Update: I’m still in love with Vancouver Island. Just in case you were wondering.
I’m even more in love with the abundance of amazing local delicacies you can find here. Obviously, there’s tons of fresh fish (I won’t even tell you how much cooked and uncooked fish I’ve consumed this week…) as well as beautiful produce, but also so many local and unique beers and wines (B and I even found a liquor store that sells locally made mead!). I went for another walk this morning back into downtown Chemainus and stopped in at the independent general/grocery store and picked up some locally roasted coffee (it’s called the “Chemainiac Blend”, haha) and some really cool flavored sea salts with salt harvested from the water around the island! Seriously. I never want to leave this place. I’m going to hardcore stock up on wine and beer before we head back to the prairies, haha.
Tonight, we’re in Courtenay! We had 1 show today in Duncan and then drove up to Courtenay this afternoon. On the way though, we stopped in the cutest little town (one of many) called, Coombs. There was this amazing marketplace there (undeniably, the BEST grocery store I’ve ever been to) and all the buildings had grass on the roofs as there are all these little goats there that just roam around…ON TOP OF THE BUILDINGS! So crazy!!
But yeah. It’s great here. Just, great. I am in my happy place.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
My heart belongs to Vancouver Island
So, um…I hate to break it to you…but I’m probably never coming back home. Vancouver Island has stolen every last bit of my heart. The most beautiful part of this entire country. HANDS DOWN.
I don’t even feel like I’m in Canada anymore. It’s such a different vibe out here. And I love it. So friggen much. I went for a walk this morning by myself along the water in Nanaimo and I literally was almost in tears because of how beautiful it was. And peaceful. And wonderful. I honestly don’t think I could ever be unhappy if I lived here. I was smiling at everyone. Crying happy tears. I was a crazy happy crying lady and I loved every second of it. I just can’t describe how insanely in love I am with this place. I get really sad every time I think about leaving it. I want to stay here forever.
We sailed into Nanaimo on the ferry late Sunday night. Seeing as it was pretty dark, I didn’t actually get to see much of it at first glance, but we had most of Monday off (as we had a late show) so B and I went exploring and I immediately fell in love. With all the little boutiques, independent coffee shops, cafés and restaurants as well as the beautiful waterfront, boardwalk, marina, cherry blossoms…the list goes on and on. It’s like another world out here. If it wasn’t for all the rain, it would be perfect. Maybe too perfect, haha.
Seeing as we only had just under 24 hours in the lower mainland, a bunch of us opted to take the ferry back to Vancouver and stay there for a couple days (as we’ve had most of this week off). B and I headed in early Tuesday morning and then spent the majority of the day shopping and exploring. That evening, I met up with some old girlfriends from Grant MacEwan and we had a really lovely dinner together and got all caught up on each other’s lives. It was really nice – I missed them so much!!
Wednesday, B and I decided to go on a real adventure, so we hopped the Sea Bus to North Vancouver and after some shopping at the Lonsdale Quay Market (SO much fresh fish and produce!!), we headed up to Grouse Mountain to do some hiking. There’s this amazing suspension bridge up there and tons of sweet trails, treehouses, and even a suspended cliff walk! It was an amazing day, and we were lucky enough to catch the 7 o’clock ferry back to the island and because the sky had cleared up (it rained for most of our time there) we got the most amazing sunset. It was so beautiful. And once again, I was so happy and thankful to be on this crazy adventure.
Thursday was a bit of an insane day…all of us went to this ranch just outside Nanaimo to go horseback riding for the afternoon. I wasn’t really too worried as I’ve been riding before, however they gave me this horse that made me a little nervous as she was really unpredictable and difficult to control and she ended up going insane and bucking me right off while we were in the practicing area. Thankfully, I managed to fall on the softest part of my butt (not to mention I fell in really soft muddy ground) so I didn’t seriously hurt myself but it was a major shock to my body. They ended up giving me a different horse who was much easier to ride and the woman leading us took the crazy horse who, once again, went nuts near the end of the ride and she had to walk her back to the ranch – she couldn’t even ride her either. It was a little scary and kind of soured the experience for me but I’m pretty sure everyone else had a good time. I wasn’t up for much that evening though…B and I went out for some really amazing Thai food and then I had a super hot bath and went to sleep.
