On the day I was chilled. At the airport, much to the disgust of some of my friends (you know who you are girl) I was chilled. On the flight to London, I was chilled. The whole big thing, apart from not being employed ,has been one great big ride and I'm still very happy and not at all scared. Knowing myself, I do expect a freak out soon. One of those panic attacks where I cannot stop crying and look gross and people actively avoid me because I look so bad, they think it's contagious.
So after a long-ass flight to London on British Airways - which was actually lovely. Delicious food (still a fat kid), extra pillow and had an empty seat next to me so I could sleep for a while. I arrived at Heathrow, nearly freaked out at Passport control, both because I was nervous and scared and also because I saw Amish people. Then I made my way to Terminal 2. With about 90 minutes to kill and 20 pounds I soon made friends with all the coffee shops. I also spent way too much time in Boots. Their entire miniature travel range is enough to bankrupt me. I wanted to buy everyone despite the fact that I had proper, normal-sized versions of everything in my suitcase. I ended up only getting some Soap and Glory stuff on their 3-for-2 special.
Since I didn't know when I was next going to be touching down in London town, ever the grownup, I spent the rest of the money on sweets. Mostly for the plane but also for my host. One more coffee and then I made my way to the Air Canada terminal.
Oh Air Canada. After a really good flight on BA, Air Canada was a bit of a change. The flight was safe, the hostesses friendly and the entertainment good but it was just different. A little bit less glam but again, safe and friendly which is all that counts at the end. I also had the best welcome when I got into my seat.
After 9ish hours, I traveled back in time and landed at Vancouver International Airport. Getting through passport control was nice and easy. My bags even arrived a few minutes later. Immigration on the other hand was not as fun. Despite the hot officers in their sexy uniforms (seriously, it was like an advertising campaign) it took forever. Almost two hours later I emerged with a brand new work permit and had it grilled into me I was *not* to stay longer the date on there. They are so serious and strict that I would have given away my first adopted baby if they told me to.
I'd arranged accommodation for the first month through AirBnB. So after letting my host know I was on the way, I got accustomed to the Skytrain. Now at the risk of sounding like a horrible person, I am not au fait with public transport. It's just not something I needed to take in my younger days. I realise I sound awful. Later in life I used the MyCiti but when it came to trains and other buses, I never shall I say had the opportunity. And now I've been spoiled for life. The transport here is fast, clean and the best bit air conditioned. It changes everything. I bought my ticket, dragged my bags on and then sat for about 20 minutes and arrived at the station.
I'm currently staying in Burnaby which is a great suburb outside of Zone 1 and the main city centre. It's beautiful, just the right amount of noise and has what I think is the world's largest shopping mall. It took me two days to see all the shops and now at the risk of getting lost, I only venture to the one side.
The house and my host are very similar to your favourite, crazy aunt. She is lovely, very welcoming and the house is definitely a home. She's been quick to help me with lots of information and made the whole process a lot easier. There are several other people in the house. We don't always see each other but when we do everyone is lovely.
So far, so good!
Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!
This is so amazing! Can't wait to hear how the rest of the journey goes
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading more xx
ReplyDeleteIm actually super happy you didn't freak out. It would've made me freak out! Sounds amaze! Keep us posted xxx
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