All work and no play

So yes the first thought may be well why isn't there a jolly christmas title this week, well let me tell you my dear friends that the title really does speaks for itself.

For an idea of the mayhem that we lovely rental folk have to deal with each day read ahead (if it bores you then skip ahead to fun times). A little background of where and what I do are as follows. I technically am retail/rental cashier which means ding ding ding, I get to stand at a computer for 8 hours or more a day :) Our store is located underneath the hotel so we get all the guests coming in wanting to store their skis and boots and what not along with getting teched up with the brand spanking new gear for the season. Tis the season to want to rip your hair out after endless lines and newbies wanting assistance with putting their boots on. Waivers after waivers get thrown at us all day long and the pile of papers that build up throughout the course of the shift is never ending. Now with all that boring stuff out of the way, it for sure comes with its perks! Getting major discounts anywhere for the mountain is a massive plus and the free seasons pass is in a league of its own. The people that I get to work with each day makes a living nightmare seem super fun! Parties are thrown and drinks are consumed which well and truly outweigh the minor downsides.

Christmas day was soooooo out of this world different to all others for me. Although having celebrated this special day away from home before, this one really was a lightbulb moment for me. Lightbulb moment as in "wow I am actually so far away from home with no prospects of returning in the near future which inevitably means not seeing my fam bam for a long time". Yes I knew as soon as this trip was put down in writing that this would occur but it hasn't hit me until these last few days. So what did I do on xmas day? Well I was so so lucky enough for my one day off to be this one so I hit the slopes with some awesome people and had a big christmas feast later on. I couldn't help but reminisce on last year's festivities in whistler and missing all those cool people I shared that day with. This time round it was whoever you could tie down that didn't happen to be working on the busiest time of year.

I have just realised that it has been well over a week since blogging and in that time I have also been ultra super duper sick. With having a number of days off work and a couple of 75$ a visit doctor bills I was unable to go and do anything crazy! Which mind you has helped me kind of hold back on blowing all my money for 2 weeks anyway. Ohhhhhhh and I cannot forget my aussie friend Marcus who arrived about a week ago and crashed on my couch for a night and who I haven't seen since (drinks tomorrow if you are reading this). So happy to see a familiar face and looking forward to ainsley's arrival in a few short weeks.

Crazy week or so ahead still but will be looking forward to bringing in the new year with my new pals in this crazy bubble of a town. I hope you all had a great christmas and santa brought you more than he did me!

the bubble

bub·ble

ˈbəbəl/

noun

2. 1.

   used to refer to a good or fortunate situation that is isolated from reality or unlikely to last.

I feel its time to share the common understanding amongst locals of whistler. I have been snugged up in my little home for almost 7 weeks now and finally can understand what people mean when they say "you come for a season and never leave". I did not think it was possible to be having this much fun every single day. It is almost impossible to paint a picture for those who havent been away from home for a long period of time yet and for those who have I am sure you understand! It literally is work play ride and sleep and the awesome part is you dont have to think about the real world that awaits you back at home! Dont get me wrong I miss my family friends and a real wage like crazy but I also am having such a blast. Living just a stone throw away from all of your friends is awesome and there is always always someone to ride with. 

This last week has been pretty tame and mellow for me as I felt like a good 5 nights off was needed. In that time though I still have a large pile of washing and a billion errands to do down at the village. 

Some frustrations occurred this week too like my phone company cutting my service and only realising hours and hours later that no one had replied to my texts all day long. Canada is weird sometimes and paying my phone bill seems to be way more complicated than it has to be. They dont have a bpay sort of system here well koodo dont have the service. They also dont take international credit cards unless it has been authorised which takes days and to my lucky self was declined upon request. The only way to pay this lovely bill is to go into the bank. another beauty is my pile of dirty washing that I mentioned earlier ...mum come over and help me out please? :)

ohhh also, it has snowed some minimal cms thank goodness and its my day off so just got back from a not so confident day. anyway short and sweet this week but check out this video which might give you more of an idea of this bubble talk so watch away

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snowbody's got time for no snow

snow snow where are you?

