CANADA, EH?
Greetings and welcome to my long winded tale of my first week in Canada! It is cut for length and photos, so just ... Yes, that's right. Here we go!
Thursday the 28th
I had gotten very little sleep (read, none) the night before my flight due to nerves, so I was a very sleepy Peta when my parents and I got up at some ungodly hour to drive to the airport. There was no-one on the road and in fact we got there way ahead of schedule and said our teary goodbyes. Going through security wasn't so bad, they pat you down and look through everything in your luggage. Then they ask you silly questions like "Do you have any lighters or matches?" Well, you looked, did you see any? Of course not. But they are just doing their job. After a while in the lounge they herded us onto the plane where I was very much relieved to find a free seat next to me, so it wasn't as squashy as I had feared. I didn't get a window seat though, so no cool view of taking off and landing. Planes are awesome, it is like riding a roller coaster without the rails! I watched three movies and drank copious amounts of juice. Yes, they give you free alcohol, but I figured if I got jet lag that would be enough to handle without being tipsy or hung over as well. Then we landed in Honolulu. It was really painful for me, my ears stopped being able to pop and the pressure built up in my head until I thought I was going to explode. Fortunately I sneezed and that relieved some of the shooting pain, but my ears didn't feel right for about an hour.
Now, what they do to you in Honolulu just to get you back on the plane you started from is entirely ridiculous. You are herded off the plane, into a building, upstairs, out of the building, onto a bus, into a building, into a mile long line to get through customs where you hand over your forms, have your finger prints and photo taken, are then herded downstairs, through security (where my silver bracelet set off the gates), you have to take off your shoes to send them through X-Ray, then take a 10 minute walk to the gate, wait a bit until your row is called, and board the plane once more, exactly where you started from.
Thanks, America.
So everyone is on the plane, and the pilot tells us we are taking off soon, and in fact, we are half an hour ahead of schedule! Yay! We taxi out to the run way, when we get another announcement; there is a problem with engine number 2 and we have to taxi back in while maintenance takes a look. They do and there is no real problem, but it takes them TWO HOURS (which we have to spend on the plane) because of paperwork and all that jazz. So eventually we take off again, fly some, and land at Vancouver Airport. The pain from the pressure in my head was bad, but not as much as the first time since I had figured out how to swallow more and hold my nose and blow. We were herded off again (people are right to call it cattle class =]) and lined up for customs. I barely got through. I had to tell them my life story, how I met Jesse, and Jesse's life story, including where he used to work and what grade the kids he taught where in. Relevance, anyone? The customs officer grilled me so hard and wasn't happy until he got in contact with Jesse and his parents and finally let me through. I've never had a happier reunion in my life than when I finally saw Jesse and his parents waiting for me in the arrivals lounge, hours after I was supposed to. Hugs all round!
Jesse
Muff
Doug
So Jesse's parents drove and we took the scenic route to Squamish. It is hard to take a decent picture from a moving car, and I didn't manage it before Jesse's camera batteries ran out.
When we arrived at Jesse's parents house in Squamish, I had my first ever kiss under mistletoe and was then was absolutely spoiled with Christmas presents! Muff had made me an awesome Christmas stocking with a dragon on the front and it was filled with neat things. I got so many gifts over those first few days I think it is easiest to just list them in one go -
Candies; toblerone, chocolate coins, chocolate orange, maple caramels, caramel taffy, raspberry lollies
Books; The Princess Bride, Canadian Christmas traditions, Here there be dragons, How to train your dragon, The Pirates! in an adventure in whaling, The ice dragon, Engraved in stone
Green necklace
Dragon plushie/puppet
Personal library kit
Ornaments; Peta Christmas snowman, I love you bear
Sewing things; scissors, pins, pin cushion, tape measure
Muff's old sewing machine!
Gift cards; Gap, Hudson's bay
Matching mittens and beanie (or tooke, as they say here)
Soft green jacket
Socks; butterfly, bunnies
Berry candles and holder
I hope I haven't forgotten anything! Thank you all so much!
