Around this time last year I was spending my days snowboarding, partying and looking forward to my family visiting. I was in Whistler to experience my first white Christmas, and very white it was too.
This year I am back home, and spending my time sleeping and working night shifts in a Royal Mail sorting office, occasionally seeing friends and having a beer or two. The change is still proving difficult to deal with, and I often find myself wishing I was back out there living life the way it is supposed to be lived.
Of course, I do appreciate the little things (Zombieland reference there for anyone who's seen it). Living with my family has its ups and downs, but I can't complain when I'm brought a cup of tea when I wake up, and have a decent meal cooked for me every night. And I may not be seeing much of them at the moment, but I'm back in the same country as my oldest friends. Knowing they're just a train ride away is comforting. Plus, it's Christmas soon. I love this time of year. I put the tree up today, and I'm not ashamed to say I had The Darkness' Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End) blasting out at full volume. It's the best Christmas song ever, if you haven't heard it you need to. Now:
Told you so.
So I am grateful to be at home this Christmas. The more I think about it though, the more I know where I want to be - sooner rather than later. I read an incredible article that perfectly captured my feelings about Whistler. You can read it here. For someone who hasn't lived there, my constant rabbiting on about a ski resort probably seems silly and idealistic. But I spent some of the best times of my life in that quiet mountain town. So I'm going back. It won't be for a couple of years, and I'll spend the meantime working towards becoming a journalist and saving some serious cash, but I'm going back. I'm young, I'm adventurous and I want to spend my youth having fun in a place where people don't care who you are or where you're from - they just want to know if you ski or board, whether you're riding Whistler or Blackcomb and whether it's Tapleys or...no, it's always Tapleys.
I'm not stupid. I know if I want to have a family and support them I need to build a career and save some money, which is why I'm applying for every journalism job in the area. I realise the importance of experience and I plan to spend a couple of years gaining some, building up contacts and most importantly getting published.
But the draw of Whistler is too big for me to ignore it. Once I have enough saved up I'll be back out there. I've already convinced one person to come with me, hopefully a few more will follow. Who knows how long I'll stay this time, but I've a feeling it will be for a long time.
Today's wisdom: rum and hot chocolate is the breakfast of kings.
Sunday, 12 December 2010
Monday, 20 September 2010
Given to fly
The adventure is over. On Friday I arrived back in England after exactly 11 months in the best place in the world. There were a lot of conflicting emotions running through my head, but after a couple of days at home collecting my thoughts, I'm beginning to realise what a brilliant year it's been.
Naturally, I was very sad to leave Whistler. That small mountain town has been my home for almost a year, and in that time I've had the most incredible fun. I've done many things I thought I'd never do, I've met hundreds of amazing people and I've come home with enough memories to last a lifetime. A lot has changed within myself in that time, although looking at the fridge back home it seems not a lot has changed here. And whilst I did shed a tear or two the morning I left, I couldn't help but smile as well. One adventure may be over, but through the friends I've made and the things I've learned, I can't help but think there are quite a few more yet to come.
But enough with the soppy stuff. Being home has been fantastic. I'd forgotten just how much better cheese and bacon is in England. The same goes for beer. Saturday saw my return to Beautiful Downtown Bramall Lane (the home of the mighty Sheffield United, for those who don't know), to witness the usual disappointing performance and lucky win. Having sat through a baseball match in Toronto though, I know I'd rather sit with my dad and brother and watch the Blades play out a 0-0 draw than surround myself with a bunch of fatties stuffing their faces, looking up only to halfheartedly join in with whatever soundbite is pumped out of the PA system. I tried, baseball, I really did, but I'm afraid you're just rubbish.
It was great being in Yorkshire again. The people there are instantly loveable, which thankfully is a quality shared with most Canadians. I was pleased to find the same crowd sitting around us at the football. The clued-up Swede to the right; the passionate bloke behind us who, bless him, is still cheering for last season's team; the Rod Stewart lookalike in front; the list goes on. Things like that could be viewed as boring, but to me it's a sign that however long I may be away seeing the world, I can always come home to what I know and feel comfortable. Whistler may have become my second home, but I know where my comfort zone is (and after this year I also know that I can't stay in it for too long!).
This hasn't been a very coherent post, but the next couple should be a bit more structured. Before I left Whistler Nick and I went on a month-long trip round Canada and the US. I have PLENTY of stories to tell from that, and they should take up a good few entries. After that, who knows where I'll be. It's possible I'll try and become a grown-up and get a real job, but it's also quite possible I'll be jetting off to the other side of the world again. I may also become a sea lion.
Today's wisdom: life is short, eat plenty of bacon. Lads on tour.
