Failure to be.. a failure (of sorts)

So it's been a week or so since my last update, apologies for that, I was waiting to write about all the exciting times ahead working for Sunshine Village Ski Resort buuuuut I can't. Or at least yet anyway. 

It's the job I was waiting to hear back from. Well a job still might be on the cards but in a different position. Feeling rather melancholic about it all at the moment. I had an interview but didn't get the job. The interviewer has now passed my details on to another person and they will contact me directly.. but they haven't yet. (Hand plant to head). Mean while another week goes by, not to mention the guys and girls I've made friends with in the Hostel have all either found jobs elsewhere or started at Sunshine. I must admit, I haven't missed the applying for jobs, going through the rigmarole of interviews, getting back a polite but inevitable "shit sandwich". But it's early days and I have to remember why I'm here. 

SO what have I been doing whilst waiting on Sunshine? Well I haven't been completely stagnant. At the start of the week, Chris's friend Emil, Chris's partner Denise and I have actually had an awesome few days hanging out. From finding my love of flannels in Marks (not Spencers). We headed up to the top of Sulphur Mountain, for the first of multiple times. This was hilarious especially the hot cider at the top and the Gondola ride down. Loved it!

So after those guys left, I found myself waiting on the phone call/ email for the interview, prepping for the interview.. and waiting post interview. Because of all this I had time to explore the surrounding area. Not to mention in those few days it dumped a load of the good stuff. Just hiking in the area brings both excitement from the constant fear a bear or cougar is going to jump out and disembowel you, or the breathtaking scenery. It really is stunning and I'm finding myself just staring at the mountains, longing to ski or hike up them.

Post hike, I also bumped into my Aussies room mate Dan and we decided to wax our skis and snowboard. Now at first glance, it looks simple enough. Well it's not. Yes I know it's basically ironing and yes, I can iron. Ohh but how wrong you are!! Especially when it's ironing at -8oC. Your hands are freezing. The wax freezes before it can spread culminating in an interesting finish... but I know how to do it now, and hopefully, it'll save me a fortune. Plus it makes me self sufficient for the season. WIN!!

So what else have I been up to... well there was the one beer that lead to many, which lead to stumbling back at 4am. The right off the next day, and the sprint up a mountain to prove I don't have two day hangovers. 

Yes it was the same Mountain as before, but doing it myself, getting some time to mull things over and really going for it was well worth being incredibly sweaty when I got to the top. 

In addition to the great views, I went up to the Banff Cosmic Ray Station and learned a bit.. but yes.. those views!! 

So today, was quite a poignant one. Being in Canada, 7 hours behind, but seeing all my Army mates on Parade. I made the effort to attend the Remembrance Parade out here. Wearing my Poppy with Pride. Thoughts went out to my mates Maxi and Alfie out in Afghan at the moment, wishing them a safe and successful tour. Another friend, Payney, who has been brilliant all week sharing stories of his family history. All of this I found genuinely moved me. To the point where Spotting the Brits in the Parade left me feeling incredibly proud, and I wished I was marching with them. 

So after the 2 minutes silence and the wreath laying, I went up to them and had a quick chat. These lucky boys and girls get a 2 year posting. Dammit, this is literally what I'm doing but self funded. What a prat! I should also note that what equally made me smile was the quality marching and presentation by our guys. Made the Canadian look "Chip-shop".

So now it's back to reality of hostel life, and a bar crawl awaits with a bunch of 18-24 year olds. Fun times. Can't wait for the hangover. :-(