Travel, Road Trips & Friends

A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.

- Tim Cahill

Alberta, Canada

June 2012

Sitting at a Crossroad

Today I write from a point in my life where I'm at a complete crossroad and I am completely and utterly stumped as what to do.

• Where do I want to go
• What do I want to do
• What do I want to achieve

I want to travel the world so badly, I want to see new things, experience new cultures and make the world feel like a smaller place.

But at the same time I want to be successful in my career. I want to earn a lot. While people will always tell you that money doesn't equate happiness (and I couldn't agree more) being successful is an ideal I've always held and something I strongly want to achieve in my life. I want to run my own business or become the Director of an organisation. I'm super ambition and that will never leave me.

My direction choices are:

• Personal Goal - Travel the world for 6 months (if I can save enough money)
• Career Goal - Move to Vancouver to get a nice paying job and my foot firmly on the career ladder
• Hippie Goal - Stay put and make a living painting flowers on the sidewalk

While I do have a few years experience within my field, I'm conscious of the economy, job prospects and ensuring I have a full and successful career. Saying that, my current desk job leaves me 100% unfulfilled and pulls at my self worth every day I spend there.

I'm also having to toy with personal emotions; keeping my family happy. While I never thought they would fully embrace my idea to travel the world, that last I wanted,needed or expected was the negativity to me doing so. I'm very close to my parents and while I'm not in this world to please others, having my parents support to do this means the world to me.

I would love to hear from you and what you have experienced in the past.
Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation?
What did you do?

For now,
Jones

Living, Working and Playing in Banff National Park (Or any other Canadian mountain town)

I recently created a meme on 'Living in Banff'. These 6 pictures were compiled to create a hilarious and accurate depiction of life in this beautiful mountain town.

Even though there is a lot of ass in the pictures, there is also a lot of truth and deeper insight in what to expect when preparing to embark on a ski season or sunny summer living in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Picture 1. What My Parents Think I Do

This caption insinuates that this is something backpackers only tell their parents they are doing to make them look cultured. But exploring the park is something many travellers to Banff revel in. The scenery here is so unreal that Banff National Park is a UNESCO World heritage site. To put this into perspective, other UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the world include:

- The Taj Mahal
- The Serengeti
- The Great Barrier Reef.

That's right, living in Banff is the equivalent to living in the Taj Mahal (with the hoards of tourists included). We are downright privileged to live in such a beautiful place that it would be rude not to get out and see it.


Picture 2. What My Friends Think I Do

While you do see your fair share of crotch on the ski hill (most recently too), naked skiing is NOT recommended. Not only will you scare those Tiger Tots on the hill but nobody wants ice burn on their bum.

Banff is blessed with some of the finest champagne powder skiing in North America and whether you're a seasoned pro or a faceplanting genius, such as myself, you can 'hang out with your wang out' during those famous Canadian winters. (Figuratively speaking).






Picture 3. What Other Travellers Think I Do
When you told your friends you were considering living in Canada for a few months, did they ask if you were going to live in an igloo? Maybe your friends are more worldly then mine, but there is definitely an attitude the Canada is a cold country. It might be something to do with the 8 month long winters, -45 degree temperatures and polar bears, but it also boasts long summer months of swimming in the lake, canoeing on the river and hiking up the mountains that you'll be calling for a blizzard by August (and you'll probably get one).


Picture 4. What Locals Think I Do
Okay, lets be honest. I love Sunday Funday. Partying late into the night with people from all over the world, at 4,000ft. elevation; not only is Banff a beautiful place, but its got one heck of a party scene to go with it.

However, we're all capable of being upstanding members of society while enjoying a good knees-up on a Sunday Funday. Locals put up with the continual revolving door of backpackers coming, going and tearing up the town. Be respectful to those who call this beautiful town their full-time home. Clean up after your BBQ's, keep the noise down and for God's sake, don't feed the wildlife.


Picture 5. What I Think I Do

Wait. I'm NOT a Mountie??











Picture 6. What I Actually Do

Party with my shirt off halfway up a mountain? Occasionally, yes. But I chose this photo because it signifies everything Banff is capable of. Friends, fun and Alberta's famous blue skies.

Experience all this and so much more while surrounded by the most beautiful mountain vistas in the world, in an time you will look back at as 'the best years of your life'.



I'll be writing a follow-up post on more practical matters when preparing to live, work and play in Banff National Park.

Until then,
Jones x

Living in Banff

So today I made a meme on what to expect when coming to live in Banff, Canada.
All this and SO MUCH MORE.

Jones x

Slush Cup - The End of Season Ski Party @ Sunshine Village



Photo courtesy of Sunshine Village

Over 34ft of snow
200 days of riding

And one Slush Cup I won’t forget
Thank you Sunshine Village for another amazing season!

Yes, that IS the Messiah, Jesus H. Christ, attempting to reach Slush Cup glory.
He's trying new marketing method's to reach the masses.

And no, he couldn't walk on water.

Slush Cuppers hurtled down a 60ft slope before launching themselves off a ramp, to effortlessly skim across the ice pond to the other side. Easy!

65 Slush Cuppers braved the braying crowd in an attempt to attain the coveted Slush Cup!
Few made it, most failed, and lots of beer was drunk.

An amazing end of season ski party to see off the 2011/12 season in style.

After seeing men in manikins, the ultimate Canadian Tuxedo and more crotch on the ski hill than I care to think about, I can honestly say Slush Cup is a right of passage for any Banff backpacker.

