The Exotic Dancer

You know how I mentioned in my last entry that I met an exotic dancer, but wasn't sure how exotic she was? Well, for the benefit of my readers (naturally), I decided to investigate this. Yep, we went to her "place of work" and yep, it's confirmed she is very exotic *nods*.

Let's just say I was with three very bored girls who wanted to chill out, plus they wanted to see what the big deal was with guys going to places like these. So we're walking briskly past all these other bars (one thing about Toronto is that if you walk through the clubbing district, there are line-ups left right and centre going into all these clubs which you never even noticed in the day)... so anyways, we walk past all these bouncers who tell us we have overshot the place and to come back because their lounge is better... but we keep walking. And curious as to where this group of girls were going, we felt their gaze follow us to the end door, the one where there was no line-up, where we were greeted by a very confused bouncer.

My first visit to such an establishment was done with style... we went to the very best one in Toronto, mainly because we also wanted to see our friend, who I must say was the hottest in the house. Apparently the night before, Vin Diesel had come into the place and was chatting to her. He had also been texting her all day offering to take her shopping. She wasn't phased at all.

The place wasn't anywhere as sleazy as I had imagined. There was no yelling, jeering or touching, the clientele were pretty well mannered, and basically there to chill out. We didn't really feel out of place, being the only four fully clad girls at one table, and we ended up chilling there for two hours. It was a surprisingly good night, definately a little more interesting than the usual clubbing or lounging. Not that it is our new thing to do, I guess it was more of the attitude that "guys do it, why can't we?", so we did.

On my to do list, thats a tick in the rough hand-drawn check box added last minute.

Oh and for those who have been concerned with my financial status, don't worry, it wasn't an interview.

Meeting the Parents

This week saw the end of Irene's visit... but before she left, we did some more tacky tourist sites (must dos!), ate and we went to a Lounge on the 51st floor of a building, and as you guessed, a breathtaking sight. Irene was a good break-up of my very routine week days, a very good excuse for not surfing the net for non-existant jobs!

My weekend was quite good also... Bill's parents were visiting Toronto, so I had dinner with them so they could meet this wild child they were so worried about (who me?). Ofcourse, I managed to charm them like his relos. My friend Mel often jokes about them being my in-laws, and the parents themselves are probably thinking that also.. little do they know that thier son has a hidden girlfriend and I happen to be a good disguise for this!! When we went shopping, his father inststed on getting me this top as a "first meeting present". I got a bit worried and ran off to pay for it myself. This confusion is difficult at times, but amusing nevertheless. Btw, for dinner, we went to this place famous for lobsters... sooo cheap... we had a huge plate for the price of pound back home!

I went to a lounge with some girls on Saturday night which was quite fun. I am glad they opt for lounges rather than clubbing these days. I basically sat at the bar and people watched all night... quite enjoyable but we all agreed that the quality of people at a place is directly related to the cover charge. We paid $5 to get in, need I say more.

Sunday was a lazy day where we took a stroll down Danfourth, commonly known as Greek Town, and where "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" ws filmed. It has a lot of cute shops, and in mind I am already mapping out where to take all my friends when they come visit!!

In the tradition of telling stories about people we meet whilst travelling, last night I went with a friend to pick up some clothes from one of her girl friends. This girl sheds her wardrobe every few months. She's an exotic dancer (I still haven't worked out how exotic, but I'd imagine very) and a total shopaholic. Half the items in the two large bags were designer items which she hasn't even worn before. She just came back from a shopping spree in Vancouver where one of her clients paid for her shopping (what a life!). I guess that justifies the LV and Prada flip-flops (they cringe when I say thongs), and the hundreds of other expensive items which I would never be able to afford over 5 years (and thats with a real job). She also had her breasts enlarged which was another reason why there was so many goodies to give away! Despite hearing about about how large her breast were every few minutes, I have to say she was pretty cool person, and definately interesting enough to be worthy of my blog.. and thats not because I walked away with 3 pairs of shoes!!!

Friday is the Eventful Day.. and not because of drinks!

It's funny how things work out. Last Friday I was a dissapointed at missing a job opportunity.. and exactly one week later, I reject another job.

It would have been good if I had wanted to own my own business, because you start with really shitty work at entry level i.e. door-to-door sales, but then you go through all these developmental stages until you are ready to part-own and manage one of their offices for them in a chosen city in Canada, US or Europe. So basically they are training you to be an entrepreneur for them... something a little too heavy for my working holiday!

Anyways, things are picking up since I do get phone calls and emails now and then... they are sort of like teasers to keep me going. I won't bog you down with my job hunting woes.. but I'm thinking, if I still don't have luck soon, I'm switching to husband-hunting!! I hear that may be a lot easier!!! =P

This week has seen my first visitor to Toronto. Irene, a high school friend bounced in last week and she is a parcel of laughs and optimism. I spent a day sight-seeing with her, it's like the two of us are trying to out-chat each other... her guy friend was amazed at the speed and amount of information we could get out!!

