took off to Vancouver and Jo and I went out to the Grand Canyon! By this stage I think we both felt like we’d seen so much of the US and were doing quite well given neither of us really ever had any plans to go to the US. So it was cool. I was a little sick of the one day here another day there travelling though and was beginning to look forward to moving to Jasper and settle down for a while….

It was quite an aamazing sunset that night and the scenery was incredible. The landscapes of the US and Canada are like nothing I have ever seen back home and I’m quite glad to have seen so much by road now =) We got to the National Park really late – about 9ish… it meant that finding a place to stay was very, very limitied. But we paid too much and got a free upgrade and brekkie in the morning so neither of us were really complaining. I was so glad to get a nice big bed and gorgeous shower after my little festy experience in California!!

The GC was one of those things I’ll be glad to have seen… not too sure why everybody thinks its so fantastic but that’s okay. It’s all part of the experience. I got some pretty cool photos and we spent a few hours there lookin’ about. There is so much development. They even have a bus to like take you around the rim (we went to the south rim). It’ll probably go down in my book with the Golden Gate Bridge – just a bridge, right? So the GC is just a big, big hole in the ground right!? Haha I know somebody somewhere thinks I’m insane… I would love to go back though and hike down and raft in the river – that would be amazing. I think you’d get such a better appreciation for its grandeur then… who knows.

So back to vegas we went! Feeling like yoyos we made it just in time to get tickets to go see Mystere with Rhiannon

So… guess I’ll finish=p We all went and saw Circ du soleil which was amazing. That was pretty much the night for us and one of my best memories from Vegas!!

Jo and I had another night which was awesome. A crazy night just light Vegas orders - gambling, drinking, free shows, crazy servers, weird experiences! It was really nice and a great way to celebrate the end of our holiday… and journey!

It was also the last time I partied for awhile. I guess a few of you knew my funds ran dry between Coachella and Vegas somewhere! Not bad I think. Did a lot really =P But thanks to the credit cards i could fly home, bus out to Jasper and then hibernate until I got paid.

So where am I now?

In the most amazing place I probably will ever live. Without a doubt the scenery I live within is just so amazing that if i take the time to sit back and realise where I am I will never complain.

I don’t think I’ve had time to update ’cause I’ve been forging new friendships, dealing with the lack of over people and settling into a new home, work and play environment! But, I’m pretty happy now.

I’ve got a bunch of great girlfriends. More than I have possibly ever had. I often feel like I’m in hgihschool but thats all okay with me for the moment. but yes, I miss all my ‘boy’ friends super much and the young-ness of the girls around me makes me miss all my beautiful and carefully selected girlfriends! So i think thats why I’ve been pretty homesick. I even considered coming home… but I think you can all go a bit longer without me=)

Anyways… my solution to the homesickness was to keep busy. i hired a car and drove down to Banff and lake louise of the weekend. I went to the Columbian Icefields and spent a night in the Banff Springs which is a STUNNING hotel. I partied with some mates from Big White which was really nice as well… I get super cheap rates ’cause I’m an employee so its good.

I’ve done a few hikes and I’ve seen heaps of Jasper. Been up tramways and seen the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies from afar. but my big excitment happens tomorrow!

I’m out of here for three nights. Hotels every night - Fairmont hotels! We get like 75% discount which is awesome. I’m off to Lake Louise for two and Banff for one. From Lake Louise we’re (my friend Sabrina and I) are off to BC - Kicking Horse - to go white water rafting! HELL YEAH!!! I’m so excited.

I know I’ve probably said it a lot, but again - ticking off another of one of my ‘have to’s’ while in Canada! ohhhh yeah!!! so excited =)

I donty really have a lot to report. My life is much about working and learning my new job. It’s far different from Big White. My professionalism would astound even my mother. My verbiage behind the front desk is quite amazing. It’s not often you here me say ‘no worries’ or ‘cya’. I guess I could argue its wrong, but it’s good for customer service and will help me in my little career that, while travelling, I’m going to keep pursuing.

