Starting a new chapter

Around 5 and a half years ago, I got a call (or was it an IM message) from a guy named Gerald asking me if I was interested in applying for an opening in their company for a Java developer. Unfortunately at that time, I couldn’t entertain it because I still had a few months left in my contract. I told him that and he said, ok, I will give you a call back in a few months.

A few months later, around March 2008, he did call me back and asked if I was open already to apply for the job, and I said yes.

Fast forward 5 years later, a new change. I’m now moving to Vancouver to continue working there.

Around July last year, my boss offered me a permanent job in Vancouver. It took me a week or so to even decide on it and say yes. I used to say that I am happy with the way things are right now, but then again, as I thought about it more and more, an opportunity like this is not often offered to anyone, anytime. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity that has been given to me – more of a blessing. I think God made sure that I stay put here, just because he has something bigger planned to me, and lo and behold, two years after my attempted escape from that company, I’m about to start something new.

To be honest, my mom was hesitant (but supportive), while my dad said go (considering that he used to be an immigrant there decades ago and went back here to Manila). A few friends said go, a few friends asked why. I think hesitations are normal when making a decision like this. Aside from telling them that this is a great opportunity, I also let them know, that it’s always better to have tried, than never to have tried at all. I say that in the most sincerest way that I can (even though sigurista ako pagdating sa pag-ibig).

So the time has come for me to pack. I am flying off to start this new chapter of my life this coming Saturday. An event like this brings about a mixture of excitement and sadness. Excited because it’s a start of something new. And sadness because I am leaving the place I’ve called home for the past 29 years. I will miss my family and friends the most. I will miss Grant and the twins. I will miss having my mom and dad who are always there when I need something. I will miss my friends who has always been there for me through my ups and downs. However, I will definitely not miss the traffic and the very very very hot summers here. 

Amidst all the anxieties and troubles of preparing for the move, I found out that I am just about the most blessed person in the planet because I have my family and friends who loves me so much. So much so that they even surprised me with free lunches and a few memorabilia for me to bring to Canada.

Parting Gifts

My wonderful friends threw me a wonderful Tong Yang despedida party a few weeks back. I thought it would only be the ladies, but I was surprised that my wonderful friend Leda invited a few more folks to join us for our hotpot lunch. Not only did they treat me for lunch (my favorite place, by the way), but they even surprised me with a beautiful scrapbook of various pictures and letters that symbolize our friendship over the years. It was so much fun looking at those pictures. I love it so much that I couldn’t keep the smile off my face every time I open it and sift through it. My mom said that I am very blessed to have such wonderful friends.

And my brother and sister in law also surprised me with a nice little sling travel pouch (not in the picture) for my future travels, plus a beautiful Holy Rosary and a framed picture of the whole family taken during their wedding last February.

My parents and sister surprised me too - with a new cellphone! This has a funny story attached to it. I was going to buy a new cellphone just so I can bring it over to Canada and I can go on roaming for my globe number. My current Nokia phone is too cheap, thus not a tri-band phone. I told my mom I was going to buy it on Tuesday. That same day, my brother sends me a text message telling me that I don’t need to buy a new cellphone, he will just give his old phone to me… for free. Yehey! I was so happy that I wanted to get it from him that same day. When I came home that night, I saw a paper bag in my desk with… notes and words that said that it’s a gift from my mom, dad, and sister. And to my surprise, it’s a new galaxy phone! Yey!! Apparently, my mom went on panic mode after I told her that I was really going to buy a new phone that day and quickly called my brother to do everything he can to stop me from doing that. They ended up going to SM Annex to look for a cellphone – no model in mind, which is probably why it took them forever to get the one they gave me. 3 hours I think. Haha they went back and forth to various models. Nahilo na daw sila.

Nevertheless, I would’ve been very happy already with the time I got to spend with my family and friends before I leave. But having these thoughtful gifts showered upon me is such a blessing indeed.

