World Wide Caz

Hello out there . . .

2007-06-18T17:07:00.000+01:00

Is anyone even reading this anymore?

Shall I carry on? Although life is no where near as exciting . . . .

Leave comments if you are . . . .

Race for Life . . . link here

2007-03-27T00:35:00.000+01:00

Hey everyone,

Myself and a few friends are taking part in the Race for Life, which helps raise money for Cancer Research.

We'll do all the hard work and race around the track, and all you have to do is donate a few spare quid to a good cause that effects thousands of people.

Click on this link and hit sponsor me now :

http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/give-me-money

We have a set target to reach so all donations are more than welcome.

Kings Canyon & Uluru, Ayers Rock

2007-03-26T23:25:00.000+01:00

Scooter, our guide warned us that part of the rim walk around Kings Canyon was pretty hard going, especially at the beginning, climbing a load of rocky steps to get up there. They've fondly nicknamed this part of the climb as 'heart attack hill' and after a few 100m's I could se why. We also had the pleasure of doing this walk at midday just to contens with the baking heat too.

The views from around are amazing though, and Scooter tried to explain some of the Aboriginal facts but no one is actually allowed to know much as everyting is very sacred to them.

We had been to an Aboriginal evening the night before (and took part in the Emu dance, fun fun!!) and were told how you can end up with a spear in your thigh as a severe punishment, and how they use boomerangs to knock animals legs from under them and wait for them to die, not as an alternative to a frisbee after all!!!

He also pointed out a few plants that were used for medication and hallucinagenics!!!!

We got to an area where he started to tell us to look out for pygmy koala's. We all thought these would be so cute so we were looking around and Scooter managed to spot 2 in a tree. We all looked up and a few people spotted them and started to take pictures. I couldn't see them for a while but when I did finally spot one lower down I noticed it had a wooly jumper on. They'd only gone and stuck toys in the trees to amuse themselves and to laugh at dumb tourists!!!

In the evening we headed out to watch the sun set over Uluru and the Olga moutains.

We camped out in swags under the stars, paranoid about dingo's coming to get us, and got up at 4:30am to go to Uluru and do a base walk as the sun was rising. I was knackered!!! I walked round looking at all the sacred sights and watching the rock change colour and become an amazing burnt red. It was stunning.

Quick fact : Uluru isn't actually a red rock, its white but the red comes from rust.

I got some wicked pictures of a point that looks like a whales mouth too.

The story goes that 2 brothers built the rock from sand. One brother scratched one side as he climbed own and it is rough with lines down it. The other brother slid down on his bum so that side is smooth.

I didn't climb the rock as the Aboriginals consider it sacred and ask you not too (plus it was 6am, pitch black and steep as anything!)
I also got a picture from above the rock as we flew over to Perth and it's a completely different shape to what you'd imagine.

Alice Springs Reptile Centre

2007-03-26T23:12:00.000+01:00

We only had limited time at Alice Springs so we headed to the Royal Flying Doctors Service for a quick nosey, not much going on though, and then to the reptile centre and managed to time that just as they were playing with the animals.

We held a dragon lizard, pinecone/sleepy/about 10 other names lizard, a blue tongue lizard and a 10kg olive python.

It was pretty crazy but there were only about 5 of us there so it was a really relaxed atmosphere and not scary at all. The animals all felt really cold too which is a bit wierd.

This is the one and only place we managed to see a green frog too and typically it was all squished up the side of a tank and not looking pretty.

The thorny lizards were really cute and tiny but we couldn't touch them.

Whitewater Rafting on the Tully

2007-03-26T23:00:00.000+01:00

I've heard so much about this that there was no way I could miss out.

The guide on the bus was so funny, telling us to make sure we don't get nose oysters while on camera, keep your legs closed while floating down stream incase of hidden rocks, if you fall out and get slapped in the face by a rope don't get annoyed and throw it back as they're there to rescue you, etc etc.

They took our photo's at various sections along the way, usually at points where they thought we'd fall out but my group managed to hold on tight unlike some others.

One of the girls in my boat was actually a non swimmer, which is crazy, and as we were all trying to soak each other in oher boats, one of the guys thought it would be funny to grab this poor girl from behind and dunk her in! She didn't look too happy!!! heehee!

After lunch we switched up so I managed to get a go at the front where it was much bumpier and fun. The poor kid beside me fell on to me at one point and almost knocked us both out!

We went over a water fall all linked together in a circle, seated at the back of the raft , and as we went over the guide let go of us so we all went flying backwards out of the raft.

It was heaps of fun and nowhere near as scary as I initially thought once you were comfortable with what you were doing.

Go Go Gonzo!!! . . . . .photo link here .....

2007-03-20T19:30:00.000Z

As part of our tour to Cape Trib we decided to add an activity and the only one we hadn't done was horse trekking.

I've never been on a horse before, and have the opinion that if they can paralyze Superman they're pretty damn powerful and should be treated with caution!
We'd heard about a horse called Gonzo who was for beginners, really slow, always at the back of the line, but a real character . . . some how I just knew this was going to be my horse.

I watched the girls bringing the horses out and saw one of them literally being dragged out, and out came a little brown horse with short legs and a big attitude. The legend that is Gonzo.

The guide told us not to let the horse eat grass, show them whose in charge from the beginning and hopefully you won't have any troubles. So, I jumped on the milk crate (coz I'm short as well) and sat on Gonzo, who immediately put his head down and chewed on the grass, typical. Next thing a huge horse behind me does something to Gonzo which made him jump and shoot off. Luckily there was a fence right infront of us so he couldn't go anywhere, but oh my god!!!! 10 seconds of being on a horse and that happens! My heart was in my mouth!!!!

Gonzo's best mate in the whle world is Popeye, and wherever he goes Gonzo goes, and if Popeye goes out without him Gonzo cries and sulks until he returns. Today was Gonzo's lucky day, another beginner was out so we could follow Popeye all morning.

We set off for a little walk, me and Gonzo at the back of course and I though 'ahh, this is so easy, actually nice and relaxing too just strolling through the fields. We were a little slow but nevermind I could deal with it. As we headed into the rainforest Gonzo decided to do a quick right and took me right into the trees. the guides were screaming at him and I just sat helpless just laughing and trying to make him turn back. Little ratbag!

As we got deeper into the rainforest there were branches and stones along the muddy pathway and for some reason every tiny little thing Gonzo tripped over so I had to pretty much steer him around every little bump! It was pretty damn scary as we crossed a stream, tripping over all the stones. At one point I wanted to get off and give him a piggy back across so he wouldn't fall and kill the both of us!!!

Finally we hit the beach which was georgeous and I saw a few stingray along the shore line. George told me to give Gonzo a big kick in the ribs as he was starting to dawdle so i did a few times, and we just about caught up. We stopped for a few snaps and headed back along the beach. I started to get a little too confident with the old kick in the ribs at this point, and I'm not really sure wha happened, maybe I booted him a little too hard but the next thing he decided to gallop after the other horses. I absolutley crapped myself!!!! I grabed his reigns and almost yanked his head off screaming Woah woah! Well thats what I've seen em do on TV! didn't really want to kick him again after that, especially as there were a few low branchs that I might have ended up dangling off!!!

The girls then showed us positions to get ourselves into to trot and canter, which to me now means run and run faster! So while they gave the demo Gonzo decided to turn his back and go for a pee! I could hardly see the demo so wasn't that conident on what I was meant to be doing, but how hard can it be to ride a horse . . . . . .

Anyways, she handed me a 'go go Gonzo' stick to smack him with and make him run faster. We got in position???!! . . and when she called we would give the horses a uge kick! :-/ and we would all trot which means a nice gentle jog that looks easy!

So . . 1, 2, 3 off we went . . .OH MY GOD!!!! I've never held on to anything as tight in all my life! Gonzo from somewhere had this incredibe spurt and we ended up by Helen and Yogi. We just looked at each other, jaws dropped in fear and is belief. Then of course came the fits of laughter. I had gripped my stick so tightly too that it had snapped so i had to get another.

'This time we're going to canter. Give the horse a big kick like you mean it, egg them on, giddy up, yah yah and all that'

They told me that so long as I had my heels down and legs straight I wouldn't fall of so . . . of course you have to lean slightly forward to kick backwards and bend your knees to kick . . and the horse knows whats coming anyways as they do this every day . . so, 1, 2, went to kick . . . but Gonzo is off already. I hung on for dear life (again) trying to lean back and point my heels down and Gonzo was flying, trying to overtake and all that again. Sod the Gonzo stick I just let it go so I could grab hold tighter as I boinged away in the seat! I have to admit its one of the scariest things I've done ever!!!

We had a few more go's which were just as scary and came to a creek for a swim, minus the horse!

I jumped off Gonzo and my legs were like jelly. It was so funny. We jumped in the creek to cool off.

'. . . Right, lets do some more cantering and we have a nice long stretch to get home' Great, not quite sure how I felt about that.

So, I jumped on Gonzo, without the crate, which was a lot easier than i thought and off we went for more cantering, YEEHAA!!

The first time was a nightmare, the second was almost a disaster!!!

We walked along and I saw a branch on the ground infront of us and I just knew what was coming. . . . 1, 2, 3, off we shot just as Gonzo tripped over the damn branch. He almost landed in a heap but somehow he managed to find his feet and I've never been so relieved in all my life. I thought I was about to get a broken leg for sure!!!

The final canter started just as Gonzo was grabbing some grass so he almost choked, typical male grabbing all the food he can.

I was so relieved to get off the horse. I'm not sure I'll ever do it again as its not really my thing but certainly was up there with the fear factor!!!

Cape Tribulation . . . .

2007-03-17T17:01:00.000Z

. . . where the rainforest meets the beach. This place is beautiful. Big lush trees that date back millions of years. Its older than dinosaurs and still blooming.

This is the highest point we travelled to in Austarlia and the further up you got the hotter and more humid it gets. Its kinda like when you're at Kew Gardens or somewhere and you visit the rainforest greenhouse, you normally wander round quickly and get out before you boil to death and your hair frizzes.

We had a really funny coach driver from Bolton (good old northern boy) who took us around and showed us some lovely beaches and dropped us of for a crocodile cruise. It was a bit hot for the crocs at the time though but luckily we managed to spot one lurking through some trees.

In the evening we decided to go for a night walk through the rainforest to spot all the creepy crawlies as ya do! We saw heaps of frogs, spiders (of course, although no touching this time), lizards, a snake, massive crickets, bats, lime ants again (so had another lick on their butts) and a few little birds asleep under leaves, and a MASSIVE centipede.

There was only a small group of us so it was really personal and the uide was really good. He taugt us how to hold te torch so that you can see all the beady little eyes looking out at us.

It was a bit freaky walking around in the middle of the night so I walked with my torch pointing up most of the time watching for the spiders dangling down, bungying from the tree's in front (and probably above) us. I guess Dave didn't cure my fear in Oz after all!!!!

We got eaten alive by midgies too so when it came to going to bed I kept thinking about spiders, and I was itchy so it was the craziest nights sleep I've ever had, twitching and whacking my head to get the bugs of like I have torretts!

