Saskatoon!!!
So Saskatoon was pretty interesting. The train rolled inaround 3 am and I ended up at my hotel around 330. I slept in a little that morning. The train was great but it's not a bed. I walked around that day and found the delta bessborough. I decided that checking out of the senator and into one of he original CP hotels was only appropriate...so I did. It was pretty fantastic.
Saskatoon is a funny little city. I feel like Saskatchewan had big ideas for Saskatoon but they never really happened. It's very cute and has the largest American apparel I've ever seen(for all those hipster farmers outthere) but there's not a lot going on.
I have to admit I got a little bored. My train didn't leave until 1030 and apparently everything closes at 530 in Saskatoon. So there was a lot if time killing going on.
So i finally got on the trainbut here were no seats so I had to sit in the dome car. At first I thought it was awesome! But then I realized that Alberta is FREEZING!!!!!! It was soo cold so I moved down. I didn't get much sleep on that overnight train. By the time I ended up in Edmonton, got my bag and at my hotel at 8 am I was pretty frustrated. However a man did think i was an olympic athlete... He was a little disapointed when i told him the olympic jacket i was wearing wasnt actually mine and that unfortunatly no i wasnt actually an athlete. He actually scoffed and stomped away... Awkward. All I wanted to do at this point was sleep and be warm and Richard at the front desk would not let that happen! I had some breakfast and wandered around for a while but again nothing is open at 9 am on a Sunday in Edmonton so I hung out in the lobby for a while and watched at least 8 people check out. I finally went to the desk and asked if a room was available and surprise!!! It was! So I napped for a good 3 hours. I hate to waste my time sleeping but I wouldn't have been able to function if I didn't.
I met up with Kellys friend Geoff and we went out on the town! On a Sunday night.... In Edmonton. Haha
So today it's raining so its off to the west Edmonton mall!!! And maybe to the shooting range there... Well see where the day leads. I feel like it's only appropriate to go to a shooting range in cowboy town right?
Alrighty! All for now! I'll let you know how the mall goes later!
Have a great day!
Kate
Monday, August 30, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Manitoba: golden balls... I mean boy.
Hi team!
Do you ever get that feeling and ask yourself "what the he'll have I done?" well that's sort of how I felt flying over Winnipeg. There have been some minor setbacks but some great plus so far.
I arrived at Pearson an hour early only to find possiblythe longest line for domestic air travel ibthonk I've ever seen and I'm sorry but Air Canada you are not a very good representative of our country. The check in system is possibly the dumbest and slowest system I've ever seen. I'll explain:
1. Wait in line to check in, print your boarding card and luggage tags. I undestand I can print my boarding pas and check i. From home but I can't print my luggage tags at home so I waited. Had I printed the first two I still would have had to wait.
2. So once you've managed through the check in Process on your own which I feel takes double the time as the desk you get to wait in line number 2 so you can have an employee put your luggage tag on and weigh your luggage.... She didn't even look at my passport....
I hate to complain but inone year I've had three negative experiences with Air Canada.... Westjets negative experience record? 0. just sayin'
Anyway, we landedi Winnipeg and it was cloudy and the area around the airport is fairly industrial, which is why I had some nervous thoughts. But I checked into my hotel and things were looking up. I didn't really know what to expect frommanitoba or Saskatchewan really. I mean I knew what to expect out east and in Alberta and BCbut you never really hear anything aboutthe prairies.
1. Even though i didnt have any specific expectations, i was a little surprised. Here are some of my initial observations about Winnipeg :
It's sort of weird. It's really small and everything is really close together. The exchange district is the main business centre( ithink) but not two blocks away there is a giant together and a dollarama. But the. Just west is a small little artsy neighboorhood right next to Chinatown and the theater district. Sometimes it felt like a big city bu then I realized I could walk the while thing so it didn't seem big at all. Itreally makes you realize how big Toronto really is.
2. Winterpeg? More like WINDYpeg... Seriously, so windy. Apparently it's known as the Chicago of Canada.
3. First nations: there is a huge Cree population! They were actually having their cheif election in my hotel! Now I don't know if it's a larger population in the city or if it just seemed that way because Toronto is so much bigger. But the language and culture is much more obviously and dare i say celebrated?English French and Cree are all printed on info signs all over the city.
4. The gov has a lot if "action plans". There were signs in the east too but there seems to be way more in Winnipeg.
5. It's really flat....I mean REALLY flat.
6. Winnipegs got Pride! It says "Winnipeg! Take pride!" On every garbage can or municipal thing on the street. A lot of them are painted too with historical scenes from winnipegs and Canada history. Speaking of which, Ontario doesn't teach students ANYTHING about the west.... I mean I've heard of Louis Riel and wheat but I didn't recognize ANY of te names on the historical plaques. It's sort of sad really.
So the first day I pretty much just wandered around the city and sorted out where everything was. I wanted to go to the mint but I didn't work out. I'd have to take a bus.
The next day it was sunny! And everything looked a little different. I wandered down to the Forks which is where the two rivers meet which was a popular trading place for first nations and Europeans back inthe day.
Thereare a lotmore visibly homeless people in Winnipeg who like to yell, but I as only asked if I knew where to get some weed once! Haha
Anyway after the forks I went over to the Manitoba legislative buildings and did a tour.... Queens park you need to pick it up. The main building is pretty big and built in the neoclassical style, so it's incorporated a lot if ancient Greek and roman styles. It also has Life size bison statues standing next to the huge marble staircase.... Yes this is where I took my locals picture.... I also saw a Magna Carta... Winnipeg was quickly changingmy innitial reactions! It also has a 17 ft statues of a golden boy on the top. It's meant to symbolize Manitoba moving into the future. He holds a torch and (surprise!) some wheat.
I wandered around bit more and decided to see a movie... Eat pray love seemed only appropriate as I'm also solo travelling.
Here's the Big news that happened in winnipeg while I was there:
1. A building caught fire
2. Ladies open
3. The PM is stuck in Churchill
That's pretty much it.
So my train was supposed to leave at noon.... It didn't pull into Winnipeg until 330, so we didn't leave until 630. I was alittle bummed during the day because it was too hot to walk around butthere was nothing to do but wait. So I did. This was the best comment I overheard while waiting:
- what is this place?
- it's a train station...
- oh so people wait for trains here?
That is not a lie and im pretty sure the one womb wasn't being funny or ironic... Time to get out of Manitoba ....
-
I had callled ahead though so I knew that it was going to be late.
The train is probably the coolest way to travel and a lot of people come prepared! Computers, DVD players cooler sleeping bags, it was all there.
It was the first time I also realized how HUGE ourcountry actually is!
We drove through the wheat fields and they just keep going for km and km! No end in sight. I tried to take pictures but they don't loom to great through the window. It was fantastic though. I like te train a lot and I really like travelling long distances too so I dontthink I'll have any issues in my next three train trips.
I also got to see the sunset over the prairies.... Whoa. Canada is huge. The sunset is pretty everywhere but here it goes on forever. There are no edges here. At home there is he edge of the city, the edge of buildings, edge ofthe water, there are things to break up the sky but there is nothing in Manitoba. Just space, and the trains creaks and squeaks right through it. it was awesome. I'll get to see a sunrise in my next train trip too!
I like the train a lot better than planes and I think it might be because it ricks and makes noise and shakes, not violently but you're aware of it. You get used to it thoughand it's pretty great. Planes,I find are a little weird thatway, there is ( hopefully) no sense that you're moving.
The trainride didn't even seem that long(10 hours) mostly because you can sleep on the overnight ones. They even give you blankets and pillows and come and gently wake you up!
