Australian Expats: Five Months Away From Home

Week 17

My week began with my first Costco experience. I was slightly impressed with the endless aisles containing just, well, massive things. Big toys, big snacks, big jackets. Go big or go home I guess. I also tried a $1.50 hot dog. Now that’s what I call a budget night out.

It’s ladies night and the feeling’s right. Oh yes it’s ladies night, oh what a night!

With some lovely Starbucks friends, we had a little bit of a ladies night during the week. We drunk vodka and wine, ate chips and ice cream sandwiches, and shared stories. The perfect way to make me feel less homesick.

I also ate my way through restaurant three in my Around Vancouver in 80 Eats challenge. Post to follow.

Week 18

I shared my culture with some other Starbucks friends this week by taking them to the Aussie Pub in the city, called Moose’s Down Under. One was brave and sampled kangaroo. I couldn’t leave without getting them to try some pavlova and lamingtons. Now I just need to find some Vegemite…

Week 19

The temperature dropped suddenly this week so I went on a warm clothes shopping spree. I did pretty well too, getting a jacket, “sweaters” (I still think jumpers sounds cooler), boots and a cute and warm hair accessory. I feel a bit more prepared but will happily go shopping again soon for some more cuddly attire.

I also got to get my celebrity stalk on and saw Supernatural being filmed downtown one afternoon, while I was doing some ridiculously-cheap produce shopping.

They were filming scenes in a beautiful old church, perfect Supernatural scenery, and as I walked past I glanced inside a car and there he was – Jared Padalecki. I had a minor meltdown seeing his beauty so up close. We then crossed the street and I caught a glimpse of Jensen Ackles before they disappeared inside. I used to watch the show religiously with my dad, so I had to Skype with him immediately afterwards to tell him the good news!

Week 20

So I not only ventured to two more Vancouver eateries, but I got the chance to do my very first pumpkin carving. From picking the pumpkin myself to scooping out his innards and carving his slightly-too-happy-to-be-a-jack-o-lantern face. I put some fake teeth in and named him Bobby – the redneck pumpkin. It was very cool to get to do it once, but I feel like the pumpkins would cook in the spring sun being left outside back home. You’d have pumpkin pie in no time.

With my fellow expat we spent an afternoon walking down the hipster haven that is Vancouver’s Main Street. We visited about six op shops searching for the perfect Halloween costume. We didn’t do too badly either – I purchased a very cute fall vest from a vintage store to wear this weekend, and all month when I get the chance, I also picked up a Snow White costume for $10 from a discount store. So I will be wearing that trick-or-treating, but we are preparing a little something else to go to Fright Night.

As I type this I am heading to Vernon in the Okanagan region in BC for Thanksgiving. I am super excited to a) be on holiday b) see my friend Jamie who I met in South East Asia, and c) to see a different side to Canada.

I can’t believe that next month I will be typing my sixth-month update. It’s going to be a great month, with Halloween and fun around every corner. I guess the saying is right that time flies when you have fun. My life definitely hasn’t been dull since I left Australia.