It snowed in Ballarat yesterday, and reached the super toasty temperature of 2 degrees. The snow settled enough to cover all the paddocks and the back garden in about 5cm's of the white stuff. Reminded me alot of the interior of BC covered in snow, and brought memories of Canada flooding back. This is not a one off, it seems to happen for just about anything i do, expecially driving, or sitting in the car when someone else is driving.
It took me about 6 months i think, to get used to cars driving on the right-hand side of the road, and by the time i left, it was second nature, i was completely used to it. It took me all of 6 hours to be used to cars on the left-hand side of the road again. However, every time i turn right, i feel like i should be pulling onto the right-hand side of the road, and it just makes me think for a split second, and then i realise i have to go to the left-hand side of the road.
I quite enjoy that small fraction of a second, makes me remember i was somewhere completely different for long enough for something totally foreign to become habit.
I'm sure in 6 weeks, i will be totally used to right hand turns to the left-hand side of the road again, and the thoughts and the smile i get each time i turn right wont even cross my mind. It's the simple things that amuse us the most.
It's good to be home though, i mean jeez, what is with driving on the wrong side of the road!!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Moving again!
It seems the last few weeks of my life have been constant packing and moving. This time it's moving all my stuff from my parents place, into my place in North Melbourne. This move isn't quite as painful, i'm not leaving all my friends and my life half way round the world, quite exciting actually - to be getting back into the swing of things in Melbourne.
Uni starts again next monday, the 2nd last semester of uni (fingers crossed). Despite the fact that it is uni, and it will be shit, especially compared to my uni experience at UBC, i'm looking forward to be heading into the last part of it. Not long to go. The fact that the end is finally in sight makes it easier.
I'm hopefully going to have time to keep this blog up to scratch, keep in touch with everyone - even if noone reads it! I don't really care if they do or don't, i almost find it relaxing to vent and ramble away on here.
Still in Ballarat at the moment - will slowly make the shift to Melbourne during the week to be installed there by next weekend.
Uni starts again next monday, the 2nd last semester of uni (fingers crossed). Despite the fact that it is uni, and it will be shit, especially compared to my uni experience at UBC, i'm looking forward to be heading into the last part of it. Not long to go. The fact that the end is finally in sight makes it easier.
I'm hopefully going to have time to keep this blog up to scratch, keep in touch with everyone - even if noone reads it! I don't really care if they do or don't, i almost find it relaxing to vent and ramble away on here.
Still in Ballarat at the moment - will slowly make the shift to Melbourne during the week to be installed there by next weekend.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Home
I'm home. Still jet lagged and freezing. It is so cold here compared to a Vancouver summer!
I'm missing Canada already. Always thinking what time it is over there, what my friends would be up to, how much i'd love to be doing something, skim-boarding, sitting on a patio drinking etc.
The plane flight was horrible, i couldn't sleep and the whole time I didn't want to be coming home. So sad to leave my home that was so fantastic for 12 months. I managed somehow to take 60kg of checked luggage, and a guitar when you're only allowed about 40kg and no more that 2 bags, and another nearly 20kg in hand luggage. I must have really sweet talked them at Vancouver airport, it's all a blur, and again at Sydney where i cleared customs.
In some ways, it is great to be home again. To see my family waiting for me at the airport, who i haven't seen for so long was fantastic. I think they were far more excited than I about my homecoming! I'm yet to see my friends again, so when the novelty of seeing the family goes away, there will be another whole bunch of people to catch up with.
I guess now that i'm no longer in Canada, i'll have to change the name of my blog to something relevant and witty. I'm going to keep it going so my friends all over the world can see what i'm up to if they desire. There's always facebook too!
Talk soon.
I'm missing Canada already. Always thinking what time it is over there, what my friends would be up to, how much i'd love to be doing something, skim-boarding, sitting on a patio drinking etc.
The plane flight was horrible, i couldn't sleep and the whole time I didn't want to be coming home. So sad to leave my home that was so fantastic for 12 months. I managed somehow to take 60kg of checked luggage, and a guitar when you're only allowed about 40kg and no more that 2 bags, and another nearly 20kg in hand luggage. I must have really sweet talked them at Vancouver airport, it's all a blur, and again at Sydney where i cleared customs.
In some ways, it is great to be home again. To see my family waiting for me at the airport, who i haven't seen for so long was fantastic. I think they were far more excited than I about my homecoming! I'm yet to see my friends again, so when the novelty of seeing the family goes away, there will be another whole bunch of people to catch up with.
I guess now that i'm no longer in Canada, i'll have to change the name of my blog to something relevant and witty. I'm going to keep it going so my friends all over the world can see what i'm up to if they desire. There's always facebook too!