This morning, I got up pretty early and headed down to the water to go for a walk. I wanted to run but my entire body is really sore from trekking around Vancouver with a huge backpack as well as my riding accident yesterday so I grabbed a coffee and opted for a nice leisurely stroll instead. And yeah…as I said before, I was more blissfully happy than I’ve ever been in my entire life. I love Vancouver Island. So much.
We checked out of our hotel in Nanaimo late this morning and headed to Chemainus for the night. However, the drive was only about a half an hour, so we’ve had most of the day off here in Chemainus too. Once again, it’s an adorable seaside town and because the weather was so nice today – B and I spent the day exploring and shopping. We had lunch on the patio of the most adorable little café, went down to the beach to take pictures, stopped in at a little bakery…pretty much a perfect day. We also stocked up on local beer and wine and are planning on enjoying it this evening.
…I just can’t believe that this is my life right now. This whole week has been like, some insanely unbelievable vacation. And I’m technically working! It’s so crazy. This has been, by far, my favorite part of the tour and I’m really not looking forward to it ending in just over a week…but all good things have to end, don’t they?
It just means I’ll have to move out here one day…right?
I don’t even feel like I’m in Canada anymore. It’s such a different vibe out here. And I love it. So friggen much. I went for a walk this morning by myself along the water in Nanaimo and I literally was almost in tears because of how beautiful it was. And peaceful. And wonderful. I honestly don’t think I could ever be unhappy if I lived here. I was smiling at everyone. Crying happy tears. I was a crazy happy crying lady and I loved every second of it. I just can’t describe how insanely in love I am with this place. I get really sad every time I think about leaving it. I want to stay here forever.
We sailed into Nanaimo on the ferry late Sunday night. Seeing as it was pretty dark, I didn’t actually get to see much of it at first glance, but we had most of Monday off (as we had a late show) so B and I went exploring and I immediately fell in love. With all the little boutiques, independent coffee shops, cafés and restaurants as well as the beautiful waterfront, boardwalk, marina, cherry blossoms…the list goes on and on. It’s like another world out here. If it wasn’t for all the rain, it would be perfect. Maybe too perfect, haha.
Seeing as we only had just under 24 hours in the lower mainland, a bunch of us opted to take the ferry back to Vancouver and stay there for a couple days (as we’ve had most of this week off). B and I headed in early Tuesday morning and then spent the majority of the day shopping and exploring. That evening, I met up with some old girlfriends from Grant MacEwan and we had a really lovely dinner together and got all caught up on each other’s lives. It was really nice – I missed them so much!!
Wednesday, B and I decided to go on a real adventure, so we hopped the Sea Bus to North Vancouver and after some shopping at the Lonsdale Quay Market (SO much fresh fish and produce!!), we headed up to Grouse Mountain to do some hiking. There’s this amazing suspension bridge up there and tons of sweet trails, treehouses, and even a suspended cliff walk! It was an amazing day, and we were lucky enough to catch the 7 o’clock ferry back to the island and because the sky had cleared up (it rained for most of our time there) we got the most amazing sunset. It was so beautiful. And once again, I was so happy and thankful to be on this crazy adventure.
Thursday was a bit of an insane day…all of us went to this ranch just outside Nanaimo to go horseback riding for the afternoon. I wasn’t really too worried as I’ve been riding before, however they gave me this horse that made me a little nervous as she was really unpredictable and difficult to control and she ended up going insane and bucking me right off while we were in the practicing area. Thankfully, I managed to fall on the softest part of my butt (not to mention I fell in really soft muddy ground) so I didn’t seriously hurt myself but it was a major shock to my body. They ended up giving me a different horse who was much easier to ride and the woman leading us took the crazy horse who, once again, went nuts near the end of the ride and she had to walk her back to the ranch – she couldn’t even ride her either. It was a little scary and kind of soured the experience for me but I’m pretty sure everyone else had a good time. I wasn’t up for much that evening though…B and I went out for some really amazing Thai food and then I had a super hot bath and went to sleep.
