A new love in in life!

She's beautiful, got a great body, slender lines and she sounds so sweet. She's Canadian too. I even think my mother will like her. I know my Dad certainly will.

She's my new SIMON & PATRICK GUITAR !

Isn't she beautiful (I think this is the one I have got. Never fear, i'll soon post some action shots with her)

All I need to do now is write a hit song to pay for it. I did give it a go yesterday but I could hear Hannah laughing all the way from Hackney. I guess I need to work on my writing a bit.

She lives in a case that looks far more comfortable than my hostel bunk, but hey ho. Ian and I had a call last night from our new landlady. We are going for a viewing on Friday. There is a slim chance that we may get in their a couple of nights early. That would be simply fantastic.

I have not been working today. I did get a call from the agency that I was working for last week. My previous employers want me back! So at least I have some work in the pipe line. I seem to be getting quite a few calls from agencies offering me work as well, so I hope to be working again by Friday.

Ian's doing well at his post at UBC. Like the industrious boy I am, I met him for lunch and then went job hunting their myself. The pay is good and it seems a lovely place to work.

Congratulations to Paul who got his job in TV product placement today (Hi Julie). Dinners on you tonight then sonny boy!

Only a week and a half after his birthday I have posted off Dad's present. I also got my sisters off today. Cost me a bloody fortune, but their worth it! ;) Should be with you in 4-6 days peoples.

Laura.... I hope you like what I have got for you. Please let me know when you get it. Mwah x

Ok, need some dinner so I'll sign off for now. I bought a songbook with a few of the songs I failed to learn properly when I had lessons (poor Pete, my tutor. I was a terrible student). I am determined to return a better guitarist than when I left.

Right I'm off to practice.

Until next time x

The Women in My Life

This post is dedicated to two people in the Nottinghamshire area. The first is my little sister Laura, who will be 21 tomorrow. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DARLING. Your card and prezzy will be a little late, but at least it won't be as bad as my poor Dad, who has already been waiting over a week for his birthday present. (I'm so sorry Dad. I promise I'll get it off tomorrow. Just been a bit busy)

(Laura on her 21st Birthday. Who Farted?)

The second lady I want to say hello to is Mrs Julie Banks, who like many of you have become gripped by tales of our adventures, but unlike the rest of you is mother to Paul, a fellow friend & BUNAC'er. Why not drop either Ian or me a comment. We'd love to hear from you.

Last bit of admin. Apologies of all readers but especially my Mum who has pointed out in great detail all my spelling and grammatical mistakes made throughout my postings. My defense is that the spell checker is crap on blogger, I can't spell and I get charged by the MINUTE to use this. So ner!

OK sports fans, what a week it has been. Last weekend a few friends and I went to the aquarium and had a great time. It's well worth a visit if your in town. For picks and a more detailed analysis, go to Ians' blog, as he has all the good pictures too.

The big news of the week is that I have been working. I got a temp job at Vancouver Coastal Health. I have been re-organising all their filling system (for those of you whom I used to work with and know my "it's all up here" filling system, I am a changed man).

The people are very nice and have asked me to stay until Tuesday. After that, who knows. One guy called Dave just came up to me, introduced himself to me and then invited me out for drinks with his sister and friends the next night. How friendly is that! I accepted and took Ian, Gavin and Paul with me for moral support. We had a lovely time. It's nice to finally get out and meet some real live Canadians.

In other news. Tuesday has been re-named "Unexpected Tuesday". Simon, while working in the bowling alley spotted and old boy with a torn jumper, baseball cap and a dodgey Canadian accent. It turned out to be none other tan Patrick Stewart of Star Trek fame. Once Simon plucked up the courage to ask him if he was Capt Jean-Luke Piccard, he threw of his cap and announced in his thick Shakespearian brogue that "You have found me out". They chatted for a bit and he came across as a thoroughly nice chap. See Simons blog for details.

Tuesday became even more bizarre when I got back from work to be greeted by all the newNACK'ers. Two of which I was at school with. What a strange small world it is.

This weekend has been good fun. Ian and me have to leave the hostel for at least 1 night as we can only stay 21 consecutive days. We decided to go on a little holiday to Jericho Beach. We had heard that there was a very nice little hostel there.