Naturally, I was very sad to leave Whistler. That small mountain town has been my home for almost a year, and in that time I've had the most incredible fun. I've done many things I thought I'd never do, I've met hundreds of amazing people and I've come home with enough memories to last a lifetime. A lot has changed within myself in that time, although looking at the fridge back home it seems not a lot has changed here. And whilst I did shed a tear or two the morning I left, I couldn't help but smile as well. One adventure may be over, but through the friends I've made and the things I've learned, I can't help but think there are quite a few more yet to come.
But enough with the soppy stuff. Being home has been fantastic. I'd forgotten just how much better cheese and bacon is in England. The same goes for beer. Saturday saw my return to Beautiful Downtown Bramall Lane (the home of the mighty Sheffield United, for those who don't know), to witness the usual disappointing performance and lucky win. Having sat through a baseball match in Toronto though, I know I'd rather sit with my dad and brother and watch the Blades play out a 0-0 draw than surround myself with a bunch of fatties stuffing their faces, looking up only to halfheartedly join in with whatever soundbite is pumped out of the PA system. I tried, baseball, I really did, but I'm afraid you're just rubbish.
It was great being in Yorkshire again. The people there are instantly loveable, which thankfully is a quality shared with most Canadians. I was pleased to find the same crowd sitting around us at the football. The clued-up Swede to the right; the passionate bloke behind us who, bless him, is still cheering for last season's team; the Rod Stewart lookalike in front; the list goes on. Things like that could be viewed as boring, but to me it's a sign that however long I may be away seeing the world, I can always come home to what I know and feel comfortable. Whistler may have become my second home, but I know where my comfort zone is (and after this year I also know that I can't stay in it for too long!).
This hasn't been a very coherent post, but the next couple should be a bit more structured. Before I left Whistler Nick and I went on a month-long trip round Canada and the US. I have PLENTY of stories to tell from that, and they should take up a good few entries. After that, who knows where I'll be. It's possible I'll try and become a grown-up and get a real job, but it's also quite possible I'll be jetting off to the other side of the world again. I may also become a sea lion.
Today's wisdom: life is short, eat plenty of bacon. Lads on tour.
Monday, 12 July 2010
Not just a place, but a state of mind
The first thing the sentence above brings to mind for me is Wayne's World. But it doesn't just apply to Aurora. I've been here nine months now and, without being too cheesy, Whistler is much more than a ski resort.
With a huge transient population, both in summer and winter, and a comparatively small number of natives, you might think it hard for Whistler to form an identity.
In fact, it's quite the opposite. Everyone here, from the manager of the biggest hotel to the lowly dishwasher, knows people are here to have a good time, to enjoy themselves and to make the most of what Whistler has to offer. Few come here with career aspirations, and few come here with long-term plans. People come to Whistler to snowboard, or ski, or bike, or simply take in the incredible scenery and natural beauty.
And it may be the mountains in the background every day as you walk around; it may be fact you can trudge home tired after a long day's work and be cheered up by the sight of a bear and its cubs in the woods next to you; it may be the fact that no-one is in a hurry, no-one is stressed, everyone is friendly and open - in fact, it's probably a combination of all of these things plus a hundred more - but Whistler is the place I've felt most in tune with. I can see why people get hooked.
Having said that, I am coming home in a couple of months. It's hard to believe I will have been away for almost a year when I get back, but on September 17th I will arrive back in England. It's difficult to know what to expect, but there are a whole bunch of people I can't wait to see and plenty of things I'll need to get reacquainted with. The family, the missus, all my fantastic friends, fish and chips, cheese, the Blades, Jeff Stelling, ale, proper bacon - the list is fairly long, so I'll stop there. I will miss all the fantastic people I've met over here, but there'll no doubt be a long soppy blog on that in a couple of months so I'll move on.
This month has been spent watching football and watching the World Cup. I was going to say enjoying but there have been so many distractions from the actual football this year that the tournament has been somewhat tainted. Between shocking refereeing, blatant cheating from players who are supposed to be among the best in the world or vuvuzela nightmares, I feel a bit disillusioned with football at the moment. There were some fantastic stories, like New Zealand's success, Italy and France's shocking performances, and the enthusiasm if the whole continent of Africa in getting behind their teams, but put it this way: I can't wait to get back on the kop at Beautiful Downtown Bramall Lane.
There'll be another update this week, hopefully with pictures.
Today's widsom: label machines are ALWAYS fun
With a huge transient population, both in summer and winter, and a comparatively small number of natives, you might think it hard for Whistler to form an identity.
In fact, it's quite the opposite. Everyone here, from the manager of the biggest hotel to the lowly dishwasher, knows people are here to have a good time, to enjoy themselves and to make the most of what Whistler has to offer. Few come here with career aspirations, and few come here with long-term plans. People come to Whistler to snowboard, or ski, or bike, or simply take in the incredible scenery and natural beauty.
