The Vick's World Tour: Spanning Two Decades!

Postlude

2010-09-01T07:06:00.000-07:00

It is hard to describe the experience I've had this year, but let me run some numbers by you:

Around 20,000 - number of kilometres that I've logged this year on buses, train, boats, subways, shuttles, you name it in regards to public transit (not counting flights!)
12 - number of countries I've visited
39 - number of cities/villages I've visited
47 - number of dives I've logged in three continents
12 - number of months on the tour where I logged at least one dive
2 - number of times I sat front row at a major musical production
10 - number of times I fed the fish on the Great Barrier Reef
12 - number of game shows I saw taped
2 - number of game shows where I appeared speaking on camera
1 - number of game shows where I was sitting in the audience and pretty much had no idea what was going on (thanks, Gunther Jauch)
Around 630,000 - amount of money that I saw given away this year (not taking exchange rates into account)
2 - number of cult Canadian shows where I was an extra
1 - number of times I almost got kicked off a train
1 - number of times that I almost got sucked out a train door
1 - number of times I ran into a plexiglass wall
2 - number of times it took me on a high trapeze to nail a full flip
7 - number of extreme sports that I tried for the first time
420 - height, in feet, of the tallest roller coaster that I rode
2 - number of times I worked on a game show production
2 - times that I hosted a major cult game show (even if it wasn't on tv!)
3 - radio contests that I won
1 - airplane contests that I won
1 - pop superstars on the same airplane as me
3 - "world's biggest" that I visited (for the record: deepest pool, biggest Muskoka chair, biggest coral reef)
2 - times that I experienced animals in the wild
1 - number of times where my alarm didn't go off and I almost missed my flight
2 - number of articles I had published
1 - number of times I got stuck in a metro station in Paris
24 - number of hours I spent on a train, consecutively, with 3 kids under 5 sitting across the aisle
4 - number of times I've been a guest teacher (twice where I didn't know the kids that I was teaching)

... and most importantly...

0 - things I've regretted doing this year.

This is merely just a sample of everything... I could go on but it's already on the blog!

It is very difficult to sum up in words what I have thought of this year. When I started out this dream about four years ago, the intention, as I mentioned in the first post a year ago, was to go to the Olympics. Now while that didn't happen as planned, what did was nothing short of remarkable.

If you ever have the opportunity to do something like this, like I said, take it. Whether it's by yourself, with a stranger, with your best friend or your significant other, with your family or with a touring group that leaves you stating "if this is Tuesday, this must be Belgium", it is a life experience that you never will forget.

And for me, life has changed. I left my job back in late April and at this moment am exploring and experiencing life in a whole new way. I don't know where life will take me now, but I'm really excited to find out.

Before I go, tons of thanks. Bear with me. And bear in mind that I will possibly forget some people, so please forgive me.

To Gordon, Jason and Travis: thank you for letting me into your game show world.
To Juliette, Seb, and Charles: merci d'avoir recu durant deux vacances, avec deux enregistrements. C'est reussi!
To the GO gang: thank you for making a 7.17 am ride to Union exciting. Who is Patrick Swayze anyway?
To Em, Chris and the staff at Em's school: thank you for welcoming me as one of your own, lending me golf shirts, and teaching me the best halloween party game ever.
To the Lloyds: what a pleasure it was to see you and the new arrival. And the suit!
To the extended Llewellyn family: thank you for shuttling me around, skittles, SingStar and extensive help with my planning.
To Steph: Thanks for taking the time to dive with me, arrange shuttling, and trekking 500 kms for my taping. Sorry I didn't win the teapot.
To the staff at Deal UK and Countdown: thank you for giving me some of the best audience and contestant memories I ever could have thought of. And to that extent, thank you to Tracey for being part of the wildest audience ride I've ever been on.
To Nick: thanks for keeping me in check in Manchester.
To Kay and Jeff: thanks for enabling me to relate to 8-year-olds.
To Danielle: I don't know anyone who would get up the night after a hen party to drive me to the train - you're the first one, which makes you wonderfully wonderful.
To Jeanette: I know I'm nuts but it was great seeing you again and I am looking at opening a Frites Flagey in Toronto (not really, but still)
To les Strasbourgeois: merci pour la visite. Je vous promis ca ne prendrai pas un autre huit ans pour revenir.
To Endemol Germany: I know you let me jump a two year queue. Danke Shoen.
To der famillien Koll: Bob Dylan will never be the same.
To ASORTF Limoges: Merci pour la seance piscine, et la tarte flambee. Vous etes un group superbe d'avoir acceulir un Canadien comme moi.
To the Haugs: I threatened for four years to come visit and you still let me come! I'll learn how to sand dune jump before I come back.
To Liz, Hannah and Annabelle: I couldn't have anticipated a nicer reception in Queenstown, and then again a superb visit in Melbourne. Lock it in, Eddie!
To Christiane and Torsten: It was because of the two of you that I went back to Fergburger. I look forward to seeing you on my side of the pond.
To Trish, Adrian and Edie: Thank you for welcoming me into your home.
To Jen: Thanks for hooking me up with them.
To the staff of Rotorua Flashpackers: Thanks for not getting mad at me when I locked myself out late night.
To the staff of Dive HQ Central in Whitianga: You blew away my mind.
To Katja: You are something special - never forget that.
To Peter and Vanessa: Thanks for making the train ride tolerable.
To Cassie, Louis, Chris, Christiane, Kristen and Paul: Thanks for the Alva Beach experience. And not laughing too much when I hurled.
To Cabe: for reminding me that people actually read this blog. Mackall Road is becoming a second home to me.
To Krista and Kate, Peggy, Geoff and Tracy, and Derek: for making some of my wildest television dreams come true.
To the staff at Reach for the Top: You gave me a position that I could only dream of, and I can't thank you enough. I look forward to working with you again next year, and for many years to come.

To Chris Powney: after 12 years emailing on the internet, we met. And you did one of the kindest things anyone's ever done - clear your schedule for two days so you could play tour guide with me. Thank you so much.

To Kelly: Two drives to the airport at horrible, horrible hours. You are such a strong friend to me.

To Chis, Laura, Gweezy and Kari: You are my rocks.

To Pineuf: Je t'aime infinitivement.

To Helen: Thanks for listening.

To Bill: Thanks. You know what I mean.

To Hans and Helga: I am so blessed to have roommates like you.

and finally:

To my parents and sister: What a wonderful gift - this year - that you have given me. It will take me years to make it up to you, but I'll try.

For the final time,

Cheers,
Vick.

Day 366: The Finale

2010-09-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know. I've miscounted. Please don't hold it against me. :)

Since this was the last day I wanted to do a few extra things. First off, I had a lie in. Which really can never be construed as a bad thing.

I met up with a couple of my best friends for lunch at Mandarin. I'd only been at Mandarin one time before (as a result of a radio contest win) and having known what was on offer I paced myself a bit differently. Still though you really can't ignore ice cream and cookies. Mmm mmm good.

Although my arm was still hurting a bit from Sunday's ulty victory, I still wanted to go for a dive, or something similar. So I got in the pool and vaccuumed it up. While that may not sound super exciting to you, it is very peaceful to me and I was happy to have done it.

Left up north around 4.15 pm, arriving at the community tv station around 6 pm for my training session. A lot got packed in, but it was very informative and I am excited about it.

Finally, there was a small get together in my backyard to celebrate the end of the world tour. It was just perfect - six good friends (including two roommates that I dragged out of bed!), sitting around, shooting the breeze, telling the stories.

Shortly before midnight I was encouraged/goaded/whatever to make a speech. And I'll share one specific thing with you.

If I could tell you anything about this year, it would be that when opportunities knocks, answer it.

And at midnight, we raised a glass to a phenomenal experience.

The next post will be a postlude/wrap-up and slightly bittersweet, as it will be the last one.

Cheers,
Vick.

Day 365

2010-08-31T05:12:00.000-07:00

Well on this pentultimate day I spent the day with a good friend.

My friend Pina is moving (actually has moved) so I met her down in Toronto to chat and catch up. We worked on my new personal website (soon to launch) and I helped her do the last couple of things to close her apartment and give to the new tenant. Which followed with booking our hotel rooms for the OMLTA fall conference where I'm presenting and then they dropped me off at home as they were heading up that way anyway!

I spent the evening catching up on a bit of telly - Ultimate Big Brother is right now a guilty pleasure, while Un Souper Presque Parfait is a take off of C4's Come Dine with Me. It was also the season premiere of Atomes Crochus which means that the episodes that I saw taped *should* air next week.

Last day tomorrow!
Cheers,
Vick

Days 362 to 364

2010-08-29T18:22:00.001-07:00

Day 362 and after a nice little rest it was off for a dive. Which was great, because I hadn't been in the water for about two weeks! You don't actually realize how much you miss it.

Which was followed up by lunch. Good times.

In the afternoon I did my boating test... and I passed! I am now a licensed boater. Sweet.

It was then time to head up north to Huntsville to see comedy Andrea Martin, comedy legend, in her one woman show. You probably know her best from SCTV and My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

The show was AWESOME... such a wonderful retrospective of her career. And some great characters that had us (my parents and I) literally peeing our pants.

And then came her character from My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Aunt Voula. She says she needs two young strapping men to do a greek style dance with her.

I look around. No one is volunteering.

As a theatre and improvisationally trained human being, part of what you learn is never to leave anyone hanging.

My hand slowly goes up.

"You! The frisky one! Come dance with me!" calls Andrea.

Who am I to refuse? I get up with the enthusiam of a just selected Price is Right contestant and start hopping down the aisle calling "WE DANCE! WE DANCE!" Which now that I think about it, reflects me back to Tom Hanks hosting SNL while perfoming in a sketh entitled Sabra Price is Right.

It takes me a few instants and after some back and forth banter I realize that I am sharing the stage with comedy legend Andrea Martin.

Wow.

Andrea goes out and fishes another older gentleman to compete along side me. Now those of you who have seen my appearance on Skooled back in 2006 know that I cannot dance very well. This was also seen on stage on this day, but I had good fun with it. I lost the audience vote (it skewed old! What can I say) but that was okay.

The rest of the show was just as exciting and after the show I reunited with my parents, who really weren't surprised at what happened.

It turned out that Andrea was receiving some guests and when she saw me she called "RYAN! YOU WERE WONDERFUL!" which was quite flattering. We had a nice chat and she was very flattered to hear that I had drove two hours to get to the show. But of course!

And, as if that wasn't enough of a thrill... on the way out I spot someone. You'd think I'd never guess his secret identity, who's on the inside hiding out.

Indeed it was Derek McGrath who has done a wonderful amount of comedy but I know him best from the late 80's show My Secret Identity.

After all that we went to the Nutty Chocolatier for some post show ice cream and then drove to my parents' trailer for the night, which was another 90 minutes northwest... I was pretty delerious by the end of it!

Day 363 and I awoke to have a nice breakfast at my parents' trailer before starting the long trek back. They have a really nice site which unfortunately is closing down this year however they are moving it to a site near Mattawa which pleases me.

The drive back down south was pretty tiring but I got home by about 4 pm to catch a mid-afternoon nap.

Around 6.30 pm Gweezy (she knows who she is) arrived to watch the season finale of Fort Boyard with me. Sadly the rumour is that it isn't coming back which saddens me deeply but you have to give props for a 21 year run for a game show. Fingers crossed that it's not the case however!

Day 364 was the season ending ultimate frisbee tournament. This year each of the 24 teams were put into a 4-team pool which made it fair across the board. It was really a fun day.

Our first game was against Slipped Discs. We fell behind early and were down about 8-2 at the half. We weren't playing our best. In the second half we came at it in a fresh way. I unfortunately tried to catch a disc in the end zone and fell really badly on my arm so I subbed out for the rest of the game. At one point it was 11-11 but we just missed getting the win and lost 12-11. We were frustrated but happy with our performance.

Second game and we were facing Ultimately Challenged. We built an early lead and won quite comfortably but you could see we were tiring pretty quickly, especially with the 30 degree heat.

Our final game was against In the Box. We had found this had been a hard team when playing them earlier in the season. And it came down to this: win and we would lock into at least a two way (if not a three way tie) for first place; lose and In the Box would win the lot.

So we went out and played very very hard. At half time we were surprisingly up 8-2 and there were some players on the other side that were very frustrated. We continued to play solidly in the second half and apart from a skirmish near the end of the game it finished up well, and we ended up winning 14-8 or something like that.

It then came down to points... and guess who pulled it out?

Yeppers! Hucky Ducks won the pool! How exciting is that??? We really came together as a team and it showed!

To boot Theresa and I also got named spirit players by the other team which was very kind.

Because my arm was hurting I decided to decline the invite for post-game munchies... as Hans and Helga had shown up unexpectedly we went for a nice dip in the pool and then out for ice cream. Helga, as you can see, is a bit bashful for the camera.

Two days to go!

Cheers,

Vick.

Days 358 to 361

2010-08-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

Late in the evening of the Cedar Point visit I decided to make my way home, so on Day 358 that was my main mission. I made really good time and only needed to stop a couple of times, including a rare King City washroom break – I HATE stopping on the Canadian side, as I can usually do that in one fell swoop. In any case, not a problem, got home around 2.30 pm.

I then turned around and headed out to the pool. Sufficient to say I was a bit overtired but I made it work anyway! We had some students needing some depth training so it was great to have the well made available to us.

Oh, and I finally got around to doing this… are you listening, WSSA? :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YD5SIU0tO4

I got back to home base just knackered and didn’t last very long indeed!

Day 359 was a nice relaxing day. Recovering from going full steam for six days straight I was happy to take a breather. I headed up north for a small meeting/get-together but then was back in my bed to close out the night.

Day 360 and the reason that I needed to come home was that I was off to Richmond Hill and I had an information session to attend as I had been recruited to volunteer at the local community television station. I was really excited as this is something I had wanted to do for a while now. I had a short interview with the coordinator and it looks like right now I’m going to be assisting at hockey games in Newmarket, which is perfect because it’s Thursday nights (which usually aren’t busy for me) and they’re about a 5 minute drive from my house. Ex. Ell. Ent.

Later that day I headed up for the weekly Wed evening dive, but we ended up scrubbing! Such is life I suppose. We actually went to the newly renovated theatre downtown, which was super because in one theatre they ripped out all the seats and put in 48 leather recliners! SCORE. We saw Inception which I don’t think is the best movie ever but does leave you thinking.

Day 361 and the morning contained a project that I’m not allowed to talk about but hopefully will be able to share a bit more when it comes time. In the afternoon it was back up north (which frankly was getting a bit tiring!) but it was okay as I was going to get to teach dive class which is always a pleasure.

Mind you by the end of this my mind was mush… so it was nice to just take a night and curl up with a good book. And raspberry pie.

Cheers,
Vick.

Days 349 to 357

2010-08-26T18:07:00.000-07:00

It's almost here! The end! But first! More world touring!

Excuse me for a minute while I do my Day 349 happy dance.

(pause, as we all watch Vick dance)

Ok, good now. Day 349 was very much another chill out day… apparently there is something to all this busy-ness that I’ve been having!

Day 350 brought my first Frisbee game in a few weeks. We lost, but it was pretty close. A good game all around, although I just wasn’t feeling it sadly.

Day 351 (man, we’re getting close to the end!) and it was an early start to the day, visiting the foot doctor. Look ma, no… er… um… problems? In and out in 5 minutes, no worries there. Off to Barrie thereafter to get some dive stuff done (this is what keeps me out of trouble!). Also got to teach a class, which was a pleasure. I even stayed over the night as I was so knackered by the end of class (not to mention after some great chicken wings!)

Day 352 was very much running around on empty (or so it seemed). Had a lot of things to get here and there, Superstore, Costco, etc etc etc but I got it all, so no problems. Had a hysterically funny visit to Baskin-Robbins with the roommates - can they ever behave??? :) An early night as…

… the start of Day 353 came really really early. As in 4.15 am early. I had to get the first GO bus out of Newmarket at 4.55 to get to my train on time. Makes the early day at Degrassi seem simple! Got to the train in plenty of time, and pulled out of Toronto at 6.50, right on schedule.

The train was good in that they currently have free internet (BONUS) and we had the modern 2 seat/aisle/1 seat row but not so good in that I haven’t been on a train that shook that much, in, well, forever. Both me and my seatmate couldn’t use our computers for the majority of the time as it was hard to not be nauseous!

In any case it was nice to arrive in Montreal and meet up with my good friend Juliette and her ADORABLE seven month year old Charles. Such a cutie.

We started by hopping the métro over to Place-des-Armes to go out for a gorgeous lunch at a Korean restaurant. It’s one of those places that you know will be good but doggonnit, it’s hard to find! I don’t think I’ve ever had Korean but it was so very very tasty. I had a chicken and mushroom dish plus some soup to start, as well as a bunch of side dishes, including kimchi. I wouldn’t say that kimchi is my favourite dish of all time, but it actually wasn’t that bad.

We then proceeded on towards Archambault, which is like HMV but much better I find. Just like last time I was in Montreal, the new Millénium film (that’s Girl with a dragon tattoo who played with fire and then kicked the hornet’s nest to my English readers – and yes, I fully expect that to become a parody film) had just been released (in this case, the day before I got to the store) so I picked that up with the new Marie Mai CD as well as a Quebec film that I’ve heard a lot about, J’ai tué ma mère. And after a stop at Maison de la Presse we hit up the métro for a ride up to Laval where Juliette, Seb and the bundle of joy live.

I’d tell you the rest of the afternoon but I pretty much passed out on the couch to catch up on some sleep! We then took it easy for the rest of the day, including the arrival of Katherine (Juliette’s niece) from Cornwall… we all were in bed by 10 pm!

Day 354 started a bit bizarrely. We had intended to go cableskiing but Katherine’s arms were really hurting… so we actually found a skate park/roller rink. When we arrived we found it closed! We then decided to do a 180 turnabout and go out the beach/cableskiing park. $10 each got us into the beach, which was really calm. Guess what was closed for repairs? Yep.

Actually the few hours at the beach was quite nice. Very relaxing. I personally enjoyed the water trampoline and my lack of skill there on it. That and the inflatable bouncy castle obstacle course (no, we didn’t plow over any children).

We left Charles with Juliette’s upstairs neighbour around 3pm so we could head downtown to see Atomes Crochus! This is the Quebecoise version of Match Game and I think the Goodson empire would be proud.

We were shuffled into the audience area (maybe 50 people tops) and settled in to be entertained by Jocelyn, the warm up guy who also pre-recorded the intro for the broadcast. They started pretty much on time at 4 pm as we had been told.

I was most happy in that there was pretty much ideal panel on stage. I’ll get more into that afterwards. The thing is with this version is that there is a stable of about eight, maybe ten panelists that fill five of six seats every program. They gel well!

The set is really nice as well.

The shows themselves should air in September, and while there were no huge wins, they were massively entertaining. Highlights included one panelist’s robotic impressions, as well as second panelist’s brilliant tossing of his answer card (and it ended up stuck in a set piece!). They also did a couple of naughty things (answer wise) that probably might get edited out of the final broadcast.

Following the shows and the filler entertainment in the break (Juliette won tickets to see one of the panelist’s comedy shows) you were allowed on set to take pictures! Score.

First stop was a picture with Philippe Laprise. He was the one that tossed the card and was sitting in seat one!

Also grabbed a picture with Stéphane Fallu. He was speaking English throughout one show for some odd reason!

Next was Alex Perron. Alex has a very offbeat humour which I quite enjoy. He always has very bizarre answers but they’re really funny.

I also made sure to get a picture sitting at the desks – I’m holding Phillipe’s tossed card (which I got to keep along with a couple of other cards).

On the way out I was also able to meet the host Alexandre Barrette. He does a GREAT job. Great rapport with the panel, keeps the game moving along at a great pace.

I told him that I had come from the Toronto area to see the show, he was absolutely flabbergasted that there were fans out that way. He seriously was speechless!

Well to say the least it was a great taping! We dropped Katherine back at the bus station so that she could get her ticket and her bus home, then we headed back to Laval for some late night dinner. Kraft Dinner never tasted so good.

Day 355 came early and I was en route to home. Got the train at 10 am and it was a great ride – got a two seater to myself the whole way home! We also were in the last car, enabling me to get a great shot when we were stopped temporarily in Port Hope.

I had good reason to get back to Toronto on time. Through a series of bizarre events, I had a screen test for a commercial. Now I thought it was for French speakers, but imagine my surprise when I got there to find out that I was supposed to have memorized two specific English lines on the script I was given! I had a good laugh after the fact.

Got a ride back on the GO train, which pleased me very much (although not with the GO gang, as I had caught a later train after my screen test).

Day 356. Do you think I would rest up? Nope!

I was off to Cleveland to visit with good friends! And one other specific thing. To come.

The drive down wasn’t too bad… held up at the border for around 45 minutes but that was about it.

Stopped in my usual haunt in Lackawanna NY at the Timmie’s… now with FREE WIFI!

Also had a nice chat with the manager, turns out, she tells me, it’s the 3rd highest sales Timmie’s in the states!

The second stop along the way was... welll... you have to see it for yourself!

Yes indeed, I found Bort road!!!

After a stop once inside the Ohio border for gas, I arrived in Cleveland at Cabe’s house to crash for a bit. We caught up since my last visit in May. We did our usual stop to Dick’s Sporting Goods and then over to the hoity-toity mall – having never been to Saks Fifth Avenue, I don’t need to go back – before heading home for a bit.

We then decided to go over to Applebee’s to watch the Browns game. Sadly at the end of the first quarter they were badly behind so we decided to go to Half-Price Books.

And it was WONDERFUL. See the price, drop it 50%! We spent about 90 minutes in there, I was just fascinated. Overstimulation lead me to about eight books.

And Day 357 brought something that I had been waiting for, something for quite awhile, a visit to Cedar Point!

Now since I was a little wee tot I didn’t like rollercoasters. However in the last number of years things have changed and now it’s ‘gimme gimme gimme’ thrills. So Cedar Point was the place to go.

We arrived around 11 am and started off at Raptor. It was your normal run of the mill scatter your brain coaster which was a nice start – the line was 90 minutes long but you’re consistently moving so it’s not that bad.

Second up was Millenium Force – over a 300 foot drop, the highest coaster I’ve ever been on.
At this point we were approaching 1.30 pm and decided to head back to the car to get the sandwiches we had made (read: bought) earlier. Megan made the excellent thought of mapping out the rest of the day.

Which turned out to be a GREAT plan.

First stop was Maxair, which is a more fiendish version of Psyclone (at Wonderland). Not only did we get to go up, but at one point we went up and over I’m quite sure and frankly it was much more dizzying than the one I’m used to.

Next up was some kind of indoor rollercoaster that was like a Space Mountain wannabe… whose best feature was the fact that it was air conditioned.

Then came Wicked Twister:

No kidding. I was screaming so intently that I had to sit down afterwards. You get shot out of the gate around 90 mph, then up the corkscrew you see above in the pic. Then you “fall” back down, and you do it again. Backwards.

I don’t think the guy that was sitting next to me was really prepared for it. My screaming, that is.

Following a stop at the Power Tower – where we were shot up something like 200 feet in the air – we headed over to the granddaddy of them all – Top Thrill Dragster.

Now, while this isn’t the tallest roller coaster on the planet – although it used to be – it is still nothing to scoff at.

Let me tell you some stats. 120/mph. 420 foot drop. Shot up directly 90 degrees, fall back down to earth at 90 degrees. And now I’ll show you a picture.

Yep, it really was that intimidating. At this point Megan celebrated with a snow cone, while Cabe and I got in one more coaster – the Magnum 2XL – sorry, not a late 80’s toy, rather that should be Magnum 200XL – before catching the train back to the starting gate (or near enough to it). Sufficient to say that we were done at that point and we took it easy for the rest of the night.

Cheers,
Vick.

Days 337 to 348

2010-08-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are in August. The world tour and its phenomenal year are almost up!

But I vow not to leave any stone unturned. And no opportunity wasted.

Day 337 was a nice, relaxing Sunday. As it turned out there was no ultimate game due to the holiday weekend so I took advantage of the gorgeous day to jump in the pool and catch up on some telly. Summer Heights High, We can be Heroes, The Office (UK) and Flight of the Conchords were all on marathons so I tucked into the taping… the DVD recorder was humming that day!

Day 338 and my friend Liz was visiting in town for work so we met up for a SUPER AWESOME DAY! We met at Finch and took the TTC down to Union. After a bit of walking around in the Queens Quay, we signed up for a tour later in the day and walked up to Dundas Square to get some munchies at 3 Brasseurs (yes, I know it’s 3 Brewers but I just can’t call it that!)

Following lunch and a visit to the World’s Biggest Bookstore it was time to go to the Steamwhistle brewery for a tour of the facility! It was actually quite neat and for $10 you got a sample before, the tour (I was the only one to eat the brutal tasting hop straight up) and a sample after the tour, not to mention a free souvenir glass or bottle opener to take home! Talk about great!

After the tour we did a short walk through in the CBC building and it was time to go our separate ways. I actually had to get up to Barrie to teach a course which kept me quite busy! We also went out to a restaurant where it became my “birthday” – how did that happen then?

Day 339 and it was medical appointment day! Actually, just the one. I had to go get my pupils dilated at the optometrist. Not a fun experience… couldn’t actually be outside and read anything small for a number of hours before it really started to heart.

I also wish to point out that this was my “cameo week” on Degrassi – I showed up in a couple of shots (albeit not hugely!)

Day 340 and it was back up north to help on a course, not to mention a dive. I’ve been with my specific dive club for almost six years now, and I think that night we actually broke a record, 23 divers in the water! Now while that is nowhere near Guinness levels, it’s a humongous turn out for us, not to mention a wee bit of a headache for shore control! But it all went well in the end (except for my dive buddy, who didn’t actually realize he pulled out my reg at one point) and then we all enjoyed the corn roast and bbq at one of our members’ houses later on. I was pretty bushed by the end of it all!

Day 341 brought relaxation for me and getting ready for the drive on Day 342… it was off to Eastern Ontario for a weekend of diving and visiting friends. Got to the hotel in good time that day which avoided the majority of traffic in the Toronto corridor. Dinner was great in that we punk’d someone… they didn’t know it was their birthday but we rearranged that rather quickly!!! Ha ha ha. Always good for a laugh, that surprise birthday trick.