Dunno who knows either, but my visa came through. That’s right… I’ve got another 12 months here. So excellent. I’ll probably call this home until next Summer now. Hang out and snowboard and chill out during the winter and then I’ll take off to Montreal. I’m pretty keen to learn French while I’m here and make a good name for myself within the Fairmonts. It’s a pretty big decision for me given I am travelling. But, the more time I spend in Canada the more I realise my home might just become Canada! And, I haven’t even got to Europe!

My lovely mummies coming to seeme in September so if you have any gifts or anything to send (hahaha) send him to her place!! Nah, it’ll be soooo good to get a big hug from someone you know cares! Not something you get a lot travelling… and not in seasonal work environments. So that’ll be crazy! Got a week in Victoria (Van. Island) planned with her too !! And it’s really exciting.

I’m also contemplating going to Chicago for a three day festival, but I can’t get anyone to come with me…. we’ll see =)

I’m off to Edmonton for a weekend at the end of June to… so my road trips are back up and running!

Hope everyones safe, happy and not too cold in the winter of Australia (it’s hilarious to think your in winter, it still feels like winter here somedays!!)

love you all. miss you too. be safe!

Amy

xooxx

It has been awhile I know… I’m almost feeling too lazy to even bother writing about my latest adventures!

Currently situated in Vancouver, back at my mums friends place with Jo. I’m havin’ a lazy, lazy day which feels so good. Watching tele, doing washing, sleeping and not a lot more! Yay! It’s been so long since I’ve done this… can’t remember when the last time was – ages prior to leaving Big White.

Hopefully, I’ll get a few more restful days in before this months over =)

Anyway… After Seattle, which was amazing! We travelled via train (26 hours or something) to Sacramento. We both had never really planned to stop there but as the train ride was SO long we thought we’re break it up a bit! In the end I was super glad to have stopped there. It’s the Capital of California – where Arnie works most of the time! We were there on a Sunday so it was a bit strange – the city was sooooo dead. We stayed in the most beautiful hostel I think I’ve ever stayed in. It was an old mansion that they had renovated and kept in pristine order! We were the only people in the hostel other than one huge group of Republicans from all over California. So it was a strange but nice experience! I went to Capitol Hill and we had a tour of the building which was wicked. The lady who did our tour was quite hilarious as she had some very strong viewpoints on politics in the US and wasn’t afraid to make them known hahaha… good times.

So the next day we were back on the train. The train rides were really nice and quite beautiful at times. We went through the mountains, and even saw some snow, on our way to Sacramento. We always got them quite early (like 5am) so it was interesting and nice way to see in the mornings, but it did mean we had quite a lack of sleep. Anyway, we spent all day on the train and bus and arrived in Santa Barbara about 430pmish.

Santa Barbara was amazing. The houses were just like you would imagine. Mediterranean massive places settled upon the hills looking over the beach. It was so cool. The bus ride took us through Saint Louis Obispo… which was the most lovely place I’d probably seen since heading down the coast. We were lucky as it even stopped at the University of California there and it was interesting to see. I think this was the first stage we looked out the window and were like ‘THEY’RE WEARING THONGS! AND SHORTS! AND SINGLETS!’ The bus was freeeeezing so it’s hard to imagine the lovely weather!

We spent just one night in SB and hired a little two person bike thing to cycle along the beach. We saw quite a few typical situations – volleyball on the beach, rollerbladers on the sidewalk and lots of plush cars driving by =p It was quite the ‘California dreaming’ stereotype’ and wasn’t the last time we found ourselves in that situation!

So… next stop was Disneyland. We caught the train all the way to Anaheim and then taxi to the magical kingdom! Now, some people had told me that I was crazy to go at such an ‘old’ age! But, it was soooo wicked! I had the best time! We went to both parks – they have a new-ish one called California now – and it was just incredible. I went on scary roller coasters that I never thought I’d go on =P And did silly things like meet Mary Poppins!!! How coooool is that people – I met Mary Poppins!!!