Talk soon.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Running out of time...
My time in Canada draws rapidly to a close. The last few days have been a blur of packing, partying, hanging out with friends, going to the beach etc etc. I'm finding it quite stressfull, particularly to try and see everyone, or manage the people wanting to hang out with me, some of which want to hang out constantly which isn't possible.
So today, my last full day in Canada will probably be spent searching for a few final gifts (yes very last minute), its sunny out so i'd like to make it to the beach too, and then one final party at the pub tonight, with all my friends hopefully
So today, my last full day in Canada will probably be spent searching for a few final gifts (yes very last minute), its sunny out so i'd like to make it to the beach too, and then one final party at the pub tonight, with all my friends hopefully
Monday, July 02, 2007
Saturday, June 30, 2007
"Nice parks, but no health care"
As Alick and I were walking through Capitol Hill in Seattle, a funky part of town, kinda like brunswick st in Melbourne, we were discussing and comparing the general state of things, Seattle, how we like it, other places in the US, New York City, Vancouver, Canada, Melbourne and Australia - it was a very in-depth and complicated discussion ;) , and Al said to me "Nice parks, but no health care" and that summed up the US quite well. Some things are fantastic while others are really bad.
The last few days in Seattle we went to a Baseball Game, Mariners won 8-7 in the 9th, saw John Butler Trio at the Moore theatre, which, in the past, has played host to well knowns such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains et al., who pioneered 90's music and grunge in the Seattle area. We also visited EMP; a music museum kinda thing which had a history of the guitar gallery, with real guitars from each era and maker which was really cool, a Jimi Hendrix museum, with some of Jimi's guitars, fragments of guitars, clothes, original song notes etc.
It also had a timeline of music progression and history in the pacific north west, which, come the late 80's to 90's was the place to be. All in all a really interesting place.
It also had a sound booth where you can go into sound-proof rooms and play instruments and jam with friends and stuff. I played a real fender strat, and pinched an emp guitar pick. Good momento!
The last few days in Seattle we went to a Baseball Game, Mariners won 8-7 in the 9th, saw John Butler Trio at the Moore theatre, which, in the past, has played host to well knowns such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains et al., who pioneered 90's music and grunge in the Seattle area. We also visited EMP; a music museum kinda thing which had a history of the guitar gallery, with real guitars from each era and maker which was really cool, a Jimi Hendrix museum, with some of Jimi's guitars, fragments of guitars, clothes, original song notes etc.
It also had a timeline of music progression and history in the pacific north west, which, come the late 80's to 90's was the place to be. All in all a really interesting place.
It also had a sound booth where you can go into sound-proof rooms and play instruments and jam with friends and stuff. I played a real fender strat, and pinched an emp guitar pick. Good momento!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Seattle, Starbucks.
I've never seen so many Starbucks in one place. There is almost one on every block, one on every street corner. Granted, it is where it all started for Starbucks, but really for a small city, do that many people drink that much coffee?!
Apart from that Seattle is really cool. Quite a small central downtown, on the water, boats and ferries going all over, a very cruisy city. Lots of seafood, the Pike place market is quite a fun place, especially the fish store with their unique selling style.
Tonight, Baseball. Seattle Mariners Vs Boston Red Socks. Beer, Hot Dogs and Baseball - how much more American can you get!
Apart from that Seattle is really cool. Quite a small central downtown, on the water, boats and ferries going all over, a very cruisy city. Lots of seafood, the Pike place market is quite a fun place, especially the fish store with their unique selling style.
Tonight, Baseball. Seattle Mariners Vs Boston Red Socks. Beer, Hot Dogs and Baseball - how much more American can you get!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
1700+
I just realised that on my little trip through Calgary, the Rockies, Montreal and New York City i took somewhere around 1700 photos! Bit trigger happy perhaps! I'll try put a few up for you all to see when i get some time, but right now i need to sleep. It's 6pm and i've been up for 18 hours already today. I hate early mornings and timezone changes - it really screws you up.
Home to Vancouver
I'm back in Vancouver now, and absolutely buggered from all that travelling. As expected it was raining when we landed.
My last day in NYC i went up the Empire State, however the views weren't all that good cause there was alot of smog and pollution, but it has to be done. And then i spent the remainder of the day wandering around SOHO, which is a very very cool part of town.
I had to get up at 3.30am new york time to get to the airport, and through customs and all that for my flight at 7am out of JFK. Damn that is one big airport. 9 or 10 terminals! So i've showered, my mountains of clothes are washing, and now i'm hungry. Time to go get some food!
