Wednesday, 10 April 2013

Week 2: Banff and Weddings



So this is the second of my blogs on the subject of my month long excursion across the pond. What a splendid week it has been. Most importantly it has seen the wedding of two very good friends but it has also been an opportunity to meet some great new people and forge some new friendships. Everyone involved has been exceptionally welcoming and good spirited. I left off having been snowboarding and to an authentic ranch type bar, which I’m told was the actual setting of a scene in Cool Runnings. Then came the stag do. It took place in the town of Banff as did the wedding, deep within the Rocky Mountains, in a location befitting dignity and decorum. The Groom in question wore a dress all night and was significantly intoxicated. I should add, he wasn’t the only one. I went home with his handbag although I’m not quite sure why.

For the week leading up to the wedding I thought I would stay in a hostel to save a bit of money. It was a nice hostel actually although its only downfall was the fact that (as in most hostels) the showers were outside the rooms which all had locks on. This meant that you had to take your key card with you whenever you went for a shower – a task I excelled at until one particular afternoon. It resulted in me having to venture down to the main hostel building, through the subzero temperatures outside, in nothing more than a towel in order to regain access. Not my finest moment. 

In the absence of any tasks during my travels, I thought I should at least make myself a bit useful, and so I devised a mini task. Sewing. One of the sleeves on my jumper had split to an unacceptable degree and so, in a spare moment, I bought a sewing kit and stitched up the offending split. I figured, if I can sew up people, I can sew up a jumper. Unfortunately, the repair job in question has displayed ominous signs of disintegration as of this evening, but nevertheless it holds fast for now.  Below you can see my handiwork.



The wedding itself took part in a cracking location amidst mountain forests and reports of bears waking up from their winter slumber. Bride and groom were glowing and the speeches were both moving and hilarious. The food was tremendous and I attempted line dancing with varying success. Another nice touch involved the father of the bride sneaking an old song into the DJ set that the groom and I played together in a band long ago, which was a lovely gesture.
Here’s a link to the latest version of the song if you wanted to listen. (Sorry, couldn’t resist a plug).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEIabK65pQ4

After the wedding, a group of us moved into a cabin for a few days to enjoy the rest of our time in Banff. At the risk of repeating myself, everyone was brilliant. We spent a lot of time listening to some band called ‘Alt J’ or something, and I can only be thankful that our visit also coincided with some sort of Arnie season on the Canadian movie channel. We spent time in the hot tub, we perused the town of Banff and its numerous gift shops and pubs and we snowboarded.Then this happened.



Although it looks like the aftermath of a viscious bear attack it is actually the result of a nose bleed suffered by the groomsman after  punching himself in the face during an elaborate leap from the mountainside.

Anyway, although I have enjoyed my time here, it cannot last and I must move on. Once again, for those who may read this, a massive thanks goes out to all who have been so welcoming and I genuinely wish I could stay longer. However, I must continue onwards towards Vancouver and Tofino and beyond. May the adventure continue. 

Ps. While I was bored at the airport I put together this little video using some trance music. Hopefully you enjoy! Until next time! 


1 comment:

  1. Fantastic post and wonderful to meet and spend time with you. Good luck and safe travels on your continued journey and hope to see you again very soon. Hugs xo

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