So we've reached our destination, VANCOUVER, finally! It has certainly taken it's time, lot's of discussion, planning and saving but it has definitely been worth the time it has taken.
The first two weeks for Maddie was filled with visiting family and friends whilst I spent time in Melbourne catching up with my younger sister and umpiring at the Australian Hockey League.
During this first initial period of time Maddie was able to travel the winding, yet scenic coastal road from Sydney to Wollongong with Kate O'Neill who, heavily pregnant, was able to relax whilst Maddie took over the driving. The first 2 days were spent visiting Maddie's mum in Maitland, NSW then off to Goulburn were they spent 2 days catching up with the O'Neill family household. Maddie and Kate continued their little road trip to Albury to see the Pidd clan. Finn and Oli, always on the go, kept Maddie busy playing, building and bouncing on trampolines. Kate ended the trip here because her uterus couldn't cope with any more driving and Maddie jumped on the train to Melbourne to meet up with me.
I arrived in Melbourne and had the opportunity to stay at my younger sister, Chelsea's, place for two nights before commencing the hockey tournament and umpiring duties. Had an awesome time seeing Chelsea, she's growing into an adult and knuckling down at school with fantastic marks to complement her hard work. For this we had a mini celebration where I took her out for our first alcoholic beverage together at the pub. A great time spent talking about her new life in Melbourne and hearing how much she has grown in the last few months was music to my ears, and so was the HD she had posted on her fridge. So proud of my younger sister.
The hockey Tournament began, with 6 international umpires and the four of us that weren't, were in great company. The tournament went well and my umpires manager gave me a pleasing report. Out of a possible 6.5 was given a 6.43 and stated that I was ready for the next level when and if available. So now I'm just waiting for the call up. Look out 2020 or 2024 Olympics I am coming for you.
After the close of the tournament we then set off to Tasmania to continue our acclimatisation process before setting off to Vancouver. We flew in to Launceston and spent four days catching friends and family and the latest addition to the Van Est family little Eli. A good catch up at Toro's restaurant and a brisk lunch at the Christmas Hills Raspberry farm with Maddie's Friend Mar, before heading down to Hobart to spend another four days.
Hobart saw some delicious family dinners, Marcia's baby shower and a big night out on the Saturday. Which began with some drinks at Jack Greene, some pizza and drinks at Cargo, whilst Captain Poncho provided us with some entertainment. It was wonderful catching up with Adam and Bec Bec as well as Marcia, Matt and Eddie. Missing breakfast at Renee and Troys (due to a hangover, oops sorry Maddie's fault) but made up for it with yummy coffee and danishes the next day.
We stayed at my brothers for a night to catch the quickly growing Henrick and a nice family dinner with Mum, Nan and Pop and Ruth.
We were the ready for the plane to Sydney, bags packed for the first of three legs before reaching our final destination. Stopping in Sydney we came across a couple of minor hiccups. The taxi driver who was certain there was only one Airport Hotel took us to the wrong place. So like the pack horses that we are we lugged our gear to the apparent 5 min walk down the street which turned out to be about 15-20 mins walk to the actual hotel where the booking was made. Spent the night and ready for our further two legs from Sydney-Auckland and Auckland-Vancouver.
The first of two legs was steady and without issues however the leg from Auckland to Vancouver provided some interesting turbulence much to Maddie, who had a complete melt down and me, who tried to stay calm for Maddie. This was possibly due to winds from the back end of Typhoon Nari somewhere west of where we were flying. Maddie put her nursing hat on for a few minutes helping an elderly person to the toilet :)
We landed safely in Vancouver admiring the majestic Rocky Mountains as we flew over Vancouver island and touched down into Vancouver international airport. Through Customs we met fellow Ozzies also working during this ski season and all caught the train to the city to find our accommodation for the next 6 nights the Samsun Backpackers.
We checked in and headed to our room. Wow, what a smell. I know people in this place like to smoke weed but the smell in our room made us high just walking in. Although there is no smoking within the Hotel our room mate, an African gentlemen clearly likes the choof, in between sleeping and what seems not doing a great deal.
Well, we have six days here in Vancouver to get bank accounts, Social security number and new SIMs as well as a bit of sight seeing, drinking, making new friends and purchasing ski gear, before heading up the Rocky's to Whistler for the beginning of our employment.
Yay, We are finally here :-)
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