An Update

Just wanted to write a quick update about my personal situation at the moment. As of now I still don't have a job, although I have had some more promising leads recently. I am signed up with 2 agencies now and have had a couple of opportunities with Randstad in particular, even though they kind of screwed me over on a guaranteed job last week, they are at least finding possible employment for me, so hopefully sometime in the not so distant future they will come good. 

My other agency tend to only offer short-term temporary jobs that are kind of crappy. I tried to work in a call center last week despite my concerns towards that sort of work. I was right, I hated it from the word go and couldn't work there another day, so I told the agency I wasn't going back. Money isn't tight enough for me to dread going to work just yet. 

I am hearing back more from my applications, which is also good. I am caught in a bit of a pickle though. Do I take a shitty permanent job that pays poorly or do I hold out for a job I might like that pays better? People tell me to take the shit job and keep looking for another job, but I just can't see how people work full time and look for another job as well (how can you go for an interview when you have a permanent job?). It has never worked for me! So, for the time being I am holding out a little longer, but the day is approaching that I will need to take anything I can get. 

Also last week, I did something to my foot. No idea what but over the course of a few days it got to a point where I couldn't walk or leave the apartment. Particularly frustrating as this weekend was possibly the hottest since I have been here and I couldn't leave. Thank God we have a balcony and I can stream the Olympics online with my foot one ice. I managed to hobble to the mall and buy some super strong medication, which has definitely helped a little. I can walk with less pain now but I still won't be leaving until this is sorted. My medications says if the pain remains within 5 days of starting taking it, to see a doctor, which I will do.

Other than that, my life has been pretty ordinary of late, hence I haven't been writing here a great deal. Hopefully I will have some good news soon though :) We shall see! 

The Celebration of Light

Last weekend I went to something known as the Celebration of Light down on English Bay, which is described as one of the best fireworks displays in the world. It consists of 3 nations showcasing their finest fireworks displays in competition with each other, with the best display being voted the winner. 

It lasts 3 days but I only managed to make it to one of the evenings (the first one). Apparently over the course of the 3 days around 1.5 million people flock to English Bay beach to witness the displays, and I can tell you that stat is most likely true. 

Knowing it was going to be busy we headed down early. The display started at 10pm but we got there at 7.30pm to get a good spot, which we managed, right in front of the barge the fireworks are set off from. We passed the time playing cards and chatting, whilst watching the stunning sunset over the mountains to the North West. Gradually the beach got busier and busier until you basically couldn't move or leave without walking over hundreds of people. 

Now, I'm not a big fan of large crowds and this is probably the largest I have been in and on one hand I was pretty uncomfortable, but on the other it was amazing to see so many people in one place. 

The fireworks themselves were somewhat anti-climactic in my personal opinion. Maybe they had been talked about in such esteem that I had ridiculous expectations. I always look back to the New Years displays of London and Sydney as a comparison. This wasn't even close. It was fairly poorly structured and not very choreographed. There were periods of dullness with the odd bit of greatness thrown in until it built up to a pretty special crescendo. 

This was from day 3, Italy's display. I didn't take this pic.

I'm glad I went and would probably go each year, but I wouldn't go to all 3 events each year (sadly I think the one I went to was the poorest of the 3 nations, Vietnam) and honestly the very long wait in order to get a good viewpoint is a bit of a put off. Oh, and the journey home was hell. 500,000 people trying to leave at once is not pleasant and in order to avoid a crush people we sent in the opposite direction of their goal, the SkyTrain (which by the way, was ridiculously busy to say the least)

England Vs. Canada Pt. 3

So, I started these off by saying what I think I will miss about England and what I think I will like about Canada, but now I'm here, I can say what I DO miss and what I DO like, so here goes:

What I miss...

1. British Pubs

Pubs dont really exist here in Vancouver (and I imagine Canada). Anywhere you drink is a loud bar. You can't beat a good old British Pub, the chitter chatter, the old buildings, the old drunk guy who can't go a day without visiting his local pub. There is so much character to pubs, whereas there is nothing to bars. I've heard it is mainly because alcohol licenses here are insanely expensive, and most bars here are also restaurants in the day, as being a place that serves both food and drink is cheaper than a place that just serves drink. 

2. Antiperspirant Spray

 

It doesn't exist here as far as I can tell. You can get those horrible antiperspirant roll on things, but they are truly dreadful and seemingly leave your armpit wetter than normal, if anything. Baffles me, as does this next one...

