Frantic Follies
Hello again,
Sorry this post is a little delayed, I actually went to the opening night of the Frantic Follies show about a week ago, but hey I have to use the internet at an internet cafe and my time costs money on here. Anyways, I have to say I was quit inpressed with the show. It was the first time I've ever seen a "can-can" show and I hear that they can either be really good or really crappy, but luckily for me it was a really good show. Since it was the opening show it was reserved for locals, sponsers, and local businesses (which means me...). I took one of my roommates, Mike, and it was his first time seeing a live show ever, even though I have seen a few stage shows before. The place was pretty packed, and the show was a little longer since they had all the stage actors there, all contributing to the show.
I have to say that all the actors are very talented, most of them play more than one instrument, sing, dance, and are all pretty funny. They had the typical can-can dancing and comedic skits, but they also read and acted out Robert Service poems (he's the author of The Cremation of Sam McGee). The lead actress is a really powerful singer and the whole cast got the audience into the show, which is really good.
The show was a good two hours (normally it is only an hour and a half with a 10 min. break) and after the show there was a nice buffet and free wine. The night got fairly interesting after that, Mike really took advantage of that disgusting free box wine, but hey I'm glad he had a good time even though I did have to practically carry him home.
Anyways, it was a good show, and I recommend it to anyone who comes to Whitehorse. I hear that there is a good one in Skagway too, but I havn't actually gone to that one. Either way talk to you later.
--Diana
Kluane and Skagway
Well I'm officially done training, woohoo.... tomarrow I start actual work with customers which I hope all goes well. Well I had a busy last few days, we did some FAM tours to Kluane Nation Park and down to Skagway, with seeing all the sights inbetween.
So I guess I'll start with Kluane N.P., when first arrived at the visitor centre there and saw a show video on the park, which is mostly just to show people whatelse is in the park that they won't be able to see. After the video a park guide talked about the park and the trails and such that are in it. After the centre we went on two hikes on two seperate trails: we went on the easiest one which is a walk around Kathleen Lake, it was very beautiful and scenic, even if you are an avid hiker just take 10 mins. and do the walk. After that we went on Glacier Rock trail which is one higher on the difficulty scale. This trail is really scenic as well, it takes you right through some of the forest and up to a rocky section where you get some great views for one of the easier trails. One of the more well known hikes and the most difficult one that visitors can take is up King's Throne. Its a full day hike and can be quit strenuous. All the hikes are taken by park guides and they take the time to point out all the flora and fauna in the area, and are there to answer any questions you may have.
After Kluane we hopped back onto the coach and started the drive up the Alaskan Highway and then up the Klondike Highway towards Skagway. Most of the trip is following the "trail" left by a receeding Glacier, therefore the scenery can be a contradiction unto itself. Enroute we got to see Emerald Lake, which is named so because of the crushed shells that the glacier left behind and it makes the water a bright emerald/jade colour. It was beautiful, it also helps to have dense forests and two log cabins on its coasts, making it look very rustic. Furthar along the road we got to drive by the worlds smallest desert in Carcross, YK.
We then get to Lake Tutshi, YK, pronounced "too-shy", where many odd things have happened. There was a UFO sighting by a government worker, a lake monster similar to the Loch Ness, but one of the biggest occurances was a asteroid that landed there. Luckily a local picked it and saved it, later scientists got to study it and they found it is the oldest space matter found on Earth that was studied. It's so old it's even older then our planet.
Anyways, as we got to the YK/AK boarder we come to this are near the summit, I can't really remember the exact terms the drivers used but think along the terms of desolate domain, or tormented terrain. In this area the glacier ripped up all the top soil and the only thing left is bed rock. The trees are all stunted and small because there is no top soil for them to grow their roots in. It's really rocky and baren, the scenery it very dramatic but beautiful nontheless. Not 30 mins. after crossing the American boarder you get back into forested area as you get closer to Skagway.
Overall we didn't get to do that much in Skagway, but we did do a tour of one of the Holland-America Vaandam cruise ship, did a short city tour, and walked down broadway street (which has all the old rustic false-fronts on the stores). But one of the most exciting things I got to do in Skagway was hop onto the White Pass & Yukon Route rail train. All the trailers are designed like the old tram cars and are all named differently of various lakes and rivers. The one-way trip (there is an optional 2-way trip) went half way to Fraser, BC and that's where we got off. But before we departed, the 1 1/2 hour avg. trip was so beautiful I took almost 2 rolls of pictures. We got to pass by many cultural/historic/scenic sites in Alaska, and we went through two tunnels. Overall I would definitly recommend the train if you're ever in Skagway, It's a must-see.
I think that was it for the FAM tours. Other then that, I just got to meet a lot of people from other offices in Yukon and Alaska, and learn a lot about the tourist spots and their background. Anyways, I start real work with real customers now and i'll get to learn all about the office stuff, but I'll still get to go and take customers to places so I'll get to talk about more tours while I'm out here.
Until next time,
--Diana
The New Job...woohoo!