The funny thing is that we never really kept in close contact back in Sydney, but when you're in another country, anyone you meet from home seems like your best friend. Perhaps it's all circumstantial, but whatever it is, I have been able to renew or develop friendships with people from home a number of times since I've been in Vancouver and Toronto. Meeting new people is enivitable, but developing old friendships is an added beauty of travel which I never factored in.

Anyways, sorry I don't have much stories to tell lately since I have been keeping low-profile till I get some decent cash to party with!

The Burst of a Bubble

I was really hoping to have some good news to share, but unfortunately, I have just recovered from a week of highs and ofcourse the expected lows that come with it.

Earlier last week, a call from a friend motivated me to attack companies with phone calls. I tried it on a Consulting company that I really wanted a job with, and believe it or not... literally two hours after making the doubtful phone call, I was in an interview with the Recruitment Manager. He was organising interviews for the Programme Manager and I called just when someone bailed. There were issues with my status in Canada and my qualifications in the Canadian financial system, but I managed to convince him and went onto the next round of interviews. The hope that lifted my spirits a little brought it crashing back down again. I only came second in the running for the position, but was promised in a months time, they will be ramping up the team again and I will be considered. But I want a job NOW!

So that was the start of a very shitty Friday. Stupid me decided to take on an extra Telemarketing shift that night, and it was the worst shift ever. I'm still not pushy enough to make the sales, and I can't believe I could feel pressured from a stupid job like that. As if getting off work at 11pm is not enough, the bottle shop was closed on the way home (yep, my day was shitty enough to warrant a bottle of red), and then I one more unhappy phone call tipped me over the edge. Poor Bill had to deal with a very sulky room-mate. Lucky for him, I only sulk for a few hours before I feel totally re-energised, and before he knew it, I was back to my usual chatty self. If there was any doubt I hadn't recovered from sulking, it was wiped away by a huge Yum-Cha (oops sorry, they call is Dim Sum here) outing the next morning, the first decent one I've had since Sydney!! Nothing like comfort food!

On a higher note, the last two weekends we have been travelling outside of Toronto to smaller towns. Last weekend we went to see Bill's relos who I hadn't thanked for all the furniture and help with the apartment before I arrived. My job was to charm them since they were skeptical about me... they think I am a bit of a wild child, coming to a foreign country not knowing anyone and sharing an apartment with someone I barely knew. I think I did a pretty ok job, now I have a 6 year old kid who adores me so much she won't leave me alone... and everyone knows my thoughts on kids! *rolls eyes*

This weekend, we went stay with Bill's cousins who live in a University town even further away than his relos. She had invited us to her university ball... my very first university ball ever (4 years after graduating uni)... and it was a very interesting experience. There was a different room on each level... a music request floor, a celtic floor, a swing dance floor, a jazz bar and a karaoke room. It wasn't really my version of a ball, but it was definately an eye opener to the university life in a small town.

I spent the rest of the weekend in the gym, and sitting in the sauna downstairs, thanks to my adoring sister who wrote me these exact words: "Take some time to do exercise, don't you dare come back fat or anything!!!". Hmm.. nice to know I am loved!!

Now that it is Monday, I am back to the usual grind I am so desperately trying to get out of - library, then internet cafe, then run home to cook so that I can bring dinner to work and not have to eat at 11pm when I come home. But I guess I expected all that, so I shouldn't complain. I have a high school friend dropping by at the end of the week, so that should be good!

Don't worry peoples, my next entry will definately be a lot more upbeat!

Still on the Hunt

I don't have much of an update really. I am quite domestic these days, although we went out to a club last week, my weekdays are mostly cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, internet surfing and reading. Sometimes when I am feeling generous, I lounge around a coffee shop with a book or my journal. I'm quite happy at the moment, only coz I know I have a lot of time to explore the place... in a few months time when my time is running out and the weather gets warmer, I think I will be going crazy!

Anyways, on the job front... my potential career as an air hostess never took off. I'm not a Canadian citizen or a landed immigrant. The funny thing was, when I was standing in line for an interview.. I asked the pretty asian chick next to me for a pen, and she recognised me as a customer she served a few weeks ago. It must have been the good old accent!!

So we were talking and she asked whether I was interested in retail. She works in Danier Leather, a canadian chain leather store that has some good stuff. I'm still eyeing the leather jacket I tried on the last time I met her, so when she mentioned they were hiring, I jumped at the chance. How funny is that, I missed out on being a flight attendant but ran into another job opportunity at the interview. My advice to umployed bums out there... if you are desperate for a job, don't apply to firms and recruitment agencies, they don't reply.. just go shop... shop your heart out and work that accent if u have one!!

So much for coming across a job... the next day I visited the girl at Danier and after what I thought was a pretty comprehensive interview for a retail position, she sat me down for a written test. I was there for an hour, answer problems, sorting out patterns etc. I was so not expecting it, and entirely exhausted when she told me I had another video test to go through!! I couldn't do it the same day... I already knew I failed the previous test, they asked such obscure questions and the multiple choice answers were all so similar. But I returned the next day and sat through another test. I have to say, all the testing for a job selling jackets was all a bit of a turn-off... I think I had a better time applying for graduate positions in Big 5 firms!