My last day in NYC i went up the Empire State, however the views weren't all that good cause there was alot of smog and pollution, but it has to be done. And then i spent the remainder of the day wandering around SOHO, which is a very very cool part of town.
I had to get up at 3.30am new york time to get to the airport, and through customs and all that for my flight at 7am out of JFK. Damn that is one big airport. 9 or 10 terminals! So i've showered, my mountains of clothes are washing, and now i'm hungry. Time to go get some food!
Saturday, June 16, 2007
NYC Day 4
Started the day at the Central Park Zoo. Not a bad little (very little) zoo. From there, headed down to the lower east side for a bit of wandering around. Lunch at Katz's Deli - Pastrami sandwich was delicious.
Walked across the Brooklyn Bridge after lunch, wandered around Brooklyn for a bit, then back across the bridge to Manhatten. Chilled out in a park and read some of my book in the late afternoon.
Went back up to the top of the Rockefeller this evening to watch the sunset and take some night pics of the city. Apparently, they want you to buy all their photos - i wasn't allowed to use my mini tripod to take night shots, but got a couple in before getting in trouble!
Last day in NYC tomorrow - back to Vancity early sunday morning.
Walked across the Brooklyn Bridge after lunch, wandered around Brooklyn for a bit, then back across the bridge to Manhatten. Chilled out in a park and read some of my book in the late afternoon.
Went back up to the top of the Rockefeller this evening to watch the sunset and take some night pics of the city. Apparently, they want you to buy all their photos - i wasn't allowed to use my mini tripod to take night shots, but got a couple in before getting in trouble!
Last day in NYC tomorrow - back to Vancity early sunday morning.
Friday, June 15, 2007
NYC Day 3
Took the subway downtown to the financial district. The World Trade Centre Site, Wall St, NY Stock Exchange (although the public is not allowed inside), the Bull on Broadway, South St Seaport, picked up a cheap ticket for the Tarzan show on Broadway at TKTS the cheap ticket place. Took the Staten Island ferry to Staten Island for some great views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhatten Island.
The WTC is a hive of activity at the moment, you can't really get the gist of what happened at the moment, it will be better when it is finished i think. Still kinda brings you down to earth, to see this massive hole in the ground where something should be. I walked right round the edge of it - they are still pulling down buildings around the edge that were damaged by the falling towers too.
Tarzan was a great show, the usual disney crap, but had great sets and fantastic aerobatics, all the gorillas swung all over the stage - and i had one of the best seats in the house!
The WTC is a hive of activity at the moment, you can't really get the gist of what happened at the moment, it will be better when it is finished i think. Still kinda brings you down to earth, to see this massive hole in the ground where something should be. I walked right round the edge of it - they are still pulling down buildings around the edge that were damaged by the falling towers too.
Tarzan was a great show, the usual disney crap, but had great sets and fantastic aerobatics, all the gorillas swung all over the stage - and i had one of the best seats in the house!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
NYC Day 2
Today I rode the Subway!
Shitty weather forced me inside for a fantastic day. Metropolitan Museum of Art in the morning - Egyptian artifacts, knights armour, greek and roman statues etc.
Lunch was New York City Pizza, covered in cheeze, minimal toppings, plenty of oil!
American Museum of Natural History in the afternoon. Very cool, informative, covers nearly everything on this earth, animal and otherwise. Plenty of dinosaur fossils.
They've actually been very smart and organised all the fossils into animal types, ie. Vertebrates, those with 4 limbs, those with, rear facing pelvic bones, those with ear openingts etc etc. AND into evolutionalry progression by era. Very well done!
Spamalot, the Monty Python Musical at night. What a great show! Very very funny. Picked up cheap tickets for $US 49 plus tax, normally $US 110!! Not bad eh!
Shitty weather forced me inside for a fantastic day. Metropolitan Museum of Art in the morning - Egyptian artifacts, knights armour, greek and roman statues etc.
Lunch was New York City Pizza, covered in cheeze, minimal toppings, plenty of oil!
American Museum of Natural History in the afternoon. Very cool, informative, covers nearly everything on this earth, animal and otherwise. Plenty of dinosaur fossils.
They've actually been very smart and organised all the fossils into animal types, ie. Vertebrates, those with 4 limbs, those with, rear facing pelvic bones, those with ear openingts etc etc. AND into evolutionalry progression by era. Very well done!
Spamalot, the Monty Python Musical at night. What a great show! Very very funny. Picked up cheap tickets for $US 49 plus tax, normally $US 110!! Not bad eh!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
New York City Day 1
So after being delayed for over 2 hours last night, today was amazing.
