The Grandest Source

Am I in Italy? Isn't that the Colosseum? Nope, just seems I'm at the Van (Central) Public Library

Yep, that is what I thought - a darn impressive place to store... books. But then, in the same breath, there could be nowhere more fitting actually. Knowledge is what built this place, and by that I mean, Israeli architect Moshe Safdie and his team must have poured countless hours into their research and meticulous design in order to produce this Colosseum-like monster. A building that not only won public confidence when considered, but was built in the early to mid nineties to critical aplomb.

The VPL (Vancouver Public Library) is simply a fantastic resource, especially for any recent IEC visitor who is about to settle down in the city. It is a great place to check papers for job listings, to look for inspiration in some of the 1.2 million books, dust up your resume, or to use the computer stations or free wi-fi available to check your Facebook, naturally! The housed collection is spread out liberally over seven floors, and has some stunning views that you find yourself gazing aimlessly out at - although these seats are the ones that are seemingly always taken by locals in the know, I presume!

If you are in Van for a while though, and have a permanent address then I suggest you join up. It's free, which is always a bonus, and they let you take out a fair amount at a time, with about a month lease. What's more, it is worth checking the notice boards within for readings and other literary events taking place, as the library has a fairly lively roster of things to get involved with. Most importantly, where there is a mass of books, food must be near by. Thankfully, coffee shops line the entrance atrium where you can purchase that essential study snack.

Good Greek

Need your fix of Greek grub? Apparently you may have to wait a while... 

Discovering a new city through its culinary provision is THE BEST! (ensuring you haven't already been on Yelp) Food wise, you come with no preconceptions about anywhere, except with the knowledge that if the place is a Greek restaurant, you're pretty sure it will serve olives and feta. Nothing unsurprising there. However, it is great when a place surprises you, just like Stepho's did. Authentic, wholesome eating in the heart of Vancouver.

Off twenty-odd years experience, this taverna is not only homely and comfortable, but very friendly and familiar. It may look a bit tired from the outside, decor wise, but if anything that adds to its Hellenic charm. It's sat in a very busy restaurant district, along Davie St, and I can see how you would need to stand out to stay afloat - catching a waft of the roasted lamb, as I walked past, drew me in! That and the fact that if there is a long line-up outside it means it is probably worth the wait...

Once through the door you are greeted and seated by the most welcoming of staff. It has a cosy ambience. Exposed wood, clay tiles, and plenty of harmonious traditional music. The menu is extremely budget friendly, and includes all the Greek faves, think dolmathes, youvetsi, and baklava for desert. I was extremely pleased with my lamb souvlaki served with a zingy tzatiki, spanakopita and greek salad. What's more, it only cost 20 bucks - incredible value for money, and a warm feeling of fullness on leaving.

Craig And His Infamous List...

Craiglist is equally famous for its 'best of' advertisements too!

The title to this post sounds like the making of a spoof Harry Potter movie. But seriously, what is all this hot air about Craigslist. I mean, I had heard of the site whilst back in the UK, played around with it a bit and quickly got the impression that it is more commonly used in and around cities for sharing classified ads, but in Vancouver (and North America generally for that matter) this site is huge.

The brainchild of Craig Newmark - since arriving in Van I have spent a fair amount of time on this site, as it is a primary port of call for gaining employement (and had I not been with my girlfriend, I probably would have been looking for accomodation on here too!) The site is easy to navigate around, and has this tag line of info that draws you in depending on the certain words that you are looking for!

What's more, after getting fed up with the mundane job searching, you can always dip into the hilarious 'best of' Craiglist ads too, which is a killer way to pass some time, as the nice little story above demonstrates. My experience of the site is so far so good. I haven't had any luck with getting a job (despite applying to loads) but I have managed to purchase a really decent road bike, and make a new friend to go riding with in the process!

You just have to simply reply to the email address provided at the top of any advertisement, and the rest is up to the person that you notified with your interest. Then they will come back to you with more details, an offer, etc.

By The Sea

White Rock - where the sun is always shining!

The past couple of days I have been out in the 'burbs', discovering some parts of Greater Vancouver. My girlfriend descends from Surrey, which is situated more or less at the end of the Expo Line. Unlike Surrey (UK), this version boasts quite a large East Indian population, and has many malls and large expanses of farmland, and far less private schools full to the brim with spoilt kids installed with the statutory toff accents!