We had a slight dump on Sunday night and then nothing again for the next four days. Of course when it did bucket down I had to be opening at work every day for the next 3 so come my days off the pow has completely been shredded! Nonetheless it's so so pretty up there and to have a day off and not venture up is just poor form (unless of course if you are hanging from the night before)

I managed to get in a shred day last week with Brent who finally decided to come and find me. Before that I was finding my feet on my own which was cool too. Brent was a bit of a machine and made my skiing look just horrendous whilst taking me down some rocky terrain so cheers buddy! However après are always a must and longhorns seems the place to go after being knackered. Went up again today with Jamie, Sean and Matt for first lifts almost, was amazingly crisp! but it really better snow soon.

Brent looking mighty fine

woah bang

Last week was detox week for me and didnt go out until Sunday night for the twinnys birthdays. Beer pong, new friends and plenty of drinks and waiting way too long in the line for moe joes everyone had black out.

I must inform you all about Merlin's. Being an employee of the mountain and joining club shred for $2 a pay check we get some wicked deals. However Thursday shred night really is the icing on the cake. 2 free pints between 5-7 with some desperately skimpy staff makes for a wild Thursday night. As I write this on aprox 2 hours till we slide on down after a sneaky few

There really are some wicked stories that I have experienced on my nights out with friends and at some point I really must share with you all but it is way to early on in the season to be friendless... so they will have to wait.

missing everyone a bunch but I'm loving my little bubble at the moment. If anyone is ever interested in doing something drastically different check out these guys and hit up jake.. seriously life changing. 

all things canadian

From being here only a month and making a surprising number of canadian pals, I have been able to compile a list of some of the most bizarre things. Needed to be shared at this point of my travels so far

1. Canadians actually pronounce their 'r''s. More shockingly I have discovered that us aussies have really converted the english language and with what is supposed to be an 'r' really is of poor effort.

2. Canadians will actually say 'for sure' in almost every sentence

3. Bears are a majorly popular topic of conversation. It is also a frightening walk at night and the slightest sound from the bushes calls for locating the bear spray. (yes there is such a thing as bear spray, not sure how this would actually work with an actual run in with a bear and no I dont have any yet but am on the look out)

4. Talking about animals.. the recent discovery of also running into a cougar just freaks me out to no end, apparently if they are going to attack you then you want to see them rather than not because they like to pounce from behind

5. Canadians love their KD and that actually is short for kraft dinner (for all you aussies out there, easy mac!)

6. Toonies, loonies, dimes and nickles (do not call them anything else)

7. Apparently aussies says heaps, ages & keen way too much and is actually laughed at almost every time.

8. Noone else calls pommy's, pommy's except us beautiful people

9. Capsicum is not capsicum it is named a pepper and that is all. I have had way too many arguments with people about this classic

10. A jug is not a jug, it is called a pitcher

11. Never try a caesar it is actually a horrible canadian beverage (just a bloody mary with the odd canadian spin)

12. People and not just canadians are fascinated by australian animals. They seem to think that we have only poisonous animals in our country besides the kangaroos. I even got asked the other day if we have snakes in our toilets.

13. Hockey is hockey and not ice hockey, like seriously!?

14. The only canadians that are actually in whistler are those from Ontario, lots of them

15. chips are crisps

16. It's ketchup

17. Paw paw cream is only an aussie thing but those who know about it, love it

18. cant say as much for the vegimite

19. Netflix is a must but get your hands on the american one

20. Hunters are a popular shoe in Canada which are a very stylish and expensive gumboot

21. Cheese is a special treat as it costs a tonne

22. It is mandatory to say eh at the end of almost every sentence

I am sure I will be adding to this list as time goes on!

mandatory monthly post

Today marks my first month away from home which seems incredibly crazy how time has passed so fast. Oh, what a month it has been!