Starting at the Rockefeller, and a trip to the top of the Rock for some insane views, I walked to Times Square, Grand Central Station, The New York Public Library, down 5th Ave past the Empire State (which i will ascend later), down to Madison Square Park for lunch. Then from there all the way up broadway, past Macy's (which had a huge sale), through Times Square again, all the way up to the Columbus Circle and the south west corner of Central Park. Across the bottom of Central Park to the 5th Ave Apple Store. I love that place - coolest store in the world!
Then it rained cats and dogs, so back to the hotel for some dry clothes, and on to a tour of the UN.
Over 250 photos later!
Dinner at the Comfort Diner on 45th St, a stroll through Times Square again - with all the lights and stuff it looks like Vegas!
Tomorrow is going to be bad weather apparently, so i'm thinking about going to some museums and indoorsy type things.
At the hotel i'm staying at they have these alarm clocks/stereo type things that you dock your ipod in which is really cool, so you can listen to your music on speakers, but also wake up to it when the alarm goes off. This morning i woke to #36 - Dave Matthews Band Live at Red Rocks 15/08/1995. A great start to the day!
Starting at the Rockefeller, and a trip to the top of the Rock for some insane views, I walked to Times Square, Grand Central Station, The New York Public Library, down 5th Ave past the Empire State (which i will ascend later), down to Madison Square Park for lunch. Then from there all the way up broadway, past Macy's (which had a huge sale), through Times Square again, all the way up to the Columbus Circle and the south west corner of Central Park. Across the bottom of Central Park to the 5th Ave Apple Store. I love that place - coolest store in the world!
Then it rained cats and dogs, so back to the hotel for some dry clothes, and on to a tour of the UN.
Over 250 photos later!
Dinner at the Comfort Diner on 45th St, a stroll through Times Square again - with all the lights and stuff it looks like Vegas!
Tomorrow is going to be bad weather apparently, so i'm thinking about going to some museums and indoorsy type things.
At the hotel i'm staying at they have these alarm clocks/stereo type things that you dock your ipod in which is really cool, so you can listen to your music on speakers, but also wake up to it when the alarm goes off. This morning i woke to #36 - Dave Matthews Band Live at Red Rocks 15/08/1995. A great start to the day!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Grand Prix du Canada était fantastique!
Yes, thats right - the Grand Prix was awesome! I only had a general admission ticket, but nabbed myself a posse that allowed me to see pretty much all of the hairpin turn. So the cars would fly past at around 300km/h and then break hard and slow right down, go around the corner and fly off. I also saw the first half of that sickening crash that happened at the hairpin turn.
Last night i flew to NYC, however my plane was delayed by over 2 hours - fun fun! So i arrived around 10.30pm and pretty much crashed straight away. Today it might rain, not happy! I've had great weather so far for this trip, why can't it just hold out a little longer!
Song of the day, how could it not be: New York, New York!
Last night i flew to NYC, however my plane was delayed by over 2 hours - fun fun! So i arrived around 10.30pm and pretty much crashed straight away. Today it might rain, not happy! I've had great weather so far for this trip, why can't it just hold out a little longer!
Song of the day, how could it not be: New York, New York!
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Back in town!
Sorry for the absence folks, while in the Rockies there was no internet. What a fantastic place it is though.
I was staying with friends in the Kananaskis park, just near Banff, and the scenery was amazing. Over the weekend we went hiking, rock-climbing, fishing, drinking, I saw all the sights, did some drives etc etc. In 4 days however, i couldn't see everything, so i'll just have to go back!
Montreal is great. Been here 2 days now. Yesterday I wandered around old Montreal and downtown. It's surreal to be walking around a Canadian city and everyone is speaking French! The place is absolutely packed as it is GP weekend here. I went to the track today, it's in an island in the middle of the river made out of the dirt that they dug up to create the metro.
Not as good as the Melbourne GP, not as many support races etc, and there is less space for general admission people to stand, so it will be packed on sunday. I think i have scoped out a couple of good places to watch the race from. Should be a good day!
Tomorrow: More Montreal, a friend is visiting from Ottowa.
Song of the Day: Life In The Fast Lane - The Eagles.
I was staying with friends in the Kananaskis park, just near Banff, and the scenery was amazing. Over the weekend we went hiking, rock-climbing, fishing, drinking, I saw all the sights, did some drives etc etc. In 4 days however, i couldn't see everything, so i'll just have to go back!
Montreal is great. Been here 2 days now. Yesterday I wandered around old Montreal and downtown. It's surreal to be walking around a Canadian city and everyone is speaking French! The place is absolutely packed as it is GP weekend here. I went to the track today, it's in an island in the middle of the river made out of the dirt that they dug up to create the metro.
