Johnny Rockets, Seattle
27 Jun 2010 6 Comments
in Adventures, food Tags: diner, food, fun, johnny rockets, seattle, yum
Hello there!! I know this has been a little while coming, but I thought you might like to see a little something from my trip to Seattle. On my last day I was wandering around in a shopping centre (mall) and I came across an oldschool American Diner!!! Naturally I went in!
It was called Johnny Rockets and they had little jukeboxes on each table and they were playing oldschool music.
I sat at the counter, where I had a good view of the chef and the whole place really.
And before too long out came my order.
An oreo cookies and cream shake
My goodness it was the best one I have ever had! It was SO decadent and creamy and with little bits of biscuit. SOSOSO good 
I felt like I had to go for a bit of a walk afterwards hahaha.
Sleepless in Seattle
22 Jun 2010 4 Comments
in Adventures, friends, Travel Tags: flickr, fun, kate, seattle, seattle ducks, space needle, USA
hehehe. I am posting with popular titles, the ‘hello seattle’ is a song by Owl City. And ofcourse Sleepless in Seattle is a movie. Today I went past the house they used for the film but it has been so long since I have seen it that I didnt recall it. For anyone interested.
SO I was supposed to meet up with a friend I met on flickr tomorrow but then she sent me a message inviting me along to something today so we spent the morning missing each other on the phone/computer until we connected and organised an afternoon meet.
I took the morning (inbetween this running around) to go and head over to the space needle to check out the view and then to do a bit of shopping. I bought a ring, Edwin! hahaha. Ed was just telling me the other day about how much jewellery I look at. I dont buy it unless its awesome and cheap and I have only bought 1 necklace, 3 rings, 1 pair of earrings whilst overseas so I dont think thats too bad. I think thats all anyway hahaha. Vancouver actually has an awesome independent jewellery selection!
Anyway, back to Seattle. Heres a really crappy pic of the space needle, theres a better one on my flickr.
So yes, the space needle was SO HIGH UP! It had an awesome view and the sun was out so it was lovely. I really enjoyed just walking around the streets and people watching. There are some real characters over here. I wish I could take photos of them all!
Heres some american candy bars i tried
Tootsie Roll = ew. Not my thing at all.
Razzles = soooooooo cool. They really taste like sherberty kinda candy and then they make gum SO COOL.
Junior Mints = mini after dinner mints. Good too.
I also saw peanut butter twix!!!!!!!!! WTF!! Dont mess with the original. I couldnt bring myself to buy it. Peanut Butter obsession – I TOLD YOU! hahaha.
Anyway, yes so then I met up with Kate and her friend Fiona and then Kates friend Elena from Italy and we went adventuring for some food and then on the Seattle Ducks, which is like the vehicles that go into the water in QLD. They are even crazier though hahaha. The lady driver was so insane, she is married to one of the fishermen on deadliest catch. Go figure!! It was a lot of fun and great to have some local knowledge into Seattle.
Thats enough photos for now.
Steveston Harbour Fun Times
06 Jun 2010 6 Comments
in Adventures, friends Tags: b.c, canada, ed, food, friends, fun, richmond, steveston harbour
So on Saturday Ed and I caught up and went to Steveston Harbour in Richmond, BC. It turned out to be a beautiful day and we made the most of it!! After a week of rain in Vancouver it was really nice to feel the sun on my face again. It was like seeing a long lost friend again.
We were both really hungry, so we went for lunch to the harbourside restaurant. This was our view!
I got the traditional club sandwich and Ed got the clam shrimp soup/sandwich thingy.
It was good, but I’ve had better chips!
Afterwards we went to get icecream.
*photo from Ed
And then we went for a walk around the harbour and park area.
It was a day for kites! And they even had kite buggies around.
Some interesting characters about! Bikie kite flyers hehe 
Then we climbed on the artwork
*photo from Ed
And found a park where I told Ed he had to go down the slide hahaha.
So he goes in and then he takes AAAAAAAAAAAAAGES to come out!
And then he says “there was some dirt in there, I didnt want to get dirty so I slowed down so I wouldnt go on it.” BAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHA
My turn came and I flew down there so quick, a bit of dirt doesnt worry me!
It was a fun day but we were both so exhausted by the end of it – heat stroke? Not sure. I slept well that night anyway
Victoria Day Parade and wrap up
30 May 2010 6 Comments
in Adventures, Travel Tags: floats, fun, royal bc museum, sundae, thrifting, vancouver island, victoria, victoria day parade
Alrighty so let me continue where I left off!
In the morning when I went down for breakfast I noticed that the streets were quiet but that there were people and families setting up chairs and blankets by the side of the road. I then realised how big this parade was going to be. After eating I rugged up with my scarf and jacket and gloves and headed out into the street. There were huge crowds and the parade had started!!
