August / 25th / 2006

Now back from Vancouver, Vancouver Island (Tofino - Canadian surf local (cold water = 12C year round), Victoria) & Whistler.

I must say Vancouver is scenically stunning. I love to see nature (with the mountains and trees) surpass man-made creations (condos, buildings, concrete). My first impression was a mix between Sydney & Hong Kong (for some reason). I feel very lucky now this summer having to travelled to St. Johns (east coast) to Vancouver/Vancouver Island (west coast) - appreciating the vast natural wonders that Canada is.

Ideally the trip was to visit my sister who lives & studies there. But also to check out the area and travel around.

Vancouver Island

In Tofino, we whale watched and went to a natural hot springs (water was 50C) by speed boat. Also included were tours to surf, bear watch, and kayak. Whalers (on the point) was probably one of the best hostels I've stayed at.

Victoria was a short, one night stay, arriving late in the evening and out by mid-afternoon. Just the general things to see. Apparently a huge drug problem here, while its Canada's number one retirement destination. A little too quiet/boring for me.

Whistler

After 3nights/4days on Victoria Island, myself and two friends (Mary-Eve from Montreal and Franziska from Austria) returned to my sister's place and left for Whistler the following day.

Arriving at 6pm, sitting and having dinner in Whistler's main village, I was lucky enough to see a tagged baby black bear run through the villiage. I later saw another behind the hostel.

Sight seeing, general hiking, reaching the top of Whistler Peak (7087ft/2160m) & hiking at the top, and let me not forget (and highly recommend) Bungee Jumping off a 160 ft bridge (they say the average jump 140ft, while the largest jump is in Austria at 750ft, New Zealand is second in the world at 540ft).

Bungee Jumping Saturday morning made for a great start to my day. With such a high/rush, it continue throughout the afternoon and carried into the evening while I made risotto and shared wine with friends (thus taken to a mellow, relaxed low). Experiencing such extremes made for an amazing day (sort of like having cold ice cream with hot apple pie!).

I look forward to more travels in the future if work and time permits.

;OP Andrew

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July / 4th / 2006

My photos from St. John's, Newfoundland (East Coast of Canada) are finally up. There are a lot of pictures, however these are a collection taken from 4 persons - each armed with their very own digital camera. Quite dangerous indeed & very Japanese Tourist of us.

It was an amazing trip, lots of sight seeing and whale watching. St. John's is a small town, with a population of 185,000 - I found the people quite friendly. I'd say that life there is, of course,
slower-paced, blue collar working (fishing mainly), certainly appreciating the simpler things in life.

Some FYI:
- Puffins and Turr are native birds
- Scrunchions (GROSS!) is a term for small pieces of pork rind or pork fat-back fried until rendered and crispy. They are often used as a flavoring over other foods, such as salt fish and potatoes. They are served on top of Cod Tongues. I tried both, Moose as well. Cod tasted like fish nuggets, Moose was stew like - both not bad at all. Scrunchions NO thanks!

It rained lightly for the majority of the time, and on the last day before catching our flight home, we finally got 24C and sunshine.

I must say that the trip would not have been as great if my friends and I stayed elsewhere other then the local hostel (City Hostel). Nothing in my opinion beats meeting people from aboard and travelling/sightseeing together.

Enjoy the Pics

;oP


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June / 12th / 2006

Booked a flight with two friends for St. John's Newfoundland (Eastcoast of Canada). We leave on Friday June 23rd and return Tuesday June 27th.

Looking to travel to Vancouver end July/August.
Get to see East & West Coast Canada this summer!

;oP

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June / 5th / 2006

Started Yoga today. How strange to stand in one spot, stretch in such specific ways, only to find yourself sweating equal to other intense workouts/traditional exercise.

Enjoyed Yoga's focus between alignment and stretching exercises, maintaining a positive/
present mind, and the general relaxation they teach.