Not as good as the Melbourne GP, not as many support races etc, and there is less space for general admission people to stand, so it will be packed on sunday. I think i have scoped out a couple of good places to watch the race from. Should be a good day!
Tomorrow: More Montreal, a friend is visiting from Ottowa.
Song of the Day: Life In The Fast Lane - The Eagles.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Wow!
So i'm unexpectedly very impressed by Calgary. Granted, i'm seeing it in the summer and it has been 28 degrees and absolutely beautiful. In winter when it is covered in snow and -30 i'm sure it would suck a bit, but right now - Amazing!
Today i walked everywhere. All around downtown, the park, the river, the cool neighbourhoods where all the young people hang out. It really is a boom town. There are people my age absolutely everywhere, there is alot of money to be made here.
Me and my mate James cooked a BBQ for dinner, had some beers out on his patio at his house - which is so nice by the way. A perfect way to end a great day.
Tomorrow: off to Banff.
Yesterday i forgot to add a song of the day, so for yesterday anything Tom Cochrane or John Cougar Mellencamp would probably be appropriate for Calgary. I'm going to go with 'Small Town', or 'Life is a Highway'.
Today, hmm.... How about 'River Town' by Live.
Cya!
Today i walked everywhere. All around downtown, the park, the river, the cool neighbourhoods where all the young people hang out. It really is a boom town. There are people my age absolutely everywhere, there is alot of money to be made here.
Me and my mate James cooked a BBQ for dinner, had some beers out on his patio at his house - which is so nice by the way. A perfect way to end a great day.
Tomorrow: off to Banff.
Yesterday i forgot to add a song of the day, so for yesterday anything Tom Cochrane or John Cougar Mellencamp would probably be appropriate for Calgary. I'm going to go with 'Small Town', or 'Life is a Highway'.
Today, hmm.... How about 'River Town' by Live.
Cya!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
The land of opportunity
Oil, Oil, Oil...Did someone say oil.
Calgary is oozing oil money, its actually quite a cool place. I'm suitably impressed.
Classy downtown, meets country and western...can you picture it. You see men in suits and women in dresses wearing cowboy boots. It is a super cool town though, lots of young people.
Touristy stuff tomorrow.
Calgary is oozing oil money, its actually quite a cool place. I'm suitably impressed.
Classy downtown, meets country and western...can you picture it. You see men in suits and women in dresses wearing cowboy boots. It is a super cool town though, lots of young people.
Touristy stuff tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Back on the road again...
Tomorrow i'm off on my almost 3 weeks of travels. Calgary, Banff, Montreal and New York City.
I never know what to pack, it's not a huge trip, but long enough to require enough, and a varying amount of gear. One thing is certain, i'll have my computer with me so i can keep in touch with you all through this blog, facebook, email etc etc.
It seems this time of year is the time everyone leaves Vancouver for other persuits. The last few days have been hectic trying to catch up with friends leaving, local Vancouverites and exchangies alike. Drinks here and there have been plentiful, golf, lunches, bbq's, breakfasts - But, now it's my turn... At last!
Even though On the road again is very relevant to this post, i couldn't justify having Willie Nelson as the only song reference. So...
Song of the day: Angel - Dave Matthews Band - Live At Folson Field, Boulder, CO, 11/07/2001.
I never know what to pack, it's not a huge trip, but long enough to require enough, and a varying amount of gear. One thing is certain, i'll have my computer with me so i can keep in touch with you all through this blog, facebook, email etc etc.
It seems this time of year is the time everyone leaves Vancouver for other persuits. The last few days have been hectic trying to catch up with friends leaving, local Vancouverites and exchangies alike. Drinks here and there have been plentiful, golf, lunches, bbq's, breakfasts - But, now it's my turn... At last!
Even though On the road again is very relevant to this post, i couldn't justify having Willie Nelson as the only song reference. So...
Song of the day: Angel - Dave Matthews Band - Live At Folson Field, Boulder, CO, 11/07/2001.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
So Much To Say...
When not much is happening, there is not much to talk about. Which is why my posts have been few and far between over the last week or two. Vancouver has been sunny and warm and i've spent my days hanging out with friends, going to the beach, having bbq's and just enjoying being on holiday!
The other night I went to a concert, Ozomatli. One of the coolest shows i've seen. At the end of the set, the whole band grabbed percussion instruments or their trumpets/trombones and came down into the crowd and walked around and jammed for about 20 mins down with the crowd. So good!