Coming out of Surrey Central, you soon realize this area is where people choose to build a family. Lots of primary and secondary schools, open spaces, no sidewalks, and large MTV Cribs style houses/mansions. It is a really nice area, although I have been reliably informed that Surrey does have a grizzly underbelly too - like anywhere really?! 

Anyway, it wasn't Surrey that I wanted to write about. Just 20 minutes away is not only the mighty US of A, but a stunning little seaside town (although I understand that it is actually a city?) called White Rock. It is so named after a very large white boulder that sits on the shoreline - apparently a glacial erratic from the last ice age. It is so large and vibrant that it has often been used a point of reference for navigators, including good ol' Cpt. George himself! 

My goodness is it steep when trying to slowly manoeuvre your car down into a parking space towards the general promenade area. That brings me to the incredible view that such a gradient provides. Looking out over Semiahmoo Bay, this is an area that is known for staying vibrantly sunny, which it was. Looking back inland there was no hesitation that the grey skies only meant one thing, that rain was bucketing down. 

As my girlfriend and I ambled down the pier, taking in the sea air, and noticing the clanging from the masts of the boats moving in the wind, I asked the obvious question when at the seaside... is there a good fish and chip shop? 

Not expecting anything special, as y'know, the idea of fish and chips in Canada is like trying to find the best salmon in the Humber Estuary. We walked alongside the railway tracks, that I understand are still used for goods transportation to the States, and ended up at the Moby Dick Seafood Restaurant. Boy was I in for a shock!

You go inside, a highly accredited establishment since 1975 (due to the countless 'Best Eat' stickers plastered on the door), and the place has a warm feel to it. Lined with pictures of famous celebs and sports stars (hockey players mainly) you get to the counter and are greeted in a friendly, wholesome manner. We ordered 2 pieces of lingcod and some crumbed oysters, which we decided to take away and eat at a bench whilst the sun went down.

That was some of the best fish I have ever had. Evident too by the amount of seagulls that were lurking to wait for us to drop some. What's noticeable is the lightness of the batter. Usually you feel so sluggish after eating an inch think of stodgy batter, but this was light and had a sweet beer taste - served with a great, fresh tartare sauce. What's more, when you order 2 bits, you get three, order 3, get 4 etc.

After our snack, we strolled back along the road, eyeing up the best of the seafront properties, and sucked in the last of what is a undeniably stunning view. The only down side is the brutal hill start that you have to try and coax all the horses out of your cars engine to drag you up the steep hills! We will definitely be back here in the Summer.

Staying Right

You will see these cool leaf imprints on the sidewalks around Yaletown

This may seem a bit of an odd post to be getting into, but being English (where everything is done on the left) you can perhaps start to empathise with my concerns. Basically, I find myself occassionally walking into people here in Vancouver, not because I am mad, but I have come to the conclusion that this happens because I am just overly English (in some respects!) I mean even when I was in India last year, there is still evidence of a colonial hangover, as I had no worries freely veering to the left-hand side of the (not very exsistent) pavement, or driving on the left-hand side of the roads in Goa, as this was something that was not changed in the wake of Indian Independance.

In Commonwealth Canada however, it is a different ball game altogether. I walk around downtown with my girlfriend, and she is constantly dragging me over to the right-hand side of the sidewalk. Additionally, and somewhat scarily, should you have a current UK driving license, you are actually allowed to drive in Canada for upto six months from your time of arrival - cruising on the freeway wouldn't be so bad, but driving within a city, no thanks! I think the remedy for this little quirk that I have discovered is to just keep practising, right, and if worst comes to worst, just apologize in your best British accent!

How I Spent Friday Night

Every gamers fantasy??

Yep, turns out that seeing is believing! My busy week of sitting around the apartment, watching crappy movies, and (eagerly) waiting for my girlfriend to finish to work, culminated in this awesome show that we went to see at the Legion on Commercial Drive. I heard that this was going to be a pretty big night, with some 400 hundred tickets available and word going about that they had all sold out in advance!

As we turned up to the venue it became increasingly apparent that this was the hot ticket in town, as the line up started to snake around the side of the building. Once we got stamped, with a little Blinky, you entered through the doors to find a whole host of cool stuff to get you in the mood before the show started. There was a SNES with Mario being played - projected on the wall, a photo booth area, a DJ playing video game related theme songs, stalls selling quirky items, not to mention some really great cupcakes, which was all nicely washed down by the obligatory cheap beer available at the bar!