Ian and I, packed up our sacks and being very mean, decided to walk the 8 or so miles to the hostel. When we got there, we thought the hostel and it looked very nice. Problem was we couldn't find the entrance. We found it in the end, next to a big sign that said "Closed for the winter" Bugger!

We decided to treat ourselves to the luxury of a bus ride back to town. We checked in to the other hostel in central Vancouver, just above The Royal pub. The music vibrated my bunk until just after 3am when all was quiet. Not for long though, as a new bloke walked in the dorm and was ceremoniously sick on the floor. Charming!

We're back in our old hostel again tonight. It's a former Nunary and the atmosphere is a suitable more restrained. Can't wait until we move into our flat. A week on Tuesday. Hurrah.

Right, I had better get on as I have to do a spell check and then phone Dad to tell him why he has yet to receive his birthday card and present. What A crap son I can be.

Love to all, and drop us a comment if you have the chance.

Bully xx

Don't Panic Mother!

It's ok I'm still alive Mum. The reason that I haven't called is that I have been to busy WORKING!!!! Yes thats right ladies and Gentlemen. I got a call on Tuesday morning at 9am, and was told to shoot straight over there. It's a Health Vancouver Doctors and admin type thing (I can't bloody remember what it's called OK!. I have just got back from work and ironed shirts for the next few days, I'm knackered) and it was only meant to be until Friday. However, after seeing wonder temp in action, they they decided to keep me on until Tuesday which is good.

I'm just doing basic admin, but it's easy and it pays quite well. I'm also on the 11th out of 12 floors so the views of Vancouver are picture postcard. It almost makes me feel important.

Ian is working as well for a lot more money but less hours. I still have yet to get to the temp agency he got this work from because I'm to busy working myself. However, I'm sure I'll make it there when my work dries up.

Ian only works 4 hours a day but he's moaning for the both of us. As soon as I got in from my full time job, I had a shower and went ironing straight away, taking his stuff with me to do as well (He did my shirt for today so fair's fair) and now I'm here.

I'm off now to have some richly deserved food and a pitcher of kokanee beer.

I'll write a more coherent post when I am more coherent.

God I'm tired!

Love to you all. xxx

Wine Women and Re-sit exams.

(Gavin modeling our new favourite bar)

Well dear reader it's been a busy weekend. After a week of interview and tests (not all of which have gone quite accoring to plan) we hit the weekend in style. Friday night we went to a bar owned by an Austrian, that Gaving (Featured) knew called the Black Frog. It was a fab little palce that served good beer and good food. As we have been here nearly 2 weeks I decided to have a small taste of home by ordering fish and chips. The rest of the cohort, must have felt the same as 5 of us ordered the same thing.

We decided to move on, but where? As usual it was raining and there were queue's a cover charges wherever we went. However, in an audacious attempt to loose our new room mate Jeff, (we left him in the company of some Canadian women in a queue for a bar we ouldn't be bothered to queue for) we criss-crossed around the city and found ourselves in Malonies.

This pub come blues venue was great. There was only a small charge to get in, and the live music was great. Spured on by the infectious rhythems, I started to dance!!! The creaky old knees started to whirl again. Not since the days of the Ballroom in Keele Students Union have the public been privy to such a bendy torrent of limbs.

I was already half-cut by this point so in my minds eye, I was a dancing like a legend. In reality, it was more like an octopus on speed (the camera never lies).

So fueled with self confidince was I, that I even asked out Sanja (Simons girlfriend Ellies best friend from Sweeden) on a date! Apparently she would have accepted if she wasn't flying back to Sweeden in Sunday. And before you say that was the catalyst for her departure (Jolly Boys!) it wasn't (well not totally).

Severe hangover later, sunny Saturday was a right off. Typical! Had to sleep most of it of, but did manage to stagger to the phone in the morning and wish Dad a Happy Birthday!

Saturday Night, I can't remember why, but we decided to go out again (oh yes, to watch the Grand Prix). We emded up in a bar called Panama Jacks. it had lots of omfy seats and a free pool table. What sealed the love affair was the cheapest beer we have seen so far.

Added to this that there was a club DJ which we got into for free (saved $4) because we were already there. The owner was really nice too, kept telling us to "shoot billiards" and "have a great time".

