Aardwolfs Foreign Correspondent:
DJ Dave
Contact Dave at: Email: djykw@shaw.ca and MSN: djykw@hotmail.com |
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Reporting From
Vancouver Canada |
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Dave's, Thoughts and Impressions on his new home, his likes his dislikes
What he's doing, and what he misses From NZ |
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DATE Tuesday 22nd April 2008,
Well guys time for another update:
Man me and my big mouth…lol. Well I have been referring at least
nine times a week, that’s 312+ games so far and playing on the
weekends. I have had some patient and helpful colleagues all wanting
to help out and I have learnt a lot so far. I am rated up to
Division 5 …loosely … depending on the teams playing. I have also
refereed in an International Air Traffic Controllers tournament.
Teams involved were from Canada, USA, Finland and Russia. Man I had
to be on my toes for that one… |
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My team (the East Coast Ice Dogs) has missed out on the finals. They
are a great bunch of guys that have had to put up with a lot this
season, I feel once we come out of the summer season we will start
as a new team in the right division. Look out Div 10 here come the
East Coast Ice Dogs…Grrrr Woof woof
On the home front we have been traveling a lot, and have another
trip planned in two weeks. We spent a week in Scotland at the end
of last year and spent Christmas at Big White Ski Resort with a
bunch of friends we have made here in Vancouver. It was a very
different way to spend Christmas but so much fun. Waking up on
Christmas morning and going skiing, there is nothing like it!
Over the last few months we have enjoyed the home life, more because
it’s too bloody cold to go outside!! We are however, off to San
Francisco and Florida in two weeks time and I am looking forward to
a lot of sun and surf not to mention Disneyworld and Alcatraz!!
With the summer approaching we have also planned some camping trips,
one of which includes a stop over in Calgary to attend the Calgary
Stampede (the worlds biggest Rodeo Fair). Here’s hoping our summer
is as good as yours was.
A word of warning to those coming to Vancouver for 2010, it is
madness here on the roads as it is so we are expecting mayhem and
accommodation will be as rear as hen’s teeth. So consider these
things when you are booking your reservations.
Well time to get back to the big city
Miss you all…travel safely
Dave (DJ)
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DATE Tuesday 4th September 2007,
Hi from Canada
Hi Team Stripe and
Aardwolfs,
Well... I showed a bit of interest when talking to the Assistant
League Manager Keven Bell and suddenly I was invited to a general
meeting for Ice hockey Officals.
During the meeting I was informed that it would be a good idea to
sit the entrance and knowledge exam for referees. ( Me and me big
mouth...) There were 50 other officials taking that
test...(refresher for some).We have
337 teams
at Canlan Ice Sports (8rinks) Vancouver. There are
81 games on
Saturday and Sunday alone starting at 11:00am.
The scope of things here makes you sit back
and wonder how it all goes together on the day.
The Main Adult league is the ASHL (adult safe hockey league)
...they prefer to use a extraction rule due to safety
concerns, this also saves on paper work. The Player gets
extracted for the remainder of the game for abuse of an
official or conduct causing injury or unbecoming behaviour.
When a player is involved with ASHL. A warning is given to
the player first and one to the Captain, to give the team a
chance to pull that player into line. ( I think it has to do
with showing that they did try to address the issue fairly
if a player wants to take the issue further.) A game
miss-conduct follows if the conduct continues while leaving
the rink area.
They run the two man system here.
So back into the breach I go, I hope to make a good
impression on behalf of Canterbury and New Zealand Ice
Hockey. I will be attending some camps and lessons to keep
the Hockey skills up as I am involved in a team here called
the Ice Dogs, as a forward of all things.LOL..busy busy
busy.
www.teamicedogs.com
They are in need of a few good men so if anyone is
travelling and wish to stay in Vancouver for a while I'm
sure you all will be well received.
I guess that the season is coming to an end for you all and
the summer league is about to start, good luck with the
summer hockey and happy hunting.
I will leave the contact details if anyone is interested.
Assistant League Manager:
kbell@icesports.com
Canlan Ice Sports - Burnaby 8 Rinks
www.icesports.com
We have lots of photos of our adventures so far posted on
Ringo, so just send your email address to us and we will
send the link, I know it sounds a bit dodgy but it is o.k.
just check it out and then we allow you to view and you are
set.
www.ringo.com
Well time to go I have my first on ice appearance tomorrow
night as a Ref... miss you all and you to Jerome, please
keep me updated on moves and promotions and 'goss'...lol
Travel Safe Guys and Girls
Always DJ Dave
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Date:30/08/2006
Another update...Lots happening...I dropped a CV off
at the Holiday Inn Downtown Vancouver and have already had the
2nd interview. They want me but are not prepared to "step me
over" the staff already lining up for an "advanced" job but they
do still want to employ me and start at porter and advance once
I have proven myself ...fair enough I think.