May 11, 2005:
Well it's official I'm finally full-time again. We had our first orientation day today, it was kinda slow but that was because we were doing all the paper work and manuals and stuff. Everyone at the office seems really nice and it looks like it's a job I will definitly like. To top it off it's finally something out of the damn food and beverage industry. Tomarrow we start the fun stuff, we get to start doing FAM (familiarization) tours of the local products. Next week we'll start doing extended FAM tours of Kluane National Park, and we're also staying over in Skagway, Alaska. I'll make this post a two parter for this week, in case you were wondering about the dates...
May 12, 2005:
The second day of training was a lot of fun. We got to see several attractions close to Whitehorse. First we went to the wildlife animal preserve, there a guide jumped into our van and told us all about the animals that were in the preserve, their efforts and beliefs in/of the preserve, and other fun miscellaneous information. We got to see elk, mountain and rock goats, moose, caribou and muskox. They also have two linx that they just adopted into the preserve but they are still in a special area of the preserve and they are not ready to be viewed by the public. The preserve is only a 20 min. drive outside of Whitehorse, so i definitly suggest going if you're in the area, i believe tickets are only about $23 CND.
After the preserve we went onto to the Uncommon Journey's that was just down the road. The place is orginially a dog sledding school and they found out how big of a market there is for the dogs that they started doing a summer visit for guests. Here people can learn about the history and logistics of dog sledding, but the favorite part of the excursion is being able to go into the pen and visit and pet all the husky's. They are completely socialized and are so excited to meet people that they love the visits from tourists. After meeting the dog you get treated to hoomebaked cookies and lemonaide from one of the owners of the school.
After meeting the puppies, we had lunch then went on the city tour and saw all the unique places in Whitehorse and the surrouning area. There are fun facts and some amazing views, It is relitively cheap and is about an hour and a half long, and is worth it.
Eventually we moved onto the Meadow Lakes Golf Course and Country Club where we hopped on some golf carts and took a tour of the 9 holes. It's a beautiful course, with some crazy cart tracks... After that we were taken on a tour for the tourist that they just started this year. It's a walk through time where you are treated to native story telling, singing and dancing. After the short show you can continue on the trail where you can take part in a Q&A with local anthropologists, view traditional wood carving and food making. Just to put the cherry on top the wife of the golf course owner is a chocolateer and you will be treated to delicious handmade chocolates.
Well this was only the first and second day of training and it was already a lot of fun. Next week we start the third day of training where they are taking us to a hike and tour of Kluane National Park, and a trip down to Skagway Alaska. In Skagway we are over-nighting it and continue to see the historic site the next day and return back to Whitehorse. We are also going to be taken on the world famous Whitepass train route and drive back to Whitehorse in a coach bus. Either way I will be sure to come on here and tell you all about it.
Until next time,
--Diana
I Have Arrived! and the road trip...
Hello everyone,
I have finally arrived in Whitehorse and have settled into my new apartment. Whitehorse is beautiful and I am definitly taking in the scenery. It's amazing to be standing in the washroom brushing my teeth and I see mountains outside the window! The drive here was amazing and I saw every animal you could dream of seeing on the drive to the north, moose, elk, mountain goats/sheep, black bears, eagles, everything. The drive from Barrie ON, to Whitehorse YK, took about 6 days. It was too cold out to camp still so we had to stay in hotels along the way. We lucked out and every place we stayed was fairly cheap (avg. 15$/person) and all clean which I was happy about. Our first stop was in Wawa ON, and we got to see the big geese. We made a quit pit stop at the beautiful Kakabaka Falls, ON. This is a great spot to get out and stretch your legs and see the beautiful falls. Our next drive took us to Kenora ON, where we chilled out and saw moose for the first time along the way. After that we drove through Manitoba in one day but we drove through Winnipeg and saw the Canadian Mint there and the Golden Boy in the downtown. If you stay on the Trans. Can. it takes you right through town so you can't miss either. Shortly after crossing the boarder we stayed in Yorktown, Sask. There we went out and had some fun meeting the locals and took in the bar scene. I would definitly recommend a stop there if you're following the Trans. Can. Hwy. I will have to make a point as we continued on our drive through Sask; we stopped in a small town called Maymont for lunch. It's extremly small, and probably isn't on your maps, but turn off the highway and seek out the local pub/restaurant. It looks like a dive, but the owners, one who we affectionately refer to as grandma, will cook up an awesome lunch and it's all homemade, real food (including the best homemade pie you'll find). Our next stop was at the West Edmonton Mall, we got there a little late and most of the stores were closed, but it was still nice to see the place, especially since I havn't been there since I was a little kid. After that we went a little further and stayed a night in Whitecourt AB. We didn't do much there but it was still nice to see the beautiful Alberta scenery. After an early start we made our way to BC, we went through some crazy mountain roads but it was still so beautiful it could take your breath away. There we drove all the way to Fort Nelson close to the Yukon boarder. Here the rooms and gas got really expensive. All of us are poor students so we figured we really couldn't afford another hotel room, so we decided to get up early and make a break to Whitehorse. 13 hours and bad roads and beautiful scenery later, we get to whitehorse and find our new place. We were pleasently surprised and I'm happy with our new house. After unpacking for about 2 minutes we decided to go for it and hit the local bars. The first bar Lizards, was nice and had a good live band playing, after supper and the guys being harrassed and hit on by other guys, we went to another club in town called the Capital. They played jungle/house music, which I like, but the guys were grumpy so we left and walked home. Other than that it was a tired first day in Whitehorse. For the next few days we took in the rest of the town which is small but friendly, something I really miss being in "large city" area of Ontario.
