Xena's long awaited trip report - completed!

Xena · 23-01-2009, 09:57 PM

I will dribble this report through, as it will take me a while to type up the parts and upload the photos to photobucket. Keep posted - I shall put "The End" when I am finished. I will attempt to keep the diatribe to a minimum, so I don't bore you....and me.

[size="1"][ 24.01.2009, 11:11 AM: Message edited by: Xena. ][/size]

Xena · 23-01-2009, 10:08 PM

[img]graemlins/snow.gif[/img] Stage 1 - Brisbane to Taipei [img]graemlins/snow.gif[/img]

China Airlines flight was as good as any other we've been on. We had a 6 hr layover in Taipei enroute to Vancouver, which we actually liked, as it broke the flight up into do-able chunks. We amused ourselves for the hours with free internet stations, an X-box with a giant screen (the boys really should’ve shared with the waiting throngs, but they played ignorant and had it to themselves for a few hours), and free massage chairs……mmmmmm. Dinner was Subway and Starbucks.

The flashy, new terminal 2 at Taipei.

Giant X-box

Internet cafe - notice Princess BF sitting in a luggage trolley, as they don't provide chairs.

Massage chairs - stores give you one coin, but we collected one from each and had many turns!

Xena · 23-01-2009, 10:26 PM

[img]graemlins/snow.gif[/img] Stage 2 - Taipei to Vancouver [img]graemlins/snow.gif[/img]
Even though Vancouver was been dumped upon with the worst snow they'd ever experienced, with flights cancelled left, right and centre, people's baggage lost, people stranded and unhappy - we seemed to sneak through a small window of opportunity and arrived on schedule.

We enjoyed the Landis Suites for two nights, with an indoor heated pool and hot tub. It had great city views by night.

We went to West 4th Ave for ski gear (bought none) and Metrotown for large mall shopping (bought nothing.) While on the airtrain, we saw Main Street.

We also went to Canada Place (who knows what for.)

Lastly, we visited The Pacific Centre (bought a helmet for Trailblazer, a shot glass for Warrior Prince and goggles for moi), followed by the Winter Olympic countdown thingie.

Xena · 23-01-2009, 10:56 PM

[img]graemlins/snow.gif[/img] Stage 3 - Vancouver to Kelowna, then Big White [img]graemlins/snow.gif[/img]

After sneaking through another small window of paused snowy conditions, we arrived at Kelowna.

The kids were eager to get into the fluffy, white stuff they so missed.

We headed onward to Big White, with a grocery and liquor stop first (didn't forget the Hypnotiq.)

Xena · 23-01-2009, 11:00 PM

We were pleased that our unit was as gorgeous as the photos showed and very, very roomy. I could get used to this level of accommodation, especially at this price.

We loved the hot tub on the deck.

There were plenty of snowy views and pink sunsets from our balcony.

We hurriedly got our ski gear and headed up the mountain for some night skiing. Well……….after one run, I gave up, because I skied like a gumby. I was seriously worried that I couldn’t get it together. How could I be so hopeless? Warrior Prince told me that I needed to go into level 2 lessons. This was not a good start to my skiing holiday and a huge blow to my confidence.

On our first ski day, the powder overawed us. We realised we would definitely need our 20 lessons to learn how to ski it and after last night I would need to use 16 of them. However, I put myself into level 3 lessons and hoped I could cope. I skied adequately and was told I should do level 3 again and this is when I decided that the problem must be the skis, not necessarily all me. I changed for a set of Rossignol Attraxion’s and immediately felt in control and more confident.

It was New Year's Eve - we found the free hot chocolate by the fireside at Happy Valley, ice-skated and snowtubed - which was great fun, but busy being New Year.

BlueHue · 23-01-2009, 11:13 PM

Great little resort Big White, I loved the snow ghosts up top when I was there.

Nice trip report Xena, looking forward to the rest.

Xena · 23-01-2009, 11:14 PM

We searched for a New Year’s Eve event, but ended up eating at home and watching the fireworks from the dreamy comfort of the hot tub. I knew this was something I could get used to.

On Carnival Night, like every night, I wore my Snowatch jumper - 'Show Us Your Snowatch' - and had my photo taken with a Kangaroo! I met a few darksiders, but only found 2 SW'ers - Main Street and Jo. I did however direct people who asked, to the website!