3. Cordial

Again, haven't seen sight nor sound of it when I've looked. You can buy juice that is already diluted, but that's not the same at all. You can obviously buy pop as well. You CAN buy these weird crystal sachets that you put in your water to make it fruity (similar to cordial) but they taste like crap and leave bits at the bottom of your glass, even if you stir it. 

What I like...

1. Maple Syrup Baked Beans

Oh yes, this is food fit for a king. What a brilliant idea, adding maple syrup to the rudimentary baked bean. Fantastic. I'm not normally partial to baked beans, but throw in some maple syrup and by gum it's good. I think England is scared to meddle with the classic baked bean in case they somehow offend someone, somewhere. We're living in the past! Maple beans are the future!

 2. Confidence-boost clothing

Ever thought you were overweight in England? Come to North America. Oh, you were an XL size in England? Pfft, that's a medium here. Large in England? Small here. You know what I'm getting at. This place caters for the fat, even making them feel less guilty about their weight issues by mislabeling their true size. Fat gits need not worry, you will soon be a slim Jim once you buy your clothes over the pond. 

3. Cheap travel to the US

I only realized recently just how cheap it is to fly to the US from here. My friend said lets go to Vegas for her birthday in August, to which I laughed at. Then she told me it is only $400 for flights and accommodation for 4 days in Vegas. $400!! That's only about 250 pound. It would cost thousands to go to Vegas from England. I even checked myself, she wasn't lying. Now, still, $400 is a lot to me right now so I doubt I can go in August, but hell yes I will be doing some traveling to the US. Vegas baby! New York, San Fran, Chicago. All fairly cheap! God I can't wait to get a job, save a little then go on an adventure in America.  

England Vs. Canada: Weather

I guess I can't really compare England's weather to all of Canada, as Canada's weather varies dramatically depending on where you are (for example, Toronto has blistering summers and arctic winters, whilst Vancouver has cooler summers and milder winters), whereas England's doesn't change a great deal in relation to where you live (It's a little warmer down south).

Vancouver takes a lot of stick from other places in Canada it seems, being given the nickname "Raincouver". I'll admit after my first few weeks here I could see why it had that name, it did rain a lot and the weather was far from summery for the entirety of June. However, July is a different story! 

For the past 2 weeks or so it has been sweltering heat. Well, sweltering by my standards. Around 22c to 27c each day as a minimum, and it doesn't look like stopping anytime soon. It's not just that though, it's so humid here compared to England! Even in my house I am uncomfortably hot. We have all the windows open, including the balcony door. Don't get me wrong, I love warm, sunny summers. But I do like to be able to escape from it as well. God what I would give for air con in my apartment. I don't know how people live in places like Toronto, where it's easily in the 30c's daily. It's just TOO hot, and then they have winters that are like -20c. I'd take England's weather over that any day.

Vancouver's weather is similar to England, it's just England's "summer" lasts a week, whereas here the seasons are of a normal length. This weather will probably last well into August and by then I will be hoping for those rainy days England enjoys so much (not enjoying it so much recently it seems, with floods all over the country)

Capilano Suspension Bridge

It's felt like a while since I have been a proper tourist here in Vancouver as things here seemingly become more and more day to day, rather than a vacation, however, yesterday we decided to become true tourists again and go and cross off one of the top attractions (on my list at least) in Vancouver, the Capilano Suspension Bridge (all photos are mine because Im such an awesome photographer!) 

The bridge itself is 450 feet wide and 230 feet high and apparently draws in 800,000 visitors each year. I can see how they reach that number though, it was extremely busy, mainly because it was a scorching Saturday. 

As you can see from the picture, the bridge is fairly wide and it's just as well, as people love to stop and take photographs on it (why wouldn't you, the views are amazing!) There seems to be no limit for how many people are allowed on it at once, and it shakes to high heaven. 

Taking photos on the bridge is extremely difficult as you have to hold onto the rails with one hand in order to not fall over. I can't emphasize just how wobbly the bridge is, definitely not for the faint hearted. Also make sure all of your belongings are secure, my sunglasses fell off from my neckline but luckily landed on the floor.

This photo is the view from one side of the bridge, to the right you can see the cliff walk and below is obviously the river.

The other side of the bridge is just water and what appears to be an apartment block in the distance, with balconies overlooking the canyon (I bet they aren't cheap!) 