This morning, I got up pretty early and headed down to the water to go for a walk. I wanted to run but my entire body is really sore from trekking around Vancouver with a huge backpack as well as my riding accident yesterday so I grabbed a coffee and opted for a nice leisurely stroll instead. And yeah…as I said before, I was more blissfully happy than I’ve ever been in my entire life. I love Vancouver Island. So much.
We checked out of our hotel in Nanaimo late this morning and headed to Chemainus for the night. However, the drive was only about a half an hour, so we’ve had most of the day off here in Chemainus too. Once again, it’s an adorable seaside town and because the weather was so nice today – B and I spent the day exploring and shopping. We had lunch on the patio of the most adorable little café, went down to the beach to take pictures, stopped in at a little bakery…pretty much a perfect day. We also stocked up on local beer and wine and are planning on enjoying it this evening.
…I just can’t believe that this is my life right now. This whole week has been like, some insanely unbelievable vacation. And I’m technically working! It’s so crazy. This has been, by far, my favorite part of the tour and I’m really not looking forward to it ending in just over a week…but all good things have to end, don’t they?
It just means I’ll have to move out here one day…right?
Sunday, April 15, 2012
We have officially landed on the West coast!
And I’m back on the road!! Being back at home for a few days was absolutely lovely (it was even nicer to do a couple shows on my home stage, Festival Place) and while I was definitely well-fed and quite lazy during my time there – it is nice to get back on tour. It’s also wonderful to have a much lighter suitcase and way less bags. I managed to accumulate A LOT of crap over 2 months, haha.
Wednesday morning we drove to Grande Prairie and that evening, we celebrated Lil’ B’s birthday. We all drank a lot of wine, ate a lot of cupcakes and just had a blast. The following day, we had our show in GP, and then after that, we began the trek to the West Coast!!!
Friday, we drove to Jasper. It was SO amazing to be back in the mountains…I always get really nostalgic when I go to the mountains just because I remember so many family vacations in the Rockies and I always wanted to live there when I was little…in fact, I’m pretty sure I still want to live there. The rest of the country has been pretty amazing so far…but BC takes the cake. Without question.
We had most of the afternoon and the night off in Jasper so all of us went out for a really nice Italian meal and then B and I hit up a couple pubs to just chill out and enjoy our time off there. We went to the Jasper Brewery and sat by the fireplace drinking locally brewed beers while the snow fell outside and I was just so incredibly happy. Even just walking back to the hotel, I couldn’t get over how beautiful it was outside (even if it was snowing). It was pretty dead there, as it’s kind of the off-season, so it was a little eerie how quiet it was but also really cool at the same time. Just taking a moment to stop in the street, on a quiet night in Jasper…so amazing. I couldn’t believe I was getting paid to be there.
Yesterday was a LONG day…we had a 9-hour drive to Vancouver and B and I opted to ride in the truck with our stage manager James instead of in the van with everyone else (mainly to keep him awake and it would be a nice change of scenery). And while it was a very long drive (we had LOTS of caffeine and sugar to keep us all up) it was the best drive we’ve had yet. Mainly because driving through the mountains is a hundred times more interesting than driving through the prairies…and with the truck, we were all in a row in the front and there are HUGE windows so the views were fantastic. We just had so much fun and I don’t think I’ve been that happy in a long time. Being stuck in a truck with 2 people for 9 hours isn’t so bad if you really like the people…the 3 of us are also the closest in age and just click really well so it truly was a fun time. Best drive yet.
What also made the drive awesome is that we landed in VANCOUVER!!!!!!!!!!! Now, I know I fell hardcore in love with Toronto back in March…but I’m pretty sure Vancouver just kicked Toronto’s butt. EVERYTHING HERE IS SO GREEN! Lush green grass (I was tempted to hop out of the truck and roll in it multiple times), huge trees, blossoms and bright flowers everywhere…it even smells different here. Different than anywhere else in the country. The air is clean...fresh…and smells like FLOWERS.
