RANDOM VANCOUVER PICS

I was walking down Nelson street in Vancouver and almost created a human pile-up cause I stopped so suddenly.  I thought my eyes were deceiving me, but no, here’s your proof (taken on my new crackberry storm - I’m weak, so sue me – it was handy while I was out of town):

Now, I’m not sure if I’d use this toilet, although it was tempting just to see the inside of it (I know, a toilet is a toilet, but outside in an urban downtown area?).  It was quite the sight.  I don’t think it was there before, but then again, I never walked downtown as much as I did this trip.  In any case, it gave me a good chuckle.

Then I went down Granville street and couldn’t resist taking a pic of it as well, because I know the next time I’m in town it won’t be the same.  I wanted to capture it’s essence before they try to clean this area for the 2010 Olympics.

Its a grungy part of the downtown core, but I love its character.  Anyways, these random pics of Vancouver shows you a bit of its character.  And below shows you how proud the city is of hosting the 2010 Olympics, they have a countdown clock at the VAG!  Note that at the time I was there the Olympics were: 351 days, 3 hours, 15 minutes and 28 seconds away.

HOME AGAIN

I looked out the window after the pilot told us that we were approaching the airport in Vancouver.  I could see the mountains and I knew I was back in my second home.  As we landed, I wondered, for a split second, did I still remember it?  I was worried I wouldn’t remember how to maneuver the roads in the city.  I had nothing to fear though, once I got my rental car and started driving around, it all came back to me.

I enjoyed myself.  It was a short but sweet trip.  I wish I could have stayed longer, but it just wasn’t meant to be.  Next time.

VACATION TIME

It’s vacation time.  I’ve been pondering where to go this past week.  Last minute travel is stressful especially if you have someone who’s as indecisive as me.  Actually, I’m only indecisive when I’m traveling cause there are so many places I want to go.  But, I have to be realistic therefore that eliminated a lot of my choices.

I had a few destinations in mind before I came to my decision (if you can guess what city this photo is of then you’ll know where I’m going).  I didn’t want to go anywhere tropical or hot, although Hawaii was on my radar, but for now its not going to happen – eventually, just not this time.  I’d rather be able to plan it out a bit better.  I’d like to do a bit of island hopping when I go to Hawaii – my ex was from there and he use to tell me about all the beautiful places that tourist didn’t know there that I’d like to see.

So, all this vacation talk is because I’m officially employed now.  Yes, ball and chain is back, but hopefully if I plan well, not for too long of a time.  And, the bonus that came with this job is that it doesn’t start till the beginning of March.  So, I’m left with a few weeks of free time.

I haven’t booked my trip yet, but will get to it soon.  I’m looking forward to getting away before I start my new job.  Once I start, it’ll be awhile before I go on my next adventure.  I liked having this free time, it was fun, it was relaxing, it was stressful, but I know I will miss it.  The thought of going on unemployment was just not something I desired, so I’m glad I don’t have to.

NEXT ADVENTURE

Memories of the Dominican

My next adventure – I’ve been mulling it over.  Once I settle the job situation, I’ll be working on my adventure situation.  I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately because one of the girls I went to the Dominican Republic with, where I helped build houses, is going on another volunteer trip.

She does industrial design and she’ll be helping design/build this eco-tourism center and missionary center in Rwanda.  I haven’t been in close contact with her since the trip, but we’re on facebook so that’s how I found out.  She’s leaving in a few days, to do a trip in Europe and then she’ll make her way to Rwanda from there.  I met-up with her briefly today because she’s borrowing my battery charger.  We both have Canon cameras, and she left her charger at her parents, who live 5 hours from Toronto.  She started a blog about her trip and I told her I would stalk it daily, because she is going to Rwanda so I’m a bit worried, and she promised to update it as often as possible.  It was great to see her, she’s got such a bubbly personality, she’ll do good in Rwanda.

I really want to do a trip that will tie in with some volunteering this year as well.  I think I’m hooked now.  I was trying to explain to a friend how I could never do a resort vacation again, and she didn’t quite get it.  She thought it was because of the food, which is ridiculous, but after I explained it to her I think she was a bit embarassed once she understood that the reason why I couldn’t do it was because of what I had experienced not because of bad food.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with resort vacations abroad, but I crave adventure, being active and doing something worthwhile.  I’ve seen what comes out of a volunteer effort and having experienced it I can’t forget it, I want to keep doing it.  

A couple of countries pop into my head for this year – Africa and Asia.  Maybe I’ll just close my eyes and point somewhere on a map of Africa or Asia and that will be where I go. 

Trust me, there is a method to my madness. 

STUCK….

at the airport…goddamn .

I tried to be all organized, except for one damn freaking detail, I didn’t check my flight before I left.  I normally don’t, I like to live life on the edge…yeah, right, I love waiting 6 hours in the airport. So, I got to the airport early, thinking my flight was leaving at 4pm, wrong.  They apparently cancelled my flight, rebooked me on another flight, but didn’t bother to send me a note or call me about this change.  I’m telling the exec assistant next time – please don’t book through expedia, they suck monkey balls.  I should know, I booked my Chicago trip through them and it was a bit of a nightmare.

Anyways, I digress.  So, I’m at the airport right now, enjoying some WiFi and drinking some Timmy’s.  I guess I can’t complain too much, I got out of work early and now I’m just kinda lounging.  Although I’ll be getting into Vegas at 10:30, and probably be super tired.  But, I guess thats the price of business travel.  You’re at the mercy of the weather (the check-in person blamed Chicago cause my original flight had a stopover there – but that’s b.s. cause I just heard a final boarding call for a flight to Chicago – the truth is it was probably cancelled because of low numbers) and the airlines. 

On a totally different note, I’ve been feeling anxious lately.  Its been a bit crazy at work, life has been kinda crazy and I’m feeling…..well, how I’m always feeling and if you know me, you’ll know what I’m talking about.  big sigh…………