to new beginnings

there's nothing like flying into a sunrise........as I winged my way back into this wide brown land I realised that really I was flying into not only a new day, but also a new year, and new beginnings.......2007 has really kicked off in an amazing way - here's to it continuing to be a year full or surprises and new beginnings for everyone.

The day the music died!

this was NOT the welcome home I planned.
my beloved iPod is gone! waaaaaaaaaah.
not only all my new music, but also almost all of my Canada photos were on there. Luckily in my usual paranoia about these things I backed up before leaving so almost everything is retreivable............it just may take a while.
Check back soon to see my own shots of Whistler etc - I promise they are worth it!
the real question is how on earth am I going to live without my tunes????

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)

Beautiful BC

A night at Vij's

Vikram Vij himself

As the New York Times says:
"Vij's is easily one of the best Indian restaurants in the world."
Not only is the food amazing, but the service is impeccable and the atmosphere warm and fun. A visit here is always a "must do" when I'm in Vancouver. It's a great place to catch up with people (and almost impossible not to include my lovely foodie friends Gary and Nicole) over a few (?) bottles of wonderful wine and many fabulous Indian inspired plates. Fortunately the very wonderful Vikram Vij was on hand to sign my new cookbook from the restaurant and make us feel at home. As always a memorable night!!
(For more on the actual meal check out my food blog.)

Jane, Nicole & Jenn

Me and Gary

(what happens when you leave your camera behind!!??)

Go Canucks Go!!!

After missing an entire season of hockey due to player strikes the year I lived here, I was delighted to be able to finally fulfil my desire of seeing the Canucks only a few days after arriving in Canada this time. Gary very very generously got us some fabulous tickets, right down by the action and we were treated to a Canucks win in penalty shoot out. It certainly made for a tense and exciting finish! I can't even describe just how great it was to finally see them at home in GM place - it certainly beats listening to the games on internet radio like I've been forced to do back in Australia.

Luongo (the best goalie in the league!)

my favourite Canadian boys at the game

Hockey Hockey Hockey

One of the perks of being back in Vancouver is of course - Ice Hockey! Apart from watching every Canucks game and world Juniors game on the box, there is also the opportunity for a bit of live action. A few days after getting in I got the chance to see the lovely Robbie and his team play as well as catch up with him a bit. A good way of getting me ready for what was yet to come!

Granada

Feliz Navidad!

mi querida familia española

Tate Modern

Images of London

view from Michael & Marta´s apartment

Hyde Park

Merry Christmas!

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!

Josh Ritter 12-12-06

I try never to miss the opportunity to see Josh Ritter live - wherever in the world I may be. Apart from the fact that I enjoy his music (The guardian recently listed him along with Will Oldham and the like as one of the modern 'poets of pop') his live performances are always full of warmth and fun. My preference would really be to see just him and a guitar without the theatrics and the band, however he still provided a lively and entertaining show. Josh has a huge following in Ireland (in fact at times the gig felt more like a giant love-in than a concert, but that's not really a criticism) you can't help but be pulled into the group hug and find yourself smiling along.

The set was a mixed bag with hits from all of his albums which I think managed to keep old and new fans happy (if indeed there were any new fans - these guys seemed like they'd all been in for the long haul and able to sing along to everything he turned out). He got everyone going with a rockin rendition of Hello Starling, right into my favourite from the last album- 'Good Man' then back to 'Me and Jiggs' from Golden Age of Radio. 3 great songs from 3 great albums - it was definitely a good sign of things to come.

Mostly he kept the mood uptempo except for a few choice solos including a beautiful rendition of 'Bone of Song' where he ditched the band and reminded everyone of the beauty of his words and his voice. All my faves were there (although I nearly missed the absolutely amazing 'Kathleen' whilst wasting time at the bar - sheesh) and a few others as well - it really was a great night!

(after some consideration even Shane was convinced - Josh puts on a good show)

check out more about Josh Ritter here and here