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.
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