In conslusion very pleased with the train and via.
I'll write about Saskatoon soon, right now pleasantly surprised!
Have a great day!
Kate
Do you ever get that feeling and ask yourself "what the he'll have I done?" well that's sort of how I felt flying over Winnipeg. There have been some minor setbacks but some great plus so far.
I arrived at Pearson an hour early only to find possiblythe longest line for domestic air travel ibthonk I've ever seen and I'm sorry but Air Canada you are not a very good representative of our country. The check in system is possibly the dumbest and slowest system I've ever seen. I'll explain:
1. Wait in line to check in, print your boarding card and luggage tags. I undestand I can print my boarding pas and check i. From home but I can't print my luggage tags at home so I waited. Had I printed the first two I still would have had to wait.
2. So once you've managed through the check in Process on your own which I feel takes double the time as the desk you get to wait in line number 2 so you can have an employee put your luggage tag on and weigh your luggage.... She didn't even look at my passport....
I hate to complain but inone year I've had three negative experiences with Air Canada.... Westjets negative experience record? 0. just sayin'
Anyway, we landedi Winnipeg and it was cloudy and the area around the airport is fairly industrial, which is why I had some nervous thoughts. But I checked into my hotel and things were looking up. I didn't really know what to expect frommanitoba or Saskatchewan really. I mean I knew what to expect out east and in Alberta and BCbut you never really hear anything aboutthe prairies.
1. Even though i didnt have any specific expectations, i was a little surprised. Here are some of my initial observations about Winnipeg :
It's sort of weird. It's really small and everything is really close together. The exchange district is the main business centre( ithink) but not two blocks away there is a giant together and a dollarama. But the. Just west is a small little artsy neighboorhood right next to Chinatown and the theater district. Sometimes it felt like a big city bu then I realized I could walk the while thing so it didn't seem big at all. Itreally makes you realize how big Toronto really is.
2. Winterpeg? More like WINDYpeg... Seriously, so windy. Apparently it's known as the Chicago of Canada.
3. First nations: there is a huge Cree population! They were actually having their cheif election in my hotel! Now I don't know if it's a larger population in the city or if it just seemed that way because Toronto is so much bigger. But the language and culture is much more obviously and dare i say celebrated?English French and Cree are all printed on info signs all over the city.
4. The gov has a lot if "action plans". There were signs in the east too but there seems to be way more in Winnipeg.
5. It's really flat....I mean REALLY flat.
6. Winnipegs got Pride! It says "Winnipeg! Take pride!" On every garbage can or municipal thing on the street. A lot of them are painted too with historical scenes from winnipegs and Canada history. Speaking of which, Ontario doesn't teach students ANYTHING about the west.... I mean I've heard of Louis Riel and wheat but I didn't recognize ANY of te names on the historical plaques. It's sort of sad really.
So the first day I pretty much just wandered around the city and sorted out where everything was. I wanted to go to the mint but I didn't work out. I'd have to take a bus.
The next day it was sunny! And everything looked a little different. I wandered down to the Forks which is where the two rivers meet which was a popular trading place for first nations and Europeans back inthe day.
Thereare a lotmore visibly homeless people in Winnipeg who like to yell, but I as only asked if I knew where to get some weed once! Haha
Anyway after the forks I went over to the Manitoba legislative buildings and did a tour.... Queens park you need to pick it up. The main building is pretty big and built in the neoclassical style, so it's incorporated a lot if ancient Greek and roman styles. It also has Life size bison statues standing next to the huge marble staircase.... Yes this is where I took my locals picture.... I also saw a Magna Carta... Winnipeg was quickly changingmy innitial reactions! It also has a 17 ft statues of a golden boy on the top. It's meant to symbolize Manitoba moving into the future. He holds a torch and (surprise!) some wheat.
I wandered around bit more and decided to see a movie... Eat pray love seemed only appropriate as I'm also solo travelling.
Here's the Big news that happened in winnipeg while I was there:
1. A building caught fire
2. Ladies open
3. The PM is stuck in Churchill
That's pretty much it.
So my train was supposed to leave at noon.... It didn't pull into Winnipeg until 330, so we didn't leave until 630. I was alittle bummed during the day because it was too hot to walk around butthere was nothing to do but wait. So I did. This was the best comment I overheard while waiting:
- what is this place?
- it's a train station...
- oh so people wait for trains here?
That is not a lie and im pretty sure the one womb wasn't being funny or ironic... Time to get out of Manitoba ....
-
I had callled ahead though so I knew that it was going to be late.
The train is probably the coolest way to travel and a lot of people come prepared! Computers, DVD players cooler sleeping bags, it was all there.
It was the first time I also realized how HUGE ourcountry actually is!
We drove through the wheat fields and they just keep going for km and km! No end in sight. I tried to take pictures but they don't loom to great through the window. It was fantastic though. I like te train a lot and I really like travelling long distances too so I dontthink I'll have any issues in my next three train trips.
I also got to see the sunset over the prairies.... Whoa. Canada is huge. The sunset is pretty everywhere but here it goes on forever. There are no edges here. At home there is he edge of the city, the edge of buildings, edge ofthe water, there are things to break up the sky but there is nothing in Manitoba. Just space, and the trains creaks and squeaks right through it. it was awesome. I'll get to see a sunrise in my next train trip too!
I like the train a lot better than planes and I think it might be because it ricks and makes noise and shakes, not violently but you're aware of it. You get used to it thoughand it's pretty great. Planes,I find are a little weird thatway, there is ( hopefully) no sense that you're moving.
The trainride didn't even seem that long(10 hours) mostly because you can sleep on the overnight ones. They even give you blankets and pillows and come and gently wake you up!
In conslusion very pleased with the train and via.
I'll write about Saskatoon soon, right now pleasantly surprised!
Have a great day!
Kate
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Home For A Rest
The rest
So i've been told that I need to work on my spelling and sentence structure. Sorry but writting on an iPhone is tricky, so is editing. It also autocorrects.
So Montreal was fantastic, it's nice not to have 50 walking behind you and to have the chance to have a drink on a patio during the day. I love keating trips but the cities are very different as a tourist and not a guide.
We stopped and got some fresh bagels for breakfast. so good!
We wandered the town stopped in Simons, sat on a patio for a while. It was a pretty fantastic day and a lovely way to finish up the East trip.
That night we went to Sofias second softball game to say peace out! She was going to QC for the evening so we wouldn't see her the next morning to say goodbye. Ballsout! Good luck in the playoffs!
We had a fantastic dinner with Alex! So sorry for notbeing prepared for such a lovely dinner!
We woke up bright and early the next morning andmade out way back to province #1 Ontario! Montreal I can't stand your highway system!!!!! We made our way to a lovely truck stop for breakfast and made our way home pretty quickly, it's so much faster when you're not on a bus....
Home was great, I was exhausted! At one point I didn't think I could go west! But I had plenty of time to rest. I repacked and set off for Winnipeg ! I'll postmy windypeg ( it's really windy here) tomorrow when I'm on the train! I think I'll have plenty of time on my 10 hour trek to Saskatoon!
Until then!
Have a great day!
Kate
So i've been told that I need to work on my spelling and sentence structure. Sorry but writting on an iPhone is tricky, so is editing. It also autocorrects.
So Montreal was fantastic, it's nice not to have 50 walking behind you and to have the chance to have a drink on a patio during the day. I love keating trips but the cities are very different as a tourist and not a guide.
We stopped and got some fresh bagels for breakfast. so good!