I may be far away geographically, but my family and friends will always be in my heart all the time. And with technology these days, it’s very easy to keep in touch! Sabi nga ni Leda, pwedeng pwede mag “E-numan”!

Piri Piri

As much as I try my best to steer clear of junk foods, it’s just one of my weaknesses. And so when I learned that my grandparents are coming to the Philippines for a two month vacation, I took the opportunity to ask them to get me my favorite junk food – President’s Choice Piri Piri flavor chips!

If you love hot and spicy (very!) junk, then this is a must! I end up drinking a ton of water when feasting on this junk though. But nonetheless, I love it. On another note though, since I’ve been eating a ton of junk (and a lot of food lately), I have surprisingly gone to the gym and exercised a  whole lot more these past weeks. Just proves that we exercise so that we won’t feel guilty eating! haha

Less than a week to go

In less than a week, I’ll be back in Manila.

As excited as I am to go back, I’m also sad to leave. I think this past 5 months was the best 5 months that I’ve had in Canada for the past three years. It might be because I did a lot of things this year, compared to the previous years.

1. Went to the gym regularly (3 – 4 times a week)

2. Got to go on a one week vacation to Quebec, Toronto, Montreal

3. Started running again

4. Watched a whole lot of movies (up to date na ulit ako!)

5. Went on two long hikes – Garibaldi and The Chief

6. Was able to do grouse grind again after two years!

7. Watched a live football game!

8. Shopped for myself a lot this time (instead of shopping for pasalubongs all the time).

9. Went out with friends more

10. Did a whole lot of work!

For some odd reason, I felt good again. True, I can’t wait to go back, but I’m going to miss what I have here again. After three years, I finally think I really won’t mind staying here for good.

BC Lions!

One more thing I can finally cross out on the list of things I want to experience is… watching a live Football game! Nope, not soccer, but the hard core American Football sport!

My friend from the gym has season tickets for the BC Lions home game and last July 22 was a home game so he invited me (or I invited myself) to watch. It’s the first time I’ve watched this sport live. I used to only watch football from the movies and maybe some highlights from ESPN or TSN, but not watch the whole game.

BC Lions is British Columbia’s home grown football team in the Canadian Football League (CFL). If USA has NFL, Canada has its own version which is the CFL. Although NFL is popular in the states, I don’t think CFL is nearly as popular in Canada as it wants it to be. It might be because Canada is more of a hockey country, just like how Philippines is a basketball country.

Mind you, I’m not really a great big fan of American Football. Perhaps because it was never big in the Philippines or maybe it’s just too much testosterone. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed watching this match! I was into the game! My friend was kind enough to teach me the rules of the game throughout the match. By the end of the game, I knew what a 1st down, 3rd down, yards gained, punt was!

And you know how it is in live games, everyone’s just in it! I heard a guy seating a couple rows behind me shouting “Knock his head off!!!” and then another lady a couple of rows down dancing like crazy! It was all fun. As for me, I ended up stomping my feet (they do that to distract the opponents while they’re making their plays), shouting and cheering for the big boys.

Unfortunately, BC Lions lost though. But what the heck, it was a fun night, my first live football match, and that’s another first for me!

You know it’s summer here in Vancouver when…

1. I need an electric fan in my room.

2. I’m wearing shorts at home.

3. My landlady changed my sheets to something cooler (no more comforters!).

4. The window in my room is now open.

5. I don’t wear my jacket outside.

6. I need to apply sunblock when I go out.

7. I’ve changed my walking route to and from the office, because I want to get as much shade as I can. The sun heat here is terrible!

8. It’s 9PM and there’s still light outside!

9. I finally sweat when I’m outside.

10. You see more people in parks and beaches, sunbathing and showing as much skin as possible.

11. You see more people riding their bikes, roller blading and running outside.

12. When I get asked by security (on my way to the gym) why I’m not enjoying the sunny weather outside.

And you know we’re Filipinos here because when we’re waiting for bus stops, we try to look for the best “shaded” place as possible! And my friends and I were talking about how the sun is just painful here, and we all agree that we all just want to take out our umbrellas to shield ourselves from the sun, but we’re just too embarrassed to do it! After all, people here are totally into this summer weather, which they only get for just a couple of months a year. Summer here is something people here really enjoy!

