Fever pitch in BC

Sun Run fever has hit town. After work yesterday, I made my way down to the Vancouver Sun Run fair, where I collected my t-shirt, timing chip (which I am apprehensive about) and as many extra free goodies as I could get my hands on.

There was a bustle of interactive games, competition draws, pens, magnets, muscle rub...the list goes on, and all of it was gratuit. Being the intrepid man that I am, I made sure that I got my money's worth! The only problem is that my thighs are a bit sore today from exerting too much effort on the virtual bicycle race!

The training is over- I took my last practice run on Thursday, giving myself enough time to relieve all the aches and pains, and save as much energy as I can for the big day. I will be running for an important reason; the quicker I run the sooner I can have the Mercer (work) brunch!

Last night I was a 'ring-in', as the Aussies say, on a Moose Tour night out. It is a little bit like SWAP, organising visits, sightseeing and drinking binges. Even though I was the only Pom in attendance, I had some real fun. The pitchers of beer were never out of arm's reach, the potato wedges kept coming from nowhere, and the company was vibrant, fun, and typically Australian! At one point, the snow began to tear down from the skies, and the whole bar (which was 90% Australian) cleared out to witness a weather they had never experienced before. After my four months in Montreal, I wasn't so enthralled when I saw the white stuff floating through the air.

It isn't a pretty picture today. Minimal hours of sleep, followed by an early start, preceded by days of work and Sun Run training. It is a tired old body that I inhabit at the moment. Another week of the same, then I can finally move out of this hostel, into my own apartment, into peace and quiet and happiness.

For now, I will sit across from the hospitable Frenchman from Lyon, the outlandish staff, the Habs supporter with the feral hair and beard, the Glaswegian who plays his guitar (but not very well) and the hoards of quiet readers, who never say a word to anyone (I think that covers me aswell).

Billy Nomads

Even though I have been seldom exploring, travelling and discovering recently, it is not to say that I haven't been busy.

It's been all jobs, places, contacts, money, sleep, running, enrolling, researching, planning, saving, eating, walking, writing, resume-creating, telephoning, inspecting, grovelling, enlightening and frustrating.

Travelling, in general, has been the length of Granville Street to the SWAP offices, to search for homes and jobs, to telephone prospective companies and to ask advice on everything from where I should live to what I should eat for dinner.

As I extend my house searching from online to metro and bus-line, I have seen more of Vancouver, gradually creating a picture of what is where and why and how in this soggy, horizontal city. Only two apartments have I seen in reality so far, and they are as varied as I think 100 apartments would achieve.

One is in a Chinese neighbourhood, with most signs written in Han (Chinese) characters. I would be living with three Chinese computer programmers, who barely speak a word of English, but keep an impeccable household, and cook amazing meals.

The other is closer to town (not 25 minutes on the Sky Train), and in a predominantly white-Canadian area. The flatmates would be someone 'involved in the movies', and another who spends five days a week on a luxury train passing through the Rockies, serving wine and steaks to wealthy tourists.

They're similar in price, similar in size, yet the difference between Zone 2 (Chinese house) and Zone 1 (Canadian) on the transit system means over $50 on monthly bus/ Sky Train passes. I think my mind is made up. Just watch this space to see if I get my deposit in on time...

New city, new home

The travels have ended for the time being. I have set up roots in a cheap and cheerful flat not far from downtown Montreal, on what must be the longest road in the city- St. Denis.

My room is sparse at the moment, but that will soon change. This is the strangest feeling so far, that I am now 'living' in Montreal. The holiday is over, the working hours will increase, and the parties and restaurants will do the opposite.

Today is December 1st, the OFFICIAL start of the Christmas season (take note, retailers), and my giant advent calendar (thanks Kate!) has been violated for the first time! Plans for Christmas are still a bit awry, dependent on work, friends, money- you know, the usual concerns. Even if I end up in Montreal, it will still be a good experience avec la nege et la froid!

I have discovered a new level of cold here in Canada. My feet and I had a falling out earlier today as I opted for trainers, neglecting the snow. Then it was my ears' turn as they virtually froze off due to the bite of the wind!

First impressions of the new abode? It's cosy, reminiscent of my student house. There are two students living here, and the atmosphere is one of study, not party. That will do my bank balance nicely for the time being, and now I can do shopping it is going to be much cheaper in theory.

Talking of food........au revoir!