What is surprising is just how close this area is to the busy streets of North Vancouver. It is like a little gem in the city, but you certainly don't notice that from within the canyon.

Recently the bridge added a lot of new features to the site. It's not just a bridge that you cross, on the other side is a huge area to explore, with a treetop adventure (pictured) and lots of sights and photo opportunities. This area is less crowded and more spacious (although you do get backlogs at good photo spots).

There is even a small area with rescued birds, which had a kestrel, a hawk and this lovely owl.

One problem of going over the bridge to the treetop area, is that to get back, you have to go back over the bridge. A lot of people seemed scared at the thought of going back over it, as if it was a once in a lifetime challenge. Kids were being dragged back across by parents, throwing themselves on the floor. Don't kids just find a way to ruin even the most amazing places? I'm definitely not one for heights, but I felt safe throughout, but the adrenaline is certainly a thrill! 

But, the fun isn't over yet! Once you've returned over the bridge, you have the cliffwalk. This is a thin single file walk around a cliff face. EVERYBODY stops to take photographs here, and because it is single file, long queues form behind. But, if you are patient and courteous, you get a chance of some fantastic photos yourself. 

Luckily, along the way are viewing points so the build up does subside now and again. 

After this, you have seen all the sights at Capilano Suspension Bridge. We managed to spend around 4 hours there, but you could probably rush through it all in around 2 hours, if you didn't care for too many photos and you didn't stop for a bite to eat. There is also a lot of reading and cultural writings there, you could spend a lot of time if you wanted to read about the rainforest, the importance of water etc.

Overall, I had a great day out. People say it is expensive ($38 per person inc. tax) but it is absolutely worth it for a one off visit. If you don't mind extremely touristy places, with families and children around, you will love this place. You might want to go in the middle of the week, or when it's not such a hot day, because it really was packed when we went.

And now back to reality, job hunting, yay! 

Canada Day! 

So July 1st is Canada Day over here and there are celebrations across the country. Canada Day is basically the birthday of Canada, when the colonies of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick all joined together to become Canada on July 1st 1867.

Downtown Vancouver hosted performances, parties and general merriment all day, with most of the main streets closed off. The place was awash with people in Canadian colours, with flags and face paint.

We didn't actually head into Downtown until the evening, because the day is mainly for families and kids, and the parade and fireworks were from 7pm onwards. 

Canada Day Parade

I was excited for my first ever parade. We don't have many in England, especially where I am from. Even if we did I probably wouldn't have ever gone, I'm far more outgoing here. 

Having seen parades on TV numerous times, you sort of have expectations, which I did. The optimist in me says the parade was a fantastic gathering of people out celebrating the same thing, with fun and interesting floats and bands walking past with music and dancing. The cynic in me says it was a little disorganised and just a pile of advertising that went on for way too long!

Canada Day Fireworks Display

Now, the fireworks display was what I was most excited about. I have never been to a "proper" fireworks display. One where real money is spent. The best I have been to is the back of a pub on bonfire night in England. Suffice it to say they are never breathtaking there. So, how were they?

Well, they were good, much much better than anything I have seen in person before, but they weren't spectacular. I'm not sure what I was expecting, maybe something like the choreographed ones you see on New Year at the London Eye or Sydney Harbour Bridge, a little farfetched I'm sure. Either way, I enjoyed them a lot and you can't complain when it is all free! The Celebration of Light later in the year on English Bay should surpass it though :)

Overall the day was fun and light hearted. I'm glad I went and experienced it, as I may not get the chance again. There were some negatives though, lots of weed and drunk people, which is all well and good for a night out, but not so much for family and kids.

Silly Signs Pt. 2

Huzzah! The second installation of silly signs is here! 

This one isn't exactly a silly sign as such. It's just North American's always find it odd that England has so many roundabouts. They're pretty rare here and this is the first I seen. I find it funny they are simple enough to just call it a circle though :D

This one is an odd one for me, maybe it is common here for people to require permits for busking on the streets, but it's not in the UK. You have to pay something like $40 for a permit and you have to prove you have a skill. Just sounds like another way for the government here to take money off people for no reason, they like to do it a lot! Wouldn't surprise me if buskers had to declare taxes on their earnings here too!

Another Stanley Park special. I don't think I need to describe much about this sign, it speaks for itself. Funnily enough I did actually see a raccoon in Stanley Park that day, and tried walking towards it, but it scarpered. Lucky for me as I would have surely caught rabies if I got any nearer.