For now,
Jones

The end of season ski party to end all ski parties!

Certain events signify the end of the winter season in the Rockies. Bike trails open up, BBQ’s are fired up and everyone comes out of hiding after months of minus 30 degrees.

But there is one big, badass and downright bodacious Banff tradition that signifies the close of 7 months of epic pow….

The closing parties to end all closing parties…

The infamous Sunshine Village Slush Cup!

Let me paint you a picture. A bikini clad Aussie strapped into his snowboard, atop a 40ft. ski hill with a 20ft pond of ice water below. A bad combination? We think not!

See video for a fine example!

This Monday May 21st will see brave Slush Cup skiers and boarders face one objective - to speed down the ski hill, skim across the icy water and victoriously reach the other side of the pond….without falling in. Easy!

However, few manage to earn the glorious title and bragging rights of reaching the other side and most dent their pride in front of a few thousand larey boarders and skiers there to cheer/jeer them on!

Slush Cuppers are judged on distance, air, costumes and most importantly, calibre of their belly flop.

Coupled with live music from BC/DC and copious amounts of sophisticated vodka beverages (and by that I mean Palm Bay’s out of a can), there are no prizes for guessing where you will find me this Victoria Day long weekend.

Party on Wayne.

For now,

Jones x

Short Term Cure for Long Term Itchy Feet

It creeps up on you. You know it’s been lying in wait. At the back of your mind. In the bottom of your belly. Until one day it rises up and explodes out of your chest as you leap out of your chair and shout,

'I HAVE TO TRAVEL, NOW!!!’

While this sounds like a scene similar to Alien, it’s actually an everyday event for a lot of keen-bean travellers out there. Whether you’re already on the road or just earning enough cash to kick start your travels, you can’t fight the urge once a case of the contagious travel bug sets in.

Why fight it? Embrace it!

Planning your travel adventure is (almost) as exciting as actually going on your travel adventure. The world is your oyster, your road is open and like those Goosebumps books you used to read as a kid, you can choose your own adventure!

So what can you do about it? Being proactive by planning towards an ultimate goal will give you a light at the end of the tunnel. Here are a few ways to alleviate your itchy feet.

1.      Dream. And dream big!

    Where do you want to go and what have you always wanted to experience? This may be your once in a lifetime journey so this is your time to be inspired about everything you've ever wanted do.

Tip: Grab a map of the world, a red marker and let loose marking which counties you want to see. I’ve done this more times than I can count. 

2.    Plan, plan, plan, plan, plan…did I say plan?

       You’ve spent countless months saving and have told everyone you’re going. You land at your destination but denied entry to the country because you don’t have the right visa! True story. Plan those finer details and you’ll be as prepared as possible*.

A few areas to cover:
- Flights
- Visas
- Vaccinations
- Insurance
- Sleeping bags - important & handy; not all hostels provide bedding
- Currency exchange
- Hotels
- Time of year – ever wanted to see Serbia in January? No, us neither.
- Car hire - Are you legally allowed to drive in that country; you’d be surprised
- Countries in conflict - Check government websites to reaffirm  guidelines when visiting a country in conflict, social unrest or if you’re generally uncertain

*(Note: All the planning in the world can’t prepare you for every eventuality.  Don’t sweat it when these arise, it’s not always about the destination, but the journey)

                                                 3. Budgeting

       In the words of Biggie Smalls, ‘Mo Money, Mo Travels’. Budgeting is in direct conflict with Point 1, but gives you a realistic idea of what you're going to be able to see and do within your money limits. I think of this process as the 'Fun Police' coming in to piss all over your parade. However it’s an imperative step in planning. Over budget and you will kick yourself for missing out on amazing travel opportunities. Under budget and you'll find yourself stuck in Sala debating whether to sell your body for cash. I exaggerate (but not by much). Don't get stuck and have to make that 'not-so independent' call home to the bank of Mum and Dad.

Take into account:

- Flights – internal as well as international

- Hotels, Hostels and Camping – varies greatly and beware of the words ‘Prices from’ when researching. This more often than not means mid-week in monsoon season (does not include inflatable raft required to reach hotel)

- Transport around the country – car hire, bus service, tours, donkeys

- Visas – these can vary a lot so be sure to budget for them and do your research to ensure you get the correct one for your trip

- Daily Cash - Meals, Partying and Souvenirs – Set yourself a daily or weekly allowance for these things! Otherwise you might find yourself with a new pet elephant, empty pockets and 3 months left of travelling

- Sightseeing Tours and Park Entry Fees – Tours obviously cost $$ so you may decide to venture on your own. But be aware that tour costs usually include entry fees into attractions, National Parks and museums.

- Technology on the Road – Remember that you may want to document your trip through pictures (Digital cam, SLR), videos (HD Camcorder, GoPro), blogging (laptop, netbook, iPad). As this might be your once in a lifetime trip, be sure you have everything that you want to use to remember it.

4. Go!

Get up and book your ticket! After the lengthy (and sometimes longwinded) planning process, you need to finally put those plans into action as you kick start your journey by actually purchasing your ticket to your worldwide adventures! This can sometimes be the hardest part (I have a little guidance on that too) but it’s the first step towards your great adventure.

Explore. Dream. Discover...And have a FREAKIN ball!!! (Actual words from Mark Twain)

For now,

Jones x