The floats were hilarious! Everyone was waving and having fun.
I’m not sure what the requirements were for being in the parade, but every average joe seemed to be there!! Local business owners and a lot of people had come across from the USA to perform.
Even the mysterious stonecutters/freemasons made an appearance! I forget their real name.
There were cheerleaders,floats, bands, bagpipes, flags bearers, dragons, everything you can imagine!!
I watched for about an hour but they were still going strong for a lot longer. I decided to head to the Royal BC Museum, which was absolutely amazing!!! There are 2 levels of exhibits and so so so much to see. They have diaramas of animals in their native habitat.
WOOLY MAMMOTH!
NOOOOOOO BADGER. EHHHHH BADGER. BADGER!!!!
Awesome!! They have a ship you can walk through, old towns with artifacts set up that look so real. They had a huge section on native first nations and there was an area with different masks that featured narration by the people with stories etc. I sat there in the darkness listening to them speak and I cried. It was incredible.
So then I decided to go back and buy some art from the market. I got there and there was only about 3 stalls left, but one guy was selling the carving that I wanted to buy. After standing there for a while he told me I could pick it up and so I did, and told him I wanted to buy it. He smiled at me and asked me where I was from. I told him Australia and that made it easier for me to ask him a few questions. I asked what clan he was from, how long he had been carving and who taught him to carve. I walked away feeling better about things, and with a beautifully carved hummingbird.
I decided to get a sundae from an old soda shop I walked past, so I got one called Muddy Sneakers which was choc and vanilla icecream, hot fudge, caramel sauce, cream and marshmallow on it. WOW it was yum hahaha.
I also went thrifting and ended up finding a vintage 70′s floral dress from a consignment store for $10. Bargain!
And that was pretty much my trip.
Rock em at the roller derby
16 May 2010 7 Comments
in Adventures, fashion, sport Tags: fashion, fun, richmond, roller derby, style, terminal city, vancouver, vintage
I had been looking forward to this day for so long! I kept hoping it’d come and I kept my fingers crossed. Yes, I got to cross another thing off my to do list. I got to go and see the Roller Derby!!!!
I decided that it was the perfect day to wear my newest vintage dress, and took along my vintage handbag too. Before we left I did a little shoot, as promised, to show you how I styled it up.
Dress – vintage thrifted
Purpley Blue Tights (worn under the black) – American Apparel
Black Tights – Myer
Belt – Sussan
Hair Flower – Sportsgirl
And off we headed to Richmond to see the terminal city rollergirls play. I have to be honest, I dont think I had even heard about this sport until I read about the movie Whip It. Watching it on the plane flight over here inspired me even more! I had no idea what to expect or how realistic the movie was. For a bit of info on the sport click here.
First thing that hit me was that this is a flat track -not a raised track like in the movie. The crowd was really alternative and really into the action. I love how the roller girls get to make their own personas and outfits, some of the names were quite funny.
The sport is just as full on as I thought it’d be. There were girls being knocked over left, right and centre.
Some of the jammers go around the track so quickly it almost looks like this.
It made me want to get back into rollerskating, I havent gone in about 10 years! haha. And I could see myself doing some rollerderby and unleashing that – but I think I may be too scared of breaking some bones.
We got to see 4 teams race, and I couldnt even tell you which was my fave or who won.
It was just all very interesting, the colors, the characters and the injuries!! I bet they all have lots of bruises.
**Post Note** Since I posted this I have had more than 13 visits from the terminal city rollergirls forum. There must be some sort of linkage going on?!! If you’ve visited me from there please drop a line to say hi!
All the things she gets to do: hiking
13 May 2010 7 Comments
in Adventures, friends Tags: deep cove, fun, hiking, nature, sophie
So I finally got to do a proper hike! And by ‘proper hike’ I mean I wore my proper socks and proper shoes and it was a proper trail. Two tips for you: dont go on a big hike just after you have eaten fish and chips and make sure you remember to bring water with you. I’ll take those tips on board for next time! haha. I was unprepared!
Sophie was kind enough to show me this hiking trail, and it didnt disappoint!! The day was sunny and lovely, with just a little breeze (probably around 18 degrees celcius).
This was the start of the hike (after we’d walked up a huge hill) and I had no idea what to expect. Soph told me that there was an incredible view at the end, and that kept me going.
There were lot of people out – Vancouverites seem to make the most of the sun because they know it is often rare – and we were overtaken by many fit men and ladies! Most of them said hi, which was nice!
