The Adventure Begins

6 months ago I met Jordan and the two of us instantly clicked.
She was someone I liked right away and I immediately knew the two of us would be friends.  It wasn't long before we were attached at the hip.
When she told me about her plans to live and work in New Zealand she enthusiastically suggested I join her.  I briefly considered it (I did think she would make a great travel companion) but I declined, citing the same old excuses:
"I don't have enough money."
"I have too much going on right now."
"I have to finish school."

After 3 gruelling months of back to back doubles at two jobs, I looked at my bank account statement one day and my jaw dropped.  No longer could I use the "I have no money" excuse.  I had just completed the 120 hours necessary for my TEFL Certificate so the school point was also moot.  And really, what did I have going on?  The season was winding down, both my jobs would be closing soon, besides the beautiful scenery and amazing people there wasn't much holding me to Tofino.
Yet still I hesitated, just like I've done in the past, just like I always do.  Because the truth of the matter is I was scared.  I have never travelled before and it was this unprecedented fear that had kept me from it in the past and really, what was I scared of?
I thought back to my first week in Tofino, how I had no idea where I was going to live, what I was going to do for work, I just packed my stuff and left the same day.  Was it frightening at first?  Sure it was, but then life got so incredibly awesome for me.  This situation was no different, sometimes you just have to say, "Yes" to life.  Amazing things happen when we push ourselves out of our comfort zones.

As I began my preparations to leave, truthfully I was super nervous as the reality dawned on me: I was about to move to another country, on another continent, on the other side of the planet where I had no job, no where to live, no prospects and no plans.  It still felt surreal, as if it was someone else's life I was preparing for.

The day finally came, Jordan and I stood at our check-in at YVR and both took a deep breath:
Here goes nothing.  And everything.

Our plane ride went by fast, the two of us binge watched American Horror Story on my laptop and tried to sleep through the night (keyword: tried.)

We touched down in Auckland with less than an hour to catch our connecting flight.  Neither of us could find a pen on the plane and then couldn't locate one anywhere in the terminal so I hastily asked an old man to borrow one while in line at customs.
"You know you're supposed to fill that out on the plane right?"
"It's fine if you use it, but don't use up all my ink."
"So remember next time to make sure you bring a pen."
Shut up old man!  I get it, I'm disorganized, spare me your lecture, I thought as I tried to move with the line while I hastily scribbled out my declaration card, all the while nervous sweat poured down my face.
We had to pick up our luggage to re-check it for our next flight AND go through customs AND go through Bio-Security Screening.
While we waited in line I kept chanting in my head: We will make our flight, we will make our flight, we will make our flight.
We missed our flight.  I blame the Auckland airport entirely for being such an absolute shit show.  Here's how it went down:
We began to speed walk to "Domestic Transfers" thinking that it was the logical choice.  We struggled at the Self Check-in booths that beeped angrily at us whenever we tried to scan our passports.  I asked a nearby employee if I was even in the right place.  She directed us to the nearby baggage drop.  At the baggage drop we were told that we actually needed to go to the Domestic Flights area, which was, much to our horror, an entirely different airport terminal.
"It's a 10 minute walk or you can try and catch the bus."
"Will we even make our flight?"
"I don't know..."
That's helpful.
We practically ran to the other terminal, all the while cursing out the Auckland airport for this inconvenience.
"Welcome to travelling," Jordan remarked, "Things never go the way you plan."
Once inside, I quickly asked an employee where we should be as our boarding pass had no gate number listed.  He gestured over to a check-in area.  As we began to go through security Jordan was told she was in the wrong place, while I was told I was fine.  The two of us discovered that we needed to drop our bags off... at the complete opposite end of the airport.
There were still 6 people in front of us at baggage drop when they made the final boarding call for our flight number, I could barely make out, "Francesca Paladino and Jordan Olson-Lyons" along with a strew of others.
"We'll never make it, we've missed our flight!" I cried out, fighting back tears.  FINALLY someone helpful came along and said, "No matter, we will get you on the next flight free of charge, it leaves in an hour."
SERIOUSLY?!  Why couldn't someone have suggested that from the get go?  There was no way we would ever have made that flight, even if we hadn't had those minor setbacks.
Two little birds that had gotten into the terminal flew around frantically and I chuckled to myself as they reminded me of us.

