Arriving in Vancouver was pretty crazy considering all the stuff I had with me. I was moving here after all so it didn't compare with any of my other trips. I had a couch surfing host lined up called Daniel who I was stoked to meet and I had directions to his place from he airport. When I arrived I took the skytrain and even a free ticket from a guy who accidentally bought two, and then took the bus to Dans street. I waited in McDs until he was back home from an outdoor movie and then I met him and two girls staying at his place too, Celia and Ali.
The apartment was in an amazing location right in Westend and looking over the beach. I couldn't have been in a better place to begin my life in Vancouver. I appreciated being invited to stay here by Dan, who was incredibly helpful and very funny the entire time! (Now We'r neighbours! On my second day I had landed an interview at a top spa downtown, known city wide for their philosophies on wellness, eco friendly products, 5* unique spa treatments and wholey organic products. Both Toby and Victoria were instantly likeable and we had the exact same outlook on life and same theories. I knew form the beginning this was the place for me. I was lucky enough to get a second interview (practical interview for spa therapists) which in turn landed me the full time job right in the heart of downtown. Dan joked that every time I came home I would have more and more progress on my new life here which seemed to be happening very smoothly for me.
During the time couchsurfing I had gone out to Facebook group events such as the outdoor movie downtown and net heaps of new people, had been house hunting on a budget and training for my new job as well as exploring the city by foot every day. I had also taken up running and regular exercise in the parks. I now had time and places to do yoga and meditation outdoor and be in nature even within a city. Within a week I had met up with some friends I had made on Facebook groups ie Todd and Erin, such as IEC meet ups, Couchsurfing Vancouver and Vancouver meet ups. And Dominic, Emerson, Luke, Hugo etc at the outdoor movie screening of 'Despicable Me'! It was easy peesy to meet people. I had also landed myself a cheap room in the heart of Westend (rare) complete with swimming pool and sauna in the building. My room was furnished with a massive balcony and the rent included all bills. My new flat mates seemed really cool but I would have to stay in a hostel until I could move in Aug 15th. The flat was in an amazing area eighth downtown but in a lush tree lined street which seemed so quaint and neighbourhood like even being so close to the happenin areas! That was the thing about Westend, You have Davie and Robson filled with bars and shops etc and either side you have streets that seem so country like they make you forget toure actually in the heart of a city. It was ideal! As if things could have gone smoother, I found a hostel (American Backpackers) which was around the corner from work downtown and was only $60 a week in comparison to $45 a night at some of the main hostels.
I had also met some lovely people at Dans place who were couchsurfing too, a lovely Aussie couple Mindy and Tom, Christelle from France and Zoran from Croatia. We all headed out together to an awesome bar on Davie for some drinks for our last night together.
There are so many areas in Vancouver and I had instantly loved Westend because of its proximity to downtown, the beaches and Stanley Park but never thought I could afford to live here. I had been to Kitsilano area for their street festival with Erin which was awesome and Was indeed a very 'yuppie' neighbourhood as I had heard from locals. North Van, East Van and Mt Pleasant sounded nice too but even though I hadn't sussed them out I didn't want to be too far from work as I planned to bike there even during the winter. (Biking in the rain long distance didn't sound too appealing). Finding my place on Barclay and Broughton only a few streets from awesome Robson st and Davie st on the other side, I couldn't have been in a better location. Aug 15th couldn't come quick enough. I had so many plans for moving in and decorating my new place and balcony complete with plants, hammock and herb pots. I am now a westender
Vancouver has so many events and so much to do even on a budget. Since arriving I have been to two outdoor movies (Canada Place and Stanley Park both screen), Khatsalano street festival in Kitsilano, various bars in Gastown/Westend and in and around the beaches and Stanley Park. I am yet to get out further from downtown to the beaches ie Wreck beach (nudist),Spanish beach and Jericho beach. I am due to live here for at least two years so it was inevitable that I will get to these places sooner or later. Vancouver to me, felt instantly like home and I couldn't believe I could live somewhere so much and feel so settled so soon! They say whatever is meant for you won't pass you and everything happens for a reason both of which I strongly believe. As a write this, sat in the sun on the beach overlooking the shimmering water dotted with boats and lined with trees, I couldn't ask for a better life right now.
Everyone come visit me :)
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