 

Job Hunt

...dun dun dun dunnn...

So, the "fun" has finally begun (well actually about 2 weeks ago I guess) and I am job hunting to my hearts content. I have been writing, re-writing and re-re-writing resumes (Not allowed to call them CV's here as people have no idea what that means!) for various job roles. I always thought one resume would suffice for all job applications, as long as you differentiate the cover letter, but no, I need a new resume for all job types >_>

I've been looking down a few avenues for employment that might match my degree and experience. I really think I need to get some office experience under my belt, so I've been looking down the Admin Assistant road as a starting point. Only recently I found out Admin Assistant is just the new word for Secretary, to try and remove the "sexy, young female" stigma attached to it. I don't know if there is still a sexist preference towards women in this role, but if so, I guess I can try and pull it off, not sure how long I could be convincing.

Another avenue I have looked down is banking. There is tons of banks here and my degree in finance and previous job in customer service would sound a good starting point for customer service role there, although I've had no luck yet, not through lack of effort. I'll keep checking their websites for new positions though.

My final "long shot" efforts have been in an entry level finance role. It would match my degree well and could be something I might like for a permanent career. Although, I have no experience here and no Canadian qualifications, so this might be hard. 

For now I am looking at more career based roles. I've applied to a few local retail jobs, but not heard anything. If I get desperate in a few weeks time, then maybe I will go down that avenue, but for now I want to concentrate on something I could like long-term and that offers possible progression. 

Oh, I did have a telephone interview for Strangeloops Networks, the #1 Company to Work for in BC today http://www.bcbusinessonline.ca/profiles-and-spotlights/businesses/2011-best-companies-fewer-100-employees. It was unexpected and out of the blue, so I am not sure if it went okay or terribly. I'd love to work for them though as their work ethic is amazing. Free breakfast, a PS3 room, a ping pong room, a nap room(!) and no dress code. It sounds amazing, so no doubt I won't get it. 

Bum Categories

You may have misunderstood the title of this post. This is not going to be about the various types of posterior I have come across in Vancouver, it is actually about the different approaches homeless people like to take in order for you to give them your change.

Some of you may be unaware, like I was, of the many methods homeless people go to, so I will go through the ones I have witnessed first hand. 

(Warning: Stop reading if you are easily offended or are highly sympathetic towards homeless people. I am not.)

The No Effort Bum

This is the bum we all know and love. They can be identified by their lack of effort. They are normally the older, more experienced bums, who have been through it all. They sit/lie down in a doorway, pretending to be asleep for the entire day. Often these bums don't even look to be trying to ask for money. If they want to put in the minimal of effort, they may have placed a plastic cup beside themselves. Overall, these bums get almost no money.

The Minimal Effort Bum

These bums put in slightly more effort than the No Effort bum. They may actually appear to be awake, rather than hiding. They won't sit out of harms way in a doorway. They tend to sit on busy streets with lots of passing traffic. Often they are holding some sort of sign along the lines of "hungry, need money for food." If they are feeling energetic, they may blurt out the words "Spare change?", but that tends to be the extent of their efforts. Again, they will have a cup for collecting coin and they are likely to earn a little more money than the No Effort bum. 

The Decent Effort Bum

These bums will put in a decent amount of effort towards their trade. They might actually stand, smile and often be polite, wishing you a nice day even if you completely ignore them. They often stand opening doorways to busy places, like train stations. You will feel a bit of guilt come across you as you walk past this kind of bum, as at least they are trying and they are polite. These will surely earn more than the previous mentioned bums. 

The Above and Beyond Bum

These are the highest quality homeless people. They put in personalized effort, approaching people in a one on one situation, explaining their story and asking nicely if you have any spare change. This is the only I have ever given money to, once. He offered to take a photograph of me and my friend when we having individual photos near the coast. He didn't even look like a bum. I said no to the photograph as he seemed dodgy, but I did give him $2 for his kindness.

The Guilt Trip Bum

Guilt is their game and money is their aim. These bums often act like the Minimal Effort bum, only they do their absolute best to make you feel guilty. They look so sad and brazen, staring into abyss, often holding signs along the lines of "Too proud to prostitute, too honest to steal." That example was one of a few young female bums I have come across. It is difficult to not feel sad for these, as they are so young. I'm unsure how well they perform financially. 