While I'm mentioning presents, I should list what I got back in Australia. My sister and Simon had gotten me luggage as a combined Christmas and Birthday present, my parents gave me a photo album and a birthday reminder book, and my nan got me a St Christopher's medal, seeing as how he is the patron saint of travellers. When Ally and Matt said goodbye to me they gave me an Aussie survival kit, which has a flag, an Aussie keyring, Aussie pen, photos, notebook, mix CD and wombat and kangaroo. Thanks everyone!
I got Jesse a picture book about an Australian Christmas, a trilogy about ninjas and my favourite picture book, Doug a book about sailing, and Muff a picture book about wombats. I, er, like to give books. I got Travis a small framed print of a dragon and Megan a pair of drop earrings. I also brought along 2 bottles of wine, two packets of tim tams and some Vegemite. So far I am the only one interested in the Vegemite. ;)
Friday the 29th
Jesse and I visited his maternal grandparents, Ernie and Lyn, for lunch.
Ernie
Lyn
Later in the evening we had a visit from Hackett family friends, Lance and Bonnie and their twin children, Duncan and Miranda.
Saturday the 30th
Jesse drove me down to see some eagles.
On the way back to the car Jesse commented "Sure is icy," at the exact time I slipped and fell. Don't worry, I was fine. Then we drove to Whistler to play in the snow! For those who don't know, the first time I went and saw snow I was only around 4 or 5 and was expecting light, fluffy, dry puff and was very upset to find cold, wet snow. So upset that I sat in the car and sulked. This time went much better! (Although I fell again, this time on snow! Clumsy me.) The snow was sort of light and crunchy, not the packing snow which is apparently good for snowballs, and when I tried to make some it just stuck to my mittens. But I threw snow at Jesse anyway. (He missed the shot, digital cameras are slow like that, but you can see some snow still drifting down.)
Later I licked an icicle. NYOM NYOM.
I also got to meet Meg (Jesse's sister) and her boyfriend Travis. Hurray!
Megan
Travis
Sunday the 31st
Jesse's family went on ahead while Jesse and I stayed home. In the afternoon we went for a walk and I took a bunch of pictures.
This is Jesse and his car.
No joke, the Hacketts have a proper stream running through their backyard, it is awesome. Salmon migrate through there sometimes and everything.
This is the Cheif. Squamish is surrounded by mountains, and this huge rock is popular for climbing. Don't you wish you had this view?
This is a path not far from the house. I really like this photo.
That evening I got to meet Andy, Keith and Rina! Andrew was supposed to come too, but didn't. =( We watched movies and played games and talked a whole bunch, ringing in the new year with champagne and staying up until 2am. Good times! It was also my first New Year kiss.
Monday the 1st
We got up early and drove and ferried and drove some more all the way to Port Alberni to meet Jesse's paternal grandfather, Dennis and his wife Pat.
Dennis
Pat
Tuesday the 2nd
We drove to Jesse's place in Victoria and mostly unpacked. We picked up some groceries, there are shops only five minutes away, and generally unwound.
Wednesday the 3rd
Jesse took me to see his university and meet the wild rabbits there.
After, we went to Gyro park, which was a bit, er, flooded.
There was even a sea serpent!
I told Jesse not to get too close but no-one listens to me.
We got away onto a ship and took turns being captain.
Thursday the 3rd
I went with Jess to Uni and got to meet his cohort and sit in on 2 of his classes. They are really interesting people and I like him, but I can't sit in on all his classes and often I don't know what's being talked about so I don't think I will go very often. I'll miss the bunnies, though! This time I was armed with a carrot!
It kind of looks like I am shoving the carrot at these bunnies, but they are just trying to steal the whole carrot from me. Excuse the quality, I'm not sure what You Tube did to it!
Friday the 4th
I stayed at home while Jesse went to two classes in the morning. We spent the rest of the day just relaxing and hanging out.
Well that's about it, really. Just as well, because this entry is a mile long! I promise I will try not to let it go so long until next time. I hope everyone is well, do call and send me emails so I know what's going on. I have numbers for a calling card you Aussies can use to phone Jesse's mobile, it's very easy and if you use a land line it will only cost you a local call! Email me and I can set up a time and send the numbers. As you can see, I am safe and happy and well, everyone here has been so incredible and kind and welcoming. Jesse especially has been taking excellent care of me. But I do miss you guys heaps!!!