We wandered the town stopped in Simons, sat on a patio for a while. It was a pretty fantastic day and a lovely way to finish up the East trip.
That night we went to Sofias second softball game to say peace out! She was going to QC for the evening so we wouldn't see her the next morning to say goodbye. Ballsout! Good luck in the playoffs!
We had a fantastic dinner with Alex! So sorry for notbeing prepared for such a lovely dinner!
We woke up bright and early the next morning andmade out way back to province #1 Ontario! Montreal I can't stand your highway system!!!!! We made our way to a lovely truck stop for breakfast and made our way home pretty quickly, it's so much faster when you're not on a bus....
Home was great, I was exhausted! At one point I didn't think I could go west! But I had plenty of time to rest. I repacked and set off for Winnipeg ! I'll postmy windypeg ( it's really windy here) tomorrow when I'm on the train! I think I'll have plenty of time on my 10 hour trek to Saskatoon!
Until then!
Have a great day!
Kate
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
America...F Yeah.
We stayed in SaintJohn one night and to be honest I think that's all that's needed. We took Lindsay, our waitress' advice and didn't really wander the town at night or talk to any suspicious looking locals. Apparently St John is not the safest place for two young ladies.
Parts of it were very industrial and most of it is built on a hill (surprise!). The houses have a bit of a Newfoundland feel but the newfounland warmth is not really there. But I am glad I saw it and think it does deserve a little more exploration.
We did go to one site on our way out of town.... The majestic Reversing Falls!!! I pictured waterfalls going upstream, sort oflike salmon, but it was an illusion created by water currents and tides. It's always those tides!
We drove and drove and drove, well I did t Jocelyn did until we reached St Stephen, the last Canadian town before crossi g into the States....I don't think muh happens in St Stephen... Ever. They do have a large infor centrefull of new Brunswick info (and for some reason the gift shop in the pharmacy sold Anne of green gables touristy stuff) I get the feeling not many people stop at the tourist centre except to use the bathroom as the lady there was so eagerto tell us anything we could ever want to know! She did tell usabout a new border crossing though which was very helpful.
K, whoa america, you need to chill out! What's with all the cameras?!? Anyway we crossed with no issues (we still have those illegal apples!) andmade our way through Maine ( the Way Life Should Be apparantly). Can we talk recession for a minute?! It's pretty easy driving through these small towns to see who was hit pretty hard I think. A lot of empty buildings and houses. It may not be because of the current economic climat imnot really sure.
We drove through Banghor Maine which we continually mispronounced but the town is not very big so it was okay.
We were told at dinner that New Hampsire was approximatly four hours away. Now I had a funny feeling this was wrong... When I cculated the drive from st john to Montreal it said it was approx 11 hours, we'd already been driving for6 hours so itwas only 5 ish hours to Montreal so NH could not havebeen 4 hours away, plus it was clearly not 4 hours away given the distance on the map. Small town Americans need to work on their geography....
We reached NH, luckily we saw the small sign or I would have had no idea. Live Free or Die is NHs slogAn on their license plate.... Somehow I think I'll stick with Yours to Discover... I think it has a less threatning, no dying vibe to it.
Anyway the mountains and lanscape in Maine and NH are fantastic. We rolled into Gorham around 7 and started looking for somewhere to stay and decided in the Town and Country Inn, it was pretty great and had a pool open until 11 so we were down. Gorham was a funny place, I feel like they film slot of murdermysteries, horror or Csi episodes there. Maybe it's because we were there mostly in the dark, but it had a very distinct feeling to it I liked it. However no one could tell us why mt Washington or mt vernon were popular, except for the fact that they're mountains. We packed up and drove the half an hour drive across the northern part of nh and we were in Vermont. No stopping and we hit the border!!! Yay!!!
Before I get to the border though I have a few questions for my American friends. I would like to better understand you:
1. What's with the bridge sitting? Every bridge we passed at least two teenage boys were just hangin out on the bridge. Now maybe I just don't notice them here or maybe I don't see a lot of bridges but it seemed fairly frequent and obvious in the states.
2. Do you really need that many flags? I'm all for flag waving and yes since the Olympic Canadian have become more flag wavingesque, but really? On EVERY powerpole ? You could probably cut back on the flag budget and save yourself a lot of money. I would still understand where I was.
3. So many really small cemeteries. Why? I mean REALLY small
So we crossed the border and I don't know why but Jocelyn and I agreed that it doesn't even matter how long you've been outside of Canada, it's almost a relief when you cross the border and see the bilingual signs. We'd only been gone inthink 24 hours but it's always great to come home.
Don't get me wrong or start sending me hate mail, the states are great and have a lot to offer but there is something about cross Into home, maybe it's the " hello bonjour" greeting at the desk or something, I'm sure Americans feel the same in reverse.
We blasted Klassified (I'm from Canada oh oh oh Canada) as we drove I to Qc!
We hit Montreal around 230 and stopped for some eats in old montreal before we met up with Sofia to play baseball at mcgill!
All in all a pretty sucessful few days driving! Were here in Montreal today and then my east coast portion is done so soon! But more to come from the west soon enough.
If you find yourself bored at work or school and want a quick getaway in late aug or september you know where to find me!
Have a great day!
Kate
Parts of it were very industrial and most of it is built on a hill (surprise!). The houses have a bit of a Newfoundland feel but the newfounland warmth is not really there. But I am glad I saw it and think it does deserve a little more exploration.
We did go to one site on our way out of town.... The majestic Reversing Falls!!! I pictured waterfalls going upstream, sort oflike salmon, but it was an illusion created by water currents and tides. It's always those tides!
We drove and drove and drove, well I did t Jocelyn did until we reached St Stephen, the last Canadian town before crossi g into the States....I don't think muh happens in St Stephen... Ever. They do have a large infor centrefull of new Brunswick info (and for some reason the gift shop in the pharmacy sold Anne of green gables touristy stuff) I get the feeling not many people stop at the tourist centre except to use the bathroom as the lady there was so eagerto tell us anything we could ever want to know! She did tell usabout a new border crossing though which was very helpful.
K, whoa america, you need to chill out! What's with all the cameras?!? Anyway we crossed with no issues (we still have those illegal apples!) andmade our way through Maine ( the Way Life Should Be apparantly). Can we talk recession for a minute?! It's pretty easy driving through these small towns to see who was hit pretty hard I think. A lot of empty buildings and houses. It may not be because of the current economic climat imnot really sure.
We drove through Banghor Maine which we continually mispronounced but the town is not very big so it was okay.
We were told at dinner that New Hampsire was approximatly four hours away. Now I had a funny feeling this was wrong... When I cculated the drive from st john to Montreal it said it was approx 11 hours, we'd already been driving for6 hours so itwas only 5 ish hours to Montreal so NH could not havebeen 4 hours away, plus it was clearly not 4 hours away given the distance on the map. Small town Americans need to work on their geography....
We reached NH, luckily we saw the small sign or I would have had no idea. Live Free or Die is NHs slogAn on their license plate.... Somehow I think I'll stick with Yours to Discover... I think it has a less threatning, no dying vibe to it.
Anyway the mountains and lanscape in Maine and NH are fantastic. We rolled into Gorham around 7 and started looking for somewhere to stay and decided in the Town and Country Inn, it was pretty great and had a pool open until 11 so we were down. Gorham was a funny place, I feel like they film slot of murdermysteries, horror or Csi episodes there. Maybe it's because we were there mostly in the dark, but it had a very distinct feeling to it I liked it. However no one could tell us why mt Washington or mt vernon were popular, except for the fact that they're mountains. We packed up and drove the half an hour drive across the northern part of nh and we were in Vermont. No stopping and we hit the border!!! Yay!!!