Day 342 and it was an early start that not only seemed too early, but revealed a discovery in that I apparently had booked into a senior citizen’s hotel. Well, not really, but it might as well have been. The continental breakfast was lacking… c’mon Third-Best-Western, let’s put some pep in the most important meal of the day! Goodness knows we paid enough…

And speaking of gas prices going insane in this province…

(I swear that I did not doctor this picture).

In any case! I was there to dive and not worry about breakfast. I was leading the dives that day so it was a bit stressful at times but I do believe everyone really enjoyed the sparkling blue waters of the St. Lawrence – not to mention the lack of a thermocline! We ended up doing the Henry C. Daryaw and the Kinghorn. Both excellent dives! Here a pick of the Kinghorn wheel for you to enjoy!

Following the dives we went and had a really late lunch, went back to our respective hotels, got some sleep, and then were back at the dock for 7pm. We were doing a night dive on the Kinghorn which is one of the most gorgeous dives I’ve done in a number of years. So beautiful and peaceful, all at the same time.

It was easy to hit the hay that day and before you knew it, Day 343 was upon me. Back to the shore to load up for two dives. I ended up doing the Ash Island Barge but not the North Wall drift as my skills were needed elsewhere on the boat. As a good DM, that’s what you have to do sometimes! And apart from one small hitch it was a great day.

Everyone save yours truly went home that day. I stayed with two other divers that evening in their digs in Eastern Ontario. We had a great night – the three of us were extremely giddy as we were super tired so anything we did didn’t make sense, but that’s okay. Some nights you need that.

Day 344 saw me back in my old stomping grounds in Ingleside, Ontario where I lived for 12 years. Before heading off to do the dive, we of course got the obligatory picture:

Yep, Ingleside is right on the 45th parallel!

10 kilometres to the east and we arrived at our destination, Lock 21. It is an old shipping lock from the 1950’s that was flooded when the St. Lawrence Seaway expansion took place. It is not an easy dive, by any means, but it’s a fun one, although it takes some work to get back to the start as you’re fighting the current all the way! We had a great dive though, and the ice cream and hotdogs on the other side of the road definitely helped!

While on the other hand, it was quite the road back to my now hometown, but I got back around 9 pm and was ready to hit the hay.

Thankfully Day 345 was much, much, slower. I did get to go see Despicable Me which definitely was a highlight! I also managed to get to a local horse racing track where through some shrewd betting I won a WHOPPING $1.10.

Please do not be jealous of me. I share my winnings with all.

Day 346 was a Wednesday which of course brought dive night! I didn’t actually get in the water due to the fact that I needed to help on shore instead. Which was perfectly acceptable!

Day 347 and it was Vick does Dentist. Look readers, NO CAVITIES!

Later that evening Gweezy had a mini-birthday celebration. Because of her schedule it wasn’t really feasible to go for a dive proper, so we used my neighbour’s pool. Which was great, just a nice way to chill out and relax. Pic to prove!

(It was semi-formal dress in the pool.)

I also attempted and successfully completed not only putting my gear on underwater, but also my wet suit. My word, that’s HARD.

Following the pool antics the four of us went out for dinner which was superb. And just to make Gweezy happy, I won’t post *the* picture. She knows which one it is.

Day 348 and I was really excited as I was going up in a small plane! My friend got his pilot’s license about a year ago and agreed to take me up for a flight. Unfortunately the clouds were not with us (it was Friday the 13th, after all) so we had to cancel. We did however go over to Z103.5 to pick up my key for the contest that I am a finalist in (along with about 250 others, which isn’t too bad frankly!) and run a couple more errands as well.

Coming up next time! More excitement!

Cheers,
Vick.

Days 324 to 336: The Karma Points Kick In.

2010-08-01T17:42:00.001-07:00

So Day 324 and it was off to a Toronto theatre to see The Girl Who Played With Fire. Yes, I’ve read the book, and yes, I actually own the film (in French) but it was nice to see it on the big screen.

It was also ulty night – sadly we lost again, we’ve been having a rough go at it lately.

Day 325 was another relaxing day. Went for a dive and just before we ran into someone who wanted to take a course. Well the dive went well, and imagine the surprise when the gentleman that approached us showed up indeed that evening! Nice little surprise.

Day 326 was open water check out afternoon. Went north of the city to do the dives and they were enjoyable, although I was starting to get really quite tired.

Day 327 and back at the diving empire and I actually sat out the dive because my ear just wasn’t liking me. I ran shore which was fine but busy with 14 divers in the water! Still though, this is my happy place so I can’t complain!

Day 328 and because I had a busy weekend coming up I got in Gunther (my car, natch) and ran around town doing errands. Dollarama, Staples, the Post Office, etc. And I think I went to a bit of Frisbee. Maybe!

Day 329 and I was off to Canada’s Wonderland for the day! With friends that were in from out of town, it was a great day because it looked like it would rain all day… and it didn’t. Which meant that most people stayed away, and we got onto ride, after ride, after ride. Behemoth, Psyclone, most of the waterslides… we even stopped to have some lunch and get some free Z103.5 swag, by entering their “103 days of summer contest”.

Such an awesome day!

And it became awesomer.

Remember that video I said I made with my friends Jimmy and Pina? Well I mailed it off on day 328 and on this day, day 329, I got an email from the production company saying that they were impressed! Nothing yet, but this had promise…

Day 330 flew by – the highlight being a walkabout town to get milk – EXCITING. Day 331 brought more ultimate and our first victory in about a month. Score.

On Day 331 my father arrived in town for a visit, around supper time. We sat down for a peaceful dinner (cooked by yours truly) followed by some relaxing television viewing and shooting the breeze.

Day 332 brought bopping around town including a possible side job for teaching and a visit to get NEW SHOES!

Dad and I also hopped down on the GO bus to go see the Jays play Baltimore. We got decent seats for $90 for the pair, and ended up seeing the game from the second row. It was very entertaining – a pre game trivia game where I ended up 6th place out of 72, Jose Bautista’s 29th and 30th homeruns of the season, and wondering why we paid $6.50 for an ice cream cone. Some pics from the experience:

As you can see we were super close!!!

Day 333 and following a short morning visit Dad was off. So was I for that matter, as it was up north (it was Wednesday) to get things ready for the dive followed by the dive itself. A good turnout as always.

The fun part for me was that I got to be the “victim” in a rescue situation. We had two divers that were working on their rescue diver certification. Please note that while this was fun, I did have a safety diver with me because diving alone is a really bad idea…

I did make their lives difficult but they did well. Went back out and did a fun dive with one of the other staff members which was enjoyable as well.

Day 334 and everything just went perfect. First I get a call at 8 am from my friend Shawn. I pick it up, wondering what’s up as it’s really early in the morning.

Dude, Fogleman (a mutual friend) called. Z103 called your name, you’ve got an hour to get a hold of them.

Oh my goodness.
Power dialing sets in.

It takes a half hour but I finally hear “Hi, Z103!”.

A minute later and I’m on the air with Scott Fox and the morning crew, and I’m a winner! I won $75 towards dinner at a restaurant and the right to a key, which might start a BRAND NEW CAR! The contest ends in September and I’ll find out then if I’m the grand prize winner!

The morning continues from there. I got to teach a dive class and run a discover scuba session which made me quite pleased.

It’s 1.30 pm in the afternoon when the phone rings with a number that makes me smile. I head outside and answer the phone. It’s another tv show that I’ve applied for!

Wow, this day is getting crazy. I do the interview over the phone. I think it goes well, I’ll find out soon enough!

I get home at around 5pm and check my email. A message from Moment De Vérité. Nuts, things do come in threes.

Day 335 brings up a good friend from Toronto to enjoy pizza and vino. No complaints! Plus we watched Just Buried, a quirky Canadian film from a few years back.

Day 336 and after an earlier start than I would have liked I was up north in cottage country to help run the underwater navigation course for the club. It was a hoot – although I was mostly running the shore (crazy enough), the hilarity was the dry land simulation where everyone had to wear towels over their head!

And if that wasn’t exciting enough, it was also Fort Boyard night. Which is slowly, but surely, growing on me.

Score!

Well would you look at that! With one month to go, I’m all caught up.

Cheers,
Vick.

Days 311 to 323: Nearing the end...

2010-07-30T13:03:00.000-07:00

I felt very lucky as days 311 and 312 were spent up in Ontario cottage country. After picking up my friend around noon we headed up to our headquarters for the next couple of days.

But not before a first stop at a local bakery. I discovered that if they tell you the butter tart is runny, you’d better listen to them! I made quite a mess on the floor.

And! We discovered the world’s largest Muskoka chair. No joke.

We got to the hotel shortly after 3 pm.

And look at the price!

($400 per night!) That’s pretty much why I can’t stay in the room normally!

We started out taking it easy by going for a swim and shooting the breeze. Around 6 pm, they had “raid the fridge night”. What was this, then? Well, they got out all the good food that kids (and big kids like yours truly) enjoy – nachos, brownies, lemonade… you get the idea!

We took a bit but not too much as we were off to enjoy dinner – again, on the house!

I actually tried swordfish… it was great!

After having a brewski we took it easy, watched some youtube clips and headed to bed (after a late night swim of course).

Day 312 and it was still in relaxation mode. We got up, and had breakfast – FREE! Look at this yummy waffle, tastily done in two minutes.

After breakfast… more swimming, a nap, Let’s Make a Deal, and then checkout.

We decided to go for a dive in Bala on the way home. Which was of course, wonderful, and freakin’ warm! Outside and in the water. Relaxing as all gets out.

We then drove home and actually drove by where my family used to have a cottage. Good times, great memories.

Day 313 and it was bonding win the car again… all the way to Kingston to visit with Kay and Jeff, my friends from the UK who were over visiting. (That's Cheeks the baboon, in case you're wondering).

We had a great lunch at Chez Piggy, followed by a bit of a walk around and a visit to White Mountain Ice Cream (which if you haven’t been, you should go, it’s delightful).

On the way home I also took in the Germany-Spain footy semi-final on the radio… it was definitely exciting! But a tiring day too, that’s a long 700 km drive!

I had a exciting time on Day 314 in that I got to babysit! It was for a good friend and it was great… we played Monopoly Princess Edition (I lost), Hungry Hungry Hippos (I lost), some other game (I’m sure I still lost) and watched some Wipeout. Good, wholesome fun!

Day 315 brought some different excitement… a friend of a friend got tickets to see Legally Blonde: The Musical. We had a great dinner of Indian food before the show and the production itself was superb. Fun, loose, exciting. Songs are still stuck in my head.

I got a call during the evening of Day 315 which led me back up north for Day 316. I wasn’t supposed to go diving but I ended up going out on the boat anyway. Actually it turned into a really nice day – clear sky, awesome boat ride, and a couple of fun dives as well.

Later that night I dropped over to my friend’s house to play some games… we ended up chilling with a round of “Things” as well as $25,000 Pyramid. Which is difficult to play if you haven’t seen the show, but I digress.

Day 317 and it was all hands on deck. Yes, it was the day of the world cup of football final (a bit of a snoozer) but it was time to rip apart my couch! I am inheriting a love seat so it was time to get rid of the big pull out bed couch that hadn’t really become a productive member of society.

And the aftermath... inside and outside.

All in all a great time was had by all, and it was nice discovering the room I had never had.

Day 318 and it was back up to Barrie for a discover scuba night. It is always exciting to introduce new divers to the world of diving. And one of them signed up for a course… bonus!

Day 319 and as part of my “bouncing” up and down with my house in the middle, I popped down to Pina’s house to meet with her and Jimmy to shoot our video for Le Moment De Vérité. We had a great laugh doing it and it was up to me to edit it (as that night we had enjoyed ourselves too much to spend time in front of an editing bay!).

Never have I spent so much time playing Hungry Hungry Hippos.

Day 320… back up to Barrie to run a night diving course… Day 321 (contact?) back down to Toronto to visit with a friend of mine from out East who I hadn’t seen in a couple of years, and it was great to catch up. He was in town for work so we went out for some pub grub.

I think at this point that a) Gunther feels neglected and b) I should buy stock in public transport in Toronto.

Day 322 and it was back up to Barrie. Enjoyed a great dive with a new diver and then off to lunch.

It was also one of those days whereby you just want to take it easy and that’s what I did. It was my friend’s birthday so we spent the afternoon underwater practicing our matrix moves. Is there a club for this? There must be, somewhere.

We had a great birthday dinner featuring three types of cheesecake! Followed by a showing of The Sorcerers’ Apprentice at a theatre downtown. Which now features recliners in some of the chairs! Hot dog.

Day 323 and after driving home it was time to get ready for another game night. Discovered that while Press Your Luck rocks that DVD games don’t always!

Next time… more catching up and SUPER EXCITEMENT!

Cheers,
Vick.

Days 301 to 310: Takin 'er easy

2010-07-15T06:34:00.000-07:00

Well seeing as Day 300 was hectic I took it a little bit easier on Day 301, but I was back on the bandwagon for Day 302. Seeing as I had been punked a few days earlier, Pina and I actually sat down and did our Moment De Vérité applications and had a good laugh doing them. Then it was off to our mutual friend Jimmy's party as he was changing schools.

Don't we look adorable? Yes of course we do.

Also got to catch up with a friend that I hadn't seen in years in regards to my AQ course back in Summer 06.

Day 3!OH!3! crept up and it was ultimate night once again. It didn't go as well as we would have liked, but there you are. Losses and wins are all part of it, but so is fun times with friends.

Day 304 brought appointments once again! The day started great as I was told by my optician that it looked like my eyes have gotten better, but pending further testing, I don't think I need glasses anymore! Bonus. Later that day - once I remembered to get my shoes - I went to the podiatrist to pick up my new orthodic inserts! EXCITEMENT! I now walk better. Sort of.

Day 305 was an extremely early start but for a good reason. It was time to head off to Niagara Falls to go drift diving - specifically in Fort Erie, right across the river from Buffalo. It's so close that when we get in the water, the feds on the US side are in boats making sure we're not trying to cross the border! I've actually heard stories about arrests; I'd like not to (a) spend time in jail or (b) do it in a wet suit, for that matter.

I ended up getting in three dives and although it was tiring and the viz was horrid it was still a great day out. Even if our favourite restaurant was closed!

Normally day 306 would have been a dive night, but seeing as we were going out the next day we didn't schedule one. Day 307 was CANADA DAY (doesn't need capitalization but I like my country) and it was off for a couple of days. Even famous fringe performer Sarah the Traveller came out to make a rare cameo appearance ha ha ha.

It was also my friend's 50th birthday so of course there was cake for that fact too!

As a gift we had earlier in the year given him a scuba tank that actually originates from the month he was born! What luck in finding it.

Day 308 was another calm one... spent the time working on my new website (soon to launch!). Day 309 was a board game night (I think) and then Day 310 was ulty again (in the stinking hot hot heat - not fun!). We lost a game we should have won!

Next post: benefitting from radio prizes.

Cheers,

Vick.

DAY 300!

2010-07-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

Well as crazy as it sounds at this point I had reach the magic day 300. I had a calm morning, but then drove down to Yorkdale, parked, found a 3D version of Settlers, hopped the subway, went to Honest Ed's for the first time ever (got a New Zealand car flag) and then settled into the main event: the Reach for the Top wrap party. It was an awesome time, catching up with everyone, chatting it up, and hey, anything for a game show is good for me. After having a brewski with good friend Richard at the bar I headed back home.

Now that's a good day 300.

Cheers,
Vick.

Day 294-299: New Directions

2010-07-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

Day 294 and it was time for graduation at my school. I had been wondering if I should go, but I was happy that I did. I just sat in the back and enjoyed myself. My favourite part was for a student that I had never taught but whose father jumped up with joy when his daughter got an award unexpectedly; I was secretly cheering for her to get another one!

Afterwards I got to say goodbye to some of the students that I had taught. Here's just a few.

I had taught Alexandra accounting and Drama. She was always a curious student, a hard worker, and always loved a good joke.

While I didn't teach Miah, she was in a play that I directed, biding her time in the wings until her moment.

Jay was the winner against her sister in a contest to see who knew more about me. She is feverishly passionate, brilliant in accounting and probably would have creamed everyone on YTV's The Adrenaline Project had she not suffered a concussion around the time of the casting call.

Jaymie now goes down in history as the only person to conquer the Vick-trifecta. Simply put, take all three subjects with me (french/drama/accounting) and pass them. She won ice cream for that! And a very very hard worker.

Imaan was in my advisor group for three years and just the sweetest young lady. I only hope that in the future I will get to teach more students like her!

Bertha was one of my quiet accounting students but over time I changed that!

Alex, now that I think about it, I didn't teach, although he was one of my go-getters for Reach for the Top for three years. Shame he didn't play this past year, he would have done great!

Ryan is one of the few people in this world that truly tower over me. He is an extremely creative man and I look forward to walking into Chapters to buy his first novel.

Following a break after grad we had the staff roast bbq. I was roasted - here is PV as reach quizmaster as all the questions were about me! I was flattered.

And why did I get roasted, you might ask? Well after taking quite a long time, I've left my position at PC. It was not done easily, but after this wonderful year, I felt it was time for a change. I look forward to seeing what comes up!

Day 295 saw a trip up to Barrie to run another open water dive. As we haven't had much luck with the Wednesday dives I was quite happy to squeeze one in. Niiiiiiiiiiice and peaceful.

Day 296 and I sat down to watch the New Zealand-Italy game. As soon as the result was proclaimed 1-1, I said to Hans, "Let's go!" and we were off. I rolled down the window, he stuck his head out, gripping my kiwi flag and honking all the way. Why not enjoy it, right?

It was also time for ultimate again. I once again surprised myself with a what I thought was an impossible catch - a hammer, coming from the sun! I did giggle a bit when I saw what I had done.

Later that evening I hopped down to see Kari, who was visiting from NB for a conferece. We had a great dinner at Les 3 Brasseurs.

Day 297 was a bit difficult - it was time to start packing up at PC. Pina helped me box up my stuff that I had left in the portable. Apparently I had left a lot of little things!!!

At around 4.30 pm Pina is suddenly anxious - we had planned to do an early dinner but she had to get back to North York for 6 pm for babysitting pick up. We finally pull in to the parking lot, round the corner, and I recognize several faces.

Then I realize what's going on! It's a surprise party! WOW! I was truly speechless, and it was very nice to have so many of my friends come out and share the experience with me. Here are some of the faces - I haven't put names because they really aren't necessary.

And the last one is with my parents, who cooked this all up about 6 weeks ago and drove four hours just for the occasion! They also bought me dinner :)

Day 298 and it was much more calmer, highlighted by some scuba diving drift theory.

Day 299 and 1.42 pm was when I felt the earth move, under my butt. I'm sitting on the couch and everything starts to shake.

I had experienced my first earthquake. How strange!!!

As a result of the weather, we sadly had to cancel the dive, although I enjoyed another great night of settlers! Which brings our standings in the NUSL to:

Vic the boy (me) 2-1

Vic the girl 1-2

Theresa 0-1

Catherine 0-2

Kevin 0-2

Jessica 0-2

Next time, day 300!

Day 277 to 293: Sir Stacks-a-lot

2010-06-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

Well June was upon me... and it turns out that my world tour is almost finished... 3/4 of the way through! Not that exciting things weren't still in store... such as Day 277's visit to the dentist!

Yes it is entirely possible that I get slight accidents such as a cavity. Sadly my dentist has cleared his wall of pictures recently and thus I have missed an opportunity to get back on the wall. Such as it. As I'm writing this after the fact that I had this done I imagine that I probably went and bought some sweets.

Day 278 brought a pattern that was going to rear its ugly head. It was the Wednesday Dive Cancellation (WDC). Which would have been nice, if only to get rid of Day 279's visits to the physician and the podiatrist... so much so that I had to take Days 280 and 281 away just to recover!

But Day 282 was a gorgeous drive up north to go for a dive, a nice little splash, which was nicely preceeded by a bbq! Huzzah for free food, can't really complain. Had to rush back for my first game of Ultimate for the season - as a member of the Hucky Ducks (seems we've got an animal theme going, folks) we notched our first win! Hurrah! And we went out for brewskis afterwards, to celebrate at one of my teammates' homes.

Day 283 and it was back up north for our "shore course". We put this on once a year in the dive club so as to inform those who are top side can ably help us when the rest of us are down below. Although most of the time I'm in the latter, it's still important that I help out with the former. We had a good turnout and hopefully will have some great support this year.

Day 284 and having stayed over the night it made sense to have a picture night - a retrospect of this crazy year I've had. It's the first time I've had a chance to look through my pictures all in one go, and the first time I've actually enjoyed sorting through images since Bort had crashed upon leaving Australia. It was superb just to chat about things that had gone on... speaking of which, I've finally posted my appearance on Des Chiffres et Des Lettres - you can find it at :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qqhxqOqSic

And of course I've put up subtitles for those who don't speak French so they can enjoy as well!

It actually took about 2 hours to do the slides so afterwards I headed home.

Day 285 was a Wednesday, so we cancelled the dive!!!! Not wanting to, obviously. That did give me a chance however to go to a rare (for me) Wednesday night ulty practice, which then turned into Settlers at my house.

Now, if you don't know, Settlers is probably one of the best board games to come out in the last twenty years. It is German and it is brilliant. You can either play with three or four players, and it takes roughly about 2 hours to play but is wonderful in every way shape and form. Vic (the woman) and Cat and I battled it out, with the new Newmarket Ultimate Settlers League (NUSL) standings as such:

Vic (the woman) 1-0

Cat 0-1

Vick (yours truly) 0-1

Given that the previous date actually bled into Day 286, I took it easy that day. But there was excitement that had to be prepared for on Day 287.

Which started with a visit to Big Bone BBQ, just a stone's throw from my house. Now I had been told these guys have great wings, and while I'm sure that they do, I couldn't tell you about them, because I opted for the pulled pork sandwich. At the cost of $8.50 for a sandwich which used its bun as a carrying case for the meat from your plate to your mouth along with fries, beans and slaw, it was practically perfect.

Part two of this day was shooting the video for my application to be on Wipeout Canada. I had developed some ideas, which involved me getting thrown around somewhat, to say the least:

This was actually during "dress rehearsal". I only had three pies so we had one for the dress rehearsal, then two for the real thing!

As you can see, I'm in costume and wet. Guesses?

For the proof, go see: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceySN1VHTAA and enjoy!

All in all it was a hoot. Half the fun of applying I'm finding is shooting the video, I've discovered! We all then went out for ice cream to celebrate.

How, pray tell, could I top that? Well, I was off very early on Day 288 to drive to Brampton and the Ontario Speed Stacking Championships! I had recruited my friend Victoria to come as well, and after a few nights of practice, we were ready! Let's let the pictures do the talking, shall we?

Victoria and I were immediately fascinated by the MASSIVE jumbo speed stacks and had they been cheaper we might have taken them home.

We had the opening ceremonies around 9.45 am and Vic and I dwarfed everyone as they were mostly 8 year olds. BUT! There were actually seven adults there! COMPETING! Wow.

Victoria and I then proceeded to the qualifying time trials for doubles. It's very curious only using one hand but we did well. One competitor from Illinois really enjoyed how we talked to each other! We have that kind of chemistry I guess!

That's me right after breaking the Canadian Record for the cycle... but only in the qualifiers! I was pretty psyched though as I hadn't even hit a twelve in competition before...

One of the only downfalls of the day was that we ended up having four bloomin' hours between qualifs and the finals, so Vic and I decided (once Kevin and Jess arrived) to make tshirts! And now, schnazzy views for y'all:

So how did it all turn out? Well, Victoria and I cleaned up quite well! Victoria picked up three medals and three Ontario records, while I picked up four medals and another Canadian record, and the two of us got a joint record for Doubles! SCORE.

We made some calls on the way home to celebrate but after dropping Victoria home I was spent and grabbed some zzzzzzzz.

Day 289 and it was frisbee time. And I've been very lucky as my skills have been improving - including this evening, where I made a behind the back catch!

Days 290, 291 and 292 went by with small highlights - great meals, good friends, and an awesome New Zealand-Slovakia footy match (how about that goal in injury time???). And another update in the NUSL standings:
Vic (the woman) 1-1
Vick (yours truly) 1-1
Cat 0-1
Jess 0-1
Kevin 0-1

Day 293 and I found a most interesting sight:

I pull into the Zellers parking lot, and there's my old car! Gotta be honest with you, with over 217000km on it I never thought I'd see it again. I thought about leaving it a note, but figured that might be a bit too creepy.

Cheers,

Vick.

Day 262 to Day 276: I continue to reach for the top (cue clapping)

2010-06-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

So after a busy, and quite hectic couple of days, Day 262 was a relax and catch up day. Frankly, so was Day 263, which did however feature a dive, helping someone do their open water checkout. Day 264 was excitingly busy! I got to help chaperone a field trip to Canada's Wonderland. Which of course as you might imagine was tough... because all I had to do was ride the rides all day! I do believe the order ended up being Behemoth x 2 (line wasn't busy on Canada's highest roller coaster!)

Psyclone (jerkier than usual), Backlot Stunt Coaster (got stuck just before the halfway mark), Spongebob 3-D (they really need to change this, or at least have a second one kicking around), Dragon Fyre (old school) and apart from that, that was the day! The students had to do some physics assignments as well but I stayed away from that!

I had a great time that day hanging out with Mr. McCuaig and Miss Andrews!

Day 265 and it was my good friend's birthday, so I jumped into Gunther and headed up north. Got a really nice relaxing dive, which was great. And got to spend the evening at his cottage.

Day 266 and it was some more diving to do. We did a small wreck off the beach, very relaxing although slightly colder than I of course would have liked! We did a second dive scavenging for golf balls and the like (some people love to drive them off their docks, appparently).

The nice thing that tied the latter part of Day 266, Day 267 and Day 268 was that they all just felt right. I pretty much just camped out at home, didn't really go anywhere. I've loved the travelling this year but sometimes it's just good to chill out at home and putter.

Day 269 and after the holiday weekend it was time to get going again. Lots of paperwork was to be caught up on, and then it was in the pool in the evening for training a new candidate for Divemaster. Good times, the pool is my happy place!!!

Day 270 and as it was a Wednesday and I was up north it was time to run around and get some things done, and then in the drink again for training dives. I got to dive with one of my friends as well as he's leaving for a new job. Nice, and relaxing. That seems to be the theme... which then carried into Day 271.

Day 272 was craziness on a plate. As I had worked for Reach for the Provincial tournament, it was time for the National tournament! I checked in at the corner of Dundas and Chestnut just before noon to start my shift at the check in desk.