And it may be the mountains in the background every day as you walk around; it may be fact you can trudge home tired after a long day's work and be cheered up by the sight of a bear and its cubs in the woods next to you; it may be the fact that no-one is in a hurry, no-one is stressed, everyone is friendly and open - in fact, it's probably a combination of all of these things plus a hundred more - but Whistler is the place I've felt most in tune with. I can see why people get hooked.
Having said that, I am coming home in a couple of months. It's hard to believe I will have been away for almost a year when I get back, but on September 17th I will arrive back in England. It's difficult to know what to expect, but there are a whole bunch of people I can't wait to see and plenty of things I'll need to get reacquainted with. The family, the missus, all my fantastic friends, fish and chips, cheese, the Blades, Jeff Stelling, ale, proper bacon - the list is fairly long, so I'll stop there. I will miss all the fantastic people I've met over here, but there'll no doubt be a long soppy blog on that in a couple of months so I'll move on.
This month has been spent watching football and watching the World Cup. I was going to say enjoying but there have been so many distractions from the actual football this year that the tournament has been somewhat tainted. Between shocking refereeing, blatant cheating from players who are supposed to be among the best in the world or vuvuzela nightmares, I feel a bit disillusioned with football at the moment. There were some fantastic stories, like New Zealand's success, Italy and France's shocking performances, and the enthusiasm if the whole continent of Africa in getting behind their teams, but put it this way: I can't wait to get back on the kop at Beautiful Downtown Bramall Lane.
There'll be another update this week, hopefully with pictures.
Today's widsom: label machines are ALWAYS fun
Friday, 28 May 2010
Backflips, bears and barbeques
Quite a lot depends on the weather in Whistler. In the winter, snow is king. First lifts are packed on powder days, and if it hasn't snowed in weeks people start to get depressed. In the spring, the combination of sun and snow keeps people on the mountain. We had so many blue sky days in April and May, and spring riding was almost as good as the powder of November.
At the moment, the weather is miserable. A couple of weeks ago though we were treated to a glimpse of what the summer will be like. Sunny days by the lake, BBQs and regular bear sightings should make the next couple of months quite enjoyable.
Both mountains are now officially closed to skiers and snowboarders. As I mentioned though, Whistler has still been making the most of the rapidly melting snow. May saw a few excellent park days in the sun. Whilst I didn't manage to master the elusive 180, I was hitting the large jumps, nailing the hips and even riding the half pipe. Another few weeks and I'd be better than Shaun White, but that will have to wait now.
The snow has been melting though, and ponds and puddles started appearing on Blackcomb at the start of May. Clearly, the only sensible thing to do was to try and snowboard over the biggest one. As my Facebook friends will have seen, I didn't make it across. As you would expect, the water was freezing and the first time I went in was probably the coldest I've ever been. The shock literally left me speechless. The subsequent four dunks weren't so bad, but were all equally unsuccessful.
I was getting pretty tired of snowboarding home soaking wet and vowed not to try the pond again. That was, until someone built a jump into it. After a couple of minutes of indecision, me and Russell decided the best way to tackle this obstacle was to backflip off it. I got wet again, but this time it was totally worth it. Videos and photos do exist, and as soon as I get hold of them they will be online.
Icy-cold ponds aren't the only result of the melting snow. With summer almost upon us, Whistler's bear population has been enjoying the warmer weather. I've seen several from the chairlifts on Blackcomb, but the best sighting was just a couple of minutes' walk from the house. Walking home with my shopping I almost went right past a young bear, grazing away in a creek bed. It popped it's head up curiously, decided I wasn't as interesting as it's dinner and carried on munching away. Amazing.
In a bit of good news, I now have a job! I'm working in the kitchen of the Elephant and Castle pub where my roommate Nick works. My first shift is tonight, and I know pretty much everyone that works there so hopefully the settling-in period will be brief. Looking forward to my halibut and chips.
The World Cup starts in two weeks. I CAN'T WAIT!
Today's wisdom: Tapleys?
At the moment, the weather is miserable. A couple of weeks ago though we were treated to a glimpse of what the summer will be like. Sunny days by the lake, BBQs and regular bear sightings should make the next couple of months quite enjoyable.
Both mountains are now officially closed to skiers and snowboarders. As I mentioned though, Whistler has still been making the most of the rapidly melting snow. May saw a few excellent park days in the sun. Whilst I didn't manage to master the elusive 180, I was hitting the large jumps, nailing the hips and even riding the half pipe. Another few weeks and I'd be better than Shaun White, but that will have to wait now.
The snow has been melting though, and ponds and puddles started appearing on Blackcomb at the start of May. Clearly, the only sensible thing to do was to try and snowboard over the biggest one. As my Facebook friends will have seen, I didn't make it across. As you would expect, the water was freezing and the first time I went in was probably the coldest I've ever been. The shock literally left me speechless. The subsequent four dunks weren't so bad, but were all equally unsuccessful.