I wont lie to you, it was tough! There were some real steep hills and rugged rocky bits and all the ups and downs wore me out. I dont know if it had anything to do with eating right before (quite possibly). It was a beautiful walk.
And then, when my head was pounding and my feet were sore and my tummy was doing weird things Soph turned to me, smiled and then strode ahead. I grabbed my camera out as I knew that look meant we had arrived.
I turned the corner and BAM!
The sun was shining and everyone was sitting on the rocks to watch the view.
It was one of those moments I’ll always remember.
WE DID IT!!!
And so we sat and talked and watched the world go by for what seemed like hours. Deep Cove is amazing, and so are great friends!!
Finding some magic in the woods
10 May 2010 8 Comments
in Adventures Tags: Adventures, fun, magic, nature, photos, vancouver, woods
I went for a hike through some hidden paths and into the woods. I didnt know where the path was leading me, and I felt like I was an explorer out on a lifechanging adventure. I walked past trees and shrubs and around corners until I came across something that stopped me in my tracks.
I found my new fave place, a place so magical that I didnt see anyone around. I felt so invincible and happy that words cant describe it. My imagination kicked in and I picked up some sticks that were on the ground and started to pretend they were swords. If only I had someone to challenge!
The trees whispered to me, and I lingered here, drawing breath as deeply as I could and taking it all in.
I tried to hone my senses to any forest creature that might be around and soon after I spotted a squirrel.
I had the feeling that everything in my life is as it should be. I am in the right place. I am doing the right thing. I am listening to my gut and making the right decisions. I felt amazing!
I wanted to write poetry, I wanted to write a story – the creative juices were just flowing incredibly! And maybe that adventure started the wheels turning and is part of the reason why I took up the 365 day flickr challenge.
All I know is that this place has gotten under my skin and into my heart. I am already longing to go back there. I wonder if it will be just as magical when I return?
Oh and I really need to make life easier for myself and buy a tripod for my camera! haha.
coming up… the entertainment calendar
07 May 2010 12 Comments
in music, Random Tags: concerts, danny bhoy, fun, gigs, imogen heap, the swell season, vancouver
So what’s on the entertainment schedule coming up?
I am so happy to say I will be seeing Imogen Heap perform next month in Vancouver. I am in love with this clip and song! It’s called Hide and Seek. She is certainly a talent.
And now I can also say that I will be seeing The Swell Season in Van in August too. The movie ‘Once’ has been one of my faves (thanks mum!) so I look forward to finally seeing them live! I chose this song to show you because I can admit to singing along in the car to the lyrics many times over directed at my ex. Hahaha.
Next week I get to see one of my fave comedians – Danny Bhoy!! I’ve seen him several times in Australia, so it’ll be fun to see him in Vancouver! And I get to take my old friend Dan and his girlfriend along for the ride. Here is a clip from an Aussie tv show Danny Bhoy was on.
And lastly I managed to score some free tickets to the Van taping of ‘The Hour’ (which is a canadian show) – cant wait to go along and check it out!! It seems to be a popular show here, and I have watched a few little things to see and I think it looks good.
EXCITED for all of my plans!!
5 weeks, 35 days or lots of hours.
06 May 2010 4 Comments
in Adventures, Travel Tags: Adventures, fun, Life, Travel, trip
I figure that it’s about time for a recap post! It’s important to stop and look at all you have achieved and reassess your goals and to do list now and then!
When you put it all down together I cant believe how much has happened! I dont mean to blow my own trumpet but I am really proud of myself! Hehe. So on the 2nd of April I stood at Melbourne airport and took the first official step of this journey, saying goodbye to my town, my country, my family and friends.
I boarded a plane to Brisbane, and a connecting flight to Tokyo.
I explored the city streets and found beautiful blossoms.
I caught the train to Kyoto and explored a whole lot more!
I found the Nanzenji Temple and the Philosophers Walk and I watched the people go about their daily lives. I soaked it all up. I was a foreigner in a foreign country and I didnt really speak the language. That’s kinda thrilling.
Then I headed to Vancouver, Canada – a city and a country that I had been dreaming about visiting since I was 18. Nine years later and I finally got here – at precisely the right time. It’s funny how things work out like that, but I truly believe that to undertake such a big adventure I wouldnt have been in the right frame of mind to do until now.
And so I made it to Stanley Park – I even walked all the way around it. I saw squirrels and a raccoon and a hummingbird and canadian geese and deer and robins. I ate a nanaimo bar, a cinnamon bun, a beaver tail, a reese bar, a jolly rancher, a key lime pie and more! I went to the hockey, gastown, granville island, kitsilano, lynn valley suspension bridge, lonsdale quay, metrotown, park royal mall, commercial drive, main street, downtown, MOA, the Aquarium, capilano suspension bridge, pemberton, van art gallery, deep cove, chinatown, chinese gardens. I made new friends and listened to tips about where to go and what to do. I crossed a lot off my to do list!! And you know what? I still have a lot to do!