It was great getting to meet all the teams. We had two representatives from each of BC, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and New Brunswick, plus one each from Quebec and Nova Scotia. For alot of the teams and their players, it was their first time in Toronto, so they went out exploring at the Royal Ontario Museum, the Toronto Zoo, the Ontario Science Centre (to see the Harry Potter exhibit) and some took in the Jays game as well.

On Day 273 we were down to business. Everyone headed up to Royal St. George's to start the round robin game! (thanks alot for that, Tino Monte). Each team had to play every other team - so 11 games were to be done. As Ravi was away, I was given the position of co-judge which I happily took to! Less challenges than at provincials but still important nevertheless. Again with the cartesian planes...

As we totalled up the scores, it was very exicting as we had teams that were looking very strong, and as a result we had Kennebecasis (NB), Cobequid (NS), St. Paul's (MB) and Gloucester (ON) sew up the first round byes, with everyone else slotted in behind them. Unlike the Ontario provincials, everyone did move on to the second day of competition (little easier to do that with 12 teams than with 40!)

On Day 274 we moved from the classrooms to the GORGEOUS chapel for the national playoffs. Everyone had a good time... including yours truly, who got to host two games - what a thrill! Here's footage of my first five minutes in the round of 12:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=movwQxp0FpI

It was a bit nervewracking but exciting nevertheless! And look, Assumption is singing again :)

At the end of the day, we were down to four teams - the same ones that had gotten their byes. Not without some close competition however!

I got back to residence and started writing. I had been told that there was a possibility of writing some last minute pop culture questions for the games the next day, so that's what I did.

And that is why, on Day 276, I found myself at 6.20 am in the morning, at the FedEx Kinko's copy shop on University Ave. Printing out my questions.

Arriving at Royal St. George's and it was time for the first semi final game. Kennebecasis was playing Gloucester. It was a close game, but for the third time in four years, KVHS was going to play for their first national championship.

Then the second game came up. Guess whose questions got used? Yeppers! My four question category entitled Really Current Pop Culture involved answers including the winner of Eurovision (happened two days before), Betty White (happened two weeks before), the break up of Speidi (happened four days before) and the series finale of Law And Order (happened one week before) were all answered correctly much to my delight!

I actually had a fifth question that came into play, that was somewhat of a nod to our wonderful players. Assumption was on their Total Eclipse of the Heart swing and as such, given that it went viral, with the original year and artist, we posed the question of who was the artist - and no one got it! Ah well, everyone still enjoyed it.

And as if that wasn't enough, something happened about a week before. Here's Richard, via email:

Richard: Hey Ryan, I'm bringing in my Olympic torch as a visual prop for one of the games. Will you be its custodian?
Ryan: Ah... YES.

Then three days before:
Richard: Hey Ryan, do you mind holding the torch during the game?
Ryan: OH MY GOODNESS YES.

Then the day before:
Richard: Hey Ryan, why don't you run the torch in?
Ryan : speechless, crickets chirp
Proof: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-V8htc0fc4
That, right there, had to be one of the biggest thrills of my life. While not an "official" run, I'll take it! I was so scared that I would drop it!

Following the game, where Cobequid defeated St. Paul's in another close game, I was officially "keeper of the torch", and quite alot of the kids got a picture with it. Here's just some samples!

I took some time to grab some other pictures too...

This is with the kids from Assumption (of Burlington)

These are right before the final game...

And all of a sudden, it was time for the national championships, which, for the first time in quite a number of years, was without a team from Ontario - the prize was heading East. It was an extremely close game all the way throughout, although just before the speed round, Cobequid was up by 40 points.

At this point I became the self-appointed contestant coordinator. I went up to KVHS and Cobequid and just shot the breeze with them, helped them relaxed. Here's the thing: when I was younger I always wanted to be the host, and yes, I still do. But if I could get a contestant coordinator job I'd do that, for sure. Having done that for three years at OUPIR and now a few times this year at Reach, I really enjoyed it.

Which brings us to the end of the tourney - KVHS stormed back to win the game in a very exciting speed round. They were quite thrilled as you might imagine! This marked the first NB win since Fredericton in 95. I also got to conduct the "postgame interview" with KVHS and the kids were speechless.

Once everyone had packed up, we headed over to Hard Rock Cafe for the gala luncheon/award ceremony. I got to run the raffle, which I did with my usual vim and vigour :)

What a great weekend - hanging out with so many cool young people, as well as some great coaches (specifically the ladies from Dawson!) and the AWESOME reach staff. I look forward to doing this more and more as they years go on!

As it was around 4.30 pm, I decided to go hop the first go train home. And who should be there but the GO gang! Awesome. Sharon even gave me a ride home, what a sweetie!

Now heading into the home stretch of the world tour - June - but plenty more to be done!

Cheers,

Vick.

Day 252-261: Hello, Gunther, it's time to Reach for the Top

2010-06-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

Day 252 and here's what it looked when we started out car shopping.

This was the second weekend of May, might I remind you!

But a decision had to be made, and it was. Here's Gunther, the car I bought!

At least you get the idea. Great price, not too many miles. And its official name is Gunther der Vickers Wagon but you can just call it "Gunther" for short if you'd like.

Basically it came down to the fact that I couldn't actually get it then and there so it would be a few more days yet!

That evening my parents and I went over to my sister's house. We had dinner, we played Scrabble, I lost in the dying seconds of the game. Credit where credit is due mind you. Although my sister enjoyed it immensely and said she's taking a photo of the game board and putting it up on her fridge! We were going to have more of a game night but seeing as her friends cancelled (when a tree falls on your house, you're entitled to do that) we headed back to the 'rents house for an early night.

Day 253 and it was time for more quality adventures on the bus. Which actually wasn't that bad, nice ride as there was basically nobody on it. I do like the Northlands bus; always peaceful I find.

Normally I wouldn't have rushed home and would have stayed to watch the finale of The Amazing Race but I was off for another tv adventure of my own.

Now wake up call on Day 254 came a weeeee bit too early for my own liking - 4.30 am. 4.45 am cab to the bus station, 5.02 bus to the city, 5.55 subway to Eglington, 6.30 am bus to another stop, then a wee bit more of a walk to get to set.

Set?

Yep. Scored another day on another Canadian television icon - Degrassi! Season 10 of the current incarnation and I had a day as an extra. I immensely enjoyed the day. I was a "Queen Street" shopper which means that I had to look active all the time while main characters were all acting out their own scenes. I had a chance to talk to a few of them who were very kind. It was pretty neat too to walk through the set to get lunch, between scenes, etc.

It was also a fun day in that all the extras hang out in the
same room and thus I bonded with a few of them who were very down to earth. One even gave me a ride back to Finch station which saved me an hour! Thanks!!!

I also got to catch up with K who got me the job for the day. I delivered to her some Australian chocolate as I said I would!

Thanks again K! You rock my world. And Stuart's, of course, too.

Seeing that the previous day was a long one I took it easy the next day. Day 255 quickly molded into a day of running around to get papers signed, insuranced cleared, faxes sent so that I could get Gunther to park himself in the driveway!

Day 2^8 (look it up people!) and the first stop was the dentist. Hurray for not too many dental problems! And then up north for a dive. Always nice to have a dive and the dive itself was low key even working with a student. I did learn however that it's much easier not to dive in a dry suit in 5 feet of water, talk about your challenges! BUT! I found a mesh bag with golf balls in it that we had lost last year! SCORE.

I stayed the night over at my friend's cottage and thus Day 257 was a very relaxing morning until we realized that we were late for an appointment! Such as it is I suppose. We then spent the afternoon just getting a few things done before taking it easy that evening.

Day 258 and it was time for another dive. No complaints. After taking the bus home I repacked and headed out to Toronto. I spent the night at my friend's house which was filled with a great dinner, a fun drive down from my house, and excitement at the Apple store! See if you can find out which one doesn't belong.

I'm not telling.

Day 259 and it was off to be a volunteer for the Reach for the Top provincial tournament in Scarbourough. Now, for those of you who don't know what Reach is, basically think quiz bowl - four players on each side, with buzzers rewarding the fastest and most intelligent. I played for four years when I was in high school and started a program in 2002 at a local school, coached for six years, and coordinated my region's league last year. So sufficient to say I have a good amount of experience in this field!

We started by checking forty (!) teams into the residence on the Centennial College campus. Once that had finished we all went over to a local high school to start meeting everyone. Good thing there was great weather so that we could be outside!

My job was associate producer for this tourney, which meant alot of different things, as you'll come to see. First off was to distribute packs to the teams as they got called up one by one. And just learning the ropes as well. Teams got to play two "fun games" just as a warm up and to acclimatize themselves to any last minute jitters.

And here's the trophy that they were all playing for!

Later that evening we had the gala league dinner of champions. It was tons of fun as I got to meet alot of the teams during the evening and the kids themselves really enjoyed the trivia contests that were happening all night long. I was happy to have a room to stay in as it would have been a bit of a trek home!

Here's Fraser from UTS hosting the true/false trivia game.

And here's some yahoo the closest that he's ever come to the provincial trophy!

Day 260 and it was time for me to judge the situation. Seriously. One of the judges couldn't be present that day so I became a judge. We had seven rounds of games that day, which meant that after every game Ravi and I took in the packages and if there were challenges, we had to document them and research them. Which for some cases were a bit of a conundrum for me - if I don't have to see anything about cartesian planes again for awhile, I'll be a happier person :)

When all the dust settled we had 10 teams qualify for the playoff round on Monday. They checked back into the residence, while other teams returned to all areas of the province. It was great to have them, including the crazyness of Brian and his team from Oakville Trafalgar SS who could easily play Guy Smiley if Sesame Street ever needed him to.

Day 261 and the other regular judge, Pat, was back so I helped out where I could elsewhere. I did get to host one game which was quite exciting! (As some of you know I'm a bit of a game show junkie) It was also doing little tasks here and there.

It was also an interesting time in that the tournament provided many surprises. The defending national champions and another strong team from Ottawa didn't make it through to the playoffs. One team from Toronto, ranked #2, lost in the round of 10. A team that went 7-0 and was first out of 40 on Sunday lost in the round of 10 as well. It was not a dull day!

When we made it to the semifinals we were left with four teams and it shifted to a nice ballroom and although it was not taped for TV it was taped for use in the website (so if any reach kids are looking at this blog, be patient!!) so it was a bit more ramped up.

And the crowd was into it! We had two very tight semi-final games in which one of the teams to get eliminated was the champ in my region last year. In the end, Gloucester SS of Ottawa beat Assumption CSS of Burlington (one of the "upset" kings), complete with Assumption's rendition of Total Eclipse of the Heart during one of the interview portions and one of their players doing push ups before the game!

Here they are during a break before the game started.

Here's me and Vijaya, one of the other associate producers.

And here's a couple of the Assumption kids doing their warm up.

Gloucester, as you can see, were the winners, but Assumption advanced to the finals.

I spent the evening with a friend out for a brewski at the local Irish pub and then had a nice sleep... had to get some rest before Nationals two weeks down the road!

Cheers,

Vick.

Days 244-251: Hello, May

2010-06-01T03:13:00.001-07:00

Day 244 was upon me and it was time to head off to Cleveland!

My day started, of course, by meeting up with the GO gang on the way down to catch my bus. Always a great time with that crowd.

It turned out to be a very good thing that I took that train; the bus was packed on the way to Buffalo. So much so that they had to turn away some customers! I quite enjoyed the ride, and had a wonderful chat with my seat mate who was from the Ukraine.

Now this was the second time that I was crossing the border by bus. The first time was in 2003 on the way to see The Price is Right - at 2.30 am in the morning. This occasion went a bit smoother, although they really do question you alot!

A short stopover in Buffalo followed by another express bus to Cleveland later, I arrived around 5 pm with Caleb waiting in the station to pick me up. We had a nice dinner out on a strip of restaurants downtown and walked the theatre district (for lack of a better term).

Following dinner we travelled to John Carroll University where Caleb works as a volleyball coach. It's a really nice small campus.

First, the great gym space:

The sun was just setting as we got there and thus the light reflecting on the steeple was just perfect.

It was an early start on Day 245. Caleb's girlfriend Megan was playing her last regular season game of her college softball career, so we were out of the city by 7 am. First stop with Megan's dad driving was to get gas, and to find out what was McGoin' on. Obviously.

We arrived at the town where the game was going to be played and settled behind the centre field fence. It was great and a wonderful setting. Unfortunately Megan's team lost both games, but this is what happens sometimes.

On the way home we stopped in New Philidelphia, OH for lunch, and boy was it filling! Sadly radio's Don Howard was not in town.

Caleb and I popped over to Liberty, uh... Legacy Village when we got home. It's a bit of an upscale shopping complex so some things are a bit pricier but it's still fun to at least window shop. Dick's Sporting Goods was stop number one where Caleb tried on a PFD for some odd reason.

We also popped into the Apple Store... where I got to tryout an iPad before it got released in Canada! Here's me holding an iPad with a picture of me :)

We were out for awhile but then we took it easy that night, and due to the late lunch I don't think we went out for pizza until about midnight.

Day 246 and we went on an expedition. For nothing in particular, but still it was a good one. We did end up at Taco Bell... man that place has an interesting selection of food.

In the evening it was baseball part II. Megan and Caleb were playing on a slo-pitch team with its intramural game that night. They didn't luck out with a win, but the excitement was over on the other ball diamond where one guy was going postal when a call didn't go his way. These things do happen...

Day 247 and Caleb headed out to work on some papers for his upcoming end of semester and I hooked up with Wickliffe's own Mike Klauss. We went out for lunch and caught up on all things teaching and game shows. Plus, I got to meet BANOODLES!

Banoodles is Mike's cat but the trick is knowing that's the nickname for the monkey that appears in the 50 cent case on Aussie Deal or No Deal.

Following the visit with Mike, Caleb and I headed back downtown to grab some last minute souvenirs, and then dinner. Which came in the form of KFC's new Double Down sandwich. Where the chicken is the bun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk_WKGSI2CM

Then it was off to Jacobs field to see the Indians play the Blue Jays!

We actually got to the ballpark around 5.30 and you couldn't get in yet, so we went and enjoyed fan fest that was set up next to the ballpark, sandwiched in beside where the Cavs were playing in the second round of the playoffs.

That's one big ball.

We started our visit at Jacobs field in the back of the complex, visiting the historical plaques, follwed by trying to catch balls at batting practice.

Jacobs field was very impressive. Very fan friendly I found, and a great atmosphere.

The picture above was actually the view from our seats. We payed $25 and sat eight row back! NICE. And to boot, we ended up sitting to two Canucks from Victoria, and there was a couple from Hamilton two rows back. Plus the fun family behind us kept us entertained throughout the whole night.

PLUS! The jays picture actually brought a perfect game into the seventh, but sadly didn't keep it. Still though, great game, Jays won 5-1.

I did of course grab a minute with the Indians' mascot. Why not?

And they have this bizarro hot dog running contest. Not really sure what was going on, to be honest.

It was early start to Day 248 as my bus left around 8 am. With all the delays (including hold ups with several people at the border) I didn't get home until 8 pm. Makes for a long day!!!

While Day 249 had original plan it got scrapped so I went for a dive instead. No complaints!

Day 250 and I headed up to North Bay to see the folks. It was time to start car shopping! First stop was the VW dealership to look at a 2008 Golf City. It drove well and was definitely in the lead. Basically because it was the only candidate.

Day 251 and after Dad had finished work for the day we went for Car Shopping Part II: Electric Boogaloo. Hyundai Elantra. Toyota Matrix. Ford Focus. It was all a bit of a blur! Mom, Dad and I settled on Greco's for dinner which was enjoyable and then I went and joined my friends Kate and Tracey from the Kids in the Hall shoot for a third friend's performance in Jacques Brel is Alive and Well (and living in Paris), which was quite enjoyable!

Will I get a car? Oh... only time will tell!

Cheers,

Vick.

Days 232 to 243: Goodbye April!

2010-05-23T06:41:00.002-07:00

Day 232 and after a short drop off to Seneca King City I was in the pool for a dip. Seneca is a bit of an anomaly; a shallow end that is at 10 feet and a well that goes down to 40 feet. It allows for great training opportunities and a really cool view if you lay at the bottom and just watch the bubbles float up.

I find after the pool that I just need to relax and thus it was another session of Come Dine with Me. Dave Lamb’s announcing, honestly, is what makes it even better for me. Which leads into our next story.

Following a nice round of tennis on Day 233 to burn off some steam, it was time for experimental cooking. I made a chicken dish with rice. I’m not a huge cook but I have vowed to make things more often, if only because I’ve started reading labels on the sides of food packaging! Besides, Hans and Helga weren’t going to complain!

Day 234 and I met up with a good friend and headed off to see The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Now yes, I’ve read the second and third tomes in the trilogy. And yes, I’ve already seen the movie when I was overseas in New Zealand. However it was somewhat cheap Tuesday and I wanted to see it again. The movie didn’t let down! And now I need to find some time to sit and watch the second movie as I have a copy at home.

Day 235 and my public transport “fun” continued. The Seneca pool is on a bus route and for the cost of $3.25 I was able to travel for 45 minutes to get there. I was the only one on the connecting bus route in fact, which gave me plenty of room for my gear! And at the pool, I got to test someone on underwater communication. Some of you who might have seen diving on tv understand some basic symbols whether you know it or not – thumbs up means go up, thumbs down means go down, the thumb and index finger in a circle mean ok. But how do you say “watch out for the boat” and “your tank strap is loose”? This is advanced communication… because buying underwater walkie talkies just aren’t cheap.

Day 236 allowed me to catch up with another group of sporty types – my ultimate Frisbee friends. Many were very interested to hear about my wild travels, and we also ended up being able to form a team of about 15 players, which is great because it allows for a) subs during the games and b) people being allowed to be away on a Sunday, because, y’know, sometimes people travel on the weekends! I would have normally gone out for a celebratory meal but at that point I was bushed and just decided to take it easy.

Day 237 and it was off to the GO bus to get to Barrie for breakfast. Usually my dive club will do a Friday dive, but seeing as the weather hadn’t turn nice (ie. water being tolerably warm!) we had a meal instead. Not that I minded; Golden Griddle has cheap filling pancakes.

That evening was filled with more Frisbee. It was a bit of a hike to get to the park – about 45 minutes by foot traffic, but seeing as I’ve felt more energetic this year with all of the travelling I’ve done, I didn’t really mind. We ended up mostly just throwing the disc around. Which was perfectly fine! Following practice my friends Jessica and Kevin invited me over for dinner and it turns out that not only was I their first houseguest in their new abode, but a former coworker from years ago lives across the street! Life’s funny that way.

Day 238 and it was something I was waiting for quite awhile… it was Introduction to Commercial Diving!!!

Shortly after arriving at Seneca at 10 am we started with some information regarding to the program, which is great as there is one of our younger members who is quite interested in getting involved.

At around 11 am we got to hop in the pool. This is my third time participating in the day long adventure, and it is always a bit bizarre to put on a helmet and realize that I’m physically connected to the surface with both air and communication lines as opposed to the old mask and regulator.

Following the helmet experience I was able to go into a recompression chamber.

Now let’s get one thing straight: if you’re going into a chamber on purpose, that’s fine. It’s all nice and dandy – we went down to 60 feet, you get a bit giddy, you sound like Alvin, Simon or Theodore and it’s all well and good.

HOWEVER you don’t want to go there by accident… that means you violated diving protocol! So don’t do that. All in all a fun exciting day!

Following this literary giant Sarah Brebner came to my house and we watched the Sens lose in the playoffs (this is how far I’m behind in writing, folks).

Day 239 rolls around and having fallen asleep during a late night showing of Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle I am feeling rested up. Sarah leaves, I get some stuff done and H&H invite me upstairs for a turkey dinner. It’s not Easter, but hey, I don’t complain.

Day 240 and I should explain something. I have been feeling inspired to cook, and that’s what this day is all about. I make mini meat loaves and salmon fish cakes, the latter of which I saw on Come Dine. They actually taste wonderful but I wonder how low-fat they aren’t! Later on my car-less life continues with a visit to the shopping plaza. A quick zip around is all I need! They seem a bit overwhelming at times, that’s for sure.

Day 241 wouldn’t you know it – back up to Barrie. I spend the day with my friend doing odd jobs, including a run to the dump (it’s always fun to launch really big things into really bigger bins), taking inventory on dive stock, and a run up to his cottage.

I also got an email saying that I was officially invited to be part of the Reach for the Top provincial and national tournaments! Score. This is something that I could really sink my teeth into.

Day 242 marked a milestone in my diving career. I had heard about someone in Toronto (among other divers) that had previously gotten in one dive a month for a year… something that I could never accomplish being busy with work, and the fact that February was impossible to dive in. HOWEVER seeing as I had a year off and all that, on this day I logged my April dive and I had pulled it off! Sweet.

To celebrate my buddy and I went to A&W to have a nice lunch. While we were there, a lady came in and identified her (then) eight year old son in one of the murals on the wall! Go figure.

Day 243 and it was time to get back to Newmarket, because I was heading off the next day to other pastures. Go for a bike ride, check, get bus pass, check. Run into Shermet.

Huh?

Shermet was one of the students where I used to teach and it was great to run into him. He had come over from Kosovo about seven years ago and had been working in North Bay until the airline he worked for went out of business. It was great to hear from him and I hope he does well!

I also dropped over to the volunteer fair in Newmarket. I am hoping to make some more time for volunteering in my life, as I feel it is very important.

NEXT TIME! May enters!

Cheers,

Vick

Days 226 to 231: Slowly but surely I'm catching up!

2010-05-02T10:10:00.001-07:00

Please understand that I have had a hectic April - many things happened - so the neglecting of the blog was not what I wanted!

In any case, here we go.

Day 226 and it was back at the start of the work week so I dipped in to see some friends and get some chores finished up because for Day 227 (no, not the tv series) I was heading to La Belle Province and beautiful Montreal!

My day started, as it has many a trip downtown early, riding the GO train. My usual gang of friends was there and it was great to catch up with them in regards to my trip in the South Pacific. A short walk after the train disembarked and I was ready to ride the MEGA! BUS! MEGABUS! to Montreal. Frankly I'd rather take the train but for $22 CDN all in you really can't go wrong.

I was able to get a seat on the top near the front so I could watch the world go by. I ended up chatting to a student that goes to Queen's Uni in Kingston and he was looking at going to New Zealand so we had some good discussions. Following his departure and a nap I arrived on the bus near the Berri-UQAM metro station in Montreal. I dropped over to my hostel to discover this sign outside:

They were taping a movie adaptation of the popular Quebec TV series Lance et Compte! I swear I don't try to figure these things out.

Following a short walk by the Bell Centre where the Habs play, that evening I was scheduled to visit with my friend Juliette (she of the massive poutine portion from much earlier in this blog) for dinner. Unfortunately we both got our dates and times mixed up; however, more fortunately, she invited me out to her place in Laval (end of the metro line) for dessert which I more than happily accepted! It was great to see her, her husband Sebastien and their new bundle of joy! Absolutely adorable. I am scheduled to be back in Montreal in August and promised to visit at that time.

The hostel itself was quite nice – I ended up in a four share room (two sets of bunks) with an ensuite bathroom. For $33 it was safe and affordable.

I was up at a decent time in the morning on day 228 to go out for a great walk. I dropped my extra luggage off at the train station before heading off.

I always have loved the VIA station in Montreal as it is quite the hub of excitement, and you really can’t go wrong with the display board. I am awaiting one day for Richard Dawson to stumble in and reveal that I’ve got the number one answer in Fast Money.

One of the things I love about Montreal is being able to just walk down by the water. It is extremely well setup and I didn’t need to take the metro. It was great to just sit down and watch the world go by. And every time I wonder if I should be doing more (ie. visiting something touristy) I remember that I’m on holidays and I can do what I please!

Lunch was at 3 Brasseurs of course. Although there is one now in downtown Toronto (with the horribly named “3 Brewers” moniker) I seem to eat it more frequently in Montreal. You really can’t beat tarte flambee.

Following a stop at Archambault to pick up the newly released Millenium 2 film (soon to be The Girl Who Played With Fire in English North America) I walked out and had a perfectly normal conversation with a Red Cross Worker. It was at this time that I was extremely thankful that my parents put me in a French immersion program in grade 7. I feel so lucky to be able to go to a non-English speaking part of the world and communicate with them in their native tongue.

Finally 1 pm arrived and I rolled into 1600 Maisonneuve Est, home of TVA and game show taping number 11 – La Poule aux Oeufs D’Or. I had enquired earlier in the year if I might attend a taping and had gotten a response to the extent of “well we usually don’t have audience members that aren’t part of the winner’s cheering section, but if you’re going to be here in Montreal on a Wednesday at 1 pm by all means we would love to have you”.

Sold.

Around 2.30 pm I along with six contestants and their families were lead onto the set. One of the smaller sets I had seen in my time but that didn’t matter – I have been watching Poule for years and was thrilled to be there. Here’s how the show breaks down: Two contestants each spin three wheels to determine three numbers each. They then are presented with a wall of 10 “doors” numbered 0-9. Open the doors, find money or an egg. First to find three eggs wins and advances with their money. The runner-up gets to keep their money (with a guarantee of $5,000 although you’re really unlucky not to win at least 10K).

Our winner then plays “egg or envelope”. You either take the cash revealed to you courtesy of an envelope that was spinning on a giant egg (I kid you not) or the unrevealed money inside of your personal egg (a la Deal or No Deal).

All the while audience members are holding up signs with dollar symbols and eggs on them and yelling ARGENT!!! OEUF!!! GIVE ME SOME!!! And some such.

As crazy as that sounds, it was extremely exciting. The lady sitting next to me was the biggest winner of the night - $87,000! That’s tax free, my friends, and they cut the cheques right then and there. No 120 days after your show airs. Evidence:

I forgot to get a picture with the host but I was a bit bummed as the normal host was on vacation that week – and he used to host the Quebecoise Fort Boyard! Talk about your rotten luck!

After it all wrapped up I had another surprise waiting for me. I was told that I was scheduled to be the special guest of the Loto Quebec head of drawings (“tirages”, the French word, sounds so much better). I was wondering if that was code for something but no, it was not! I ended up getting a behind the scenes tour of TVA courtesy of Jean, my host. Now that was sweet.

I got back to the train station around 4.20 pm but wasn’t able to get the 5 pm express train due to my luggage being already hidden away. I waited until the 6 pm train, which then put me back in Newmarket at 1.30 am with a taxi driver that didn’t know the way home from a hole in the ground.

Sufficient to say, as a result, day 229 was just a relaxing day. Nothing to write home about.

