Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow.....

I never expected that there would be a culture shock, going from Edinburgh, to Sydney, to Whistler. I guess when you plan your next "adventure" you assume that you will just arrive, adopt the same habits that you have had for months, and go from there. Well, Whistler gives you one heck of a culture shock. You have to adjust your entire way of life around the elements.

This place is cold. There is more snow than I could have ever imagined. More ice on the paths, more chill in the air. Every time you think about going anywhere other than your apartment, you have to consider the weather. You have to ensure that every part of your body is covered with clothing. Not just any clothing, but proper winter clothing. You learn that cotton doesnt work. You learn that the first layer of clothing must be skin tight. You learn to do ordinary activities with ski gloves on.

It doesnt matter how rugged up you get, there is a good chance that you will catch a cold or, worse stilll, a flu, tonsilitis, or even glandular fever. I have been sick for three days and am beginning to worry that it isnt just a basic common cold. If it still continues, I will have to go to a medical centre.

And then there are the prices of ordinary, day to day things, like bread, milk, coffee. Things are expensive here. But it is not a surprise. I expected it. I'd read about it enough to expect it. And if you knew just how isolated Whistler is from Vancouver, you'd understand that getting goods out here on a daily basis requires some effort. You do everything here in Whistler with money in mind. You look for ways to save even the basic dollar. Yet some still go out and consume copious amounts of beer at CAN$8.00 each. People have different priorities in Whistler. No one is here to earn a living. People are here to earn a lifestyle. Its all about the early mornings on the slopes, and the late nights in the bars. People work two jobs in order to afford basic living in here.

The thing is, no matter how tough things get, being the weather, the money, the illnesses, people want to be here. People are happy. There is such an amazing community here, from young to old. Everyone has one thing in common - they want to be up there, enjoying what nature has given them. No matter how tough things get in Whistler, there is always this feeling of "I'm lucky to be here". For example, staff housing has a bus which takes them down to the village, running fifteen minutes apart. It costs 50 cents per ride. The alternative here is to walk 3 mins to the gondola, which is free for staff. You jump inside, and you slowly descend down the mountain and the veiw that greets you in the morning is amazing. Another example is the shopping centre. In order to get your groceries, you have to walk a mile to get there. But the road is lined with snow capped trees, and wooden chalets, fairy lights, little bridges over frozen streams...... here, the alternative just always seems better.

I've struggled a bit with illness and adapting to the weather, which has made me a little sad at times, but for the most part, I am here and loving it. I have a wonderful roommate, who I have hit it off with so quickly, and the WB Crew just stick together like glue. Everyone is starting to know everyone else, and even if you dont know them, you talk to them like you do. I'm doing a few things to assist with saving money - I made spaghetti bolognese in bulk and have frozen ten bags worth. I've also done a pasta dinner, and bagged it too. Thats 20 nights of dinner. Thats a whole lot of saving.

I havent done much photography. Carrying a camera at the moment only makes things harder. But I will try and get out in the next week or so and take some pics of this winter paradise.

Love to all

K