Having never attended an event like this before, I was a tad apprehensive before the entertainment began... What's more, a picture of the Queen was hanging just above the stage. I am sitting there thinking, 'I wonder what she would make of all this!'

First things first, whooping, vulgar language, and inappropriate comments are all encouraged, as the MC proudly announced before the curtain was raised! Right, lets go! Tetris began proceedings, with giant glittered blocks protecting the ladies modesty until they were joyfully tossed off stage revealing all! Appearances from strip Sonic, and the stereotypical Japanese teen playing on the famed dance mat to... classic jazz music all made up a great first half of performances!

After the break appearances from Zelda, Spyro, Lara Croft, all introduced by a Stephen Hawking style vocoder, and all getting down to their undies and pasties, were excellent. The climax of the night was a Mario skit that resulted in the gang-banging of poor, lovable Peach! I remember at one point during the night I went back up to the bar to get some more beer, and the guy at the bar said, 'Hey, how are you enjoying the night?' to which I replied, 'What's there not to like, there's tits and beer!'

The VanDolls sure put on one hell of a show! It is obvious just how much effort must have gone into putting on the night. I was informed that mostly all the costumes and props that violently torn off are all hand made, and the routines are self-choreographed, tirelessly stepped out and practiced. All in all, a great night for just $15. After the show, the audience willingly ushered all the chairs to the side and enjoyed the disco that ensued!

G A M E - O V E R

Save On Meats

Find the brilliant Save On Meats at 43 West Hastings

Enough of all this talk about paperwork. Time to get back to experiencing more of what Van has to offer. Somewhat strangely it has been blindingly sunny in the earlier part of the week, which has been glorious. Due to the sun I have been hitting the pavement hard and exploring new spots around the city. I ventured off down into Gastown, an area easily defined by its brick streets, boutique shopping, and enterprising restaurants, bars and sandwich shops. I understand that historically this area hasn't always been that desirable with the seedier aspects a bit further east!

Anyhow, it was here that I found this awesome diner, Save On Meats. It originally opened in 1957, but has only re-opened recently after being closed since 2009. The place was packed when I strolled past the window (always a good pointer) so I thought I would grab a bite to eat - plus there are some sweet neon signs that (almost forcibly) guide you in! Straight through the door you notice a stunning jukebox belting out 70s and 80s classics. A typical diner bar lines one side of the joint with booth seating the other side, all dressed in retro brown vinyl with plenty of exposed brick.

Now to get in to the food. They have a really well planned menu, catering for all levels of hunger. Whether it is a snack or a hearty meal, your needs will be met. I went for the classic burger (only $6) with a root beer float to wash it down. Quality for mega value. I will definitely be going back to try more! Attention to detail is what makes this place. The graphics are quirky and clichéd, but that is what you want from a diner. What's more, it was on leaving that I realized there is an adjoining butchery and deli counter, with a take-away sandwich counter in between. Great!

About My Visa

Welcome to Canada!

Now that I have my visa and am here in Vancouver, I thought that I would share with you guys how the process went for me - might be of some help! I set about on applying for my IEC working holiday visa the day that the 2012 application process was opened in late December 2011. I already had my police check certificate (ACPO) in hand, so that took a great deal of time/waiting out of the equation. With regards to form-filling, I just followed the instructions provided in order to make sure what I punched in was accurate and got processed first time around (be wary to have the most recent version of Adobe on your computer, as these forms are smart-forms meaning that after you have entered your details a barcode will then be assigned to the form). Be sure to keep copies of all the electronic forms too - you will need to send them (again!) to the Canadian Embassy later in the process. Read the Step-by-Step Application guide and the FAQs if you are still fumbling around with this stage!

So, after getting all the relevant paperwork, photographs, and certificates etc, I sent them off via Royal Mail (signed for delivery) and within 48 hours had received notification that my visa application was now 'in the process' so to speak - this was January 4th. By Jan 10th I was emailed stating that, 'We are pleased to inform you that your application to the International Experience Canada (IEC) 2012 Canada-United Kingdom Working Holiday initiative meets the criteria and has been conditionally accepted'. It was at this point that I had then had to organize paying ninety pounds (GBP) via electronic transfer to the bank account that the Canadian Embassy provide. I duly did this within the next 24 hours. I went in to my branch to transfer the funds - they did this for free and at no cost to me! Result! And by January 12th it had been confirmed that my payment had been received. All good - very efficient!

