I've been in Vancouver for 1 week now & I think I stepped off the plane running. The flight over was not too bad, I was so excited about coming to Canada, before I knew it I was in LA. LAX was so quiet it was almost eery. Somebody must have got the heads up that I was coming to town & wanted a pain free transit throught the place. Had the nicest flight attendant on the way over. He said he couldn't possibly have me landing into Canada sober so he kept feeding me wine. Kudos to you.
Haven't stopped since I arrived but there's nothing like getting thrown in the deep end to learn something new.
I'm living in a lovely part of North Van up on the mountain in a beautiful house. There is a huge, lush backyard & I can already picture myself laying out there in summer sprawled out on a blanket reading of course. There is also a forest on the property which has a creek running through it. I can hear it trickling outside my window in the evening. The days are quite long here, the sun rises around 5am and sets at about 9.30pm so there's plenty of time to get out & aboot. I can see Grouse & a few other mountains from the house & there is still snow on the peaks, amazing.
The boys loved their Aussie gifts although I won't hold it against them if the Socceroos scarf doesn't get worn. Geez, what a game! I caught up with a German friend & we watched the game together......think I will keep the Aussie accent on the low for a while after that result.
The weather was pretty average on arrival but soon enough the sun was out. Spent the first weekend at Ambleside Beach which is down next to Stanley Park. Wasn't warm enough to get in the water but I was thankful for the amazing view & fresh air. Met some great folks that live up in West Van with a stunning view of downtown. Lounged in the pool with some good vino & even managed to get a little sunburnt!
I've lost track already of what day it is now that I'm not office bound. Haven't ventured too far yet as I'm still settling in but here are some highlights of my first week here:
Hike - went up a terrific track called 'Lyn Loop' which is just at the end of my street. Have scared myself silly about Bear encounters. Hopefully it subsides. Discovered 'Salmon berries' along the walk. A great survival tip should I ever find myself stranded in the Canadian Woods. I wonder if Grylls knows about them?
Local Wildlife Sightings - No bears......yet. Did see a Deer by the side of the road as I was strolling up our street. This morning I saw a Squirrel playing chicken with a car. You'll be as pleased as I was that he's lived to see another day.
Driving on the other side of the road - Yep, I've done it. Think the scariest part was reversing out of our steep driveway! Wasn't as bad as I thought and it's getting easier everyday.
Offered B.C Bud - I kid you not, less than 24 hours after touching down here I took the boys to the skate park & a local resident offered me some. The folks are so polite here!
Being reunited with Okanagan Pale Ale
Can't wait to see what week 2 offers up........
K