Whitsundays Adventure

2007-03-17T16:44:00.000Z

Time to catch up on lots of tales I guess so I'll start with the Whitsundays . . . . they are beautiful islands just off Airlie Beachand they have heaps of Cumbrian names such as Whitehaven Beach, Brampton Island, Wigton Island. Its like a mini Cumbria but a 1000 times nicer!!!!
We headed off on the British Defender for 3 days of sailing. The majority of our boat were Irish so we were guaranteed a booze cruise too!!!
We helped to put up the sails and found a great place to snorkel in our stinger suits. Tested out the old water proof camera too (as some of you have since found out!)
We spent one afternoon on Whitehaven Beach, where the sand is so soft and cool its like flour. There are heaps of stingray here too, in groups of about 30, swimming along the edge of the beach so everyone was very hesitant to go in . I also spotted a sand shark in the shallow waters too but I wasn't scared . . . . especially as it was only about 50cm long!!!
We also found a different location to snorkel which was amazing. They told us that there was a big fish there named Elvis and when I saw him he was huge!!!! about a metre long with massive fat lips and he followed the boat everywhere it went.
I was in the water when the second boat load of snokellers came out and I heard loads of screaming and thought maybe somone wasn't warned about Elvis, but no, it was other people who had brought bread and throwing it in around the snorkellers so the fish were going crazy in their hundreds! It was hilarious, so I got myself right in there, with all the fish swimming into me. It was great just like being in a fish tank.
Some of the time on the boat it absolutely poured down too, but gotta remember I was in tropical paradise so a few of us decided to just stay out on the top deck in our bikini's and brave it. I'm pleased we did too as we saw 3 huge turtles and some jellyfish. Well worth freezing for an hour for!!!

. . .home time . . .

2007-03-01T09:08:00.000Z

I can't believe it, but I fly tonight back to sunny England!!!

I've had such a good time and am really looking forward to seeing everyone, and I can add the final stories to my blog!!!!

SEE YOU ALL WITHIN THE WEEK!!!!

New Photies

2007-02-10T16:21:00.000Z

Hey everyone, I've shoved a load of new pictures on my flicr account but don't have time at the minute to do a full update on my blog.

I promise it will happen soon!!!

We're currently in Swaziland, heading back to South Africa which is so amazing and I'm confident I'll have heaps to tell from this last 3 weeks.

Been on safari and have some good stories to tell from that and how nearly ended up coming home in a wooden box!!!!

Don't worry though, its all good fun!!!!

See you all shortly!

CAZ XXXX

Beef n Reef, Rockhampton . . . link here

2007-01-22T07:03:00.000Z

Crazy man Dave is dressed in the usual safari khaki shorts and top, a battered old crocodile dundee stylie hat and barefoot with the most gangrenous toes I've ever seen!!! He's a real happy chappy though.

We headed to a cattle farm which is about 800 acres to explore not quite knowing what too expect from the day, but reading the comments book, which is the walls on the inside of his clapped out van, I was a little aprehensive to say the least as it raved about bugs galore!

We jumped out the van, onced Dave opened the door for us as it didn't work from the inside!! and went for a little explore. The first thing on the agenda was an ant colony which Dave jumped on to make them angry, and stood there to get a pair of bush socks, which means that the ants all crawled so thickly all over his legs that it looked like he was wearing a pair of socks!!! It was crazy, but apparently the back packer record for this was over 6mins! Sod that!!! And Steve-O from jackass manged about 6 seconds before he ran off!

We wandered along and spotted a few more kangaroos (alive for a change!) and had a look for some snakes in among the trees with no luck. Our next find however was a red back spider! Dave has been bitten a few times but still decided to give it a poke! It was more of an orangey colour because it was pregnant but very placid. There was a male too, which was tiny and white, so obviously the females are far superior . . . . . .(please leave all comments belove I would love o hear them guys!)

We found a few more spiders and somehow I was managed to be convinced that it would be a good idea to let a golden orch run across my hand! EUGH!!!! I HATE SPIDERS!!!! It was quite a placid spider too which was quite nice and not nearly as scary as I thought. the next one we found was all big and hairy though so there was no way it was going near me!!!!

We headed of to the other side of the creek for some lunch and a swim. the edge of the creek was covered in mud that had teatree oil in it to, so me and another girl smothered ourselves in it and sat by the camp fire through lunch and let it dry. People pay a fortune for this kind of treatment so we had a nice freebie! It went rock hard and was really wierd though and cracked everytime we moved but it was good fun to try and pick it all off.

We headed off for dessertin the form of lime ants! I took one by the head and it has a little green blob on its butt, so, I did what I was told and licked it!!!! It was hilarious, like a short sharp burst of lime on my tongue but it was actually really tasty so had to give it another go!!

There were of course cattle on the farm which come from Indian origin and have a huge flap of skin under their necks which apparently keep them cool. We saw the stud of the farm and went to take his picture just as he started peeing, so we waited . . . and waited . . . . and waited!! i kid you not atleast 5 minutes it took this thing to empty its bladder!!!! (Got impatient and took my pic mid pee though!)

The final animal we found was a huntsman spider!!! These things are huge and scary!!!

Dave tried to coax it down from the tree but it was protecting its eggs and went nuts! It jumped onto his head and ran all over his shirt and scared the crap out of us!! He asked one of us to grab it and when I looked around there were 4 girls and we'd all stepped back, no way we were going anywhere near it!!!!

He finally managed to grab it of his side and he told us it was only as small one!!! I mustered up the courage to hold it and then he asked who wanted it on their face! Silence all around!!!!

I have no idea what the hell came over me, anything for a picture I guess but I decided to sacrifice myself so long as he caught it before it went in my hair. I was shitting my pants!!!! My heart was beating so fast it was crazy and my only instruction was to keep my mouth closed.

As I looked down all I could see were these huge fangs and longs legs heading up my face! EUGH!!! I was sp creeped out but have to admit it wasn't that bad and let him do it 4 times to get a decent shot on the camera.

Perhaps my phobia of spiders is cured although I bet I still leg it and scream next time I see one in the bathroom at home.

To finish the day the kangaroos came out and we watched a beautiful sunset. It was the last thing in the world I expected to be doing that day but pretty amazing and it felt like the true outback Australia.

Steve-O, Chris and Dave from Jackass and the wildboys went on the tour about 3yrs ago and they wouldn't go anywhere near the snakes. Apparently the video is somewhere on his website onUTube?

Bundaberg . . turtle hatchlings by moonlight!!

2007-01-22T06:50:00.000Z

We hit Bundy at around 4:30pm and were heading on a turtle tour as the lonely planet suggested but we were there slightly early so indulged in a rum and cooke or 2 as thats the other thing this place is famous for!!
I kind of expected the turlte thing to be over in a few hours but oh no!!!! Don't rush nature and all that!!!!

We sat through a presentation and basically it was a waiting game. At midnight we finally got our call up and managed to get to see some turtles hatching rather than the eggs being laid which was great! They popped up through a hole in the ground and there was loads of them! Usually around 130 are hatched throught the one spot but we caught it mid way and saw about 50 or so. It wa so cute to watch too!! They got popped in a mini enclose and we set up a little track all the way down to the sea with a load of torch's to light the way. They all scurried down and of course there was one little runt of the litter that took twice as long to get to the sea and then couldn't catch a wave but eventually it was off into the deep blue yonder!! Apparently they disappear for 17 years and nobody knows where they go, so I may have to pop back and welcome them home in 17years time!!!

So we managed to hit the road for our next destination at 2am . . . and a massive kangaroo too!! Enough said!!!!

Australia Zoo (Brisbane). . .link here

2007-01-22T06:45:00.000Z

We went around this zoo in about 2 hours as the trains took forever and then they'd changed the timetable so we missed Bindi doing her croc show!!!, however we caught a different one so all was not lost I guess!!!

I cuddled a Koala named Jaffa, (force) fed some kangaroos, stroked a wombat named Minnie and almost stepped on some small birds as I was dashing through to pick up my pictures!! Bit of a rushed day but we got to see all the Aussie stuff and we'll leave the elephants and tigers until our safari in SA!!!

Camels in Oz???

2007-01-22T06:38:00.000Z

I didn't realise that Oz has camels but apparently so, so I decided to pretend to be in Egypt and partake! My camel was called Bingo and he was as old as my mam!!! ;-)

Me and some french kid were on the same camel and he wouldn't stand up at first which was typical, so they guys joked that we were to heavy!!! so when he eventually got off his ar5e (typical bloke!) we went for a little walk along the beach.

When we got to the other end the guide gave us some facts about camels, how they have 3 stomachs, the hump is made of fat, they can drink the most amount of wter in the shortest amount of time etc etc. All along my camel decided that it was bored and was shifting its weight from leg to leg, which is all fine and well but each time he did so I'd slowly be edging closer and closer to the edge and felt like I may fall off at any second or else he was gonna collapse in a heap!!! I had a very graceful dismount compared to the french kid who didn't understand to lean back and almost somersaulted over Bingo's head and think we may have traumatised the poor camel for life!!!!

Merry Crimbo

2007-01-03T08:13:00.000Z

Christmas was very different from the norm this year. Christmas Eve was spent travelling up the coast and then on the beach playing touch rugby with my 2nd, or 3rd, not really sure, cousins. On Xmas day I woke up in my relatives house, who I've only just met on this trip. It was nice and warm (although a bit cloudy, got to admit!) and 11 hours ahead of your time!!

We had a great day though. Very much a time of getting to know the family and to see my great Uncle Vinny who I remember from when I was 6. Apparently I look just like my Grandma when she was younger so she must have been stunning!!! ;-)

We had a cold xmas dinner, turkey, ham, salads and the best part was huge tiger prawns and oysters. Thankfully they're not too fay from mussels so I didn't find them bad!!

The funniest moment of the day was when i was playing darts with Robbie (11yrs old) and he asked if my mam used to be the Columbian champion rather than Cumbrian!!!

Now its time to prepare for New Year and celebrate big stylie!!!

Sydney Opera House

2007-01-03T08:01:00.000Z

Having landed in Sydney very excited and having taken full advantage of Quanta's complimentary drinks (just for you Dad!), Helen and I decided that we deserved a treat> A visit to the Opera House to see a show should keep us out of mischief! 'Christmas at the House' was on and the host was Simon Burke, with a whole range of christmas carols and yulrtide tales!!!

The Concert Hall was smaller than I expected, which was good as everyone had a great view, and, we even got discounted tickets as we're under 30. First time this has ever happened!!!

The show bagan and the performers came out one at a time, the ladies in beautiful long gowns and sparkly jewellery and the men all suited and booted. They made singing look sop easy and they sounded amazing.

We had to stand a few times and sing along, and I had a flash back to the school choir, standing with Helen singing away, tuneful as ever!!!

They performed a brilliant version of the Twelve Days of Christmas, where tenor, David Hobson, a big tall gangly guy pretended to lay eggs and the choir kept interupting.

The two main guys sang a song together and I was thinking to myself how they looked like real city slickers when they sprang an Aussie xmas carol on us called 6 white booma's. Its about a little joey that goes for a ride on Santa's sleigh. Next thing the two city slickers are jumping around the stage pretending to be kangaroo's!!! Hilarious!

It'll be great next Christmas when I hear all the usual tunes and will be reminded that I was in Oz listening to world class performers. The only place in the world where members of the orchetra have curly mullets and opera singers pretend to be kangaroo's, and as you step outside the view of the Opera House is still even better!!!

Canyon Swing . . . (link)

2006-12-15T09:00:00.000Z

I was advised to do this Canyon Swing and to do it backwards as its such a different experience. The guys decided that there was a ladies first policy and as I was the only one there I stepped up and went for it as all the boys stood back and cowered away!!! (not kidding!)

The 'Gimp Boys' tried there best to scare me giving it 'you can change your mind now if you want' and 'ooh, backwards!' 'that rope doesn't look very safe' 'watch that rope doesn't tangle around your neck' etc etc but it wasn't working!!! I was well up for it after the Nevis yesterday!

They asked if I wanted to look over the edge and pretended to puch me off too which I found hiarious and then I stood backwards on the end, diving board style and they really started messing with me!!

They kept getting me to lean back and pretending to drop me but I laughed all the time and so they continued to try and get a bigger reaction from me. They were so funny, so finally I stood on my own and just leaned back and jumped as far as I could again!!! Just as I jumped they shouted 'Noooo, don't jump!' and gave me a huge shock! As my hands were tucked behind my head my natural instinct was to try and run back up to the platform so as I jumped my legs were just wiggling around as though I was swimming! It was so funny!!! I then just swang around for a while in the canyon and it was great fun.