But day 230 and the parents were coming to visit! Hurrah! They arrived around supper time and we decided to just take it easy with a nice relaxing meal and the Sens hockey game (at this time they have been eliminated even after I sat through the triple overtime marathon).

Day 231 and with the parents comes a vehicle. Which comes in handy. So we started out with breakfast at Daybreak which was nice and surprisingly not too greasy. We dropped Dad back at the house to chill and then Mom and I headed up to Costco.

Mom doesn’t have a Costco where she lives. It shows! She enjoyed it a wee bit more than I think one should, but then again, I enjoyed shadow sweeping the items down the self-serve conveyor belt.

Following stops to the Superstore, Staples and Future Shop (the last to check on the status of Bort, my netbook, who continues to be ill) we arrived back home to unload. Mom and Dad headed out, I headed in for Come Dine With Me and all was good in the world again.

Next post: more catch up!

Cheers, Vick.

Days 216 to 225

2010-04-19T12:50:00.000-07:00

(Sorry for the delay - ed.)

The wait in LAX seemed to drag on FOREVER after Alex left.

I figured there would be decent amenities in the departure lounge – but I had forgotten that Terminal 2 is sparse at best. Dinner was nice at Wolfgang Puck’s. Can’t really compare.

Fast forward to 10.15 pm and we are all boarding the plane. Now the Air Canada was nowhere as nice as the ANZ flight being that it was on the same continent. I pass by first class. And, as it is my want to do, I’m just scanning around my surroundings and I see a teenager keeping to himself. He’s got a toque on. Not trying particularly, I see his boarding card.

Bieber, Justin.

Yep. One of the biggest pop stars on the planet and future SNL musical guest I found out was in the same airspace as me. And for you people that like him, I’m sorry, no pictures or autographs or stories because frankly a 32 year old male approaching a 16 year old male to get an autograph just really wouldn’t jive. The less said about an encounter with one of the stars from Life With Derek, the better.

The flight itself was uneventful although I will give Air Canada credit in that they always have a nice selection of festival films – I got to see the majority of the Academy Award nominees for best live and animated short. Fun.

Arriving in Toronto on Day 217, I got off the plane just after 6 am, check. Customs, no problem. Change/brush teeth/shave/generally freshen up, done. Champagne still intact! I called my friend Kelly and we went out for breakfast. It was nice to be back on terra firma but a bit disorienting! Especially because it was hit the ground running. Kelly dropped me off around 9.15 am in King City and about 15 minutes later my ride arrived to go to the pool!

It was all a surprise because my friend Bill didn’t tell anyone I was showing up. I got buddied up with someone who was new to the club who said afterwards “Oh yeah, you’re the guy that everyone blamed because you were on vacation”! HA HA HA very funny.

We went out for lunch afterwards and I shall not name the establishment as someone at my table had a birthday ice cream which we’re not sure was really their actual birthday… The rest of day was super lowkey… just watching some telly because I didn’t have much energy.

Was very pleased when on Day 218 I awoke at around 8.15am! No jet lag? How bizarre… That evening was really nice as my roomies invited me for Easter Dinner. With both ham and turkey on the plate it was very filling but enjoyable nevertheless! I very much appreciated it.

Day 219 and the jet lag hit. Majorly. I awoke at 3 am but couldn’t make it back to bed. However later in the day there were things to be done, so I made my way up to Barrie to help and open my friend’s pool.

It’s not necessarily hard work, but it just seems like it doesn’t end!! We did good work of it and finished mid-afternoon. I even jumped into what little water was in the pool, dunked my head in and rushed for the towels as I was only in my swim trunks! Sorry, that’s “SWIMMING COSTUME” for my friend at Yongala Dive.

It was then on to Easter Dinner part two! I feel very lucky to have had dinner at friends’ houses two nights in a row! It was extremely tasty and very sociable. The ride home I had to open up a couple of belt notches!

On Day 220 it was back to a non holiday day so I had a run around kind of day in that I visited friends, got my hair cut, got some groceries and dropped my computer off to get a bit of a fix. That was the highlights for that day!

Day 221 was a Wednesday so it was up to Barrie to do some dive running around. Got some paperwork done and then headed over to evening class. It was a combined night and with tables being taught it was quite comprehensive but rewarding nevertheless. Capped off with a nice gathering out for wings and I was quite happy to be staying over to…

Day 222 which started with Cranberry pancakes and then a visit to the Go bus route back to Newmarket featuring probably the most informative GO bus driver that I’ve had in quite awhile (or perhaps ever) who taught me a couple perfectly legal tricks of the trade in regards to more effectively riding the rails!

Later on that day I headed down to Scarborough (which, by public transit, is not the easiest!) to see a live production of Dr. Horrible’s Sing-a-Long Blog.

It was tons of fun… perhaps one day I’ll be in a production of it! The U of T Scarborough folks did a really good job. I also have a contact through them which is great as well. Back up to Newmarket and then Day 223 was a bit more low key before blending into Day 224 which was back down to Toronto.

I’m getting dizzy just typing this up and I already experienced it! This time it was to see My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding. Which you might think is a bit bizarre, as a title obviously, but it was great seeing with a good friend and we both really enjoyed it!

It was then over to my friend Emily's house for a "catch-up party" as she was home from England for a bit (and I believe still is because of the volcanic ash situation).

We had tons of fun... Cranium is a hoot!

Day 225 and it was chill time but it was quite nice as my friend Caleb was home from Cleveland so I enjoyed seeing him for a bit. Running around was the rest of the order of the day – along with catching up on Amazing Race... it's definitely heating up!

I think that’s enough catching up for a bit… catch you later!

Cheers,
Vick.

Days 211 to 216: Wrapping up in Oz.

2010-04-07T06:55:00.000-07:00

It was a lazy Sunday, to quote the SNL crew, on Day 211. I was up early to wish everyone off at the dive shop and say goodbye to the crazy crew from the night before. I had to be out of my room at 10 am but was able to just take it easy – go for a walk on the beach, surf the net, eat lunch, and then headed out at around 12.30 to catch my 1.15 bus.

I found it difficult to leave. Alva Beach was probably the nicest location that I had stayed at hostel wise and it was so refreshing to deal with a dive organization that was extremely professional.

But it was time to move on. The bus ride was pretty uneventful, passing through many a town and several stops until we reached Cairns around 8.30 pm. At this point I had no idea where my lodge was so through a series of events I ended up at Ryan’s Rest shortly thereafter.

I had made a conscious decision – due to Saturday’s events on the boat and being a wee bit low on funds that I wasn’t going to be doing any more diving at this point. So nice and early on Day 212 I headed out to explore Cairns. It definitely is a town aimed towards tourists, especially backpackers. “Padi course four days $475!” “Skydive from 14,000 feet!” “Car rentals only $39 per day!” Signs like this could be seen all around the town. It would definitely be hard to decide on where to go.

In the afternoon I headed back to the hostel and got a hostile reception.

It turns out that this establishment rents out to long termers in the lower season.

“Where are you staying?” the guy in the next room asks me, forcefully. I explain next door is my room.

“Well, just so you know, this is my tv and my area!”

Sorry, I think, isn’t this a common area? I mention this later to the owner and her solution is to let me watch tv in the empty apartment downstairs. A stop gap, but not the right way to do things.

I immediately book for a switch of hostels starting two days later, which makes me quite happier. It’s a shame, however, at this point that I have a massive headache as I would have loved to gone to the new hostel’s traditional Aussie BBQ but my cranium can’t take it.

I happily wake up on day 213 and decide that with the rain it might be an inside kind of day. It is cheap day at the movies so I first ride the escalator up to the entrance.

Always stand on the blue feet. Safer communities together.

I decided on seeing The Blind Side. I had thought about seeing it on the plane but I figured my focus wouldn’t be there. I was quite impressed – very enjoyable, and so nice to see a good movie that doesn’t think it has to rely on sex/violence/language/adult situations/etc.

I spent the rest of the day packing and starting to scout out souvenirs! It was near the end of the trip so I needed to start picking things up.

Day 214 and I have spent too much time at the shopping plaza (although its air conditioning is enticing). But first I have to move hostels in the morning which is not that hard as it’s only a block away. Souvenir shopping is next – I really enjoyed browsing around, which included a stop to the “night market” later in the day.

In the afternoon I enjoyed a relaxing day down at the lagoon. Although it was overcast it was still enjoyable. Basically due to the jellyfish population it is unsafe to swim at the small beach so the town created a lagoon.

And even though it was still doing off and on raining, guess what the temperature was?

Not bad, eh?

The evening entertainment was a presentation at Reef Teach. It was really great – in fact something that most people should have to go to before they interact with the Reef. We got to hear all about the fish and coral on the reef and how they deal with everyday situations. There were also some fossilized (sp?) specimens that we were allowed to touch. Loved the leeches.

On the way home I found out something which I vowed to make my entertainment for my final day.

Day 215 was April Fool’s. I really wanted to pull a prank but I figured the timing was off sadly! Not much happened until later in the day but I very much enjoyed running into Guillaume from Rennes. He was very surprised that I just burst into French when I heard his English accent. I always enjoy speaking with native speakers. At around 3.45 pm I arrived to take a flying trapeze class! The funniest thing by far was that I was the only adult amongst a bunch of tweens!

First off you had to practice kicking your legs up. Now I’m not the most flexible person but with a little help of my instructor (who I kicked in the face, sorry Craig) I did get into the right position.

And that was pretty much it! I ended up being near the end of the queue, but as you can see, for the most part, I pulled it off:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHOh1pFjmkk

Please understand that due to my stubbornness I did pay for a second swing and did actually nail the backflip, much to my surprise! Sadly I didn’t get that one on video due to space on the camera.

What a thrill that was! I’ve got to find some classes closer to home.

There wasn’t much time to relax so I “Oprah walked” (read: speedwalking) back to the hostel to grab my change of clothes and shortly thereafter it was off to Cableskiing Cairns! For $39 I got two hours of wakeboarding, a bbq and transportation. The best part was that it was limited to 15 people so it was nice and quiet.

As it turned out, the road was flooded, so out we got nearer to the home base!

Let’s get one thing perfectly straight. I’ve never wakeboarded but was anxious to try. That being said, it was like being on Wipeout as I kept falling over repetitively but I just kept laughing. Kneeboarding I had better success with, made it around the track twice! Here are some pictures of the experience.

I ended up chatting with Carly, the first Welsh resident that I had met on the entire trip! She had also taken some time off of work to travel, so we found that we had similar interests.

I would have loved to have gone out for a celebratory drink to finish off the trip, but my arms and legs determined otherwise!

Day 216 and it was time to wrap up. Eight weeks travelling through New Zealand and Australia had wrapped up. And unlike Europe, when I felt that I just didn’t stop, I boarded the plane in Cairns around 12.30 pm with the satisfaction that I had paced myself better and thus didn’t feel zonked when I left. And talk about a dream trip … it really was!

The flights home were long. Cairns to Auckland was about 4 hours, although I passed the time by watching the Australian film The Castle which was very much enjoyable. And an episode of Glee.

The experience in Auckland going through security (as we were heading into the US) was not the most enjoyable. I often wonder why everyone things that passengers are guilty until proven innocent and not the other way around?

The young lady next to me unfortunately had some items confiscated and she was not pleased so we sat and chat for awhile, just to think about other things. She was from Calgary but is in Toronto quite often so we agreed to meet up for coffee sometime.

The flight itself from Auckland to Los Angeles was twelve hours so I figured I would catch up on some entertainment! In fact due to it being Good Friday they were running an Easter contest. Here’s my submission:

The Decision
by Ryan Vickers

The temptation is too great
But I feel
As the occasion comes
But once a year
That I allow myself
To indulge.
The decision is wrought
With choice.
Do I break it open
Or
Should I poke a small hole
And drain
It out with a straw?
This is not a
Life-altering decision
However I feel I must handle you,
The cream egg,
As unlike your other yellow and white friend
I’d rather not have you
End up scrambled.

And guess what! Inspiration that hit at 2 in the morning netted me a magnum of champagne for second place! Sweet.

As a result when we checked into LAX I had to repack my bags to accommodate the spirits! And once I had finished that I was off to meet up with my friend Alex Purnell.

Alex, like me, is a game show veteran – she’s been on almost a dozen if memory serves! This is the first time we’d been able to meet in person and it was great to sit down and shoot the breeze! I also appreciate the fact that she came in all the way from Orange County to have coffee with me. Thanks Alex!

Following the visit I took it easy in the departure lounge for about 5 hours before boarding the overnight flight… which will be covered in the next installment!

Cheers,
Vick.

To tide you over

2010-04-01T15:06:00.000-07:00

I'm flying home today, but to tide you over, here's something I did yesterday...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHOh1pFjmkk

Cheers,
Vick

Days 204-210 Brisbane and the Reef

2010-03-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

After the excitement that was Day 203 and its 3 am wakeup call, I decided to take it nice and easy on Day 204. Besides that fact, it’s really warm over here (not complaining though!) so running out on errands is a bit nutty.

I started the day with a walk around 8 am in the morning. I headed down to the port area in Brisbane and it did not disappoint, but I was sweating so I headed back up to the inn to take a shower. See this is why I’d never get on Survivor – I really enjoy my creature comforts!

Following a short break as mentioned I headed back down the same path, as it was my intention to go enjoy the ferry ride, which lead me over to Southbank – very family friendly. And I found a free swimming pool as I had been told there was! Bonus.

After a nice short dip – not too long, as I’m travelling alone, it’s a bit nervewracking to leave my stuff all by itself – I checked out the market of local wares. Australia I’ve noticed is very low key this way, they really enjoy their markets and it’s great to see what local people have produced. I meant to pick up a framed matted photo, but alas I had no cash on me and they wouldn’t take credit. The shame of it all is that it wouldn’t have lasted in my pack as it is getting quite full at this point.

Further down the Southbank area was a theatre advertising its last days of Avenue Q. As I had seen it before I was cool with not going again, not a problem. Please be advised that Wicked is a different sort of beast and does not apply to this situation of repeat offendership.

Look, I made up a word! Screw you, Wikipedia!

I then crossed over a footbridge before encountering the falling domino window effect of one of the town’s squares, before heading back for dinner.

In the evening, armed with my ferry pass still good, I took a mini 20 minute cruise on the water. It was great but after all of that walking I was done!

Day 205 was going to be my last in Brisbane but I was still in the mode of taking it easy. With that being said, however, I still got in some activities.

The state government house of Queensland is in Brisbane so I decided to take a tour. One of the really neat things is that in the 1920’s, the House of Lords (like the Senate in Canada) decided they were ineffective and voted themselves out of a job! How about that! Government self disciplining. As a result they still have a house of representatives/commons which often sends things to committee.

Further to that there was a school group in the house of commons and they were debating whether or not to abolish homework!

Side note: When I was 16 and in Grade 10 I participated in an activity through the Rotary Club in my area and was chosen to go to a program called “Adventures in Citizenship”. This is where about 200 kids from across Canada came together to learn about their country. We actually got to sit in the House of Commons which is quite rare (I think I even have a picture in the speaker of the house’s chair, will have to dig it out and scan it). It’s a shame Canada doesn’t do this.

Back to the main game then and I picked up the Mumford and Sons CD. Which I would tell you is excellent but I’m having problems moving it from the CD to the memory stick so I can put it on Bort (my netbook, please call him as such) and then enjoy it through my mp3 player. I guess I will have to just wait.

Following an episode of Millionaire Hot Seat where they had a $250K winner (which I knew was going to happen, it was the tape date before mine and Chris’) it was off to pack and then to get ready for a loooooong train ride the next day.

Day 206 and it was time for the longest train ride I’ve ever taken. But the nice thing was that it was extremely scenic, and I was able to get a single seat. No couchette as they were all booked up due to the previous two trains being cancelled as a result of the cyclone.

The train was quite similar to the CountryLink Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane ride, save for the slightly more reclining seats and an extra food car. It was a bit of a go for the first several hours as a grandma, her daughter and three grandchildren of I reckon, ages 5, 2 and 18months (at best) moved in. And HURRAH they were going to Townsville as well.

It promised to be a loud train ride. These kids weren’t crying; they were whining the whole ride. It was a bit of a patience tester, frankly.

Thankfully salvation was in the form of a British couple my age named Pete and Vanessa. Got chatting to them just past Bundaberg and we ended up chatting through dinner, then through the evening and through many games of cards.

The night actually wasn’t too bad… although I’m reminded that I am a not huge fan of sleeping overnight in a chair. But to pass the time I just enjoyed some podcasting on the mp3 player and soon enough it was day 207.

9 am arrived and after spending four minutes shy of an entire day on the train I piled in with Vanessa and Pete to grab a taxi in to our accommodations. I was relieved not that my room was ready but rather I was permitted to use the shower while I waited. It was nice to destinkify – Susie, can you verify that in the OED?

The rest of the day was really much of just doing errands. Got my bus tickets bought. Had lunch. Skyped the parents. Checked my email to find out that someone wanted to use something online in a current affairs program for the Seven Network over here.

I enjoyed a nice dinner with Vanessa and Pete, some great pasta at a little Italian place between our accommodations. And then a night in.

Complete with a solid nine hours of rest that lead into day 208. I took the time to walk a bit around Townsville and enjoy the sights. The nicest place by far was The Strand, just a great boardwalk and some activities for the kids.

Left Townsville for Ayr and an hour later I was met by Cassie of Yongala Dive and with her driving and Christine from near Munich as the other passenger, we headed off to Alva Beach, where the dive lodge was.

Instantly I fell in love with Alva Beach. So beautifully peaceful. And the dive lodge was great. A room of 6 bunks, a room of 4 bunks and a room with a queen bed. It turned out that Christine and I were the only ones to be in the six bunk room so it was nice to be able to be spread out. But what it really came down to was that it didn’t feel like a hostel at all. Classy as hell, and really well set up. A steal for $27 AUS a night.

Unfortunately when we arrived that evening we were instantly told that we wouldn’t be going out the next day due to high winds already predicted. Really, there’s nothing you can do about it, so I was happy that I had booked for two days.

We enjoyed the rest of the evening with Cassie and Louis from the UK who are the interns at the dive lodge to help us keep entertained and also Chris came around, who ironically I ran into at the internet café in Townsville. We broke open a box of goon and had a good evening, following a viewing of Hancock.

There really wasn’t a huge rush to do anything on the morning of Day 209 as a normal 6.30 wakeup for dive day breakfast wasn’t necessary. I wandered down to the beach mid-morning to go for a walk, very peaceful and actually Christine was there as well so we chatted together for about two hours whilst walking.

The thing that made it brilliant was the fact that this beach felt like the end of the world. Beautiful, serene, untouched, and barely anyone there.

Enjoyed a bit of lunch back at the lodge and following a small après-food nap, I heard “we’re going into town, do you want to come”? What a silly question. I grabbed my bathing costume (that’s for you, Yongala crew, if you’re reading this) and towel and hopped in the truck. Chris needed to do skill work with Louis so Cassie, Christine and I all came along.

Louis is working on his Divemaster course and was required to do a 400m continuous swim followed by 15 minutes of treading water, then a whole whack of skill sets. Understandably he was tired when it had all wrapped up! I was just pleased to be in the pool however I would have rather been at the bottom!
On the way home we did our usual bus pick up at 4.40 and bagged us an Irishman named Paul. We all headed back to home base and had a quieter night (although how we missed getting Chris’ attention for the chicken feed is beyond me)
PIC
But we did seem some frogs on the stairs!

It’s a regular Animal Planet.

Day 210 and we were a go. They’ve only gone out twice in the last fortnight but we are off to explore the SS Yongala, reportedly the best wreck dive in the country.

We are up at 6.30 am for brekky, and I’m downstairs to start getting my gear ready at around 7.15 am. For some odd reason I am the first one done… I suppose this is a rarity and Chris tells me to just take it easy until we get everyone ready for the briefing.

Which starts around 8.10 am, right on schedule. There is a lot to take in so I am pleased that we are doing it on dry land, as I am about to find out several times throughout the day. We are assigned into groups according to our experience in the van – I am startled to find out that I have a few hundred dives on, well, everybody. This is perfectly find however as I am used to this fact.

We start the trip out and this is the nice calm water that I see to start:

This is the last I’ll be seeing of the boat ride. Somehow I survive the ride out but just before I start kitting up for the first dive I decided (not on purpose, trust me) to feed the fish. If you don’t understand the term, just think about it, then look it up. This will become a reoccurring fact during the day’s proceedings.

After finishing that I was happy to get in the water. I had rented a 3 mil suit as my 7 mil would have roasted me on a shish kebab as the water was about 80F at depth. It was a great dive for the wildlife… such as the turtles and the rays and all the neat fish that I captured videos of which I’ll post up as soon as I can sort through my videos.

Following that first wonderful dive the fish feeding kept on coming. On the surface waiting to get back on the boat. During the surface interval. On the surface waiting to go down on the second dive. And then most disturbingly, 30 feet down on the dive. With once more at the surface after the second dive for good measure.

So sufficient to say that the day can be summed up like this: diving, great. Me and the 2 metre swells, not so much.

I was anxious to eat some lunch back at home base when we got there, and it was delightfully good steak (I’m sure I could have pretty much eaten ANYTHING at that point). Decided to go into town to pick up the next bus guest with Cassie, and here’s the conversation I have with the young female getting off the bus:

“Hey, you’ve got a MEC bag! Where in Canada are you from?”

“Toronto.”

“Cool! I live in Newmarket.”

“Really? I’m from Aurora.”

“Get out!”

And so we keep discussing and she even knew a student I used to teach. Kristen had just finished her degree at Western and was doing the traditional gap year.

That evening Cassie, Louis, Kristen and I took it easy, having some good laughs, including Kristen challenging Louie to a hand stand competition.

Even with my recent training at the circus, I decided to pass, and I think we were all shocked when Louis won!

Off to Cairns for my last stop until I head home!

Cheers,
Vick.

Days 200-203: Wickedly Good Times

2010-03-21T02:46:00.000-07:00

Well I can’t believe it has been 200 days since I started this blog. I have been having a blast writing this, and I hope that you as the readers that you have been enjoying this. I know that there are a certain number of subscribers but also there are many of you reading this anonymously and I thank you for that, it really means a lot to me.

But that’s not to say that I’ve given up the ghost – there are still 165 days to go! So let’s get back into it.

Day 200 was St. Patrick’s Day. Now given my first name means “little king” in Irish I figured it would be time to paint the town red. No, I mean green. Wickedly green I figured.

At 10.30 am my own personal Irish lottery opened up. I made friends with Greg from Ohio, after he has seen my Baldwin-Wallace shirt – thanks Cabe, it’s paying dividends worldwide. Greg asks me to partner with him for the lottery, of course I say yes. I also get into a nice chat with Fiona who lives just outside of the city.

At 11.00 am it starts. Greg’s name is the second out of the bin. I’m in.

In fact I had no need to be worried – mine was drawn a few names later, along with a couple visiting from Dartmouth and Fiona herself.

We were about to be wickedly entertained. Greg decides to celebrate our win by buying us Starbucks. I settle on a shaken ice passion tea which was very enjoyable. I pop out after a half an hour to pick up a couple of things, and then back to the YHA to get changed. After an initial confusion where I was locked out of the room, I am able to successfully change into nice clothes and am back at the theatre at 12.30 pm for a 1 pm show of Wicked.

Of course Greg, Fiona and I have to get a picture to celebrate that we were about to be greenified; a visiting schoolteacher is happy to do this.

We head into the theatre and I have drawn the front row, right aisle. All $30 lottery tickets are front row, so really there’s no bad seat in the house, although I would say it was only two thirds full due to it being the Wednesday matinee. The kids are enjoying it which thrills me to no end.
The show starts up and first I am fascinated to see props like a map to Shiz University close up and am enthralled that I am THIS CLOSE to the monkeys during the opening. I notice during song three – The Wizard and I – that Elphaba’s voice is cracking. This can’t be good.

At intermission Fiona turns to me. “Did you see the switch?”. No, I didn’t, what switch?

Turns out that for the first time in months, they switched out the ladies playing Elphaba! And I missed it! It was very seamless, it happened right after song seven – Popular. I was very impressed that they did it so efficiently.

Act II went just as well and the show wrapped up before 4 pm. Fiona suggested that we go to the stage door and along with another Wicked fiend, we did and were rewarded!

First here’s Alissa who played Nessarose which frankly I think is a role that is quite enjoyable and I am personally saddened that the song “The Wicked Witch of the East” isn’t on the soundtrack.

Next to arrive was Lucy who played Glinda. This kind lady embodies the role!

Following her was Michael who played Fiyero.

Finally it was Zooey who stepped in for Pippa playing Elphaba. Sadly even with lightening the photo I can’t do much better so there you are I’ll have to leave it like that.

We parted after I sent a poster home for later for my door and promised to write. I had an early morning train ride to catch so I hit the hay pretty early on this night.

Day 201 and it was off on the train. The Sydney to Casino route

Robert Goulet: Are you from the casino?

Bart Simpson: I’m from A casino.

Robert Goulet: Good enough!”

(sorry, had to get that in there)

is a nice one, much like Melbourne-Sydney and the total run time is just under 12 hours. I had bought The Girl who played with Fire, the second in the Stieg Larsson trilogy which provided many an hour of entertainment on the train, along with just sitting back and enjoying the view.

But that is not all! The overnight train provided the full journey but the day train does not; another three hours on the bus provided the final leg which seemed to be harrowing as bus drivers on this continent are a wee bit too aggressive on the road for me.

In any case 15 hours after I started I arrived to a freshly made bed at my guest house. Which, when I awoke on day 202, was decidedly to my liking. This is good, of course.

I find that on this trip if I’ve got a few days in one place that I always enjoy getting my bearings first off. So on 202, a Friday, it was time to take it easy. Brisbane is very much on a grid system so it wasn’t too hard to go exploring.

First off I booked an activity for the next day which I was quite excited about. Next it was off to find a bus to the suburb of Wakerley. I have a friend of a friend who owns a dive shop and normally would have been off to dive with them, but however due to the impending arrival of Cyclone Ului about 1200 kilometres north, was fouling up plans. As a result no one was going out diving on the weekend but I thought I would drop in to say hello.

I found the shop, located in an industrial park, with no problem. My contact wasn’t actually in – he had flown off that morning to Gambia as he is working on a 3D movie that is being executively produced by James Cameron! I did have a nice chat with his coworker Brent about all things diving of course.

