Thursday, 30 July 2009
Ay Caramba
It's a hot one. Like over 30 degrees all this week, it's crazy. All I've been doing for the past few days is walking to work for 20 minutes and when I arrive I'm already drowned in sweat. Still, I'd rather it be that than ridiculously cold.
Having said that I did get over to North Van last Saturday and enjoyed the sunshine walking over the bridge. Didn't actually achieve anything once myself and Greg got there but it passed the time nonetheless.
But that's where the easy life ends and smacks me right in the middle of a mad couple of days. My place isn't ready until Saturday so I'll be hosteling for another 2 nights. Unfortunately my current hostel had run out of space so this morning I had to pack up all my things and walk through the heat with 30kg on my back to a place Greg affectionately calls 'Guantanamo'. So I've checked in there for one night since I literally don't have enough cash for 2 (I have 38 cents in my account) and left my bags in storage. I'll be heading back there in about half an hour to find a toilet or phonebooth to change into my work clothes and then head off for another shift. Then tomorrow morning when I've been paid I'll hope they have a room for another night and pay for that before leaving for work at 9. Terrific.
But after all that when I move in on Saturday things should calm down a little. I haven't slept in a room on my own for over 6 weeks and I'm looking forward to it. But I'd better go now since I need to pick up my orange overalls from the hostel.
Monday, 27 July 2009
Vancouver Public Library
This update is brought to you by the Vancouver Public Library. Turns out you can use some of their internets for free for up to an hour. So once you find a PC (a crusade in itself) you can browse the web for free. The sound doesn't seem to work though so at the minute I'm just wearing a pair of headphones with no sound coming out of them. Maybe it will catch on.
So some real choice happenings in the last few days, including:
- An American woman in the food court of the mall asking me "Why are there so many Asians here?". I don't know, why are you such a big racist?
- Some kid in the hostel being asked by his mum to put a lid on the saucepan. The lid was too small but he put it in anyway, so it was floating on top the pasta. Nice.
- Watching TV in the TV room and some guy walking in, looking at the screen and asking "So you just get one channel?". Err, no? One channel at the same time, yes. Perhaps if we had more than one TV we could put two channels on but that would just be confusing. You moron.
Weather is amazing again today, and apparently today is British Columbia day so it's a public holiday. All of this means pretty much nothing apart from it's a 4 day week, so BC day can stay as far as I'm concerned.
So some real choice happenings in the last few days, including:
- An American woman in the food court of the mall asking me "Why are there so many Asians here?". I don't know, why are you such a big racist?
- Some kid in the hostel being asked by his mum to put a lid on the saucepan. The lid was too small but he put it in anyway, so it was floating on top the pasta. Nice.
- Watching TV in the TV room and some guy walking in, looking at the screen and asking "So you just get one channel?". Err, no? One channel at the same time, yes. Perhaps if we had more than one TV we could put two channels on but that would just be confusing. You moron.
Weather is amazing again today, and apparently today is British Columbia day so it's a public holiday. All of this means pretty much nothing apart from it's a 4 day week, so BC day can stay as far as I'm concerned.
Thursday, 23 July 2009
A revelation
So it turns out after more than 27 years I now like coffee. Not like loads but I can now drink it without feeling the urge to be sick in a bin. I tried an Iced Mocha at work today and it was pretty nice, then promptly tried a real coffee at the hostel and was surprisingly not repulsed. I hope this means that within 2 or 3 days I turn into some complete gibbering caffeine wreck. Good times.
Headed out to a fireworks display in English Bay yesterday which was something like 'the largest fireworks display in North America that is from barges' or something equally impressive-sounding but not really that impressive. And to be honest the fireworks were OK I guess but I'm not a fireworks person at the best of times and prefer Maddie's description of them as lights with noise. And it was ridiculously crowded. Like way more than it should be for some exploding colours. Still it was fun to pass the time working out how many homeless people could have been fed with the cost of each ooh and ahh.
Mad Phil (the Canadian conspiracy theorist) seems to have moved on to preach the message to the masses. But not before forcing Greg to watch a 9/11 Truths video on the internet and cornering me and asking what direction I felt the world was heading in. I resisted the temptation to say West on Davie Street and tried to engage in discussion but it became clear that I was viewed as part of the Rebel Alliance and a traitor.