Meanwhile, I have started working at this other telemarketig place. This is so much better than the other place I was at... but still, it's against my nature to be pushy, and I was told last night to be more bold. In the 25 hours I have worked though, I managed to sell 3 subscriptions. Wow! Not. I sold one of them purely because the doctor on the other end liked my accent, even though he thought the paper was to right-wing orientated. As I said, if you have an accent, work it!

The people here are a lot less odd here, most of them are students though. One of the guys I sit with always has a funny story or two to share. He seems to get all the interesting calls... one woman thought he was her dead husand.... "Jonathan, is that really you?? My dea, it's you, it's you!!". Hmm.. I haven't come across any calls like that yet... although I did get an answering machine that belonged to some cult, and the machine message was a bitof a preach. I'm glad it was only a machine.

So thats the joys of job hunting and telemarketing.

Out of sling... at last!!

Today is a happy day. I finally made the six week mark and my physio has allowed me out of the sling, yah!

Anyways, I'm here hanging out at the library again. I tend to do that for a few hours each day, unemployed bums like me like to make use of free facilities. After my library session, I usually go to the internet cafe to do some word processing and submit my resume. Not that it works, no one has called me back yet... it seems like all my effort is going into a big black hole sometimes.

This week's hit list is all the major banks. Seems like there is some work there, not sure if any of it is for me though. Yesterday, I thought I'd amuse myself by applying for an air hostess role. I was so proud of the wonderful piece of creative writing that twists my short-lived customer service experience, and non-relevant consulting experience in what I thought was a quite convincing submission. How hilarious would it be if I got it. Then I really do get to travel around Canada for free! But in reality, I think I need to be a Canadian Citizen to get it.. ah well, the thought was good for amusement value anyways.

After two shifts, I decided to quit the telemarketing job I was at last week. It was a dodgey environment, and I was selling a tabloid.. which most of the peopel I rung thought was a bit of a joke. I have moved up in the world though, this weekend I am starting with The Globe & Mail... a much more respected newspaper. I actually went to two interviews and had to read a script to get this job. The other one put me on the phone without even giving me an interview!

I am still waiting for a call from Roots (cool Canadian clothing brand). I went shopping there last weekend and got chatted up by one of the sales girls (Matt W - Sorry, I went against your advice and spoke to strangers. But if it makes you feel better, I did what you asked for and mentioned you in my blogg =P ). Turns out she is from Sydney too... well Mount Druitt anyways... I told her to stop telling people she is from Sydney. She convinced me to hand in an application there, and we also went out with drinks the other night. We went from a really nice chillout loungy place to an underground bikie joint. Wasn't really out scene... plus the people we met there was weird... they kept pissing themselves over the concept of Working Holidays. What's so funny about that?? *confused*

On the way home, we found a quaint little doorway that had a dim alleyway behind it which nice fairlights and funky decor at the end. Having nothing to lose, we went in.. through the drapes and invited ourselves into really chic bar. A bit too chic actually... seemed very designer, and too immaculate to even touch... but we christened the place with our street clothes and had a glass of port each. Looks like a celebrity-type place.. they even had soft drapes around each individual dining table! It must have been really exclusive, coz we couldn't even find a sign or a name to the place. It was only when I was flipping through a design magazine that I found the name by chance - The Ultra Supper Club. Hmm.. don't think I will be going anytime soon.

Anyways, since there is nothing on the job boards, methinks I will go back to my apartment and sit next to the huge window with my book. I was there for an hour or two this morning, and since the window pane made the sun so strong, I was enjoying a nice sun tan in my shorts this morning. I miss the Sydney summer, but the weather here is looking promising though... we're slowly moving out of the negative degrees!

Getting Used to Rejections...

Why do people get annoyed when you give them a nice friendly call. Perhaps offer them a deal of a lifetime? I know everytime my phone rings, my first exclamation is "I feel loved!". Unfortunately, angry mothers who have had their kids woken up, pissey men who like to exert their power over the little disconnect lever on the phone, and little old women who enjoys making conversation with strangers who call to sell newspapers (the type that needs telemarketing coz no-one will buy it from the shelf) are the pleasant people that I have to deal with.

Job hunting as you can see is going slow... but then again, I have only been here for two weeks, so I guess I should be patient. So meanwhile, instead of twiddling my fingers, I am in the internet cafe by day looking for proper work, and at a call centre by night.. just for something to do and to pay off a fraction of my rent. Telemarketing really sucks, the boss is the big fat slobish type who barks at everyone and does nothing himself. His friend is just as unsightly as he is with the added greasy smile... he smiled at me from the office the other night. When I went into the ladies, someone had vomited in the sink... I guess I wasn't the only one he smiled at! Since I just found out that retail is better paid than what I'm getting in telemarketing (plus I have to travel to the suburbs... which is devastating for a central downtown chick... gone are the days of one hour drives from the hills to the city.. woohoo!)... so I am thinking of applying for that instead and working evenings and job hunt during the day. The places I am thinking of applying for seem like really cool places, so I am actually looking forward to it!

Speaking of retail.. my god, shopping here is so good... which is not so good for someone who is virtually unemployed! They're having their big sale here atm, and I must say this is a pretty trendy city! Everyone is very well dressed, and I have my eye on so many items already!!!

