I’ve spend rather a large amount of time this week celebrating the end of things which seems a little pre-emptive given that I still have nearly a month left in Vancouver. As term draws to close we’ve had the last choir rehearsal, the last ecology tutorial, the last Thunderbirds varsity party. I’ve also welcomed the last lot of visitors which marks my family’s first visit to Vancouver and the first time I’ve seen them since August.
The night before they got here I had a bit of an epic night out with the rugby team at the Big Block after party. My first formal event of the year and a good excuse to get out the glad rags! Big Block is the official event to celebrate the players who have represented varsity sport at UBC for two years and an awards ceremony for those who have made significant contributions to their sports. For the JV team, it’s a posh dinner, a lot of alcohol and a lot of dancing!
Their timing of the arrival of the Capsticks was great; the first proper sunshine of spring and four hours before my choir’s end of year concert in the Chan centre. I was really happy they were able to see one of the things I’ve been involved in over the last eight months and I have to admit it’s the easiest A grade I’ve ever got – if only all classes were marked on attendance! Straight after the concert I did my tour guide bit and we took the bus to downtown Vancouver. Aiming to take advantage of any potential jet lag they might have, we were booked on to the early bus to whistler. We spent 3 days in the sun and snow, my Mum returning to skiing for the first time in six years – it had a high comedic value but I think she enjoyed herself! My sister joined me in the snowboarding realm and it was nice to show her all my favourite runs and the magnificent views of the mountains. Should my Dad have attempted skiing it would have surpassed even the best comedy sketch show, unfortunately he elected to remain on lower ground exploring the lakes and trails around the village, which was probably best for his and everyone else’s safety.
A visit from the family also inevitably means it’s a great time to try all those restaurants that have previously been rather out of my overdraft’s price range. Why, I then decided to take them to Splitz grill on our first night in Whistler, I do not know. Reputed to make the best burgers in the area and tagged “it’s not fast food, it’s good food fast” I’ve been there a few times before and most heartily agree. My sister on the other hand, did not, announcing that MacDonald’s was better and my Dad (currently mid way through a two month trip across the states, soon headed for Russia, Japan and South Korea) decided it wasn’t “posh” enough for him. I challenge him to find better food when on a train for a week across Russia.... The following night we went slightly more upmarket and had an amazing three course meal (the first of many and I now feel myself growing wider!)
On the bus back from Whistler I attempted to read a few journal articles in anticipation of the presentation I had to give on Tuesday afternoon which, with shiny PowerPoint to match, was a relatively straightforward 5% towards my conservation biology grade. I now have to write the 3000 word essay to complement it which is proving slightly more of a struggle! It’s so nice to have the family here but they are rather excellent at providing distractions from essay deadline and finals are rapidly approaching!