When they pulled me back to the top one of the guys said 'my mother warned me about girls like you who don't get scared!' whihc made me feel well happy!!!!

It was great, not on the same level as The Nevis, but the crew really made it for me!

109m high, 60m freefall, 200m swing! GOOD TIMES!!!!

The Nevis . . . . (link here)

2006-12-15T08:32:00.000Z

Having had a huge build up the day before, watching the story of the bungy jump and AJHackett I was ready to go but feeling a tab nervous and hungover!!!!

I met some guys who were doing the same jump so they really helped psyche me up for the big jump!!! The road there was pretty bumpy and steep but once at the top I looked out from the viewing platform and though 'oh, it doesn't look too high!'. I was feeling pretty confident right up until I saw the first guy throw himself out and scream like a girl!!!!! He looked tiny against the moutain rocks and we all started to panic!!!!

We took a cable lift out to the jump station and as the jump order went by our weight I had to wait until near the end so to keep myself busy I just sang along to the songs. The atmosphere up there was great. Everyone was cheering and screaming for each other. One poor girl was petrified so she stood on the edge for about two minutes and then finaly told the guy just to push her!!!!

As I was sitting in the chair I made them put on some good music and took a little glance backwards of the platform because apparently it helps!!! Crap!!!!! I had to slowly walk to the edge and the guy dropped the cord over it jolted me forward and I nearly fell!!! My heart went crazy at this point and he suddenly expected me to jump. I gave myself a few more seconds, though commit to the jump and just launched myself as far as I could!!! WOW! What a feeling!!! I can honestly say I've never felt this way before. Completely disorientated and in no control of anything what so ever! It was such a rush and the fall seemed to go on for a long time!!!! I bounced back up and then was off again, smiling and laughing to myself all the way! It was wicked!!!! I pulled the cord on my leg and got into a seated position and just took in the view and lay back watching as I got hoisted back up!

Afterwards I felt completely invincible and as though I could take on the world, I want to jump from anything and everything crazy!!!! There was suggestions of using knicker elastic, bunk beds and matresses in the dorms but thats not extreme enough now!!!

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!!!!!

Flicr account updated!!

2006-12-14T09:32:00.000Z

I've finally managed to get some pictures on my flicr account so check out the link beside!!!

STATS

2006-12-09T01:27:00.000Z

0 times I've missed home ;-)

1 bedrooms I've had to myself
pair of trousers I have with me for cold weather

2 planes I've now jumped from
glaciers I've been on

3 glaciers I've seen
waterfalls climbed through

4 pairs of sunglasses I've had since May

5 flights I've been on since May, not inlc sky dive
new meats I've tried this year. Elk, Bison, Possum, Shark, Goat

6 Items of clothing in my posession which are second hand
Islands I've slept on in Fiji, incl main Island

7 months I've been away from you all

8 Number of hours sleep I strive for every night (So doesn't happen!)

9 Days left in NZ :-(

10+ Cups of Milo in the last few days (Hot Choc Energy Drink)
Packs of noodles eaten since October

17 Hostels stayed in since October

100+ mountains climbed across the World

415 photographs to date from The Rockies to NZ

1000's Lakes I've seen, taken pictures of, stopped at, walked round, had a picnic by, etc etc

Just thought I'd share these stats with you so you know whats going on with me!! Its a hard life as you can see!!!!

Fox Glacier - Sky Dive

2006-12-09T01:18:00.000Z

Getting a bit carried away with the old 'extreme' sports, I decided that where better to do a sky dive than a place surrounded by snow capped mountains, the tallest mountain in NZ, Mount Cook, rainforests, the ocean and beaches, a glacier and quaint towns. It had to be done!!!

The trip wasn't going to go ahead at first as there was quite a bit of cloud but we managed to hang back and it cleared.

As we left the plane we did a forward roll and then Rod turned us in all directions so I could take in the scenery. We fell 12,000ft. 45 seconds was freefalling and 4 1/2 minutes of gliding.

I got some excellent video footage and Rod, my instructor was a right old character and let me steer the parachute for a while.

As we landed we both pulled our feet up and skidded along the grass on our backsides. Not quite the landing I was expecting but it was funny!!!!

What next? . . . . . I wonder . . . . . . .

bunjy in QT perhaps!!!!

Franz Josef Glacier - Ice Climbing . . . .(link)

2006-12-09T01:09:00.000Z

Ice climbing has possibly been one of the highlights of my trip so far. Completely a last minute decision, and what a challenge!!!

I was a bit dubious at first as it requires a high level of fitness apparently but I managed it so it can't be that bad.

We had to hike 3Km initially to get to the Glacier with all of our gear, then climb a load of steps, ladders, bridges etc to find a suitable climbing place. The finding the place was actually harder work than the climbing itself!!! We saw some Kea's, Alpine Parrots which, apparently are highly intelligent, can open zips etc and the only animal that teaches their young! Didn't get into my Pot Noodle though, ha!

Climbing was wierd until I found my rhythm and got more comfortable, then away I went, there was no stopping me. You have to kick as though you were kicking a ball up, straighten your legs, loosen your axes and then dig them as hard a poss and as high as poss, and start all over again. It was soooo much fun!!! A bit scary when your feet slipped and you were hanging on by axes only but the instructors had us by a rope at the bottom so there was no worries really.

Mike taught us to 'Climb as you shag, not as you shit' which I found hilarious!!

It was a brilliant day and, once again, something I would highly recommend you all do if you ever get chance.

KAITERITERI - Beaches and seals kayak trip . . . link here

2006-11-29T04:57:00.000Z

Abel Tasman National Park is right atthe top of the South Island and stretches along the coast for miles, and has a beach that has been voted one of the top 5 in the world.
It was an early rise for us which was a bit of a shock to the system, and an even bigger shock that the kayaking was the first thing we were doing, Bbbrrrrr!!!!!
After a brief lesson, we doubled up in our kayaks and headed off around kaiteriteri beach. We struggled a bit at first as Helen couldn't get to grips with the steering and we managed to crash into every single rock available and had a nightmare trying to get going. Once we managed to actually get round the corner we found ourselves at Tidal Lagoon which was stunning. We then kayaked along to Split Apple Rock, which is huge and 2 Gods founght over it and therefore it got split in 2. (Far more interesting story really but I can't remember it that well!) On the island right by this was a tree full of birds that looked like penguins. On closer inspection, one of the poor things had gotten tangled and looked like it had hung itself!! I tried to get a good piccie but not sure how it turned out.
We had a little picnic at the beach and Gloria told us the story of Abel Tasman, who the National Park is named after, and how he hasn't even actually stepped foot on the land! She used a violin to tell the story too which was a really cool touch.
We switched around in the kayak and I had a go at steering which was actually quite easy, and headed back to base singing a few Maori songs along the way.
Our water taxi was waiting for us and we went further along the park to Tonga Island seal colony where heaps of seals were sunbathing and swimming around us. It was really relaxing to watch as the gracefully twirled themselves around and, of course, I got a few snaps.
Our little trek was from Onetahuti to Bark Bay, and so off our 'Team Extreme' went. When we got to Bark Bay we stripped off and headed straight for a swim which was freezing but the first time in ages that I actually felt like I was on holiday again. We met a Welsh couple and Gareth insisted that his wife take a picture of us in the sea, me and Helen on an arm each as he thought his mother would like it! Yeah right!!! We picked a glorious sunny day which made it even better too.

Start of South Island, NZ

2006-11-28T07:18:00.000Z

We're in Nelson at the moment, and its a very laid back town right by a load of wineries, one of which we sampled on the way here. We have walked to the Centre of New Zealand, and of course got our cheesy snap, and went for a walk along the Dun Mountain track with Dan who is staying at out hostel. It was gloriuos sunshine one minute and then all of a sudden the heavens opened and it was freezing for about 10 minutes. We put on brave faces and carried on our little trek all being freezing half to death!!!

Tmrw we are heading to Abel Tasman National Park for a spot of sea kayaking so watch this space.

PS Can't believe its nearly Christmas, it certainly doesn't feel like it here!!!!

North Island Round Up

2006-11-28T07:14:00.000Z

We fully intended on doing the Tongariro Crossing by Taupo while we were here but couldn't as they had extreme weather conditions and the time. I also missed white water rafting in River Valley as the water was too high, but supposedly theres a better one in Oz so I don't mind waiting. Wellington was pretty nice. A huge shopping area that reminded me slightly of some of the quirkier areas of London and the other end was the posher area. It didn't have a big city vibe theough and was still pretty laid back so that added more to its charm. There was a Welsh bar in the middle of it too which used to be a public toilet so we found this hilariuos as we could wind up one of the Welsh guys on the Kiwi bus!!

Waitomo Glowworm caves . . . link here

2006-11-28T07:04:00.000Z

This is by far the best thing on my trip so far. The adventure was called The Black Abyss.

Part one was a 35m abseil into the caves, into a narrowing hole where the walls were slimey and slippery. We wandered along a few dodgy paths and came to a rope. I was first and suddenly I found myself hanging from another ledge and being shoved into the drakness on a zip slide. It was amazing. As you loked all around you the glowworms were light up and it was like millions of star. After a quick cuppa and flapjack we had a go at black water rafting which is basically floating in a tube. Not as extreme as the names sounds really!!! But we grabbed our tubes and jumped off a 3m ledge into the water and had a good look around as we floated through the caves with our head lamps off again. Technically glowworms are maggots which is gross, but they're pretty in the dark all the same!
We then walked and swam through the caves and played a game of find your way around the cave in the pitch black. Helen held on to might as tight as she could so I had to guide my way, and smack my head many a time as the cave got lower and smaller.
The big finale was exiting the cave via 2 waterfalls. We basically had to climb right up the middle of them and they were pretty damn powerful! Tim showed us exactly where to put our feet and as I crawled out throught the exit it was a brilliant sense of achievement from such an enjoyable day.

Its definitely something I would recommend everyone do if you ever get the chance.

Check out the link in the title

New Zealand fun and frolics!!! . . . Zorb link here

2006-11-14T23:32:00.000Z

So we've finally managed to make it to NZ and what a shock to the system!!!! I stepped off the plane in my flip flops and shorts and it was windy as hell and raining!!!! Unimpressed!!!!!
Auckland is pretty similar to any big city and was a shock to the system after Fiji. It reminded me of Vancouver and England combined so couldn't wait to get out of there. We're now on the Kiwi Experience bus which is good. They take us along, stopping at various places where we can do activities or chill on the beach etc and there are some really nice people.
Yesterday we went zorbing, which is basically a giant rubber hamster cage that they stick water in a roll you down a hill. It was so funny, we managed to stand up for about 5 seconds and then fell in a heap and rolled the rest of the way. In the evening we went to a Maori Village evening where they performed traditional dances etc and gave us traditional food, very similar to a roast but cooked underground in rocks and leaves. It was very tasty!!!
Today is just a chill out day. We are in Rotarua and there is a distinct eggy smell which is due to the thermal activity, volcanoes and geysers etc.
Still heaps more to come which I'm looking forward too.

Sorry but this is a bit of a cheat entry as I only had time to cut and paste my email that I sent to most of you already!!!!

Fiji . . . BULA!!!

2006-11-08T03:32:00.000Z

Well I've been shipwrecked on a few islands for the past 2 weeks and had a great time but now have to write this all down in a nut shell.

We were with around 7 other people doing the same trip as us so had a great group to hang round with and met loads of people along the way.