Welcome summer in Vancouver. Haven’t seen you in two years!

Spring is here!

Spring is here...

This picture was taken at around 6:30 pm. And yet ang liwanag pa!

Vacation Leaves

I still have around 7 days left from my 2010 vacation that I need to use by June this year, thus, I'm hoping I could somehow manage to gather the courage to ask for a one week vacation this coming May. Not that it's hard to ask for vacation time here, it's just that the timing is a mess. I have two upcoming production releases for June and July, and that's pretty much consuming a whole lot of my time these days. May might be a crucial month too. Well, we'll see. It may still be worth a shot to ask. If they allow it, good. If not, better luck next time. I can totally understand if they say no.

But if they do say yes, Quebec City here I come!!! Hi East Coast! I have not seen you in two years!

I Love You Victoria

I've always said that I find Victoria to be one of the beautiful places that I've visited. I've gone here once, and I wanted to go back. Last time I was here was 2008. But after two years, finally, I've come back! And the pictures below will just tell you how beautiful this place really is.

Not the best qualities as I only used my iPod Touch, but it's still beautiful. These three spots: Parliament, Empress Hotel and Inner Harbor are all located within the same harbor area. You look at one side, it's the harbor. On the other side it's the Parliament and the Empress Hotel.

Think of the Parliament as our Senate House or probably Sandigan Bayan. Amazing right? They have the Parliament in Victoria because this is the capital of the province of British Columbia. The other Parliament building that I got to visit two years back was the one in Ottawa. That time, I was lucky enough to get into their free tours. This time however, the tours were only open on weekdays.

The Parliament sits directly in front of what they call the inner harbor area. This is a nice place to just hang out and walk around. From the picture I took, you can just see the walk area just by the bottom right of the picture.

Now just perpendicular to the Parliament, and still facing the harbor is the very pricey, old and beautiful Empress Hotel. Apparently it's one of the oldest hotels in British Columbia. The picture doesn't pay enough homage to this beautiful hotel.

But that's not all there is to Victoria.

We also visited Butchart Gardens and Craigdarroch Castle.

Butchart Gardens is one of the premiere tourist spots in Victoria. Unfortunately, the flowers were not yet on full bloom since it was still officially winter when we went there. But if you come around summer time, you will be even more mesmerized by the beauty of the flowers, roses, trees, etc.

The picture below is just a part of the garden. This is what they call the Sunken Garden. If I remember correctly, this used to be an abandoned quarry which Jennie Burchart slowly developed into this beautiful garden. Unfortunately, the picture below doesn't do justice to the beauty and color it would have during the spring and summer season.

Craigdarroch Castle was a castle built by James Dunsmiur to for his wife during the late 1800s. At that time, Dunsmiur was considered the richest man in British Columbia. Unfortunately, he died before the castle was completed. The parked car below killed the picture.

The castle is breathtakingly beautiful. It's wood all over. I'm a sucker for woodsy yet elegant houses. It's a self guided tour, you can go through all floors and rooms of the castle. It's so interesting that just around the castle, you see a regular homey neighborhood. Haha how I wish we'd have one near our place.

There's a lot more reason why I love Victoria. Hopefully, at least for whoever will read this blog, will remember that when they get the chance to visit Canada, they really have to stop by Victoria.

Vancouver Aquarium

I went to the Vancouver Aquarium yesterday with some of my officemates. I'm really not into animals that much but I haven't been here yet, and my friends wanted to go so I thought, ok, might as well join them! The Aquarium wasn't as big as I thought it would be, but I did love the Dolphin show! We were able to catch the Beluga show as well but it was pretty boring. All in all, I think I still liked the fishes that were available in HK's Ocean Park, but the Vanc Aquarium was just much more cleaner. I didn't bring my camera as usual, but I did bring my Ipod Touch which produced a couple of pictures of poor quality though. Haha

Here's a picture of the group, stolen from my friend's camera. Leda, do you see my coat? That's my coat!

