[Vol.05] HI whistler

The HI hostel is located next to Alta Lake. I took a bus to hostel and asked bus driver where should I get off. It’s best way not to miss the destination. ;) It takes around 15 minutes from village to the hostel by bus. Unfortunately, a bus to the hostel runs 4 times in a day. OMG… The last bus to hostel runs at 6:00 PM. That made me to walk many times from village to hostel. ;( It takes 40~60 minutes on foot.

When I got off, I had a carrier (28”, with broken wheel), 1 lap-top bag, and 1 backpack. Thanks to un-careful bus driver, it was tough to take all of them by myself. At the time, a guy who was in same bus helped me to take my luggage to hostel. The way to hostel, there is train rail. The trains pass every afternoon and night but was not too noise.

The cost of room was same with HI Vancouver centre. I think every HI hostel has same pay system. I had booked for 2 days so I paid for that then went to my room. There were four beds in a room. It was, however, not bad. Although it was a little bit smaller and older than HI Vancouver.

When I unpacked my luggage, ‘Choap’ entered my room, the guy who helped me. Yes, he was my room-mate. Haha -0-;; We went to outside and drank a can of beer with fantastic scenery of Alta Lake. It was awesome~ That’s a PICTURE of calendar!! I love that view of Alta Lake from hostel. After at that time we became friends and hanged out many times.

The HI Whistler looks like a villa. (Cottage of away home for summer vacation) And there not many rooms. Beside there is no TV but two computers for internet and a billiards table. So after last bus, there is nothing to do except reading a book, playing billiards or drinking. ;) Fortunately, wireless internet was free and fast. So I should have bought some foods and beers when came back.

Sometimes, like a weekend, we had a party in front of a fireplace with beer. While I was staying there for 10 days, I met many friends from various countries, Mexico, German, England, Australia, Denmark, Spain Etc… also I could be friends with them. I think it is the best thing I can have in hostel. One night, some of guys went to village for drinking. But it was so expensive. Taxi fee was 20$ and a jug of beer was 19$. OMG~ (The Taxi was being operated by electricity. It was interesting.)

There is a small kitchen for customer. So almost people who is staying hostel cooked and keep their foods in the cooler. The top floor of cooler is ‘Free food section’ so whoever can have foods or drink, someone left when they leave, on that floor. I’d got a bottle of peanut butter and beer from there and drank beer with Choap. ;) Sometimes a smoke while someone cooking had made a fire alarm. It was so loud. I thought if there is fire, it could be burned fast because hostel is built with wood. I have no idea why they made house with only wood. Because they have many forest? It makes sense, I think. -_-;

And there is no washer but drier. What this mean? Do laundry with your hand? Haha I think the reason are that hostel is small and almost people stay for short time. And there are a couple of bike for rental. The cost is around 20$ per 2 hour or 4hour and 40% per day. Although I didn’t rent a bike, I recommend that riding a bike along the valley trail. (I’m going to write about this later.) And they also rent a boat in summer time. That would be cool if I row a boat on the beautiful lake. I hope I can do it later.

I’ve seen two animals while I staying there. One was a little baby black bear when I was on the bus and the other was a beaver swimming on the lake when I drank a beer with Choap outside of hostel. I thought it is true the sign ‘animal country’. ^^

[Vol.04] Going to Whistler

I stayed 3days in Vancouver and moved to Whistler. I had not decided where I move to until two days before moving to Whistler. Before came to here, Canada, 2 cities were on my list, Calgary and Whistler. When I was talking about it with roommates, Josh told me there are many jobs in Calgary and he would move to there but there is a little bit boring city. Actually, I don’t like busy city. I think it’s one of reason why I moved to Whistler. I think I decided well. ^^

Whistler has gorgeous scenery, like a picture, and almost people do relax. Also, there are many things to enjoy, Snowboarding, Mountain biking, Golf, etc… Yes, it’s resort city so you can work at resort, hotel, Tour Company, store and restaurant. There are many job openings and you can find easily on the local newspaper or website. (I’m going to write about finding job and house later.) It’s not easy to find house, however, because it’s expansive. Job is a not problem but house. And almost goods are a little bit more expansive than other cities.

When I come to Whistler, I took the bus, Gray Hound. I took a sky Train bounding to East and took a Gray Hound at Bus Depot Train Station. That bus station doesn’t looks like other normal one where is in Korea. So I was confused to find there. It looks like a government building. Ha-ha; It took a under 3hours, I think. When I buy a ticket, I could save money around 10$ because I have international student card. And there is interesting system with Gray Hound. A number of passenger’s luggage is limited and each luggage has a name tag; moreover the bus driver put them on and off all luggages to the bus. I was impressed with their system and service.

