'Olympic' Poker

I never really considered myself a card lover, but the past three weeks have definitely changed that. My neighbours regularly hold card nights, especially Poker. This game is a 'battle ground', and to play all you need is three dollars (1 loonie and a toonie will do!). I have been learning from the 'Olympic Crescent Masters Assoc.', consisting of Jason (pictured), (note my chips are on the botton right), Scott and Brenda. Although they keep insisting that I am an Australian Champion as my 'earnings' have consistently grown throughout my short poker career. I must say that being welcomed by the Watkin's (Al, Brenda, Jason, Scott and Sarah) has made my transition to Canada one filled with warmth, laughter and friendship - I definitely consider them my 'Canadian Family'. A few last words, "Scott, bring it on", "Brenda I am sorry for taking all your chips...more than once", and "Jason, seriously what are my options?".

Ice Storms

Well this is a new phenomenon, didn't know there was such a thing as an Ice Storm. The idea behind the design is that it appears to be raining as usual, but...when the rain hits any surface it immediately turns to ice, hence the frozen trees. This unusual event resulted in my first 'snow day'. I did drive to work that day, my philosophy was if I don't learn to drive in these conditions I'd never venture anywhere.

RMC Titans

Fact. All Canadians are born with skates! Yes that's right. After being invited by three of my Grade 11 students to come and watch them play in their school hockey side the RMC Titans, I am hooked. To watch the talent of these students and their passion for the game is just amazing. Since that first week I have become a fixture at their games as well as pratices. One tip though, wear warm clothes. Man are those ice rinks bloody cold. Regarding the rules, not exactly sure of the technical details, but it appears that the general idea is not unlike 'footy'. Anyway, I'm having a brilliant time supporting them, and have already acquired a players jersy.

Steam Time

Within Vancouver you'll find many interesting sights. One such example is Gas Town, situated in the downtown it features Vancouver's most photgraphed tourist attraction the Steam Clock on Water St. Every quarter hour the clock sounds a train whistle, plus steam. Infact, the steam clock is actually powered by electricity.

Vancouver

Moving on now. Here I am standing in front of Vancouver Harbour. Quite a busy port, currently surrounded by snow capped mountains. Vancouver has population of 2.1 million with many a tourist attraction, such as Gas Town, Grosse Mountain and Stanley Park. Note that I am still only wearing a polar fleece. The temperature was quite mild on the west coast, no real need yet for the serious winter civvies.

Balsamic Vinegar

First impressions last. So I'm dedicating my first image to what you'd call 'Interesting Encounters'. After arriving in Vancouver and heading to the local cafe, here I ordered the basics for a warm winter lunch, Vegetable soup and focaccia bread. I must say, the meal was lovely, but the strange fact is that Candians (for whatever reason) like to serve vinegar with their meals. So here you see it, focaccia bread 'topped' with balsmic vinegar.