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Published: March 13th 2007
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Calgary
Downtown Calgary at night I will try to make this blog shorter, and more about showing you the photos of Calgary.
Well after New York, me and Andy wernt sure how much better the trip could get, sadly the end of the New York weekend sucked due to Air Canada. But we are over that now. We got into Calgary International Airport on the 24th Feb at around 3pm, and we were greeted at the gate by Ann and Clive (Andys parents....for those of you who dont know, they live in Calgary so we have been staying with them for the last two weeks) which was a change from having to find the airport shuttle bus.
We got back to their house, and it was fantastic. We went from small hostels with loads of people, to their lovely huge house that is so comfortable. I even have my own room....with a fireplace!!! There is lots of space for us to do our own things and computers that are fast and free. Also Andys two dogs (Tanda and Magic) are there for me to play with all the time, so i dont miss Bonnie as much. The best thing about this house is the
Skiing
My first day on the slopes basement. Its this amazing games room, with table tennis, pool, snooker, table footy, air hockey, darts, a bar (with lots of free cold beer!) and a massive tv!!! So as you can guess, I havnt been that bored while being here.
I have met a lot of Andys friends over here in Canada, and they have all been pretty awesome with me and really friendly. I think they like having another English accent around. I have been to a few of the youth "get-togethers" and they have been good fun, its good to see how different they do things from back at home.
We have done so much, that i wont go into everything that we have done, but just outline. I have seen Calgary, and its a nice town, with nice people. But they do have a problem with homeless people, as there is quite a lot of employment in Calgary, but not low priced housing. Its sad, but they have alot of things working to trying and make it better. Last week we went to go and see the Calgary flames which was awesome, such a great atmosphere, and good quality ice hockey and fights!
Skiing
My first day....a bit rusty then And last night we had a fun night, we went to see Rod Stuart!!! It was a fun night, with good music from an amazing band, and free drink all night, Much fun.
We have also gone sledging a few times, which has been pretty fun and crazy. The hills here are so steep and the snow is so good, that we got a lot of speed up. Hurts the bum though, and i flipped it a few times.
The major thing that I have done here, is learnt how to ski!!! I have never done any skiing before this, so I had my first lesson last tuesday at Calgary Olympic Park (COP), and i really enjoyed it. I thought it was going to be easier than it was, but I worked hard at it, and didnt fall over that much at all...which was an achievement in itself. I even got onto the main slope by the end of the main lesson. After the lesson I went down the slope a few more times with Andy and Ann, and it was going so well, until the last run, when a crazy asian guy who didnt know how
Flames
Start of the flames match to control or stop, came and crashed straight into me, and then had the nerve not to say sorry, and just left....i was very lucky not be badly hurt.
After my first day of skiing, I wanted to do more, so two days later, I had another lesson which helped me work on the technicalities of my skiing. Again it was hard work, but I was very nearly parralell skiing by the end of it. Andy was very impressed how quickly I was picking everything up.
This was all leading to us going skiing in the Rockies, which was apparently amazing. I finally got to experience it on Tuesday, when we went to 'Sunshine Village' in Banff. We had to get up at 6am to make sure we got as much skiing done as possible. The drive there was amazing enough, as we had to drive right into the heart of the Rocky Mountains...it was such a fantastic sight. I cant really explain how amazing they look, and my pictures dont do them justice either. You will have to come and experience them for yourself one day.
The skiing was great as the snow was so much
Flames
Start of the shootout...getting tense! better up in the mountains, and the views were fabulous. I enjoyed the day immensly. I did have a few bad falls (both times not my fault), and again i was pretty lucky not to get injured, but it was worth the pain, as skiing is fantastic. There is such an adrenaline rush when falling down a mountain. Half way through the day, I got good enough to get onto some of the Blue runs, which I was so happy with as blue is Intermediate level! The skiing was fast, but such a rush. I know that I am now hooked on it, and will have to start skiing more often...expensive hobby, but so worth it.
The rest of this week has been fine...except I have somehow got mild Tonsilitus...and my throat is in a bad way. I had to go to the Doctor on friday...and I waited a good 2hours to be seen, and payed a good 45pounds, but it was worth it. I am now on antibiotics, which are helping the throat, but I am still in quite a bit of pain. Nothing to worry about though people, Im fine!
We had Andys big
Me and Andy
We won....score! going away party on friday evening, where over 30 people came and had a good time. His parents hired some actors who did a murder mystery, which was great fun, and extreamly funny! We all enjoyed it, and guess who won? Yes......MOI! I dont know how as I was just trying to be funny, but I got this great murder mystery apron mwahah!
Saturday was skiing in the Rockies for the second time. This was one of my best days in Calgary as even I thought i skied quite well. I was really enjoying myself, and taking in the amazing views i had. I went down loads of difficult blue runs, and Clive made sure I went down some really tricky runs, really pushing me to my limits which was good. And I even went down a Black run!!!!! I dont know how, but after 12days of skiing, I have done it, therefore im quite proud.
I am now in Vancouver, and really enjoying it, I will try and do the Vancouver blog asap, but we are busy visiting this lovely place.
Hope you are all well, loving all the emails and contact Im getting from
Flames
#1 player....and real flames! you, and will try and get round to personal emails as well, so keep them up! Lots of love to all
Mr V
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Lexi
non-member comment
Snow
Well, I'm glad to hear that your adventure is going so well! It's making me want to take a big trip. Maybe I'll do one in the near future. But not now since I'm working and have an impression I need to fill! On the subject of snow sports, I've just bought my own snowboarding gear, and will be going to France in April with Adrian and some friends (good snow forgiving), so you'll always have someone to go! Bigger groups mean cheaper price and more fun! Have loads more fun, and be careful! x Lex*