The Stand-Up Bum

Comedy is this persons profession. They can be found holding funny signs such as "Smile if you masturbate". They surely get a few giggles and at least they are attempting to brighten up your day. Their goal, however, is to get you to look at their sign long enough for them to speak to you. Have a quick glance, then walk on by, unless of course you want to lured into their trap.

The Opportunist Bum

If there is one bum I hate, this is it. They will do anything to get their hands on your money, putting you in in-deniable positions regarding whether or not you have change. They will sometimes sit outside of shops (Normally 7 11's) so as soon as you leave the shop (and of course have change) they are waiting to pounce.

However, the absolute worst, is the bums that target you at ticket kiosks for the Sky Train. As your change is pouring out of the machine after buying a ticket with a $20 note, they approach you as if from nowhere, and ask if you have any spare change. Well what do you think? You just heard about $17 in coins clang into the change tray, of course I have change, I'm just not giving it to you. 

I am so sick of homeless people here I don't even bother with excuses anymore. I simply say I am not giving them money, rather than saying I don't have change

Silly Signs Pt. 1

Anybody who has me on Facebook will most likely have seen all of these, however, the majority of my readers don't have me on Facebook, so I thought it could be fun to throw these into my blog as well!

Whilst I've been here in Vancouver, I've noticed a lot of weird or just "different" signs compared to what we have back in the UK. So, I started taking photos of them for a collection of Silly Signs. I'll randomly put them on here for enjoyment, so here goes: 

I found this sign deep inside Stanley Park, where I'm almost certain even the most skillful wheelchairer (yes I made up a word) couldn't access. Not only this, if for some reason they managed to traverse the forest floor, I highly doubt they would have been hurtling around corners at high speed. I just found it funny that the park deemed it necessary to warn people that wheelchair users may be around, what possible risk is there?

This sign was at our table at the bar below our hostel. It seems there is a rule here in British Columbia that ensures bars force feeds its drinkers. Maybe a ploy to prevent drunk and disorderly? Or just a way to make tourists spend more money? I'm unsure, but we tended to want to order food anyway.

This sign was on the wall in a Burger King. Clearly they didn't want people loitering for too long. I can't imagine why, considering I went there for a quick dinner and the place was pretty much completely empty. I hope this rule wasn't enforced too strictly, otherwise there could be families being thrown out if their children didn't eat quickly enough. I suppose it is "fast food" so I guess it's "fast eating" as well.

 

 

I hit 500 page views today, which isn't a huge number, but a pleasing milestone, even if 50% of them are my mother :)I enjoy writing, so even if I only had a few views I wouldn't mind, but thanks to anyone who is following my blog.

Nightlife

Last night I went for a night out for the first time since I arrived in Vancouver. Yes I know I've been here over a month, you would think a 23 year old would be going out constantly. 

I'm not a big drinker in all honesty. Sure I'll go out now and again, but I would sooner have friends over (well, not in our empty house, but hypothetically) and have a few drinks, than go out clubbing. 

I had read about the nightlife here before I came over and I actually wrote a little about it earlier in the blog I think, so did it match what I had read?

Well, pretty much, yes. 

First of all we had the majority of our drinks before leaving (Note: Blueberry cider isn't great), as it is a lot cheaper to drink at home then head out later, than it is to go out earlier. From our house it is quite far to the main nightlife area on Granville Street, maybe a 45 minute journey including 2 sky trains and a fairly long walk. Long enough to sober you up a lot from what you had to drink at the house.

Drinking in the streets is understandably illegal here, as it is in the UK, but it is enforced strictly here apparently, whereas in the UK you can pretty much get away with it, if you're discreet. So, that was out of the equation.

When we got to the bar, it was pretty busy, but everyone was sitting down. The actual bar area itself was empty. Bars are like restaurants here, you sit at a table (something which they take very seriously, if you look at the picture) with a drinks menu and a waiter/waitress serves you your drinks. Pretty formal for a night out. Oh and it is expensive, as expected. One pint of cider cost about $7 plus a tip. Suffice it to say I didn't buy many (and at this stage I was pretty tipsy from the drinks we had at home)

We stayed there most the night then went to another bar/club where you had to pay to get in. But again, most people were sitting.

I also read that being drunk here isn't anything to be proud of, which is very different than England (most people's aim there is to get wasted). I guess I like the ethos, but combined with the sitting, waiters etc. it makes for a sombre night. 