After a couple of quick days progress, I then had to wait until January 17th for any further news. It was well worth the wait though as it was on this day that I was told:

'We are pleased to inform you that your application meets the International Experience Canada (IEC) criteria. Today we transferred your file to the Visa Section at the High Commission of Canada to the United Kingdom for the second phase of the evaluation. If your application is approved, you will receive a Letter of Introduction by email to the address that you provided on your application form'.

Great, by this point I am all go for Canada! The next day I received the email regarding the 'medical examination'. I chose to ignore this email (as it states) as I am not wanting to work within the employment fields that this requires. If you do need a medical you need to reply to that email within five working days. It was at this point that I then started to scout out the best travel insurance that would cover me for the next twelve to thirteen months. ACE Traveller offer the best deals with a pretty decent package for the lengths of time mentioned - and all for under two hundred quid! Bargain!

Waiting, waiting... Just waiting around for the final Letter of Introduction. Arrr! Then bang, on the 26th January I was emailed stating, (the words we all want to hear) 'Your application to study or work in Canada has been approved'. YES, YES!! Good job too, as my flight was a few days later. I then spent the last few days before leaving chilling out, packing up my stuff (being sure to pack sensibly - i.e. bringing a suit for interviews) and purchased my travel insurance at the last minute in order to ensure the maximum length of time on the policy. I entered Canada at Toronto airport (February 1st), which was all good, bar a few interrogatory questions from the Immigration Officer. At this point the correct stamps and papers are stapled in to your passport (if lost this can be replaced for the cost of thirty Canadian dollars). Then speedily hurried to catch my connecting flight to Vancouver!

Once in the country, the next day I headed to the nearest Service Canada office to get my SIN number (they tell you do this at Immigration) - the nearest one in Vancouver is downtown at the Sinclair Centre. You need to get to one of these offices asap after landing as the SIN number you are issued is like your National Insurance number that you get in the UK - it allows you to work (you need a valid address to show them as they send you a card within 2-3 weeks).

After all this I would say that you are good to go! Bit of a long winded process, but not that bad as long as you follow the instructions that are given. I am here now in Vancouver, and am now tirelessly applying for jobs. Not long until some interviews, I hope! As for Vancouver, my goodness it is beautiful!

Vacant / Vacation

Right, sorry for going a bit AWOL, I suppose it is now time to get things back to normal a bit. I have just got back from spending just under two weeks in sunny - lounging on the beach at a constant 27ºc - Mexico (I know, a bit of an overindulgence since only just moving to Van!) After a bit of jet-lag/post-holiday blues I reckon I am settling back in to City life pretty nicely. Visa worries are a thing of the past now too, as whilst I was away I got my IEC working holiday visa acceptance letter. Beyond happy does not even begin to cut it, and it made getting back in to Canada (at Toronto) so much easier - even if there was a bit of classic cross-airport sprint action to catch my connecting flight!

Oh Canada!

Phnom Penh, Vancouver. We had dinner here Thursday evening. 

Touch down YVR. It is now Saturday (I landed on Thursday morning) and I now feel that I am compos mentis, and steadily getting with the programme here in Vancouver. I am sitting typing whilst watching the Canucks game against San Jose, so you could say that I am a fully fledged Canadian already!

I will just run through the past couple of days. I spent much of Thursday in bed, after Krista met me at the airport and lovingly guided me back, in full zombie state, on the SkyTrain back downtown. After getting showered and doing some much needed general arranging we headed out to dinner. 

First up. We went to Phnom Penh in Chinatown where we had a great meal of butter beef, which had great zingy acidic taste, along side a pounds worth of their famous chicken wings. Dinner was great, just what I needed. However, the weather, not so much. -7 degrees downtown was a considerable shock, coming from what has been a very, very mild Winter back in the UK.

After another prolonged rest (13 hours) we decided to finally leave the warmth of the apartment yesterday. This time it wasn't the cold so much, but the driving rain that we were up against. To compensate for the disappointment with the elements we headed to the American Cheesesteak Co. on Davie. Oh boy! Do they know how to make a sandwich. Splitting a Cowboy between the two of us was more than enough. How you deal with sides on top of all that meat I don't know... Needless to say we took a stroll around soggy Vancouver to try and walk it off before dinner. 