Let's start with the money factor and feeling fairly poor because I still haven't experienced the wonders of pay day friday. This means that I have been chewing into my savings like there is no tomorrow on basics like food, alcohol, food and alcohol. Things here are not cheap and although not more expensive than home still feels pricey for north america. Doing groceries has been my worst nightmare as I spend way too much on what seems like very few items. If anyone is ever thinking of doing a season over here it is recommended that a budget of at least $2000 is needed before getting paid anything decent. As the mountain has only just opened although hooked up with a job not a lot of hours are going around for many at the moment. In saying that I feel like I have worked so much, maybe because I have just been in holiday mode for over a month now.

Lots and lots of partying has been accomplished including our first staff party which was in a league of its own. Tight and bright at Merlins called for ski shotting, free drinks, some people getting kicked out of bars and some unfortunate (or maybe fortunate for some) lost memories. Julia you get a shout out in my post this time as being by far the craziest friend I have made on this trip so far, please appreciate the photos below! Many of us have learnt the hard way that going out when you have work the next day is a major slap in the face especially when your boss will even comment on the fact that they can tell you had a big night!

Work has been fairly quiet with almost no customers coming in as of yet but somehow I seem to have worked a tonne so far. As we are working at the fairmont rental store we get to work some sexy black baggy pants that are way too long, dressy shoes and a restricting sweater thing as the canadians call it. Apparently it is supposed to get super busy in the next couple of weeks which might make the shifts go faster too.


                                                          daily commute to work

We also finally have a new roomie, one of my friends from back home Taylor. He got sick of no lounge and no kitchen and eating breakfast, lunch and dinner on his bed so our place was too good to resist! One more to come!

And yes last but not least lets discuss the most important aspect of this adventure of mine, the mountain! Much to my amazement I did go up on opening day despite my reluctance of busy lines, tourists and probably being a complete clutz on first day! Nevertheless I went up with Lauren one of my new fairmont buddies. As a side note and to paint a picture for you all, my place is located on Blackcomb mountain a little way up which is not open yet due to not enough snow (I think?) Carrying skis, poles, helmet and lets not forget walking in the boots does is not the most incredible task you can think of. Here I was ready to go lugging all my gear down 4 flights of stairs, heading to the bus stop only to find a note saying that the buses do not run between 9-3 from now until early dec. Because we cannot ski down staff hill yet trying to get down by walking did not tickle my fancy. So I bit the bullet and caught a cab down to the village :/ . We had an absolute blast and were so excited to be up there for the first time of the season. Ran into our friend Andrew up the top and maybe unfortunately for him he got stuck with me being super slow for the rest of the day. Only a handful of runs were open which meant only 3 chairs open so the lines were super long but well worth it! I was amazed by the fact that I remembered how to ski after being only new to the awesome sport. However, as pro as you all might think I am I did fall about 3 times, with one really taking the wind out of my sails. Massive day up and unfortunately my only day so far due to working since then. The next 3 days are going to be huge as I will be up there for every single one of them, heres hoping!

                                        Lauren and I trying to snap a selfie on the chairlift

So it has been a huge month so far and is really only just beginning, until next week loved ones :)

                                              http://www.the-workingholiday-club.com/

open sesame

It is only fitting that I post today as of early this morning we got news of opening day being this saturday! That is 2 weeks earlier than published which is super exciting. For all of those back home opening day is what we have all been hanging for since arriving and the village has gotten slightly busier each day which means people are getting ready!

This last week has been a lot more interesting especially since we have finally started working which have been filling up my days. Working at the Fairmont at a retail/rental store for the mountain and have met a bunch of awesome people already. It is extremely unfamiliar to me and nothing to like the work I have been doing for the past few years thats for sure. From fitting boots to adjusting skis and bindings to learning a billion things about gloves, smart wool, helmets and gloves it has been information overload. Us retail girls though have gotten some sweet discounts from attending some of our training PK's (product knowledge). Now that the mountain is opening super early we are working a tonne to get our store ready in time.

Besides working and hanging down the village and eating at furny's almost every other day for $5 meals, partying has been major. Every night there is something to do somewhere in town. There is always several house parties every night to attend before heading down to the club's. Really any day of the week is someone's weekend so staying at home is a treat. 

