Whistler here we come - White Christmas!

Me looking at a Tadpoles perspective of the world!!!! (Kinda freaky)
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Well there's nothing like experiencing a White Christmas having come from Australia where nearly every year it is either really really hot or just really really really hot and humid!!! =P

After arrriving from our late flight from Toronto we went to Holiday Inn where we would stay for the next two nights before heading to Whistler for our white christmas holiday! (Fingers crossed)!

You can have fun here even without snow!

Dinosaurs of Gastown
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Its cold wet and raining here in Vancouver, unfortunately as we want to see the Butchart Gardens and Victoria. Heard they are beautiful. Maybe when we get back from Whistler. First day in Vancouver we visited the much acclaimed Vancouver Aquarium. Known for its beautiful family of Beluga Whales from Canada's north, Common Dolphins and various other wildlife, this aquarium is great for the kids and family.  Never have i seen such a strange/unique animal such as the Beluga Whale, but they were incredible to watch gliding past and showing us a few of their tricks - spraying the audience with mist. You can see various other marine life and birds as well such as scarlet ibis, anacondas, piranhas, sloth and few frogs, fresh water crocs among other tropical fish and marine life.  You can even see a tadpoles perspective of the world in the childrens education area. Rather interesting if i do say so myself, looking underwater through to the outside!

Gastown's Clock
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The following day it was a long bus trip up to Whistler where we'd be staying for christmas and a week packed of fun and snow...well here's hoping!!!! =) as so far the weather reports exhibit low snow and rain.

The bus trip was quite long, but time flies by when you watch the beautiful scenery pass by. I think dad took a whole video of it. lol

Tip: If you love the scenery try to get a seat on the left side of the bus on the way there - that way you can experience the coastline and a variety of landscape.

View of Blackcombe Mountain
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Once arriving in the village our first priority was finding our hotel. We would be staying at the Hilton....WOW...nice!!!! This resort is relatively new..so some rooms..as we soon found out... were still been built and furnished. The floor we were staying on was empty...we mangaged to score the latest finished room...nice!!! And had a great view of Blackcombe and Whistler Mountain. Most people come here for the skiing and what better way to spend christmas than skiing the slopes and having a mountain of fun! =)

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There was quite a bit of snow around but most of it was ice and mud...so we were looking forward to getting on the slopes. Neither of us had ever skiied before so we thought we better sign up for two days of lessons. Once we all had our lessons booked was time top get our lift passes. We thought we might get a three day lift pass so we could spend one or two days learning. (Think we'll need it, can't remember the last time i skiied =P).

Next stop was getting our ski gear. Wow what an experience...was funny watching us all get our gear. Dad kept saying with a beaming smile "Do i look like a pro now in all this fancy gear?". We all had to reply 'yes'. I don't think dad would wipe the smile off his face. The guys there were great too, as they will fit you with the right gear and make you look good ;)!!!!

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Tip: Bring a beanie and gloves, you might need it!!! Your ears and hands freeze up on the slopes, especially if its wet. (If in Rome before here you can get good cheap gloves at the markets for about 4 euro each) Good idea to buy your own eyewear/goggles if you require it as it will save you money in long run when renting (if they allow you) or you can just wear sunglasses.

Following day was an early start tro be ready for ski school. Our first mission getting on the gondolas and ski lift. That was exciting! I think i dropped a ski first time i went on it only to come down the slope on one ski....maybe i should of got a snowboard...hmmm...maybe next time...anways..

My brother Adrian looking real cool! =)
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Ski school was lots of fun as we learnt the basics that would help us stop, move and stay on our skis...well that was the aim of the day anyway. Mum and dad were terrified as they kept falling like most beginners..i think dad at one stage took a couple of snowboarders out...not on purpose though! But i don't blame them, even i was finding it hard to stay up as there wasn't much soft snow on the ground to begin with unfortunately...lots of puddles and mud....what fun...ah well maybe in the following days. Next day is learning to go down the beginners slopes. To put what we've learnt into action and improve our skills. At one time our instructor took away our poles to get us feeling for the snow and skiis without them...im surprised its easier without them...just!!!

My brother and i coming down the slope
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The instructors were fabulous! I think dad and mum were enjoying it too...although i think dad learnt to ski backwards more than anything haha...sorry dad...but that was funny (And looks like you were having fun!. After our days lesson we thought we hit the slopes for the rest of the three days. Unfortunately mum wasnt up to it having hurt her back and dad soon bombed out having come down with the flu. But Adrian and i loved it! And for a person who has never skiied in his life before..Adrian was like a pro =).

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Christmas was spent on the slopes. We were all hoping for some good snow the night before but it just rained. You would think we were cursed or something lol but everyone was so miserable. It was not until we got back to Vancouver that we learned it had started to snow on the lower slopes in the week after we left. Hmmm..so much for our White Christmas....but we had a lot of fun. Even managed a snow fight at the end of it!!!! LOTS OF FUN THEY ARE!!! But I suggest looking up the Bureau of Meteorology before travel to check the best time of year to go in the weeks leading up to it so your not too dissappointed.

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On the last few days of our visit in Canada, we stopped over at Storyeum in Gastown. This was and extraordinary experience as you venture through British Columbian history. Being part of the audience you are taken through a series of theatre like screen plays where you are involved in every aspect in understanding and learning about Vancouver. Hold a flag and barric for womens rights, shake hands with the cast or just be a part of the props. Whatever the case i thoroughly recommend visiting/doing...A must see and do attraction!!!!.

During our visit here we also got to venture with the dinosaurs and meet T-Rex. Geeez he was sCaRy...despite being a robot. hehe This exhibition was here for a limited time only giving kids a chance to experience the age of dinosaurs and really develop there knowledge of the prehistoric ages.

Gastown has numerous places to visit and places to shop at. The antique shops are just fabulous...but be careful. One place to visit is the jade stores...the things made from this precious stone are just amazing.

Well next stop is Prison...literally =P. We're off to San Diego, home of Alcatraz Island and the londest suspension bridge in the world, The Golden Gate Bridge.

Sounds exciting!!!! See you there!