Until next time,
--Diana
Today is the Day!
Today is the day that I finally begin my journey to the Yukon. I'm all packed, both for the trip and my belongings that are staying here in storage, and I'm just waiting for my friend, Shannon, who is supplying the vehicle to tell me when she is picking me up. I'm really excited and I hope that everything goes well during the road trip and we get to Whitehorse all in one piece. Hopefully I'll be able to update this thing while I'm gone, and make sure everyone know's where I am and what I'm doing. Anyways, wish me good luck, and I'll talk to you all later!
--Diana
One more week to go...
Well I'm definitly getting antzy now. I have one more week until my friends and I leave on our road trip to the Yukon. I have to pack up everything in my room, which is almost done, because while I'm gone my parents will be moving. But luckily enough for me I already have a room set up and paid for, for when I get back from my co-op. This is also paired with the authorization and payment for a place to stay in the Yukon. So there is just that much more stress taken off my shoulders. To sweeten the deal even more my parents are giving me $1000 for my portion of first and last months rent, and part of a 500$ deposit we have to pay to get the electricity hooked up to our unit. We previously did not know we had to do this, but atleast we'll get it back at the end of our last statement period.
Anyways, that's pretty much all that has been going on with me. I'm really bored and I want to go now, I think I'm developing an acute form of cabin fever. I'm starting to long for that open road, fun times, and not the mention the money invovled with cheap rent and full time work. I'll finally be able to pay off my stupid line-of-credit, that I'm severly regretting ever applying for, and my Visa. Hopefully I'll be able to save up enough money in the process for another trip down to Florida to visit the b/f, all the while travelling and doing all kinds of fun and interesting stuff while in the Yukon.
Talk to you all later, I'll be sure to post before I leave,
--Diana
Niagara-On-The-Lake Wine Tour
Hello again Everyone,
I went on this trip on April 17, of this year. My mother finally got payback for going to all those crafters/art shows at the local exhibition places, and won a draw for the grand prize of the free wine tour, in a limo, and lunch for her and five friends, for the day. I had fun and enjoyed the trip despit being with my mother and four of her friends, and being a typical non-drinker. Not that I wouldn't drink, I just don't do it all that often.
Anyways, we went to 4 different wineries but there are tons more. At the first winery, Peninsula Ridge Estates it was pretty fancy, medium sized winery with these two huge beautiful farm houses on the property. They had an extensive wine tasting menu, and even more varieties of wine to buy. Our limo driver, Paul, took us on a behind-the-scenes tour of the fermentation tanks and keg room, where he explain the process of how wine was made. Due to the time of year, we didn't see the vines leaved and full of grapes, but during the summer I can imagine how beautiful the property would be.
The next winery that we went to, and my favorite, was De Sousa Wine Cellars. We met up with one of the owners of the winery Maria (I hope this is right), she was fun and taught us the Portugues, i.e. the right way, to enjoy wine. If you plan on going through the wineries in the Niagara area, definitly stop here. They have an amazing port! They also have a spot in Toronto at 802 Dundas St. W.
After De Sousa, we went to the Birchwood Estate Wines, it looked small, it looked cheap, but it had amazing wines many of which won several gold/silver/bronze metals. This spot in Niagara is more of a satellite for people to taste their wines. They have a good Rose, at a surprisingly affordable price. But their big wines, are their icewines, they are one of the few wineries in the world that offer a red icewine.
After our stop at Birchwood, we went for lunch, then a quick tease stop at the shopping district of Niagara-On-The-Lake. Here we didn't have enough time to shop around and see the stores, we were on a time limit, but atleast I saw it. From there we were going to stop at a fruit winery, but unfortunately it was closed for the day, so we went down the road to Strewn.
Strewn is another winery in NOTL, but to be honest I was not impressed with them. I did not like their wines, their staff we not as welcomeing as the other wineries, and you had to pay to taste the wine, which the other wineries also did not do. I can say that they did have some interesting classes where they teach individuals and couples cooking/wine classes. If this interests you, I'd say give it a try, but don't just go for the wine, you might leave disappointed.
Leaving Strewn, we then headed home with our many bottles of wine in the trunk. Luckily we did not exceed the record of 80 or 90 something bottles, as Paul said a group of older ladies left the region with. Here I should also say that I would recommend Paul and his limo company Coach House Limousine. He does all the typical things like weddings and proms, but he also offers these great wine tours. He knows what he's talking about and is flexible enough you make your trip just that more personal making you feel like it's your trip and not just another agenda.
If you want more information on the wineries in the area go to the site for Wines of Ontario or just Google search Niagra On The Lake, and I'm sure you'll find something you'll enjoy.
--Diana