I was getting pretty tired of snowboarding home soaking wet and vowed not to try the pond again. That was, until someone built a jump into it. After a couple of minutes of indecision, me and Russell decided the best way to tackle this obstacle was to backflip off it. I got wet again, but this time it was totally worth it. Videos and photos do exist, and as soon as I get hold of them they will be online.
Icy-cold ponds aren't the only result of the melting snow. With summer almost upon us, Whistler's bear population has been enjoying the warmer weather. I've seen several from the chairlifts on Blackcomb, but the best sighting was just a couple of minutes' walk from the house. Walking home with my shopping I almost went right past a young bear, grazing away in a creek bed. It popped it's head up curiously, decided I wasn't as interesting as it's dinner and carried on munching away. Amazing.
In a bit of good news, I now have a job! I'm working in the kitchen of the Elephant and Castle pub where my roommate Nick works. My first shift is tonight, and I know pretty much everyone that works there so hopefully the settling-in period will be brief. Looking forward to my halibut and chips.
The World Cup starts in two weeks. I CAN'T WAIT!
Today's wisdom: Tapleys?
Thursday, 6 May 2010
Whistler, Part Two
The winter season is almost over, and Whistler is in transition. There are only a couple of weeks of snowboarding left before the mountain closes, and transforms into a bike park. It's a bit depressing in a way. The village is empty, half of the people I've spent the last six months with are leaving and there are approximately no jobs.
Luckily, I've had plenty to distract me over the past two weeks. Last week we had a leaving party at the Bayshores house, which was the perfect way to end the winter season. I'm pretty sure everyone in the house had a good time, we all got very drunk, we had an awesome DJ play and the police weren't called. Craig even managed not to set the house on fire. Bonus. I would put some photos up, but I don't think anyone needs to see my face in the state it was.
The day after the party was spent mostly in bed, followed by the Big House Clean. Then we said our goodbyes to the old house, and moved in to the Dream House Version 2.0. Nick and I have moved in with Dan, who I used to work with at Billabong, Faith and Ally, a couple that Dan knows, and Adam, also from Billabong. The house is amazing. It looks out over a golf course, is five minutes walk from Lost Lake and has the world's best shower. Seriously - it has two shower heads, and two seats. It's like showering in a car wash. And you can shower in pairs! (Turn to camera) Mmmmm, efficient.
Dan wanted me to mention something about him in this week's blog, so here's a brief bio: he loves Sunderland AFC, is rubbish at football and wears girl's jeans. A real man's man.
The next couple of weeks are going to involve many noodle sandwiches, and a whole lot of job hunting. Unfortunately most places in Whistler don't have enough hours for their current staff, so aren't looking to hire the Fastest Dishwasher in the West. Luckily I am a man of many talents, so I should be telling you about my fantastic new job as King of Whistler in a matter of weeks.
Today's wisdom: DOUBLE SHOWER!!!!
Just a few photos of the new place:
Luckily, I've had plenty to distract me over the past two weeks. Last week we had a leaving party at the Bayshores house, which was the perfect way to end the winter season. I'm pretty sure everyone in the house had a good time, we all got very drunk, we had an awesome DJ play and the police weren't called. Craig even managed not to set the house on fire. Bonus. I would put some photos up, but I don't think anyone needs to see my face in the state it was.
The day after the party was spent mostly in bed, followed by the Big House Clean. Then we said our goodbyes to the old house, and moved in to the Dream House Version 2.0. Nick and I have moved in with Dan, who I used to work with at Billabong, Faith and Ally, a couple that Dan knows, and Adam, also from Billabong. The house is amazing. It looks out over a golf course, is five minutes walk from Lost Lake and has the world's best shower. Seriously - it has two shower heads, and two seats. It's like showering in a car wash. And you can shower in pairs! (Turn to camera) Mmmmm, efficient.
Dan wanted me to mention something about him in this week's blog, so here's a brief bio: he loves Sunderland AFC, is rubbish at football and wears girl's jeans. A real man's man.
The next couple of weeks are going to involve many noodle sandwiches, and a whole lot of job hunting. Unfortunately most places in Whistler don't have enough hours for their current staff, so aren't looking to hire the Fastest Dishwasher in the West. Luckily I am a man of many talents, so I should be telling you about my fantastic new job as King of Whistler in a matter of weeks.
Today's wisdom: DOUBLE SHOWER!!!!
Just a few photos of the new place:
No bunk beds!
Massive wardrobe, plenty of room for parties
The living room, complete with fire place and resident goblin
The view from upstairs. Spacious eh?
Kitchen. Check out that sink
Chandelier. Classy
Golf course, just outside the window. Plenty of room for heads and volleys
Balcony feat. BBQ
Wouldn't be complete without the Hoff
Half of the Greatest Shower on Earth
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