At our gate we were able to calm down, relax and begin to dab the beads of perspiration that had formed on our faces.
"How's it going?" Jordan randomly blurted out to the guy sitting across from us.
"Good..." he said, we detected an accent.
"Are you from Queenstown?" Jordan asked.
"No... I'm from Denmark," he responded.
"Oh cool,"
"You're American and you actually know where Denmark is?" he asked in shock.
"Yeah, I've been to Denmark," Jordan explained.
"And we're Canadian, not American," I added.
His entire demeanour entirely changed and he lit up, "Ohhh Canadian!  I have family in Vancouver."

The Queenstown Aiport was in stark contrast to Auckland.  It was small and easy to navigate and was blasting upbeat dance music upon our arrival.  "Welcome to Queenstown!" it practically screamed.
After grabbing our luggage, Denmark started asking me where "Such-and-Such Hostel" was located.
"I don't know, but if you catch the bus into town I'm sure you'll be able to easily find it," I told him.
So he followed us to the bus stop and continued to pepper us with questions, constantly throwing in random remarks,
"You guys dress SO Canadian"
"You definitely overpaid for your hostel, there are way cheaper ones around"
"You'll never be able to find a job out here, you better start looking now"
Wow, thanks Denmark for tagging along and raining on our parade.  We parted ways without a farewell, I hoped we wouldn't run into him again.

Now here we are, just soaking it all in.
It's true that Queenstown is reminiscent of Banff and Whistler, but it also reminds me a lot of the Okanagan: all the houses up on the hills looking down on the perfect blue lake.  We saw the Remarkable Mountains during our descent and they certainly lived up to their name.  So far, New Zealand feels a lot like home.

Day 1:  We finally arrive in Queenstown and immediately shower off the stench of airplane and nervous sweat.  The two of us go out for Indian food, explore the town, walk the lake.  We get settled into our hostel, a beautiful place located atop a bunch of businesses, in the middle of downtown with extraordinary views.  We meet our roommates, a Canadian, also named Jordan, promptly renamed by me as Jordan #2 and a Swiss guy named Michelle.
Jordan and I buy the cheapest, strongest, largest bottles of cider we can find and stock up on junk food.  We vow to drink all the cider in celebration of our arrival.  We pass out shortly after with terrible stomachaches.

Day 2:  We get up early and buy actual, real groceries (read: mostly just sandwich supplies.)  We pack lunches and begin the 1 hour hike to the Skyline Gondola.  The hike was worth the incredible view.  We buy beers and take frisbees to the frisbee golf course at the park.  We begin to get buzzed and quickly lose light (and our frisbees, which have a $20 deposit!) Jordan almost loses hers in the lake, and then immediately after up in a tree, so we choose to forgo most of the "holes."  We stop at Fernburger for one of the infamous burgers and a beer (lived up to the hype!)  When we returned to the hostel we were met by a bunch of people in the hallway who invite us out for a beer.  We go to a bar called "Cowboys"... it's nothing like the famed bar in Calgary.  None of us are sure what to make of it.  They play really bad 80's music and sell steins of beer.

Day 3:  It is raining so we have a lazy day.  We got for coffee.  Twice.  We read our books for most of the day (I can't put down Gone Girl!) and take it fairly easy.

Tomorrow, we are off to Wanaka.  Stay tuned...

The Beginning of the End

It's a very bittersweet time in my life right now.  On the one hand, the chaotic month of August is almost at its end and I am preparing to breathe a sigh of relief at the thought of life slowing down again.  On the other hand many beautiful souls in my life are beginning to leave.  Some are headed back to school, some are headed home, others are just moving on to their next adventure.  I, myself am starting to plan ahead for my next course of action.  With the loss of such wonderful friends and the realization that I missed out on many precious memories during the final stretch of summer I can't help but feel a little lonely.

I realize that my last blog post took quite a negative turn so I have resolved to seek optimism.  I refuse to say "goodbye", but rather, "until we meet again."  Since I am striving to see it all in a positive light, I have decided to take this time and reflect on some of my favourite memories this incredible summer has given me:

Stubbs Island
One of my first real adventures in Tofino and I haven't stopped talking about it since.  The entire long weekend was divine.  From the incredible Jayce and Sidney showing up at our house with their new Dutch hitchhiking friend Bob, to downing Growlers and playing hours of Taboo on the patio, to the creation of my newest nickname "Granny Franny."  The day was so much fun from start to finish.  Then the next day getting off work early, booking it down to the dock to find the entire crew (and then some) waiting for me in line for the ferry: everything came together magically to bring us to the unbelievable Stubbs Island.  Jayce got naked in front of little kids, Bob broke the rope swing and traumatized more little kids, and an epic croquet match/wheelbarrow race ensued (all fuelled by portable Old Fashions, of course).  Even now when I think about May Long Weekend, I can't help but smile.