Usually on this trip I try to skimp on tons of food – please however don’t take this as the fact that I don’t eat, it’s just that I’m not really having the most extravagant foods. Mind you on this day I was hungrier and thirstier than usual so I stopped off to get a Boost Juice which the combination of orange, mango and raspberry provided. Brisbane is experiencing a bit of a heat wave these days… so it’s good to keep refreshed of course.

I went to bed around 9 pm after watching a bit of Drop Dead Fred with some Brits and I will happily go rent it when I got home. Very enjoyable in a Beetlejuice kind of way.

So why did I get to bed so early? It was that day 203, today, provided the earliest start. I suggest you watch this youtube clip to find out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3i14sxFC5Q

Yep, that was the reason for the early start. I could have climbed the Story Bridge at any time, but I thought this would provide for an awesome view. And it didn’t disappoint.

There were 11 of us that started the climb although two decided to withdraw after the initial set of stair climbing. I understand completely; like diving, climbing attached to a cord (perfectly safe, mind you) is not something you do if you’re not comfortable. The nine of us, with our guide Michael, continued to the first photo point, 80 metres above sea level.

It was really interesting to hear about the history of the bridge – it’s the same guy that was in charge of the Sydney Harbour Bridge that did this one – except that this time he exerted more control as Sydney was used mainly with non-Australian materials.

The thrill of seeing the sun rise (even though it was partly cloudy) was quite amazing. It made me wonder why I didn’t get up at this hour all the time.

This third picture really gives you a good perspective on how high up I was. Brisbane is shorter than Sydney but taller than the Auckland bridge – these being the only three bridges you can climb in this fashion worldwide. The way down was actually a bit more intimidating as those steep stairs seem harder on the way down!

We actually finished at around 6 am and once we got out of our harnesses, radios, stunningly wonderful outfits (that’s sarcasm, folks) it was time to depart. I paid for my photos and got back to the guest house at around 7.30 am and went back to bed!

Later, around lunch, I headed down to Chinatown to find a bank. It was fun to wander around and see the markets, although I decided not to buy any of the wares.

Which brings me up to date, as it’s around 4 pm in the afternoon and I’ve pretty much been chilling, and wondering what tomorrow will bring…
Cheers,
Vick.

Days 198-199: Sydney

2010-03-16T14:58:00.000-07:00

And so I have seen the sights, starting on Day 198, in Sydney.

The lady at the hostel help desk told me that it was a mere walk down to the harbour, so I took her up on it. It was about a half hour, but definitely worth it.
First stop was the harbour bridge. It is monstrous, no doubt about it. I would have loved to have done the bridge climb, but at a price that was nearing $200 CDN I decided that unless someone who is reading this blog is going to wire me the money

*crickets chirp*

(that’s what I thought) I would have to take a pass. Instead after some searching I came upon the Pylon Lookout (Lonely Planet was exactly right in where it was in their map, however perhaps they should have mentioned that it wasn’t accessible from the ground level…) It was a great lookout, worth the climb.

And here are some of the ants, er, I mean bridge climbers:

Grey’s not my colour, anyway.

Second stop after a wonderful bowl of soup for lunch and a nice chat with some folks from Florida, was the Sydney Opera House. Again, just a wonderful marvel of engineering.

It was at this point that I came to the conclusion that I was not going to be able to get near the amount of things I wanted to do in two days, so I rearranged to stay another night. Why rush it – that’s pretty much my motto these days.

In the evening they had a “fair dinkum” bbq on the top level next to the pool (yes, my hostel has a pool, and frankly save for the three other guys in bunk beds in my room, it plays like a hotel) where I for the first time tried kangaroo meat. It’s like steak, if you’re wondering, as far as tenderness goes. Not like celery, Leguisa, if you’re reading.

Now I have to be honest in that I was planning to be sneaky this evening. Some of the posters had not only advertised the bbq but a free intro to scuba diving. It has been a personal goal of mine to sometime on holiday to go try diving, screw it up in the pool, then become a wizard in the open water. Sadly this was not to be the case this evening as it never materialized. Next time!

In any case I popped down to the cinema (yes, my hostel has a cinema) to watch the Australian film Muriel’s Wedding. It was extremely enjoyable and once I got my head around the fact that Toni Collette looks radically different in this movie then she does in say Little Miss Sunshine or United States of Tara I really enjoyed it. Sure, there were some plot holes but it was just plain good fun.

Day 199 and it was time to do some more exploring. I had intended to go to the Olympic Sites on this day but when I got to the train station I was given the impression that it was a 45 minute wait until the next train and I said sod it, I’m going to Manly.

Manly, a half hour ferry ride across the harbour, was really quite nice. They have a gorgeous scenic walkway which I took advantage of not only to walk upon but to enjoy my lunch. Dear work, can we please install this view for lunchtime? Thanks, Vick.

I also decided on the spur of the moment to go jump in the water. I didn’t actually have my bathing suit with me but the nice thing about board shorts is that they really dry quite quickly.
Following a stop to pick up a couple of souvenirs and to pick up a smoothie, I headed back to home base. I decided to go for a dip up in the pool area which was quite refreshing (since I’m positive that I burnt my neck).

It was here that the winning started. I’m not going to discuss it, but I participated in a dare that won me not one but two free breakfasts. It’s amazing what people will do for free, I figure. After the swim I popped down to the TV lounge and watched a bit of Millionaire Hot Seat as the eps I saw taped last week were already airing (thanks to Chris P for the heads up).

Just before 6 pm I entered the Wicked lottery. This is the draw that takes place two hours before each Sydney performance to see who gets the front row tickets. My number wasn’t up this time but fingers crossed for the next time!

And that didn’t turn out to be such a bad thing. I headed back to the hostel to participate in a Wii Tennis tourney. With free goon! (Read: boxed wine). I actually got creamed in the first round by the eventual winner but frankly it was really a good laugh as I started to do commentary in many different languages. It turned out however I was a winner in the end as due to my enthusiasm I won a free Hostelling International membership, good anywhere on the planet until March 2011! Guess I’m going to have to do some more travelling…

Cheers,
Vick.

Days 194-197

2010-03-14T14:50:00.000-07:00

First, some catching up on videos:

Penguin life:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIdWOT3zlpk

Aquarium modelling: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOFsRZvqRx0

Skytower craziness:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbEVPBVTVf4

Skydeck elevator:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBU2Ok0CE8w

It was on Day 194 that I woke up and decided to just take it easy. I started the day by taking care of some business, then finalizing a game show application for a show that I probably can’t get on, but having watched it for over 15 years and this being the first year that they have opened it up to civilians in quite a long time, I’d be silly not too.

I also enjoyed my quest to get a phone card at Telstra, followed by lunch of meat pie.

I wandered over to Federation Square to check my email and saw a charity fundraiser going on. Sure, why not, I’m not going the whole hog, but I will do a bit…

It was call Shave for the Brave (or something similar) and I decided not to go the whole hog and got my hair coloured. Stripes!

In retrospect I should have got the whole moptop clipped off if only it was a cheaper haircut than normal! In any case I had a nice chat with one of the organizers and was happy that I could help.
I headed back to the guest house and had a quick supper before heading out to my evening’s activities. It was a good thing that I took the tram for a bit as it ended up being a long walk even still!

I arrived at Circus Oz just ahead of the start time of 6.30 pm. Years ago when I started looking into universities to study at in Melbourne I stumbled across this organization. Now although I didn’t end up studying over here (don’t really want to talk about it!) I still wanted to come to a class and they did allow me to drop in to “tumbing/acro class”.

Here’s the thing. I consider my flexible to an extent. I have some circus skills – juggling, unicycing, clowning. However it turned out this was more like Cirque du Soleil – very much based on the physicality of the body. Which is where it started to turn funny, as in “what have I got myself into?” funny.

We did about a half hour of warm up – a variant on ulty which my team got killed at, followed by a ton of stretching and bending my body into ways that I can’t even dream of.

Then we got into the real thing. I wish I had pictures to show you of my progression during the class. I’d like to preface by saying everyone else was on night four. That being said, I did complete my first ever series of handstands with the help of an assistant and one of the teachers. It definitely does make the blood rush to your head.

Next they started doing tumbling. Again, a disclaimer: I haven’t done a correct front roll/somersault since I was about five. But with a mat that looked like a wedge of cheese, I got going pretty well.

Furthermore, I was able to do some motions that will one day lead me to doing a cartwheel.
All in all I didn’t think it was that bad for the first night at it. I did get a picture of my instructors, Dottie and her husband (I think) whom I will call Mr. Nonchalant as I never got his name and he seemed to do everything with the greatest of ease.

And prove that I didn’t make this up:

Part of the hilarity of the evening was that as I was sweating profusely (there’s really no denying that, frankly) the hair dye from earlier in the day was bleeding out. So it ended up all over me and a good chunk on Dottie as well. I got back about an hour later to the guest house, took a shower, and then headed to bed.

On Day 195, my penultimate day in Melbourne I finally got over to the Melbourne Cricket Ground stadium. Which is used for cricket, Aussie Rules Football and European football among other events.

It was an interesting tour but when it wrapped up, we were invited to stay for the match that was in play, part of the Sheffield Shield tournament that was going on between Tasmania and Victoria. Now I’m not going pretend that I know anything about cricket – because I don’t. However I was amazed at the crowd in the stadium…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SILUGvRsquc

… and the fact that they still actually ran the game! Thankfully a nice English couple I met on tour was nice enough to explain the nuances to me. Before I knew it there were some wickets and overs and bowls and innings and a couple of players scored four runs by getting it by the boundary but didn’t score six as they didn’t hit it out of the stadium.

Simple, right?

Lunch was a great sandwich at the player’s café at the Rod Laver Arena for which I would visit the next day. It was getting late in the afternoon so I had to hop back to the guest house, freshen up, and then meet Liz and Hannah, friends of mine from Queenstown that live in the city. We had a quick party on Brunswick street with visits to Grilled:

And followed up by Trampoline:

I very much enjoyed the quick visit and wish that it could have been longer! However I had to get back to the Flinders Street station clocks for seven to meet up with Katja.
Katja was a student at work when I was a faculty assistant, way back in 02/03. She now works in the fashion industry in Melbourne as I was thrilled that we were able to meet up as it is coming up to Fashion Week in the city. She tells me that her job is slightly like what you see on Ugly Betty but not entirely.

We had a great time catching up with everything and anything and I am thrilled that things are going well for her! It was also funny trying to remember specific events from our year together at PC – things like that infamous rafting trip at the start of the year.

Again after a busy day I headed back to the guest house to get some sleep, which is what usually someone does, I suppose!

Day 196 and it was time to do the final sweep through Melbourne. Chris phoned me up in the morning and we set a time to meet for lunch. In the interim I hopped back over to Rod Laver arena, where the Australian Open tennis tournament is held each year to get a guided tour.
I do play tennis now and then but also one of my roommates is a massive tennis fan so I figured I should check it out! I was not disappointed!

We first started in the mens’ locker room and got to see where they prepare before a game. This is a picture of Roger Federer’s locker:

Number one as you can see – everyone is allowed to pick a locker based on their seeding in the world rankings at the time of the tourney. We were told Rafael Nadal picks one very far away from Federer and if you don’t rank in the top 87, you only get a half locker!!

Next it was into the actual centre court itself which as you can see isn’t there, as they’re in concert season. Tom Jones had been there two nights before and other artists such as Kelly Clarkson are on their way there.

We also got to tour hall of champions, see the trophies, visit a superbox (which at a cost of $180K a year I think I will have to pass on) and go into the media interview room. Guess who was first up to be interviewed?

I actually had someone from the crowd ask me a question about my shoes which I was quite quick witted in answering. Drama teacher in me I guess. All in all a great tour!

I met up with Chris for lunch and following our meal of baguettes and ice chocolate we toured around a bit, especially in Federation Square where they were launching a festival for the new students… something that I should have been part of if universities had given me the time of day…

In any case shortly before 4.30 pm Chris and I parted ways as he was rehearsing for a concert that evening. I was hoping to go see it but by the time I got back to St. Kilda I had taken a bit of a scenic route and I was quite bushed.

Day 197 and it was on the train.

No, seriously, that’s about my day! 12 hour train ride from Melbourne to Sydney, which was quite nice, very peaceful train ride. Plus the food prices were reasonable and the scenery was great. I even had Devonshire Tea in the morning – your choice of hot beverage plus warm scones and jam! Yummers.

And please, how can you not enjoy a train that stops at Wagga Wagga:

Now safely ensconced in Sydney it’s off to see the sites!

Cheers,

Vick.

Days 189-193: Goodbye NZ, Hello Oz!

2010-03-10T16:33:00.000-08:00

One of the last “adventure” type things that I wanted to do in New Zealand was to go canyoning. So, after foraging for food on K Road, it was time to head off in the mystery machine (in all seriousness, that’s what it felt like). We arrived in what looked like someone’s driveway (which in fact it was) and got kitted up with “rash guards”, wet suits, wet suit boots and ever stylish crocs.

“Ryan! You look like a strong guy!” And with that I was voluntold to carry a bag of harnesses and ropes. Now. This would have not been a problem except for the fact, oh, I don’t know, that we had to do a massive uphill hike for about twenty minutes.

However after all that I did make it to the end and was happy to put on the wetsuit for the adventure to come.

I felt lucky as this half day trip was the less strenuous of the two options that the company provides; as a result there was a LOT more jumping. Basically canyoning is like parkour; you just keep going. Whether this requires jumping or sliding or abseiling isn’t really up to you but rather the lay of the land!

So the best part probably was jumping…

Plus we got to slide – backwards down a small rock face!

And finally there was the abseiling… we got to do this a couple of times – it was a bit challenging I found (especially on the behind!) but still good fun.

We also got our pictures taken under a waterfall – in my case they let the water go all at the same time!

The lady in the picture with me is Gerri from Holland. As two of the more, ahem, “senior” members of the group that day – most of the canyoners being from Loyola Marymount University – we chummed together for most of the day. Gerri’s flight left later that day so after we both cleaned up we went out to a takeaway/sitdown little restaurant near her hostel where I experienced roast duck for the first time! I have to say that I enjoyed it although it was a bit difficult to navigate due to fact that there were lots of little bones in the duck AND I was using chopsticks. I wish I had taken a picture or a video – it was quite hilarious as I was extremely tired. Gerri and I then parted ways and exchanged emails. I got back to the hostel and I was DONE.

So much so that I next awoke on Day 190 and took it easy to start. I went for a walk in search of a supermarket – Auckland, you’ve got a nice place, but it wouldn’t kill you to put a small countdown or new world within a 30 minute walk of the CBD…

After coming up empty handed I made do with what I had kicking around and then went and found the shark bus.

The shark bus was to take me to Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World. This was an aquarium to be like no other – so told the promotional dvd on the bus on the way over to the other side of the harbour. After the brainwashing was done we happily got off the great white and filed on in.
I had chatted with a couple from the San Francisco area – Peter and Catherine – who then adopted me into their group, which was quite nice.

You get to go through a couple of secondary exhibits to start with (including the “stick your hand in the bucket of water that is the temperature that the penguins experience … experience”) before getting the crux of it all. We started by watching a stingray feeding before going in a sea cat. This is a transport where we could get up and close to the penguins.

It takes about 8 minutes and frankly the safety explanation was bafflingly difficult for what was basically just a nice jaunt through the Antarctic. It was then on to see the aquarium and its domed tunnel.

This is what I had came for… and I wasn’t disappointed. They actually did a really good job of it.

It was amazing what we found…

VIDEO... to come...

Now, if only I had had a cuddly toy, Bruce Forsyth would have came out and slapped me. (Look it up!)

Following the once again coincidental ending up in the souvenir shop at the end we decided to take Jaws back to the city and go find some food. Gerri had told me about an international food court and once I sat down with my pad thai I was not disappointed. It was great chatting with Peter and Catherine and swapping travel stories. It turns out that they both work at Stanford which I thought was pretty neat.

As they had just flown in that day, they were looking forward to getting to their hotel when they were able to, so we said our goodbyes just after two pm. I decided to take the time to wander the downtown core and pick up some groceries (where I could find them) and some souvenirs as well. Would have loved to have gotten something from the Rugby 2011 World Cup store but man, even with the exchange, the prices were really high!

After getting back to my room I took it easy for the rest of the night and just vegged with the telly. Sadly it was mostly non-kiwi stuff apart from their version of The Singing Bee but there you are.

Day 191 and after a short visit to the post office to mail off about 2 kilos worth of books and souvenirs, I went to Newmarket.

Huh?

What?

Well it turns out that there is a Newmarket in New Zealand. It’s one of the suburbs of Auckland, so I decided to have some fun and spend the morning there. Basically as I found out it’s mostly the shopping mecca – not really Rodeo Drive by any means – but still upscale stuff. The one shop I actually went into and found interesting was the Croc shop!

Seriously. If it was my last day I would have bought some but those things take up major real estate in the luggage. So it was a no then.

The one thing I wanted to do in Newmarket quite badly was to get a picture of me next to a “Welcome to Newmarket” sign at the edge of the burb. However that was not possible as they don’t seem to consider themselves a separate entity, but I did find the train station:

Where I did actually find that magical phrase!

It took some adjusting with the glare but I think I did well all in all.

Popped back then to the hotel for a bit of a nap and paid my room cost and booked my airport shuttle for the next day. Turns out the woman working the desk is from the Sturgeon Falls area!

Go figure.

I thought it would be nice to go have another little walk so I went down to the Sky Tower.

This is one of the tallest buildings in the Southern Hemisphere, and you certainly can’t do THIS at the CN Tower back home:

(video to come)

I got chatting to a trio of Brits while we were watching this happen; we discussed how much it would take each of us to go on this thrill ride. Apparently I was the low bidder – I was happily willing to do it if someone paid for me right then and there (no takers, sadly). High bid? $100,000!

That evening I once again took it easy, packed everything in anticipation of an early departure, and make a box breakfast.

I awoke early – 5.30 am – on the 192nd day of my quest.

There was only one problem with that.

I was supposed to get my shuttle at 5 am.

(expletive deleted)

I had overslept.

Ran downstairs. Called shuttle. Was told to be ready in five minutes. Got really upset. Shuttle arrives. “What do you mean you’re not taking me?”. Panic. Night watchman/manager comes out – and James saved my sanity by calling me a taxi followed by Air New Zealand to check that I would still be fine flight wise. Taxi arrives. Peter the driver is good conversation. Pay a $51.40 stupidity fee. Check in at airport 55 minutes before flight is due to depart. Have to pay $70 overweight fee. Check my dive gear in at the “fragile” area. Clear security. Get to gate. Board plane 30 minutes later, relieved.

A few interesting things about the flight: the guy next to me wasn’t allowed on the same flight two days before as his passport was only slightly wet and he had to get a new one, and the pilot to Modern Family was wonderful.

At the baggage claim I met Amelia and Craig who were on their way to their wedding. It turns out Craig and his parents are from the Peterborough area and we got chatting… turns out that I’ll be in the same part of the world near their special day so I now owe them drinks shortly after the wedding. And frankly if you can pronounce Mooloolaba the correct way I’ll buy you one as well.

The great thing about starting in Melbourne is that I was going to meet up with my friend Chris. We have been emailing each other for about 10 years, and have talked on Skype previously but this would be the first time we’d be meeting in the flesh. Chris was nice enough to have taken a couple days off of work so that he could be my personal tour guide. Chris like me is a well-versed traveler and a game show aficionado so I was quite confident that we’d get along just peachy.

Chris was kind in meeting me at the airport and had already worked out the easiest way to my accommodations which was great as when we got off the tram it just started pouring buckets, so much that I had to change clothes when I got in! We then headed out to the Puffin’ Billy steam train in his neck of the woods.

This was really cool – it was very much an ‘old time’ railroad where you could stick your head out the window and just watch the world go by. The company is driven by volunteers – about 500 of them contribute their time, and I could tell by talking to some of them that they are very passionate about it. The ride takes about an hour each way and at the end you can get out and walk around a nice little lake path – but no swimming or diving off of the bridge, that’s a steep $220 fine – for each offence.

Just before we headed back we got some neat pictures in the engine room!

And to boot – the lady running the snack stand was nice enough to give us a couple of pies as she was going to throw them out anyway!

Remember kids, always blow on the pie. Safer communities together.

After a short dinner of pizza and a certain French beverage, followed by some ice cream at Maccars, I stayed at the restaurant and enjoyed the free wi-fi connection while Chris hopped the train home. I didn’t stay too long as there was much work to be done during the next day!

Chris met me at my hostel at around 9 am on day 193. We had a nice walk around the St Kilda area, finding the entrance to Luna Park

And some nice cake shops, which I vow to try before leaving. We grabbed a light lunch en route afterwards, and then were at the Channel Nine studios in Richmond around 12 noon to see Who Wants to be a Millionaire Hot Seat!

I was really excited to see this version and it did not disappoint. The shows are going to air in a couple of weeks’ time and although I won’t spoil we saw some great episodes. The show is a bit of a twist on Millionaire – six players, if you get a question right you progress up the chain, get it wrong and you’re eliminated and the top prize is reduced one level. At the fifteenth question, whomever is in the chair is guaranteed $1000 and plays for whatever question value is left.

Now for the actual taping I was my usual energetic self. Michael, the warm up guy who might I say was EXCELLENT found out quickly that I was a Canadian and became a frequent bantering target. During the first episode we were in the first row, and during the second we were actually behind Eddie McGuire, the host, so we actually had to stare in front of us the whole time! But that was not a problem.

Following the second episode I along with Laura from Holland was invited to be a captain for a musical quiz. We were playing for our section of the audience. It was Australian Name That Tune so obviously we could ask for help from our supporters. I got really into it (surprised?) and was quite aggressively buzzing in (by slapping Michael’s hand). I actually got more than Laura but through a convoluted system of scoring (he made it up) we lost but that was okay, because it was good fun anyway.

After show three it was food break! Sausage rolls and water – having been given a copious amount of candies already. I was actually too wired to eat!

It was also time to make my move for something that I hoped would happen. I approached Michael and he said yes, and with the help of Kerri, one of the audience wranglers, it got done.

Following show four, I got this:

Yep, that’s me with Eddie the host! I was also happy to give Eddie some Tim Horton’s coffee and real maple syrup. He had recently been in Vancouver covering the games for Channel Nine and had been to Timmie’s and said his sons would enjoy the maple syrup. So it was sweet for both of us. HA!

We wrapped show five around 5.30 pm and then they had the raffle draws. Guess who won the first one? Chris did! He was instantly 50$ richer, and I was very pleased!

On the way out I was able to grab a picture with Michael (with the ominous hot seat logo in the back).

He and everyone on staff were just wonderful, very relaxed, very fun. A great day at the studio!

Chris and I wandered over to Southbank to grab some dinner before heading up the 88 Skydeck. This apparently is the tallest residential building in the Southern Hemisphere and it was great! The elevator just flies up to the top! Had to clear my ears!

We had a nice walk around the top and then went outside on the terrace. Boy, was it windy! We decided to pass on “The Edge” – where you get to actually go in a box that is perplex and there’s really nothing beneath your feet!

To conclude the night we sat down at Federation Square and had a nice chat – plus free internet! I tell you, I’m liking Melbourne. It has been a great couple of days hanging out with my good friend Chris and now I will be exploring the city on my own for a couple of days. Bring it on!

Cheers,
Vick

Days 186-188

2010-03-07T17:42:00.000-08:00

I had decided at the start of day 186 that the previous day’s excitement (not to mention the wonderful meal of mussels at Smitty’s) was enough for quite a while, so I just took a day to take it easy. So that’s pretty much what I did.

The great thing about Whitianga as I’ve probably mentioned before is that it’s really gorgeous. I took a box lunch (read: pb&j) and headed down to the waterfront with a good book just to watch the world go by.

And that was pretty much the extent of my day. After finishing off my new guilty pleasure – Channel Four’s Come Dine With Me I headed back off to Smitty’s. It was quiz night and I was offered to be put on a team. I ended up with Jennifer and her dad Charlie. And look after the first round – backwards songs! – we actually were in first!

I’d love to tell you we scooped it up from there… but we finished a solid 5th out of 9th, just four points out of the running for the meal gift cards. It was a lot of good fun… very enjoyable. Near the end of the night there was the “jackpot” round. It was up to $125 this week, and the three questions that you needed to answer included the year of the last US broadcast of Sex and the City (missed it by one), which century someone was Archbishop of Canterbury (missed it by two) and what part of the world is associated with the .rs internet domain (which, through some logical reasoning, I got). So we weren’t that far off! Finally, useful(less) knowledge coming through!

Day 187 and after having seen the beach the day before, I figured that I would break out the boardshorts and hop on it. It wasn’t that bad… the waves were hitting the shore hard which made it even more entertaining. It was a refreshing swim, mind you.

The rest of the afternoon was just spent browsing around in shops, deciding if I wanted to buy anything (I actually decided to pass on most things!) but I did send out some more postcards.
In the evening I decided to head out and catch a flick. I hadn’t seen a movie since I had left Canada, so I figured I should go and see something. It was a choice between Oscar-nominated Up in the Air and Swedish thriller The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I chose the latter because of its Swedishness, among other things.

It is based on the best-selling novel by Stieg Larson and didn’t disappoint. However they had violence in that movie that put any episode of Law and Order SVU out to pasture. It was good, but just disturbing. Definitely worth seeing, but most deservedly was given the equivalent to “R” over here. That being said, I’m going to go pick up the other books (there’s two more) when I get the chance back home.

When I got back to the B&B I grabbed my camera out of the room and started shooting some video… I know this doesn’t do it justice but it was just so beautiful – even with the street lamps going!

VIDEO TO COME…

Earlier in the week I had talked to someone about something that I’d like to do somewhat. So it was on Day 188 that with the permission of Craig from Dive HQ that I joined up to teach classes.
Now I know what you’re thinking. Why in the world I spend a perfectly good holiday in a classroom? Well, I’m always intrigued to see how others learn, and I don’t usually get to teach diving to high schoolers so I figured why not.

I started out about 9.30 am with a group of five kids – three kiwis and two deutschlanders (guten tag, mein frau unt herr!) and their teacher Paul. He’s a busy guy – including teaching at the Marine Academy on Fridays (that’s what they call it) he also teaches all the sciences – your biology, your chemistry and your physics. He actually suggested I start the day by talking about diving in Canada, which I was happy to do, and explained some of the cool stuff we get to do in our club – the eyes lit up when I talked about drift diving!

Although they were working with different materials then I am used to, I was happy to chip in. We spent the first half hour going through some review of materials from last time, and then the kids wrote a quiz.