After a day in Disneyland we headed back to Hollywood where we met up with a the people I was heading out to Coachella with. (Kiwi, Andy and Michael). The boys had been in San Fran so we had a chilled night catching up with all the Goss and ridiculous situations that three guys seem to get themselves into!

Next day was Hollywood, LA time. As we only had a day we did a bus tour of LA, Hollywood, Santa Monica/Venice Beach etc. The dude who was a tour guide was a real twat and at times I wanted to slap him around the head. But, ah well, you get that ey? He took us around Hollywood, up to the sign, to the beach – including Venice beach muscle beach, around sunset strip and rodeo drive. He also took us to all these houses – that were supposedly the houses of stars. Not too sure if I believe him, but either way it sort of rubbed me the wrong way =/ I don’t think you should encourage such star spotting. He seemed to think that the stars don’t mind the ‘fans’ just the paparazzi! Whatever…

So… the next day was Anzac Day! Hurrah! I parted ways with Jo (☹) and headed out to Indio with the boys. What a bloody disaster I tell you! We got to the Hollywood Greyhound Station and everyman, woman, cousin and dog was there waiting to get on a bus! Ba bawm! Luckily, we got on the bus and made it to LA. But, not before the other ten thousand people got there. So, like good little people we stood in line and waited, and waited. We missed one bus and got another so it wasn’t too bad. I suspect some people were still there hours and hours later…

Luckily, the lovely bus driver decided that he’d take us all the way to Coachella. The stop is quite a hike from the festival and it was SO HOT. Like high 90*F (this didn’t change either). So we hit the campground about 4:30pm and up our tents went!

So… the first night was pretty lax. Didn’t do a lot. We did realise however that beer cost $7 – that’s $7US folks. You do the conversion. It’s a complete rip! And this was INSIDE the campground. We could only imagine what it would cost inside the event. We also noticed that security barely padded us down and that we’d have a high chance of getting beer in for the evening! So begun the stealth mission of sneaking beer in – along with water and a bunch of food. We were allowed water etc just not the alcohol.

We succeed – like any good Australian…

We had a quiet-ish night and got to know our neighbours the first night. We had a foursome of Canadians on one side and a heap of Irish on the other! It was a really international crowd – quite exciting really =)

Friday morning we woke up an early 7:00am. Uh yes, the joy of tenting I guess. The sun was up and so were we …. And the rest of the campground. The heat was already beaming down and was easily in the high 30’s. Oh dear…!!! This is when we realised there was ZERO shade. No tree’s and no tents big enough to give us anything. So we sat about sculling water and chillin’. We went into the event about 2pm that day and by midnight we were all exhausted. The heat seriously takes it out of you!!!! But, we saw Artic Monkeys, Bjork, DJ Shadow, Interpol, Peeping Tom (amazing), Stephen Marley, a bit of Peaches and a bit of heaps of others…

So… Saturday, 7am. Wakey wakey! Now we got clever! We went to the shops down the road (one girl had a car) and bought like 3 cases of water, 2 cases of beer, 1 litre of a range of liqueurs and enjoyed the air con of the shops while doing it =) So, this time we set off into the concert later – about 5pmish. Vodka in tow and lots of water had been downed prior to entering. We had also bought an umbrella cheap to give us some shade. It would have been quite amusing to watch the five of us move around this thing all day as the shade moved. We also hung out in this covered area they called a bar for a little while and I had an in-depth discussion with one of our Irish neighbours about the state of Irish politics and the feminist movement!! Amazing…

Again, another star filled line-up meant there was a bit of running about! Managed to catch all the Chilli’s – who were down right fantastic. I swarmed into the pit for about three songs but after way to much touching, pushing, kicking, falling and sweating we moved back to enjoy the warm but cool feeling breeze on our sweaty backs! I also saw some of Arcade Fire and a heap of others… they all blur now=)

Sunday was cool. We knew what was going on, and how to handle it all. I missed Lupe Fiasco, unfortunately, as he was on sooo early and the heat would’ve killed me by the time Rage were on. And it was a HUGE DAY line-up wise. In no order I saw… Pendulum, Placebo, Air, Crowded House (sooooo freaken good), RATM (not as good as hoped), the roots (fantastic!!) and heaps more. I also saw Kings of Leon over the weekend who were also really good.