Hugs and kisses!
~Peta~
Thursday the 28th
I had gotten very little sleep (read, none) the night before my flight due to nerves, so I was a very sleepy Peta when my parents and I got up at some ungodly hour to drive to the airport. There was no-one on the road and in fact we got there way ahead of schedule and said our teary goodbyes. Going through security wasn't so bad, they pat you down and look through everything in your luggage. Then they ask you silly questions like "Do you have any lighters or matches?" Well, you looked, did you see any? Of course not. But they are just doing their job. After a while in the lounge they herded us onto the plane where I was very much relieved to find a free seat next to me, so it wasn't as squashy as I had feared. I didn't get a window seat though, so no cool view of taking off and landing. Planes are awesome, it is like riding a roller coaster without the rails! I watched three movies and drank copious amounts of juice. Yes, they give you free alcohol, but I figured if I got jet lag that would be enough to handle without being tipsy or hung over as well. Then we landed in Honolulu. It was really painful for me, my ears stopped being able to pop and the pressure built up in my head until I thought I was going to explode. Fortunately I sneezed and that relieved some of the shooting pain, but my ears didn't feel right for about an hour.
Now, what they do to you in Honolulu just to get you back on the plane you started from is entirely ridiculous. You are herded off the plane, into a building, upstairs, out of the building, onto a bus, into a building, into a mile long line to get through customs where you hand over your forms, have your finger prints and photo taken, are then herded downstairs, through security (where my silver bracelet set off the gates), you have to take off your shoes to send them through X-Ray, then take a 10 minute walk to the gate, wait a bit until your row is called, and board the plane once more, exactly where you started from.
Thanks, America.
So everyone is on the plane, and the pilot tells us we are taking off soon, and in fact, we are half an hour ahead of schedule! Yay! We taxi out to the run way, when we get another announcement; there is a problem with engine number 2 and we have to taxi back in while maintenance takes a look. They do and there is no real problem, but it takes them TWO HOURS (which we have to spend on the plane) because of paperwork and all that jazz. So eventually we take off again, fly some, and land at Vancouver Airport. The pain from the pressure in my head was bad, but not as much as the first time since I had figured out how to swallow more and hold my nose and blow. We were herded off again (people are right to call it cattle class =]) and lined up for customs. I barely got through. I had to tell them my life story, how I met Jesse, and Jesse's life story, including where he used to work and what grade the kids he taught where in. Relevance, anyone? The customs officer grilled me so hard and wasn't happy until he got in contact with Jesse and his parents and finally let me through. I've never had a happier reunion in my life than when I finally saw Jesse and his parents waiting for me in the arrivals lounge, hours after I was supposed to. Hugs all round!
Jesse
Muff
Doug
So Jesse's parents drove and we took the scenic route to Squamish. It is hard to take a decent picture from a moving car, and I didn't manage it before Jesse's camera batteries ran out.
When we arrived at Jesse's parents house in Squamish, I had my first ever kiss under mistletoe and was then was absolutely spoiled with Christmas presents! Muff had made me an awesome Christmas stocking with a dragon on the front and it was filled with neat things. I got so many gifts over those first few days I think it is easiest to just list them in one go -
Candies; toblerone, chocolate coins, chocolate orange, maple caramels, caramel taffy, raspberry lollies
Books; The Princess Bride, Canadian Christmas traditions, Here there be dragons, How to train your dragon, The Pirates! in an adventure in whaling, The ice dragon, Engraved in stone
Green necklace
Dragon plushie/puppet
Personal library kit
Ornaments; Peta Christmas snowman, I love you bear
Sewing things; scissors, pins, pin cushion, tape measure
Muff's old sewing machine!
Gift cards; Gap, Hudson's bay
Matching mittens and beanie (or tooke, as they say here)
Soft green jacket
Socks; butterfly, bunnies
Berry candles and holder
I hope I haven't forgotten anything! Thank you all so much!