Before I get to the border though I have a few questions for my American friends. I would like to better understand you:
1. What's with the bridge sitting? Every bridge we passed at least two teenage boys were just hangin out on the bridge. Now maybe I just don't notice them here or maybe I don't see a lot of bridges but it seemed fairly frequent and obvious in the states.
2. Do you really need that many flags? I'm all for flag waving and yes since the Olympic Canadian have become more flag wavingesque, but really? On EVERY powerpole ? You could probably cut back on the flag budget and save yourself a lot of money. I would still understand where I was.
3. So many really small cemeteries. Why? I mean REALLY small
So we crossed the border and I don't know why but Jocelyn and I agreed that it doesn't even matter how long you've been outside of Canada, it's almost a relief when you cross the border and see the bilingual signs. We'd only been gone inthink 24 hours but it's always great to come home.
Don't get me wrong or start sending me hate mail, the states are great and have a lot to offer but there is something about cross Into home, maybe it's the " hello bonjour" greeting at the desk or something, I'm sure Americans feel the same in reverse.
We blasted Klassified (I'm from Canada oh oh oh Canada) as we drove I to Qc!
We hit Montreal around 230 and stopped for some eats in old montreal before we met up with Sofia to play baseball at mcgill!
All in all a pretty sucessful few days driving! Were here in Montreal today and then my east coast portion is done so soon! But more to come from the west soon enough.
If you find yourself bored at work or school and want a quick getaway in late aug or september you know where to find me!
Have a great day!
Kate
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Anne Shirley... Anne with an E
Cavendish cavendish cavendish!
What a place! I remember being in PEI when I was younger but didn't really remember any specifics.
We made the hefty drive(30min) from Charlottetown and checked into our hotel cottage for the night.
The cottage was great, it was on a dairy farm and I feel like they took everything out of a movie, even down to the kittens drinking the milk froman overturned bucket. It was very cute. The owner was very into old farmyard country decorations, cloth wreaths, beanie babies, the whole works it was great!
I sort of don't believe that pei is a real place. Everyone we met was the perfect example of an idealized country grandpa. Every inch of the town and surrounding area looks like it was taken out of a story book. It's unreal an fantastic I love it.
Now thati think about it it may seem so storybookish because cavendish is the setting for one of the most popular Canadian books!
Jocelyn and I went to visit The house and setting of Anne of Green Gables! We drank our Raspberry Cordial, walked lovers lane and the haunted wood. We took hilarious pictures outside the house and walked out just as the bus tourists showed up!
we finished our visit and headed back to the cottage.
We watched the milking of the cows and checked out the day old calf inthe bar before we headed to the beach for a bit down an old tractor path.
We strolled along the perfect beach complete with washed up lobster traps until it got chilly and we headed back up to the cottage to make our roast and potatoes.
Now this is the part of the evening that really completed our pei stay. First we drove out to watch the sunset and I don't think I've ever seen anyhhing like it. Sunset with the red dunes, every picture looked like a postcard.
We made a fantastic roast, made our pot of tea, popped our popcorn and watched Anne of greengables ( both!) on VHS under the blankets. It was basically picture perfect...
We woke up to the cows mooing inthe fields behind us and checked out unfortunatly... I could have stayed muchlonger, but it was beach day!
We headed to cavendish beach and relaxed ALL day. If I didn't have to, I don't think I would have ever left Pei. I highly suggest a vist, if only for the Cows icecream.
We drove to Monctonthat night over the Confederation bridge and met up with Kyle!
How nice to stay in a house! We haven't been travelling that ling but even still it was a welcome change. Kyle and his fam were amazing. I don't think I've had such amazing Pesto before! We hung out hat night and got some rest for our big adventure the next day!
Friday morning we said goodbye to Emily and Kyle showed us around the town! GORGEOUS! We went to Hopewell Rocks, which has the largest tides in NA, thatchange twice ina 25 hour period. We walked through the mud, but don't worry dad I took my shoes off so I didn't loose them this time.
If youngonthe Hopewell, get your feet ready. You needto walk barefoot I the mud but there are sharp little rocks everywhere just waiting to cut up your feet.
We finished at Hopewell and Kyle took us to Laverty Falls inFundy Progincial Park.
Basically every day I think that things could not get much better but every day I'm proven wrong! I don't really believe that all of this is in this one tiny part of our country. We walked the trails and ended up at a pretty secluded swimming hole along the river. Jocelyn and I took our sea maiden pictures and convinced Kyle to do thesame. "Swan dive into the best night of your life" It was pretty unreal. The rocks were basically shaped into underwater chairs. I don't even really know how to describe it. I'll just have to show you pictures.
We hiked backed up and hopped inthe car and back to Hopewell to see if we could catch high tide.... No dice it had already pretty much gone out already. We did however have the ride of our lives on the shuttle with Kenny, amazing, thanks Kenny, shuttle driver extraordinaire.
We hung out that night and watched a movie, nothing too overly exciting, it was just nice to be ina house!
Moncton day two!
I'm pretty sure I will have visited pretty much every farmers Market in this country by the end of This trip, it's great! We hit up two markets in moncton their morning. It's Acadian celebration day tomorrow so everyone was decked out I thei red White blue and yellow stars! It's pretty cool there is so much french as NB is the only real and 100% bilingual province.
This afternoon Kyle showed us his beach shediac which apparantly I've been too. I only knew this because of the giant lobster I town. I'm pretty sure there is a very old picture of Al and I posing with it. We hung out on the beach and got all the lifeguard gossip before it was time to pack up and head to Saint John.
Jocelyn and I are slowly making our way up to MontreAl now. There could be some cross border shopping happening quite soon. In I Know there will be some CB shopping.
Thank you Kyle and the fam for being such amazing hosts! You're Amazing!!!!
I'm going to try and nit use data inthe states so my update might be a little larer....
Until then!
Have a great day!
Kate
What a place! I remember being in PEI when I was younger but didn't really remember any specifics.
We made the hefty drive(30min) from Charlottetown and checked into our hotel cottage for the night.
The cottage was great, it was on a dairy farm and I feel like they took everything out of a movie, even down to the kittens drinking the milk froman overturned bucket. It was very cute. The owner was very into old farmyard country decorations, cloth wreaths, beanie babies, the whole works it was great!
I sort of don't believe that pei is a real place. Everyone we met was the perfect example of an idealized country grandpa. Every inch of the town and surrounding area looks like it was taken out of a story book. It's unreal an fantastic I love it.
Now thati think about it it may seem so storybookish because cavendish is the setting for one of the most popular Canadian books!
Jocelyn and I went to visit The house and setting of Anne of Green Gables! We drank our Raspberry Cordial, walked lovers lane and the haunted wood. We took hilarious pictures outside the house and walked out just as the bus tourists showed up!
we finished our visit and headed back to the cottage.
We watched the milking of the cows and checked out the day old calf inthe bar before we headed to the beach for a bit down an old tractor path.
We strolled along the perfect beach complete with washed up lobster traps until it got chilly and we headed back up to the cottage to make our roast and potatoes.
Now this is the part of the evening that really completed our pei stay. First we drove out to watch the sunset and I don't think I've ever seen anyhhing like it. Sunset with the red dunes, every picture looked like a postcard.
We made a fantastic roast, made our pot of tea, popped our popcorn and watched Anne of greengables ( both!) on VHS under the blankets. It was basically picture perfect...
We woke up to the cows mooing inthe fields behind us and checked out unfortunatly... I could have stayed muchlonger, but it was beach day!