So there you have it. That was Coachella. Next story starts with the sweltering heat, a major three-day hangover and a broken car in the desert outside of Arizona… but I’ll leave you all in suspense ey?

Meanwhile, I hear the eagles are still the kings of AFL. My life is going back to saving as I’m literally on my last $35 Canadian until I get paid next. Oh life is good hahaha.

Oh, and my flights got changed. I was meant to be flying home on may 25th. Its now October 18th…. So maybe I’ll make it home for a birthday bash? Probably not… but I’ll keep you all wondering =P

Love ya, miss ya, will get some emails sent sooon….. I’m still so exhausted..

Xoxoxo peace

So! Now I’m sitting in a Seattle hostel =)

We arrived yesterday afternoon by bus from Vancouver! (After having a couple nights in Whistler). Mum’s friends were wonderful to us in Vancouver and are looking after all our snow gear which is just so, so helpful!! (I’m travelling with Jo for all those that don’t know)

So last night we went up the Space Needle which is like Seattles most well known landmark (and quite possibly its ONLY real landmark). Then, we went a meet some Big White friends and caught up for one final drink!! So that was pretty nice =)

Today we had a super, super filled day! But, it was great=) We’ve been walking around everywhere which is also nice as it feels really good to get out in the fresh air and wonder about a different city!

So we headed off to do this ‘Duck Tour’ which is pretty cute and the host is totally funny! Basically, it took us on a tour around the city and then they also take you in the water (Lake Washington) which was really, really lovely =)

After that we hit the Experience Music Project. I guess, as most of you probably know, Seattle has a huge music history and this has grown out of that history. It was really interesting, There’s a whole section about Disney and Jimi Hendrix and Hip Hop! And Grunge! And everything! It’s really quite cool.

Afterwards we headed back for a couple extra layers. Unfortunately, although the sun has been shining and I’ve had my short sleeves out and my wicked black thongs and light cardy, it’s been quite cold =(

So!!! Then we hit Safeco Stadium! AMAZING! We sat right behind the home base and watched a real, live, Major League Baseball Game!! Seattle Mariners v. Minnesota Twins! The Mariners lost (boo) but it was so, so cool! And it was wicked experience =)

Unfortunately, the art museum is closed so we wont be able to go there =( But we’ve got PLENTY of plans for our second and final day in Seattle tomorrow. It’s a really really clean city compared to San Fran, but so far I think I prefer San Fran =)

Saturday we’re off to Sacramento (30hours on a train!!!).

Hope all is well!
xooxoxx

I’m up here on the mountain until Saturday morning and then I’m off to Whistler!! Weee!! With three of my girlfriends so that should be wicked =) WE’re just there for two nights/days but it’ll be a nice way to end all the winter season off!

As of April 18th I’ll be hitting the US until May! Woohoo!! Coachella here I come =) So, I wont have the net and you’ll have to survive without me (Mum, you will be okay.) I’ll try to send some love from a net cafe somewhere! I’m catching the train down the coastline so it’ll be a really amazing journey! Topped off with a trip to disneyland, santa barbara, hollywood, vegas and then the canyon! OH my! I’m quite excited =)
So i hope the weathers still warm in Aus. It’s quite lovely listening to the snow melt - and its melting quite fast at the moment!! But the sun is always out =)

I’ve been out about four or five days now and it’s really great! I love it! I learnt how to turn today and I’m getting better so its really fun=) We’ve had lovely, lovely, sunny days! People are getting burnt and stuff - crazy!!!

Not long now till its all over. Hill closes on April 9th!

Peace!
xox

oh and GO THE EAGLES!!!!!!