And here's the one I like best. Sting ray ba tawag dito? But look at the skin, totally different from what we usually see. It's spotted!

Here's another one... red colored fish.

Unfortunately, we missed a couple of shows like the Sea Otter and the 4D. We got there late at around 2 pm already and the aquarium closes at 5 pm. But all in all, I think it's a pretty nice place to go. I probably won't be going back any time soon, but maybe when I have kids, I'll bring them there. But what I want to do is actually be able to go to the Manila Ocean Park. My officemate tells me that that place is pretty much comparable to the Vancouver Aquarium. In fact, he found that the Manila Ocean Park might be even better. That sparked my curiosity. So when I go back this July, maybe I ought to visit that park!

random thoughts

Work's been crazy the past few weeks. But more so this week. My team mate was on leave this week, and she happens to be my lead, and so a lot of the tasks were passed on to me temporarily and it is only these days that I'm really getting the experience of being the true blue team lead. I am getting more and more responsibilities. Before, my team lead roles were simply to administrative tasks such as preparing time sheets, etc. But now, they're slowly involving me with these different tasks such as figuring out resource allocations for the different projects. It's good training, for sure, but it's just taking its toll a bit. I'm doing all these work, and that's on top of the actual work I have to do!

But, I'm not complaining. I think I've learned to love this job even if it's really been a crazy past few weeks. Just means I'm still enjoying, which is very good. I realized that I've always liked my job. Maybe I had that moment when I didn't, but at least I'm getting the jive back.

Anyway, on another note, we are going to visit the Vancouver Aquarium tomorrow. This is already my 5th time here in Vancouver and I haven't even gone there yet. Well, I'm still better off I guess. My team mate, who lived for probably 10+ years already in Vancouver has never even visited the place. I think that's usually how it is. The person who lives in the area, has not even visited the tourist spots at all.

And please, let's pray for the people in Japan. 8.9 magnitude. I cannot imagine how that feels.

Welcome back to Canada

I have been away for too long from my blog.

Anyway, I am back and now in Vancouver. There are so many things I miss back in Manila already, but there are still a lot of things to look forward to here in Vancouver. For instance, when you're about 30 minutes to an hour away from Vancouver, just look at the plane's window and you'll see this:

Beautiful isn't it? Back last November, there was much more snow but I didn't bring any camera with me during in flight so this time around, I made sure that at least my ipod Touch would have enough battery left to capture this beautiful scenery.

The picture below is near the city already, farmlands I suppose. Still looks pretty nice right?

On other news, Canada's always been a place where I gain weight. I gain weight here, I lose it again back in Manila. To prove my point, when I arrived last Saturday, this is what I saw sitting in the kitchen:

Hello there deadliest catch. This is something I look forward to when I'm here, but gaining weight? That's definitely something I'm not looking forward to! But then again, no complaints right? In fact, last Sunday night, I had dinner at a Chinese restaurant with the family, and then this coming Thursday, my team mate Jeff is going to treat us to another Chinese restaurant to satisfy our pecking duck cravings!! Too much food already, all in just a span of a week! Oh did I mention my grandpa is planning to have hotpot/shabu shabu this coming Sunday? Noooooo

Anyways...

What else to look forward to in Canada? Work of course! It's always nice to work here... normal hours, you talk to them face to face instead of over the phone. You get to interact with different people - different culture, different ethnic background, you name it. In fact, tomorrow I'll be meeting some of the QAs I've been working with for the past 2 years. I'm finally meeting them!

I also missed the weather. It's raining so it's a bit colder but my wonderful coat is keeping me warm. Sulit. Kaso lang nasira yung porma ko, kasi yung baunan ko bag na malaki na pang bata. Hahaha I thought it would snow, but seems like it's passed. It's almost spring anyway. But spring time is nice, that's when the flowers bloom. You see a lot of different colors everywhere. I do see the trees here finally getting some color. Winter's almost over! But out of all the seasons, I would say I still like Fall the best. I've been here in Canada during the Fall season only once, but it's my favorite season. Every where I look, it's pink!