Highlights would be the snorkelling, spear fishing, and then de scaling and gutting the fish, swimming with huge Manta Ray, jumping off the top of the cruise boat, kayaking to other islands, watching the sunset of course, and snoozing in hammocks, coconut husking, anklet weaving. We visited the place where Castaway was shot, and Blue Lagoon which is beautiful. I also managed a sneaky game of touch rugby with the locals who were lots of fun, and a night on the Kava which is just like drinking dirty dish water, eugh!!!!! A volcano had erupted in Tonga and washed up onto one of our beached so we thought I would be amusing to go swimming in it. Once in a life time experience I think!!!! I've eaten so much riec in the last few weeks though that I can't face any more! And I'll give you all a tip too, don't drink coconut juice straight from the shell as its a laxative as me and Adam found out!!!!

Once I start to write this thing loads of stuff goes out of my head but I've kept a small diary to lok back on too so I can tell you all more about my adventures when I return.

Only a few minutes left again so must dash!!!!!

Back to Vancouver

2006-10-22T05:56:00.000+01:00

So, I've decided to keep a diary of funny events that happen throughout my trip and I pretty much have something per day which I will share on my next blog!!! (look forward to people. . !)

I'm in Vancouver at the moment which is around 12degrees and so much warmer than the Rockies thank goodness!!! However . . . . I feel so scruffy! I have non of my city clothes and only warm stuff I've been hiking in!!!! I look a tad out of place but whatever!!!!! I'm kinda back into citymode, trying to sort my finances as I have Canadian money I need to transfer etc etc and I need to decide clothes to get rid of to make my bag lighter etc etc, all drama!!!!! I'm sure it'll all be fine!!

One stupidly funny thing though, which I guess is the second stupid part of our trip is that I pulled my tickets out of my stuff being all sensible and prepared and popped them on Steph's window cill. What I failed to see was the small heater below it, which has now burnt and turned black the edges of all of my flight tickets by about 3 inches!!!! I really reallt hope I can fly on Tuesday or its gonna be a pissed off and angry Caz who blogs next!!!!!!

Fingers crossed for me people!!!

lots of love XXXX

The Rockies . . . Columbia Icefields link here too

2006-10-16T19:13:00.000+01:00

I've finally started the trekking part of my adventure and am currently in Banff surrounded by huge mountains and lakes, and wildlife galore!!!! I have seen so many elk now that they seem like a regular old deer and are no big deal anymore.

We stayed at Jasper for 4 days and hiked around Patricia Lake, the Old Fort Point and back to the hostel, which is in the middle of nowhere and damn in convenient! If you head to Jasper make sure you either have a car or stay in a hotel in the main town. The area is beautiful though. We had an amazing time and met a few interesting characters.
A friend came to visit us too and had a car so we made the most of it and headed to the Columbia Icefields and took the tour onto the Athabasca glacier which was pretty cool. Our tour guide was hilarious which always helps. We also drove to Pyramid Lake which is beautiful and has some lovely accommodation along but looks pricey. I have heaps of pictures but not sure I can attach it to this computer so can't attach them. Maybe I can make a slide show to bore everyone when I return!!!

As we left for Banff and were sitting on the bus, Helen suddenly realised she's left all of her money, passport and flight tickets in the hostel. I tried not to laugh but really!!!! A holiday rep making a classic mistake!!!! Luckily the bus driver was really nice and drove up to the hostel to get them. I'm not a good friend and just told her not to worry until we don't find them, then we can panic!! Could have been a great first disaster for the trip!!!

Banff is really pretty. We went for a run yesterday morning by the Cave and Basin and then took a small hike along the Tunnel Mountain trail which zigzags up the front of a small mountain and you can see the whole of downtown and the river behind. It was nicely set out and a good walk after a 6K run. There's an older English guy in the hostel we're staying in who is nice and a bit lonely, we're surrounded by crazy drunks, so we went for a few beverages last night and just had a good old chat.

Today the temperature has suddenly dropped so we're planning on catching up on the internet, as you can see, taking a small hour long walk in the main area of Banff and just seeing what the day brings.

Its a bit of a shock to the system to not be in our lovely condo any more but we're adapting well ;-)

Happy Thanks Giving Canada

2006-10-09T06:50:00.000+01:00

Tmrw (Monday) is Thanks Giving in Canada, and we were kindly invited to Kursten's mam's for a big dinner tonight!!! It was loooverly!!! So much food though that we got back and all crashed and watched a movie. Linda wanted us to have a good meal before we move on, and Kursten bought us a DQ ice cream cake as a leaving gift.

It felt slightly sad as we were leaving as Edmonton is almost over for me. I've met some great people who I really hope to stay in touch with and you never know, I may return and visit some day!!!

We have so much to cram into tomorrow as we're leaving on Tuesday to head to the Rockies. We're gonna head to West Ed, go ice skating, take some touristy pictures and buy a gift for Kursten for putting up with us. Still need to pack and arrange stuff to go to the post office, but hey, Helen doesn't call me lastminute.com for nothing!!!

Pig Roast

2006-10-09T06:45:00.000+01:00

On Saturday there was a pig roast at the rugby club. I wasn't too sure about this being an ex-veggie and all but it was funny. I half expected a pig to be running around when I got there but luckily it was cooked elsewhere,

The pig still had everything, face, ears, body hair. It was quite gross so I just pretended I didn't see all that and tucked in to some of its thigh! I have to say it was yummy, although I was a little disappointed that there wasn't an apple stuffed in its mouth all medievil style.

I took my camera but only took one picture of the pig as I forgot I had it with me (as usual!)

Me, Helen and Kursten also took the hugest cake ever to share with everyone, and managed to end up bringing some home too, along with a whole freezer full of left overs. Kursten is gonna have buns until next year!!!

Now its holiday time!!!

2006-10-09T06:39:00.000+01:00

Friday was my final day at Sport Chek, houray!!!! So I am now officially back on holiday and ready to relax again!!! They got me a card and gave me an Under Armour sweatshirt, which is a huge and expensive brand in Canada . . . I thought this was really sweet, however, they have written messages all over it so I can't actually wear the damn thing!!! And its a bright white sweater too!!! I guess its one more thing to ship home as a souvenir. I also have the nightmare of trying to cram all the crap I've acquired into my backpack! Mam, expect a package in 2 months or so!!! How do I accumulate so much crap in such a short amount of time.

My first . . . batting cage experience

2006-09-29T17:08:00.000+01:00

I headed to Whitemud amusement park yesterday too, to have a go in the batting cages. Its called an amusement park but really it was tiny, more like a small permanent fun fair with not much there!!! I went in the medium speed baseball cage which fired the ball 40mph and it was still pretty fast (the fast one was 75mph). The first ball flew right past me as I got fed up of waiting and stopped looking, the next one I was too far away, so I stepped closer, and the third smacked me right on the knuckle so now I can't use my right index finger too well!!! Hopefully its just swelling that will go down in a few days, otherwise tuff luck, I'm not paying to see someone to tell me that they can't do anything! After this rude wake up call I managed to belt the rest and just pretended that I wasn't in agony!! Was good fun and another experience to add to the list. I prefer rounders though!!!

My first . . . Ice Hockey game

2006-09-29T17:05:00.000+01:00

Well, I finally managed to get to an Oilers game on Wednesday after a mad dash from work, and had such a good time!!! They were playing Vancouver and managed to kick some butt!!!

Helen came with us and we took some cheesy shots of the ice and us there etc. Just need to make sure I get copies of Helen's pictures. The people around us were excited that 2 Brits were at their first (and probably only) hockey game so were asking loads of questions and trying to explain it all to us, we still both don't have a clue though. The atmosphere was really good, and it was definitely a good experience. We headed off to a bar afterwards and got ever so slightly drunk so yesterday was a bit of a right off but nevermind.

Edmonton Eskimo's . . . . (Link here)

2006-09-25T03:04:00.000+01:00

On Friday we headed to an Eskimo's game for a true Canadian experience. It was good fun and I kinda learnt how the sport goes, but its still slightly confusing!!!

There is a difference between American and Canadian football though so need to study it some more!!!

It was pretty cold and there was a hot tub on the side of the pitch as an advertising gimmick that some poor people had to sit in. I felt sorry for them!!!

Unfortunately the Eskimo's lost and this is the worst losing streak they've had but nevermind!!! We just need to see a Hockey game now which might happen on Wednesday and we're almost done on our time in Edmonton.

Watch this space for more adventures . . . .

Ladies World Cup Final . . . (link here)

2006-09-25T02:56:00.000+01:00

The ladies World Cup Final was the day after the wedding, so hungover, I headed back to Edmonton to meet everyone at the stadium.

The final was between England and New Zealand and the outcome was obvious. NZ are streets ahead with rugby but I have to say, what an amazing game. We managed to get the first few points and hang on to the lead for a while. We really were in with a chance and in a few years who knows what may happen, so come on England!!! NZ did the haka but I have to say it was no where near as impressive as when the men do it.

It was soooo cold all weekend though and I have a picture of me and Helen trying to stay warm which I'll pop on my flicr. We packed for summer so now 'fall' is starting to hit we're not impressed!!! Brrrrr . . . . .

Camrose wedding

2006-09-25T02:47:00.000+01:00

OK, lots to catch up on as I've been busy and had no time to write it all down.

Last weekend I headed off to Camrose for a wedding with Fiona, had a good time but no cowboys or two stepping this time round. The bride looked amazing though and we met some really cool people who looked after us throughout the day so we didn't feel like spare parts.

At the dinner, they decided to ask people things so they could decide which table went first for food etc. We were pretty damn hungry at this point and non of our table had anything to get us up . . . . so . . . . when they asked if anyone was wearing white socks with their dress pants and no one stood up, well, I kinda did have!!!! And I had to prove it!!! It completely ruined to look I was going for but I always wear socks with boots and had even been wondering how I could hide them when we went to someones house and took our shoes off!!! I got over it quickly with a few Rye and Cokes though, until, as I was heading out of the bathroom and held the door for an old lady she asked if I was still wearing them!!! hhmmm, kinda embarrasing!!!

Still, good wedding and good times!!!

Do you think this is me?

2006-09-15T06:36:00.000+01:00

You Are An ENTP

The Visionary

You are charming, outgoing, friendly. You make a good first impression.
You possess good negotiating skills and can convince anyone of anything.
Happy to be the center of attention, you love to tell stories and show off.
You're very clever, but not disciplined enough to do well in structured environments.

You would make a great entrpreneur, marketing executive, or actor.

What's" Your Personality Type?

I feel like a dinosaur . . . .

2006-09-11T06:29:00.000+01:00

. . . . the average age of my current work colleagues is 17 and it maked me feel old!!! I'm not really sure what I expected from this trip. People go away to 'find themselves' but I know who I am, I just didn't expect to end up feeling old!!! I realise that I've changed alot since I've moved away from home, and in some parts really for the better as I had to mature and look after myself, but I'm realising now too that I'm not as young as I thought and felt!!! Not that I'm complaining as its just part of maturing and hopefully I still have many, many good years ahead.

I also realise that I really don't know a lot about our history and culture and of my family's history. People over here love that stuff as Canada is a young country. We have years of history that I've never appreciated before. When I get back I'm going to research some stuff and definitely take a trip to Poland at some point to see where one of my Grandad's is from.

I think I'm gonna return as a much older and wiser Caz . . . . . . . who stills goes out and parties though!!

. . . hi . . .

2006-09-05T06:22:00.000+01:00

Not much to report here in Canada at the moment. Helen has arrive safe and smell . . .I mean well!!! . . . after a 3 day bus trip from Niagra Falls. I think I have around 6 weeks left in Edmonton before I head back via the Rockies to Vancouver for a few days and then on to Fiji.

I've been working alot, been out to the cinema, to a BBQ and to watch Nadine sing a song on an open mike night, and thats it really. Kursten has joined the Running Room to train for a 10k run so we went along with her too for a 6K jog. It was veeery slow so kinda strange but we're all gonna stick with it so that by the time Fiji comes around we'll be looking great!!!