Toronto has worked out to be much better than I thought. My only incentive for coming here was the ease of finding work in a big city... but it's more then just that... it's arty, cultured, trendy and very happening. I really hoping I can find good work here because I want to be able to make the most of it all. I have been fortunate to know one or two people here and they have been great. The roll of Friday night drinks has started for me again, I didn't realise how much I had missed it!! Last Friday I went outwith Bill's collegues... they seem pretty similar to the type of people I call friends back home (you know I love you all!) so that was cool. I went to meet them at a bar called Biermarket... from how it is pronounced (beermarket) I was expecting some old pub with slabs of wood, not much class but a comfy atmosphere. I rocked up and it turned out to be a pretty classey establishment... infact, all the places I've been to here have a atmosphere and decor like the Establishment, or Arthouse in Sydney. Just the past Friday, I had a girls night out with a friend and 5 of her very wild friends... let's just say I was in awe and amazement... for the boys back home... I heard about your new years resolution... so good luck... but I must say, these chicks def have more balls!!! But I will def revisit this statement at the end of the year. So needless to say, I was taken on a rollercoaster ride of fun on Friday.

We went to this place called Schmooze which had a line-up from 5pm onwards. Not surprisingly so since all the drinks were $1.50 from 4pm - 9pm!!! Like before, this $1.50 sounds like a dingey back alley pub.. but after dealing with contacts and guestlists to get in, we were opened up to a swish bar where scenes from "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" was shot. Fancy that! Thats not my point though... the point is, this place won my most quirky toilet award. The washbasins were unsex... weird? Not really. But when you hit the ladies cubicles, you realise that all the teeth picking, vanity stroking and self-loving gazes that people have in the mirror during their hand washing moments is actually into a two way mirror, and some poor woman on the other side has to put up with it whilst she does her thing. Well actually, they are probably giggling like the girls in the next cubicles, making faces and rude gestures... or if they are lucky, staring into the eyes of some unsuspecting, but very good looking guy. Then when they are done with the procrastinating, they are faced with the challenge of doing their thing without feeling concious that someone is looking at your bare backside. So it works out that a visit to the toilet is just as entertaining as hanging out at the bar... and it adds to the bar conversation after!

I've also been to a few clubs since hitting Toronto, and they have been surprisingly fun! After a big night Friday, we went and hung out at a Jazz bar instead with Bill's cousin and a few of her friends which was fine by me... I had a good time just chilling.

Anyways, thats the update from Toronto for now

New photos posted - finally!
- Few albulms for Lake Louise (East)
- Trip to Panama (West), not much of the country though since it was more a wedding trip

The New Town Toronto

With the warm weather behind me, I brave the cold of Toronto, which isn't really that bad... except for the wind chills... they are brutal, but other than that, it isn't as wet as Vancouver, and although it isn't as white as Lake Louise... it does have these big flurries that float down.

My apartment was my main concern... after being cooped up in my room in Lake Louise so long, I was happy to see that the apartment was pretty well located (well a 20 min walk to different areas of the city), it was clean (phew!) and it had really good facilities which I am really excited about. I think I have put on some weight from be inactive for so long, so I'm definately looking forward to putting the gym, pool and sauna to good use!

The last few days have been busy buying food and equipping the apartment. My flatmate Bill got a bit excited about moving out and the first dinner we had was hand-made dumplings although I was quite happy with the frozen kind... at least this meant I got to eat my heart out! Did you know, that Torontonians buy their milk in bags?? Weird concept, but they have these pitcher things which they put the bags in to serve. The joys of grocery shopping!

Anyways, been busy with job applications etc I haven't really seen any of the city. I have only walked down the few main streets for internet, groceries and mall.... I figured finding work in my main priority and I will have plenty of time to explore later on. Last night I had a call from a friend I met at a wedding though.. it's good to know a party girl to show me the sites of the city. So last night we went for drinks in this pub that sits in a huge house in what looks like a residential area. We met a few of her Candian friends (finallly, not Aussies) and I tried a few Canadian beers.... (I'm trying to acquire a taste for beer.... it's getting there...)... all in all, it was a good first night out. A cruise of the city holds many promises for great places to go, so def looking forward to it!

Anyways, will post photos soon, I promise!!

Quick Panamanian Trip

Panama hadn't changed much since I was last there 14 years ago. Walking through the streets of Colon gave me an uneasy feeling... there were people asking you for money or "car minding fees" on the streets, and thats not the scary thing. It's when they tag you less than 2 metres away, follow you to the car and stare into your window while you sit there late at night waiting for the others that you get a little uneasy. Another time, I walked with my aunt down the road, literally 1 minute away and I was warned not to bring anything with me. With the image of my dad getting mugged 14 years ago on the same streets in broad daylight was enough for me to take heed on the advice.

There are parts of Panama that have developed into quite nice areas though. My Uncle took me to a place called the Causeway, near where the Miss Universe pagaent was held, and it was an endless pier, extending into the water with palm trees, cafes and people riding bikes. It definately had potential to make a very good tourist or upmarket dining desination.