Sadly had to go home at a sensible hour as my liver was creaking, but promised I would be back. I gave them my e-mail but as yet have heard nothing.

Ok, stupid time. I did some more exams for another agency on Friday. However, I didn't realise that you could go back and answer questions that I had got wrong again if you had time at the end! Therefore I called up in my most authoritive voice and begged for another chance. I went again today and did better. How much better I don't know. At least I should rank as an intermediate now (the entry standards are tougher here than in England).

Ian had just been offered work, (Horrah!) from the agency he went to thismorning. I am booked in their tomorrow. I know what sort of questions they might ask as Ian has done a successfull dummy run. I hope I can follow in his footsteps.

He's on a good wage too. Good for him and wish me luck.

Andy xxx

The Gay Away Day!

Meet the gang! here are the fellow BUNACers who I will be sharing rooms, stories and games of pool with for the next year. (Extra points for spotting me. I am right at the back right hand side. You may just be able to see my pearly white teeth leaping up from the bar)

Introductions over, I want to introduce you to the concept of the Gay Away Day. Despite constant rumours eminating from work friends, employment agencies and our own friends, Ian and I are not gay. I agree live would be more simple if we were, but it's just not going to happen. OK.

(Bully, the mighty explorer on Kits beach)

Ian and I hired some bikes and decided alone with a few like minded friends to cycle around Stanley park to take in some of the stunning views. Ian commented that this was such a romantic setting and that it was completely wasted on me! Not being one that easily offends, I punched him and hid in a tiny corner to cry.

Ian had a point. We have done some pretty cool things together, dinned in some lovely restuarants together. Was it a waste?

"Of course not!" shouted Paul (I'm sure he's in the top photo but I'm dammed if I can find him) "your simply having a Gay Away Day".

"Eh" I cried.

"The concept of the Gay Away day, is that straight men can go out together appreciate nice things, enjoy their time, and not feel like the moment has been wasted on them." The precident he recalled was "when a friend of his had finished his Uni exams and drove a convertible XR3I up to the beach and he and his friend had a pic nic. It was one of the most fun times they could recall" (metrosexuals, the lot of um)

Soon, we all started remembering gay away days of our own. We all felt much better for this little chat and decided to stop whinging and take in some of the views.

(View from Stanley Park into Downtown)

(The city at dusk)

We have made quite a lot of new friends since we have been here. Through meeting a bloke in a bar we have even set up our own football team. We are meant to be playing today, but as it's pissing it down, I think I'll give it a miss.

(Simon and myself, commanding the field)

Two agency interviews down and one more to go on Tuesday. Foe those of you who are religious pray for me, and I may have work by the end of the week.

Stay tuned for more more comments on Malonies, Panama Jacks and other great nights out. Oh, and maybe some work updates as well.

Love from Vancouver x

Ians' Blog.... Dito!

Ian made a very interesting comment yesterday. Apart from the 2 hours we spent apart when I along with some other fellow missionaries, went to teach the natives to play 'soccer', we haven't been more than 15 feet away from eachother. This is understandable concidering we are both on a very similar schedule and it's great that we haven't even uttered a cross word to eachother, but it does make our blog enteries quite similar.

This doesn't mean that you shouldn't read Ians blog, as you naturally get all the infomation you need in my handily packaged blog. He writes well! Best of he he has the USB cable which means that he can put photos on his. Therefore click on the link to his and check out the view. I hope to be sorted with photos very soon.

If for some bizzare reason, you have ventured here from reading Ians blog first, then don't worry yourself; you're here now.

You would also know that we have been looking for work. Like Ian, I have three interviews for agencies. I have had my first and it went well. My IT skills could do with a bit of brushing up (Ian has a slight advantage over me here, but I am nothing if not persistant) but indicatiors are that there is a fair bit of work about. I have another interview tomorrow morning and then one on Tuesday. Hopefully I'll be working then.

Ian is at his second interview now. I hope it goes well. If it goes really well I could give up work completely and become a house husband. I could devote myself to the art of stand-up or something equally silly (my pursuit of guitar excellence). Don't think it would look to good on my CV.

Really want to move into my flat now and have a regular job. I get most of my to do list done in the mornings which leaves me a bit at a lose end the rest of the day. I don't like time to ponder. I am very motivated at the moment. Sadly, I have to play a bit of a waiting game.

