Vancouver 2006

It’s about a tree barren, car snow buried, bone chillin -20 (celcius) in Canada’s capital and although I strongly dislike Ottawa winter weather, I can’t help feel invigorated by the cold, Northern air. Of course, that might have a lot to do with the fact that in 11 days I’m flying out of here, yes again, but this time I’m staying in the country and moving to the West Coast, Vancouver baby! And I’m definitely excited.

From what I hear, it’s a whole other world out there from climate and landscape, to people and fashion. And it’s exactly what I need! Of course, that my father and beautiful little sisters are living there just makes it perfect. Every summer that I visited my family, I knew that one day I had to live there, more importantly live downtown near the sea side. Even my good friend from high school has made the West Coast move.

Now it’s all about the job…….yes, the job, no I don’t have one yet, yes, I’m looking and I’m optimistic. I’m thoroughly searching in the non-profit sector, from fundraising to communications to administrative.

Here are some Vancouver pics from summer 2004.

Top 10 things I missed about Canada

1. my warm, clean, bug free bed

2. hot water, in every tap, in abundant supply

3. the absence of bugs, cockroaches, ants and other creepy crawlers in my home

4. fresh clean air

5. availability of products, produce

6. internationalism- people, cuisine, culture

7. developed and coherent infrastructure- no holes on the street, clean and pretty parks, not so cramped houses, buildings

8. having the following at home: telephone, washer/dryer, fully functioning fridge and toilet and lots of sunshine!!!

9. the general feeling of ease, comfort and having more energy

10. Ottawa Senator hockey!! Ya baby!!

Adios Costa Rica

I’m currently at Juan Santamaria airport in San Jose (well I was when I wrote this), Costa Rica about to depart in an hour and a half. After months of dreaming of this day, the time has finally come. Although, there were some unfortunate circumstances (allergies and a toxic house) of my time here in Costa Rica, I’m so glad I came. My Spanish has improved significantly along with my web design skills. And I’ve made some really great friendships. And for every awful thing that happens abroad, the lesson is there to be learned. And I know my life will be so much better once back in Canada because of this experience.

So...
Thank you Canada for providing the platform to follow my inspirations.
Thank you Human Rights Internet and Netcorps for providing a program in which we can start our career (or change its direction)by working abroad with NGOs.
Thank you my friends in Costa Rica for all your laughter, warmth and conversation, that without you all I would have felt incredibly alone.
Thank you my host organization Defence for Children, for providing a welcoming, comfortable environment that I enjoyed coming to everyday.
And thank you Mom and family for all your support and love while I was away that making coming home now seem like a dream.

Adios Costa Rica!