But all in all, I was only in Panama for one thing - my cousin Wilson's wedding. It was a full day affair, with church service in the morning, a buffet reception until late afternoon, a tradional tea ceremony back at the house and then the good old chinese banquet at night. It was the best of both worlds in terms of western and chinese receptions... I'm not sure whether it was a good or a bad thing for my stomach though!!

Being the second wedding in the family, it was good to see all my cousins and relos again, especially since I didn't plan on seeing them so soon! But unfortunately, like all good things, it all passed so quickly that it was all over too soon... and we were at the airport again.

Because of all the sudden tight security in the States, transiting in Miami was a pain in the butt. We had to collect our luggage and check them in again and because our transit time was so tight, my cousin nearly missed her flight to LA. Amongst all the mess though, I got to go out of the gate and buy this cuban coffee that my couisn had me addicted to. Cafe Concha Leche (? or something to that effect).. it is yummo! And to go with that I found a place that made really good cuban sandwhiches also... I would give anything to have another one! Seems like a tradition, everytime I cut it really close to the board gate, it's always because of food! But hey, it was all worth it!

Never Say Never

Most people thought I was crazy to bus it back to Vancouver rather than fly... but hey, I got a free ride and it was the most scenic drive. Every corner we turned, there was another mountain looming ahead. Sometimes, we drive into a think dull mist where we can barely see 3 metres ahead of us, only to pop out the other end to see a blue sky and the sun shining so bright that the reflection off the snow was blinding. It made me miss driving alot! I have always enjoyed car rides, which was lucky, coz it definately made my 11 hour journey a lot more enjoyable. I also had a very wacky bus driver who was young, cool and always had a lot of information. it must be hard being on the road all the time, coz every town we passed, he would point out the best strip club there!

The long bus ride was def worth it when I met Ben and Rachel at the end. Although I arrived at 7pm and left at 4am the next morning, we had a good catch-up in their little studio and I was very well fed! Pity I couldn't stick around Vancouver longer, it would have been nice to chill out with friends in a faniliar surrounding.

The next night saw me hit the city of Miami - again! I swore never to return (being my 4th time here!), but I've learnt never to say never. I love this city, I love the sight of water and this place has plenty of it. I love catching up with my cousin and my new cousin law, but I've been here so many times and it is so far from everything! It was however my first taste of hot weather for a while and I thoroughly enjoyed flashing some skin after hiding under 5 layers of clothing for so long. Once again I arrived late and left early the next morning - just enough time for a good catch-up and a huge feed. Unlike the last time I flew out of Miami, I managed to make my flight!!

The Last of Lake Louise

The last week in Lake Louise seemed to have dragged on. It also happened to be the best riding conditions all season with 70cm of snowfall in one week! That meant I was constantly hearing flushed faced colleagues and customers rave on about how great a day they had and how it was the best conditions they've ever seen! *sigh* It was an appripriate way to end my stay in Lake Louise but annoying coz I couldn't take advantage of it.

Anyhow, I created my own excitement by deciding on impulse to go to Panama (central America, next to Costa Rica) for my cousin's wedding which was only a week away. It was all the more exciting coz it was such an impulsive decision, which is what I love about this trip.. the fact that there are no set plans and I have all the freedom in the world (within monetary constraints) to do or go wherever I want. And because I had so much to look forward to, my week didn't pass any faster.

Australia Day was good though. Back at home, I wouldn't have given it a second thought. We would have driven up the coast, bummed, ate and drank. But here we had a big bash... people dressed in the Aussie flag, necklaces made out of empty Vegemite bottles and VB served all round. We even had a Canadian vs Australian races, and a poor imitation of meat pie for lunch. Here in Lake Louise Canada, in the middle of winter with -30 degrees temperature, I had the biggest Australia Day ever!

Coz I had so little time left, I was determined to make the most out of my days off... so I traded sitting at home sulking, to going on a trek up Tunnel Mountain, a Mountain in Banff that gave an awesome view of the surrounding areas. The way up wasn't so bad, except that my fitness level was shocking. At the top was the expected 360 degree view. I had the town of Banff at my feet, and a section of the Rocky Mountain Range only a turn of a head away. The walk down was less enjoyable though, I focused on staying on my feet where most of it was slippery, and managed to shuffle down like an old lady.

My last day in Lake Louise was fuul of good-byes, photos and drinks. When asked whether I was sad to go, I had to lie a little. I am disappointed I didn't get to snowboard as much as planned, and I didn't get to do a lot of things like drive the Icefields Parkway up to Jasper (a very famous scenic drive), see the lakes when they were thawed, snowmobile, dog sled etc etc, but I wasn't sorry to leave work, or the people behind. Sure enough I had met some very different people and made a few really good friends, but at the end of the day, it reminded me too much of high school... and I really didn't feel it was me.

Having said that, I did have a lot of fun, and I'm really glad I came. There was a few less memorable moments, but hey, they made for good blog entries and a laugh after. As expected, my last night here was a rather drunken affair. The norm here is to get smashed on cheap grog before heading to the pub on the hills where you spend a good portion of your fresh paycheck. It was nothing like the Opera Bar.. I didn't have the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House in view... nor did I have 3 glasses of Champagne in my hand (a luxury here!)... but I did have a Kokanee (cheap Canadian beer) and was in a "I love everyone" mode, which was a nice end to my Rocky Mountain Adventure. I will definately come back to snowboard, and to see it in summer... but next time, I am going to come an live in the Chateau in luxury!