I'm also debating how to spend my discount in Sport Chek before I leave :-) possibly a new jacket as I already used 50% discount on the most expensive trainers I could find. Gotta make it worth my while some how!!!

Pay day on Wednesday so we'll see how much I'm left with.

Adios

What to blog . . . !!!

2006-08-31T09:22:00.000+01:00

Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.

End of Season

2006-08-28T00:59:00.000+01:00

The rugby season is now over for the Edmonton Pirates, and we didn't do too badly. The final game was played with a lot of guts and determination but we lacked the finish on the day!!!! The End of Season Banquet is hopefully being planned for just before I leave so I can attend, so that should be a great night to round things off. Can't believe I've been here for 3 months!!! I feel pretty local now!!! My foreigner status will be given up to Helen, who gets to Edmonton on Friday, so the sight seeing may begin again!!!!

The Ladies World Cup palava starts this week. The girls have picked up some mini vans and are in charge of hosting Samoa and to an extent Scotland too, so I may volunteer too and see what great souveniers I can pick up!!!

Nothing much to report at the minute apart from a strange realisation that I am officially getting old! The average age I currently work with is 18, and my my I feel like a dinosaur sometimes!!! Maybe I'm not Peter Pan afterall!!!

We've had some pretty amazing thunderstorms lately, for those of you who know me well, you can imagine how I hate them and hide indoors!!!! But the sun is shining and it is super hot again, so after a BBQ and party last night, I'm spending the day topping up my tan as it was starting to fade a little.

Hope England is a glorious as ever and happy Bank Holiday XXX

All work and no play . . . .

2006-08-22T05:56:00.000+01:00

No update for a while as I've been busy working at the sports shop. The funny thing is that my little sister has started working in a sports shop where I used to work, and now my big sister is going there too!! Spot a trend!!!!

Working in a shop over here though is so different its crazy. Canadians are heaps more laid back. They don't worry much about shoplifters, and if there are empty hangers everywhere its probably just people trying stuff on and wandering around!!!! Empty coathangers were a sign of theft and you got into trouble back in the day!!!! People just leave everything in the changing rooms and expect you to tidy after them too which can be annoying! And the part timers work on a commission basis where they have to sell so much per shift to reach a decent wage. Luckily I am on an hourly rate, but still need to sell $4000 a week.

I went to a ceremony on Saturday to see Rik and Mike? bring home the Stanley Cup in Fort Saskacheuan and recieve a key to the town, and they pronounced it Rik and Mike day (should be Rik and Mick!). In the evening we went out on Whyte Ave and got slightly merry. And we headed to a bar with a mechanical bull!!! It was sooo funny, well what I can remember of it anyways!!!!! There will be pictures on my flicr account so you can see who was the best :-)

Spent Sunday on the phone. Had a huge conversation with my little sis, which is the first time ever. Kinda realised that she is growing up and has stuff going on that I had no idea about. She isn't a 12yr old kid after all!!! Hopefully I can be a good sister to her and advise her on anything she needs. We'll see.

Edmonton Eskimo's . . . link here

2006-08-12T06:31:00.000+01:00

This eve I filled in for a friend working at an Eskimo's Canadian Football game (apparently there's a difference between american and canadian football, I've been told many many times!!!! Whatever!!!)

I was good fun, we just checked passes for the more exclusive area and got to watch people being hammered!!! It was quick and easy money too.

The only mishap was when I asked someone for ID and he was a player. He was a little offended but considering he was the only player under 6ft tall and wide, and I'm from England, how the hell was I meant to know!!! Heehee!!!

I start my new job as supervisor in Sport Chek (kinda like JJB Sports but more equipment sold) on Monday so need to learn to get up before 10am again!! Yey!! I only went in for a sales assistant job, but obviously they have bigger plans for me, and I may have told them I am not sure when I'm leaving here . . . . !!! We'll sort that when we get to it though!!

Big game tmrw, lots of players injured, and then a big night out dressed as pirates and wenches!!! How I love my rugby life!! And to add insult to injury some of my wench outfit is my own clothes!!! Maybe its time for a new wardrobe!

Ukranian Heritage Cultural Village . . . link here

2006-08-09T00:57:00.000+01:00

This is a traditional Ukranian Church, there are lots around Canada, and a more expensive house from the early 1900's.

We went to this village with a guy called Terry, who is a teacher, and is very into his culture and history, and used to work here, so was pretty much a great tour guide!!!

There are more pictures on my flicr account too, including Crayola Crayons from 100 years ago!!!! Crazy!!!

The site took us around 2 1/2 hours to walk around, and then we had some tradition food of cabage rolls, pyrogies (which I love!!!) and a sausage beginning with a K, can't remember the name but it was all good!

This is very similar to Fort Edmonton Park, in that its oldy worldy, and it has people dressed up pretending that they live in that time. It was so funny because you can ask them where their husbands are, what they did today etc and they have to stay in character. If they live in a house they even have to weed the gardens and cook food and eat it etc. It was very funny to get the inside info from an ex employee!! Aparently years ago, if you were hung over, you went in the jail cell and slept it off, pretending to be a prisoner!!!!

By the way, Helen, why have you never told me about pyrogies, they're so good!!!!

Telus World of Science . . . link here

2006-08-09T00:08:00.000+01:00

When I grow up I want to be . . . . .
This is more aimed at kids so we had a great time!!!!

Obviously there were things to pose on . . . . . and we did a weather forecast, played scientific games and didn't really learn a thing but it was good!! We went to a Laser show about stars narrated by the big guy from The Matrix, and then one about the Universe, stars etc and how insignificant we really are!!!! It was in a huge planatarium dome thing which you sit back and look around at. We also went to the Imax Theatre and watched Fighter Pilot (there was a boy with us!) which was crazy. The camera was in the plane with him as he was flying and it made my head roll a few times as he looped the loop!!!

It also had a few areas about energy etc kinda like at Sellafield but without the nuclear spin, so all in all a good time, but go in a group or with kids who would run around and play!

Later on we headed to Sadie's friends house for a party where I learnt 2 new drinking games that I will be bringing back to England!!!! Look out rugby girls!!! I also met two guys who said they were sheriffs which I found hilarious and spent the rest of my time teasing them at any opportunity!!! Their badges said Peace Officers so I'm thinking they may be giving themselves a cooler name at parties!!!!! Tee hee!!!!

Heritage Day . . . . . link here

2006-08-08T23:46:00.000+01:00

This festival is to celebrate heritage from all over the world, and people sing, dance and have tents for their country selling food and crafts, artwork and clothing!!

Countries represented included France, Italy, Greece, Wales!!!!!! who sold rock and toffee????, Hawaii, Fiji Islands, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ukraine, Japanese, Venezuelan, Thai, Serbian . . . . everything you can think of . . . .except English, Scottish and Irish!!!!!!

We tried a few different things, but I can only remember some beef I tried from Nigeria which was yummy!!! And some stuff that was like a potato/banana which was deep fried and yummy!!! A lot of things were like kebabs, or curries, or rice dishes but it all smelt amazing and it was a nice hot day but not too busy.

Later on we headed for Sushi downtown which was also delicious!!! Forgot the camera though!!

Capital Ex . . . . (link here)

2006-08-02T17:55:00.000+01:00

A few of us headed down to Capital Ex, which used to be known as Klondike days, no one is happy about the name change apparently!!!

Its basically like the Calgary Stampede with less cowboys and therefore less area's to do with agriculture.

We went there as Tara knows the guy who was doing the hypnotist show. We first had a wander round, tried some food out, as you do . . . . and then I headed to the Sling Shot.

Since the Calgary Stampede I have been trying to get someone to come on this with me but all Albertan's are afraid of highs! Really, whats that all about! They need to head to the Rockies to get over that!!!! So, after moaning and whailing and nobody giving in I headed across and paid to go on it on my own!!

While I was waiting, 2 guys offered their friend up to go with me but apparently he was a 60yr old and they couldn't find him, so one of the kids working there got on with me. He thought it was boring, I had a great time.

We then went to the hypnotist show which was hilarious. I was offered up to be hypnotised but for whatever reason he couldn't get me asleep, PHEW!!!! So I got to watch the rest of the show. They had a big guy called Keith who was doing the river dance and the usual stuff like a guy who falls in love with a mop etc etc. It was soooo funny. I'm just relieved that it didn't work on me!!

The moral of the story, Canadians are wuss bags!!!!

A Taste of Edmonton

2006-08-02T04:58:00.000+01:00

Me and my usual accomplice, Nadine, headed to Churchill Square for the Taste of Edmonton Festival last week.

There are stalls from various hotels, restaurants, even the airport, etc in Edmonton who put on a variety of small taster dishes from their establishment. We shared some tickets and tried a few dishes each. I had frozen yoghurt as I haven't had ice cream in a while, and I figured it would be lower in fat!! Nadine saw a guy eating the biggest rib I've ever seen. She found out where he had got it and went and got two slightly smaller ones which were still pretty damn huge. Everything was going well, people even asking where she got her yummy ribs until . . . . . she dropped it on the floor!!!!!! She gave out the biggest scream as though someone had robbed her and she was going to cry!!!! I could do nothing but laugh and laugh!!!!! My food was yummy :-)

Fishing Lake . . . (bear hunting link here!)

2006-08-02T04:11:00.000+01:00

Last week I headed to Fishing Lake with my old work colleague Fiona. The pressure is on as she will be reading this!!!!!

It took us 3 hours to get there from Edmonton, but along the way, we saw the big sausage again!! and we saw a wild bear just before we entered the town. It wasn't as big as I thought a bear would be and it was quite cute, although I'm sure it wouldn't be a good idea to get to close. The town also wasn't as big as I thought it would be either. There are around 300 residents, and they've just got their first pavement!!! CRAZY!!

Fiona's family were lovely and made me feel very welcome. We had lots of food!! including Elk burgers, Bisons burgers and Buffallo saugage. The Elk burgers were the best though.

Her mam acted like a personal chauffer for us, taking us all over to Lloydminster, Elk Point (suprise suprise no Elk here!!!), Fort George, Reill Beach and I'm sure there were other places but I can't remember now! The lake was right by Fiona's house so we headed down there to cool off. Little did she know that it had been lowering for the last 8 years and it was further than she realised. Not to worry though, we took machetties and cleared a path! A sight that would have kept you all amused for hours!!!!

We headed back to Lloydminster on the Friday for Fiona's friends wedding. A real cowboy and cowgirl wedding. It was amazing! I had a great time! The table pieces were plastic cows, bulls and bails, and there were so many cowboy hats it was unreal!!! Congrats Jamie and Terry and I had a great time attemping the two step and whatever the other dance was that I attempted! Can you believe that they do the birdie dance here too!! I thought it was a cheesy english dance but apparently not, and the macarena!!! which I didn't dance to . . . . . honest!

Fiona's brother also dropped of his quad bike so we could have some fun! Initially I followed Fi's dad and took it easy, it was pretty bumpy. We went off piste, until her Dad got trapped over a fallen tree, so we pulled him out, and headed to the sand. There were a few jumps but loads of room to must go crazy and get used to the feel of the bike!!! Her brother took me for a ride and I nearly fell off a few times while he whizzed along. The next time I went on it, I had Fiona on the back and nearly tipped her off by accident a couple of times. Don't think she was impressed by my fearless driving! ooops! The funniest moment though was when Dave drove off with his aunt on the back and returned with her driving and him sitting on the back, He's not the smallest of guys so it looked hilarious!!!

Fiona and I camped out one evening. Dave got the fire going, told us a ghost story about wolves and then left! Thanks Dave! We managed to stay put for a few hours and then went and hid in the trailer, just incase!!!
I finally managed to see some Elk with full antlers which looked amazing, heard some wolves and coyotees howling, but still no moose! Maybe in the rockies . . . .
We also went tubing on the lake, which was so funny. I've never held on to something so tight in all my life and have some funny pictures!!!

