I originally left Vancouver back in October because I wanted to get away from the Olympics. The construction, the chaos, the political disputes and protests (although I agree with many of their points). I had planned to stay away until after the games were done and gone…but here I am.
My friends had taunted me, saying that the vibe and energy was great. The people were here and the experiences were something you may only have the opportunity to have once. With that said I came home early and I’m glad I did.
The energy is amazing. The patriotic feeling across the city as we watch Canada’s athletes compete and cheer them on while hosting the rest of the world is amazing. This IS truly a once in a lifetime experience and how fitting that it came right after finishing another that I will never forget.
I’m glad to be home! Go Canada Go!
Canada Scores on Germany! Goal Six.
So the short familiar drive from Chilliwack into Vancouver in the sun with the window down was a nice way to end this awesome trip I’ve been on. I feel a little weird, like it was all a dream. I woke up in my grandparent’s house today and it was like I never even left. I’m sure it will all sink in over time but all in all I think the alone time on the road, in the fields, in the abandoned houses and the nights alone in my quiet isolation have brought a new lease on life. I have a lot to say and will be working on making my mark in the world through the next few years. While doing it with a better and more positive attitude.
Something else I learned while on this trip is that although it was mostly me out there, I would not have been able to do it without the support of my friends, family and the random strangers that stepped up and offered words of encouragement, gas money donations and moral support. This truly was a trip for everyone as they were along there with me.
So until I take on a new adventure (which I will) this blog will obviously slow down but I will not close it. Even if I only venture out on a weekend trip I will post my travels here.
Until then, I think everyone should get out there and see something they haven’t seen before. I did.
Well, as I left Flin Flon and started South I soon realized that my prior night’s assessment of the available photo opportunities was very correct. I can see the appeal to some people of the Northern part of the prairies but after 3 hours of the same trees and a few lakes that all start to look the same with nothing in between I started to miss home. This Northern detour didn’t produce much in photos, partially due to the gray gloom of the sky. Some subject matter actually works with this sort of weather, (watch some of my upcoming photos) but I wasn’t feeling it when looking at the lake shores and birch trees of the Manitoba North.
As I watched the gas needle drop through a tank of gas I started to doubt myself and this trip. Partially due to the fact that the creative energy of the day had not been expended. I continued on as planned and pulled into Winnipeg just after dark. I stopped at the first Starbucks which for some reason doesn’t have WiFi access, (to which I found out after grabbing a coffee). I figured I could use the time to work on some of the photos I’ve taken. I eventually asked if there were any all night coffee joints in which I could work as I was back in my game after seeing some of the shots from previous days again. Apparently there isn’t much for all-nighters in the “Peg” but they told me that the Starbucks on the other side of the mall parking lot had wireless, which is where I am now. Outside as they’re now closed.
As I thought about my days so far on this trip I started to weave my own version of a common saying, “Everyday is a gift”. I believe this to the bottom of my heart, but with this amendment. Everyday is a gift, some days you get the shiny new bike, some days you get socks, but regardless, with every gift comes a photo of us opening it, cherish the shot and move on.
My two bits.