We headed to cavendish beach and relaxed ALL day. If I didn't have to, I don't think I would have ever left Pei. I highly suggest a vist, if only for the Cows icecream.
We drove to Monctonthat night over the Confederation bridge and met up with Kyle!
How nice to stay in a house! We haven't been travelling that ling but even still it was a welcome change. Kyle and his fam were amazing. I don't think I've had such amazing Pesto before! We hung out hat night and got some rest for our big adventure the next day!
Friday morning we said goodbye to Emily and Kyle showed us around the town! GORGEOUS! We went to Hopewell Rocks, which has the largest tides in NA, thatchange twice ina 25 hour period. We walked through the mud, but don't worry dad I took my shoes off so I didn't loose them this time.
If youngonthe Hopewell, get your feet ready. You needto walk barefoot I the mud but there are sharp little rocks everywhere just waiting to cut up your feet.
We finished at Hopewell and Kyle took us to Laverty Falls inFundy Progincial Park.
Basically every day I think that things could not get much better but every day I'm proven wrong! I don't really believe that all of this is in this one tiny part of our country. We walked the trails and ended up at a pretty secluded swimming hole along the river. Jocelyn and I took our sea maiden pictures and convinced Kyle to do thesame. "Swan dive into the best night of your life" It was pretty unreal. The rocks were basically shaped into underwater chairs. I don't even really know how to describe it. I'll just have to show you pictures.
We hiked backed up and hopped inthe car and back to Hopewell to see if we could catch high tide.... No dice it had already pretty much gone out already. We did however have the ride of our lives on the shuttle with Kenny, amazing, thanks Kenny, shuttle driver extraordinaire.
We hung out that night and watched a movie, nothing too overly exciting, it was just nice to be ina house!
Moncton day two!
I'm pretty sure I will have visited pretty much every farmers Market in this country by the end of This trip, it's great! We hit up two markets in moncton their morning. It's Acadian celebration day tomorrow so everyone was decked out I thei red White blue and yellow stars! It's pretty cool there is so much french as NB is the only real and 100% bilingual province.
This afternoon Kyle showed us his beach shediac which apparantly I've been too. I only knew this because of the giant lobster I town. I'm pretty sure there is a very old picture of Al and I posing with it. We hung out on the beach and got all the lifeguard gossip before it was time to pack up and head to Saint John.
Jocelyn and I are slowly making our way up to MontreAl now. There could be some cross border shopping happening quite soon. In I Know there will be some CB shopping.
Thank you Kyle and the fam for being such amazing hosts! You're Amazing!!!!
I'm going to try and nit use data inthe states so my update might be a little larer....
Until then!
Have a great day!
Kate
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Bud the Sud from the Bright Red Mud...
Charlottetown
Today was a great day for one specificreason that I'll get to I a second.
The day started offwell, breakfast inthe hotel with a woman from Florida who had never even heard of PEI until Regis and Kelly came here.
We spent the dya I the town and visited Province house, the birthplace of confederation and the building is still unused forthe Pei legislative assembly! We watched the 17 minute parks canada video about the charlottetown conference and I have a few comments:
1. Parks canda needs to provide thei guides with more flattering outfits... Those green shorts are not doing anything for anyone. Let's be honest.
2. Parks Canada needs to invest in promotional material... The video looked like a grade 8 reenactment of a 17 minute long Heritage Moment, but got the point across nonetheless .
3. Apparently the idea of Canada was created by a bunch of drunk white dudes, with bad stick k bears.... According to parks Canada. It was pretty great though and neat to see the actual rooms and furniture. But the best was yet to come.
Little did we know that we were about to be in the company of Young Company, a young peoples theater company who were putting on "Abegweit: The Soul of the Island" part of the Canadian Series, (I assume there Are troupes across the country putting on pieces about their own provinces.) This group went to the olympics folks... They were great. You better believe we got a picture with them after the show. They were a very talented group of young people and we learned a lot about Pei via song including:
1. Some used to call it Abegweit, some called it ile st jean something something something but we'll always call it home.
2. The red soil stains your heart like it stains your White shoes
3. Islanders like that they have a beach and the sense of community... A lot
4. Canada is made for love
5. Sonar destroyed the fisheries and many awakward and serious pop songs were written about it
6. Raise your hand and praise the lord thank god for the farmers rustico bank
7. Islanders are really good at choreograped dances
8. Aaron hastelow.... You are going places, Big places
Keep up the excellent work Young Company you were fantastic and we thoroughly enjoyed your performance, well done.
After that we wandered around Charlottetown, checked out Cows and bought some ice cream and local beers.
Our night was topped off with the hotel pool and the 105 ft waterslide that I'm pretty sure is illegal, the entire pool had a current because of the force of the water slide. We a lovely dinner intown complete with live Jazz on the street!
Thanks for the great times Charlottetown! On to cavendish and Anne's house! We'll stay out if the raspberry cordial!
Have a great day!
Kate
Today was a great day for one specificreason that I'll get to I a second.
The day started offwell, breakfast inthe hotel with a woman from Florida who had never even heard of PEI until Regis and Kelly came here.
We spent the dya I the town and visited Province house, the birthplace of confederation and the building is still unused forthe Pei legislative assembly! We watched the 17 minute parks canada video about the charlottetown conference and I have a few comments:
1. Parks canda needs to provide thei guides with more flattering outfits... Those green shorts are not doing anything for anyone. Let's be honest.
2. Parks Canada needs to invest in promotional material... The video looked like a grade 8 reenactment of a 17 minute long Heritage Moment, but got the point across nonetheless .
3. Apparently the idea of Canada was created by a bunch of drunk white dudes, with bad stick k bears.... According to parks Canada. It was pretty great though and neat to see the actual rooms and furniture. But the best was yet to come.
Little did we know that we were about to be in the company of Young Company, a young peoples theater company who were putting on "Abegweit: The Soul of the Island" part of the Canadian Series, (I assume there Are troupes across the country putting on pieces about their own provinces.) This group went to the olympics folks... They were great. You better believe we got a picture with them after the show. They were a very talented group of young people and we learned a lot about Pei via song including:
1. Some used to call it Abegweit, some called it ile st jean something something something but we'll always call it home.
2. The red soil stains your heart like it stains your White shoes
3. Islanders like that they have a beach and the sense of community... A lot
4. Canada is made for love
5. Sonar destroyed the fisheries and many awakward and serious pop songs were written about it
6. Raise your hand and praise the lord thank god for the farmers rustico bank
7. Islanders are really good at choreograped dances
8. Aaron hastelow.... You are going places, Big places
Keep up the excellent work Young Company you were fantastic and we thoroughly enjoyed your performance, well done.
After that we wandered around Charlottetown, checked out Cows and bought some ice cream and local beers.
Our night was topped off with the hotel pool and the 105 ft waterslide that I'm pretty sure is illegal, the entire pool had a current because of the force of the water slide. We a lovely dinner intown complete with live Jazz on the street!
Thanks for the great times Charlottetown! On to cavendish and Anne's house! We'll stay out if the raspberry cordial!
Have a great day!
Kate
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
So farewell to Nova Scotia...
Halifax-Cape Breton-PEI
Well we started the day fairly early. Packed up the car and left Halifax.
We did make one important stop along the way.... Cole Harbour, yes home town to the one and only Sid the Kid... However the town is not quite as impressive as his hockey skills...
The rest of the day consisted mostly of drivig to Cape Breton. A fairly enjoyable ride complete with stops at tiny and hilarious small town nova scotian grocery stores. Grease tunes pumped out of the stereo and we even drove past the scariest scarecrow store ever. I'm not really sure if it was a store or just the result of someones boredom but a good time was had by all.