Radar Beach
What started off as a spur-of-the-moment idea became a very reflective time.  When Jordan and I planned to hike down to Radar Beach (as she had never been) the sun was near setting and it was a race against time to make it down and back before nightfall.  Being completely alone on such a secluded and pristine beach made me realize just how small I really am in this crazy universe.  Creating our "Tofino Bucket List" was a great kick off to the summer.

Endless Fun at Staff Accom
From the first Toga Party to the more recent Prom Party, there was never a dull moment in staff accom.  I'll never forget how Brooke organized a "Beer Hunt" for Easter which lead into an intense Beer Olympics with she and Chance donning bunny ears.  It was those wild nights when I truly felt I was among friends and could really be myself and for that I will always be grateful.

Cox Bay Parties
Although fires and camping are expressly forbidden on Cox Bay, that never stopped us from experiencing a bevy of wild nights there.  The insanity of Lilly's birthday, the hilarity of the staff BBQ, the magic of our "hippy" night under the stars and countless other endeavours with incredible friends.  From experiencing the phosphoresce to enjoying the serene view from Cox Peek or Sunset Point, the bay is the most magical spot in Tofino for me and I will always think of it as home.

Countless Good Times at the Hen House
When I made the transition from staff accom to my new living situation, I was nervous for the change in scenery.  Being fortunate enough to find such an amazing living space was awesome in itself.  Getting to live with 4 of the most incredible roommates and friends was more than I could ask for.  Endless laughter, BBQs, potlucks, nonstop visitors and great times chilling in the loft.  Tom, Kyle, Katlyn, Chanel thank you all for the great times this summer.

Canada Day
How could I forget getting completely obliterated in the parking lot at staff accom the night before Canada Day and almost being too hungover to celebrate?  Waking up and stumbling to the lodge for eggs benny with some of my favourite girls (all donning red plaid of course) and having our boss treat us all to breakfast was the best way to start the day.  Going for a refreshing dip in the ocean (which lead to us deciding now was the ideal time to skinny dip, surfers and spectators be damned!) was equally awesome.  Skate park festivities and fun followed.

My Birthday Celebrations
Spending my birthday weekend at Pemberton Music Festival with some of my all time favourite people, watching some of my all time favourite performers was incredible, but then when I returned home to a surprise gathering?  I wanted to cry for joy.  (Finally) walking into my room and seeing hundreds of balloons and a new bike (to replace my stolen one) filled my soul with joy.  Getting dragged to the beach to find so many of my friends waiting there for me with a huge home-made card was more than my heart could handle.  Never in my life has anyone thrown a surprise party for me, every year on my birthday I plan and organize my own party.  I felt so surrounded by love I could barely believe my fortune to meet such incredible friends.  To know they wanted to celebrate this monumental moment in my life, even after knowing me for a short time, is inexpressible.  Listening to Davin create "The Fran Song" on the spot was just icing on the cake.

Kennedy Lake Days
Although there were several amazing days at the lake, there is one that sticks out in particular.  Jordan and I had decided we were headed out to Rainbow Bridge sometime in the afternoon.  After picking up several scragglers and hitting never ending roadblocks on our journey, Jordan, Angus, Joss, JD and I finally arrived at the lake... at like 5 pm.  Nevertheless we spent our time sipping brewery beer and floating on our long boards.  Highlights include: jumping off the bridge, exploring the lake reeds and watching Joss rolling around hammered in the back of the van.

Super Moon Pirate Party on Vargas Island
I felt I was doomed to not attend this themed party on the secluded Vargas Island under the incredible full moon.  Everyone I knew were going on Sunday night and I honestly did not believe I would make the last ferry departing at 10 pm.  But a series of surprising events lead me to the dock at midnight where, on a whim, a group of us asked a random guy named Dale in a tin boat if he would take us to Vargas.  Not only did he agree, but he let me drive the boat.  Upon arriving at the party I was immediately surrounded by all my beautiful friends who were all shouting my name and simultaneously hugging me, shocked by my unexpected entrance.  We celebrated the births of Joss and Phil; we danced our assess off under the crazy light show to some awesome local DJs; and Lilly burst into tears, declaring "This is the best night of my life you guys!"  Totally worth Jordan and I sleeping on the sand and waking up covered in sand flea bites.