Kudos to those who've voted for the regular diner, you know it makes sense. But some joker has said no?! Explain yourself.
Headed out to a fireworks display in English Bay yesterday which was something like 'the largest fireworks display in North America that is from barges' or something equally impressive-sounding but not really that impressive. And to be honest the fireworks were OK I guess but I'm not a fireworks person at the best of times and prefer Maddie's description of them as lights with noise. And it was ridiculously crowded. Like way more than it should be for some exploding colours. Still it was fun to pass the time working out how many homeless people could have been fed with the cost of each ooh and ahh.
Mad Phil (the Canadian conspiracy theorist) seems to have moved on to preach the message to the masses. But not before forcing Greg to watch a 9/11 Truths video on the internet and cornering me and asking what direction I felt the world was heading in. I resisted the temptation to say West on Davie Street and tried to engage in discussion but it became clear that I was viewed as part of the Rebel Alliance and a traitor.
Kudos to those who've voted for the regular diner, you know it makes sense. But some joker has said no?! Explain yourself.
Sunday, 19 July 2009
Party cathedral
A busy week working, which is good and quite sad all in the same way. I'm not going to start talking about work since that is extremely boring and is of no use to anyone.
Looking forward to moving into the flat since hostel life is starting to wear thin. For the most part it's fine but there's some dude that's funking up the place at the moment which is not ideal. For some reason the guys in my room also seem to think it's OK to have detailed conversations about the day at 8.20 in the morning. Before 9am = not cool.
Met some pretty cool people so far, obviously Greg since he lets me borrow his lappy and doesn't complain when I launch into some diatribe about video games. There's the girls Maddy, Rosie and Chloe who are doing a similar thing to myself in terms of living and working here for the year. I actually should extend a shout out in thanks for the endless stories they seem to provide on a regular basis, so kudos for the material. In addition there's been a good number of people in the hostel, some good, some bad and some totally mental. Some highlights:
Boris - an Eastern European guy who was extremely stern in his greeting. Also shouted in Czech during his sleep which was great
German Ninja guy - the first guy I met on arrival. Moved like some kind of silent assassin during the night and didn't wake anyone. Top in my opinion
Canadian guy - seemed OK but for some reason decided to get naked when in the room far too often. Which was once
New Canadian guy - Conspiracy theorist. What more can you say? In fact can't say much since he's now at the same table as me!
Mika Hakkinen - well that's not his real name but he was Finnish. Was a vegan by choice and even paid the extra on his air fare as carbon offset. What a guy
Anyway that's it for now, I'm hoping the TV room has been liberated since the film today was Confessions of a Shopaholic. Riveting. The title of the blog is dedicated to Michael, a really awesome German guy who was in Greg's room. Top guy and referred to a club as a 'party cathedral' and I've decided that is the best thing I've ever heard.
Looking forward to moving into the flat since hostel life is starting to wear thin. For the most part it's fine but there's some dude that's funking up the place at the moment which is not ideal. For some reason the guys in my room also seem to think it's OK to have detailed conversations about the day at 8.20 in the morning. Before 9am = not cool.
Met some pretty cool people so far, obviously Greg since he lets me borrow his lappy and doesn't complain when I launch into some diatribe about video games. There's the girls Maddy, Rosie and Chloe who are doing a similar thing to myself in terms of living and working here for the year. I actually should extend a shout out in thanks for the endless stories they seem to provide on a regular basis, so kudos for the material. In addition there's been a good number of people in the hostel, some good, some bad and some totally mental. Some highlights:
Boris - an Eastern European guy who was extremely stern in his greeting. Also shouted in Czech during his sleep which was great
German Ninja guy - the first guy I met on arrival. Moved like some kind of silent assassin during the night and didn't wake anyone. Top in my opinion
Canadian guy - seemed OK but for some reason decided to get naked when in the room far too often. Which was once
New Canadian guy - Conspiracy theorist. What more can you say? In fact can't say much since he's now at the same table as me!