And guess who got to help mark said quiz? Yep, you’re right on the nose. There’s something about a red pen that I can’t resist… And Paul was happy to have me lead the correction of said quizzes! I put my usual teaching humour into it and the kids reacted well.

The second half of class was talking about accessories past your basic scuba unit (I enjoyed personally talking about float and flag… safety first people!) and then touching briefly on DCS/DCI. We wrapped up around 11.30 am.

Now my intention for the afternoon was to just bum around the town for my last hurrah.

However I was really having too much fun and after checking with Ryan, the divemaster from Monday – who, incidentally is the doppelganger of a one Adam Camenzuli –

I was allowed to join the five students and him for the afternoon pool session. Huzzah! Plus I was able to use their gear so as to keep mine bone dry for the upcoming flight to Australia.
We loaded everything up and I jumped in the van. Much like back home the pool was in somebody’s backyard, and you could tell that it had been designed for diving – the first drop was to about a half metre, then a metre and a half, then three metres. In essence it was perfect.

It was a good training session. The students were going through a review of basic skills (mask clearing, reg retrieval) and then ye olde no mask swim which still to this day is not my favourite by any means!

One of the students when we headed down to the bottom was having problems clearing his ears. Ryan suggested that I could go work with him which I was more than happy to do. We had been going up and down quite a bit during the pool time and if you’re not used to it you usually get your ears plugged at one point, which happened here.

So I talked with him briefly, we went down to 1.5 metres, swam around a bit, and then made our way slowly down to the bottom, taking advantage of the intermediary steps that were given to us along the way by the pool’s creator.

The last skill of the day was to do a total gear swap – which I was assigned to do so that Ryan could supervise. It actually wasn’t bad at all, except for the weight belt switcheroo (I usually wear integrated weights in my BC) which proved interesting!

And it just occurred to me that I’ve gone into the world of diving past the “underwater breathing” step, sorry if I’ve confused anyone.

I did get a few pictures, here’s one for you to enjoy of what we were doing.

All in all a great day. I headed back to the B and B, caught the last episode of Come Dine With Me – it’s called closure, people – and then got picked up around 6.15 pm for my shuttle to Hannaford’s Wharf to catch the ferry to Auckland. The ride over from Whitianga was once again through the winding roads but I had a great chat with the driver who is a diver himself, having travelled over to Vanuatu several times.

Got on the ferry around 8 pm and the view was great… it was so cool being on a catamaran, I think that was my first time!

Met a really nice couple from the UK who were working in a hotel in Rotorua and then met Josh, who was celebrating his fourth birthday. Turns out Josh was quite a handful, running around in his new Spider Man outfit… I turned into Godzilla and we had quite the match!

Thus ends the Coromandel… next up Auckland, then Australia!

Cheers,

Vick.

Days 182-185

2010-03-02T17:10:00.000-08:00

Everything happens for a reason.

This is a quote from a cult favourite television show of mine – Strange Days at Blake Holsey High. It was an unfortunate cancellation due to a production company closing up shop (although they did get a finale out of it). While I’m sure it was muttered by many a person, it is a personal mantra that I am of the belief that quite a bit of life is already mapped out for us and we’ve no choice but to follow it along, unaware what will happen.

This will apply in this blog entry, as you’ll come to find.

I turned on the radio around 7.00 am on Day 182, a gorgeous Sunday. “There is a tsunami warning for the east coast of New Zealand this morning”.

Sorry, what?

As a result of the initial earthquake in Chile, everyone was warned to stay off the beach and away from the water. I imagine Heather, the Calgarian that I had met the night before, was going to have her windsurfing lesson cancelled.

I went back to bed for a bit, but flipped on the radio again around 8.30. Coming from a station that had an awful lot of music playing, it was suddenly transferred to talking.

“Well Rex, I’ve got a set of ladies golf clubs. $150 or nearest offer. My phone number is 07 866 1212.”

It turned out that I had tuned into the – and I’ve taken the time to write this down, because it’s a mouthful – the Coromandel FM 100% Brown’s Appliances Peninsula Garage Sale.

I kid you not.

See, this is the difference between here and back home in North America. Nobody is going to crank call you if you give out your phone number. In fact one lady even mentioned “Rex, I’m having a boot sale – I live at 123 Any Street”.

It was entertaining, compelling, and even a bit hokey at times, but I loved it and frankly need to hear it again. It was just people being people, trying to hawk their stuff. I’m told by Rae, the owner of Tui Lodge where I was staying that on Saturday they have the same thing but it’s selling cars.

I left on the bus (nay, mini-van) around 11.30 am and headed over to Whitianga (fit-ee-ann-ga). I was once again reminded that New Zealand’s roads are very much accentuated with twists and turns, so I was grateful when we took a pit stop so that the driver could have a smoke. And the view… even on a day with a tsunami warning…

… was still gorgeous.

Again I had the luxury of being dropped off at my living quarters. The Cosy Cat is just that. It’s like Gail Cinders (Stephnie Weir) from Mad TV’s Lillian Verner Game Show decorated. I mean this place is CRAWLING with cat nick-nacks. The Lonely Planet guide was quite accurate in this description – not that I minded, it is quite nice and homely.

I set out to discover where I might catch some Olympic highlights when I stumbled upon Smitty’s. A sports bar with internet! A winning combination. I was online chatting with someone when they said that the men’s curling was in the tenth end, up 3 points, and looking good.

Finally, I would have the chance to see Canada win a gold, live, and Kevin Martin’s team didn’t disappoint.

I was then faced with a dilemma. I could watch the hockey game live on Monday or go out for a pair of dives. This was not going to be easy.

Fast forward to Day 183. I had made my mind up. I was going diving. And here’s why: don’t get me wrong, I wanted to watch the game live, however I am continually picking the New Zealand experience over anything else mostly due to the fact that I WILL come back, I just don’t know when it will be in the cards again.

So I met the folks at Dive HQ Whitianga at their shop at 8.45 am to get ready. Pay money, sort out gear, get cert card checked, yep, we’re all good. Load boat. Take off.

With emphasis on the “take off”. Holy crap, with a 250 HP motor, we sure could get that sucker going with 10 people on board.

New Zealand continues to amaze me and the scenery off the coast of Whitianga was no exception. The ride out was gorgeous. I grabbed a photo for posterity…

When we got to the dive site we saw something on the rocky cliff. It looked like a BC, but upon closer reflection it was a backpack. Still though, you had to wonder…

I was buddied up with Mike, a self confessed surf bum. He was originally from St. Petersburg, FL, but had met a cute kiwi girl and immigrated in ’78 (his words, not mine!). We set out on the dive and it was wonderful… here’s some shots:

So in order then, coral, jellyfish, coral, seaweed.

We got out and did the surface interval before the second dive. Grabbed some munchies, some members of the dive team – including four students who were working towards being instructors at the end of a year long program – hopped in for a quick snorkel.

The second dive was a bit more tiring than the first, whereby we had to go with the current and then push against it on the way back. Sufficient to say that we had a bit of a surface swim on the way back as our air ran out quicker than we would have liked!

Once we got back on board I got rid of everything, jumped in with just my bathing suit and had a bit of a swim. Bit colder obviously but still quite nice. All in all a nice couple of dives!

We got back to the store, rinsed off all of our gear at around 3.30 pm and then I ran to the phone.

“Mom! I have to know! Did we win?”

“You mean you want me to tell you that Canada won in overtime?”

“YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!”

And there you have it. 14 gold medals for Canada, a record for the number of golds won by a country in the Winter Olympics. Good on ya!

However when I got back to the b&b, hung my gear out to dry, I was knackered. I laid down for awhile and then decided I was going to go check my email and cancel the dive for the next day.
When I got on the email there was a nice note saying that yes Ryan we can pick you up from the ferry. I suddenly felt some pangs of guilt and figured what the hey, I’ll go out for a dive tomorrow. I can rest on Wednesday.

Everything happens for a reason.

It was brutal at whatever horrible hour the alarm clock went off. I had already packed up my gear the night before although it was a bit slower going during the morning of Day 184. I got to the ferry and climbed on. In order to avoid a massive 40 minute drive (and in my case, a non-existent car ride) you can pay 2$ and get a ride on the passenger ferry. Which takes all of five minutes, top – blink and you’ll miss it.

My ride, the female owner of the dive shop, arrived shortly thereafter. It was a pleasant ride into Hahei, where I would be diving. It turned out I was the only one booked for the morning, and when I heard that there were two others booked for the afternoon, I suggested that I could go at that point too. No sense wasting gas, right?

I also discovered on the way over that it is NOT fun to be stung by a wasp.

After sorting out some paperwork at the dive shop, someone dropped me off at the parking lot nearest the scenic walk that would lead me to Cathedral Cove. The views, once again, were mind shattering.

The walk is about 40-45 minutes, depending on your speed and whether or not you’re wearing jandals (read: flip-flops) or not. And how easily you navigate the farmer’s gates (not worth explaining – this entry is long enough).

But look at the payout!

And it turned out that I ran right into the middle of a school trip! Yes! Because this is EXACTLY what I was trying to do.

After a nice little break at Cathedral Cove – where you can go kayaking if you want, and I can understand why –

I headed back to go snorkeling at Gemstone Bay. It was extremely peaceful and they actually have a snorkeling trail marked out. I hung out mostly by the second buoy, as there must have been about 30 or so fish that looked more interested in me than I did in them but I can reassure you that was not the case.

I got back, grabbed some lunch and then joined the female instructor as she was giving a briefing to Laurent and Marian from Paris (le 15e arrondissement) who were doing a discover scuba dive this afternoon.

I was extremely impressed in that the briefing was very comprehensive and I was sufficiently impressed.

After kitting up everything we started out to the beach. Now I have had a variety of ways that I have made my way to the dive site, however being in a boat that was pulled by a tractor was definitely a first. When we got to the beach (gorgeous, again – why wouldn’t I move here?) Laurent and I hopped out to pull the boat into the water.

We motored out for about seven or eight minutes and then things kind of fell apart. I won’t go into the details (if you want to know, contact me privately) but it was a dive that I was convinced I had been on because I had to be there for safety’s sake.

There were some good moments… Laurent and Marian enjoyed themselves

And I did did see a moray eel and a sting ray which was quite cool.

All in all although I paid 80$NZD for the dive and it really wasn’t worth that, I was happy I was there, because, as I said before, everything happens for a reason.

After everything wrapped up Laurent and Marian were gracious enough to give me a ride back to the ferry. It was great chatting with them and before departing we exchanged emails and they were kind enough to say that I was welcome to stay with them whenever I was in Paris.
Which was quite kind – Paris being super expensive with hotels this will be something I will definitely take them up on!

Once back over in Whitianga I booked my ferry ride to Auckland for Friday and my shuttle to get there before getting back to Cosy Cat. I hung out my gear, and then considering the day I had, I walked down to Smitty’s to grab a nice dinner because I had done good that day.
I was kind of in the mood for a burger but instead I went for battered mussels (locally caught!) along with fries, salad and some kind of golden beverage to wash it down with. It was really tasty and a steal at 12$NZD – about $9 CDN. Following dinner finishing I sat down, sent out some emails – and discovered my Millionaire tickets were waiting for me in my inbox, along with some other greetings.

And that wraps it up. What more adventures await in the days that were to come, I wonder?

Cheers,
Vick

Day 178-181

2010-02-27T22:43:00.000-08:00

Following the excitement that was the culturally fun day, I decided to take it down a notch.
I spent the morning at the spa.

Now yes it says “Polynesian Spa” and perhaps there were mud baths and masseuses (masseusa?) but I really didn’t care.

That was pretty much me for the majority of the morning. I started in a thermal pool that was at 38C – that was the coldest one that was at the joint. I worked my way up to a 41C pool but I didn’t spend that much time in that one! Did have a nice chat with a couple from England who were over here after having recently retired.

Retirement – now I could get used to that.

Following the spa I walked back to the “Streat” – a block of restaurants pedestrianized and with good taste to boot. I stuck to something simple – fish and chips – mostly because my brain was mush after the spa.

Actually that became the theme for the day. I really didn’t want to do much anything else, so it was a sandwich in for dinner and the only thing of general note after that (besides sitting through my first episode of Millionaire Hot Seat in preparation for the upcoming taping) was that I locked myself out of my room. With the assistance of my new Dutch friends we tried everything until we just had to give up and ring the manager. I was extremely embarrassed but was happy I did it as the thought of staying outside for the night really just didn’t appeal to me.

On Day 179 it was time for destination number 6 of 8 in New Zealand – Coromandel Town. The first two bus rides up to Thames were uneventful – especially the second one where the driver was just downright impolite.

However the third leg – Thames to Coromandel – was just superb. It turned out that we were the school bus run. There were some students that rode to school an hour each way to Thames and we were their ride home. Actually it was GORGEOUS – the scenery that is – so really it didn’t matter and the kids were pretty well behaved. I was getting hungry as I hadn’t had lunch yet (don’t ask – although it was nearing 5 pm) and taking to a chef from British Columbia would do that to you!

The greatest thing about InterCity – especially the smaller areas is that they’ll drop you off at your lodgings, directly. Classy.

So it was around 5.30 pm when I arrived at my home for the evening, and a couple more, the Tui Lodge. I had heard from a lady from Boston in Rotorua that she had stayed there and it did not disappoint, at least on first view! And what a wonderful chat I had with Bridget and Charlotte from Holland, who graciously gave me their extra phone card as they were leaving the next day – and I happily repaid the favour by given them some maple syrup and Timmie’s coffee.

Day 180 and I started exploring. For a $20 deposit for a lock and key I could take one of the lodge’s bikes – which was great as it was a good kilometre out of town (not unreachable by walking, by any means, but still). I wanted to enjoy a great view and some grassy knolls for lunch, and I discovered the Pa Lookout. I mean, really – how do you argue with THIS?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNuVsuNk8A8

I also took the time to shoot an application video for something. Now, I’m not actually telling what you it is but if it works out… well, it would be pretty amazing.

Having sorted all of that out, and running down the lookout to the tune of some old Double Dare cues, I hiked back to the centre of town and discovered some internet availability and taught a Kiwi barmaid how curling works (seriously).

Again I retired to my accommodations and completing my afternoon nap it was time for dinner. I decided to go to a takeaway and I was not disappointed as I had some wonderful fish and chips.
It was at dinner that I met Linnaea and Ben, both travelling from the US. We had a wonderful discussion about everything and anything. That’s what I like about the backpackers – it’s nice and easy to meet people and just chill. It makes for a wonderful evening.

One of the suggestions that I had been given for Day 181 was to check out the Driving Creek Railway. After having navigating the 5K bike ride (with the rental bike acting a bit dodgy!) I got there in plenty of time to catch my ride.

It was quite enjoyable – we were all on a small train which made its way up the hill slowly but surely, complete with tunnels and switchbacks galore. It was part of a clay pottery workshop as well. We reached the top and climbed Eyefull Tower – HA!

All in all a good time. I ended up chatting quite awhile with a gaggle of Kiwis who were home for a wedding from the UK. Also bumped into them while having lunch at a delicious vegetarian café where I had Dahl – lovely curry with basmati rice and yogurt. Not super fancy but enjoyable nonetheless!

On the way back from the railroad I enjoyed a wonderful ice cream cone of Berry Berry Mud from the local creamery and then watched as Canada just barely lost to the Swedes in the Women’s curling final.

Following a nice chat again over dinner and a good read of a book it was off to bed… for tomorrow was another day and another destination!

Cheers,
Vick

Day 177

2010-02-27T22:37:00.000-08:00

I forgot to mention on my zorbing day that I went for a wonderfully long walk along the water. Rotorua, like many other New Zealand communities and like many a Canadian community, has seen and understands the concept of recreation and as such is it just a nice time to gather your thoughts. And, in the case of Rotorua, one to take in just a wee sample of the sulphuric water that surrounds the community in the similarly named lake.

In any case after a restful morning I decided to head to the Rotorua Museum of Art and History. This is a former bath house in the early 1900’s and as such it was quite fascinating to see some of the relics that were left over.

You even could go into the basement to explore the heating system, which I did, taking them up on their offer of hard hats to use in case of your being a freakishly tall human. As I am.

The other highlight was the tele-theatre, which frankly had a great 20 minute film detailing the history of the baths and other culturally relevant items in the area.

But with all that being said, and added to the fact that I went on the 80 minute “introductory tour”, I was kind of “museumed out”.

I’ve thought about this… after having hit the Otago Museum, the Dunedin Art Gallery, Te Papa in Wellington, the W(h)anganui Regional Museum and its neighbouring Searjeant Gallery, I think I’m going to try and take a break from the historical side just for a bit. Not that I don’t enjoy it… I’m just in the mode where I’m getting a wee bit too much of a good thing.

I decided as such to take the afternoon off and relax at the Flashpackers, taking in a bit of Olympic Spirit from back home. The coverage over here (on free channel “Prime”) is a bit hopscotchy – for example you don’t necessarily get to see things covered from end to end, unless it’s the figure skating for some odd reason – but isn’t that bad. I do miss the wall to wall coverage, although I’m slightly saddened that CBC doesn’t have the rights this year.
I was mystified, however, to hear that one Prime commentator remarked that Canada’s male curling skip, Kevin Martin of Alberta, was “a”, if not “the”, sex symbol of the games.
Am I missing something?

In any case it was time to go and enjoy the next festivities. I had booked a traditional Maori cultural dinner for the evening, complete with its entertainment. The shuttle van picked me up at around 6.20 pm, drove me to the headquarters (where they were more than happy to take my money) and then everyone loaded into one of four buses, which were to serve as our “wakas” for the evening (waka = craft/canoe in Maori).

On the bus our driver, Ahora, was quite entertaining. One of the first things was an election of chief. Now although I was one of three finalists (spurred on by a Commonwealth movement of Aussies) I didn’t get it, which frankly I was okay with. Sometimes the Drama teacher wants a night off, you know!

We arrived and it first started with a traditional welcome ceremony. One of the key things was that Maori welcoming involves greeting by not only their painted faces (which they use to distinguish their tribes, if memory serves) but also the sticking out of tongues and making of traditional noises (which if you didn’t know better you might have gone to a KISS concert – but I did, don’t worry). We were all informed not to laugh at this time, as I imagined others may of at times.

Following the welcome we were lead into the village where we were allowed to explore the huts, detailing different parts of their lives. It was quite interesting – we go to see how they apply the face paints, and also test our skills by training in traditional Maori ways. One of the things that you could try was something akin to running left-right-left-right through tires (like in American football training, for example). If you did that, you were allowed to take a picture (only after giving up your wife as a gift!). Although I did quite horribly (and admitted as such), I was granted the gesture.

It was then time for the bulk of the entertainment for the night. We got to go into a hall and enjoy a number of songs. All played traditionally (ok, maybe not the stage lights!) and was quite fascinating. They have mad skills!
Finally it was time for a traditional dinner. Let’s see, there was chicken, lamb (traditional in NZ – baa baa bye sheep), salad, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, bread, cranberries, gravy, stuffing… what a feast! And that was just the main course – for dessert there was pavlova and steamed pudding with custard (I went for the latter). They joked that backpackers were welcome to go up for seconds and thirds, if not sevenths and eighths! I’m sure that they’ve had a few people bring up plastic containers to bring it home, too.

I had a wonderful chat with one of a pair of twin brothers that were visiting from London. About two months before they had just decided to up and go – quitting their jobs! Crazy, but it happens. They were having the time of their life, although I imagine that after doing no less than six different adventurous sports in Queenstown their wallet was a wee bit thinner.

After getting a bit of a lesson in how to make a “hangi”, which is a traditional Maori dinner (and discovering that the Kiwis and Aussies have a gentle relationship) we headed back on the bus. Each country was asked to sing during Maorioke (HA!). I decided to represent Canada and after stating that I was not once, but twice rejected from Canadian Idol I then launched into the classic If I Had $1000000 by the Barenaked Ladies. Didn’t get the whole thing right, but I’m pretty sure I stayed more in tune than the Irishman sitting next to me!

Cheers,
Vick.

Day 176 - Zorbing

2010-02-21T19:04:00.000-08:00

It was time. Time to do another wet and wild Kiwi adventure.

I started the morning off with a good breakfast. Not that I don’t mind going out for food but I’ve discovered that if you buy yourself some food, keep it in the community fridge in the kitchen, you can really cut down on meal prices. And frankly, while it’s nice to experience the food culture, I’m a big fan of the culture culture. It was also nice chatting with a trio of ladies who were from the states and doing a whirlwind tour – I think it was maybe 11 days, so it was very much go go go for them!

I hopped onto the bus at 9.30 am to get out to the site. Mistakenly I first went the way of the Agrodome complex

and its own bizarre attractions (what the heck is a ‘schweeb’ anyway?) I finally headed across the road and found it!

It was time to go zorbing! Now for the uninitiated, a zorb is this: a massive soft plastic ball with another smaller plastic ball inside it, where you, the willing adventure tourist, get to have all the fun. I plunked down about 95$NZD for three rides which I didn’t think that was all that bad. I’d been waiting years to do this… ever since it popped up years ago on Amazing Race.

You then go and get changed. If you don’t have a bathing suit, you’ll have to shell out for a spandex/lycra combo which I guess is okay, although it’s nothing compared to Hole in the Wall (which frankly isn’t that bad).

First off you then get shuttled up the hill in a mountain. To be honest I’m not sure why they don’t have stairs, guess it must depend on how busy they get. I was in the car with a mom and son from Wellington who were quite nice to chat with. I let them go first, then it was my turn!

I got to do the wet ride first. You first have to dive/slide into the ball which already has about two litres of water inside. They then zip the hole closed, and then you have to stand up, and in American Gladiators style you have to walk it a tiny little bit to get it going. Let’s have a picture essay, shall we?

Here I am at the start.

Now, making progress.

At the first turn…

And now making further good time down the hill.

All the time I was laughing my head off. I was giggling like a school girl, it was so fun! They take a picture of you inside of the zorb…

… and then your wonderful “exit”. Priceless.
Followed by a good jump to show your enthusiasm.
I was laughing so hard and anxious to do it again. This time I was “assigned” to the dry ride. It’s very different – this time you’re strapped into the zorb by way of a harness.

I’d lie to you and say that I liked this one better but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. While I’m pleased I got to enjoy it, I felt that I didn’t have tons of padding and it was like being thrown down in a WWE match. Oh and did I mention I went backwards?

So it was with great pleasure that I went for ride number three back on the wet course. I could have done the straightaway but I enjoyed the zig-zag too much the first time that I wanted to go back to that one.

I am one who really enjoys a good laugh and I think it’s a great way to health but I don’t think I had laughed this in a short period time in probably forever. The family from Wellington and I then went and picked up our pictures (some of which you’ve seen here) and then parted ways. On the way out I also picked up a tshirt (half price!) and ran into a family from Calgary and one solo backpacker from Waterloo.

To be honest, not that zorbing was that exhausting, but I have come to a conclusion that if I don’t do everything every day it’s not the end of the world. And as such, I headed back early afternoon to the flashpackers to have a well deserved nap and catch up with some blog entries.

I was tempted to go along with the Nova Scotia crew to an event in the evening but I was still quite wiped. I’m trying to pace myself a little better than I did in Europe (22 cities in 47 days I think was the count, or thereabouts) so I took in a nice evening with Susie Dent’s book What makes the crocodile cry? and a wee bit of Olympic coverage where I can get it.

Cheers,
Vick.

Day 174 and 175 - Wanganui, then to Rotorua

2010-02-21T19:00:00.001-08:00

It was a gorgeous Saturday morning at 9 am when I arrived at the Farmer’s Market in downtown Wanaganui. So many things to see, so many things to buy. I resisted temptation and avoided most of the food but couldn’t resist a lovely muffin from one of the stands featuring fresh products.

It was off to the information centre again to get a hold of some phone cards… you have to get one phone card to be able to access local numbers, so that you can then get at your long distance card! Very bizarre.

Next stop was the post office. I found some things of interest for a friend of mine. Now since this person might be reading this blog, I won’t be revealing it but rest assured I think they’ll enjoy it.
Right across from the post office there was a charity fundraiser for a local U21 touch rugby team. They were going to the championships in a fortnight so I happily bought a sausage to help support.

I decided to wander over to the art gallery. I was never a big fan of art galleries when I was younger, but have now started to enjoy them. This was very abstract – especially the figures made out of glass were particularly enjoyable, having visited the glass blowing factory earlier in the day. It’s amazing what artists can do!

I then started to wander… and ended up climbing the stairs below the tower. Trish had taken me there the day before and the view was just gorgeous.

I kept wandering and before I knew it I ended up at Trish and Adrian’s place! Before dinner was ready I was able to have some serious bonding time with Evie… man that girl can MOVE! She’s going to be on the Olympic Skeleton team or something. She’s a fun little baby… and very happy to tolerate my singing!

Soon after Dawn and Bill arrived, and then Pat (who works at the museum with Trish). We had a grand old time at dinner, laughing at almost everything.

And after a couple of glasses of wine, everything got a bit more funnier! I was challenged to eat both vegemite and marmite, with interesting results:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy400SL_CFg

I needed to wash it down with the toblerone!

Day 175 and it was again time to hit the bus. A little more treacherous this time – Wanganui to Bulls was fine, but Bulls to Taupo – well it was scenic and nuts at the same time.

We actually passed through the “desert road” which is one of the more interesting passes I’ve been through. Still though, it was enjoyable with the tour highlights that were given by the bus driver (really, why doesn’t this happen back home!) and I threw on a Vinyl Café podcast which was entertaining to say the least as well.

Arriving in Rotorua around 5 pm after the journey from Taupo, I found my backpackers quickly. Now, this was the kind of backpackers for me. Frankly, if it wasn’t for the kitchen I would have thought it to be a normal hotel. It’s called the Flashpackers and with good reason – it is flashy. If only all the backpackers could be like this!

Following a run to the Pak ‘n Save (the cost of not having to buy additional letters is passed on to you!) I heard a familiar sound. Indeed, it was five Nova Scotians! Turns out that they were all from Antigonish and the area.

I was going to have dinner but I thought nah… I want to watch a bit of telly… hey, Amazing Race is on! Granted it was season fourteen – two seasons behind, but still, it was enjoyable, as they featured paragliding.

And tomorrow, it would be time to complete an Amazing Race roadblock from years ago…

Cheers,
Vick.