Counting the Days

Not much to report this week apart from the fact that we finally got a new fridge in the apartment... you can see how much I have adjusted to the simple life as such a small thing got me quite excited! If you saw my photos, you'd understand why. But I will only be able to enjoy the new fridge for another week or so. I can't wait to get out of here now, and time is ticking so slowly!

So why am I in such a rush? The usual whinges I guess. Like the fact that my toilet overflowed for the 3rd time. The fact that I can't board. The anticipation that the weather will be in the high -20 degrees celcius during the week. And even the people who were pretty cool to begin with are getting to me!

We went clubbing on Wednesday which was fun, but I the next day, the rentals shop was buzzing with gossip about a girl we worked with... a small drunken mistake on her part, but heartbreaking news to her husband of three months. Anyways, it really was no-one's business, a little gossip was expected, but I could not believe the way some of the girls were going on about it and the way they all decided to turn on a friend when she needed them the most. I don't think I have experienced such bitchiness since high school!! it's pretty funny, coz they don't want to hang out with this one girl now *rolls eyes* because they believe "the people you hang out with influence they way you are". I find it quite amusing in that they all share the same maturity level!! Anyways, it's not just the bitchiness that gets me, the management at work is pretty shit too... somedays I wake up dreading to go to work, but other times the day goes by pretty quickly when there is some to chat to and the music is good (I never realised it made so much of a difference!).

Not everyone is bad here, I'm constantly meeting new people and after getting to know a few people a little better I've realised first impressions are not always correct. Some people whom I thought I'd get along really well with at the beginning turn out to be people whom I am happy to leave behind. And the ones whom I thought I'd have nothing in common with (and I still don't) happen to be really good people and who will look out for you without you even asking!

Anyways, gotta run... my friend and I are going to hang out with this girl tonight... thought a few drinks and some steak should be good comfort food for her!

Living Life in a Sling

The last week hasn't been bad at all. Work has been slow, so there has been plenty of time to fool around. I've been put on the cash desk which is way cruisy compared to boots or the tech desk. It must be a pretty funny sight for the customers though, as the other person behind the cash desk is my friend Tim... who has broken his arm in 4 places and also has one arm in a sling. He has his left arm tied up and I have my right.. we make good partners in scarying customers into taking out insurance, and we have also mastered the hula dance.. but it looks more like two spastics attemting the mexican wave. It's amazing the no. of jokes that has been cracked!!

The other night we had our staff party, what they called a "Torchlight Dinner". The idea is that you catch the last lifts to Whitehorn Lodge near the top of one of the runs. You ski/board to the lodge, have a buffet dinner, drinks and live entertainment. Then you ski/board down the mountain in complete darkness except for a torchlight on your head and a few torches on either side of the freshly groomed run. Coz I couldn't board, I caught the lift on foot with Tim, and "attempted" to walk along the run to the lodge. Only thing was the run was extremely steep and my shoes didn't grip the ice much, and I found myself walking with uncontrollable speed down the hill as opposed to across it. It was both scary and funny, as I am screaming just like when I'm on a borad. And just like being on a board, I had to stack it to stop. In the end, Tim who was just as handicapped as me had to support me as I made the rest of the way across.

The dinner and entertainment was fantastic. It's amazing what a few drinks can bring out in people. Not that I was one of them! At the end of the night I got taken down on the ski-doo they use for mountain patrol. it was really cool, pity it didn't go as fast as I wanted it to. My friends were rather jealous that I got to ride down on one, but when I was at the bottom watching everyone else ski and ride down, I was quite dissappointed I wasn't part of the string of small beams zig zagging down the mountain. it sorta looked like the cartoon depiction of a shooting star, the group lead at the front with a larger, brighter torch, and a stream of tiny stars following the same path down. The whole night was such a unique experience.

Not being able to ride is a bit of a pain. But since I don't get to take advantage of 2 hour ride breaks, I get to work 8am-3pm straight and go home early which is good. On my days off, I go down to Banff and chill in a coffee shop, or use the internet. Last weekend I also went to the hot springs where you sit in an outdoor pool of 39 degree celcius of hot spring mineral water from the mountains. You get to enjoy the mountain air in the comfy warmth, and the only thing seperating you from the view of the white mountains is the steam arising from the water!

Yesterday I also went to see the ice sculpture competition held at the Chateau. There was a few really good pieces of artwork, pity the photos don't really capture it well. And to think they sit in the open until it melts, which is prob a few months from now.

Anyways, a Happy Chinese New Year to all. If you want my account details to transfer my red pocket in, drop me a line! =)

Shedding the Security Blanket

Believe it or not, I have lived through an entire week in Lake Louise with no major dramas. The only drama I've had is that my flatmates have finally realised how disgusting the place is and has decided cleaned it up so much it is virtually unrecognisable. I was so impressed, but I also know it won't last long.