I leave on my trip next week, and while i'm away the ski season at Whistler closes, so skiing for me is over which is sad. I lost track of the total amount of days I was on the snow this season, but i'm pretty sure i got to 50 days. They say the ski season in Australia is going to be a good one this year... But it will never compare. This season Whistler had a total snowfall of over 15 metres!! There is no comparison to that!
I was trying to think of ways to make my blog more interesting and more insightful to what i'm up to, incorporating song names for post titles (like todays), or including a 'what i'm listening to' in each post or something like that, perhaps a favourite meal (more relevant while i'm travelling) - Any thoughts/suggestions??
PS. Saw Shrek 3 the other day. It was pissing down with rain, so a few of us went to the cinema. Not a bad 3rd iteration, compared to some others that have been terrible.... *Cough* Spiderman 3!
The other night I went to a concert, Ozomatli. One of the coolest shows i've seen. At the end of the set, the whole band grabbed percussion instruments or their trumpets/trombones and came down into the crowd and walked around and jammed for about 20 mins down with the crowd. So good!
I leave on my trip next week, and while i'm away the ski season at Whistler closes, so skiing for me is over which is sad. I lost track of the total amount of days I was on the snow this season, but i'm pretty sure i got to 50 days. They say the ski season in Australia is going to be a good one this year... But it will never compare. This season Whistler had a total snowfall of over 15 metres!! There is no comparison to that!
I was trying to think of ways to make my blog more interesting and more insightful to what i'm up to, incorporating song names for post titles (like todays), or including a 'what i'm listening to' in each post or something like that, perhaps a favourite meal (more relevant while i'm travelling) - Any thoughts/suggestions??
PS. Saw Shrek 3 the other day. It was pissing down with rain, so a few of us went to the cinema. Not a bad 3rd iteration, compared to some others that have been terrible.... *Cough* Spiderman 3!
Monday, May 21, 2007
When It Rains...
It seems every time I get back to Vancouver from a trip away, it is raining.
Me and a bunch of friends went to Victoria on Vancouver Island this last week for 3 days to see the sights and relax a little. Considering Victoria is the capital of BC some parts of it are very 'Touristy', but our keen awareness of this, and some recommendations from some locals we know made the 3 days very enjoyable. We had fantastic weather, warm, sunny, which prompted us to park ourselves at some of the local eateries and drinkeries, on the patio, in the sun, and eat some great west coast food (amazing seafood), and drink some (lots) of beer. We saw the sights too!
And, low and behold, it was raining when we got back to Van!
Me and a bunch of friends went to Victoria on Vancouver Island this last week for 3 days to see the sights and relax a little. Considering Victoria is the capital of BC some parts of it are very 'Touristy', but our keen awareness of this, and some recommendations from some locals we know made the 3 days very enjoyable. We had fantastic weather, warm, sunny, which prompted us to park ourselves at some of the local eateries and drinkeries, on the patio, in the sun, and eat some great west coast food (amazing seafood), and drink some (lots) of beer. We saw the sights too!
And, low and behold, it was raining when we got back to Van!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
2 posts in one day...Worth it though.
I watched the movie "An Inconvenient Truth" this afternoon, and thought it warranted a mention, and i couldn't be bothered editing my last post so just made a new one (which is easier to do of course).
I found it particularly relevent/good for a number of reasons...
-I took an Earth and Ocean Science subject at UBC last sememster and we covered alot of the material, the same graphs, same facts, same trends etc that he talks about, so i've seen it all from a scientific standpoint. He talks about 'the scientists' alot, so i've been 'the scientist'. It's pretty interesting stuff.
-It's a good movie, very biased toward America, but considering that Australia is the only other country apart from the US to not have ratified the Kyoto agreement, very applicable to us too. Not to mention that the issue is a global issue and therefore pertinent to everyone and every country.
-I also found it relevant because for the last year while I have been here in Canada, everyone at home has been keeping me updated with the water situation in Australia. It was just announced that last year to date was the driest year on record, and on top of that water supplies are at insanely critical levels ie 11%. Surely we are beginning to see the effects of our CO2 emissions.
If you haven't seen it - Watch It.
I found it particularly relevent/good for a number of reasons...
-I took an Earth and Ocean Science subject at UBC last sememster and we covered alot of the material, the same graphs, same facts, same trends etc that he talks about, so i've seen it all from a scientific standpoint. He talks about 'the scientists' alot, so i've been 'the scientist'. It's pretty interesting stuff.
-It's a good movie, very biased toward America, but considering that Australia is the only other country apart from the US to not have ratified the Kyoto agreement, very applicable to us too. Not to mention that the issue is a global issue and therefore pertinent to everyone and every country.