I now know how to spot a real cowboy too. Look for the Wranglers, hat, boots and belt buckle.

And I also have an invite to head back in October and go bear hunting with Fi's uncle (Apparently it has to be the right season) so I have to see if my conscience will let me. I have attached a link of the business for all potential hunters out there!

It was a great week, with temperatures around 38 degrees and I was super chilled out when I got back.

Calgary Zoo . . . link here

2006-07-27T05:36:00.000+01:00

The day after the Stampede, we met with some other girls and headed for the zoo. I was told it probably wasn't as big as ones I've been to before and they were right . . . its sooo much bigger!!!

I got to see a Moose finally, but it had no antlers, some Elk, with the same problem, and some black and some grizzly bears!!! Finally, all the things I wanted to see, even if they were behind bars!!!

I saw a hippo, which I don't think I've seen that close before, and we got some good group pictures etc. I also saw a giraffe sitting crossed legged on a yellow mat which looked like it was meditating. Couldn't get a good angle with my camera though.

There were different areas for different countries, eg Africa, Australia, Canada etc. We skipped the dinosaur bones though as we were running out of time.

Calgary Stampede . . . link here

2006-07-27T05:31:00.000+01:00

So its been a while since I wrote a post and the reason is I've been hugely busy!!!
Lets start from the beginning.

I headed to the Calgary Stampede for a long weekend with Christina and her sister Tera. We stayed with her family friends who own a Ford dealership and are crazy and rich!!! On the Friday night we got acquainted with a bottle of Watermelon Vodka and for the first time, and possibly last, I tried Deer sausage. It tasted a bit bloody to me, could be because Erin was hammered too so didn't cook it right or something but who knows!

On the Saturday we headed to the Stampede and met Kim and Smalls. The Stampede is kind of like a huge fun fair but with a massive theme of cowboys.

I tried a corn dog, which is kinda like a battered sausage but the batter is smoother, and we tried Dippin Dots. They are basically small balls of ice cream, about 3mm big and you get a cup full. If you see them try them, but not if you have sensitive teeth as the ice cream gets stuck to them!!!

We went on a cable car ride to get a good view of the grounds, but Kim is scared of heights so met us at the other end. I sat with Smalls and as it juddered along he looked terrified, which just encouraged me to move around and make it wobble more!!!

We watched a few cowgirls competing in barrel racing (i think thats what it is) or cutting shows???!! Whatever! And we wandered round and looked at the Native Village Area, where they were dancing and had their Tipi's open to look in, and we wandered around all the prize cattle, horses, bulls, pigs etc.

The highlight in the evening was the Chuckwagon races which were great. Each driver and wagon has 4 helpers. The helpers sling a barrel into the back of the wagon, which then has to go around a standing barrel then head around a racing track. The helpers jump on their horses and follow the driver, and have to finish as close to him as possible. It was great to watch and the atmosphere was really good.

The evening was finished off with a show about Canada and its history, and a huge fireworks display. The show was a bit cheesy but OK, and the fireworks were really good!

Not much going on yet . . .

2006-07-14T16:34:00.000+01:00

This week I've had the most exciting time of my life!!!
I was meant to help with a mail out, sticking labels, sealing envelopes, etc for one day to make some quick cash. Instead, I've been doing it for 3 days while the receptionist sat on her ass and talked to her long distance boyf!!!! GGrrrrr!!!

Today I'm off to the stampede for the weekend so there should be some good pictures by Monday!

The police job isn't happening now as the agency didn't tell them I am English, even though I asked if it was a problem!!! And therefore they won't have time to wait for a background clearance to come though!

And my old work friend Fiona is returning to Canada this weekend so we're gonna have a good old catch up when she gets back, can't wait!!!

Hope everyone is well.

One year on . . . .

2006-07-08T01:31:00.000+01:00

I was mildly oblivious to this until I checked my emails and turned on the TV. 1 year down the line . . .how times have changed!!! I still remember it vividly and reading all the stuff on the BBC website today brought it all home again!

The details I tend not to share too much with people as it still tends to make me gulp (gotta be tough!!), but its still there. I am relieved to not be in England, especially not working for Metronet as I'm not sure how I would have dealt with it. I still feel that bond with people who were right there with me and hope they are doing OK, not going over it all too much. I still have all the text messages on my old phone that remind me of that day. For some reason I can't delete them. You find out who your closest friends are.

I try not to get involved in debates about the whole thing too as I feel strangely defensive especially against people who were not there! How can you feel anger and opinionated when you didn't see what I saw . . . . . it just makes me feel really sad deep down.

Anyways . . . . its still sunny, its Friday night . . . I'm off to do something!!! Not sure what yet, thats the exciting bit!

Caz

Fort Edmonton Park . . . (link here)

2006-07-07T04:22:00.000+01:00

Todays school trip was to Fort Edmonton Park, which consists of a steam train, some trams (street cars) and historic Canadian buildings dating back from 1795 to the 1920's. Above is a Native camp where we tried some fried raisin bread type stuff that the two old ladies were making. An old 1920's car which was in the Motordrome, and some fur that was hanging in the upstairs of the Indian Trade Store.

The layout is an old Fort, which goes on to 1885 Street, to 1905 Street, to 1920. There were some farms with Belgian horses which are HUGE!!!! A few old churches, alot of old shops, bakeries, houses. An old fire station with a police station on the back and the city hall above (they were efficient on space saving !!)

We tried out a shooting gallery and I beat Nadine hands down, and then we tried a strong man contest where you use a mallet to shoot the thing that hits the bell! We were about the same strength but Nadine managed to pull out a good hit at the end and won!!

Was semi boring but a tourist attraction that had to be done!!!

On the job front . . . . I am having a background check and then hopefully I'll be doing admin at a police station so I'm delighted to say the least!!!!

Moose Lake fun!!

2006-07-05T05:51:00.000+01:00

Saturday was Canada day, so Happy Birthday Canada, which made it a long weekend, so I headed to Moose Lake with one of the rugby girls.

On the way we decided to do a small town tour, which may sound quite dull but, in the small towns they have lots of 'The World's Largest . . . .' stuff!!! Oh yes! A journey to remember!

We headed off first of all to see the Worlds Largest Sausage! Not real, but huge to say the least. You can check out the pictures on my flicr account! Quick run down is "The Worlds Largest : Sausage, Mallard Duck, Poroghy and Mushrooms' and I saw The Worlds First Alien Landing Pad. Yep, they built a pad which has a small sign telling intergalactic travellers that if they want to land in the small circle on a platform they're more than welcome!!! And they have a gift shop too!! Wierd! Lets hope Aliens have extremely good eye sight and a map that points them to St Pauls, Canada! Population 3000 tops!

We got to the Lake and had such a good time, cooking smokies and marshmallows over the camp fire. We waterskiied every day. I tried wakeboarding and managed to get up but couldn't cross the wake. They had fun watching me try though!!! I used the knee board too, and drove the speed boat for 5 minutes. We went on a bike ride, which turned into me and Terry racing two random 8yr old girls on the road and almost being beaten!!! So we raced her two 7yr old twin cousins instead and whooped em! Terry's bike had no gears and mine only had 7 and a stand that kept falling down and hitting the pedals. Thats our excuses and we're sticking to them!

Terry's uncle's put on their cowboy hats and jacket and I got a picture of them for the cowboys albumn and we went to check out an Elk farm too. Guess what . . . . they didn't have any Elk!! Just deers and apacha's. I think Elks are like Big Foot, just a legend that drunken Canadians say are here!!!!

It was a fun weekend and managed to top up the tan/rust!

Unemployed again!!!

2006-06-29T00:13:00.000+01:00

I tried the job, had to get up at 5:30am and decided on day 2 that there was no way on hells earth that it was gonna work.

Darcy, my boss, also asked me if it was gonna be a problem so, truthfully as ever I told him yes!!! The work was fine, the people were OK, but 2 hrs travel is not worth it unless he buys me a car! He politely declined my request!

I did however meet a new friend called Maria who wants to take me to Salsa Clubs etc so something good has come out of it!

I CAN'T WAIT TO LIE IN TMRW!!!

Canadian Ladies Rugby Teams

2006-06-28T00:44:00.000+01:00

Just thought I'd drop in here about my game of rugby on Saturday too, for memories sake!!

I have been a reserve for the Pirates in the first league game and expected the trend to continue as there are set people in set places but the fly half decided to break her wrist 10 mins into the game on Saturday, when it was 30 degrees!!! So on trots Caz!!!

The girls had mentioned that most of the opposition play for Canada, whether it be under 19's or the full squad, and jeeze they were good!!! The full back, Maria something or other was the most impressive and could just seem to charge through anyone who got in her way!! I got battered and bruised and had a crappy game, but at least I can say that I've now played against international players (albeit that they made me look crap!!!)

Just thought that was a moment to share!!!!

First day on the job . . . .

2006-06-28T00:37:00.000+01:00

I got a call yesterday from one of my many agents regarding a job that would be available immediately until whenever I decide to leave with a security company!! Yey!

I started today and had to get across Edmonton from the North East to the West End. Easy if you live in London, not so in Edmonton. It took me nearly 2 hours from door to door!!! I was thinking that if this is the case, I am not willing to work there through the summer, but there is a girl who works there who lives 5 minutes from me. Great you would think, however, she rides a motorbike to work!!! She has offered that this Thursday night we practice doubling up and then my journey is reduced to about 30-45minutes, which is great! My only hesitation is the recent photograph I saw of you know who after his bike accident!!!! I think more so because its a place where the roads are wide with huge truck and all at least dual carriage ways, and I wouldn't be confident driving on them myself at first. We'll see how it goes. If its a no go and I have to continue along the walk, train, bus, bus route then I may not last too long!!!

I'll let you know how it goes!

Elk Island National Park . . . . (link here)

2006-06-22T04:50:00.000+01:00

Today Nadine and I visited Elk Island, which isn't an island, its just a national park along a highway that heads to Winnipeg or somewhere random and miles away!! And its huge. You drive around and find places to park then go off for a hike around huge lakes or whatever!
The plan was to find some moose and elks and take some touristy pictures. So, off we headed with our little picnic and cameras and wandered along part of a lake, then realised it was huge and would take us about 4 hrs to go around. There were some random elk/moose like hoof prints, but only one small trail to follow. Around us was dense greenery, so we realised that if a moose was along the path, there was no where for us or it to hide! So we headed back!!
We went to Sandy Beach, which was tiny, and wandered around a bridge with not much railing, and we saw the most tadpoles I've seen in my life, and they seemed huge! So of course I took a picture!
We went for a drive around but realised that most places were a huge long walk unless we drove around the Bison Loop. So thats where we headed.
Oh my god!!! Bison are huge!!! The leaflet said stay 100m away from wildlife. These things were wandering across the path and rolling in the dirt beside the road! At this point I was driving Nadine's pick-up truck, which was all back to front to me, and not the quietest vehicle so I was worried!! We got a few pictures there and switched places. For some reason out of nowhere, Nadine accidently leant of the horn!!!!! Never have I been so scared in my life!!! Birds all flew away and we got stared at by all the huge bison. So we decided to sit still for a minute and then casually drive on out of there!! Apparently bison can only run 25mph so we would have floored it if worst came to worst!!!
They have places to sit and have a little BBQ on their dirty grills, so we cooked our dodgy smokie sausages that were injected with cheese. They spurt everywhere! Apparently you take two bites from one end then switch! And I decided we should put the fire out before we went, so, I took the biggest piece of log out and laid it on the ground right on top of a heap of wood! Yep, I nearly burnt down Elk Island!!!! Good job Nadine noticed and laughed at me!
We saw some Canadian geese, loads of beaver lodges, but no Elk or Moose!!! Therefore I am renaming the place No Elk Island. It was a funny day though!!