It's definately a good thing, but it's sad how all the good things happen when you decide to leave. It always works out that way. Yesterday I submitted my resignation at LL, it was more of a decision than I thought as things are a lot better since I first arrived. But still, since I can't ride for 6 weeks coz of the shoulder incident, it's prob better to alter my plans and make my move earlier.

Apart from the dissapointment of not being able to make the most of my Rocky Mountain winter experience, I am also really looking forward to the relocation. It means plans, goals and purpose, and ofcourse the city convenience and lifestyle. It also means headaches such as house and job hunting, and the uncertainty and risk of it all. I guess LL has always been my security blanket in this whole Canadian trip where I knew there was def a job and a roof over my head waiting. Thats why I was so slack in job hunting in Vancouver. But I know I should be fine, I always am. Bill, another friend from Oz will be in Toronto, and the plab is that we find a place together and conspire to turn the city upside down. Well, when we find some local friends anyways. It's good to know someone in the same shoes as me, and it also eliminates the chance for me to end up with freak flatmates. Not that I'm speaking from experience or anything!

Anyways, I will be leaving here on the 3rf Feb and will be in Toronto by the 6th as I am visiting Ben and Rach in Vancouver first. Mail won't be forwarded after I leave LL, so it;s prob best not to send anything until I find myself a new home.

Just to let you know I have ben splurging on internet usage and have uploaded more photos as well as multiple blog entries. It's the last 3 albulms that have new photos, including pics of my apartment and X'mas/NYE.

All is well, been really happy today despite my shoulder.... new plans to moving to Toronto has kept my mind busy these days... but just doing some surfng jobs now...

Anyways, enjoy the pics and keep smiling! =)

Let the Year Begin

2003 was definately a big year of my life. But this year appears to be promising also. Only 11 days into the new year and I have already injured myself. I'd like to say I dislocated my shoulder after a 180 degree trun on the half pipe, but the fact of the matter is that icy roads are damn slippery! I was totally rested up, ready to hit the slopes in the two days I had off... I even invested in some impact shorts (aka bum pads!) to protect my tailbone. I was so determined to master snow boarding coz I had imporved so much in the last week... I hate it when you can't do something you had set your mind to!! grr!

Anyways, I slipped as I was heading to the bus stop and the fall dislocated my shoulder and sent me into 10 minutes of dizzy spells where everything was black and grey! My arm remained that way for 3 whole hours since some guy decided to overshadow me by getting concusion on the back side of the mountains and the doctor and all the patrol guys were out at the site helping him with getting airlifted to the hospital. How inconsiderate! Nah, he was far more seriously injured than me, so I can't complain. It's okay now though, after hours of discomfort, the doctor snapped it into place again and I have to wear it in a sling for a while and can't lift my elbows above my shoulders which is a pain when putting on layers of clothes in this weather. It also kills me tech bench career.. now I have to be a checkout chick! Got an X'ray done and once the results are out, I'll know how long I won't be able to board for.. but now it seems to be around 6 weeks. Apparently there is 40% chance I might need an operation, but I'm pretty optimistic about that... my god, it's only a fall! I'm just really annoyed I won't be able to board coz I am thinking of moving back to the city soon.

I'm just thankful that I didn't hurt myself any other way.. what I can't see is all good! I could have broken something, had open wounds, had blood everywhere but no-one to do my laundry for me.. now that would have been tragic!!

Comings and Goings

This week has seen seen some coming and goings. Jackie, a friend of Trangs dropped by Lake Louise, and although I don't knw her that well.. it was really nice to catch up with her in a cosy cafe!

But talk about weird, the other day some customer came up to my tech bench and I though she looked very familar as I was adjusting her skiis. It was only until I swiped her credit card that I realised I had actually met her in Vancouver where we were in a bar with all the other UBC students and we got talking about Hot Chilli Peppers! And to top it off, a friend and I was at the hot springs in Banff on our day off and we bumped into her again! Such a small world!

I said there was comings and goings, as such, I was very sorry to see Ada leave after 3 weeks (almost as long as I have been here!). It was always nice to have a friend to call when I got into Banff, someone to hang out with and to whinge about things where you wouldn't whinge to your new found friends. I guess since I met so many people with so many different backgrounds that it is nice to see someone familiar and who can relate to you too. Anyways, we had a nice greek dinner to see her off. Thank god I have Teoh around, but whingeing to a guy is never as satisfying!!

Technical Difficulties

I never would have thought I'd say -10 degrees was warm and be relieved when it hit 0 degrees! Besides the turn in temperatures, it has also snowed a little, getting everyone excited with the new powder to play in.

Since it has become a little more quiet, I ahve been training on the tech benches as a "tech guy". Haha, imagine little old me who hates technical stuff and knows nothing about skiing or boarding, recommending, sizing and adjusting equipment. I even have to sign the box that reads "technician's signature" just to assure the customers safety! At first it was rather embarrassing as I didn't even have the strength to push down the realease lever on the skiis after adjusting the DIN. Times like this, there is nothing better that turning on your charm and acting the poor girl whose lost all energy after doing a million skiis! Since then I have gained a bit of muscles, but the other day I had to ask a fellow workmate to tech me how to reverse the direction of the simple electric drill! Geez, who said anything about wanting to be a technician, I'm only here to check out the cute snowboarders!!