WHY DOESN’T THE ENTIRE COUNTRY LIVE HERE?!
Seriously. I’m so happy I could cry. Why I ever thought I could love anywhere in this country more than Vancouver, I’ll never know…mountains, ocean AND a huge city? What more do you need? Honestly.
Last night, we went out for sushi (which I organized as I was hardcore craving it) and it was amazing. I’m pretty sure I’m going to eat fish the entire time we’re here.
But yeah. That’s it for my big West Coast update. Excuse me while I go roll in the grass and rub flowers all over my body. I want to bottle the air here and take it home with me…seriously…I love it so much. And tonight…we head to the island. Which is the place I’m most excited for as I’ve never been.
…it’s not gonna be easy to get me to come home.
Wednesday morning we drove to Grande Prairie and that evening, we celebrated Lil’ B’s birthday. We all drank a lot of wine, ate a lot of cupcakes and just had a blast. The following day, we had our show in GP, and then after that, we began the trek to the West Coast!!!
Friday, we drove to Jasper. It was SO amazing to be back in the mountains…I always get really nostalgic when I go to the mountains just because I remember so many family vacations in the Rockies and I always wanted to live there when I was little…in fact, I’m pretty sure I still want to live there. The rest of the country has been pretty amazing so far…but BC takes the cake. Without question.
We had most of the afternoon and the night off in Jasper so all of us went out for a really nice Italian meal and then B and I hit up a couple pubs to just chill out and enjoy our time off there. We went to the Jasper Brewery and sat by the fireplace drinking locally brewed beers while the snow fell outside and I was just so incredibly happy. Even just walking back to the hotel, I couldn’t get over how beautiful it was outside (even if it was snowing). It was pretty dead there, as it’s kind of the off-season, so it was a little eerie how quiet it was but also really cool at the same time. Just taking a moment to stop in the street, on a quiet night in Jasper…so amazing. I couldn’t believe I was getting paid to be there.
Yesterday was a LONG day…we had a 9-hour drive to Vancouver and B and I opted to ride in the truck with our stage manager James instead of in the van with everyone else (mainly to keep him awake and it would be a nice change of scenery). And while it was a very long drive (we had LOTS of caffeine and sugar to keep us all up) it was the best drive we’ve had yet. Mainly because driving through the mountains is a hundred times more interesting than driving through the prairies…and with the truck, we were all in a row in the front and there are HUGE windows so the views were fantastic. We just had so much fun and I don’t think I’ve been that happy in a long time. Being stuck in a truck with 2 people for 9 hours isn’t so bad if you really like the people…the 3 of us are also the closest in age and just click really well so it truly was a fun time. Best drive yet.
What also made the drive awesome is that we landed in VANCOUVER!!!!!!!!!!! Now, I know I fell hardcore in love with Toronto back in March…but I’m pretty sure Vancouver just kicked Toronto’s butt. EVERYTHING HERE IS SO GREEN! Lush green grass (I was tempted to hop out of the truck and roll in it multiple times), huge trees, blossoms and bright flowers everywhere…it even smells different here. Different than anywhere else in the country. The air is clean...fresh…and smells like FLOWERS.
WHY DOESN’T THE ENTIRE COUNTRY LIVE HERE?!
Seriously. I’m so happy I could cry. Why I ever thought I could love anywhere in this country more than Vancouver, I’ll never know…mountains, ocean AND a huge city? What more do you need? Honestly.
Last night, we went out for sushi (which I organized as I was hardcore craving it) and it was amazing. I’m pretty sure I’m going to eat fish the entire time we’re here.
But yeah. That’s it for my big West Coast update. Excuse me while I go roll in the grass and rub flowers all over my body. I want to bottle the air here and take it home with me…seriously…I love it so much. And tonight…we head to the island. Which is the place I’m most excited for as I’ve never been.
…it’s not gonna be easy to get me to come home.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Thoughts in the back of the van...
Have you ever been so happy you could cry? And then you actually did?
