I’m a big lover of pho (Vietnamese rice noodle soup!) just tried a new place real close to home… Wasn’t too bad! Was funny watching mum try to eat it though:) I guess it is a bit tricky to master…. Mmmm

I was hanging out in Freo again this weekend for the festival. Awesome work by some artists – Reboot is pretty well known around Fremantle. I love this work as well. The other artists were awesome as well. Such a nice day for it.

There was also a “wishing well” for people to add their thoughts on the city’s special south terrace! Here’s on suggestion:

It was this girls first time using spray paint. She did the most amazing drawing. I snapped this one for the paper…

Figure I may as well show off my friend cutie-pie pug, James. World, meet James:

Last night was the launch of the Fremantle festival. It was absolutely amazing!

After speaking with Freo artist Ian de Souza about the event a few weeks ago I had a good idea of what it would be like but this was even bigger than I imagined.

Seeing everyone from kids to adults drawing the various things (and there was a lot) happening was so nice!

One councillor told me it was like being back in te Fremantle he fell in love with in the 80s and I can see why!

Hopefully more fun tomorrow as I’m taking my favorite niece and nephew to the kite festival!!!

Was looking through some old work of mine (from Canada) and I found this… man I loved rock climbing! Must go again soon.

NOW, FOR MY NEXT ACT
AMY WILSON-CHAPMAN
June 18, 2009

As the sun beat down on my pale white skin, somewhat unusual for an Aussie, I could feel a large bead of sweat as it slowly made it’s way from underneath my orange peel coloured helmet to the side of my sunglasses and slowly trickle down my face.

My eyes, hidden from a spectator’s view, glanced at the big shiny silver bolt that was nailed (hopefully well) into the rockface in front of me. Trust the mechanics, I told myself.

Unrelenting that day, the sun belted down on my shoulders as they were pulled forward – my hands gripping as tight as they’ve ever gripped before onto the rope in front of them. Again, my eyes led themselves from my hands right up to that shiny bolt. Just hold on, I thought.

My feet, now either side of the rope, were precariously close to the edge for my personal comfort level. “Just take your time Amy,” said Matt Reynolds, mountain climber extraordinaire (in my mind at least) and guide for the day.

I slowly stepped backwards, one little baby step at a time, watching my hands as they worked their way down the rope and away from the trusty bolt.

My mind, on continuous cycle, kept telling me it would be fine.

Looking down, I could see my blue pants starting to flap a little in the wind, as they began to hang over the edge, my feet almost at the end. Slowly, I thought, just take your time.

“Okay, now you’re at the edge. Lean back into the rope,” said Reynolds. I took another look at the knot that kept me and that big, glossy bolt as one – just to make sure the experts got it right.

Cautiously, I began to lean back. It felt like I was leaning into a wall that just wasn’t there – my body curiously wondering when it could release some of the pressure.

I couldn’t do it. My hands quickly worked their way back up the rope, only a few inches, my legs bent at the knees and I stood there, flat footed and, thankfully, still alive.

Mind over matter, trust the mechanics, take your time – these are the thoughts running through my mind, faster than a sprinting runner at the Olympics.

Standing there, I flashed back to early in the winter of 2006 when I sat on my first real chairlift with some buddies. The height, of which I’m petrified, scared me into a panic attack – my eyes welled up and I had no idea how I was ever going to get off the chairlift. My friends, who all think it’s hilarious (which it is, now) always joke about how one friend lost her mitten that day trying to help me.

And, with that thought, I realized: mind over matter – if I can be up in the sky on a chairlift, I can get down this rockface. Simple.

I leaned back, trusted the mechanics and then I felt the rope pull tight as my body sank backwards into the harness. With that one small motion the adrenalin was pumping. What a rush.

Now what do I do, I thought. “There you go, now you can walk down,” said Reynolds, coupled with a few cheers from the spectators. It felt like I’d be standing on the rock face forever, but I suppose it was just a few minutes.

Just like I did with my hands, I took baby steps down the face of Morro Slabs – just east of Jasper – and slowly rappelled my way to the bottom. Amazing, I thought. Honestly, I never thought I’d do anything quite like that, but sometimes, it’s great to prove yourself wrong.

I realized later on, as I hiked along the Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson, that young Jasperites were challenging themselves with this mental and physical challenge at such a young age. It’s an experience that I’ll never forget – my four-hour rock climbing (and rappelling) adventure with the kids from BLAST (Building Leadership and Action in Schools Today) and JACK (Jasper Adventure Club for Kids).

I’m quite envious of those who grew up here in Jasper and got to experience all the challenges that I’m putting before myself nowadays.

So as my summer slowly rolls along, I’m quite excited to build a new favourite pass time (maybe it’s better than snowboarding!) and keep on challenging myself – mentally and physically. Would anyone like to take a newbie rock climbing?

Taken from The Fitzhugh‘s website

Well, today is the day that (apparently) the whole nation stops for a horse race.

I’ll tell you straight up: I stopped, I watched and I wondered why the hell I was watching, but I continued to watch in hope of it getting exciting. Unfortunately, for me, it never did.

So tell me: what’s wrong with me? Why don’t I dig horse racing? I wonder if I missed the point somewhere along the way… or maybe it’s just stupid? I think the latter is probably correct.

After being away in the land of the great north for the last four years, I almost forgot there was such a thing as “Melbourne Cup”. It’s really the Emirates Cup or something stupid, isn’t it?

Given that every person I tried to make plans with today was, attending a lunch or attending a pub or dressing up (stupid hat in tow) and attending some other form of races, I decided to enjoy a day to myself. (Though I did end up working!)

Anyway, I digress. Driving back from Fremantle (enjoying the spectacular sunset) I began to realise WHY it doesn’t appeal to me. Why do I so easily get caught up in the best day of the year: AFL Grand Final Day and why the horse race doesn’t appeal to me.

There’s nothing inclusive about Cup Day. It’s pretty pretentious – I think that’s a fair comment, but tell me if you disagree. Really, even the poshest of posh get OVERLY dressed up to attend a race and walk around on grass (and in the pouring rain this year).

They don’t have a cutesy break in between two races to show off the talent of the youngsters, or do they? It’s not a “team” sport (unless you count the jockey and the billionaire investor)… after the race the media talk to the rich people behind the horse, nobody questions where the horse went, how the horse felt or what will happen to the horse next. (Again, tell me if I’m wrong!)

It just doesn’t feel inclusive. It feels like rich people trying to entice non-rich people to pretend to be rich for the day, spend money they don’t have and pretend to like something they don’t.

But, maybe I’m just crazy… I did win money on the Cup once and I guess I USED to enjoy putting a bet on with my Dad, but that was before I became a well-informed 27-year-old! hah.

What do you like about the Melbourne Cup?

{so i’m really in nyc, i wrote this on the train… i have another installment that i hope to get up tomorrow! as always, this is just something i wrote. it’s what i did – ignore the ‘me thinking out loud’ parts}

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.

I wrote this last night for my own personal records but thought some of you might be interested. I’ll continue on with the next leg of my trip later. I’m in New Brunswick, in a town called St. Andrew’s hanging out with my friend Jo that i met in Jasper over the Summer! It’s so beautiful and really nice to come and relax =) We went to Maine last night and I got my next visa!!! I can work until October 22nd 2008! Oh yeah!

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?

so it really does take me way to long to post. unfortunatley, the girl my whole cabin stole internet from all summer left and we’re not internet-less. so this is a quick update!

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!!)(@#&()!@&#

I feel like making a list! So here’s one about all the things I wanted to do in Canada and have now DONE!

• 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

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