Heading up the trio of Van eateries that we hit-up in under 24 hours was Maenam. As part of Dine Out Vancouver, we decided to go and try their fare - serving innovative Thai dishes with big flavour. They did a great job of turning around tables in the hour and a half slots promised. Great service and attention to detail did not go unnoticed. The surroundings within the restaurant are stylish, sophisticated and intimate, which make for a personal dining experience. Food wise, the steamed mussels and seared tuna salad were fresh and flavoursome, whilst the penang curried beef was creamy, rich and tender. 

All in all, a crazy couple of days food wise. At home, in the UK, not much can beat what my mum rustles up in the kitchen. I couldn't be much further from home-cooking at the minute so it's awesome that with these three meals, all so different, they delivered the same result, a very happy and full stomach.

Essential Reading

I feel that these books are very important additions to a Vancouverites bookshelf

The day has come. At 5pm this afternoon the time had come to clear my desk at ExaClair Ltd, my employer for the past eight months. I started there pretty much as soon as got back from India last year, and it was certainly an emotional farewell. It is rare to work in a place where you have such a strong rapport with the colleagues you deal with on a daily basis - you have all been great to me! (Those who find this :p)

I am now extremely excited to get the flight out the way. A nice 8 hours with Air Transat, an airline that confirms that air travel could NOT be made any cheaper. I see many failed attempts at trying to sleep, and a meal that wants to have something pretending to be chicken at its centre piece, but actually has more of a resemblance to a slab of wet rubber. Not that I am complaining or anything.

One thing flights are good for though... Reading! Here are two books that I feel are truly key reading for someone who is about set off to live amongst the jet set marina dwellers that dock their yachts and such like along False Creek. At least with Reeds Maritime Flag Handbook I will be able to recognize whether someone is from La Société Nautique de Genève or whether lifejackets have to be worn!

Wolfgang Tillmans: Migration

Left A picture taken from Tillmans book Concorde Right The man himself

Before we start, Wolfgang Tillmans is one of my favourite photographers/artists full stop. Although he produces really engaging pieces that delve into the abstract, it is his more contemparary observational photgraphic work that interests me, as he exploratively interacts and comments on society, politics, travel and culture, to name just a few areas that have entered his focus.

From the standpoint of being a German born artist currently living and working in London (UK), and having travelled the World extensively, his view on migration is one that I find of particular interest. My travel experiences are not quite so far reaching to date, but having spent four months away from home last year, I can relate to his opinion, that being:

'One aspect I like about being a migrant is that you can escape the things that you don't like about your home country. At the same time, you can detach yourself from the negative characteristics of your host country as they don't really touch you as deeply. I don't think most migrants are aware of that psychology coming into play before they actually take the step. It's not a motivation - well, for me it wasn't - but it can turn out to have a powerful and very liberating effect.'

As I am about to embark on my first year of being a working holiday migrant to Canada, I will bear this in mind when watching the news or when reading the paper. Detachment must be one of the main ways of coping when adjusting to living in a new country, and you view a country in a fresh way that a home citizen may not. With that said, I wonder at what point it will be that issues within the host country then become personal, evoking reaction and care. A year? Two years? Perhaps never?
  

Say It With A Cap

One of many great novelty hats from http://www.zazzle.co.uk/

The internet is a truly bizarre place. The last thing that I thought would be turning up on my doorstep would be a box containing this little beauty. From my lovely girlfriend, of course, we discovered a website that deals in the ultimate range of personalised... well, personalised anything really. T-shirts, caps, invitations, artwork, you name it and I am pretty sure they do it. By the looks of it, there is hell of a lot of love for Canada on there too.

If you are ever struggling for gift idea, look no further. My mesh cap is certainly built to last, although I haven't yet decided whether wearing it down the street is cutely endearing or utterly barffable. Maybe my girlfriend and I will just keep this one between us. I love it. Definitely one of the best things the postman has delivered!

Bike Love

Some great action shots over Lions Gate bridge of the Gran Fondo event from Van to Whistler

I admit, it is a massive wrench to be leaving my trusty road bike back in the UK. Not only have I completed some great charity rides on it, but it has been my main hobby for the past couple of years. The freeness that it allows you is unparralled. I love being able to get home from work, get on the bike, and pedal out into the fresh countryside and explore the coastal landscape that I currently cruise around.