A customer at work enquired about my accent today and asked whether I was from Australia or New Zealand. I realised that she is the first stranger I have spoken to who has guessed it correctly. She was so lovely and told me her son had visited Australia. I asked if he had been to Melbourne and she said no. I told her that he missed out! She laughed. See, I know my accent stands out and to locals I say things strangely, but hardly anyone has actually said anything to me about that. Isnt that a little strange itself?
There are people over here that are so lovely and welcoming and friendly but there is also a part of the population that seem to be quite unfriendly and.. well.. basically cold. It’s hard to break through the surface with them.
The main thing that has struck me is that everything is so different over here. And yes, I mean everything. The only thing that remains the same is the human relationships and psyche. As we are all humans on this earth the issues dont really change with the location.
It has been an incredible, interesting, fun, inspiring trip so far. 35 days of adventure down- and counting!! Here’s hoping that there are many, many more to come. And I hope that your adventures inspire you to try for more too.
Someone said to me that I am brave doing all of these things by myself. Many people have said that they couldnt have done what I am doing. I dont think it’s about being brave. I spent a few years of my life waiting. I was waiting for friends. Waiting for them to come along so I could have someone to go to a concert with. Or go on a roadtrip with. Or go overseas with. Years I waited and friends came and went. And as their promises faded to dust I realised something. If I sit and wait for someone to come before I do what I want to do then I will be waiting for years and lets face it – I might never get there! So you know what I did? I started doing things by myself. I like my own company – I know I am reliable, fun and I listen to my gut. I got to go to concerts and line up early and go front row and meet my fave musicians. I got to travel and explore and I found out that being alone isnt as scary as being with someone you dont want to be with.
So thats how I came to take this trip by myself, and I say to all those who dont think they could do it – you can. You should! Dont put something you want to do on the backburner for someone else. Go do what you want to do – go explore the world. It’ll be the best decision you ever made for yourself.
happy travels!!
Capilano Suspension Bridge & Lunch
05 May 2010 11 Comments
in Adventures, food, friends Tags: Adventures, capilano suspension bridge, ed, food, fun, hiking, nature, north vancouver
So Ed and I found a break in our schedules and managed to arrange another meet! This time we met up at Lonsdale Quay, and then went walking around to find somewhere to go eat some lunch.
Here’s his seabus coming in!
We ended up at Jagerhof Schnitzel House. The food was really good, it had been a while since I’d had a parma!
They had lots of stuff up on the walls like antlers and plates, creating a kinda homely feel.
This was my meal – a parmigiana special. The chicken was crispy and the sauce was really nice.
And here’s what Ed had to eat when he was taking a photo of my meal hahaha. It’s funny when two people who both blog meet up – especially with Ed as he takes so many photos. I take more of nature but he likes the people shots more.
And then dessert! We shared a ‘death by chocolate’ but it was a small piece so really we could have had one each.
So with full stomachs we headed to the bus stop to get the bus up to Capilano Suspension Bridge. It was pretty expensive, at more than $30! I have done the Lynn Canyon Bridge and I found it just as good and it is free!! But this is one of those things that you have to try out when you’re a tourist.
They had people dressed up in ‘old timer’ uniforms and were advertising the colonial days.
There were lots of totem poles around, I have seen quite a few now.
Then we found a bear that had stolen a mounties uniform! hahaha.
Thats me pretending to be dead.
And then the bear decided to nibble on Ed’s hand.
Ok so, enough with the silly stuff and onto the reason we had come. THE BRIDGE!
It’s hard to get perspective but it was a looong way up. Really high! And when you walk across it it shakes a lot!
They also have a treetop walk you can do, which is fun!
It looks really pretty down in the canyon but I dont know if you can get down there or not. Certainly not from where we were – it was way too steep!
After checking out a bit of the nature walk and watching some squirrels we walked back across the bridge and went to see what else we could do to get our $30 worth! I asked this guy for some help.
And he led me to this big checkers board, where I challenged Ed to a duel!
Round one featured us both being defensive with our checkers and that lead to nowhere to go. We hit a stalemate!!
What to do?
Start again!
We lined up all the checkers again and round two started off with a bang, and as the colors went around the board it looked a bit like this. And yes, I am red!!!
Another win to Alesha! hahaha yay! And another fun adventure with Ed. When we got back to Lonsdale Quay I got him to try a beaver tail and he LOVED IT! Hehehe. It’s always fun when being a tourist gets locals to try something new.
