Monday, September 6, 2010

Oh Canada!

Well, we've been here about 3 weeks and we're finally getting caught up! We finally have a couch and even got a table today! It's been such a crazy trip, and so long since I updated, I might just give the quick run down of Egypt here in photos:

The pics below are of Aswan to Abu Simbel and back.







The pics below are of our ballooning trip over Luxor:








These pics are of our climb up mount sinai We took camels up most of the way and then hiked the rest of the way. This climb was absolutely amazing, one of the best parts of the egypt trip. I just wish I had climbed to the summit, instead of taking the camel.







On the last leg of our journey we were given the chance to go to Petra in Jordan. It was an amazing day! We caught the ferry over to Jordan and then had about 4 hours to look around.







We spent a few days on the beach at the Red Sea and did some snorkeling. We saw a stingray and a whole raft of amazing fish! In Egypt we had some pretty amazing times, the sights were so breathtaking, but I think overall it wasn't a super awesome holiday destination. I wont go into it here though... but I definitely would not advise you to do Egypt alone, and come with 6 barrels of patience.

Anyways,

CANADA!

We got here and got to our apartment, which is pretty mint. We have a gym in the building, which is pretty nice, and our apartment is brand new. We are right in the middle of town. We signed up to a recruitment agency and I got a job the same day. Stace got one a couple of days later. We have slowly started getting furniture, and just got a table today!

We went out to Calgary Zoo, which is one of the largest in North America. Stacy seems to take it all in stride, whereas I'm like "OMG WHAT IS THAT?!?!" pointing at a porcupine (I've never seen one before). I think I scared some small children.







We've pretty much just been amassing house stuff, like cooking utensils, a couch, tv, chairs, food. This weekend we were lucky enough to be able to catch a greyhound bus to Banff before the snows came. We got up super early to get the early bus there, and went up the Gondola. Once we were up there, we went on a hike down the hill, and then back up. Up the top there were so many ground squirrels, chipmunks, and red squirrels. The views were breathtaking, the Rockies were just amazing! The standing rock pile is called an Inukshuk, which is a local word for "Someones been here" or something similar. The native people used to leave them around as boundary markers, and hey presto! We have a ready made tourist souvenir! ( I bought a little one in jade, lol!)












Here are some pics of Calgary where we live:








I'll write again next week!

xoxo
Laura

7 comments:

  1. Thank you for your beautiful and interesting update. Wow,hot air ballooning,climbed mountain on Camel back,visit to Petra,the Red sea and more,that must be an awesome experience for all your senses. And Edelweiss!! those beautiful whitish flowers on the Rocky mountain you took picture of.( think "the Sound of music " ) Brings back unforgettable and loving memories lived in the mountains. Cannot wait to spend time with you two next year in Canada. love you heaps,mum.

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  2. Hi Laura and Stacy,
    Long time not writing. We are back from Sulawesi and it was a beautiful trip in a very green but poor Indonesie .
    We have seen a lot!!! Nico has dived several times and it was very clear and beautiful.You send many pictures.Thanks
    You have done so much in Egypt.Exciting ballontrip!!Whauw!!
    Nico has been in Petra several years ago with HP and it was amazing!!
    Congratulations with your jobs.
    Hope you both enjoy it.
    Canada looks great, specially the nature!!!
    You can make beautiful hikes.
    Greetings from a wet Holland!!! Have a good time there and send your adress.
    Nico and Wendy

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  3. Nice update Laura and Stacy! Canada looks like a good place for you :-)
    Cheers from your dad

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  4. there was a moose at the zoo! but it was behind a fence and didn't make for a good picture.

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  5. Hi, the pics are amazing. A wonderful trip all round and so many different adventures..elephant ride, tigers, hot air ballooning and the list goes on. Looks as though you're both settling in nicely. Can't wait to see the sights in Canada with you.

    Love to you both
    Debbie & Steven xoxo

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  6. Hi Laura and Stacy
    Canada looks fantastic. Great photos. NZ is enjoying warm weather finally.
    Love to you both.xxx

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