Day four and Merry Christmas to Australia


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North America » Canada » Alberta » Banff National Park
December 24th 2014
Published: December 24th 2014
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Today was our transit day to Banff ready for Lake Louis. First we packed our bags and checked out from out motel. We had a great stay there and would recommend it to anyone traveling to Vancouver. We asked concierge for directions to the train station which they were happy to help with. Leaving our motel was the first cultural challenge of the day, there are four entries to the road and we were sent out one we hadn't expeienced yet, this one was a rotating glass door. We got confused as to why the revolving door appeared locked, we took a step back then realised we were walking out the left side or clockwise, upon trying to go the right hand side or anti-clockwise we managed to exit the building. We made the two block walk to the train station where we were surprised with the low cost of the trip to the airport. Only $4 each, a lot cheaper than Sydney.

We checked into our flight fine and were surprised to notice even dogs were welcome on the plane. They did have to be in a special carry-on bag but even so it is nice to see them so welcome everywhere over here.

We arrived in Calgary where it was an unseasonably warm 1 degree. We hopped on our transfer bus and headed into the Rocky Mountains and headed for Banff. From a distance we were amazed with the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and tried unsuccessfully to get some pictures from a distance, not fathoming that we will soon be in those mountains. On he trip we watched the mountains like they were our favourite TV show as they continually got bigger and closer, Theresa even had a short nap like she would watching TV. The bus driver was providing information about the area including an interesting fact that because Banff is inside the national park you need to work if you live here. It prevents wealthy people from buying up blocks and leaving the houses empty for most of the year. He said Banff wants to stay a small town and does not let major development happen.

We arrived in Banff and checked into our motel. Everything was white but we hadn't yet seen it snowing. We caught up with a quick load of washing and headed to the bar for a drink and some NBA for Ryan in front of the open fire. Here we meet Theresa's cousin and her partner Richie. We headed into the town centre, not far from our hotel and had a nice dinner. Here we realised we have been tight-arses with our tipping, thinking a $5-10 tip is fair, hey to use the small change after a meal seems fair in Oz, but as Ash works in hospitality and relies on tips she rallied the table to provide a healthy $28 tip for the waiter at dinner. When we left it had begun snowing and both of us where amazed with the beauty of it. We decided to make the 15 minute walk home which was well worth it. We jumped in the snow and walked with it floating into our faces. Again the cold was not unbearable. Theresa is unfortunately gloveless after one went missing yesterday on our ride, she was disapointed as they were a gift from her mother.

The pictures do not do the scenery any justice. We have included some but they go nowhere near showing how magic this place is. We are sleeping with the window open to see the snow falling and wake up to the mountains in the background.

We know as we write this it is Christmas Eve in Australia. We hope our nieces and nephews are super excited for Santa and everyone is in the Christmas spirit. Although we are having a great time we still miss everyone and will be thinking of you on Christmas Day. Merry Christmas everyone and in the spirit of Canada, Happy Holidays!


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24th December 2014
Our view

Hello at Banff
Hi Ry and Teez, lovely to hear that you have experienced fresh falling snow as you walked back from your dinner, as you said, so magical. Christmas Eve here and we are watching 'Carols bt Candlelight'. Teez sorry to hear that you lost a glove and I am glad your beanie has come in handy. Happy Christmas Eve to you both. Enjoy your days at Lake Louise. Look forward to your next blog. Love you both and miss you also. Xxx
24th December 2014
Our view

Have a great day at Wangi Wangi with everyone. We woke up to much more snow. There was 29cm at Lake Louis where we are going tonight. Merry Christmas!
25th December 2014

hello at Banff
wishing you both a fabulous White Christmas xx
25th December 2014

hello at Banff
wishing you both a fabulous White Christmas xx

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