I didn’t have any information about Whistler before came here. So I was going to get off at the Whistler Creek where is located next to Whistler village. Do ask to bus driver. ^^;;

I got off at the Whistler Village. I was excited because every Mt. has snow still at the time. (They have still now.)

There is a not good sign, however, with my carrier. When bus driver took off mine, he broke a wheel of my carrier~!!

OMG~ and he said it happens often. -0-; I don’t know why I didn’t claim about that. Maybe I thought I couldn’t be paid back. I was an idiot. I will claim later if I have that kind a situation again. -_-; so I had to carry my carrier with only one wheel. It was really tough. T_T I’m going to buy new one later, before move to other city. It is a regrettable.

[Vol.03] Staying in HI Vancouver Centre

First impression of HI Vancouver Centre was a ‘Friendly’. When I asked an attendant to check in, he explained some information and notice with kind attitude and slowly. ^^; Also there are many useful information about Vancouver and what could I enjoy. That seemed to be updated every week. Take a Map of Vancouver and other information it would be very helpful when you walk around and find your way. There is also info about transportation going to Airport and other city.

When I paid 54$ for my 2 night staying, I could save 6$ because I have got a membership card of HI. It can save 3$ per night. I recommend you to make this membership card before come here. ^^ You can find that how to make this card at our community. Be used to searching what you want. There are almost thing what you want.. I think. ^^ cf) If you want to book before arrive you can reserve via internet site. I think www.studentuniversity.com is a little bit cheaper that www.hihotels.com . There is reservation fee around 2.5$ by credit card. You need to check which one is cheaper. ^^;

They provide a shower towel when you check in and breakfast every morning. You can have more towel if you ask them. The breakfast was milk, toast, serial, juice, and bread with jam. It was kind a buffet system so you can have enough. But the menu of breakfast is not changed so all of my roommates didn’t have that. ^^;; But I did to save money~ haha;;

I’d stayed in 4 male shared dorm. There are mixed dorm but I think there are some requirements. Two of my roommates are come from AUS and the other is come from Brazil. They are friendly and kind so I could hang out with them.

I think Hostel is a very good place to make friends. Almost of them are travelers and come from various countries. It means they have a open mind and don’t care who I am and where I came from so everyone could be a friend. I felt it very well and could act with confidence when I talk with them.

If I got a friend I could get other friends related with first friend. My roommate Josh, who come from AUS, had knew 2 Sweden girls so I could be friend with them and hang out together. We had a party in our room it was fun and I could realize that I am in Canada. And then we went to Pub and drank beer without any side dish. It was strange to me but now, I am getting used to drinking only beer. Haha ^^; When we tried to find cheapest pub, they asked to bartender about cost of a jug of beer. The bartender answered kindly and recommended another pub when we said it is expansive. I thought It’s very different situation from where in Korea.

In HI hostel, there are lockers for each person so I could put my luggage in. And every guest is given a Door card. I think there is safe to stay. But!! Be careful with you food. I’d brought 4 Korean noodles in my carrier and leave in the room without zipped up. Yes, my noodles had eaten by Rats. T_T I’d heard strange sound at night and there was small rats. There is a notice about this, ‘Keep your food in the kitchen’. I could know what that means after Death of my noodles!! I should have zipped up my carrier. T.T

About internet… There are some pre-paid computers. If you want use that computers you need to buy ID. But I have a laptop so I could wireless internet without pay. It’s free but easy to disconnect. -_-;; There are a few wire internet line but hard to use that because there are many guest who want to use that like you. ^^;

I could buy a Calling card at front desk to say hello to my family. It was 10$ and not bad to call. Ah, There are TV room, snack and pop banding machine and laundry room. And you can cook in the kitchen. ^^

[Vol.02] Going to Hi Vancouver Centre hostel in downtown

- Party with friends who met in hostel ;)

You can find a bus stop when you turn right from the entrance of 1^st floor. Before that I went information center and ask them how to go to down town. They gave me a map of bus line and told me whish bus is mine.

I took a Bus 424 and fare was 3.75C$. It’s for 2 zone fare. But they didn’t return change. So I had to pay 2 $. Public phone booth is same. I don’t know why~ =_=; I can’t understand still now.

To go to Downtown, I need to transit another bus. When I dropped coins that fare box returned a ticket. It is for transit. I can transit several times in 30 or 1 hour. But I am not sure. I haven’t transited still now. ^^;; I got off at another bus stop where i have to transit to 98-b. So far so good.