-I also found it relevant because for the last year while I have been here in Canada, everyone at home has been keeping me updated with the water situation in Australia. It was just announced that last year to date was the driest year on record, and on top of that water supplies are at insanely critical levels ie 11%. Surely we are beginning to see the effects of our CO2 emissions.
If you haven't seen it - Watch It.
What happens in Vegas....
Doesn't necessarily stay in vegas!
So i thought i should mention to you all that in march i went down to Vegas for an extended weekend. Me and a mate of mine, Alick (See Alick's Blog), both huge Dave Matthews Band fans, went to see DMB at the MGM Grand on both friday and saturday nights. Amazing shows, so good to finally see them live!
Vegas, well, it was good and bad. It's one of those things you have to do at some stage in your life, it's tacky and kitch, but it's Vegas, so it is appealing.....i guess!
Generally, Vegas is pretty dirty and sleazy, but once you are in the big hotels it is just complete luxury! Free drinks when you gamble, no expense spared - crazy!
I'll have to tell you more in person, i don't really want to publish some of my thoughts on Vegas for all to see!
Fantastic weekend though. Had a blast!
So, today in Vancouver it was 26 degrees, bright sunshine. I slept in, did some grocery shopping, lounged around on my patio in the sun, read a little, slept a little, ate a little. All in all it was a really relaxed day. I'm very much in holiday mode now!
Tomorrow, i'm off to Victoria on Vancouver Island for a few days with some friends, see the sights, eat some good food, hang out in a new place, see some friends on the island. Should be a good time.
That's all for now!
So i thought i should mention to you all that in march i went down to Vegas for an extended weekend. Me and a mate of mine, Alick (See Alick's Blog), both huge Dave Matthews Band fans, went to see DMB at the MGM Grand on both friday and saturday nights. Amazing shows, so good to finally see them live!
Vegas, well, it was good and bad. It's one of those things you have to do at some stage in your life, it's tacky and kitch, but it's Vegas, so it is appealing.....i guess!
Generally, Vegas is pretty dirty and sleazy, but once you are in the big hotels it is just complete luxury! Free drinks when you gamble, no expense spared - crazy!
I'll have to tell you more in person, i don't really want to publish some of my thoughts on Vegas for all to see!
Fantastic weekend though. Had a blast!
So, today in Vancouver it was 26 degrees, bright sunshine. I slept in, did some grocery shopping, lounged around on my patio in the sun, read a little, slept a little, ate a little. All in all it was a really relaxed day. I'm very much in holiday mode now!
Tomorrow, i'm off to Victoria on Vancouver Island for a few days with some friends, see the sights, eat some good food, hang out in a new place, see some friends on the island. Should be a good time.
That's all for now!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Its been a while...
Sorry for the lack of postings lately, ie the last 4 months! I've been incredibly busy spending all my spare time either studying or skiing.
Now that my association with UBC is over, and i've moved off campus i finally have time to do these tasks again.
To sum up my life over the last 4 months in one word - hectic. Finals were rather intense considering we got no swotvac at all, my first exam was 3 days after the last class. It all worked out ok though, i ended up with an 85% average for this semester, and overall for my year here. I hope Melbourne Uni is suitably impressed!
The last week or so since i've moved off campus into my new place i've just been hanging out in the great city that is Vancouver. Enjoying the sun, which finally has returned to us after all those cold and wet months away, catching up with friends, eating out a bit, going out a lot, longboarding, going to the beach - generally just having a good time.
The next few weeks will probably be more of the same, however later this week a bunch of us are going to go to Victoria on Vancouver island, and early next week possibly a trip to Whistler for what may be my last skiing in Canada......For now!!
In 2 weeks and 2 days, i leave on my travels to Calgary - Banff - Calgary - Montreal - New York City and back home to Van.
The Canadian GP is on in Montreal while i'm there, i hope everyone is jealous, and i'm super excited to get to NYC.
Enough for now, my housemates, the XBOX, and multiplayer Halo2 is calling!
Now that my association with UBC is over, and i've moved off campus i finally have time to do these tasks again.
To sum up my life over the last 4 months in one word - hectic. Finals were rather intense considering we got no swotvac at all, my first exam was 3 days after the last class. It all worked out ok though, i ended up with an 85% average for this semester, and overall for my year here. I hope Melbourne Uni is suitably impressed!
The last week or so since i've moved off campus into my new place i've just been hanging out in the great city that is Vancouver. Enjoying the sun, which finally has returned to us after all those cold and wet months away, catching up with friends, eating out a bit, going out a lot, longboarding, going to the beach - generally just having a good time.