I haven't been very adventurous in the site seeing department but managed to go with some new pals down to the train wreck near function. Unlike most smart and wise people we decided to leave at around 3 which meant getting to the wreck in almost darkness. Nevertheless it was fun walking down the train track and checking it out. As a side note It gets dark here so super early so the days feel a lot shorter. 

Money is becoming scarce very fast and cannot wait for pay day which still isnt until next friday :( 

Sorry for all the photo lovers, I have been lazy at taking any of decent quality this last week. Maybe next time.

Going Solo

So it has been a week since posting and I thought it was most fitting to share my experiences of my first week in Whistler on my own.Arriving was pretty amazing and daunting at the same time. Stepping straight off the greyhound into crisp chilled air and seeing so many familiarities, I knew I was home.

Let me start off with my accommodation.  I have a pretty sweet bedroom to myself and sharing with 3 other roomies with the tiniest kitchen, living space and bathroom but it works. Located on the mountain it is not the funnest walk coming back up from the village multiple times a day but way quicker and cheaper than the bus thats for sure.

view from my room (just beautiful)

This is clean I swear

The village was like a ghost town when I first arrived with not a soul to be seen but in just a few short days when the snow dumped overnight crowds of people just appeared. I am in awe of how beautiful the mountain looks even though I have seen it all before, seriously blown away!

I can say I have been out almost every night this week and it isn't doing wonders for my budgeting but it is just so super easy making friends here it's hard not to say no. However work starts this afternoon and the burden of knowing everything and anything of bindings, skis and boots terrifies me to no end.
On that note though I have purchased a sweet set of new skis and boots which I managed to do at a bargain price seeing that is the only way I roll.

One thing is for sure I have a new found respect for my parents and all the opportunities I have been given at home. Living on your own although fun is extremely tough. Especially moving into somewhere new getting settled just seems like a never ending battle. For example, I have done 2 grocery shops and bought the bare minimum because of the mighty hike back up the mountain and because everything is so super expensive here. I was so lucky enough to have made some new friends who drove us into Squamish which mind you is 45 mins away to do a huge wallmart shop. Things like coat hangers, a towel, a blanket, detergent plus more food were purchased. I am almost sure I will not need to do another shop until at least christmas!

Some more bits and pieces I have learnt this week
1. Parts of Whistler I didn't even know existed I have seen in this last week
2. Yoghurt and peanut butter has appeared back onto the whistler dessert (all you ainsley)
3. Those reusable shopping bags are an essential
4. Keep every empty can they give you 5c back each one (as a local in whistler this is a must)
5. Mention you are a local anywhere you go, they  love the local discounts here
6. Buying extra socks and underwear wont change the fact that a wash needs to be done asap!
7. Everyone is super friendly and easy going here
8. Invest in a good can opener!

http://theworkingholidayclub.com/

vantastic!

As I write this, there is a sense of bitter sweet. My week at Vancouver comes to an end but here I go to really start my whistler adventure. I have had an incredible time in Vancouver and met some amazing people already.

My plane ride was nothing to rave about however a pretty empty plane so I was able to spread out. With little sleep and hunger pains due to the refusal of eating some of the food we were given and 14 hours later there I arrived in Vancouver. Of course I was lucky enough to get interrogated by immigration asking a billion questions & freaking me out just gave me flashbacks of entering canada by train last time.

Samesun Hostel was awesome and met heaps of different people. The first few days consisted of setting up my SIN, bank account & phone number and some solid sleeping. After that though was tourist time! Did a solid hike up Grouse Mountain which was one of the most challenging things I have ever done but the reward was incredible. Such a beautiful view from the top and got to check out some grizzly bears which was a bonus. Also ventured out to Lynn Canyon which was so pretty and got to witness the suspension bridge! Experiencing halloween was a fun treat too they really do get into it over here. Everyone dresses up and people go all out to decorate their houses (more than christmas)

                                                                               Pretty Vancouver

                                                                           The start of the hike

                                                                              view from Grouse


After 6 glorious days I have learnt a fair bit!
1. I am horrible at directions and really need to step this up especially without the trusty google maps as wifi will become a treat when found
2. My mum isn't here to do my washing :(
3. Burgers and beer have to be wiped off of my diet plan quick smart
4. Noone is here to hold my hand when trying to hike mighty mountains
5. Never ever get the top bunk
6. I actually really appreciate fresh produce (yes all you finger pointers, and veggies!)
7. Good coffee is extremely hard to come by

I am sure there is many more to add to that list so keep your eyes peeled.