We arrived in Cheticamp, right inthe middle of Acadia town and pulled into Cape Breton Highland National Park to set up camp.... We manger tonset up the tent even missing two poles!
I don't really know how to describe our hike.... I don't even think the pictures will accuratly show what it was like, we drove up a windy road up a mountain until we reached the Skyline Trail. You walk throw the forest for a while( where we saw a bull moose complete with antlers) and then it just sort of opens up.... At the top of the moutain, Atlantic ocean several meters below. Needless to say it was gorgeous. I think the only way to describe it is to say that it looked like a computer desktop background image. It was nuts. And windy... Amazing.
We headed back down and ended up driving down the coast around sunset and played on the rocks for a while. I think we said " is That even real" several times that afternoon. The pictures will not even do it justice.
We got back the campsite andmade our sweet dinner. It's amazing how I have no concept of time while camping. I always think it's way later than it is. I wid have made a terrible explorer back in the day.
We got up somewhat bright and early the next dya and went for another hike, quickly realizing that this hill were climbing down will be be the hill we'll be climbing UP soon enough. We turned back around fairly quickly. We were worried aboutbeing cold but it ls safe to say being cold was the last of our worry onthat uphill hike.
We got on the road and started to head south for the ferry to PEI fro. Caribou. We even saw two bald eagles, for realsies! It was pretty cool, a bull moose and two bald eagles in one trip... Not too shabby! We stopped I at the Red Shoe in Mabou, home of the Rankin Family. We stayedfor a nice fish and chips dinner and some music until we had leave to meet the ferry. The ferry ride was great, it left around 8 so we had a nice sunsetcruise and a great intro to pei :)
A full day in Charlottetown tomorrow!
Have a great day!
Kate
Well we started the day fairly early. Packed up the car and left Halifax.
We did make one important stop along the way.... Cole Harbour, yes home town to the one and only Sid the Kid... However the town is not quite as impressive as his hockey skills...
The rest of the day consisted mostly of drivig to Cape Breton. A fairly enjoyable ride complete with stops at tiny and hilarious small town nova scotian grocery stores. Grease tunes pumped out of the stereo and we even drove past the scariest scarecrow store ever. I'm not really sure if it was a store or just the result of someones boredom but a good time was had by all.
We arrived in Cheticamp, right inthe middle of Acadia town and pulled into Cape Breton Highland National Park to set up camp.... We manger tonset up the tent even missing two poles!
I don't really know how to describe our hike.... I don't even think the pictures will accuratly show what it was like, we drove up a windy road up a mountain until we reached the Skyline Trail. You walk throw the forest for a while( where we saw a bull moose complete with antlers) and then it just sort of opens up.... At the top of the moutain, Atlantic ocean several meters below. Needless to say it was gorgeous. I think the only way to describe it is to say that it looked like a computer desktop background image. It was nuts. And windy... Amazing.
We headed back down and ended up driving down the coast around sunset and played on the rocks for a while. I think we said " is That even real" several times that afternoon. The pictures will not even do it justice.
We got back the campsite andmade our sweet dinner. It's amazing how I have no concept of time while camping. I always think it's way later than it is. I wid have made a terrible explorer back in the day.
We got up somewhat bright and early the next dya and went for another hike, quickly realizing that this hill were climbing down will be be the hill we'll be climbing UP soon enough. We turned back around fairly quickly. We were worried aboutbeing cold but it ls safe to say being cold was the last of our worry onthat uphill hike.
We got on the road and started to head south for the ferry to PEI fro. Caribou. We even saw two bald eagles, for realsies! It was pretty cool, a bull moose and two bald eagles in one trip... Not too shabby! We stopped I at the Red Shoe in Mabou, home of the Rankin Family. We stayedfor a nice fish and chips dinner and some music until we had leave to meet the ferry. The ferry ride was great, it left around 8 so we had a nice sunsetcruise and a great intro to pei :)
A full day in Charlottetown tomorrow!
Have a great day!
Kate
Saturday, August 7, 2010
I'm a Broken Man on a Halifax Pier...
Halifax
Halifax is pretty great. I met up with Jocelyn, Amanda and Emily on thursdsynight. It's nice to have some travel buddies! I've been here before too so it was nice to see some things I recognized.
The first day we wandered down to pier 21 to check that out and after went to the bank of nova Scotia to tell them that no my card hasn't been stolen, I was actually in Newfoundland and I did actually buy that. Luckily, being in nova scotia it wasnt hard to find a bank of. Then we rented some bikes and rode around thecity. What the hell is with the maritimes and hills... Honestly. Could the explorers not have settled on flat land? Is that too much tovask!?! It would have made this trip a lit less sweaty and a less rough on my legs. Thanks.
No the bike ride wasgreat, we rode around d the citadel, didn't go in though, but I've done the tour several tomes in QC so I figure it's fairly similar just replace the Quebec accent withan east coast one!
We returned the bikes and had a well deserved Keiths at the Pogue before heading over to Leslies for a fantastic BBQ. We had a lovely visit complete with hilarious old photos and a cute baby.
Day 2- Happy Birthday SIdney CRosby!!! NS sure does love him and really who doesn't besides my mum!?!
The weather has been gorgeous so we drove out to peggys cove today And checked out the light house. It's pretty great. A littlebit of a tourist trap though. The boats in the harbour and the carefully placed lobster traps on the docks seemed a little TOO perfect bit it was beautiful, no questions.
After our picnic lunch( purchased at the Market) we set out back to hali. Now there is a lot going on in hali right now including Busker Fest but more importantly, a country concert festival, apparently alan jackson is here.... It's a big deal. We decided that 100 dollars was a little steep for a country music festival ( three of us did go to Guelph ... The Ranch pretty much tops it all) so we headed out for none other than the Keiths brewery tour!!! I don't think you can legally come to hali without at least tasting a keiths, whether it be India pale ale, dark, light or White.
The tour is a theatrical tour and becomes much more so after the tastings.... It was pretty entertaining.
We ended Sid's birthday with some dinner and headed back to the hostel after a few pints!
Were off too cape Breton tomorrow after a quick stop in cole harbour! should be great, nova scotia is pretty fantastic!
Have a great day!!
Kate
Halifax is pretty great. I met up with Jocelyn, Amanda and Emily on thursdsynight. It's nice to have some travel buddies! I've been here before too so it was nice to see some things I recognized.
The first day we wandered down to pier 21 to check that out and after went to the bank of nova Scotia to tell them that no my card hasn't been stolen, I was actually in Newfoundland and I did actually buy that. Luckily, being in nova scotia it wasnt hard to find a bank of. Then we rented some bikes and rode around thecity. What the hell is with the maritimes and hills... Honestly. Could the explorers not have settled on flat land? Is that too much tovask!?! It would have made this trip a lit less sweaty and a less rough on my legs. Thanks.
No the bike ride wasgreat, we rode around d the citadel, didn't go in though, but I've done the tour several tomes in QC so I figure it's fairly similar just replace the Quebec accent withan east coast one!
We returned the bikes and had a well deserved Keiths at the Pogue before heading over to Leslies for a fantastic BBQ. We had a lovely visit complete with hilarious old photos and a cute baby.
Day 2- Happy Birthday SIdney CRosby!!! NS sure does love him and really who doesn't besides my mum!?!
The weather has been gorgeous so we drove out to peggys cove today And checked out the light house. It's pretty great. A littlebit of a tourist trap though. The boats in the harbour and the carefully placed lobster traps on the docks seemed a little TOO perfect bit it was beautiful, no questions.