I think I'm still in jet lag mode so I will be off sleeping soon. Until next time.

Two More Weeks

Two weeks remaining before I am off again to the other side of the world. As much as I'm sad to leave the Philippines every now and then, I've realized that having this kind of life is a blessing as well. I've been dreading it so much for the past year that I haven't been looking at the good things that this experience has given me for the past 3 years.

So as a shift of outlook (to a more positive one), I will list the things that I like most about going on these business trips.

1. I get to travel.

I love traveling and seeing new things. I like seeing different places, learning what's unique about them, walking around and exploring. And so far, it's been an awesome experience. I've been to British Columbia, Seattle, Oregon, Arizona, Las Vegas, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Cornwall, Buffalo (well, just by the border).

If it were not for this job, I wouldn't have even been able to get to these places. Now, it's something I look forward to doing every time I go back to Canada - plan a new place to visit and explore. I'm thinking about Quebec this time. The old European charm is something I've been wanting to see.

2. I get to earn extra money.

The allowance I get from the trip is kaching kaching in itself. I consider this my extra stash of cash, which I either stash away, or spend! Hopefully my waldas days are over, but it would still be nice to splurge every now and then. After all, these are all hard earned money.

3. I get to be on my own.

No amount of money can pay for experience of being in another country, away from your family. Ok, maybe not really away, I still have my grandparents, aunts around there. But coming from a home where we're pretty much sheltered, this experience is definitely a welcome sight of relief.

I remember my best friend telling me when I got back, that ever since that first trip I took last 2008, I was never the same. Perhaps, I grew up. My views changed, my objectives and goals changed. Maybe I did really change, and that's hopefully for the better.

4. I get to meet new people from different cultures.

This is related to #3. Canada being a diverse country has given me the opportunity to meet a ton of different people from all over the world. I got to talk to Russians, Filipinos, Canadians, Chinese, East Indians, you name it.

The nice thing about being exposed to different cultures is that you learn what they are, how they are, and you'll realize that the world is way bigger than it looks. That these you may actually find a good friend amongst these mixture of different cultures, descents and nationalities. Some times, it takes a big deal of adapting to the environment, but it also builds character, don't you think?

But I have to admit, at times, I'd just like to stick with my Filipino friends. I find that I get tired speaking English all the time. Some times I just want a break. haha

As a conclusion...

Of course, there's also a fair bit of sacrifice that this type of life entails (which I wouldn't want to dwell on anymore - everyone knows what happened). But somehow, I really do believe that God and his magical ways made sure that I go down this path and that he's preparing me for something even bigger. This might just be a training in preparation for something more exciting. Who knows right? But in the mean time, I will start learning to appreciate these blessings more and more. Embrace it to the fullest, and learn to be happy and contented once again.

Going home...

My last weekend here in Canada. Oh how I'll miss this place. How fast time flies. It's already been a month.

Finished my initial packing last night. Finally. I have a lot more space and around 5kgs left to spare. Not bad. I'm usually tight with the weight so this is definitely a welcome relief. I cannot wait to go back home. See my family. See my friends.

I will leave my Canada journey with this picture and quote to sum up what I've learned from my one month "hiatus" from the "real world":

To New Adventures

Liz Gilbert:

In the end, I've come to believe in something I call "The Physics of the Quest." A force in nature governed by laws as real as the laws of gravity. The rule of Quest Physics goes something like this: If you're brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and comforting, which can be anything from your house to bitter, old resentments, and set out on a truth-seeking journey, either externally or internally, and if you are truly willing to regard everything that happens to you on that journey as a clue and if you accept everyone you meet along the way as a teacher and if you are prepared, most of all, to face and forgive some very difficult realities about yourself, then the truth will not be withheld from you.