One thing is for sure I have met so many people here that are frantically job searching and house hunting with not a whole lot of luck. I am super happy that I have had it all organised before I got here which has made the transition so much easier. I would very much recommend going through these guys if it is your first season.

                                               http://theworkingholidayclub.com/

Waterworks

This title should not need any explanation  for obvious reasons. Today marked the day I left my homeland to embark on my Canadian adventure.

Many tears have been shed and goodbyes have been exchanged. However excitement is now kicking in for the fresh fresh powder

                                                      

                                                                 Bye bye family :(

For all of those who know me, packing was a massive struggle. Items had to be parted with so my beautiful gem of a backpack would close! 

No real complaints with air canada besides the average food and slight delay but super empty plane which made it slightly less uncomfortable. With rocky turbulence and 5 movies later it was a very long 14 hours. Besides getting pulled aside and being interrogated for why I was in fiji for only 2 days at the beginning of this year, immigration was a breeze.

When arriving at the Samesun we were given a welcome pack with a map of where we need to go to set everything up. Pressure has been taken right off because of these guys who are going to get a wrap every post for more reasons than one.

http://theworkingholidayclub.com/

Anyway after a long day of making new friends, trekking downtown vancouver, getting used to really nice homeless people asking for money and some sweet iceskating fun it is time for a seriously solid sleep. 

Blog out :)

time for another

I guess it is time for another one of these bad boys! Seriously, I think I will annoy/clog all your news feeds with numerous blogs for the next several months. I have accepted the fact that I may be unfriended along the way. Apologies in advance.

Tonight marked a crazy milestone in my life and that being saying goodbye to the workplace that I have slaved away at for a good 2.5 years. My social/love and normal life were put on hold and knocked around a bit but it was all worth it. Loved working with amazing people and those late nights were some of the funnest memories I will take with me. To all my partners in crime, you know who you are I will miss you all dearly.

On to more pressing matters, it actually is only less than 2 weeks till I am in very unfamiliar territory. I get asked a lot "how are you feeling scared/nervous/sad/happy/excited etc etc etc???". I honestly am probably feeling a mixture of all of the above & including the etc etc etc. 

The next 2 weeks will include a mixture of sad & maybe happy goodbyes, attempting to pack every single thing into my backpack, relisting for the 10th time some of my not so wanted belongings on ebay (damn auspost upped their prices this week), finalising money with the hopes of the $ rising just a cent more before I exchange and spending some beloved time with my beautiful family & friends.

All I can say is so happy I went through these guys, they have made the transition so super breezy. 

ttp://theworkingholidayclub.com/

ps. yes I did write this at 2.30 am but please no judgements, that is just how my body clock is wired. 

Until next time :)

There is a first for everything!

Blogging is something I have never done before so be nice.

So a little about my plan of attack for the next stage of my life is to hop over to Canada and do a ski season in Whistler for 2013-2014. I fell in love with Whistler when I went on a radical north american adventure with some friends in 2012. We spent Christmas there and I knew I wanted to be back the following season but for a lot lot longer! The same day I arrived home as a misery guts, I googled some ways in how I could possibly pack up and move over there. I stumbled across The Working Holiday Club and got in contact with Jake who was more than happy to secure a place for me with a cashed up deposit of course. Visa applications, resumes, interviews, more interviews, waiting frantically for a position, getting a position, booking my flights, saving $$$$ and resigning from my job and 9 months later, here I am just about ready to pack up my life and go.

1. I have never done this before

2. No my daddy hasn't help fund for this trip

3. Yes I am going solo

4. Yes I am petrified

5. and finally Yes I am going to be blogging away about my adventures!

So there is a first for everything.  If you haven't had the chance to say goodbye or spend time with me then you better make some contact before it's too late, 3 weeks to go :)

http://theworkingholidayclub.com/