And I got on the 98-b bus. It looked going well. But!! A sign standing outside of windows was not what I want. It was going to Richmond~!! It’s opposite direction. OMG~ I got off and across the road. But I couldn’t find bus stop. What the~ So I asked old lady who stand next to me. Unfortunately she didn’t know and she was waiting same bus as well. A few minutes later I could find a bus stop with 2 girls help. Before that I had to go to bank and break bills to changes. I thought again, Korea’s public transportation system is very convenience.

- You can book and find more information at http://www.hihostels.ca/

After I got on the bus, I asked to the driver. Yes! Its right way. And asked him let me know where I have to get off to get Hostel. The bus driver was very kind. I think Almost people living in Canada are kind. It was very impressed. In this environment, how I could be un-kind? ^^;

When bus’s close to Hostel, I was noticed to get off by the driver. It’s very easy way to find your destination. ;-) Then I was walking along the Granville St and I found the HI hostel easily. It is located between Helmcken St and Nelson St. It was really easy to find. There is another famous Hostel ‘Same sun’, just opposite side. I paid the remainder pay and got a Door Card.

[Vol.01] Arrive in Canada #3

The immigration center is located in right corner of exit. It was easy to find. There was already a long- waiting line. At that time, I was waiting just after I saw that. But I’d been looking for my carrier first so I couldn’t save my time.

When I stand end of line, I met a guy who are Working Holiday maker, Mr. Jeon, Ms.Saranghae and Ms. Dream Catcher. (We had a lunch later.) When I was talking with Mr. Jeon, a fat Officer took off the Working permit letter from us and a couple of minutes later he gave some form to us. It was not end. When my turn, another officer stapled REAL working permit on my passport. It was REAL. WOW~ I made it~ T.T it is expired at APR, 21, 2009. Yes!!

Then we (Mr. Jeon and me) were looking Mr. Jeon’s carrier because he had not taken his carrier before. So we had to go to reception desk. There were many luggages which hadn’t met their owner.

We (Mr. Jeon and Ms. Dream Catcher) were so hungry so went to the Tim Horton. It is famous and common coffee shop in Canada. I ordered strange Mexico food and coffee. It was not bad but I couldn’t finish it. After long time flight, my stomach might not be good.

After late lunch, Mr. Jeon wanted to call to his family so he bought an INT’ calling card. And he tried to call but failed. Ha-ha~ All of we had no idea how to use public phone booth. ;-0 After several times trying, he could make a call and we’d learn our lesson. Trying is best. -_-;

*** How to use a Public phone booth in Canada ***

1. If you have a Calling card, Hang on the receiver and Insert it into a phone.

2. Remove and Insert it again fallowing instruction on LCD.

3. You can hear connecting sound and it will.

4. Just push your destination phone number.

5. But, you need to add an O11 and 82 before phone number.

Ex. 011 82 (0)10 1111 2222

= (011+82+area No. without first 0+phone number)

6. If you don’t have a calling card…. Buy one. =_=;;;

You can buy one convenience store and large market or Hostel.

While we saw blue and clean sky of Canada, I felt that it was a little bit chilly. It looks like early winter in Korea.

They had another flight to their destination. So I said Good-bye to them and left the airport.

I was alone again. I was a little bit worried. And I thought, 'I am already in Canada so I can do it by myself. Don't worry and Go fot it.' After arriving in Canada, I remind it everyday.

[Vol.01] Arrive in Canada #2

- Vancouver Int' Airport, 1st floor -

When airplane was landing, I was worried about that would it be tough? But it was smooth likes take off. What a good pilot. ;) or it's common? :-o After landing, I took my bag and just keep track of other people. It's simple and sure thing. ;)While I was waiting in line to be processed by immigration and customs, I got a only 1 sheep of form. So i had to fill another form. It's about that if I have something to let them know. It made me a little bit nervous and took my time. Yes!! My turn. I said to officer that i am going to Canada. Then He asked some questions, why are you go there? Do you have anything to let me know? simple questions. I said 'No'. Thought I got 4 korean noodles in my carrier. Don't need to say. ;)

After that he stapled one of the form on my passport. That form means I am staying in USA. So if i don't, I have to return that back. I returned that when i take another plane going to Vancouver. I don't have a plan going to USA in couple of month. In case of United Airline, I had to get back my luggage and ship it again. What the~ ;[ Anyway It was easy, find my luggage and take it to the shipping receptionist. It is on the path to the transit gate. When I arrived the gate to transit, the line of passengers was already too long. ;( After long time waiting, I was required to go through the airport security again. It was a same process.

The plane going to Vancouver was really small. So i could feel 'landing' much better. ;) It took a couple of hours. But I was sleepy because time difference. The gap is 17 hours between Korea and Vancouver. There is a 'form' as well to enter to Canada. But it was just 1 and simple. At the immigration and customs precess, I showed my Working permit letter to officer. He just said to me go to immigration center.

- To be continued...