One Second in Whistler

June 17, 2016June 17, 20161 Comment

I have loved this app, re-watching the little clips always puts a smile on my dial. I just mashed our first four weeks of Whistler life and it’s a nice reminder how nervous I was in the beginning and how life is steadily improving here, day by day.

However, I seemed to have forgotten my camera and miss having actual photos to look over. I started work last week also, which makes it a little more difficult to pick up my phone all the time. So, please enjoy my last One Second Everyday video … for now.

Ahhh Whistler, I’m so glad we picked you.

Hanbel.
x

Oh Yes It’s Ladies Night! (And We Have a Home)

June 3, 2016June 3, 20162 Comments

I’m still coming to grips with the fact that this is home:

The past couple of weeks have been such a whirlwind of activities, finding bearings and house hunting. It’s as though now I’ve found my feet here I can truly appreciate this town. Whistler is a cool little spot. No-one wears heels or fancy dresses. It’s perfectly acceptable to walk into a bar in riding gear. I have never seen so many mountain bikes in one spot, and it’s not even peak season yet. There are mountains in every direction, not just Whistler and Blackcomb. Every path you wander down in absolutely covered in greenery, I can’t get my head around it. It’s very nice getting to know it, even if it is on my own for the most part.

We’ve been quite busy since I last spoke to you all; adventures in the bike park, starting ladies’ nights (me), finding a home and smashing the course (Punk).

Here’s a snapshot of the last week and a half, hope this give you a better picture:

Taking the bike on an adventure around a few lakes and small trails; getting my first full face; a christmas tree on one of the lost lake trails.

Scrabble with Blake and Tash, a.k.a Mum and Dad. This day was 4 degrees and snowing on the mountain (where Andrew was riding), so mulled wine was a necessity;

One of my new favourites places, Lost Lake. On this sunny, gorgeous day it was absolutely breathtaking to see the mountains reflecting on the water;

Whistler runs ladies’ nights in the bike park, where you sign up for a coach and go out in a group – girls only. I’ve done two now, and they are super fun! They’re also helping my confidence and skill set so much. Anyway, the highlight of Monday’s lesson was spotting four bears along the trails!!

And finally, home sweet home! Our place is so sweet. A cozy loft-style room, that’s a decent size, 5 minute walk from the village and more importantly… all ours!

As I mentioned above, Andrew is doing an awesome job on his course. He smashed out the assessments for Level 1 and 2 (which means he can teach beginners to intermediates now), Canadian senior first aid and is now working on rider progression. He’s bought himself a downhill bike and couldn’t wipe the smile off his face that day. He’ll finish up Tuesday and move into the place with me, and I begin working on Monday. It’s all happening round here!

Much love to you all, missing everyone back home. Send me stories please!
Hanbel.
x

Home Sweet Home

May 23, 2016Leave a comment

Well, this is home. I’m not mad about it at all.

Whistler is a pretty speculator place. Yes, it’s touristy, and yes, Australians flock here, but it’s for good reason. No matter where you turn, you are greeted by mountains, creeks and astonishing views.

We’ve hit the ground running here, Andrew went straight into his course from the moment we arrived (he’s training to be a mountain bike coach, for those who don’t know). I’ve been lucky enough to crash with Tash and Blake (friends from home), which has made life so much easier.

I have also been lucky enough to score a job in Whistler already, working for a company who organise holiday rentals, activities, restaurant bookings etc. for higher-end travellers. I start in a couple of weeks and am actually pumped to get back into full time work.

In the meantime, I’m taking myself on small hikes and rides, checking out the village and just hanging out with my new besties!

Being a tourist town, life is a little more pricey up here. Groceries in particular, are really making me a sad panda. Though, we have found one perk. 1.5L of red wine for $15. So we might just live off potatoes and wine from now on…

Why do I always pull this face?

The mountain bike park opened up this weekend, and the village has been flooded with riders in all shapes and sizes. We’ve enjoyed a couple of afternoons in the sunshine watching them all come down the hill. The kids who ride with no fear, flying down the trail, are so incredible to watch!

On Andrew’s day off we took the bikes out to a smaller, cross country style area. Even though my lungs got a huge shock, it felt sooooo good to be back on the bike!

Just this morning I took myself off to Lululemon’s free yoga session, and later today we’re going to hit up a Farmer’s Market down the hill. There’s always something happening or something new to discover, which is helping us all stay positive while performing the arduous task of finding somewhere to live. Whistler housing is insane, there are not enough houses to go round, and we’re struggling a little at the moment. Finger’s crossed something pops up soon!

Just gotta keep that zen 😉

Happy yoga vibes,
Hanbel.
x

One Second of a Road Trip

May 20, 20163 Comments

I’m so proud of us! We managed to keep going with our one second every day videos the whole time we were on the road (Andrew found a reminder service, SO HANDY).

As much as the photos are cool, and re-reading our blog posts is similar to having a diary, this is just another way to see the absolute highlights of every day.

So, here we have it: LA to Vancouver, our holiday before we begin living at a holiday destination 😉 #sorrynotsorry

Observations of the USA

May 15, 20162 Comments

After 16 days through the states, I’m pretty much an expert now. Ha! No, I don’t think I could ever be, but the experience of driving the coast has opened my eyes to some ridiculous, funny, stupid and different observations of this country.

McDonald’s is legitimately everywhere. We’d be driving through a small town (comparable to Yallingup for example) and there will be a McDonalds, Taco Bell and Starbucks on offer. If not more!
Car pool lanes. These are bloody genius! If you have two or more passengers, you can drive in the furtherest left hand lane, which is always quieter.
All the food and beverages are sweeter or are cinnamon flavoured. Soy milk is sweeter, tonic water is sweeter, chewing gum tastes like cinnamon. It’s ridiculous.
Most people we met were super friendly, but always think they’re right. They want you to have the best trip, so you need to cancel that hotel you have in Pismo beach immediately and book in at Morro Bay.
The catch phrase is “SO good”.
– That donut was SO good
– Her hair looks SO good
– That bar is SO good
Speaking of bars, every single one has at least one TV showing any game of sport. Even the classy bars will have it on, and then you hit Buffalo Wild Wings where they show at least 10 different types of games on 50 screens around the restaurant.
Pick up trucks are no joke. To me they resemble monster trucks, and scare the life out of me on the road.
Customer service is insane! As the staff work off tips they always go above and beyond to make sure you have the best experience. So, even though at times you know they’re faking it, it’s a nice change to the grumpy hipsters back home.
Having said that, tipping SUCKS. American companies need to sort their shiz out, pay their staff the correct wage so that the customer doesn’t have to.
On top of that, please just include the taxes in the price tag of any item. I don’t want to have my $5 note ready, to have someone tell me “Oh, that’ll be $6.20 thank you”.

Rant over. This country, like all others has positives and negatives. I loved the trip, and wouldn’t have done it any differently at all. I just find these little differences fascinating, and thought you might too!

Big American love,
Hanbel.
x

The World of Hanbel

Working on Living that Dream

Tag: Travels