After our picnic lunch( purchased at the Market) we set out back to hali. Now there is a lot going on in hali right now including Busker Fest but more importantly, a country concert festival, apparently alan jackson is here.... It's a big deal. We decided that 100 dollars was a little steep for a country music festival ( three of us did go to Guelph ... The Ranch pretty much tops it all) so we headed out for none other than the Keiths brewery tour!!! I don't think you can legally come to hali without at least tasting a keiths, whether it be India pale ale, dark, light or White.
The tour is a theatrical tour and becomes much more so after the tastings.... It was pretty entertaining.
We ended Sid's birthday with some dinner and headed back to the hostel after a few pints!
Were off too cape Breton tomorrow after a quick stop in cole harbour! should be great, nova scotia is pretty fantastic!
Have a great day!!
Kate
Thursday, August 5, 2010
I'se The B'y
St Johns St Johns St Johns!! Oh what a fantastic place! It sort has a small town vibe even though it's not that small... Well it is small compared to Toronto but it's still the largest city in the province.
Newfoundland is a beautiful province that's for sure! Wednesday was a holiday, Regatta day! So that morning I made my way to the regatta. Not really what I was expecting. Itwas a rowing regatta but I think there were maybe 5 people actually watching the races the rest ofthe crowd (made up of what looked like every other single person in the island) were busy with the carnival games and ridiculousness. It was pretty great.
After the regatta I made my way over to my city bus tour so I could go to Cape Spear, the most eastern point in North America. it ended up being a private tour, so Gary and Megan drove me around the island and hung out atCape Spear for a while and they taugh me about st johns and it's history.
I came back and met up with Jessica for dinner! Yes I had cod fish. Our tipsy waiter( he'd been to the regatta that day- according to him I went to early for the beer tent) wasgreat but it was time to move to George street....
Infamous for it's festival- which ended on Tuesday, George street is a tiny street lined with every type of bar imaginable... It's pretty great. Jessica tookno time finding the best place to be Screeched in and signed me up!
While we waited we met Jeff. Jeff is proposing to his gf he met three months ago I Nyc. If you care to hear the restof the story let me know, jeff told usevery detail. We went down the street for a few drinks before the screech in where we watched a lovely old man dance a jig a few times with the one man band. Then it was time.
Being screeched inas an honouraey Newfoundlander is ridiculous. Here's the run down:
1. Learn local slang
2. Eat some baloney
3. get on yourknees
4. Kiss the cod- itwasreal, frozen and smelly
5. Take the screech
I have the authentic certificate to prove my new citizenship.
Today I wandered Around st johns went to the Rooms - a museum full of info and art about Newfoundland and basically hung out until I had to go to the airport.
Here are my reasons for loving St Johns and Newfoundland:
-Everyone here is incredibly nice and welcoming to everyone. I wish Toronto were the same!
- it has a very strong culture and sense of community
- accents are AMAZING
-it's gorgeous
So I would definetly suggest you visit St Johns, kiss a fish, see a whale or two and talk to the locals, you won't regret it.
I've decided I'm going to do a few things ineach city and province:
1. Send a postcard home describing why I love it- Newfoundland is I the mail mum
2. Take a picture with locals- I decided this after I was approached by a construction worker while taking pictures of the harbour today. He explained that he backpacker and realised he never had any pictures of himself travelling so offered to take one for me. He wasn't from Nfld but quickly toldthe rest of the workers and somehow I had all 5 workers stopped and coming over to take pictures. St johns is great.
- take a picture with my Canada flag
So I'm off for nova scotia! I'm excited to mee up with my east coast team! If the maritime are anything like Newfoundland, were going to have a great time!!
Have a great day!
Kate
Newfoundland is a beautiful province that's for sure! Wednesday was a holiday, Regatta day! So that morning I made my way to the regatta. Not really what I was expecting. Itwas a rowing regatta but I think there were maybe 5 people actually watching the races the rest ofthe crowd (made up of what looked like every other single person in the island) were busy with the carnival games and ridiculousness. It was pretty great.
After the regatta I made my way over to my city bus tour so I could go to Cape Spear, the most eastern point in North America. it ended up being a private tour, so Gary and Megan drove me around the island and hung out atCape Spear for a while and they taugh me about st johns and it's history.
I came back and met up with Jessica for dinner! Yes I had cod fish. Our tipsy waiter( he'd been to the regatta that day- according to him I went to early for the beer tent) wasgreat but it was time to move to George street....
Infamous for it's festival- which ended on Tuesday, George street is a tiny street lined with every type of bar imaginable... It's pretty great. Jessica tookno time finding the best place to be Screeched in and signed me up!
While we waited we met Jeff. Jeff is proposing to his gf he met three months ago I Nyc. If you care to hear the restof the story let me know, jeff told usevery detail. We went down the street for a few drinks before the screech in where we watched a lovely old man dance a jig a few times with the one man band. Then it was time.
Being screeched inas an honouraey Newfoundlander is ridiculous. Here's the run down:
1. Learn local slang
2. Eat some baloney
3. get on yourknees
4. Kiss the cod- itwasreal, frozen and smelly
5. Take the screech
I have the authentic certificate to prove my new citizenship.
Today I wandered Around st johns went to the Rooms - a museum full of info and art about Newfoundland and basically hung out until I had to go to the airport.
Here are my reasons for loving St Johns and Newfoundland:
-Everyone here is incredibly nice and welcoming to everyone. I wish Toronto were the same!
- it has a very strong culture and sense of community
- accents are AMAZING
-it's gorgeous
So I would definetly suggest you visit St Johns, kiss a fish, see a whale or two and talk to the locals, you won't regret it.
I've decided I'm going to do a few things ineach city and province:
1. Send a postcard home describing why I love it- Newfoundland is I the mail mum
2. Take a picture with locals- I decided this after I was approached by a construction worker while taking pictures of the harbour today. He explained that he backpacker and realised he never had any pictures of himself travelling so offered to take one for me. He wasn't from Nfld but quickly toldthe rest of the workers and somehow I had all 5 workers stopped and coming over to take pictures. St johns is great.
- take a picture with my Canada flag
So I'm off for nova scotia! I'm excited to mee up with my east coast team! If the maritime are anything like Newfoundland, were going to have a great time!!
Have a great day!
Kate
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Havin a time... For real!
Hi team!
Day 1 in st johns complete!
To be honest I woke up this morning a little uneasy. I'm not used to being by myself for so long, don't worry I quickly found people to chat with.(I also read an article that talked about chatty coworkers nd how they are the worst distraction in the work place...how's the floor doing Explorica team?! Haha) The hostel ws fine but is no more for severl reson, including te lack of sustantial locks. When travlling alone I've decided that hostels are not my thing. It will be fine when I'm with the East coast team but not alone in a City I don't really know. So I checked myself into a hotel this afternoon...luckily.
It's the George street festival tonight and for the past few days and it's the regatta tomorrow so the city is pretty busy and hotels are pretty booked.
This morning I walked around the city to get an ida of where everything is and to get an idea of distance....from what I understand nothing us very far. What I learned on my walk this morning:
-if you don't like climbing the breakneck stairs in QC you will not like st johns. The entire city is built on a hill very steep at times. Plan any walk accordingly.
- Republic of Doyle. I can't tell if it's actually popular here or if people have gotten used to it. I noticed something being filmed at the Sheraton today and didn't even have to finish my question before someone just said "oh it's probably just republic of doyle" I don't really get how he runs around this city in the show though, what with all these hills. Speaking of RofD I think the CBC is in cahoots with the tourism board and creating all these shows to showcase different citie/areas of the country.
