Happy New Year (of the Dog)

Hello dear reader,

It's been too long I know. However as a faithful servant to my public, I have nipped into the internet cafe after work to share in the Chinese New year revelry.

We were first attracted to the New Years parade because it was free to go to and our rent is due at the end of the week. Despite the perma-rain and grey sky's, we ventured down to Chinatown and were quite taken aback at the size of the crowd

(the entrance gate to Chinatown and the back of the parade)

(Ian getting in the way of another perfectly good picture)

There was a real vibrancy to the celebrations and lots of colour to brighten up the gloomy sky.

As I mentioned it was packed and I nearly lost Paul, Ian, Andrew and Laura in the rush. You really wouldn't have thought that this was right next to one of the roughest areas of Vancouver

There were also some scary dragons about. It really was very impressive.

As you can probably tell, I like the Dragons.

This is the Band that I want as my wedding. They were all dressed as dogs and played funky Jazz. Good stuff. I think the saxophonist nearly drowned from the rain though.

The parade lasted probably about an hour in total, which was just enough. Even Laura said she enjoyed it, although the poor thing was shivering throughout.

In other news, my work placement has been extended until the end of February which is very good news, as I have exactly $8 to last me the rest of the week (don't panic mum, I have bought my bus pass and paid my rent ($600 in one hit) and put some food money away). I faxed my timesheet 41 times today just in case.

I'm still playing 5-a-side football. Although one twit did try to break my left leg last week. He seemed to come off quite badly too so all seems fair and even. Should be able to play again tomorrow to support the mighty Banksy!

Until we meet again dear readers.

Andy xxx

Uber Zuber!

I have just received an e-mail from the other Laura in my life. My sister e-mailed me to say hi, which was very nice. She only wrote a small paragraph, but in that were no less than three references to the other Laura in my life. So here is a small lo-down the the Woman who has taken on the mighty challenge of going out with Me!!



Those on the north American circuit will already know of the fast emerging talent of a young female pool player from New Mexico, but those of you back in Europe may not. She is quite a nifty little player and has this nasty habit of beating me regularly. This is a still from her upcoming instructional DVD, titled "Hustle... It's a girl thing!"

(my crayon hat modeled by yours truly)

Her skill doesn't just end there. For those dedicated readers amongst you will know, I lost the hat to my infamous crayon costume after Halloween. Vowing that I will get married in that costume, Laura matched the material, looked at an old file photo and whipped me up an exact replica so that I can now have my dream wedding. Thanks Laura.

I can tell you the stiching that has gone into it is first class. When I'm not wearing it for ceremonial occasions, I have is on display at the Vancouver Museum if anyone is interested.

She's intelligent, funny,

Beautiful, caring

And best of all... Mine.

I hope that answers all your questions Sis. I hope Laura isn't too cross I've done this. Finally does anyone know how best to get a green card?

Interesting week!

Paddington Bear, perched on the TV looking on! (kindly donated by Mel as a going away present)

Working full time has it's upsides and it's downside. I don't mind my job in the least. It gets me out and I have met a lot more interesting and very friendly people. It also helps pay for my extravagant lifestyle. The problem is it does take up a lot of our time.

I was stood at the bus stop with Ian this morning on our way to do some unrecognized charity work, when asked what we had actually done this week?

The answer was surprisingly more that we had thought.

On Monday I went out with Laura to shoot some pool and got beaten!!! AGAIN!!! I really should stop putting $100 a frame on these games. Laura's off on a well earned holiday to Hawaii next week.

On Tuesday, The Bunac gang went back to play 5 a side football. We went to take on the Canadians but found that it's almost exclusively ex-pats that play. I counted 6 Canadians, 1 Spanish girl, 1 Swede send 16 Brits. Still it was great fun this week, and I even managed to score a hatrick. The second was the best of the night, shimmy and then shot past the keeper on his left. Afterwards we all went to Darby's for a quick drink. They offer 2-4-1 pitchers for all sports teams, we took full advantage of that. So much so that the story of my two other goals that night matched the skill level of my good goal.

On Wednesday Ian and me went to a lecture at the university about the secret meeting between Roosevelt and Churchill at the White House, Christmas 1941. It didn't really go into much detail. They were more interested in talking about Churchills strange habits. Still, it was good fun, and nice and light for a Wednesday evening. Plus it was free!! So the price was right.

Thursday, Ian abandoned me to go to see some crappy old films, so I went with by biggest sulk face on, over to Laura's who cooked me dinner and looked after me in Ian's absence. We had a fun night.

Last night was Friday so we went to the Regal Beagle bar and then upstairs (2 new firsts) to the cabaret for some dancing and good times. It was cheap in there and nearly all of us were out. It felt like the old days when we first arrived. When we were young and carefree, no jobs and no clue!