Day 172 and 173

2010-02-21T18:55:00.000-08:00

And it was back on the bus again. Simple, effective run this time – Wellington to Wanganui with a stop in Palmerston North (which has a dump named after John Cleese there) for a lunch break.

Apart from the wonderful reception that I received at the B&B – Pam, the owner picked me up from the bus stop! – my first time in Wanganui was very low key. So let’s fast forward to the next day, shall we?

Waking up on 173 it was nice to have a great breakfast to start. Pam does cook a mean breakfast… and after scrambled eggs, toast, cereal and juice, I was ready to go. I started the day by walking into town – a brisk 20 minute walk, but very peaceful.

After doing some emailing at the information centre, I hopped on Australiasia’s only remaining paddle steamer – the Waimarie (wy-mahr-ee-aa). It was a wonderful little journey up river and back, filled with commentary and the odd temptation to pull a Titanic and sing My Heart Will Go
On from the front deck.

Two things missing: Kate and Celine Dion. Apart from that a great time was had!

I grabbed a nice little sandwich and headed up to the Whanganui Regional Museum for some more exploring. A friend of mine from the Strasbourg exchange, Jen, had given me the contact for a friend of hers, Trish. I met up with Trish and it was like I had known her all my life. Very friendly and was kind enough to invite me to dinner that evening!
The museum itself was quite gorgeous. I caught myself sitting in the recreation of the school room and found myself recalling things from Upper Canada Village!

I met Trish back at the museum at 5 and she took me over to her house where I met her husband, Adrian, and her gorgeous eight-month-old daughter, Evie. We had a great barbecue on their lovely deck and it was a great way to finish the day… I got back to the B&B and was quite done!

Cheers,
Vick

Day 171

2010-02-21T18:49:00.001-08:00

Originally Wellington was going to be one and done, staying there, that was. But upon further reflection I decided to give Wellytown, capital of New Zealand, a good shake.

Turns out that was an excellent idea.

After a cereal and toast bfast at the backpackers (free!) and a half hour checking email and Olympic scores (free!) I headed out to Te Papa.

Now it’s really hard to describe the brilliance of Te Papa. It is quite outstanding, and possibly the best museum/gallery/living history site I’ve ever seen (and I worked at an award winning one for four summers, don’t you know). Five floors (you can’t count reception on the bottom!) of absolutely brilliant exhibits.

First stop was the Anne Frank travelling exhibit.

I have actually never read her diary (I know, shame) but the history portrayed behind it was phenomenal. Next stop was a visual history of media and merchandise in the past years of New Zealand, followed by a stroll through a wharenui.

It was absolutely gorgeous. I mean I can’t even begin to imagine what kind of time it took to construct this magnificent complex. When I was inside it was quite dark, and apparently I surprised a young school child. I apologized and she remarked that I wasn’t from the area. I told her that she was correct, that I was from Canada. She was fascinated to hear this and was peppering me with questions! Her teacher later told me that she shouldn’t bug the nice man; I said it was nonsense and I didn’t mind at all.

I know nobody believes me, but I actually do miss teaching (because this day would have been our normal Sears Festival night as it has been for the last five years)..
I decided to take my lunch outside to enjoy by the wharf. On route I found this:

Which lead me to believe that “The Crystal Maze” is in a quite decrepit state of affairs.
Back into the museum in the afternoon. I toured through the earth and fire exhibits, and then hit up “Our Scene”. While I passed on the motion simulators, I did experiment with “The Wall”.

This is quite the technological marvel - you can actually take a wand, which resembles a Wii controller, and then move pictures all over the wall, and even put up your own picture!
The final exhibit that I got to was the giant squid. It was called the colossal squid – and with good reason.

I departed Te Papa after having filled out their comment card to the limit and also having personally thanked the reception. I was very impressed with Te Papa and encourage anyone reading if they’re in Wellington at some point to go and check it out.

Now after an afternoon nap – something that I’m learning to perfect on this tour, because frankly, I can – I headed off to the BATS theatre to try and score some theatre tickets. I got lucky as there was at least one no show so I got to see my first ever fringe production.
It was quite funny – meant to be a parody of “travelling educational shows”. I laughed the whole time and hope to be able to adapt the show for use at work. We’ll see!

Cheers,
Vick

Day 170

2010-02-21T18:46:00.000-08:00

It was time to leave Queenstown. What a beautiful little town. Sure, it was somewhat overrun with backpackers and tourists from every corner of the earth (or apparently Western Europe, at least) I really enjoyed it.

Part of that was the crew at Butterfli Lodge. I’m a big believe that if you do your research into where you’re staying, you’ll enjoy it even more. Such was the case. I said my goodbyes and got picked up by the airport shuttle at around 11.30 am. Turns out we had some time to kill, so the drivers (which I take to be good friends) took me to one of the highest points in Queenstown that you can reach by car and not by some winged creature.

The Queenstown airport, while not huge, is really quite pretty. So was, in fact, the subsequent flight to Christchurch. I wished I had booked a window seat – it was like being on my own private jet – we had the pilot narrating the sights to see.

From Christchurch, after enjoying my 15 minutes of free internet in the terminal (Greater Toronto Airports Authority, are you listening?) it was off to Wellington and then shuttled into the city to get to my backpackers.

Now, let’s get one thing straight. “Backpackers” is a fancy way of saying “hostel”. It’s not the highest class accommodation (frankly, far from it) but I was able to book a single room for a small reasonable premium. I don’t want anyone to get the idea that I’m trying to play super-hermit; however, I do like my space. Don’t worry, I’ll be sharing rooms in Australia when the costs go up just that bit more…

Wellington has a nice downtown pedestrianized shopping arcade where I found a man from France selling crepes. I swear I am not making this up. After buying one I also noticed the poster – of all things there was a French film festival going on! It was going to be a toss-up between that and a Fringe Festival show.

To paraphrase TV Burp’s Harry Hill: “Well, I like fringe theatre, but I also like French films. But which one is better? There’s only one way to find out - FIGHT!”

Cheers,
Vick.

Day 169

2010-02-14T20:40:00.003-08:00

I awoke with tons of excitement. I had breakfast. Checked my email. Walked downtown.

Grabbed some souvenirs. Got back to the lodge at about 10.30.

And then alarm bells started to go off.

It turns out when Hannah had called to confirm her adventure, they cancelled on her. I was supposed to go on the same adventure with the same company.

So I got Romy, the manager of the lodge to call on my behalf. I was told that no problem, things were good to go. So I was ready at 11.50 to go for a 12 noon pickup (which is what I had been told the day before).

12.05: Nothing

12.10: Nothing, starting to grit my teeth.

12.20: This isn’t good business practice.

12.30: I have conceded defeat. Romy calls back, and apparently there was a miscommunication as I was supposed to be have told 1 pm instead.

Good things come to those who wait, I suppose?

Just before 1 pm the shuttle arrives. I am indeed going. We pick up the other passenger, and one of the guides, Owen (from Brighton) en route.

It was finally happening. We get to the site. I get paired up with Owen as we were chatting together in the van. I get a briefing.

Do what he says.

It’s important to do what he says.

Pay attention Ryan, this is important.

I struggle to do this. Everything at this moment is so perfect.

Helmet is on, tightened.

All strapped in.

“RUN!” yells Owen. I do this, dragging him backwards as it was explained to me. “KEEP RUNNING!”

And then I realize something. No matter how much more I pump my legs, it doesn’t matter.

I. Am. Flying.

It has been eight years but I have gone from this:

at the top of the Vosges mountains in Alsace to this:

with a feeling that I can’t describe.

I am euphoric. And we are going FAST. We catch “thermals” and actually get much more air than expected. I am taught that when Owen says lean left it means to cross your legs and worry about nothing. It’s like holding it in when you have to go to the washroom really bad.

None of this affects me though.

We take a small dive down to whoosh by Owen’s friends who are also getting ready to launch. We avoid the “monkeys” from another group who don’t seem to know what is going on.
Owen takes out the camera to take a series of photos. I am smiling politely is not a good way to describe it. I am smiling ear to ear and continue this pose with no problems at all. Owen then retrieves the camera, switching it to video mode. I start to babble… I can feel everything around me but it continues to be such an unbelievable event that is occurring. I know I say some things which are relevant but it is like I have taken leave of my body.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa47-EGl_xI

We are halfway, possibly two thirds of the way down when I ask Owen about the turns. I was told about these turns, you see, whereby you go into such a corkscrew spin.

Frankly I’m not sure if my body can handle it as I usually can’t handle the Tilt-A-Whirl at the carnival but I have not come this far not to try everything.

Owen explains that once we start and he calls left and right that I have to do this quickly.

Cuddled in my harness-cum-baby stroller, I am ready to respond. LEFT! RIGHT! LEFT! RIGHT! STAY RIGHT!

We then start spiraling down. I don’t mind admitting that I screamed heavily at this point. It is so magical what happens.

I imagine this lasts for thirty, maybe forty seconds, although it felt like it went by in a split second.

It is now time to nail the landing. I am told to put my hands straight in front of me so as to let go of the handles. This is a bit nerve-wracking but I can manage it. I am then told to get ready to run if need be. Apparently I look like Fred Flintstone when I come down and hit the ground, pedaling an invisible car.

We have finished the ride but the natural high. I am speechless. Nothing can put into words to what I have just experienced. I manage to get a picture while still in the harness

and once Owen has finished packing up I get a picture with him as well.

Someone from another company asked me if enjoyed myself.

They could hear me screaming and saw my landing. I am happy that it is then self-explanatory as my thoughts, words and legs are mostly reduced to mush.

It is a natural high that I shall never forget.

EPILOGUE

Most of the rest of the day doesn’t really matter, doesn’t count. I go to the internet café to upload the video to prove to the rest of the world what I experienced. I make pasta for the second night in a row. I watch a recap of Alexandre Bilodeau winning his gold medal on what could be considered the poor taste sport show to end all poor taste poor shows on Kiwi television.

But it really doesn’t matter. I flew.

And I want more.

Cheers,
Vick.

PS - Popped up again in episode five of Kids in the Hall: Death Comes To Town. Expect more once the olympics are done. Thanks to Lisa B. for the screencaps (as I found them accidentally on line and she was nice enough to share!)

Day 168

2010-02-14T20:40:00.001-08:00

Well it was early on Sunday morning when I got up for breakfast.

Actually, that’s a lie. In fact I had a bit of a lie in. The bed was so comfy… no need to change things! I did however make a nice omelet (which frankly I missed having ketchup with). James, a gentleman from the US was having problems with the computer he was using so I happily lent him mine. He was very thankful but I was more than happy to do it.

I packed a PB and J lunch and took off to find a nice place to eat. Along the way I rented a Frisbee… yes… it was time for my immersion into the world of disc golf! Queenstown has an excellent course in the middle of their big park – for $7NZD I was able to rent a disc and also pick up a scorecard. Not a bad price at all.

Now, let’s get one thing straight. It is true that I play ultimate back home and I think I’m okay at it. Here’s the difference though: in ulty, the players can happily move around and toward you. The holes and other targets in disc golf, not so much.

So it was with not much surprise that I ended up after nine holes with some kind of miserable score like 12 over par. I’d dig up my scorecard but I’m not really into schaudenfreude right now.

But then something happened. A gentleman who appeared to be one of the local pros was very helpful in showing me some disc handling technique. And then everything went right on the par 3 11th hole, with this tree as the target.

To quote the guy from RDS’ old Défi Mini-Putt tv show: BIIIIIIIIIIIIIRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRDDDDDDDDDDDIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEE!
Yuppers. I was dumb struck.

And then later on I was joined by Rolf and his dog (no, they weren’t from The Muppet Show – get off it!). It was nice to have someone to play the end of the round with.
Following the golfing experience and the pic-a-nic lunch (thank you, Boo-Boo) I headed up the gondola to get a great view of the city. As an additional bonus, they also have a mountain luge for a small cost.

Long way home, then!

I’d have one with me in the luge but frankly I wasn’t shelling out 12$ for the honour.
And then I went BUNGY JUMPING!

Not really, actually.

I stuck to the viewing area. Trust me, though, I did consider it. And then I asked myself, why would I jump (and in this case, run and jump) off a perfectly good bridge. Maybe one day.
I walked back to the lodge, made some pasta - the kitchen was in great shape so I decided to profit from it. The only problem travelling so much is that as I’m taking public transport (ooh, how Channel Four Lost! of me) it makes it hard to buy “long term groceries”. Except for PB and J, and frankly you can’t go wrong.

I was taking it easy just updating the blog when some bewildered tourists walked in. They looked like they couldn’t speak English. I heard them pipe up with some French, and it was go time. Turns out they were from Nancy, which is about an hour from Strasbourg by train. This put them at ease.

Turns out their car had stalled in front of the lodge and unfortunately it was booked up for the night. However Sofia called a friend at another establishment and got them a room. At this point I was playing translator! It’s like riding a bike; as long as you do it once in awhile things really come back. And I am a French teacher after all…

I offered to help them reach the other side of Queenstown to make sure that they got there, which they took me up on. We navigated the streets quite well… but then the car just didn’t want to make it up the steep enough hill. I wondered internally what we would be doing at that point… and it turned out some friendly kiwis pointed us in a different direction where the grade wasn’t as bad. We made it to the lodge, and after some more dubbing with the manager of this lodge, they were settled.

They insisted on driving me back – and I would have none of it. First of all it wasn’t necessary, and secondly I figured that they should probably leave the car where it was. They mentioned that they were going to try and get a replacement car the next day (although no time credit would be given for this unfortunate incident – Phil K.).

Just before parting ways they gave me their email and insisted that the next time I was in France that I come and stay with them. I look forward to taking them up on their offer.
I walked down to the waterfront to head to Patagonia’s to enjoy a homemade gelato which I figured was well deserved. Got back to the lodge, told the story a couple of times and the headed off the bed.

In the next post: what promised to be a very, very exciting day.

Cheers,
Vick.

Day 167 - Rolling on the river.

2010-02-14T20:26:00.001-08:00

Queenstown is a bit of a conundrum.

Dah dah dah dah (No countdown SFX, thanks).

There are tons of things to do but not many of them fall in the “under $20 range”. Most of them are high adrenaline and thus high costing!

So before I left Canada that I would pick two unique things that I wanted to do and for the most part, couldn’t do back home.

The first of those would be done on this day – riversurfing! Which is, in a nutshell, white water rafting without the raft.

After a short ride out to what, if memory serves, is Lake Wanaka, it was time to get kitted up.

Nothing says excitement on a Saturday morning like rental wetsuits and soaking boots.
EXCITEMENT.

We walked down the hill and got our briefing by the guides. We were first asked to jump in the water!

We then practiced the basic moves – kicking upstream and downstream, duck diving, barrel rolling and getting back on your board once you had fell off.

We then started on our trek. One thing I noticed right off the start – due to the shorter fins, as compared to my dive fins, every single fin kick (save for the flutter) that I had learned in diving became absolutely useless. Goodbye sculling. See you later, frog kick.

At one point we stopped and watched someone jumped off the original bungy bridge. And when

I say original, I do mean original. Queenstown is the world’s birthplace of bungy jumping. We, as riversurfers, did our own jump.

Not bad!
One of the most challenging goes was actually trying to float downstream, then turn upstream, and hope to heck that you’d be grabbed by one of the guides (in this case, Neil the Scot). Here’s my first attempt:

So close! If I had only kicked a bit more… Sadly attempt number two of two was worse. I was making great time and pace… and then my leg cramped up – and just that bit made me miss the wave. Out damn cramp, out.
Near the end we hit “Chinese Dog Leg”. When given instructions for this rapid it became something to the context of “go left, go left, duck dive, go left, duck dive, go right, eat a hokey pokey”. Close enough. I managed to get through. So did my new friends Torsten and Kristiana from Cologne (hello, Gunter Jauch!).

All in all a great day out, but one that was very physically demanding. Having to arch your back like that insane lotus position for yoga became something that my body didn’t like.

I went back to Butterfli and took it easy… meeting up with Torsten and Kristiana after their canyon swing adventures to exchange addresses. Torsten said to me “Have you had dinner yet?” Actually at this point I had just finished getting some pasta to make at home, but I figured what the hell let’s go for dinner.

Aaaaaaaaaaand back it was to Fergburger! Why not. Actually it was quite different than the night before, as we this time took the meal and sat and chatted at the water front. Which was actually great. It was wonderful swapping stories. I’m enjoying meeting such great people – I wish that they would be around when I got home to Canada!

Following a stop at Lick’s (the ice cream place, not the Ontario based burger joint) we parted.

What a great day, once again.
Cheers
Vick.

Day 166

2010-02-14T20:23:00.001-08:00

After starting with a relaxing morning, Chris, Bozena and I headed down to the bus station so that I could catch my lift. It was hard leaving… what a wonderful experience my first visit to Dunedin had been!

Notice I say first as it won’t be the last. Chris, you’ve been warned.

We did one last quick thing… a visit to the botanical garden to feed the ducks. I had never picked up a duck before; it didn’t quack and it didn’t do its washroom duties on my hand, so that was a start.

The bus ride was quite scenic, albeit quite twisty turny. I did fall asleep for awhile but was awakened by the bus driver giving a summary of the ride. We stopped in Roxburgh for a coffee break; I grabbed a famous Jimmy’s bacon and egg pie to hit the munchies.

Note to self. When the driver says this is a good time to use the washroom, you probably should take his advice. I turned around after we got back on the bus – turns out there’s no washroom. Seven P’s of life there.

Arriving in Queenstown it struck me what it resembled: Banff. It’s very much the same vibe although Qtown has a few more adventure sports (although I’ll probably be corrected at some point!). Took a shuttle to Butterfli lodge and quite enjoyed the running commentary.

I could see right away that this place was a good pick. I walked in, someone asked me who I was and I was checked in right away!

I got chatting to a few ladies in the main social room, and they said that there were going out to grab some dinner if I wanted to come… sure, of course!

We headed down to the famous Fergberger. Now you’ve got to understand I don’t usually eat burgers when I go out, mostly because I love A&W after dives and that’s about it. But Fergberger is somewhat of an exception. For about $7.50 CDN, you get a massive size burger. Frankly, there’s no need for fries (even though they serve them) because you’re pretty much meatified once done. And for the veggies out there… I’m sure they have some option but I can’t recall!
On the back of the key fob there was a 2for1 special at a local pub. I wasn’t 100% really up for a beer… but I was enjoying the company quite hardily so I went along happily! It was great just shooting the breeze with Liz and Hannah from Melbourne and Annabelle from Munster (Germany).

All in all… a great first day in Qtown… with more fun to come!

Cheers,

Vick.

Day 165

2010-02-14T20:19:00.000-08:00

It’s interesting. The quote that I remember most (besides “Always blow on the pie”) so far is “You’re in Dunedin until Friday. Why?”.

I get that you’re a local and that maybe you don’t think you have a nice city, but you actually really have a nice place and you should be happy about that. I honestly think that there’s very few cities in the world that I would spend weeks on end in, but still, don’t knock yourself down too many pegs.

In any case. I got dropped off at the Octagon around 9 am for my first exploratory walk. Apparently they run around the shape once a year as part of the orientation festivities and that reminded me of a certain scene in Chariots of Fire – at least one person that reads this knows what that is.

Around 10 am Bozena picked me up again and we had a really nice tour around the upper part of the city… followed by me going out for another walk about around town. It is a gorgeous place, that’s for sure.

I was recommended a certain pizza place – Pappo’s Pizza. So I went in… and I found the perfect pizza for me.

I swear I can’t make this up.

Shortly thereafter I bonded once again with the bus (after using the self checkout somewhat successfully at New World) and arrived back casa Haug to perform a very interesting task. Laundry. Fact of life people.

We had a wonderful dinner with the Haug’s family friends Anne and Wendy – complete with Pinot Noir ice cream! – and then headed off to Sandfly Beach.

But not before we got to see ‘dem bones! Both Chris and Wendy are going into medical school and have to get a set of bones.

Now then. Take everything you’ve everything scenically. Then multiply it by about five. That’s pretty much Sandfly.

We were on the way down to the beach and saw that there were some sheep that weren’t jumping the fence back into their pen, but rather trying to squeeze through the very small hole in the fence!

Chris and I then took it onto ourselves to make sure they got herded back into the pen. Results:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-WeaDmvD3w

The second obstacle is the sand dune jumping. Now there is a technique to sand dune jumping. You’re supposed to jump into a big pile of sand. Let’s see how I did!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaawHyk3AlU

After that wonderful experience, we walked the beach, and came across some sea lions!

They were very much just content to just lie there – you could get within 10 metres without them getting scared. There was also a pack of penguins that we were allowed to spot from afar. Truly an awesome experience, once again!

Off to Queenstown in the next post!

Cheers,

Vick

Day 164

2010-02-14T20:10:00.001-08:00

So one of the surprising things that happened the previous day was that we drove by Dive Otago. Now I really hadn’t thought about diving in Dunedin – not that I didn’t want to, it just didn’t register on the radar.

However after realizing it wouldn’t be a bad idea (and they pretty much checked out) I gave them a call, and it turned out that they were heading out while I was there. And a steal, too, at 50 NZD for two tanks and transport.

Arriving shortly before 9 am I checked in. The ride out wasn’t that bad (still getting used to the twists and turns) and after a stop at New World Supermarket in Super Nintendo Chalmers – sorry, that’s Port Chalmers

– we arrived at the Mole in Aramoana.

The Mole? Sadly, there was no sign of Grant Bowler, Anderson Cooper or Glenn Hughill (although I was in the same building as the latter in October). It turns out that “the Mole” is the local lingo for the pier.

I was assigned to be buddied up with Scotty. Turns out he and the other four guys in my van were working on their instructor cards. Dive Otago, I’m told by my hosts, is an accredited institution that can issue a certificate in this domain which is then useable in other locations.
In any case! This showed promise.

Now I wish to say that this has probably got to be one of the more treacherous entries I have done in my time diving and I wish not to speak of it again!

Scotty and I dove the Paloona first, away from the others. He was excited as there’s a certain other wreck that he has done countless times… so I think he lucked out in getting me to kick around then!

The dive itself was superb. This was the first time I had dove in kelp – it was definitely a different challenge. You really can get caught up in everything if you lose your wits… and the kelp has a way of getting tangled up in your gear. Plus you don’t realize it’s happening until you are farther away!

We saw a lot of different creatures that I usually don’t get to see. Coral. Starfish. Lots of fish. And an awesome, awesome swim through that was the base of the Paloona! The only thing that was frustrating was that there is SO MUCH to see that you have to make sure that you’re not hitting anything with your person. Which is much more difficult than you think. I managed though.

Kelp.

Starfish.

Crab leg.

Sea tulips.

Coral.

Wall of fish.

More coral.

Can't remember... can anyone help?

I'm not sure what this creature is, but I do recall that if you pressed near it, it would retreat!

We got almost 40 minutes on the dive, but at a temp of about 58F I was ready to get out and get some lunch. It was quite entertaining during the surface interval; I told the guys about the fun we have at our dive club back home and they were quite impressed. And how if there’s one thing that I should have learned by now it’s…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7UX8KASASU

Apparently this video has become quite the viral sensation here in New Zealand. I have to get the tshirt before I leave.The second dive was on the Momokia – let’s call it the Mo – because it functions similarly to its namesake back home, as apparently everyone dives on it repeatedly.

But from what I can gather Dive Otago is the only operator around, so I don’t think it would be as bad.

This one had much more of a swell as compared to the previous so once again, an entertaining and challenging dive. We did a couple of spins around the wreck itself, but around 35 minutes I was getting cold so we headed up.

I’m not sure why but on the way back it was a worse drive for me, probably because I couldn’t see the edge of the road very much! Even going through Super Nintendo Chalmers. We stopped at the Wild Bean Café on the way back at the BP station where I bought Scotty a coffee… the least I could do. He was very surprised… but then again, so was I… surprised that for once, while away on vacation, someone actually acted like my buddy. What a concept!

Once back at the shop I told the front desk staff how much I had enjoyed my time and they were so enamored they asked if I would write something down that they could quote me on! Being the teacher and long-winded human that I am, I wrote a whole page, as I was supremely expressed.

Could this day get any better? Bozena (Chris’ mom) came and picked me up and we headed over to get premium ice cream. I had a small dish… which didn’t even last back to the car! Raspberry and white chocolate… what a tasty treat.

Cheers,

Vick.

Day 163

2010-02-11T12:14:00.000-08:00

Well my first full day in Dunedin promised to be a good one. I started the day once again at the Otago Museum – I couldn’t believe that it was free! I do believe in at least giving a donation at least, which is what I did.
There were many exciting exhibits; one of the best ones was the animal attic. It was a collection, I would say, of at least 600 different creatures. One of which was BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAINS.

Around noon I figured it was time for lunch. I ended up finding a takeaway (although I sat in) and ate some wonderful peanut chicken; I ordered the small but it ended up being quite filling. Shortly thereafter, it was time for my sweet tooth to get fed. I was heading over to the Cadbury Factory for a tour.

You get to start by doing a self guided tour through the history of the museum. Who knew John Cadbury, the original creator, was a quaker? Not me! Perhaps I should get a discount next time?

Once the tour started we were off like a herd of turtles. We got to see the processing plants (where they make “Buttons”), the warehouse where they store everything, and my personal favourite, the purple silo which contains a mechanism that pours out just vats and vats of chocolate! Chocolate from the heavens is my fave, although I decided against licking the stairwell (many did). At the end we each came out with five small choco bars… and a new appreciation of the gooey sweet stuff.

I also got my picture taken by Chris and his wife and their son Andy (sorry if I’ve mixed them up, guys). This is one of the old milk vans!

I also was happy to reciprocate the favour for them.

Wait, why can't this leave me alone???

I decided then to pop back to the museum to check out the butterfly exhibit. It was really neat, having been in the butterfly conservatory back in Niagara Falls as part of a dive trip. It was a great chance to snap pictures too.

You’d think, after all that excitement, that I’d be done for the day? Not quite! After a wonderful supper Chris, his parents and I headed over to Baldwin Street. And what does Baldwin Street hold? Well, it’s the world’s steepest street, at a gradient of 1:2.86! Note please that I don’t understand the significance of that, I still do appreciate it.

We started by driving up the street, which is a bit nervewracking. I’d never want to do it with a stick (manual) shift, that’s for sure! And then we drove back down – just as crazy! Apparently there’s a youtube video with someone going up on it on a Segway.

Once parked at the bottom, we then started to walk up. At times we stopped to take pictures. Here are two to compare.

First, here’s one that we took on the natural grade. You can see we’re leaning, but not too much.