Mika Hakkinen - well that's not his real name but he was Finnish. Was a vegan by choice and even paid the extra on his air fare as carbon offset. What a guy
Anyway that's it for now, I'm hoping the TV room has been liberated since the film today was Confessions of a Shopaholic. Riveting. The title of the blog is dedicated to Michael, a really awesome German guy who was in Greg's room. Top guy and referred to a club as a 'party cathedral' and I've decided that is the best thing I've ever heard.
Friday, 10 July 2009
Stolen laptop
This update comes courtesy of Greg's laptop, which he left in the hostel dining room and then went for swim. I know you read this buddy so I will call with ransom demands later.
Started work today and it was OK, very similar to a job I had back in the UK. Also had that nightmare first day/week thing where people are asking if certain things are in stock and how much they are and I have no idea whatsoever. Not starting until 11 tomorrow so that's not so bad, and myself and Greg will be joining the ladies for a drink tomorrow evening.
Also I think I have - finally - found a place to live. A guy in an apartment block downtown is renting out his den (read: box room just about big enough for a bed) and I called him today and said I'd like to take it. So as soon as I pony up the cash and sign the forms I'll have a proper abode from August 1st. The building itself is pretty sweet, there's a free gym and even a 'party room' which you can hire out for an evening meaning I could entertain my many friends. However if both of them can't make it you can just go down and play pool or whatever. There's also a mini-cinema you can stick DVDs on and watch which sounds pretty good but I'm sure is almost never used.
Other highlights would be seeing a seal in Stanley Park harbour, having Rosie finally admit that skunks are better than raccoons and seeing a goose get tired standing and collapse. You'd think there was more to the story with the last one, but there really isn't.
Started work today and it was OK, very similar to a job I had back in the UK. Also had that nightmare first day/week thing where people are asking if certain things are in stock and how much they are and I have no idea whatsoever. Not starting until 11 tomorrow so that's not so bad, and myself and Greg will be joining the ladies for a drink tomorrow evening.
Also I think I have - finally - found a place to live. A guy in an apartment block downtown is renting out his den (read: box room just about big enough for a bed) and I called him today and said I'd like to take it. So as soon as I pony up the cash and sign the forms I'll have a proper abode from August 1st. The building itself is pretty sweet, there's a free gym and even a 'party room' which you can hire out for an evening meaning I could entertain my many friends. However if both of them can't make it you can just go down and play pool or whatever. There's also a mini-cinema you can stick DVDs on and watch which sounds pretty good but I'm sure is almost never used.
Other highlights would be seeing a seal in Stanley Park harbour, having Rosie finally admit that skunks are better than raccoons and seeing a goose get tired standing and collapse. You'd think there was more to the story with the last one, but there really isn't.
Thursday, 9 July 2009
New job, staggering around the hostel and gay bingo
Never thought I'd be writing that as a title.
New job starts tomorrow and I bought some work trousers yesterday in celebration (see how glamorous?). I asked my boss what the dress code was and he basically described a load of clothes I don't own, so I'll get a pair of proper work shoes and other stuff when I get paid. And the bonus is the earliest start I'll have is 10am, so that's good since I am not a morning person in the slightest.
Sunburn is now under control and has developed into a nice tan, although not before I was incredibly hot last Thursday night after I went to bed. I got up to take a couple of aspirin and suddenly felt especially dizzy, you know the kind where you can't see properly. So I headed out of the toilet and staggered my way to my room door and struggled to get the key into the lock since I couldn't see straight. Some guy across the hall asked if I was OK and I said "No, I just feel really dizzy". After a couple more attempts at the door I looked back and he was gone - thanks mate! Although in hindsight he probably thought I was wasted. I was still all over the place in the room but as soon as I sat down I was fine, so there you go. I think a combination of the heat and my sunburn was to blame since I felt fine the next day. So listen to Baz Luhrmann is my advice.
Other than that the past week has been enjoying the last few days of funemployment. Some drinks in Speakeasy's on Granville on Saturday and also a possible new local cafe. This could be my Central Perk.
And yeah, me and the girls went to gay bingo. I think I might leave that update until the pictures are uploaded since they will speak a thousand words and you'll wish you never heard about 900 of those. Greg asked me what it was like this morning and I thought for a bit, but the best way I could think to describe it was: "It was gay bingo".
