Jun 29, 2009

Update from Whistler!

We’re one week into our time here in Whistler / Vancouver, and having a great trip.

We rode Whistler Blackcomb’s Peak 2 Peak gondola, which takes you from one mountain to another (no, really), with 1.88 miles of unsupported span between towers. Video is coming. It’s awesome. The photos from the top of the mountains can be seen in this photoset on Flickr.

Needless to say, for someone who’s not usually a big fan of heights, I didn’t have a ton to complain about, scarily enough. Here’s some more details on what the trip is like.

We also had some fun with the wildlife, including this little guy on the left who isn’t exactly wildlife, but also didn’t seem to care that I’d just eaten a smoked pork sandwich from the farm he lives on. Lara’s been chased out of the barnyard by chickens, and we saw baby bears from a ski lift. And their mom, too. Vancouver didn’t disappoint when it came to animals, either. We saw some great birds all about, including ducks new and old on the water, blue herons in a tree making a racket, and this excellent bird whose name escapes me but had excellent color on its wings.

Our second night in town, we had dinner in the Fairmont’s Wine Room, which aside from the awesome prix fixe menu that was offered while we were there, was topped off with vanilla-flavored cotton candy. Stupendously awesome.

Picture 2

We also got to meet the powers that be behind @WhistlerBlckcmb and @FairmontWhistlr, got to hang with them a bit around town, and go to Fairmont’s version of the ever-popular happy hour, Fairmont Friday.

Between the pitchers of Kokanee Gold at the Garibaldi Lift Company that we hoisted while watching the excellent moves in the bike park and ridiculous views in the area, it’s certainly going to be tough to go home later this week.

More photos and video soon!

Jun 24, 2009

Things I’ve learned while in Canada

So after being in Canada since Monday afternoon, I’ve learned a few things. It’s not that I haven’t been here before, but I’ve spent most of my time in Toronto or Montreal, and it’s been years since I’ve been back. So here goes:

  • I haven’t found the “law” online yet, but apparently all hamburger meat is cooked well done. I’ve been at three places so far, and all of them say the same. It’s apparently not the same rules for steak. Seeking official confirmation, but all waitstaff in restaurants swear up and down that it’s for real
  • Businesses don’t miss a beat when you pay with a $50. Unlike the U.S., where it’s all “we don’t have to take that.”
  • People near Vancouver hate the Maple Leafs. It even said so on the menu at the Whistler Brewhouse. This is doubly amusing as we’ve met no less than two dozen people from Ontario.
  • That I really missed having Cuban cigars

That’s all I’ve got for now. I’m sure there will be more later.