Work work work!

Work's been super crazy ever since I got here. The reason I'm here in the first place was because of the urgency of the project. And it's actually a good thing because I have to work closely with Harry because we're refactoring a whole bunch of applications for our upgrade project. Lots and lots of changes. He mostly designs the changes, but I learn anyway. Busy from that end. And then, there's the other tasks. When you're here, you're easily approachable - meaning, anyone can ask you to do something, especially urgent ones. Just as an example, during the past two days, there's been a couple of urgent changes that they need to get in before the lockdown (no changes during the holiday season), and they're rushing me to figure out what's wrong, fix it, get it tested, support testing and finish all these request for change documents! I've been going home late at night the past days.

But you know what, for some reason, when I'm here, even though I have too much work, when I get home, I'm not as tired. Maybe that means I'm finally enjoying the work again, the collaboration, and the opportunities they've given me. It actually feels good. Don't you ever get that feeling? I love it. It's nice to finally feel the excitement to work again. Work's something you should love and enjoy. Or maybe it's really just because my life here is totally relaxed compared to back in Manila.

And who wouldn't want to go to work if you have a view like this when you look up from your desk:

How can you not be inspired to work right? Luckily, it was sunny earlier so I was able to capture some nice photos using my ipod. The quality's not the best, but it works :) My desk it facing the north (mountains are in the North of Vancouver) so lucky me I got this spot. It's probably one of the best seats in the house.

On a different note...

In line with my Yes girl persona (Leda.. check this out), I will be attending a Telus gala event this Saturday with a couple of friends. It's a formal event. Though I didn't bring any formal wear, my friend Christine got me a nice short skirt and tube top to wear. She couldn't let me borrow her other stuff daw kasi it's too revealing! Hahaha I'm not sure if it's really a formal attire, but it works for me. Fits me well. But I'm not used to these types of attires! But have to be able to try it out at least once right?

Almost Christmas!

In line with the Christmas spirit, I've downloaded a ton of Christmas music to my ipod to keep me company on my day to day life. I feel Christmas already. The weather is cool, the house is all lit up, and everyone's in a good mood!

And another thing:

Christmas = gift giving.

And gift giving = shopping.

And so earlier I went to Toys R Us Coquitlam to look at its huge selection of toys. And holey moley! Ang ganda doon sa loob. So big! I feel very Christmassy. So we looked around and these are the toys we got (see below picture). Actually, I only bought two toys for my nephew and inaanak. The rest, my aunt bought at ipapadala sa akin.

Here's my surprise for my nephew Grant - this is a special request from my sister.

I'll worry about how I will try to squeeze in all these (and my) stuff in my two luggages. Hehe. My packing skills will be put to test!!!

Of course, work work work muna this week. Pero next week, the plan is on Saturday, we're going to try out this Japanese Shabu Shabu. And then on Sunday - going to the US. I've been wanting to go there just for the Harry and David stores. And then will try to go to Seafood City in Seattle, apparently may newly opened Jollibee and Chowking doon!

Grouse Mountain

Been here for a couple of days. Missing Manila, friends, my family. Ganoon talaga. Sometimes I feel like this is a blessing and a curse at the same time, especially when you get lonely. But I should always look at the bright side of things - I do get to experience something totally new, I earn more, and I get to meet a lot of different people of different cultures. I get to forge new bonds of friendships too!

Saturday - Grouse Mountain Day

I joined some friends to Grouse Mountain last Saturday. During winter, Grouse Mountain is jam packed with winter activities. The ski slopes were open so people of all ages are brining their skis, snow shoes, ice skates, snowboards, etc up to the mountains. You only get to play with snow for a couple months in a year anyway! Kind of nice how families enjoy doing this activity so much. You see parents and their 5 year olds already skiing! So cute.

As for us, we didn't do the usual winter sports (you'd have to have the attire and equipment - though you can rent), but we did however get to meet Santa Clause and his reindeer at Santa's workshop!

Here we are with Mr. Santa.