Those are just a few of the highlights of my summer, I know there are many other incredible memories to come this fall.

What are some of yours?

Is It Over Yet?

This has been, hands down, the greatest summer of my life.  Surfing, hiking, infinite days on Kennedy Lake, Growlers, Super Moon parties on private islands, countless theme parties, incredible friends, fantastic food, nature, wildlife, love and peace.
Yes, it's been a summer for the books and I can't believe I'm saying this but...
I can't wait for it to finally end.

Let me explain...

When I set out to move to Tofino I wanted to experience it with my whole heart.  I never set out to make tons of money, in fact, I would have been happy to simply break even.  I moved to Tofino to find myself and reflect on some personal issues.  Up until recently I was doing just that.  I was broke, but happy and fulfilled.  Then last month I sort of fell into a second job.  At first it was okay, I was working full time nights at one position and doing a couple mornings at the other.  I was tired, but it was manageable and I still had days off.  Then August came along with the chaos that accompanies this time of month.  A lot of people have already left to go back to school, but the town is still packed with tourists.  Now I've found myself with two full time jobs and working back to back 16 hour days.  No time to pursue my interests, no opportunities to catch up with friends, no chance to run or surf or read.  Hell, I barely have time to sleep and eat.  But I know I'm not the only one in this position, this God-foresaken month is the problem.

When I first got here, all the locals griped about summer.  They all said it's too noisy and stressful and there are too many tourists and douchey seasonal folks.  I couldn't believe what I was hearing.  How could anyone hate summer?  And as far as the tourists, they pay our wages and drive our economy.  We rely on them to keep us going through those slow winter months.  We should be grateful for their presence.  Right?  Now I'm so cynical, I instantaneously despise every tourist I see and here's why:  In April, the tourists I interacted with were warm and friendly and interested in life in Tofino.  They were mostly middle-aged couples and mostly fellow British Columbians.  The tourists now are a lot of Americans and Europeans.  They're rich, yet miserable and traveling with young children.  When asked how they are, they'll often let out a heavy sigh and answer "Alright, I guess."
What's to guess?  You are in the most beautiful spot in Canada (as far as I'm concerned.)  You're staying in a 5 star resort that caters to your every whim, you have nothing but free time in a town with endless adventures, but still, they're miserable.
Maybe it upsets me because I'm a little jealous.  Jealous that I have to work my ass off to afford to live here.  Jealous that I'll probably never be able to afford a luxurious vacation for myself.  Or maybe I'm just sick of the bitching and moaning.  Some of my favourite complaints include:

"You're internet SUCKS here!"
Welcome to Tofino, the internet sucks everywhere.  It's hit or miss.  Try putting down your phone and experiencing nature first hand rather than just tweeting about it.

"Does it ever get warmer here?"
Nope, it's a rainforest, in the Pacific Northwest.  Didn't you do any research regarding the weather before you came all the way here?

"Why is it always so foggy?"
They don't call it Fogust for nothing.  Again, a little research on your part would have gone a long way.

For me, its hard not to take it personally.  I may not have lived here for long, but right now Tofino is home for me and people I love.  I am constantly in awe of all the beauty and magic that surrounds me.  For others to not see what I see, it's almost sacrilegious.  To have people speak down to me and treat me as if I'm below them, that hurts even more.

I'm just tired, tired of busting my ass off every day and night for barely any money.  I'm tired of putting on a fake smile and dealing with ill-mannered children.  And the bike path, oh man, don't get me started on the bike path.  I rely on my bike to get where I need to go.  When I'm riding, I'm rushing from job to job or running errands in the little bit of spare time I have and I'm constantly dodging families out for a leisurely bike.  I don't get why the concept is so difficult: Stay right, except to pass.  Don't walk directly in the middle, taking up the entire path and then shoot me daggers when I try to pass you.  Don't park your car directly on the bike path so I have to ride (dangerously) along the side of the highway.  And DON'T park your car in front of the path to Vinyl and then stare at me as I awkwardly stumble through the prickle bushes in an effort to get home.

I don't mean to be ungrateful, but a lot of my frustration comes from being overworked and overtired.  As much as I may wallow in self pity I don't expect sympathy from anyone else, because we're all in the same boat.  I'm not the only one with multiple jobs, I'm not the only one putting in long hours or working 2 weeks straight without a day off.  We're all pooched and starting to snap at one another, just counting down the days until the summer ends.

I dream about September when life can slow down a little.  Until then, I'll just keep swimming.