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Published: January 3rd 2007
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Hi everyone...
Well its definately been awhile since we have updated this blog of ours. Sorry for the late entry and for those that have already heard all of what we have to say... Have a read anyway : )
After flying from Chicago we officially arrived in Canada on the 23rd of September. We made it through the relatively easy customs at Vancouver airport and collected our work visas ready to earn some much needed cash!
Chris's friend Erin (who lives in Vancouver with her mum (Linda) and sister (Kaite)) met us at the airport and Shane was surprised when after a few years apart neither of them shed any tears. He even had the camera ready in case.
The trip to Erin's place was via downtown Vancouver where Erin managed to do a good job as a tour guide, pointing out some of the important places around downtown and where we would probably be heading later that night. Chris gripped the seat tightly and shouted out passenger seat driver directions at Erin as she sped through the streets chatting on her mobile and darting in and out of lanes. After being in a motorhome for
so long being in the car was a scary experience...
We arrived and checked into Chateau Ash in North Vancouver where we subsequently took control of the lounge room for the next week or so.
That night we picked up Erin's friend Jay, who had just finished a season at Whistler and we headed out for the night downtown. We headed to The Buffalo Club which was the first club/pub that Chris and Shane had been to since leaving home. The band playing was really good but after our flight and an early morning we bailed around midnight.
We spent the next week touring Vancouver and doing the necessary errands in order to obtain a job in Whistler. Shane proceeded to apply for almost every job available whilst Chris sat back and hoped her hospitality experience would be enough (if not she said she would show a little leg). We also managed to obtain a Canadian bank account and Social Insurance Number each.
We headed to Horseshoe Bay for lunch one day which is where the boats to Vancouver Island leave. The scenery was amazing, unfortunately the same can not be said for the fish and
chips. We also checked out Mount Cypress where you can actually see Mount Baker in the US in the distance.
We headed upto Whistler for an overnight visit to try and organise our accommodation for the winter and didn't realise what we were in for. In short we looked at two places we would have moved into (one in Creekside and 1 bedroom + loft and one sharing with one other guy) but as it turns out one of the prices went up when we went to sign the lease and the other as it turns out the rooms miracously became not available.
Fortunately we met at the hostel we stayed at a nice Aussie/Canadian couple that has just rented a 3 bedroom house with another Aussie couple and had a spare room. After leaving upwards of 20 messages about places in the to lease pages we we to check out the house.
Although we didn't want to originally live with other people, the desperation but more so the friendliness of the couples that we met we decided that it would be a nice place to live for the winter. We planned to come back in a
Mountain Biking on Whistler
During the summer months its mountain biking that rules the mountains few days with all our gear. The house (or sometimes referred to as the shack) is a smallish 3 bedroom house with one bathroom a large living room, dining room, kitchen and laundry. We do have a hot tub but unfortunately it doesn't work (which may keep down the hydro prices anyway).
After heading back to Vancouver the following day for 2 more nights we made a visit to Walmart to collect a few household items we would need and hopefully get cheaper.
We officially moved into the house on Monday the 2nd of October and continued our search for work. Shane had a few interviews lined up and Chris went for an interview down the road from where Shane had an interview. As it turns out Chris was offered a job on the spot at Delish Cafe. Shane was offered a job at Whistler.com while Chris was having her interview.
So Chris started the following day and is now working Monday to Friday 7:30am-3:30pm and Shane is working Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 8am-6:30pm. Chris' job involves her running the front of the cafe that is located in a busy industrial district. She has also been contemplating
getting another job to help with the finances!
Shane makes reservations for everything to do in Whistler from transfers from the airport to snowshoeing. So if anyone is planning on visiting let him know.
The official opening for the mountain is 23rd November however all eyes are fixated on the weather channel hoping that it opens early...
We also both managed to visit what is know as 'The Turkey Sale' where discounts and cheap ski/snowboard gear could be obtained. Shane gave into the urges and bought himself a new board and bindings claiming that his old one would now become his rock board. Chris then gave into the pressure of the sale signs and proceeded to purchase everything you could possibly need to go skiing. Chris assuring Shane along the way she would definately use it, but only time will tell...
Stay tuned for opening day pictures...
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Bree
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Good to hear you settled in
Hey Guys, Over in Oz at the moment fo xmas. Heading to Thailand then back in Vancouver on the 31st of Jan. Glad to hear you found work and shelter. I bet ya having an awesome season. Cant wait to get back. Clay is in Whistler for the first week of Feb. and depending on my work maybe me too. We'll catch up soon. See Ya.