Secondly, here’s one that was took to make the street look nice and flat. It’s quite the art to show you this, as it’s difficult to achieve!

At one point Chris started to run up the street. Now please take into consideration that he is several years my junior, then please enjoy this youtube link to the evidence:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCabSZvFGSQ

Not that bad, I figure, for an older dude! Chris previously climbed the CN tower with me and another Reach student back in Toronto.

All four of us gathered at the top to get a group picture,

then we met a gentleman from Liverpool, England who had decided to bike down the hill! You can see in this evidence that he actually DISAPPEARS out of view. The street really is steep.
It was a great experience however!

And then we got a Cookie Time cookie. As if I hadn’t had enough sugar that day already.

Following a stop to the Otago University campus (where Alfred teaches and Chris studies), it was back to the homestead to hit the hay. Tomorrow promised to be a longer day…

Cheers,

Vick.

PS - This was my view from the room where I was staying in Dunedin.

New Zealand is wonderful. Frankly, I'm not sure if I'm coming back to Canada. Apparently my visa is only good for three months, however.

Days 159, 160 and 162 (but not 161): Cross the Pacific

2010-02-09T20:53:00.000-08:00

So Day 159 and I woke up early again (no surprise) but this time was greeted with the sight of rain. And we’re not talking light rain here – it was practically a torrential downpour. So that made walking anywhere just not a great idea period. I decided, after some research, to get on the 10.30 am tour at the Sony Studios.

You have to understand that I’m a big fan of public transport as well. As long as you travel during daytime hours, it’s good to go. With that, I got the 117 to the LAX Transit Center and then connected to the Culver City no. 6 bus – all for $1.50! I then walked down for about twenty minutes and registered for the tour.

It was pouring but really that was the only bad thing about the tour. We got to see the stages where Esther Williams did her swimming movies (there’s actually a pool built into the floor, and then got to see the biggest stage in the Western Hemisphere, where they filmed scenes from The Wizard of Oz and Indiana Jones IV, among others. We discussed the life of the sitcom on the set of ‘Til Death. We got to see how they do all the scenic backdrops. We even sat in the audience of Jeopardy! which wasn’t taping (as such the set was struck) but it was really neat to see it up close, especially with the new set design.

I made sure to tip my tour guide Kelly as he knew his stuff. I even picked up a Wheel beach towel (because I was heading out, so really there was no reason not to as I’ll need it soon!). I then got chatting to two ladies who were going to the same Wheel taping as me, so we sat and had lunch together. Maureen is from Rhode Island and Nancy is from the San Francisco area and they were just a blast to spend time with. We are big chatters so we were all trying to get a word in edgewise!

The Wheel taping then. I was really excited to go – this would be the first time I was back on the set (ok, the audience, but close enough) to when I taped in early 1997. We got to see three shows filmed – the last two days of “Beaches Resorts Family Week” and a “sixth show”, which they use later in the season on mash-up weeks. This saves them taping days. They were very exciting and will air March 26-27 and June 7th. I suggest you watch all of the week of March 23rd, frankly, as we heard stories about the morning tapings.

The main thing that I noticed was that it was very low key. Announcer Charlie O’Donnell came out and entertained during the show breaks and while there was someone else on staff who talked to us the rest of the time however without a mike, it was hard to hear him.

The whole thing wrapped up around 6.30 and at that point I was bushed and headed back to my hotel (after a further 1-6-117 bus transfer route). I had an invite to see a friend in an improv session but I was just done.

Day 160 turned out better than I thought it would. I had a vision of hanging around all day and then going to the airport super early. However that changed when Nancy called and asked if I wanted to come over and go out walking with them. But of course! So I hauled all of my luggage together, and after about 90 minutes on the bus (Metro 117 to Culver City 6 to Culver City 3 – where I forgot to grab my camera and the #6 bus driver brought it over to me, thank goodness – to Santa Monica 7) I found myself at a much nicer hotel than mine!

We headed out about 11 am in the morning and were only about a 15 minute walk to Rodeo Drive which I had never been to. I felt in awe just breathing the same air, although I have a rule of thumb that if something doesn’t have a price on it, it’s probably not affordable for me!

We found the infamous “Sprinkles” cupcake shop.

I had paid a similar price for a cupcake back in NYC in September and this didn’t disappoint either. Dark chocolate Belgian cake base with a vanilla icing top. Mmm mmm good.
We walked around more and found a couple of things of interest to me. First was the Paley Centre of Media – I obviously didn’t have the time, but would have very much enjoyed seeing some classic game show episodes as they have quite the exclusive connection. Next time. I also found Roots!

Which we didn’t go into, but it just almost seemed out of place.

I got back to the hotel, said my goodbyes and thanked the ladies profusely for their wonderful company. I hope that I’ll get to see them again someday! It took about 90 minutes to get to the aiport (7 to 3 to 6 to shuttle) and checked in for the flight around 4 pm with a departure of 7 pm. I made a couple of calls back home (while I still could on my el cheapo phone card) and then sent a few text messages (as I’ve got 50/month with my temporary plan).

Off to NZ I went! And on the plane it was wonderful, as I sat next to Bill and Georgia of St. Louis. They were great seat mates… and we had a lot of good laughs. Surprisingly I slept for about 6 hours (about half the flight) which caught me off guard. The entertainment system wasn’t all bad either, and neither was the leftover ice cream from business class! Nothing says excitement like ice cream at 1.30 am local time, then following it up with breakfast 30 minutes later.

Day 162 then… because there’s no day 161 (hello, international date line). I got into Auckland about 15 minutes earlier than expected, and then transferred me and my bags (and my dive bag almost got taken by somebody AGAIN) over to domestics to catch my Dunedin flight. That checked in about the time that it was supposed to, and then I caught a kiwi shuttle to my first stop.

As I have done before on this trip, I was visiting a former student. Chris was a student of mine during my first two years of teaching and I had been “threatening” him for four years now that I was coming to visit. Finally I was about to deliver!

And what, pray tell, did we do first? Well, we played with dry ice. Why wouldn’t we?

Chris had to be at his job at the Otago museum for noon, so we hustled on out of there. I got to see a bit of the exhibits (actually only one because I took my time reading it!) before dropping Chris’ friend off to the bus. Which is parked in front of the train station. Why wouldn’t it be?

And as you can see, it’s a gorgeous train station.

Following that was a nap, then dinner, then out to the outskirts of Dunedin to watch the penguins. Along the way we stopped at Yellow Point and was convinced to go climbing!!!

The penguin watching was quite fascinating – they all tend to come in pods of 4-6 onto the beach, then make their way up to their nests which are buried in the ground.

It was hard to get a picture, but near the end of the night I was in the car park, and while you weren’t allowed to use a flash, someone’s car was going very quickly and this was my best shot of the night.
Coming soon – more wacky Kiwi adventures!

Cheers,

Vick.

Days 151-158: Officially on the road again!

2010-02-04T17:36:00.000-08:00

Day 151 started off by getting some unfinished business from 150 taken care of. I got a call back from TV5 – turns out they had SKIPPED MY EPISODES. What? Turns out that they were trying to get back in sync with the France 3 airings (they had been about a month behind, now they’re much closer – maybe a week out, tops). After chatting for awhile, kindly she said that she would send me copies due to the skippage. Which was pretty nice of them actually, as I realize that does take her time. So thumbs up, way up, TV5.

Day 152 and it was still more of the same running around. It was slowly sinking in that I was leaving… very soon. Dropped by the currency exchange booth at the mall before heading up to Barrie to stay the night in antici (pause) pation for the next day’s activities.

It was an early start to Day 153 as it was all day first aid training with the dive club. It’s pretty intensive at times but with humour to lighten the seriousness and real-life situations in hand it made it go by quickly.

Day 154 and it was off to run around (re: walk) to get things done. I look forward to owning a vehicle again! In any case it was good exercise topped off with a long chat with my friend Kari from my Tintamarre days.

I was also lucky to get a hold of the Deal or No Deal episodes that I saw taped back in October in Bristol. It was so wonderful to see them again, and to spot myself a few times in the audience – particularly in Tracey’s and Mo’s games. Evidence!

please note all Deal or No Deal images remain copyright of Cheetah Television and Channel Four - no challenge to any ownership implied - I'm just spreading the love of my time in the dream factory!

Day 155 and everything was creeping closer… and it was about time to pack. Sort of, at least. I figured the best thing was to put out everything that I wanted to pack, leave it for a day, figure out what I really needed, didn’t need and what I’d forgotten to pack and then firm it up on the next day.

I also got to go out for a nice lunch at the local eatery and as I ate a wee bit too much I thought it would be good to head out for a walk to get my haircut. Save for the fact that there was a massive lineup and I would have to come back later (read: the next day) it was GREAT!
I arrived home and started putting a gift together for a friend. It took four hours but I’m very proud of of the “homemade” present that I was able to deliver.

While I was doing that Hans and Helga shouted that the mail had arrived. I walked up, expecting nothing and blammo, what do we have here? It’s my Des Chiffres et Des Lettres episodes! We sat down and watched a couple of clips…

Here’s me being asked if I use the word “picossé”. I said I had never heard of it, to which the host quipped “That’s great! You came all the way from Canada to learn a Canadian word!”.

As I had mentioned before on the blog, in between the first and second shows I was talking to the host and the judges , which lead to me being interviewed at the top of the second show. Proof!

Day 156 and it was now or never time. I headed over to work to meet up with a couple of people and then finally got over to the hairdresser’s to get my mop top lopped off. Say that five times fast.

I got home at about 1.30 pm and after lunch (and catching up one some overdue episodes of Glee) I was in a bit of a funk. I started to realize what was going to happen in a couple of days. I was going away… but to a good place. I put on some musical theatre (thanks, Die Hexen von Oz) and pushed those concerns away. I got everything packed and ready to go for the next day.

My friend Jan came at about 6 pm to pick me up and we went out for dinner at Chalet Suisse. It was great to catch up and hear about all the goings on. After running a few errands (and another futile search for maple butter) she dropped me back home. Flipped on 22 Minutes; another stellar episode. It’s the one show that makes me totally guffaw when watching it. That Jay Leno bit especially was dead on the money.

And at 8.22 pm Eastern from my friends at CBC Halifax, the following popped on screen:

I had made my debut as a part of The Kids in The Hall! I was now part of Canadian comedy lore!

I think I made it to about 10 pm and then gave up. Time to hit the hay.

Yesterday, day 157, and it was time to head out. Got a few last minute things done (and the discovery of some discrepancy of travel arrangements). Stopped at another health food store (maple butter? Strike two). Stopped at Chapters to grab a book of puzzles. Got dropped at the bus stop.

I exit the terminal to get in line and I hear “so, how was your dive?”. This throws me. How do I know this woman? “Barrie, remember?”. Of course! I ended up getting the same driver as I had on new year’s day. It was nice to chat and just shoot the breeze.

Switched at York U and then got dropped off at Square One mall. Kelly Kelly Kelly was along shortly after the drop to pick me up and head to her swim practice. Once we got to the pool I got to sit in the “observation deck”. This was totally foreign to me; you want me to SIT by the pool? It was really bizarre but I made it through, mostly because I got to chat with Kelly’s co-coach, who is a French teacher and Reach for the top coach by trade. We swapped war stories.

Kelly’s mom met us at a gorgeous Thai restaurant where we enjoyed a delicious dinner. Kelly and I then returned to her house to just relax. Which I did after getting my hotel straightened out from LA (shuttle issues). By 10 pm I was once again out like a light, it was time to get some zzzzzzzzzzzz before the early wakeup.

I got up at 5 on day 158. I’d like to say that there was fun in fives, or five makes you feel alive, something like that. But the fact is that it’s REALLY EARLY. Super early in fact. We were out the door at 5.30 am on the road, and after a quick stop at Timmie’s, it was time to get in line.
I won’t mention the airline that I took although I will state that they weren’t being extremely helpful in line. You have to get your own boarding card printed out… which requires you to have passport, flight number and the location you’re staying at. I helped two different passengers… time to staff more helpers, (*mumbles airline name*)!

As I was flying into the US, it’s a bit more work these days. One – get boarding card. Two – check in with staff. Three – wait for your call time for the customs line. Four, go through customs where some lady yelled to somewhere near me “DON’T EVEN LOOK AT ME LIKE THAT. I’LL THROW YOU OUT”. I wish I’d have known her name, I’d have had her reported. Five – still lugging your luggage, drop it off on the conveyor belt (wheeled suitcases turned up please and thank you!). Six – clear security. Seven – realize what has all just happened and regroup.

So I get in the plane shortly before 9 am. I look up and my goodness, it’s getting scary. Two cast members who were formerly main players on Degrassi: The Next Generation are on my plane. Currently one is sitting diagonally behind me two rows. While I have not talked to either of them yet (although you can bet your sweep bippy that I want to) it has occurred to me that she was in Dog Sees God that I saw in March of this past year. Maybe that’s an angle…

Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion!
Cheers,
Vick.

AND NOW, THE EXCITING CONCLUSION.
So the fun started near the end of the flight. We were delayed as the bridge wasn’t ready. I saw my chance and turned around to say hello to the one of the two that was near me, asking if indeed she was in Dog Sees God back in Toronto (which I saw in March and was EXCELLENT). We chatted briefly.

Later I’m at the baggage claim. I see my dive bag come down the chute. Excellent. Then my clothes backpack pops out. Perfect. I’m on the opposite side of the rotation, so I just have to watch in the meantime to pick them both up.

But there’s a problem.

My clothes pack – which popped out SECOND is now first. Umm, that’s not good. How have I missed it?

I wait a few more rotations and see it. Ah! This is good. I pick it up. There’s a heavy/lourd sticker on it.

It clicks in. It’s not mine.

Oh dear.

It turns out someone has the same exact bag as me (and having never seen said bag in stores, I find that mind boggling). I let it go back on the rotation.

In the meantime, I figure “well, considering the day I’m having, we might as well go for it”.
I approach Paula (who I talked to before) and Lauren. Slightly sheepishly, I confirm that yes they are indeed two of the cast members from Degrassi: The Next Generation. I explain that I have students that watch the show and ask politely if I might be able to get a picture to show to my students. They are more than happy to oblige!

I have to say, all things considered, this is an EPIC WIN.

I then go immediately and flag down the baggage attendant. Apparently this happens all the time.

I just have to laugh. That’s the best way to deal with it. I go and grab a nutrigrain bar at the snack shop – it was now getting to the point where it was later in the day (ie. supper back east) and I hadn’t even had lunch yet (don’t get me started about paying 7$ for a sandwich on the plane). I have a nice chat with one of the baggage attendants and she is quite helpful in arranging for my later shuttle.

And soon enough my bag turns up again! I find it ever so hilarious that it turns out that a LAPD officer took it… isn’t that against the law???

After some confusion I finally get my shuttle to the Econo Lodge, where I now sit. Sadly there seems to be some problem with the internet – I have a serious issue with you advertising wireless and then not being able to deliver as I am not able to get it in my room. It’s not that it’s do or die; rather, I’d like to update this blog!

We’ll see, however. I think I might go get some pizza for the evening meal. Depends if I can get a slice or two.

Wheel of Fortune taping tomorrow!

Cheers again,
Vick.

Day 145 to 150

2010-01-28T18:45:00.000-08:00

Well let's cut to the chase, then, shant we?

Day 145 and 146 were a bit of a blur. Why? Well, I've been knee deep in planning for my upcoming trip. And frankly, it sucked in day 147 too.

Status for the trip?

CONFIRMED - All flights are now booked. Tickets for Wheel of Fortune in LA are confirmed. Places to stay are confirmed for Los Angeles, Dunedin, Queenstown, Wellington, Coromandel Town, Whitianga, Auckland and Melbourne. Tickets confirmed for Millionaire: Hot Seat in Melbourne. Attending circus class in Melbourne at famous Circus Oz.

IN PLANNING STAGES
Riversurfing and paragliding in Queenstown, diving in Whitianga, canyoning in Auckland (outskirts), diving on the great barrier reef.

Still a lot to do, mind you.

Day 148 included a trip up to Barrie. I did some paperwork in the afternoon and then helped teach a class in the evening. It's been awhile since I've been able to help out but I was pleased to do it.

Day 149 was filled with puppy love. No, seriously, I helped look after my friend's new pup, such a cutie! I also learned a valuable lesson: when the pup wakes up, you take it outside, or you have a new surprise on carpet number one.

After arriving back home I was rewarded by a visit by my friend Sarah. We were going to sit down and watch my appearance on Des Chiffres et Des Lettres. More on that later. We had dinner and then a certain blog owner won the game quite handily.

Today is day one-five-oh. And one of the first things that happened was I got a call from TV5 in Montreal. You see, after I watched DCEDL yesterday I thought that the airings were a bit off. It turns out that they had skipped my episodes. This of course didn't please me... but after a nice chat with someone at the network I received an email this afternoon saying they would send me the episodes!!! I am quite thrilled - and props to TV5, that was pretty classy.

I went for walk today in the "snow storm" in town... freezing cold!!!

There is some other good news on the horizon... but I'm not really going to discuss it yet because it's not public yet! Soon hopefully, although if you send me an email, I'll tell you :)

Seven more sleeps!!

Cheers,
Vick

Days 139 to Day Number Gross

2010-01-23T13:15:00.000-08:00

That's day number 144 at the end, just to clarify.

GOOD NEWS TO FOLLOW NEAR THE END!

Day 139 on Monday was flight mobilization. It was getting to the point where I was getting anxious... if I didn't get the flight booked soon, it wouldn't happen as it would be out of control. So I started doing some poking around and followed up with my travel agent. He told me that we could wrap it up soon... so that was good.

Day 140 on Tuesday and it was public transit mobilization up north to Barrie. After a quick chat on the way up with a former student of mine I headed over to my friend's place of employment to catch up for a bit.

Following supper I met up with a couple of people that I was doing a refresh with. They were very down to earth which was helpful as it's been a while since I was in the classroom proper!

Day 141 and I ran around doing some dive related stuff. That was pretty much theme for the day, had to do some organization with some gear, but enjoyed a nice relaxing afternoon highlighted with a visit to Quizno's for lunch.

That evening we headed down south to get in the pool. I was working with Brendan, whom I had worked with the night before. We had a good laugh with his brother's girlfriend (the connection to the club) underwater and I think he enjoyed when I showed him how to walk around the side of the pool like we were in The Matrix. None of us are sane in the dive club, I justify to you.

Day 142 brought two things. First was a walk to the bank and back - not mine, as it's close, but Hans and Helga's, as it's right near the main mall and a good trot and great exercise.

The slightly more exciting thing? my flight is booked!!! I wasn't able to get all of the stops I wanted in (Seoul and Palau cost tons to add to the itinerary) but basically it boils down to:

Los Angeles 4-6 Feb

New Zealand 8 Feb - 9 March

Australia 9 March - 2 April

I am now in the process of getting things worked out... visits in LA with friends and to see a little show called Wheel of Fortune (in fairness, I've never actually sat in the audience). New Zealand to visit a former student and his family, as well as canyoning, zorbing, river sledding, diving and visiting Maori culture. Australia to visit Who Wants to be a Millionaire, go surfing and dive the Great Barrier Reef.

SUPER EXCITED!!!!

Day 143 and it was another walk, this time to the library to pick up a book I've been jonesing to read for awhile. Helga and I then headed out to the Superstore in Aurora which always means excitement! I was thrilled that Irene was working at the self-checkout as she usually is when I've been there - Hello Irene if you're reading this - it was great to catch up for a minute or two amongst customers.

When we got home I threw a pizza in the oven and Hans and Helga came downstairs so we could watch Wer Wird Millionar. It was a hoot watching it for the first time, as someone had been kind enough to send it over and I shelled out to convert it (at $30, it was a good deal). Proof that I made it...

I haven't made it through the second episode yet but so far, that's the best shot! And, for the sake of completionism, here's a screen grab of me at Who Wants to be a Millionaire way back in September in New York City.

I figured that you knew that I wasn't the pregnant woman or host Meredith Vieira, but just in case...

Today, Day 144, saw distinct breaks in the day. In the morning I did a couple of hours planning for the upcoming trip. I was fascinated to find out that taking the bus in New Zealand is SUPER CHEAP. Seriously. Plus the fact that $1CDN=about $1.32NZD and it means that I'm going to be able to do quite a few things in New Zealand, adventure and travel wise.

In the afternoon it was off to the mall to pick up a CD and a converter. It's quite amazing to me that I can use all of my electrical needs (plugs for both cameras, computer) with one adapter when I go to Europe but sadly I have to buy a voltage converter to use my electric razor in the south Pacific. At $20 though, for the set, I don't mind that much.

And speaking of travelling, good news - carry ons are back on board! Which means I can bring a small backpack on board along with my camera. That's a load off of my mind.

Well, dear readers, if you don't mind, I'll now bid you adieu - supper is almost ready!

Cheers,

Vick.

Days 131 to 138

2010-01-18T12:27:00.000-08:00

Sunday brought an interesting time. Although the dead of winter was upon us, I got invited to go kayaking.

What?

Kayaking?

On the 10th of January?

Are you serious?

Of course I said yes. Because it was indoors. It was weird being in a pool and not wearing scuba gear but there you are. It was a great time just to kick back and enjoy. I did my first underwater exit, surprisingly I’d never had this experience. We had a couple of experts in our group which did help things.

Afterwards we headed out to Swiss Chalet for dinner. As it was nearing 8 pm I was concerned that I’d miss the last bus out of town; as it turned out, I needn’t have worried as someone offered me a ride home! I only had to get the gentleman a cup of coffee. And as we were nearing the end of the meal, everyone was getting their bill and suddenly I turned around and was gobsmacked – the nutty group of friends had arranged for a slice of birthday cake. CLEVER! I still can’t understand how they got it done; I like to think that I have a handle on things.

Day 132 was supposed to be the day that I was heading down to the CBC for the Kids in the Hall sneak peek. Unfortunately something else intervened – Mom needed me to help to drive Dad and her up to North Bay as he had been injured on holiday. We had a nice drive up (ok except for Dad’s pain of course) and then I met up with my sister for some quality grocery time.

Day 133 and we were up early to take Dad to an appointment at the doctor’s to get his leg checked out. I took the time to drop by the travel agent to try to get my flight arranged. It’s not done yet, but I’m a big believer of the phrase “good things come to those who wait” and thus I will continue to go on that path!

That evening I borrowed the family sedan (or whatever the Volkswagen equivalent is) and headed over to Don Cherry’s (a restaurant, not the hockey commentator) for the North Bay premiere of Kids in the Hall: Death comes to town. I was very excited as Kate and Krista – the extra casting directors from the summer – had blocked off a section of the restaurant so that we could sit and enjoy! I was thrilled to walk in and immediately see Kate, followed by Geoff and Tracy who had “served” on the jury with me.

Just before the show started we were able to sit and chat with Krista who had came up from Toronto to be with us (being the cast and crew from North Bay and area) which I thought was really nice. As you can see, we're all big hams...

... especially when I pull out my Stuart impression from MadTV.

We also touched base and there’s a certain show that she does for casting in Toronto that she said she could get me some work on which would be really cool for the experience !

The show itself was really great. It was fun to watch, and although it is a bit edgy, I’m sure it will do quite well! In fact according to a tv writer in Toronto it got over a million viewers country wide! AWESOME!

On Day 134 I got up early, grabbed a cab and headed down to Barrie on the bus. It was quite nice on the bus – brand spanking new, and as a result, I was able to stretch out like I had never stretched out before. I kicked back, had breakfast and watched Deal or No Deal UK. It’s getting exciting – some of the players that I saw in person are starting to show up on the programme – just under two weeks until I get to see those episodes!

I took it easy in Barrie and helped out my friend get some dive related stuff done and as a thank you he drove me home! What a stand up guy (and if you know him, don’t tell him I said that!). As a reply to that, I bought him ice cream. We had a long discussion about everything under the sun, which was always nice.

Day 135 and I woke up at a decent time. I had gotten a reply the day before re my flight and it wasn’t particularly the route I wanted so I replied and pretty much set things out point by point. I was quite pleased to have done that, it felt like a weight off of my shoulders. I’m getting a bit antsy to get going, considering I have an event that I’ve been invited to attend in Dunedin on 8th February.

It was also time for a walk. The nice thing about not having a car is that I pretty much have to walk everywhere in town. I took a nice stroll with Hans down to the bank and the library to run some errands, as well as dropping my Wer Wird Millionar episodes off to get converted so that I can watch them. Later on it was off to Costco for what seems to be a weekly visit (hey, it’s an excuse to get out of the house).

Day 136 brought house cleaning. I was having a number of friends over the next day so it was time to get everything straightened up again. It was also a day of massive DVD copying – I had a lot of stuff in “backlog” (dating back to just before I left for Europe) so I wanted to reorganize. Unsurprisingly, an hour show takes about an hour and ten minutes to convert due to the fact that you’ve got to let everything read, finalize, etc.

Day 137 and I was up early to make my dish for the Pot Luck/Chance aux Casseroles. I had decided on Turkey Pad Thai which actually turned out quite well.

Around 11 am my friends started arriving. It was a great afternoon of fun – we ended up eating most of the food that arrived (although thankfully there were some leftovers of which I was the benefactor!), as well as getting in a few games –Buzz on the PS2 (which works quite well with six players), $25,000 Pyramid, where 2 of 3 Winner's Circle rounds were won (this is quite good, all things considered),

(one group after their second $10,000 win)

The Newlywed Game (unsurprisingly the only actual couple won, but not until the last question where my stand-in spouse and I missed the last question)

(a not-quite lovers' spat!)

and also a round of “Things” which is a party game that you have to see to understand.

(frankly I was surprised that we could fit eight people on the couch as well!)

And thus ends the birthday fortnight! I headed up to Barrie to do some pool work in the evening. As you can see, self-photos are easy on land but not really that easy in the water. Clean my teeth, chloreen!

When someone takes them for you, it's a bit easier.

By the time we left the rec centre (around 10 pm) I was pretty bushed. I went out for a bit of a social wrap up and once my head hit the couch back in my celebrity suite (it’s a real long story) I was out for the night.

Yesterday, Day 138, I mentioned to my friends that there were leftovers that I was going to eat, and the next thing you knew I had a ride home! It was great to have more friends over – that was three groups that I had entertained within 10 days, and I think that was a new record! Once they left mid afternoon I took a nice long nap. Because I could!

I am so close to getting my flight confirmed … I can smell it! Hopefully good news to report next time!

Cheers,
Vick