As I was laying in the back of the van tonight, en route to Edmonton, it suddenly dawned on me that I would actually be seeing my friends and family again after taking off on this adventure 2 months ago. I then started thinking about the tour so far…and the people I’ve met, the places I’ve seen, the experiences I’ve had so far…6 months ago, I had no idea that this was where I would be. That my life would suddenly change. That I would take off on a tour across the country getting paid to do what I love most – perform.
All of that didn’t hit me until tonight. And I realized how happy I was. How truly grateful I was for this experience and most of all...for the people I’m currently sharing it with. My cast is a big mixed bag – all different people of varying ages and pasts…but somehow, we all fit together. And I love them all. They’re such wonderful people and I have fallen head over heels in love with each and every one of them.
I love my life right now. I truly am living a dream and I suddenly don’t want it to end. I want to soak up every last second I have of this experience. Because it is truly one of the best of my entire life.
I’m so happy. Words can’t even do justice to how I’m feeling right now. I don’t know how I managed to get this lucky. To be able to perform in theatres across the country.
This is something I will never forget. And even though there are going to be a bunch of changes coming up in my life this summer, I don’t want to stress about it now…I’m just going to enjoy the ride. And see where it takes me.
For the first time in a very long time, I feel whole. I feel like I am exactly where I need to be. Where I’ve always dreamed of being.
And I sure as hell am not gonna take it for granted.
As I was laying in the back of the van tonight, en route to Edmonton, it suddenly dawned on me that I would actually be seeing my friends and family again after taking off on this adventure 2 months ago. I then started thinking about the tour so far…and the people I’ve met, the places I’ve seen, the experiences I’ve had so far…6 months ago, I had no idea that this was where I would be. That my life would suddenly change. That I would take off on a tour across the country getting paid to do what I love most – perform.
All of that didn’t hit me until tonight. And I realized how happy I was. How truly grateful I was for this experience and most of all...for the people I’m currently sharing it with. My cast is a big mixed bag – all different people of varying ages and pasts…but somehow, we all fit together. And I love them all. They’re such wonderful people and I have fallen head over heels in love with each and every one of them.
I love my life right now. I truly am living a dream and I suddenly don’t want it to end. I want to soak up every last second I have of this experience. Because it is truly one of the best of my entire life.
I’m so happy. Words can’t even do justice to how I’m feeling right now. I don’t know how I managed to get this lucky. To be able to perform in theatres across the country.
This is something I will never forget. And even though there are going to be a bunch of changes coming up in my life this summer, I don’t want to stress about it now…I’m just going to enjoy the ride. And see where it takes me.
For the first time in a very long time, I feel whole. I feel like I am exactly where I need to be. Where I’ve always dreamed of being.
And I sure as hell am not gonna take it for granted.
Across the prairies...
I AM HOME TONIGHT!!
…yeah. I’m a little excited.
However, before I am back in Edmonton and probably not blogging much – here is a quick recap of the week:
Monday – We had a long drive to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Stayed in probably the grossest hotel we’ve had yet. Ugh, Travelodge.
Tuesday – Had our Prince Albert show and it went really well…I also did a phone interview for the Sherwood Park News for our show. I can’t wait to be back on my home stage!
Wednesday – Drove to Medicine Hat and finally crossed into Alberta where the tax is low and the booze is easy to find. Land of milk & honey, my friends! It was such a gorgeous day too that we stopped just outside of Medicine Hat to take a bunch of pictures of the Alberta prairies. It was stunning. Once again, I had forgotten how beautiful our country is. That night – we stayed at the Medicine Hat Lodge which not only was a nice, clean hotel (a HUGE step up from the Travelodge) but they had an amazing pool with 2 waterslides!! We may have spent the better part of the evening on those slides…man, it was fun. Best hotel yet.
Thursday – Had our Medicine Hat show and it went swimmingly.
Friday – Drove from Southern Alberta all the way up to Cold Lake. And as much as everyone was telling me it sucked here…it’s not so bad. Our hotel is close to lots of amenities too so it could be a lot worse. It’s better than Prince Albert!
And finally, today we have 2 shows…we just finished our first one and, get this, we are in an arena! My very first arena show!!
