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My Travels to Canada - A Story from International Exchange Programs (IEP)

By Fred Russo

Vancouver Harbour

I began my journey to Canada with my head filled with pictures of polar bears and penguins.  I half expected to meet Eskimos at the airport picking me up in their dog sleds.  If only I had known how wrong I was. 

It was summer when I arrived in Vancouver, and to my surprise I was greeted by the open arms of the sun and a friend, who I hadn’t seen in a year or so. Greg had invited me to his home on Vancouver Island. 

It was an awe-inspiring drive through the city. The Pacific Northwest with its rain forests surrounded the city like an invading army.  The deep colours of the evergreens tinted even the greyest of building, adding an air of nature to the deepest parts of the city. 

The rays of the sun cascaded down on my shoulders during the ferry trip to Vancouver Island.  It was beautiful out, and if not for the other tourists around me, would have removed my shirt to receive some desperately needed sun.  It was a boat ride after all… and not to mention hot out!

From the ferry I was directed straight to the pub.  I mentioned I wasn’t of age and was reminded, “This isn’t the States Bro, in Canada its 19 to have a drink ‘eh’!” My goodness, I had forgotten completely.  I made friends at the pub for an hour or so. Canadians are so laid back and so incredibly nice.  The atmosphere was like a bar back home where I already knew everyone. 

After a couple of beers it was off to the beach.  Greg had some friends waiting for us with, and to my great surprise, surf boards.  I got stuck on a 9’ Hamilton, but hey, I was surfing in Canada 2 hours after getting off the plane.  The hardest part about the surfing was the waves were great and I was stuck on a long board.  But, still, I just couldn’t believe that it was August in Canada and I was surfing. 

After being thoroughly tired out, it was back to the pub and then to Greg’s home.  The home was settled on gorgeous plot of land that bordered the base of a small mountain and the ocean.  The dinner plates were set out on the balcony, which overlooked a pink sunset, and the feast began.  Great places always seem to be accompanied with great food and great people. 

At this point in time reality was setting in.  I did come here on a work visa and I did have a job waiting for me.  I would begin in 2 days working at a ski resort with no snow.  The resort opens for summer activities allowing mountain bikers, boarders, and hikers to explore the thousands of acres of mountain terrain.  But again, that was another day. 

Greg mentioned to me that tomorrow we were to head to Whistler Black Comb. A glacier, which in the dead of a Canadian summer, can be snow boarded or skied without winter clothes.  The thought of my future days danced in my head until I fell asleep.  I was sure that every future day I would wake to another action packed adventure. 

March 2007