Churchill Cup

2006-06-20T06:10:00.000+01:00

This weekend was the Churchill Cup (link attached, click on title) which was hosted in Edmonton, so of course it would be rude not to go along!!!!

The games were as follows :
England vs Ireland
New Zealand Maori's vs Scotland
Canada vs USA

I thought it would be a good idea to bet my friends husband, who is Irish, that England would win!!! Thanks boys!!! They lost it within the last 5 mins and I now therefore have to down 3 pints of Guinness, when we go to a pub which serves it!!!!

I got some great pitures of the Haka which I'll add to my flicr account at some point, and of course, the Maori's won the tournament, giving Scotland a real arse kicking!!!!

We then headed to the IronHorse on Whyte Ave, where it just so happened that the England, Ireland and Canadian teams were celebrating. The boys showed their true brit colours, got hammered and hit on every girl in sight! Nice work!!! The most disappointing factor is that none of the teams (excpet Canada and the USA) were the first team, so it was just a load of randoms!! Most upset!!!

Anyways, was a good night out as the Oilers had won their 6th game so spirits were high and the streets were crowded. Wonder how they are tonight with the upset of losing?

Lets Go OILERS!!!!

2006-06-20T06:03:00.000+01:00

The biggest thing in Edmonton at the minute is the competition for the Stanley Cup between the Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricaines. (click on title for link to Oilers)

Saturdays game was a big one where the Oilers had to win to be in with a chance of winning the cup, and somehow they managed to pull off a hugely impressive 4-0 victory. So . . . tonight was the decider. . . . . the winner took the huge cup home until next season.

I headed of to Kim's, we got pizza and were ready to celebrate . . . . . . . and for some reason they couldn't pull it together!!! They gave up hope and lost 3-1. It was an exciting game for the first two periods and for some reason they lost it!!!

But, as I have now learnt about hockey and what a crazy game it is, I am impressed to report that as I was sitting in a temp agency ready to register, DON CHERRY walked by!!! If you don't know who this is look him up!!!

Why does it always rain on me!!!!!

2006-06-16T02:41:00.000+01:00

You guessed it! Its pouring again!!!!! Nevermind! I don't care anymore!!! (Yes I do!)

We had a game of rugby yesterday against the teams rivals as they're the reason that the whole teams had to move up a division, so the team was out to win and kick ass!!!! Therefore, I started off as a sub and played about 10 mins as a winger!!! This has never happened to me in my life! I never made one hit all game and I had the ball and ran once and got 2 metres from the try line then someone else scored!!! Hhhmmm! I'm feeling some aggression being built up here!

Today I went out with Nadine to have a mini tour of Edmonton. We went to Whyte Ave, for a stroll in the rain! I had my first Tim Horton's, a double double none the less which was good although I'm not sure I would queue around the block in my car for this! (Yes they have a drive through coffee place that people queue in each morning!)

We went into a few guitar/instrument shops and had a Waynes World experience as Nadine played a few songs and then we headed to West Ed Mall again for a look around. We saw the seal show this time which was OK, and we tried on a few cowboy hats, much to the annoyance of the shop assistants and then headed for a drive Downtown. Not a big as London but there are still quite a few huge businesses down there. We headed to Earls for some dinner, and can you believe they ID'd us as we look under 30!!! What the hell!!!! Of course, I didn't have my passport with me therefore we had to go to a different area and I had to have orange juice with my food! Thanks Earls!!! Food was good though, so thats OK ish!

While I was out I missed a call from my temp agency too so I'll call in the morning and could be working by Monday, which kinda sucks but I guess I need to go back to employment soon before I become an official bum!!!

I think the whole ID thing is gonna be the new joke while I'm here! I really don't want to trek my passports around with me though so need to find a way round that!

Not sure what tmrw will bring, but gonna head out with Nadine at some point so I can see some moose, buffallo and elks at some park somewhere. I'll take my camera!!

Bye for now x

Gotta go get me a job!!!

2006-06-12T04:11:00.000+01:00

So . . . .

The rugby game went OK for a reintroduction back, although I twisted my good ankle and now its slighty swollen and bruised!

I've spent today (Sunday in my time!) typing up a resume Canada style, and I'm gonna try and find a nice job to gather some cash for the rest of the year!! I plan to live cheaply!

I have a contact for a PT job, info on a Running Room job, and I've found quite a few payroller jobs. Therefore, whichever pays the best and has nice working hours will be the winner!!!!

I've settled into my new home nicely and given everything a place to live for the next few months so we're making progress. . . . and I've downloaded Skype much to Ben's joy!!!

Hopefully (hopefully not, who am I kidding!) next time I write I'll be telling you about my new job and work collegues!

Laters XXX

Edmonton so far . . . .(click here for link)

2006-06-10T07:10:00.000+01:00

I flew across to Edmonton with WestJet on Wednesday and the attendants are hilarious. They finished the flight by saying . . ' we hope we met your expectations and if not all we ask if that you please lower them!'

Kim met me at the airport and we headed off to see where I'll be spending the summer.

The apartment is beautiful!!!! Its only been bulit for 3 years, and the decor is stunning. Its in neutral beige and then dark browns and its soooo nice!!!! My new house mate is Kursten, who used to play for the Pirates (my new team) and she is a great girl. She's travelled across Europe, NZ and Oz and is such good fun. She's taken me to all the local touristy areas so I can get a feel for the place.

What can I say about Edmonton though . . . its very flat! When people say that you think whatever, but really, on the aeroplane all i could see around in the horizon were huge flat square fields. Everywhere is hugely spaced out. The roads are extra wide, and if you don't have a car or designated driver you would be stuffed!!!

We headed across to the worlds biggest mall. Saw the flamingo's, rode the largest indoor roller coaster and saw the huge dragon that breathes fire at you in the cinema. What more could a girl ask for!!!

I've now tried out Canada's finest food and drink : Ceasar's drink (eugh!), Dairy Queen Ice Cream (yum!), Canadian beer (yum), and seafood chowder (yum). I'm sure there's more but I'm getting tired and can't think straight.

So far having a good time. Met the rugby girls who seem up for a laugh and been for a run with Kursten this morning. Yoga and a rugby game tmrw so I can burn off that Ice Cream. Hopefully I'll be fit by the end of summer. . . . . .

I'll keep you posted on new and exciting developments and I'll find the wire for my camera!!!

CAZ XXX

Vancouver Island . . . (click here for link)

2006-06-10T07:00:00.000+01:00

This Island is beautiful.

Its slightly smalled than England and I think the population is around 3 million, so they're really spread out.

Its as though the whole Island is a huge version of the Lake District on a good day, but far more spread out!

We headed to Duncan, which is Steph's home town, but we didn't really explore this much, quite residential, and things spread out. And the next day we popped across to Victoria.

There seemed to be alot more going on here. The harbour was nice, and they have a huge, posh hotel called The Empress which is a major tourist attraction. Then there's the Parliament Building and other hotels etc surrounding the harbour.

We headed across to Sidney and quite a few other towns for a drive around. There seems to be a whole lot of small places that are all different towns!!!

We then drove through the native land where the natives live and have rights to still pretty much do whatever they want. This wasn't a great area. The houses are looking old and the cars are bashed to pieces. Apparently this is how they choose to live?! I don't know enough about the history of it all but it seems quite interesting!

We only spend a late evening and day on the Island so not that much really to tell here!!! There are a few pictures on my flicr account now so take a look.

Keep reading!!!

Vancouver . . . (click here for link)

2006-06-10T06:35:00.000+01:00

I made it!!!!! I finally arrived in Canada!!

This is a delayed update as I only had 30 minutes in a library in Vancouver and far too many people to contact so here goes . . . . .

For those with google earth, I stayed with Steph at Nelson Street, Downtown. This is right in the heart of Vancouver's main city area. The main road is Granville Street where there are theatres, clubs, bars, restaurants and just entertainment galore.

I had a wander down Robson street a few times which is Vancouvers equivalent of Oxford Street, although the buildings weren't as tall, and I spent some time of my first full day at Granville Island, which had a huge food market and lots of arty shops, and then English Bay Beach, which was beautiful!

Vancouver is very much a place for aspiring actor/esses and there are heaps of films and programmes shot there such as X Men, Free Willy, X Files, Smallville, (can't seem to remember any more!). Its a great place with lots to do and I would really recommend it for a holiday.

I had a wander around Stanley Park too, which is huge, and if you ever go, hire a bike or roller blades and go round the whole thing. Its worth it, it was a long walk and I cut across half way through!!!!

One thing I noticed about Vancouver is the amount or Oriental people there. They really are a huge part of the community. We headed down to China Town on the Friday night too, which had an open air market, kinda small, but really cool to pop along and see.

The only place to avoid in Vancouver is East Hastings!!! There is a huge crack problem and is right there on the streets! You turn a corner and the pavement is lined with people flailing around with needles in their hands! Not nice and don't go there with kids!!! Apparently this is due to the rehab centres and shelters for people to do drugs indoors! Not nice!

Gastown is right around the corner from this area, and is a really trendy place to go right now. Its quite pretty and has a steamwork clock (read the brochures for history) and a statue of Gassy Jack. I would recommend not to go any further once you get to the statue.

We also headed off to north Vancouver and walked across and around the Capilano suspension bridge which is over a huge canyon and surrounded by a rain forest. Very nice, there are more pictures on my flicr account!!

Update . . . .

2006-05-26T01:05:00.000+01:00

Sorry for the delay in updating this blog for all those fans who tune in regularly!!!!!!

I've been 'Up North' helping out in the garden I used to work in, and taking all of my worldly possessions to be stored at my grandparents. I was cold, wet and horrid 90% of the time! Unimpressed! Nevermind though, now I'm almost ready for the trip of a life time YEY!!! I'm living out of my back pack from now.

Before I left I went to my end of season dinner at my rugby club and had to make 'The Speech' which actually turned out quite well. I think the amount of alcohol I had before hand helped and its just as well I went first otherwise they would have had no chance!!! Oops!

At home I managed to fit in a water skiing session, still have the magic touch and never fell off, just had to let go at the end as I couldn't hold on any longer!!!! And I managed to fit in a shopping trip to Carlisle which was unintended, but I got heaps of cool stuff and a bikini which was a nice suprise, I have been looking for weeks! And I managed to catch up with the majority of people I wanted to, including people I haven't seen for a very long time. Hello Sloggett :-)

I've had a great email from my main contact in Canada, Kim, who has managed to find a room for me to rent at a bargain price, so all I need now is a job! Must do that CV!

I have an actioned packed weekend now, trying to see anyone and everyone before I leave.

Not sure when or where the next update will be as Ben will need to take the computer over to his parents so patience may be a virtue!!

3 days to go . . . . :-)

Caz

OUCH!!!!

2006-05-10T18:13:00.000+01:00

I've just got back from the Doc's where I've had my travelling jabs, and I was sooooo brave!!!!

Ask anyone , I hate needles with a passion! So when the nurse told me I needed 5 different things I nearly freaked!! Then she told me that they could be combined and I only had 2 jabs. Phew!!!!

I have to say though, the nurse was really good and just cracked on with it as I freaked out and I barely felt it. You would think I'm cured of my phobia but no, needles still make me shiver and sweat and my heart race.

Any hoooo, I've started to pack a good percentage of my stuff (which is mainly clothes! I'm such a girl!), and I'm feeling more organised about my trip, and I've discovered a new toy!

GOOGLE EARTH is great!!!!!!!! I've been zooming in on the places I'm visiting and having a little look around, and I've been secretly checking out places of interest such as Roswell and Area 51, the Statue of Liberty, Sydney Opera House, Ayers Rock, rich peoples houses in LA, rich peoples houses in Bromley (yes there are some nice ones!), and pretty much anywhere that I've been or know, or random ideas that come to me in the middle of the night and I decide I need to see!!!!!