…it’s actually more of an indoor soccer field with a stage built on it…but it’s still cool. Though, the stage is really small and we have no wings so we had to re-stage a bunch of stuff, once again.
However, only one more show and then we drive straight to Sherwood Park!
I can’t wait. Oh man…just to sleep in my own bed and have my kitchen back…it’ll only be for 4 days, but it’s been long overdue.
…yeah. I’m a little excited.
However, before I am back in Edmonton and probably not blogging much – here is a quick recap of the week:
Monday – We had a long drive to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Stayed in probably the grossest hotel we’ve had yet. Ugh, Travelodge.
Tuesday – Had our Prince Albert show and it went really well…I also did a phone interview for the Sherwood Park News for our show. I can’t wait to be back on my home stage!
Wednesday – Drove to Medicine Hat and finally crossed into Alberta where the tax is low and the booze is easy to find. Land of milk & honey, my friends! It was such a gorgeous day too that we stopped just outside of Medicine Hat to take a bunch of pictures of the Alberta prairies. It was stunning. Once again, I had forgotten how beautiful our country is. That night – we stayed at the Medicine Hat Lodge which not only was a nice, clean hotel (a HUGE step up from the Travelodge) but they had an amazing pool with 2 waterslides!! We may have spent the better part of the evening on those slides…man, it was fun. Best hotel yet.
Thursday – Had our Medicine Hat show and it went swimmingly.
Friday – Drove from Southern Alberta all the way up to Cold Lake. And as much as everyone was telling me it sucked here…it’s not so bad. Our hotel is close to lots of amenities too so it could be a lot worse. It’s better than Prince Albert!
And finally, today we have 2 shows…we just finished our first one and, get this, we are in an arena! My very first arena show!!
…it’s actually more of an indoor soccer field with a stage built on it…but it’s still cool. Though, the stage is really small and we have no wings so we had to re-stage a bunch of stuff, once again.
However, only one more show and then we drive straight to Sherwood Park!
I can’t wait. Oh man…just to sleep in my own bed and have my kitchen back…it’ll only be for 4 days, but it’s been long overdue.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Old fire halls in Dauphin
Today, we had 2 shows in our smallest venue to date. We’re currently in the very small town of Dauphin, Manitoba and our “theatre” today was actually a 100-year old fire hall. While it was super old and charming, the stage was TINY. We could literally only fit a quarter of our set on it. So there were a lot of adjustments that had to be made to the show and we even had to cut people out of some dance numbers because we, quite frankly, didn’t all fit onstage.
However, we got through it! The audiences were great too and the kids were adorable, as usual. We also had the BEST catering to date today as well. It was all made by some women in the town so we had crockpots full of chicken, rice, beans and homemade mac & cheese. There were also tons of salads and fruit/veggie/meat/cheese trays galore. It was amazing.
Yesterday, we had our big Winnipeg show and it was a little nerve-wracking as everyone from the company’s office was coming to see it. However, I think it went really well and we were, once again, in a big old theatre which I just love. It had 3 balconies!! I really love the challenge of having to adjust to a new theatre every time as well as just getting to see and perform in so many spectacular spaces.
Tomorrow, we have a drive day to Prince Albert – our first Saskatchewan show!! Then we hit Alberta and in a week today, I will be HOME!! I’m so excited.
Dear Alberta – I hope you’re ready for me!
However, we got through it! The audiences were great too and the kids were adorable, as usual. We also had the BEST catering to date today as well. It was all made by some women in the town so we had crockpots full of chicken, rice, beans and homemade mac & cheese. There were also tons of salads and fruit/veggie/meat/cheese trays galore. It was amazing.
Yesterday, we had our big Winnipeg show and it was a little nerve-wracking as everyone from the company’s office was coming to see it. However, I think it went really well and we were, once again, in a big old theatre which I just love. It had 3 balconies!! I really love the challenge of having to adjust to a new theatre every time as well as just getting to see and perform in so many spectacular spaces.
Tomorrow, we have a drive day to Prince Albert – our first Saskatchewan show!! Then we hit Alberta and in a week today, I will be HOME!! I’m so excited.
Dear Alberta – I hope you’re ready for me!
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