Fortunately there is avid bike scene in Vancouver too, so all is very much not lost. If it's not the trendy kids on Commercial Drive on their fixies, then it is the lycra-clad keeno's that are biking around the city early on Sunday mornings that are the heartbeat of bicycle riding here. What's more, Van is very cycle friendly, as there are a good amount of cycle lanes downtown, and the seawall that you can always use at leisure.

What has grasped my attention though is the Gran Fondo event that takes place, starting out from Vancouver, with the finish line all the way up in Whistler! I love the idea of a nice punishing ride, and with the 2012 edition taking place on September 8th this year, I have a perfect goal to start training for.

The route is 122km from start to end, and takes in all the stunning scenery along the 'Sea to Sky' highway. This self-dubbed 'big ride' event takes in some steep climbs and fast descents - sure to be a huge challenge, but one that I am more than up for! I will have to find a nice new bike to undertake this one!

Posting Cards



They say that variety is the spice of life!

It is fair to say that this past year, I have ended up sending a great deal of paper on the 4,500 mile trip from King's Lynn to Vancouver, albeit quite reasonably too (thanks Royal Mail). Equally, I have received my fair share of postcards, notes and doses of much appreciated thoughtfulness too.

What's interesting is the how a city/state/country portrays itself. I mean I have accumulated a nice picture of a stereotypical 'Mountie' posing in front of a idyllic azure blue Canadian lake with some thunderous mountains looming, there are a couple of stunning cityscapes of Vancouver (one of which is a glowingly lit night shot), whilst an interesting illustration of the Vancouver Public Library highlights all of its architectural splendor.

I think there is something wonderfully archaic about sending these cards to family and friends. One thing I noticed whilst walking through Gastown last October was the abundance of tourist shops and side-stalls selling maple syrup and fridge magnets amongst other miscellany. I mean its completely understandable with the sheer volume of people visiting, especially with all the holidayers that stop off, departing from their cruise liners for half a day. 

All these images travel the World over, and drop on doorsteps or are shoved in mail boxes. Acting like min advertisements. For me, the first images of Vancouver and B.C. instantly grabbed my attention. Being from an extremely flat part of  the England, seeing the mountains really is believing. If that dream of visiting Van is ignited from that view on a solitary card, well, great - making the trip is a must!

First BIG Step

Today: My visa has officially entered the assessment process!

Waiting. I have done a lot of waiting over the past few months. Mainly because when I got back from India last Summer I had little time to get my visa application sorted out to come over to Canada. Firstly, I didn't know that there was a quota of how many British are accepted this year. Secondly, it turned out that by the time I had all the relevant paperwork, photocopies and a police check certificate (stupid really, as I didn't even get a detention through my entire time at High School) I had run out of time. Full up for 2011. Noooo!! Who knew that Canada is such a popular place to go, eh?!

Anyway, after the disappointment of not getting a visa for 2011, the opening date for the IEC Working Holiday Visa programme for 2012 was the main thing on my mind. I must have registered for the update e-mails from the government webpage at least ten times. Thankfully, just before Christmas the new window, with over 5000 places, was opened. I guess there really is a Father Christmas after all.

It's today though that really has made working in Canada more of a reality. In my lunch hour at work I finally got the news that I had been waiting for, as I was sent a notification that my application documents are now in 'the system' - waiting to be accepted, all being well. Although I am currently uncertain what sort of a job that I will get at the minute, the forthcoming prospects excite me! Working in India was fun, chaotic fun. Vancouver is going to offer something totally different. I can't wait.

Happy New Year

Wish I had been in Van to celebrate moving in to 2012!!

Out with the old, in with the NEW! New Years is often considered to be quite a disappointment in most peoples circumstances. I for one had no real plans, but ended up spending it with good friends, house-party style, in Norwich, England. It is funny as a lot of the people who made it I went to school with, yet rarely do we get the chance to see eachother throughout the year, as everyone is always so busy, myself included!

2011 was a great year for me. Not only did I spend four amazing months volunteering and travelling in India, there I met my beautiful Vancouverite girlfriend, who I then came over to visit last Autumn, which has now led to my subsequent 2012 plans to move over in just under three weeks! So excited!

Anyway, needless to say, a great deal of New Years was spent actually telling my friends about my plans as many of them were oblivious to what I had been getting up to. I have already been dishing out invites to everyone saying they must come over and visit once I have settled, and when they can! A lad was saying how that he had been looking into doing the same thing - ski bum up at Whistler, his ultimate goal.