R of D:st johns
being erica: Toronto
little mosque on the prairie: prairies
heartland: I'm assuming it takes place in Alberta....right?
Anyway, more things I've learned.
-They are taking over every city in the country.... They creep inat night and grow like a weed... That's right, condos. There are a bunch being built right on the harbour
- st johns smells different depending on where you are. Some I've noticed so far: fish, oil, beer, ocean
- even though it's august and hockey is over for now, every Canadian has n opinion and want to talk about it whether you ask or not, especially when you tell them you're from Toronto. I haven't seen any TML fans but there are plenty of Habs fans.
- newfoundlanders say b'y like I say eh
- it might be the festivals and regatta but there are a lot of motorcycles in nfld.
- everyone is really nice, eve when I tell tem I'm from Toronto
so after I found my new hotel I walked to Signl Hill and wlked around.... Gorgeous! There are pictures on my fb.
I'm sure mist of you have seen those excellent Nfld tourism ads on tv, I alwys like them but didn't belive it actually looked like that but I was VERY wrong. It's better! I can't really describe it you'll just hve to look at my pictures later.
I tried to take some timer shots on my camera but they were not really in focus so well see how they look later. Any advice would great:)
anyway, tomorrow I'm off to check out the regatta and them cape spear to check out the most easterly point in north America !
Goodnight!
Have a great day!
Kate
Day 1 in st johns complete!
To be honest I woke up this morning a little uneasy. I'm not used to being by myself for so long, don't worry I quickly found people to chat with.(I also read an article that talked about chatty coworkers nd how they are the worst distraction in the work place...how's the floor doing Explorica team?! Haha) The hostel ws fine but is no more for severl reson, including te lack of sustantial locks. When travlling alone I've decided that hostels are not my thing. It will be fine when I'm with the East coast team but not alone in a City I don't really know. So I checked myself into a hotel this afternoon...luckily.
It's the George street festival tonight and for the past few days and it's the regatta tomorrow so the city is pretty busy and hotels are pretty booked.
This morning I walked around the city to get an ida of where everything is and to get an idea of distance....from what I understand nothing us very far. What I learned on my walk this morning:
-if you don't like climbing the breakneck stairs in QC you will not like st johns. The entire city is built on a hill very steep at times. Plan any walk accordingly.
- Republic of Doyle. I can't tell if it's actually popular here or if people have gotten used to it. I noticed something being filmed at the Sheraton today and didn't even have to finish my question before someone just said "oh it's probably just republic of doyle" I don't really get how he runs around this city in the show though, what with all these hills. Speaking of RofD I think the CBC is in cahoots with the tourism board and creating all these shows to showcase different citie/areas of the country.
R of D:st johns
being erica: Toronto
little mosque on the prairie: prairies
heartland: I'm assuming it takes place in Alberta....right?
Anyway, more things I've learned.
-They are taking over every city in the country.... They creep inat night and grow like a weed... That's right, condos. There are a bunch being built right on the harbour
- st johns smells different depending on where you are. Some I've noticed so far: fish, oil, beer, ocean
- even though it's august and hockey is over for now, every Canadian has n opinion and want to talk about it whether you ask or not, especially when you tell them you're from Toronto. I haven't seen any TML fans but there are plenty of Habs fans.
- newfoundlanders say b'y like I say eh
- it might be the festivals and regatta but there are a lot of motorcycles in nfld.
- everyone is really nice, eve when I tell tem I'm from Toronto
so after I found my new hotel I walked to Signl Hill and wlked around.... Gorgeous! There are pictures on my fb.
I'm sure mist of you have seen those excellent Nfld tourism ads on tv, I alwys like them but didn't belive it actually looked like that but I was VERY wrong. It's better! I can't really describe it you'll just hve to look at my pictures later.
I tried to take some timer shots on my camera but they were not really in focus so well see how they look later. Any advice would great:)
anyway, tomorrow I'm off to check out the regatta and them cape spear to check out the most easterly point in north America !
Goodnight!
Have a great day!
Kate
Monday, August 2, 2010
Leavin on a Jet Plane!
Hi team!
Well I've already left and arrived here in St Johns! It's pretty cool and very different fro
TO. The flight was fine, a few bumps, but the hilarious pilot made up for it. St johns airport is fairly small and I swear everyone on my flight had at least 7 people there to greet them. Somehow there were two entire hockey teams on the plane that I didn't even notice until ALL of their sticks got stuck on the luggage belts.
The drive in was great. The driver decided to tell us all about his favourite foods and that three days is not long enough to see st johns. At least I think that's what he said....As much as I want to meet some true Newfoundlanders I'm afraid I will have no idea what they're talking about! I'm sure I'll figure the accent out eventually.
The hostel is fine, as most are well aware Im not a big hostel fan but well see how it goes. The city is pretty packed as it's the George street festival and the regatta this week.
I tried to upload a photo but it won't work so there might not be photo updates... But I'll see what I can do later!
Goodnight!
Have a great day!
Kate
Well I've already left and arrived here in St Johns! It's pretty cool and very different fro
TO. The flight was fine, a few bumps, but the hilarious pilot made up for it. St johns airport is fairly small and I swear everyone on my flight had at least 7 people there to greet them. Somehow there were two entire hockey teams on the plane that I didn't even notice until ALL of their sticks got stuck on the luggage belts.
The drive in was great. The driver decided to tell us all about his favourite foods and that three days is not long enough to see st johns. At least I think that's what he said....As much as I want to meet some true Newfoundlanders I'm afraid I will have no idea what they're talking about! I'm sure I'll figure the accent out eventually.
The hostel is fine, as most are well aware Im not a big hostel fan but well see how it goes. The city is pretty packed as it's the George street festival and the regatta this week.
I tried to upload a photo but it won't work so there might not be photo updates... But I'll see what I can do later!
Goodnight!
Have a great day!
Kate
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Havin' a Time
I'm outta here tomorrow! ZERO days to go!
Really the adventure started this week though, I went on a great bus tour around Toronto and visited the Island, so there's one stop done! 9 more East Coast stops and 9 provinces to go!
Look out NFLD! Next up: St John's.
I fly out East tomorrow and I can't wait...a little nervous but excited! My bag is packed full (sorry Jocelyn, Emily and Amanda...I'm not a light packer but I'm sure everything will work out!)
East Coast team on Thursday!
Here's what I know about NFLD:
-It's awkward to get to and from
-the Junos were there this year
-Rick Mercer is from NFLD
-If you are in the most Eastern point you are closer to our friends in Ireland than you are to our fellow Canadians in Victoria
-Havin a Time http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQS1Rwo5vp0
I'm sure there's is much more to learn and I can't WAIT!
Have a great day!
Kate
Really the adventure started this week though, I went on a great bus tour around Toronto and visited the Island, so there's one stop done! 9 more East Coast stops and 9 provinces to go!
Look out NFLD! Next up: St John's.
I fly out East tomorrow and I can't wait...a little nervous but excited! My bag is packed full (sorry Jocelyn, Emily and Amanda...I'm not a light packer but I'm sure everything will work out!)
East Coast team on Thursday!
Here's what I know about NFLD:
-It's awkward to get to and from
-the Junos were there this year
-Rick Mercer is from NFLD
-If you are in the most Eastern point you are closer to our friends in Ireland than you are to our fellow Canadians in Victoria
-Havin a Time http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQS1Rwo5vp0
I'm sure there's is much more to learn and I can't WAIT!
Have a great day!
Kate
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