I'll have a look at some jobs on the web. It least I feel I'm doing something positive. Ian was right when he said he had no motivation in London, but here we are job hunting like wolves. We have made some great progress but are desperate to keep the motivation going. As we are here for such a short time, we don't worry about what jobs we get. We have rent to pay!

The most amusing thing that has happened today was when I went down for breakfast. As I was off to an interview, I was in my suit. In the usually packed canteen, I had a table all to myself. Nobody wanted to sit next to me. As I went to get some juice, a man offered to pour it for me. Somehow, just by changing my clothes, I have assumed a position of power.

I'll do the same tomorrow!

I'll be standing by the phone. xx

Cozy appartment. Sleeps 1/2.

House hunting is a fickle beast. The emotions one experiences, looking at place to place are enough to drive any man, woman or beast to drink. Let alone me.

We started our search by internet and found that to be a complete waste of time. All the services were charging. I didn't find their services all that useful anyway. As we came out of the Bunac internet office, two girls who have been here a while, said it was murder trying to find any places to stay and wished us a sarcastic 'good luck!'

Confidence was not high, but Ian and I are made of tough stuff. We told them they could keep their negative vibes to themselves as we decided to march on foot to an area we wanted to live in. We walked block by block looking out for for rent signs. We were prepared to do it the hard way.

The first we found looked horrid. We decided to look around the back in case we were missing a secret treat. However, the only secret treats around their were left by the local wildlife.

Stoically, we moved on and found a much nicer looking place. I rang the number on the board and asked the landlady for a viewing. Her English (or lack of it. She was Hungarian) and my accent made negociations difficult. The hallway looked like the inside of a brothel and the landlady kept hitting me for some strange reason. It was a nice flat and a very good price too. Problem was we couldn't move in until 1st November. The mad landlady also lived in the building which made we worry. Not because we will have wild parties. More because by the state of her bloodshot eyes, it looked as if she did.

Plan B. Get the Saturday listings and go through the paper to find places. The first was in the right area and sounded great. Again a good price. I called what sounded like an elderly gentleman. He had me convinced that this was a fantastic deal and that we should get over their as soon as possible. Ian and I bolted over their as fast as we could to meet this guy. We tried to contain our excitement, but it was hard.

We got there. We were waiting looking smart. Ian even had his glasses on to look more professional and less like the hooligan he is.

We know we were in trouble when we saw the gentleman had no teeth and a limp. We had been warned about 'Limpy" aka Paul. He had shown some friends of ours around the previous day in another flat. According to them, this boy old boy was quite mad and his places all smell of urine.

Being charitable, and a great lover of the elderly, we decided to give limpy a chance. Sadly he took us straight into the very same flat we had looked at upon in didgust the previous day. It was a flea pit and the faint odour of urine was also present.

Limpy took us to his office and showed proudly, his collection of complete crap which he gets out of other peoples trash. I spotted A picture of Ullswater in the Lake district. I mentioned that this was in England, out of desperation to manufacture some sort of conversation. Poor Ian was numb with dissapointment. With upmost sincerity, he said that I could have the picture of Ullswater he picked out of the rubbish tip for myself if I took the appartment. Nice !

However, even with incentives as strong as other peoples crap, Ian and I phoned him an hour later and politely thanked him but we were not going to take up the lease.

Clearly demoralised, Ian and I sat on a park bench as Ian sifted through more adverts and I called them, desperate for a new lead. I got answer phones on every one.

We had given up for the day and decided to go around Stanley park on hired bikes with a few new friends. I got a call on my mobile. It was one of the landlords we had called earlier responding to my message. We hunted for the advert about the property. It said cosy 1/2 bed basement appartment. Hopes were suitably subduded as this would mean that it would be tiny. Some other friend had been in a simular basement apartment, like the one we were about to visit. They said that the ceiling was no taller than 6ft at any point. I went along to see this place for myself today and they were wrong, the max is 5ft 11in.

We arrived at the house and it looked very nice. A lovely spot really ner the beach and great bus routes into the city. We met Barbara, the land lady and she seemed very nice. She took us around the flat and we were pleasently surprised. It was a lot bigger than I thought it would be. It had been planned out very well to save on space and provide a roomier feel. The bedrooms were the biggest we had seen. We even get a garden with a sheltered patio. It was also the cheapest so far!!!

