There is always some confusion for me when it comes time to leave a country; having to choose where to go next, where to live, what to do about work, give up the good job and cozy apartment, new friends and second hand or new things. I never stopped to think at what point the excitement kicks in for the unknown. Usually on the plane getting out....after all the excitement and emotions of saying the goodbyes.
I like the thought of living like a gypsy, tinker, and wanderer. I've often wondered when they'd get the signal that it's time to move on. I suppose it's when there's somewhere they have to be by a certain time, or when they get kicked out the area they're living in, when there's no food left, when they feel like a change of scenery or when they just have something else to do that requires being somewhere else. I always believed I was a gypsy...but living here in Vancouver, I get that feeling of settling down. Here's where the confusion happens. I've also got those itchy feet again. I feel trapped but I know it's the immigration paper work to go through that makes me feel that way. I feel like flying off somewhere, getting in a car packed with food, tent, sleeping bag and just driving, music blaring, singing out loud, wind in my hair, getting on a rackety old bus filled with chooks, goat and even people. Even get that urge to sit on a beach for days just reading in the hot sun (and thats not normal for me)...It probably comes from all the rain we've been having here.
I know we can't save in this country but it's not what we're here for...which makes the situation even more desperate when that’s the main reason our visa's aren't working out. There are so many things we like here...the people, the nature, the mountains, the access to water, the coffee culture, the cold...and the skiing.
Just feel so frustrated... wish to avoid all this but that means going home to my safe old familiar country where I'll get into the routine of my old life within days of being there...right in the middle of my four day jet lag. Where the excitement of us coming home will wear out within 2 weeks and everyone carries on and expects us to as if we never left.
On the other hand there are things we can do with this new situation...travel. Plan another route to take home. Go home slowly...not a bad Plan B.

Over Christmas and the New Year 2006

That's the view from our window. January 14th
Just when we were calling Mum to wish her Happy Birthday...the day the sun came out for a few hours...which meant Vancouver didn't beat the record of straight rain for 28 days running.
That's is one of the highest points at Whistler. A huge drop behind Todd and Katherine. Apparently the ski race happens from there...a little lower. Katherine and Todd gave us a lift up...what a wonderful, sunny, warm day. Skied on the glacier too. 15th January...while Mum was picnicking on the beach with the family.
Maarten outside the Double Diamond Hostel in Apex...highly recommend this place. No need to get your skis off till you get to the door.
Kicking snow...so much powder...thats at Silverstar
At the Bear Inn in Nelson...home away from home.
My new bike...showing off...on a clear day in Vancouver. We went to Granville Island for some coffee and krantsky.
Maarten at Silverstar. Owned by an Aussie family. It has the goldrush theme. Very colorful and bright.
Just off the chair lift...nice position!
In the chairlift at Whistler...Blackcomb Mountain
Helping with the snow chain...easy as!!!


Coming down the Okanagan Run...very fast...doesn't look like it though...doh!
Putting those shoes on...lovely carvings...just around the corner they had the Gunbarrell Hotel where they serve this amazing coffee...with liquer poured into a warm glass then then brandy down the gun barrel lit up with fire....


Apex Ski Resort, Okanagan Valley, BC
Dave and Dan took that photo. The standard couple shot...

January 25, 2006

Where do we live? We have to choose...Canada, Australia, Holland. Take your pick. There's tonnes of paper work whichever you choose.
There's skiing in one, summer in another and neither in the third but family in the latter two. Great jobs in the first none in the latter two. Citizenship in the latter two but none in the first.

The first is where we want to be.