If anyone knows any cool places to look at, or you know where any celebs live (MTV Cribs has a lot to answer for!) let me know so I can check it out.

I think I'm a google addict!!!!

Off to eat my meatballs, over and out!

Fidgety Fidget!!

2006-05-08T09:04:00.000+01:00

I don't know why but I've been feeling really unsettled for the past few days :-(

I know I have heaps to do and I'm not sure where to start, but I do have enough time so its not really a big deal.

I have been spending a lot of time with my nearest and dearest friends, family and blokey so thats a good thing.

Today I intend in making a lot of progress in the packing up all my junk ready for the move on Saturday!!!! Which is when I intend on taking everything up to my parents.

I'll update soon when I've made heaps of progress and feel more content and ready!

Can you believe its pouring with rain after the glorious sunshine we've had for the past few days!

Caz

Change of Plan!

2006-05-04T10:13:00.000+01:00

So . . . . . . .

Gonna re arrange my flight to 29th May
Gonna go up north and shovel cement for 2 weeks
Gonna book the Kiwi bus
Gonna contact relatives and ask about transport in Oz and SA

Morning TV is shit!!!

Gonna go have a picnic and start on my tan today!!!!

Papa Bear is now added to my links . . . . Enjoy
(I think Lil' Sis gets her wackiness from him, read and you'll understand!) :-p

Crisis Point!!!

2006-05-03T11:27:00.000+01:00

Oh no!!! My visa won't be here in time!!

I'm thinking about re scheduling my flight for the end of May, as I have to pay my rent up to this point any ways, and getting a little temp job. Or, going up north to work in a garden I used to work in for a week or so of solid hard graft!

Bugger, bugger, bugger!!! Now I'm just eating into money!!!!

I'm trying not to panic but can't help feel a bit useless!!!

As the saying goes 'It'll all sort itself out in the end!'

Bank Holidays!!!

2006-05-01T22:07:00.000+01:00

Happy Bank Holiday Monday!
I feel fat, bloated and disgusting! All I've done is eat take-away and BBQ grub, drank, and played games of cards, Jenga and Cranium.
Non productive at all!!
I have 2 weeks left so lets hope and pray that everything gets sorted out!

Welcome Bev my little/big sis to blogspot. I've added the link to the side of my page. She's a bit dipsy so read her blog as it could prove to be very entertaining. Isn't that right Bev?!

I'm gonna sign off now and crash on the sofa, and let the Chinese take-away I've just scoffed go down!!!

Bbbllllleeeuuuggghhhhhh! I may just expolde!

Making Progress . . . .

2006-04-29T09:15:00.000+01:00

Great News!!!
My predicted busyness yesterday was correct, so far I have :

Collected my tickets
Got Insurance to cover everything I will and may do
Cancelled TV licence
Made a doctors appointment
Called and made enquiries about my mobile (need to call back before I leave to freeze my account)
Cancelled my rent payments, and the flat has been re let
Paid of my Topshop card, which I've ignored for the past 3 years!!!!
Got my Australian Visa

How busy was I!!! And I still managed to meet up with a friend at London Bridge for drinks to celebrate and learn any unusual lingo in Canada. Apparently if I tell someone to get on the pavement it actually means the road!!! Wierd. And . . they have a coin called a loonie.

While I was waiting for her to finish work I decided to explore the area, pretending of course that I was in Sydney as it was slightly sunny!!! :-) and I was completely amazed as to how much stuff I'd never actually seen before.

I used to get the train from London Bridge so thought I knew the area. Nope! I found the most amazing market, Borough Market, which is full of food that smells great. Olives, cheese, bread,pizza, fresh fish, meat, burgers, cakes, jams, pies . . . . . . etc. And I randomly saw something being filmed for TV, a chef who I didn't recognise wandering round the market talking and being filmed. Apparently Dr Hilary Jones is there all the time!!!!! After I stumbled out of this in amazement onto the streets behind, I found a small historical boat docked, Mary something or other, would have taken a picture if I was on full tourist mode and had my camera, and I found some lovely pubs with ourdoor seating areas along the side of the Thames. It was great!!! OOOOhhhhhhhhh and get this . . . . . . I was shown where Bridget Jone's house is!!!!! How touristy is that. I took a picture so when I work out how to get it from my mobile to the computer I'll show you!!!!!

I think this little adventure made me realise that even though I've lived here for 4 years I haven't really seen and discovered everything as you see too much through a bus or train window!! People who take the tube a few stops when the could walk much quicker really are missing out on a lot in some areas!

Anyways, off to discover Bromley today, well the contents of Topshop and Oasis anyways :-)

16 days to go!!!!

Busy Bee

2006-04-27T09:13:00.000+01:00

Today I feel like I'm gonna be a busy bee for the next few days.

I've started to look at all the stuff around me and am trying to discard of all the junk and clutter that for some reason I have started to hoard. I always promised myself I would never do this, but you just can't help but keep those unneccesary little things that just may come in handy.
I've managed to reduce my towel cupboard to resemble a two person's cupboard rather than a family of 5, and I've started to sift through the heaps of letters and statements etc that I just know I won't need but I've kept just incase I've needed to prove something within the last 2 years!! (Its a lot of paper believe me!)

My tickets are ready at the travel agents so I can go pick them up, and sort out my insurance at the same time. Just need to sort out my driving licence incase I need that along my ventures, and NEED TO WRITE A SPEECH FOR THE END OF SEASON DINNER!!!!

This is the bit I am dreading!!!! I hate making speeches. We each ahve a 10 minute slot to fill, I'm sure it will go quite quickly as there are 4 awards to give out during this, but honestly, i hate it!!!

If anyone has any advice out there on how to write a really good speech thats entertaining and will keep the attention of 200 rugby players then please please please please let me know!

Aaaaarrrrgggghhhhhhhhh!!!!!

Will update you later!!

Caz

BRISTOL RUGBY TOUR!!

2006-04-25T19:38:00.000+01:00

Well Friday was the sunny day that Beccs Ladies donned their black polo shirts and headed to Bristol for a long, binge drinking, junk eating, rugby playing, singing weekend!

The original venue was meant to be Budapest but as the team become older and more responsible we decided to move it so that people who needed to sneak back for children and other commitments could do so easily.

It was a great weekend with a lot of very funny moments but 'what goes on tour stays on tour . . . ' It felt great to end the season on a high note, especially as I won't see these girls who I've spent Tuesdays, Thursdays, some Saturdays and almost every Sunday with for the past 4 years. They are my only constant and genuine friends who I've know since I came to London as I've lost contact with heaps of people!

I will have one big session with them before I leave though, and ofcourse harrass them on email as much as possible while I'm away.

Any how, gotta go watch the footie with Tim, ssshhhh, don't tell the rugby girls. I went to watch a Chelsea game at the ground last week and had a great time!!!!!

Adios

Easter Hols

2006-04-25T18:50:00.000+01:00

I had a great little agenda set out for the Easter Bank Holiday, and can you believe it, it rained for the first 2 days!!!!!

Any how, we finally managed to get to Kew Gardens and had a lovely day. It took a few hours to walk around, and I really wanted to walk up the Pagoda but had to abandon this as our tickets were for 5:30 and we had 2 hours to kill, but nothing more to see!!! Never mind. It didn't look as exciting as it was on the internet. We did have a lovely day though and got some nice pictures as you can see.

Tickets Booked!

2006-04-13T00:35:00.000+01:00

So, been sitting on my ass for a while and not sorting anything and just looked at my Canadian visa application yesterday, which states that it takes 4 to 5 weeks to come through! Shit!!!!!

So, references got, form completed, pictures taken and sent off before last post today!

I've been to the travel agents today too, and started to really plan my trip. I've booked all my flights, which have changed ever so slightly from the initial plan, and its all paid for a booked. Big thanks to Lyndsey at STA Travel who helped me out!!!!

Just need to wait for that Visa now. Its gonna be an anxious 4 weeks but at least i can sort insurance, accomodation, meeting up with people etc etc.

Who knows what the next blog will bring, but time to start looking forward to it! HOURAY!!!!!

Yeeha!!!!!

2006-03-28T21:56:00.000+01:00

This is a classic shot from my leaving do on St Patricks Day of me and my friend Eva.

I love this picture because we had a great day and night and a huge part of it was down to her!

She's one of the people I am already missing heaps!!!!

I was at my parents in Cumbria last week, therefore not much achieved and caught a stinking cold which has set me back. This week has been the first week where I've felt properly unemployed. (only today and yesterday!) but now I'm relaxed I'm gonna set the wheels in motion and get the world tour sorted! Watch this space!!!!!

Happy Monday

2006-03-13T13:03:00.000Z

We're on the final week countdown, we're hungover and feeling sick, but we're happy coz my team kicked Ashford all over the rugby pitch with a blinding performance and it felt amazing!!!!!!

Have not sorted anything out yet as it would have gotten in the way of the drinking!!!

Will sort for next time I promise . . . .

The plan so far!

2006-03-11T09:10:00.000Z

To fill you all in so you have a clue as to what I'm rambling about :

I am currently in a position where in 1 weeks time I will be unemployed, no new job lined up, but money in the bank to see me good for quite a while. My main career choice is to join the police force but was rejected initially due to points on my licence which clear this April. (Stupid points for a stupid reason, lets not go there!!) I could apply for the police next month and wait who knows how long to get in, but I've started to reasses what is going on in my life.

I'm about to verge on the wrong side of 25 and all the people around me seem to be settling down (or settling as much as they can!) or having children! I'm part way there in that I currently live with the other half, but I feel no where near ready for the marriage or children part just yet. I'm having far too good a time doing as I please when I please, and there is so much that I really want to do but simply haven't for one excuse or another.

This is why I have decided to take action! I've decided to travel the world, visiting various friends and places along the way to broaden my outlook on life and hopefully come back ready to settle down and finally concentrate on being an adult! As my lecturer once put it, I have the attention span of a flea!

So the itinery so far looks like this :

Vancouver to Edmonton : LA : Fiji :Auckland : Christchurch : Sydney : Perth : Johannesburg : Cape Town : LONDON!

Flights aren't booked yet as I have to renew my passport, which I sent yesterday, but once that comes back we're ready to start to serious planning.

The other things I need to sort are :

Tenancy Agreement : 12 month contract
Mobile phone : 12 month contract
Gym membership : have forgotten where it is!
Visa's for Oz and Canada : part sorted but can't complete until new passport arrives
Inhalers : Do I stock pile for a year? I don't know???
Credit card bill to pay off
Where will I leave my 'stuff' I have acrued for the last few years?
What do I take and how can I ship stuff back from Canada so the rest of the travelling is light?

Admittedly some of these things are trivial, but the ones that I hate are where I need to write letters to cancel, and you just know it won't be that straight forward! I hate writing letters to wait and see if I can cancel things! If I want to cancel let me do it! I don't care about your terms and conditions so there!!! (I think I inherited this hatred of letters from my father by the way!)

Anyhow, hopefully next time I enter something here I can cross off atleast one thing from the above list.

Over and out

Day One . . . . .

2006-03-10T19:37:00.000Z

So here goes . . . . a blog to enable me to look back at the times that are to follow!!!

I'm currently planning to up and leave everyone and everything I have gained over the last 4 years in Kent, to travel to various hotspots around the world and gain new experiences, friendships, memories, etc etc. . . . .

I hope that this blog will help me to stay in contact with everyone I know, and let them share the next year with me.

My sister and friend keep blogs and I feel strangely like I understand them better and am more connected to them through this, even though they probably don't realise it.

Happy reading and I hope I can entertain you for a while!

Caz