BUT! The one thing that makes me not want to go out, is the journey home. We had to walk to some bus stop in the middle of nowhere, wait 10 minutes for a bus, get that bus to somewhere else we didn't know and finally get on another bus which dropped us off near our home. All I want to do after a night has finished, is crash into bed, not wait around for hours to get home. We must have left the bar around 1.00am I guess and I didn't get home until past 3am (although we did stop for some pizza)

Overall, I spent around $60 for a night that was fun, but I could quite happily live without. I don't think I will be painting the town red too often, especially not until I have an income.

Canada: So advanced...

yet (way) behind the times

Having been here a month, I've realised (Okay, I realised ages ago) that this country can be very advanced in certain areas, yet in other, it's way behind the times. In fact, it's way behind the times in many, many areas. I'd like to take you through some examples:

Advanced

Transport System

The transport system here is far superior to anywhere I've been to in the UK. To begin with, the trains have NO drivers! Upon walking onto a Sky Train for the second or third time, we soon realised we could actually see out of the front window, where the driver should be! Complete madness, it's like being on a roller coaster when you manage to secure the front seat!

Also, a transport ticket here covers all modes of transport for a period of 1.5 hours. You can take a train, bus or sea bus (boat) as many times as you like within that 1.5 hours on the same ticket. It's a lot cheaper to travel here than anywhere I've been. 

Finally, the trains are incredibly frequent. You never wait more than a few minutes for a train, ever. In rush hour they're literally every 30 seconds. 

However, trains are behind the times in one aspect. There are no ticket machines, or transport employees, at the end of your journey to make sure you actually paid for a ticket. A lot of people don't even bother paying for tickets. I must have traveled on well over 25 trains and I've been asked once for my ticket. The police ask for tickets here though, and its a $250 fine if you get caught without one. 

Washrooms

The washrooms here are also pretty advanced. The toilets have motion sensors and flush after you walk away or stand up and the taps turn on when you put your hands under them. Sure, we have this in fancy restaurants/hotels in the UK, but I'm talking in fast food chains! 

This may be an exageration

 That's all I can think of for now, I'm sure there is more advanced things in Canada I've just forgot them. But as for behind the times, oh boy!

Behind the times

Banking

Where do I begin here...let's see. Okay here goes:

1. You have to pay $40 for a cheque book (stupid)

2. You can only use your own banks ATM, of which there aren't many. If you use another banks, you get charged.

3. You can't buy anything online unless you have a credit card, ridiculous.

4. You have to pay to have a bank account

5. I have 2 bank accounts linked to one card, why? Pointless.

6. Lots of places don't take debit cards as a form of payment and instead point you to their ATM to get cash out...only the ATM charges you to use it. Annoying!

7. There is no such thing as direct debit here. WTF?! I have to physically walk to the bank to pay bills like internet, electricity etc. How ancient is THAT?

8. ATM's give you your cash before your card. Why? I bet tons of people forget to get their card back.  

I can't think of anymore, but I'm sure there is plenty other stupid banking things going on here.

Taxes and Tipping

Okay, I get it, things you buy have to be taxed, it's the same in the UK. But WHY ON GOD'S GREEN EARTH DO YOU MAKE US ADD THE TAX OURSELVES? Is it that hard for the stores to include the tax in the displayed cost? But nooooo, we have to add 12% to a $4.99 bill, making the price $5.58. Who the hell thought that was a good idea? I'm walking around with pockets full of change because the tax system here is a complete joke. 

You think you're getting a nice cheap meal, only to be slapped around the face with 12% tax and an expected tip of %15-20%. Prepare to add %30 to your bill right away people!

And why is tipping so expected here? I will tip if the service is exceptional. I shouldn't HAVE to tip every single meal I have. Apparently not tipping is offensive, even if you get awful service you are meant to tip 10%. F*%& that. People say waiters and bar staff are poorly paid. Well pay them more then! Don't pass the costs onto the customers for God sake, why should we be paying the staff? That's what the company is there for, cheapskates. I've heard of people who make hundreds of dollars in tips alone in a single night. I'm not surprised with the tipping etiquette here.

Phone Contracts and TV

These both have serious problems. I've already covered phones earlier in my blog and I'm sad to say it is all accurate. They're ridiculous. I have to pay $45 for a contract ($50 including tax!) that is no better than a 15 pound (yeah there is no pound key on North American keyboards, stupid I know)contract in the UK. It doesn't even include a phone. Stupid, but you have to live with it.

