Newfie Land

Still here in St Johns NL. This little fishing village is such a wonderful little town. It is so peaceful and relaxed. They run on Newfie Land time (the same as Fiji or Island time), so that can take a bit of getting used to. Newfie's are a different type of people all together. Their accents are more Irish than Canadian and they have little phrases that can take a bit of working out! Yesterday was generally fine weather and today seems to be foggy so far, but hopefully it will lift soon and I'll go for a hike up Signal Hill (highest point in town over the harbour). It is around this time of year you might be able to see icebergs floating towards the harbour entrance.

Didn't end up getting Screeched in the other night so maybe tonight!

Did a recalc of time leading up to 11 May which is when I have to be over in Vancouver to start my rockies tour. So I had to modify my schedule a bit. Unfortunately I have to drop St Pierre off my list. The schedules to get over to the island are still infrequent this time of the year and it would absorb too much of my travel time to get there. This gives me more time in Halifax, Quebec City and Montreal.

So the weather did lift a bit and Ian (a guy from Vancouver) and I decided to trek around and up Signal Hill. Closed signs on the walking track didn't stop us, whats a few missing sets of stairs eh? Got most of the way before the drizzle set in. On the way back to the hostel, we found a small goods shop that sold Seal Flipper Pie. Soooo, had to try it. Seals up this part of the world are like Kangaroo I guess. Dark tender sort of meat. Not bad. Picked up a great Newfie T shirt too!

The journey so far... Vancouver to St John's

Hello,

Yes I'm still alive! Haven't had a chance to post a blog entry as I haven't been near a capable computer. Now I'm on one (although it's win 98 and no USB, so no pics to upload!) and thought I'd better post something.

The flights over were great. During the 18hr stop in Taipei, China Airlines put the pax up in the Miramar Golf Club Resort. No shortage of water here as every toilet uses the maximum amount of waater in a flush that was possible. Managed to line up a free morning tour courtesy of the Taiwanese Govt. So myself and another Aussie from the flight jumped into the mini tour bus and were whisked away to look at some temples and the local markets / pottery district. Made it back to the airport intime and managed to snag an exit row for the flight to Vancouver.

Not alot of sleep occurred, but next thing I knew, we had arrived. Local time 9am. Heaps of young Brisbanians onboard setting off for their 1 year working holiday in the Rockies.

Found my hostel in "Downtown" Vancouver. This place was FLASH for the $24 i paid. Keycard entry, new bathrooms, wireless internet in the common areas (my pda got a bit of a workout).

Checked out a few museums and stuff as the weather was rainy and approx 10 deg C. Back for a nanna nap then next door into the Irish pub for beers with the locals. The night couldn't get any better, then Napoleon Dynamite came on the big screen tv!

The next 2 days, weather was much the same, but I donned the wet weather gear and got out and about to Stanley Park and Granville Island (where they had a brewery the produces some very fine beer!). A Ghostly Gastown tour at night, followed by some local bands was a good end to the day.

I flew out of Vancouver last night bound for St John's (New Foundland) via Toronto and Halifax. A red eye and a half! Dept 11pm and with the time zone changes, arrived at 1300 local in St John's.

Staying in a quirky little guest house with a few others including a guy from the Gold Coast. It is snowing! Been told we have to go a few local pubs tonight and get "screeched in". Apparently a tradition in St John's. At this stage I think it involves beer, kissing a cod, talking in local lingo and more beer. I'll fill you in tomorrow!

Ok I'm Off

Well I'm excited! It's been a few busy weeks with work, sim and Red Hot Chili Peppers gigs, but I'm finally off tomorrow. Just arranging a few last minute things and will pack later today.

I will try and post on here when I can and please feel free to comment as much as you like (you don't have to sign up to comment)

Had a few beers at the Normanby last night to ease myself into holiday mode with Daz, Mr T and Christo. Thanks for coming down!

I'm flying China Airlines ex-BNE to Taipei, then after a short stopover, onto Vancouver!

Had a quick look at the weather around Canada it is has been ranging in the tops of 2 to 24 deg C. Kind of makes it hard to know what I can expect.