Both Ian and I were hooked on it. We applied immidiately and tried to convince her that although we as yet had no job, that we would be the greatest tennants she had ever known. I thought we would hear late next week, so we were going to keep looking. However, the old Bully charm must have worked, because she rang within the hour and offered us the place. We met in Starbucks (where else) that night and signed the contracts.

One problem is that we can't move in until 1st November. Everyone else is in the same boat, and I really believe this flat is worth it. A few little Ian and Andy touches and this will be a bachelor pad to rival all others.

Flat sorted, I now need to get a job to pay for it. It's thanks giving weekend so I have had today off. People are back to work tomorrow, and so will I. I have named it "FIND A JOB TUESDAY"

Wish me luck xx

Hey there sports fans!

I'M IN VANCOUVER!!! Finally after months of droning on about it, I finally made my move to Vancouver.

It was a slightly emotional farewell to Mum and my sister as I was driven up to Gants Hill tube station on Tuesday morning, laden with all my gear. The official advice was to travel light. So being the experienced traveller I am I ignored this completely and turned up with a rucksac and holdall.

I wore the BUNAC t-shirt which was sent to all Bunacer's with their registration documents. I guessed I would be the only one who would and I was proved right. Apart from looking a bit of a tit, the T-shirt did have one big benefit; the reps from Bunac could spot us, and so could all the other travellers. People would all introduce themselves to me and a small group formed. We have all become quite close. It's a shame in a way that all these people will be heading off in different directions soon, it may well be the last we see of them.

We arrived at our Hostel at obout 7pm on Tuesday. We were all a bit knackered from the flight and so really couldn't form a solid impression of the place. We got showered, and went to a local bar for a couple of drinks. Ian got stopped on the street and asked if this was the gay district (I thought we left this rumour behind in Newham). It was only when we got to the pub that someone pointed out the decorative artwork of mens willies. Still everyone seemed very friendly.

Myt first impression of the place was a bit mixed. We were not right in the centre of town and it was dark. It then dawned on me that I was here for the next year. I felt a little uneasy.

The hostel itself is very nice. We get a good breakfast thrown in to the 15 quid a night we shell out. We have decided to stay until Monday at least (My first Thanks giving). Being bright eyed and bushey at 3am is a consequence of the jet lag, but we are slowly getting over that.

As dawn rose I did a few bits and bobs and then we went for our induction which would hopefully point us in the fight direction as far as accomadation and jobs are concerned. We then went for a walk to get to know the area. In the space of thirty feet, a Japanese lady grabbed me and wanted to have a photo taken with me (I got the rest of the gang I was with involved, 8 for the price of one). I tried to tell her I was English and not Canadian but she seemed happy enough so why spoil her fun. Next, a tramp asked us if we would give him money to watch him climb up a tree of lampost (in retrospect I wish we had). Lastly, we walked passed a shop which sold the 'Rocky' board game (you have to use your moves to build boxing strategy, pure genius)

That evening, we went to a bar called "The Royal" where, fueled by beer and the adrelalin keeping me from colapsing into a coma, I hit the dance floor and unleashed my trademark dance moves upon the natives. Some watched and some fled for their lives, but a young lady from the US did ask me to dance with her. We did the usual dirty dancing, but the music was a bit too trendy for me so I let it slip. As I said my goodbyes she said that we were by far the best dancers. In my drunken state, I would have to agree.

Today has been a much more business like affair. I went to the Bank first thing and opened an account. It took about 20 mins to countersign all my travellers cheques, but it is all sorted now. Also got a mobile phone today. It's all very exciting! looking for a place to live now. I have even found a guitar shop for when we get a place. May have to buy furnature first as you canot sleep in a guitar. I'm starting to feel like a proper Vancouvian. Early days though

Still don't know how it's all going to work out, but I think the omens are good. Excuse all the spelling mistakes, but I get charged by the second for this.

Best bargain so far. Massive slices of pizza, 93 cents (about 40p) with a can of coke take that up to 90p. They bleed you dry here!

Love from BC.

Bully. x