I Think I’m Fallin’ For You

October 12, 2016October 12, 2016Leave a comment

Well, well, well. Here we are. Two weeks shy of our six month anniversary of our Australian hiatus and we’re packing our backpacks to head back home (only for two and a half weeks!).

Yesterday was Canadian thanksgiving, but also the last official day the bike park was open and therefore the last day of the summer season! It was quite fitting for those two things to fall on the same day (ha, Fall – geddit?). It was quite a day of reflection and to feel thankful for this incredible place. I’m feeling so full of joy looking back on our first Canadian summer.

The last few weeks in particular have been a dream, from conquering my goals in the bike park;

to walking into work everyday with a huge smile on my face;

to having Alistair’s girlfriend Ellen visit, having a ball with her and hitting up the train wreck hike again (it doesn’t get old!);

to watching Fall officially hit Whistler, with trees changing into the most vibrant of colours;

and seeing the first snowfall of the season!!!

We’ve also spent a small fortune on winter gear, snowboards and ALL THE LAYERS. I’m getting so pumped for winter and what this new season will bring for us.
But first, to head home and celebrate the wedding of two very dear friends! Can’t wait to see some familiar faces, eat some fresh food and soak up the last of the sunshine. See you all very soon!!!

Hanbel.
x

P.s. I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to wish my love a very, very happy 29th birthday!
I feel like I’ve said a variation of these words a million times since we left, but my goodness I am one lucky duck. To get to explore so many new places, a new way of life and new experiences everyday with your best friend by your side is a dream come true.

We both thought this move might be a bit of a test for us, and I think it’s safe to say we’ve never been happier – individually and together. Bring on the next year and more incredible moments like these! I love you, you crazy kid. x

The Great Outdoors

September 16, 20161 Comment

This past weekend has probably been the best ever. So, so, so much fun. So much sunshine, so many outdoor activities, so many goals ticked off the list.

And the weather has been absolutely glorious! After the first two week of September washing us out and freezing us to the core, we were convinced we’d be in for a rough Autumn. Mother nature had other ideas though, and blessed us with non-stop sunshine and mid-twenty degree days.

This weekend we had planned for our mate Reuben to come up for a visit. He and Jill (this beautiful married couple) have been living in their van, travelling around BC, climbing rocks like crazy folk. Jill is down in Vancouver at the moment, learning how to become a yoga instructor, so Reuben thought he’d pop by to give mountain biking a red hot go.

One lap of Easy Does It (the basic green run on the mountain) and he was bored, which made Andrew and I SO HAPPY. Reubs rode bmx as a kid and picked up mountain biking so quickly. We managed to tick off a tonne of blue runs, snuck in a black and made it to the garbo zone for a full hour long run. Safe to say he was one happy chappy, and I ticked off so many personal goals that day too. It was by far the best day I’ve had on the bike and I have Andrew to thank for being the perfect balance between coach and riding buddy.

I’d also been out with a work mate a couple of days ago (who snapped the below picture you may have seen on my instagram), and the combination of those two days out means that I’ve now ridden every blue and green run on the mountain – happy days!

The next morning, my legs had seen better days but with a day off together we pushed ourselves to head back up the mountain – without a bike this time. Andrew and I hopped in the gondie as soon as it opened, rode it as far as it would take us and set out on an alpine hike.

We took the Harmony Meadows to High Note to Half Note Trail, which would have been around 10km and took us 2 hours, 40 minutes. We had to cut it short due to Andrew’s riding plans, but I was secretly ecstatic about that.

The hike was stunning, alpine hiking is insane and like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. The thinner air and constant uphills made it challenging, but we made it through and still smiled by the end!

We actually started in the opposite direction to what is recommended (the chairlift to take us to the the proper trail head didn’t run until 11am), so we begun in rough, open conditions, full of loose rocks and mediocre scenery.

I’m glad we got that out of the way though, because as we turned the corner an hour in, we were dumbfounded by the sights.

Photos absolutely do not do it justice, because the views of Cheakamus Lake and surrounding mountains were breathtaking.

A couple of tips for long hikes:

Clif bars are the greatest thing in the world
As is water
Don’t buy that last wine at the bar the night before
Wear sunscreen. FML
Have a good hiking buddy and make fun conversation about all the amazing adventures you’ve already been on
When you start climbing steep hills, stop that conversation immediately
Apologise to your knees for the downhill slopes
High-five at the end because you didn’t die!

With all the riding we’d been smashing out, I’d forgotten how great hikes can be. This weekend definitely showed me how incredible Whister is in the summer, and how many activities there are to fill your spare time.

We finished up the weekend with healthy nachos, plenty of guacamole and beginning season four of Scandal. It was grand!

Very tired, but super content.
Hanbel
x

Music, Sweet Music

September 3, 2016September 3, 20161 Comment

Good Morning Lovelies!

Though it be raining today and the forecast shows much of the same for another week, I am a happy little vegemite. My morning workout is complete, I’ve got a jar of overnight oats and peanut butter in my hand and coffee brewing.

This is quickly becoming my morning routine on days where I have a late start at the bakery. Once my breakfast is ready and I’ve started the coffee, I sit down and catch up on the blogs I follow (Brooke and Sean’s is a highlight at the moment!). The first I started with today though, is Cup of Jo, and this article took my fancy.

Isn’t music incredible? The power it has to soothe, enhance, excite, evoke emotions and transport you in time will never cease to amaze me. Reading over Jo’s list this morning, got me thinking of my own. These are the few that first come to mind…

Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 – Bob Dylan
As my Dad’s absolute favourite artist, Bob Dylan echoed through our halls throughout my childhood. My parent’s favourite story to tell is me, as a toddler, blasting out the lyrics “Everybody must get stoned”.

Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
When I was 7 or 8, my Mum took me to see The Parent Trap at the movies. I fell in love with the film and it’s soundtrack. Since then, I have watched this movie too many times to count and can still quote it back and forth with Mum. This heavenly Beatles song reminds me of so many things, but mainly of my dear Mumma.

Teenage Crime – Adrian Lux
For three years in a row, the girls and I would pack up a couple of cars full of snacks and camping gear. We’d drive for seven hours to Bremer Bay and spend the week frolicking in the sun, swimming in the salty ocean and giggling non-stop around the campsite. When this song played one year and my dearest Courtney mistakenly sung out “all my friends, sin da loo!” she burnt a memory into my brain so deep that I can’t stop laughing while I type this.

Skinny Love – Bon Iver
Within the first few seconds of this song, my body freezes. I wait for my mind to catch up and decide if we’re going to start crying or if we’re going to smile with fond memories. This was played at my step-sister’s funeral and will always be her song, no matter how much time passes.

Hey Ho – The Lumineers
Last year, Andrew was asked to MC our good friend’s wedding and the biggest announcement he was to make was introducing the bridal party as they made their first entrance to the reception. He felt a huge responsibility that day and wanted to make sure he got it perfect for them. As I listen to this song I can hear his voice calling out “and finally… Mr and Mrs Lyons!”. Such heavy emotions on that perfect day, and I love reliving it through this song.

(Lover) You Don’t Treat Me No Good – Chet Faker
We have listened to this cover around a million times, and can probably quote the intro conversations. We are obsessed with this song and anytime it’s played will break out into song and dance. It takes me back to our little home in Perth, sharing a drink or two and absolutely loving each other’s company.

I hope you think of your own little list, take a trip down memory lane and smile for me, remembering some killer moments in life. Ain’t it great?

Hanbel.
x

Somebody Call Out to Your Brother

July 8, 2016July 10, 20162 Comments

Facebook is a funny ole thing, isn’t it? God, I would love to delete it. To be rid of it’s constant reminders that people make stupid comments, or that your life isn’t as good as your work colleague’s, or you don’t care as much about social issues as your old primary school friend.

However, it does make group catch ups even easier to organise. It does let my Mum know that I’m still alive. It does make it a million times easier to make friends in a new city.

It also gives the occasional flashback that makes me smile.

This morning, the book of face reminded me that three years ago, I posted this photo of my brother and I – in celebration of his 21st birthday.

If you’re doing the maths, then yep, today (Perth time) my baby bro turns 24.

My brother and I have a relationship that I am quite proud of. Growing up, we were best friends first and brother and sister second. Our parents moved us around a couple of different countries and cities, and throughout all the changes we were each other’s consistency.

When our parents separated, we banded together, moving from house to house each week and sharing in our annoyances of leaving something behind. We coped together with new family members, adjustments to every day life and moving houses several times. We celebrated our new sibling together, and mourned her death together.

When I travelled Europe for six months, Ali shortly followed. He made his own adventures and walked to the beat of his own drum, but we often met up. One of my favourite memories is Ali joining me in Paris to celebrate my 21st, buying me the most disgusting chocolate cake and wandering the winter markets with me.

As we grow up (eventually) I can see we’re becoming quite different people, but I see nothing wrong with that. I love my brother for everything that he is, everything he has achieved and everything that is yet to come. He’s the sweetest, coolest, most down to earth guy I know and I’m so lucky to be related to him.

Gah, all the emotions – I’m sorry!! Being away from home does this to a person.

Happy Birthday little brother, sending you all kinds of love from across the globe.

Hanbel.
x

This is for My Girls All Around the World

June 26, 2016June 26, 20161 Comment

There are endless positives to travelling, and I have blogged about so many of them already. The beauty of a blog, or any social media account, is that you get to choose what part of your life you show the world. Usually, it’s the highlights, the best days. Particularly with blogging, I don’t feel like uploading any of my downsides. My writing is motivated by my mood, and when I’m feeling down I’m far more likely to reach for Netflix than WordPress.

This doesn’t exactly give you a clear picture of everything that is happening in my life though, and for a little reality check I’d like to share with you one of the downsides to travelling. It is short lived and relatively easy to overcome, but the first couple of months are the most affected by this factor.

It’s quite simple to adjust to a new currency, a different climate, small differences in culture and everyday life. These adjustments happen quickly and without much stress. What takes some time though, is making friends. I’m definitely getting there, everyone in Whistler is so chilled out and up for anything. My work crew are awesome, and ladies’ nights are giving me opportunities to meet so many gals with similar interests. It will improve over time and I am in no way worried about being alone here. I just have moments where I miss my gals.

I miss calling someone up on a quiet afternoon to grab a drink, go for a long walk or stay in with popcorn and a movie. I miss the easy banter and the support system. I miss the hugs!

I miss Konga with Brooke, life analysis with Brianna, mild abuse with Rach, a sneaky wine with Kendra. I miss laughing with Courtney, finding the best new restaurant with Anh, marathon chats with Luce, and I even miss Laura talking through movies.

Life is good, I promise. It’s just that these girls, and the friendships we have are unparalleled. I’m thinking of you all today, and want to share some snaps where we are at our happiest!

529227_10150642030153204_1027956864_n 422987_10150542393888244_1404259740_n 12651032_10153930378654878_4269352832938573112_n 270226_10150228982671658_1179179_n 550186_10150656745827131_1443083021_n