Australian Expats: Seven Months Away From Home

Yes, another month has zoomed by in Vancouver. The temperature is still dropping but the adventures are stacking up. Here is a recap of this month.

8th November to 6th December

This month began with my first potluck as it is called in Canada. This is definitely another term I will be taking home with me. It is basically what we would call a dinner party in Australia, where everyone brings a plate. I may have brought some Aussie pies for friends to sample, to go along with the pasta, meatballs, potatoes and pizza. After we were all full we played games – such a good night in.

I have also had a couple of good nights out too this month. With my fellow Aussie expats we went out in Gastown one weekend before going to our favourite Aussie pub, Moose’s Down Under to watch Australia win the Rugby League World Cup.

On the food truck this month, I have been very spoilt with just a few awesome things. I received free breakfast from Yolk’s as a trade. I got a free bottle of vodka from my friends at Deep Cove Brewers in North Vancouver. I may have eaten a few Australian chocolates that I have missed. Plus we had our Christmas Party, which was fun and involved trivia at a local pub. I was also able to work at the St Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope. Their light display was amazing, and it was nice to help them give back to their donors with free samples.

I also got the Christmas season off to a smashing start by visiting the Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain and the Vancouver Christmas Market in the same day! The mountain was like the perfect winter wonderland I have always wanted to be a part of. We also checked out the Santa Claus Parade that was making its way downtown on December 1, the day to put up the Christmas tree! I am kind of in love with mine and don’t ever want to take it down.

I also partook in my first Black Friday weekend, which I likened to the Boxing Day sales in Australia…on steroids! There were people everywhere, and some awesome specials I must say. This bargain hunter was impressed indeed.

On the blog front, I have my first guest post on the blog this week. I also wrote about my old friend homesickness and covered 1-10 in our Around Vancouver in 80 Eats challenge. Only 70 to go! That sounds slightly impossible but never say never.

As I promised last month, I do have holidays booked, hooray! I will be spending Christmas Eve and Day in Whistler, or Little Australia as it is known amongst Canadians. with two fellow Australians. It will be my first time and I can’t wait to spend Christmas in the snow! A day later I will be taking off to Seattle, where I will spend four days having fun in the US of A, before coming home to spend New Year’s Eve with new friends.