While I'm mentioning presents, I should list what I got back in Australia. My sister and Simon had gotten me luggage as a combined Christmas and Birthday present, my parents gave me a photo album and a birthday reminder book, and my nan got me a St Christopher's medal, seeing as how he is the patron saint of travellers. When Ally and Matt said goodbye to me they gave me an Aussie survival kit, which has a flag, an Aussie keyring, Aussie pen, photos, notebook, mix CD and wombat and kangaroo. Thanks everyone!
I got Jesse a picture book about an Australian Christmas, a trilogy about ninjas and my favourite picture book, Doug a book about sailing, and Muff a picture book about wombats. I, er, like to give books. I got Travis a small framed print of a dragon and Megan a pair of drop earrings. I also brought along 2 bottles of wine, two packets of tim tams and some Vegemite. So far I am the only one interested in the Vegemite. ;)
Friday the 29th
Jesse and I visited his maternal grandparents, Ernie and Lyn, for lunch.
Ernie
Lyn
Later in the evening we had a visit from Hackett family friends, Lance and Bonnie and their twin children, Duncan and Miranda.
Saturday the 30th
Jesse drove me down to see some eagles.
On the way back to the car Jesse commented "Sure is icy," at the exact time I slipped and fell. Don't worry, I was fine. Then we drove to Whistler to play in the snow! For those who don't know, the first time I went and saw snow I was only around 4 or 5 and was expecting light, fluffy, dry puff and was very upset to find cold, wet snow. So upset that I sat in the car and sulked. This time went much better! (Although I fell again, this time on snow! Clumsy me.) The snow was sort of light and crunchy, not the packing snow which is apparently good for snowballs, and when I tried to make some it just stuck to my mittens. But I threw snow at Jesse anyway. (He missed the shot, digital cameras are slow like that, but you can see some snow still drifting down.)
Later I licked an icicle. NYOM NYOM.
I also got to meet Meg (Jesse's sister) and her boyfriend Travis. Hurray!
Megan
Travis
Sunday the 31st
Jesse's family went on ahead while Jesse and I stayed home. In the afternoon we went for a walk and I took a bunch of pictures.
This is Jesse and his car.
No joke, the Hacketts have a proper stream running through their backyard, it is awesome. Salmon migrate through there sometimes and everything.
This is the Cheif. Squamish is surrounded by mountains, and this huge rock is popular for climbing. Don't you wish you had this view?
This is a path not far from the house. I really like this photo.
That evening I got to meet Andy, Keith and Rina! Andrew was supposed to come too, but didn't. =( We watched movies and played games and talked a whole bunch, ringing in the new year with champagne and staying up until 2am. Good times! It was also my first New Year kiss.
Monday the 1st
We got up early and drove and ferried and drove some more all the way to Port Alberni to meet Jesse's paternal grandfather, Dennis and his wife Pat.
Dennis
Pat
Tuesday the 2nd
We drove to Jesse's place in Victoria and mostly unpacked. We picked up some groceries, there are shops only five minutes away, and generally unwound.
Wednesday the 3rd
Jesse took me to see his university and meet the wild rabbits there.
After, we went to Gyro park, which was a bit, er, flooded.
There was even a sea serpent!
I told Jesse not to get too close but no-one listens to me.
We got away onto a ship and took turns being captain.
Thursday the 3rd
I went with Jess to Uni and got to meet his cohort and sit in on 2 of his classes. They are really interesting people and I like him, but I can't sit in on all his classes and often I don't know what's being talked about so I don't think I will go very often. I'll miss the bunnies, though! This time I was armed with a carrot!
It kind of looks like I am shoving the carrot at these bunnies, but they are just trying to steal the whole carrot from me. Excuse the quality, I'm not sure what You Tube did to it!
Friday the 4th
I stayed at home while Jesse went to two classes in the morning. We spent the rest of the day just relaxing and hanging out.
Well that's about it, really. Just as well, because this entry is a mile long! I promise I will try not to let it go so long until next time. I hope everyone is well, do call and send me emails so I know what's going on. I have numbers for a calling card you Aussies can use to phone Jesse's mobile, it's very easy and if you use a land line it will only cost you a local call! Email me and I can set up a time and send the numbers. As you can see, I am safe and happy and well, everyone here has been so incredible and kind and welcoming. Jesse especially has been taking excellent care of me. But I do miss you guys heaps!!!
Hugs and kisses!
~Peta~