Who am I kidding, we were never like that!

The Bunac gang at the cabaret

Ian doing his impression of a man who can't dance

It's Jades Birthday tonight so we're off out for a meal and a glass of Ribena. So all in all it's been a busy fun packed week. Tomorrow night is of course Sunday. As is slowly becoming tradition, Ian and I will stay in and have a well deserved night off.

Ian and I enjoying a rare night in the Batcave. This was when the beard was still in the George Michael stage. (is it me or do I look the tiniest bit like my Uncle David in this photo? It's the cheek bones)

Beard!

Almost every year I get it into my head that I should prove my manliness. Not by my actions, words or general demure, but by trying to grow a beard!

This years attempt went a little better than last year. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly I took the period off between Christmas and New Year to try and get it established, and secondly my Mum is 5000 miles away so I can't hear her scream to me to:

"SHAVE... You scruffy devil. I didn't raise you like this!!!"

So I gave it a chance this year. Sadly all good things come to an end, it had to come off. Why I hear you cry. Because it's flipping itchy that's why!!!

But just before I did, I got Ian (the official beard photographer) to take a couple of snaps for you to laugh at.

Strangely, when I went back to work the next day, the ladies there were horrified. I should have consulted them first apparently. I was a bit of a catch avec beard, but being English I would have been dropped (cricket joke for those of you who needed help).

Muchos love. Bully xxx

Ian's trademark, up the nose shot.

This photo scares me a little. I think I've spent to long in the batcave.

After 10 minutes hacking away at the fuzz, I was carted away to hospital to help recover some of the blood loss associated with beard hacking. I would just like to thank the plastic surgeon who re-constructed my face. I think I look almost normal again.

Normal service will be resumed eventually

The problem with my new job, is that I have no access to the internet. This meant that my e-mails were left unchecked for nearly a week (That one unread message about handling a bank transfere from the account of an overthrown African despot could have been my ticket out of here). It also means that I haven't had a chance to update my blog. So apologies for that, dedicated readers.

I have made a promise to myself that I will go this Saturday and update the blog, with tales and events from the past two weeks. These include: -

The Beard
5-A side football
Fine dining
Pool hustling
My new award show, The "Bullies"

Calm yourself good people, try not to get too excited. In my experience it only leads to huge dissapointment. Anyway, there's always Ian's blog?

TTFN.

Say Cheese!

I was given my digital camera by my parents for my birthday last July. It was just what I wanted. I was going to use it to chronicle my adventures in this great country to show my parents and friends back at home, and for me to keep as a visual diary of my time here.

Therefore, I felt a bit of an idiot leaving my USB cable at home. As regular readers will know I have begged borrowed and stolen photos, from others (principally Ian) to furnish my blog thus far.

NOT ANY LONGER! Dad kindly agreed to pop the cable over for me when he was next passing through. Since he was here he decided to have a quick holiday.

Manifestly, and in no particular order, I would like to share a few photos I had taken but have yet to post.

So here are a few of my favorite things:

Here is a photograph with two of my favorite things in. One is sharp and sexy with sleek lines, fabulous figure and sings so sweetly. She's also Canadian. She's Simon & Patrick guitar!

At the helm the guitar, (playing a D) is the lovely Laura. For those you you who have been living in a cave, Laura is the brave soul who has been dating me for the last two months. I still have yet to capture a really good photo of her. She has some great ones, but to get them from her apartment lair, may take a raid too daring even for the 'Milk Tray' man.

Laura is from New Mexico, which is right next to the Old Mexico. This means she is from Southern USA. In order to prepare me for a possible upcoming visit to New Mexico, Laura bought me this Cowboy shirt to help me blend in with the locals. I am reliably informed this is how the kids are wearing their shirts these days. All I need to complete the ensemble, is a bright shiny belt buckle, hat and cowboy boots.

(Notice how now I'm wearing the shirt, I stay one step in front of the law!)

"What's happened to Ian?" I hear you cry. Don't panic. He's just fine. He's sitting a few seats down from me writing some nonsensical stuff on his blog. He's just been accepted as a permanent employee at UBC. Congratulations Ian! He'll have regular money coming in from now on. If may even feel flush enough to buy me a drink one day. (Hey, I can dream can't I?)

This is one of my favorite photos I took of Ian. It was taken at the now legendary Essex v's Australia Cricket match in the summer. I thought Ian looked focused on the future, looking ahead to Canada and the challenge. When someone shouted STREAKER!!! From the box behind I realised where the intensity of the stare emanated.

At last a photo that better represents the scale of the Capilano Rope Bridge. Dad and me got 20% off as a rainy day discount.

