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FROM MIAMI TO BRITISH COLUMBIA, MARCH TO MAY 2005 >> |
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10 000km of bus
After a total of 154 hours of busing in 50 days, we felt tired,
exhausted and impatient. It was impossible to sleep more than 2
hours in the bus, and the place was too restricted to let us
sleep horizontally. The bus company with who we were traveling
even lost some of our luggages, which we finally got back 2 days
later.
Apparently, it took a trip in California without us!
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Springs Break in Miami
«Ouf…
Wow! » are exclamations that came out of Patrick’s mouth several
times! Thousands of students were enjoying their holidays on the
beaches of Miami. But for us, it was finding a job that rather
occupied most of our time. After knocking on several cruise
line’s doors, and being stopped by security guards protecting
the access to the human resources departments, we weren’t able
to obtain the jobs expected. The only answer we got was: «The
employment procedures are long; it could take months until you
obtain an answer. » That waiting time was too long for us. We
came back to Canada to continue our job research. Presently, we
are tree planters in British Columbia. |
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Patrick participates at his favorite TV program
It’s at the reception of the hotel where we stayed for a while
that Patrick was approached by a man.
- We
are presently filming a program which will be broadcasted on the
Discovery channel. Would you like to be part of it?
-
Of what program is it?
-
Pilot Guide, realized by the Lonely Planet team.
It’s a series of reports about different world destinations.
Patrick never misses one of it. His role was quite simple: he
had to surprise the presenter, a cute Singaporean woman, while
taking her bath! |
Excursion in the Everglades
Experiment Everglades’ diversity by canoe, kayak, bike or even
walking. Go for an adventure of several days in the numerous
land and water paths. |
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Two weeks in Vancouver
After five days of bussing from Miami, we reached Vancouver. The
goal of our stay was to pursue our job search. We walked
countless kilometres across that city. It has North America’s
third biggest Chinatown, 40% of the population is of Asian
origin, and more than 2 million live in this city and
surroundings. |
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Bolden, a man who ran away
from Poland
We met this man at the hostel we stayed at during our visit in
Vancouver. Beneath his harsh appearance, which impressed us at
first sight, we discovered a friendly character. Bolden, a
Polish man who left his country more than 15 years ago, came to
British Columbia to settle down. In Poland, he couldn’t manage
to feed his family appropriately and their future was uncertain. |
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Reflection on happiness
We’ve realized that the only way to seek happiness is to become
responsible for each of our actions. We cannot control every
event that comes up; however, we are certain that we have the
ability to control our emotions. It takes a lot of courage to
accept this responsibility.
You must
not be afraid of fear itself. It’s both happiness’ first enemy
and its ally to reach it. If you let yourself manipulate by it,
you’ll never allow yourself durable happiness. Today, we are
able to use it. We understand that fear is essential to
happiness’ search. Happiness doesn’t come from self-esteem;
doesn’t self-esteem come from surpassing ones’ own limits? And
limits don’t exist without fear. Therefore, never be scared
anymore of fear itself. |
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The Canadian Rockies
Two months ago, we never thought we would end up in the Western
Canada. Since we found a tree planting job in British Columbia,
we’ll live in this magnificent landscape for a couple of months. |
Excursion at Mount Seven
Located in the village of Golden, near Banff National Park,
Patrick takes advantage of the mountain to keep in shape. 2000
meters high, Mount Seven is an excellent downhill path for
mountain biking. The panorama at the summit gives a good glimpse
of a little town of 4000 residents. We stayed 2 weeks at
Caroline’s childhood friend until we started working. |
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Followed by a cougar
After a little rest at the peak of Mount Seven, Patrick takes
the road back home. As soon as he started coming down, he saw
cougar footprints traced in his own steps. So he came down the
mountain signing loudly. This feline can weigh 100 kilogram’s
and jump seven meters long; he attacks his prey unexpectedly by
biting in the neck. We see this animal more frequently in the
Rockies nowadays. They sometimes attack people, but generally
they are quite timid and keep their distances. |
An invitation to meditate
We rarely saw a landscape that beautiful; we were the only ones
camping in Whiteswan’s Provincial Park. From the quay, we
assisted at one of natures’ best sight: dozens of different bird
species sang and danced trying to charm their partner. At
night-time, it was the owl’s hoot we could hear echoing in the
distance. |
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A dip in hot springs
This little hot spring is located in Whiteswan’s Provincial
Park. The water temperature is 44°C; it’s so hot that if it was
in your own bath, you would probably run a bit of cold water to
make it more comfortable. The smell of sulphur coming out of it
makes you think of rotten eggs.
Hot springs are heated by magma. |
What a small world
As we were walking in the streets of Golden, we heard « Patrick
Nadeau… what are you doing here? » It was Yann (on the left), an
old friend who studied with Patrick in Quebec to become an
adventure guide. We took a week together to discover the region
and do some hiking. 4000 km from home, we can still find some
friends...amazing! |
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Thousands of kilometres of devastated forest
Perhaps you’ll never see them, but they are widespread. The pine
beetle, 5 to 10 mm long, is a little flying insect who eats and
lay its’ eggs using the bark of conifers and digging tunnels in
it; and consequently killing trees. Only a wintry cold of – 35°C
can
kill that insect. Therefore, with the global warming, the
devastation will probably prevail.
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Traveling by bus
Buses are one of the means of transportation most used by
travelers. Experiencing this transportation can also be very
exhausting. Find out some tips that may save you from discomfort
and worries.
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