New job starts tomorrow and I bought some work trousers yesterday in celebration (see how glamorous?). I asked my boss what the dress code was and he basically described a load of clothes I don't own, so I'll get a pair of proper work shoes and other stuff when I get paid. And the bonus is the earliest start I'll have is 10am, so that's good since I am not a morning person in the slightest.
Sunburn is now under control and has developed into a nice tan, although not before I was incredibly hot last Thursday night after I went to bed. I got up to take a couple of aspirin and suddenly felt especially dizzy, you know the kind where you can't see properly. So I headed out of the toilet and staggered my way to my room door and struggled to get the key into the lock since I couldn't see straight. Some guy across the hall asked if I was OK and I said "No, I just feel really dizzy". After a couple more attempts at the door I looked back and he was gone - thanks mate! Although in hindsight he probably thought I was wasted. I was still all over the place in the room but as soon as I sat down I was fine, so there you go. I think a combination of the heat and my sunburn was to blame since I felt fine the next day. So listen to Baz Luhrmann is my advice.
Other than that the past week has been enjoying the last few days of funemployment. Some drinks in Speakeasy's on Granville on Saturday and also a possible new local cafe. This could be my Central Perk.
And yeah, me and the girls went to gay bingo. I think I might leave that update until the pictures are uploaded since they will speak a thousand words and you'll wish you never heard about 900 of those. Greg asked me what it was like this morning and I thought for a bit, but the best way I could think to describe it was: "It was gay bingo".
Thursday, 2 July 2009
Big update
It's been a while ratfans and it's been quite a busy week. Spent some of last weekend up in Lighthouse Park in North Vancouver and it was pretty good. Some great sights around the rocks heading out to the sea and some pretty decent climbing to be done as well.
One of the views from the rocks. The mountains are just behind the trees.
Trying to provide shade for Greg photographing tiny crabs and fish in one of the rockpools. Turned out to be unsuccessful.
But I suppose the main news is...I have a job. After just over 2 weeks I will be gainfully employed at EB Games downtown. I had the interview on Monday and got the call on Tuesday, so I'm really chuffed to have got something fairly quickly and especially working with games again. Good times.
So to complete the fourfector I need a house. Since that's priority 1 I'm hoping it won't take too long but you never know. I'm determined to get somewhere decent and not something just for the sake of it, so that's the mission for the rest of the week. I don't know when I'll start work yet but I've got a bit of time.
And lastly yesterday was Canada Day (although why they don't just say CanaDay I don't know, sounds catchy to me) and myself and Greg went to the HI & Moose Travel party at Jericho Beach. The actual party was a bit bizarre, it was fenced in at the side of the hostel and made us look like we were on day release or something. But the main thing was the sun - it was hot. Although I don't have picture evidence, here is an artist's impression of my face:
So yeah. Sunburnt knees as well. Good thing I'm not jobhunting at the moment. Although at least they'd remember my face.
One of the views from the rocks. The mountains are just behind the trees.
Trying to provide shade for Greg photographing tiny crabs and fish in one of the rockpools. Turned out to be unsuccessful.
But I suppose the main news is...I have a job. After just over 2 weeks I will be gainfully employed at EB Games downtown. I had the interview on Monday and got the call on Tuesday, so I'm really chuffed to have got something fairly quickly and especially working with games again. Good times.
So to complete the fourfector I need a house. Since that's priority 1 I'm hoping it won't take too long but you never know. I'm determined to get somewhere decent and not something just for the sake of it, so that's the mission for the rest of the week. I don't know when I'll start work yet but I've got a bit of time.
And lastly yesterday was Canada Day (although why they don't just say CanaDay I don't know, sounds catchy to me) and myself and Greg went to the HI & Moose Travel party at Jericho Beach. The actual party was a bit bizarre, it was fenced in at the side of the hostel and made us look like we were on day release or something. But the main thing was the sun - it was hot. Although I don't have picture evidence, here is an artist's impression of my face:
So yeah. Sunburnt knees as well. Good thing I'm not jobhunting at the moment. Although at least they'd remember my face.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Posts