The next few weeks will probably be more of the same, however later this week a bunch of us are going to go to Victoria on Vancouver island, and early next week possibly a trip to Whistler for what may be my last skiing in Canada......For now!!
In 2 weeks and 2 days, i leave on my travels to Calgary - Banff - Calgary - Montreal - New York City and back home to Van.
The Canadian GP is on in Montreal while i'm there, i hope everyone is jealous, and i'm super excited to get to NYC.
Enough for now, my housemates, the XBOX, and multiplayer Halo2 is calling!
Friday, January 26, 2007
Quick Update...
Class: Going ok - lots of work.
Vancouver: Still quite cold, snow has melted due to inordinate amounts of rain.
Big White: Very White, not as Big as expected.
New skis: Friggin Fantastic!
Basketball: Heaps of fun despite not winning!
Game 1 - Loss - 2pts, 0 Fouls, 2 Rebounds.
Game 2 - Loss - 4pts, 0 Fouls, 5 Rebounds, elbow to the guts, very sore legs.
Game 3 - Loss - 9pts, 2 Fouls, 3 Steals, 5 Rebounds, elbow to side of the head. We're sure to win one soon!
Plans: This weekend - Australia day celebrations at Ski & Board Club Beer Garden, Whistler Saturday, Homework Sunday.
Next weekend - Apex, near Penticton in the Okanagan, another Ski & Board Club trip.
Vancouver: Still quite cold, snow has melted due to inordinate amounts of rain.
Big White: Very White, not as Big as expected.
New skis: Friggin Fantastic!
Basketball: Heaps of fun despite not winning!
Game 1 - Loss - 2pts, 0 Fouls, 2 Rebounds.
Game 2 - Loss - 4pts, 0 Fouls, 5 Rebounds, elbow to the guts, very sore legs.
Game 3 - Loss - 9pts, 2 Fouls, 3 Steals, 5 Rebounds, elbow to side of the head. We're sure to win one soon!
Plans: This weekend - Australia day celebrations at Ski & Board Club Beer Garden, Whistler Saturday, Homework Sunday.
Next weekend - Apex, near Penticton in the Okanagan, another Ski & Board Club trip.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Classes again....bugger!
Classes started again on the 8th, which abruptly ended my endless skiing holiday ;) Not too happy about that. However, i'm heading to Whistler again this weekend, and then Big White the following.
Vancouver has been extra cold recently, with more snow falling in the city, and on campus, and it's cold enough that it is hanging around.
This semester looks like it will be quite interesting, although lots of work which is not ideal. I'm taking E-business, Telecommunications, Systems Analysis and Design, and IT Risks Security and Audit. They're all devised around real world situations, cases, projects etc so that at the end of it I should have a few ideas about what people with an IS degree actually do in the real would, which will be good. So far it has all been theory stuff, but now it is getting alot more practical.
Lots of my exchange friends have left (those staying only for one semester), or are leaving (those that hung around for xmas and NY). Last night we went out to dinner to 'say goodbye' to another person heading off back home this weekend, and we had Ethiopian food. I am constantly suprised at the types of food / cultural experiences you can find in Vancity. It was amazing! If you look hard enough you're sure to find something new/exciting/different, but you have to take some time to look.
Anyways, time to get to bed. Early (5am) start tomorrow, to catch the first bus up to Whistler in time to ski all day - Woohoo!.
Cya.
Vancouver has been extra cold recently, with more snow falling in the city, and on campus, and it's cold enough that it is hanging around.
This semester looks like it will be quite interesting, although lots of work which is not ideal. I'm taking E-business, Telecommunications, Systems Analysis and Design, and IT Risks Security and Audit. They're all devised around real world situations, cases, projects etc so that at the end of it I should have a few ideas about what people with an IS degree actually do in the real would, which will be good. So far it has all been theory stuff, but now it is getting alot more practical.
Lots of my exchange friends have left (those staying only for one semester), or are leaving (those that hung around for xmas and NY). Last night we went out to dinner to 'say goodbye' to another person heading off back home this weekend, and we had Ethiopian food. I am constantly suprised at the types of food / cultural experiences you can find in Vancity. It was amazing! If you look hard enough you're sure to find something new/exciting/different, but you have to take some time to look.
Anyways, time to get to bed. Early (5am) start tomorrow, to catch the first bus up to Whistler in time to ski all day - Woohoo!.
Cya.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Some photos from the Nelson trip...
Tree Skiing @ Whitewater
Swedish Christmas Dinner
Whitehouse Hostel
Dinner one night
Aussie Christmas Dinner
Me @ Red Mountain
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