I can't say that I love my job, it is afterall not very challenging and very manual (speaking from someone whose first job was payroll and who was paid 5 months to surf the internet and stay home before leaving Australia). There was one point in time where I had band-aids on 7 of my 10 fingers! When I showed Teoh, hoping to get some sympathy from him, he looked at it and said "put that away, thats ugly"! *humph*

Anyways, the best part of the job is chatting to the customers. Generally they are all pretty cool, but very curious. The most asked questions in rentals has nothing to do with the sport or the equipment, it:
customers: "is this whole resort just run by aussies??"

or I always get:
customers: *gasp* oh, this is *so* deceiving, an asian face with an aussie accent!!"
me: *rolls eyes"

or:
customers: "where does your cute accent come from? you don't sound aussie like everyone else?"
me: "oh, dun i?" (didn't mean to put on the accent, but it just comes through when I say this innocently!)
customers: "hmm.. maybe I'll take that back!"

Ofcourse there are obnoxious customers. Oe lady came in, demanded that I take her shoes off for her, and trotted out without even a thank you! But then there are those that brings a smile to me face, the excited kids and the over energetic grandparent figures.. young and old alike! Some customers that are around for a week or so treat you like a friend.. there was this one young english couple who I had help extensively coz of their troubled feet, they were so cool and the guy was so hot.. pity I liked the girl just as much though!! Anyways, thats not it, the moral is... if one little small and effortless gesture like a smile or happy chatter can light up someones day, go for it!!

Brrr...

The last week has been a bit of a blur. It has gone frm a crazy X'mas and NYs rush at work when I go from worked 9 days straight to having 3 days off, and where the temperature goes from a warm -10 degrees to an unbearable -40 degrees (thanks to those who sms and email me the weather forecast back home. The conversion for me is adding the "-" at the front!!!).

NYE this year was certainly different. instead of being a drunken mess with my friends back home, I had the Australian count down over the phone and in the warmth my bed at 6am in the morning. 18 hours later, we had the Banff countdown in the basement of a club with my work friends. It was good whilst it lasted, but lets just say NY day for most of us was a complete write off and we were not all too sympathetic to those who complained about rental boot sizes or who had been waiting in line too long because of our inefficiency. The aftermath of NYE in Banff can still be seen on the streets... I am particularly careful when walking down Banff Ave... nothing worse than slipping on a pile of frozen vomit!!


But I have had 3 days break after working way too long without a break. Unfortunately for me though, it hasn't snowed for the last two weeks and there has been an extremely cold front moving through. I don't think I have ever been in -ve degree temperature before so -40 degrees is a really painful experience. The other day I went snowshoeing with Ada. Snowshoes are thes wide flat panels with a pivot attachment that disperses your weight so that you can walk on snow without sinking down into it. Anyways, we did a trek to Lake Vista and actually snowshoed on the frozen lake which I normally would have been estatic about if it weren't for the weather. My fingers and feet felt like daggers were pushed into them and could snap off any second. I was in so much pain I couldn't even press the camera button to take a photo for Ada. Ada had small icicles hanging from her eye-lashes and the hair exposed under my beanie (oops.. sorry.. it's "touque" here!) was white. On the way back I was in so much pain from the frozen tips and from breathing the dry air that I had doubts as to whether I'd make it back to the car! same thing yesterdat when I went to meet Ada and Matt at the frozen Lake Louise. I had always wanted to ice-skate in a frozen lake, but I was willing to pass on it if it meant keeping my fingers and toes!

The lasck of snowfall meant that riding conditions are very bad. Undeterred, I attempted a lesson on my day off despite it being -35 degrees.. too cold for the chair lifts to run. So here I was, trekking up the bunny hill trying to board on goofey coz I was feeling weird on natural. I did so bad that I quit the lesson, ran inside and swore never to ride again! it took quite a bit of motivation for me to brave the cold and the sticky, packed snow and hop on my board again. But I did so much better after converting back to natural and practising a few times. I didn't even mnind not feeling my toes for a while. My tailbone is still playing up though, so I am trying to be really cautious.

The holday rush has stooppped now, so back to bludgey rentals where we sit around a chat, have competitions who can jump the furthest from the tech benches and serve the occassional customer here and there. We also get scheduled ride breaks as well which is good for me to practise out there. My workmates are still very cool people and I have started to get to know them a bit more although there is still a bit of culture barrier there. It's really nice to go up to the Sitzmark Lounge and bum around after work as we watch the light disappearing behind the mountains. I still am not a fan of beer though!! being out has it's good times and it's bad times... I am planning to leave by the end of Feb after I take advantage of the free boarding and skiing lessons. The weather is getting a bit too much and I think I am still a city girl at heart.

Anyways, was hoping to upload photos from X'mas and NYs as well as photos of my apartment. But since I couldn't get the comp with a card reader, it's going to have to wait. I've added an extra line to the photo links so you guys know when I last uploaded shots, keep checking coz I'm trying to make it regular.