Indo 4 - Chillin' in Bali

the beach and Bintang

Indo 2 - In the Kampung

Indo 1 - Out and About

cuteness (yes I know they are bats)


Ammon's birthday

goodbyes........

inevitably my wonderful two months away had to come to an end....and the last of my goodbyes had to be said.

it really was the most amazing and wonderful holiday. the only downside being that with every hello I got to say to old and dear friends, there was another goodbye to follow. I gotta tell ya, these things do not get easier with practice.

thank you to all the special people who have blessed my life with your friendship.....you are my family

Skiing at Whistler!!

AWESOME!
Seriously........awesome

After bad snow and injuries combined to prevent me from skiing Whistler the entire season I lived in Vancouver, I was not about to let ANYTHING stand in the way of me getting to those slopes this visit. If I had my way I would have camped up there for a week, but time ran out and I only managed to get one day - but it was one really fabulous day!

Whistler has had a great season this year, so there was lots of fantastic powder to be found - I really was in heaven. (plus it was much warmer than Apex, so I didn't feel like my hands were going to fall off.....much more pleasant) The mountains are so beautiful here, I spent the whole day just marvelling at my surroundings and constantly smiling. I'm sure my continual stopping to gawk at the scenery was annoying (especially for anyone who goes regularly) but for a newbie, it really was breathtaking! Whistler rocks!

Next time I really will stay a week. (or more)

p.s check back later for my photos......hopefully will be soon

Skiing & Hockey - Apex

I hadn't planned on going into the interior this trip, but when the opportunity to spend a weekend skiing at Apex resort came up, I very happily accepted. The lovely Rob was headed up with his hockey team for an outdoor tournament, but a few people had pulled out - leaving some space for Gary and I to tag along.
the serious business of playing poker

Despite the fact that I was essentially crashing a full on 'boys weekend', they were all very good about it and let me join in without any fuss. (of course I made sure to step out and give them ample 'drinking with the boys'/'chatting up women' time as well) ;)

Apex is a great little resort, perfect for playing around and getting my ski legs back before hitting Whistler. It is also perfectly placed in that it is only a short distance away from the Okanagan wine region. Obviously we were not going to pass up that opportunity, so took the first afternoon to visit Sumac Ridge and Greata Ranch wineries to sample the wares and pick up a few bottles. (A particular favourite I was happy to reacquaint myself with was the 25th anniversary Pipe from Sumac Ridge - a port style wine perfect with some tasty cheese for an after dinner treat)

When we weren't chasing wine or growing our confidence on the slopes, Gary and I braved the cold to join (coach) Deenu on the sidelines to cheer the guys on and watch them strut their stuff for a few games. (we also took the opportunity to be the heckle squad for Rob when he referred which was great fun.....although he didn't seem to agree) The team did really well and actually finished up 2007 tournament winners - well done guys!

Apex shootout tournament champions 2007 - yay!

(I will post some more photos of the slopes etc when I get them back)

Granada

Feliz Navidad!

mi querida familia española

Tate Modern

Images of London

view from Michael & Marta´s apartment

Hyde Park

Pubs

at my Skerries house :)

the feast

lovely Kate


My bedmate Ferris

Belfast

Unfortunately despite allowing three weeks in Ireland, it hasn´t really been enough time to catch up with everyone. I couldn´t leave without at least seeing the lovely Julie though, so despite a lack of sleep and a fairly decent hangover from the night before (josh ritter concert) I managed to make the Belfast train and get up north in time for a delicious lunch. There was a lovely little Continental Christmas Market set up at the town hall full of delicacies and trinkets mostly from France and Germany that I got to enjoy as well. All in all worth the trip up, if only for a few minutes of catch up time and fun with Joolie.....I just hope that next visit is not so rushed!