And here's Santa's reindeer. I think he's in a bad mood though.

What snow activity won't be complete without snowman building? We did create our own snow woman instead though. With boobs. Pinaghirapan namin iyan! Took us a long time to build it up!

I got home around 6:30 pm yesterday, and boy was I so tired. Alam mo yun, hindi ka naman pinagpawisan sa taas ng mountain habang lakad ka nang lakad, pero afterwards pala, sobrang pagod ka. But it was fun. And... important pala to bring shades when going to a snowy mountain - sobrang nakakasilaw yung snow. It's too white, and then you have the sun too. That's a lesson learned for me!

Oh, and so far nasulit ko na yung snow shoes ko! Yehey!

Snow and more snow at Cyrpress Mountain

Last Easter Sunday (1 week delayed post), my aunt brought me to Cypress mountain since we heard that there was fresh snow build up there from the past two days prior to that Sunday. This short trip made my day (or probably made my entire stay here in Vancouver this year well worth it!). I just did sightseeing, so no winter activity for me, but I wish I could! I just didn't have the correct attire and you'd have to rent these, that, etc etc. But sightseeing for me is sooo worth it already, especially from someone who lives in a tropical country? We don't see this at all in the Philippines. And fresh snow was beautiful. Truly beautiful.

Here's a nice view from the parking lot! Can you believe it? And there are people who go down those slopes!


Here I am in the lower parts of the mountain where you can do beginners lessons in skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, or even just play around.


More ski slopes! Here's where you'll find the skiers, snowboarders.


Snow is really beautiful! I'm very blessed to have finally seen the real deal!

Slushy Snow!

Vancouver hasn't had much snow this winter season (or almost none!). They even called the Vancouver Winter Olympic games as the Spring Olympics! So when I woke up today... It wasn't supposed to snow, and I thought I'd never see actual snow in the city streets, but it did!!



Actually the day before, it was wet snow. Apparently there were a couple of snow drop lets but mostly rain. So it's definitely a nice surprise to wake up with white snow all over the place!



However, with snow comes water and well... what was frustrating was, I had to walk to the office wearing my rubber shoes!! Rubber shoes is no good for snow day as you'll get your feet all wet!! Stupid me. But I didn't have any other option. So I just brought extra socks with me to the office. Nonetheless, though wet, probably one of the most memorable days of my life - my first time to see actual snow!

More pictures in my multiply account!

And I'm still hoping to be able to go do snow shoeing!

Various Olympic Sites

I just love the colors of this year's Olympics. The colors are so refreshing.

This picture's at BC Place. BC Place was where the opening ceremonies were held.



Here's a shot of the Athlete's village from afar:



The TELUS Science World (Globe) temporarily houses the Russia House.



Somewhere in the vast Concord area, houses Saskatchewan (if I'm not mistaken). I wasn't able to enter. We just walked around.

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch @ Kingsway

The Vancouver 2010 Olympics is just around the corner and we were lucky enough that the torch relay passed by our office this afternoon! So at around 12 noon, we stopped working for a while (hehe) and headed out to see the torch bearer passing by Kingsway.

Here I am at the street, waving a Canadian flag (even if I am not Canadian) and waiting together with the crowd for the Olympic torch convoy. Mahangin sa labas!



So the convoy was not too long, the first part were policemen in bicycles... and then comes the policemen in motorbikes...



Here comes Coca Cola caravan!



For now I don't have the pictures of the actual torch relay itself... since by the time it came, I was out of space for my camera. Turns out, I forgot to put the memory card back in. So I'm still waiting to get the pictures from my friend.

There were a lot of people around, everyone was excited, having fun! It was such a great experience! And tomorrow night is the opening ceremonies. Of course we don't have tickets for the opening ceremonies, but we'll be going around downtown Vancouver since we heard that there's so much happening there. It'll be a blast! And I'll make sure I have my memory card in the camera this time around!

Ok, I just realized the dates in my camera are still in Philippine time. This is supposed to be Feb 11!!