Dad negotiating the 20% discount with one of the more grizzly members of the RCMP.

Mr. Whitbread. I saw this and thought of you.

Lastly, probably my best pic. English Bay (the scene of our polar bear swim triumph) in warmer days. This was taken when we were still in the hostel. Pretty isn't it.

I other news, I am in employment once again. I am working for the Workers Compensation Board. It's easy enough so far and they keep telling me their really glad I could help out (again, I hope they know their paying me). This stint should last at least until the end of the month and possibly another 2 after that. Good Stuff!

I had better get on.

Bye for now,

Andy

Happy Christmas and New Year 2005/6

Merry Christmas from Canada!

The Gang on Christmas Day. Hope everyone back home had a good one!

Christmas was a blast! Deb's took up the Herculean task of cooking Christmas dinner for us all. Things were not made easier by the oven deciding to pack up! Debs used all her reserves of female reserve to MAKE CHRISTMAS HAPPEN! I love that can do attitude. She then (with permission) broke into next doors house and used their oven to cook a fabulous Christmas lunch/dinner. Fun times were had by all! thank you Debs. PS can I have my plates back???

Our landlady then poped around to wish us a Merry Christmas and unburden us of our months rent!!! Easy come easy go! Just think what kind of capers I could get up too with all that lovely cash!

However, to the rescue comes Dad! Mr Bull snr came over on December 23rd, looking for thrills and excitement. Pleading with him that I'm his only son, he agreed to give me some of my inheritance early and took me with him on his adventures. Horrah!!!


In true James Bond style which has become a trait of the more recent Bull clan, we decided not to get the boring old ferry to Victoria. We took the SEA PLANE! It was very cool I have to say. Door to door virtually in 40 min.

The Emperess Hotel where afternoon is a must. However as I offerd to buy Dad lunch, we skipped the $30 sandwich whith the crusts cut off, and went to a little cafe which did us soup and a sandwich (with crusts) for 1/3 of the price.


Dad wanted some authentic Canadian culture on this trip, so we decided to go to the HOCKEY. The Canucks were on a bit of a loosing streak, but after being 2-0 down I decided to go and have a quick chat with the players. Having some knowledge Canadian Hockey Sports Psychology, I just tolod then to go out there and disfigure Nashville. Also if there was time, knock the puck into the opposition net. It worked and they won 4-3.

Next day, we are up and at 'em again. This time at the Capilano rope bridge. This is probably the worst photo I took of it, so why I put it here I don't know. The rope bridge is spectacular and the views are terrific. There is also a nature tree walk which was fun and quite informative.

Welcome to English Bay, January 1st 2006. The stage is set for the POLAR BEAR SWIM! For those of you who don't know what the Polar bear swim is, it is a race in which other people in strange costumes and equally few brain cells dive into the sea on New Years Day and go for a swim.

It was all Ian's crazy idea (why do I follow him so blindly), but I have to say he kept up the pretence of looking confident right until......

About NOW... This is were we got our starters orders to get undresed and get to the start line. Paul Banks, Ian and myself were freezing. Not only that we were running into the sea (which is even colder believe it or not). All three of us got to the beach and saw a gap. Upon Ian's cry we all charged into the sea to be hit with a cold that gave us an instant headache. I decided that if I was going in, i'd do it in style. so I dived straight in. I then submerged (a requirement in order to get your badge) surfaced to see that I had dived in a bit to far and that Paul and Ian were already running back towards the beach. I scrambled out as fast as I could.

Once out of the weter we actually felt quite warm as the sea had been so cold. You have to be wet to claim your badge so we stolled over and even had time toahve some photo's taken before we got dry.

I was the first one back proudly holding my membership to the Polar Bear Swim Club
Hero's each and every one! I should also mention that Mr Chris Ralph also took part but he was a bit late getting there and so we only caught up with him later. So Chris we salute you too.

Next Day Whisler. I haven't been skiing in while, so I thought I'd try and look radical with some funky shades (courtesy of the Daniel Zuber collection) and some 4 day old face fuzz (don't worry Hannah, once puberty strikes, it will really kick in!)

Technology has moved on a bit in the skiing world. The snow was fantastic but my ski's were superb (Salamom Scrambelers FYI). I glided throught the powder even on a couple of black runs (I have never really managed this feat before). My skis gave me confidence beyond my tallent, it was just perfect!!

Laura's Brother Daniel joined me on the slopes on a board. It was great to have someone to go with. He's also pretty nifty on that tray as well, so good times were had by all.

I am now looking for work to finance all this. My previous post came to an end just before Christmas (can't say I was displeased) but I could really do with some work on the Horizon so I can go out and do this again!

Sorry about the spelling Mum, but time is money.

Bye for now, Andy xxx