I've barely watched any TV here, mainly because I don't have one yet. I'm sure I will write about how shocking it is in the future. I tried watching some at a friends, but it is about 60% adverts, so I didn't bother. I'll stick to streaming and downloading. You hear all these politicians etc. moaning about people downloading. Well maybe if you removed 90% of your advertising on TV channels here, people would actually watch TV. 

Oh, and there is no such thing as a one off payment for TV here in Canada. You either pay monthly for cable or you don't have TV. Again, ridiculous. 

That's it for now, I can probably write another one of these soon :)

Home Sweet Home

Finally all the house hunting has paid off! Today we signed a 6 month lease on an apartment in Brentwood, Burnaby. Not too far from Downtown, maybe a 15 minute Skytrain ride away.

It is near a fairly big mall, so there are lots of stores nearby, which is useful as a lot of areas outside of Downtown can sort of be in the middle of nowhere.

It's also on the same Skytrain line as my friend :) So if I ever want to pop to hers, I can, and vice versa. It's probably only a 15-20 minute ride on the Skytrain.

The apartment itself is a decent size. One of the main problems we had when viewing places was people here seem to think you don't need a living room. There were lots of really nice places, but they only had bedrooms, a

kitchen and a bathroom. Anyway, this place has a big living room, 2 decent size bedrooms,a kitchen , a balcony and a bathroom. The rent was reasonable too and the area is really quiet.

One problem is the whole place is completely unfurnished (except the kitchen) and furnishing an apartment will be expensive to say the least. I'm hopefully going to keep an eye out for a bargain on Craigslist and furnish the place gradually, although I can't skimp out on things like a mattress.

Im so happy to moving out of the hostel. We should be out of here on Thursday if all goes to plan. Finally I can get a good nights sleep, have a proper shower and unpack my suitcase!

Hostel Life

Having been in the hostel for over 2 weeks, I feel I am in a good place to talk about hostel life, the pros and cons (Warning: There will be more cons)

So here goes:

Pros

 

 

1. Cheaper than a hotel - This is pretty much the main reason anybody lives in a hostel, and it is the only reason I remain here. Hotels in Vancouver cost a fortune. I nearly discovered this after the hostel was fully booked for one night without me in it. Thankfully I had a friend who let me crash on their floor. A person I know, though, wasn't so lucky, and spent a night in a hotel. The cheapest hotel cost him $260 for one night!

2. Meet new people - It is true you meet new people in hostels. If you are the kind of person who is comfortable sitting alone at a bar speaking to anybody that sits next to you, this place is fantastic. For me, not so much. Sure, I've met one or two people here, so I can't complain, but for the most part, I am not comfortable approaching people I don't know and striking up conversations.


3. Middle of Downtown - The hostel is right in the middle of Downtown. We only have to walk outside and we are in the middle of everywhere. Once we move out, we will most likely be on the outskirts and have to take public transport to everywhere we need to be, which will get a little annoying eventually.

Cons

1. Living out of a bag - I can't stand living in such a disorganised fashion. Clothes are all over the place as there is nowhere to put them, other than on the floor or back in your bag. You can't remember if you have worn things or not.

2. Shared bedrooms - Sharing bedrooms can be cool at times. It forces you to meet new people. I've lived with 2 Irish people, a Japanese person, an Aussie and 2 British people. Will I keep in touch with them once they have left though? Probably not. The cons outway the pros here. Living with people who get wasted every single night and crawl into bed at 3am, turningsthe lights on and waking everyone up, gets tiresome fast! Oh, and don't get me started on snorers either. They should all be shot.

3. Shared bathrooms - These are just horrible places to go. Grotty showers, broken toilets and generally a disgusting place to be. The only place you feel dirtier after having a shower than before.

4. Way more expensive than your own place - Hostels are cheap compared to hotels, but a fortune compared to a home. It costs over $1000 a month to stay in these squalid conditions, whereas homes can be $400-$750 or so. Then you also have to buy every meal in a restaurant/bar whilst being in a hostel, which also costs a lot long term.

5. Awful internet - The internet here is terrible. Almost unusable at peak times. I can't wait to be in a place with internet that works.

I can probably think of a few more if i thought about it, but that will do for now. All in all, I want to get out of here!