They don't have a Concierge position in the hotel but they have
a Guest Services Manager.
I'm surprised to
hear that Intercontinental Hotel does not operate this hotel.
There is a strict union presence here. Also the Crown Plaza
Vancouver has been sold and will be trading as per normal for a
year then it is up for renovation (closed for around two years)
and re-branding.
I think I will say yes to the job at least I will be working. I
will also put my hand up for shifts in other departments.
(Banquets and Restaurant and House keeping)
Still not playing any hockey, it's driving me mad.....
Travel safe guys
Dave
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Date:30/08/2006
Hi Aardwolf's and
Friends,
Well I thought that it was about time I updated you all on
what we have been up to. Apologizes to those who may have
heard some of this stuff before!!
As you all know it was my 40th birthday on Wednesday 23rd,
and Yvette had organized 5 days away in Whistler. (yes
Whistler again!!) We decided that we would try a different
time of the year and see what the place was like in the
Summer. We were not disappointed. On Wednesday morning we
packed up and headed north. We had dinner at Milestones,
and had a fantastic time. Pic's on Ringo.
The next day we got up nice and early and were picked up
from our lodge and taken fishing. The trip to the river was
an experience in itself, with a four wheel drive
adventure!! I have put new photos on ringo for you all to
have a laugh at. I think we look like the "Hillbilly's"
Hooooweeee!!! The weather was great and the waders kept us
dry. Even with the help of a fly fishing guide and all the
right equipment we were still not able to catch anything.
The water was so clear, you could see the salmon in the
water, but they were sporning so they were not interested in
eating!! We were after the trout and I had a couple of hits
but they both got away!! The experience was great and we
learned lots, so maybe next time!!
After the fishing we were knackered so went home for a nana
nap and stayed in for the night.
On Friday we went and looked around the Blackcomb village.
There was a shop there that sold fur coats etc, though it
should have closed over summer, cuz it was FAR to hot to be
selling any fur coats.....anywho....... to give you an idea
of the types of people that generally holiday in Whistler,
there was one coat selling for $20,000 !!!! Yvette was
going to try it on just for the fun of it, but I suggested
that the ladies attending the shop would have not been too
happy!!!
Anyway we brought a pass that gave us a game of mini golf, a
luge ride and a trip up Whistler mountain. The trip up the
mountain was spectacular. I have looked over the photos
from the time that we were up in June and the difference is
amazing. It was sooo warm up the top and there was only
snow on the very peaks of mountains that you couldn't get
to!!!. We took lots of pictures and a video so we will try
and send the video through, so you can get a better idea of
what it looked like.
The best part of the day, was on the way down the Gondola,
when we were lucky enough to see a bear!!!!! I had
been looking for one all day!!!! They are so cute, (when
you are 10 meters away in the safety of the Gondola!!) lol
On Saturday we went to this gorgeous 18 hole putting
green. I whipped Yvette's butt, so she wants to go back so
that she can redeem herself!!!!
After the golf we went for a drive to a place called
Pemberton. It is 30 mins north of Whistler. Had lunch at
this cute wee diner, and then went to see a waterfall called
Nairn Falls. That was awesome !!!
On our last day we headed back to Blackcomb to check out the
"beginner" level mountain bike track. The Whistler mountain
has a "BIG" bike park that was far to hard for us, but the
beginners one was just right. The chair lift takes you and
your bike up the mountain and then you get to ride down!!
Easy enough, although there are some parts that get your
heart pumping.
After the fishing, golfing, biking and hiking, we headed
home late last night. Had a fantastic time again in
Whistler. You really can't fault the place for things to do
(other than the cost!!!) and we can't wait to go back in the
winter time for the ski season!! We were lucky enough to get
a gift voucher to help pay for all this...
By the way, my work visa arrived last week (four and a half
months later!!!) and I had a interview yesterday for a job
!!!
As I said I have put some more photos on Ringo. The "cars"
are for the boys and the "gay parade" is for the girls/boys
LOL and everything else is for everyone!!!
This weekend we thought we had better make the most of the
summer days left and head to the PNE (didn't get there last
week), which is a BIG fair with loads of rides and
exhibitions. Its on until the 4th September, which is also
another long weekend and the last day of the summer break.
Kids go back to school !!!!
So that's what we have been up to of late. I hope this
finds you all well and good and please keep up the
correspondence, even if it's just a quick hello!!
Good luck to all those involved in the Ice Hockey Nationals
in the next few days.
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Date:31/07/2006
Hi guys,
Well time for an update... We are going to most of the festivals and street shows.
Anyway I am still waiting on a work permit... when I mentioned it to a local, she reminded me that there are 3.5 million people in BC alone.
So I sucked it up and am waiting patently.Please say hi to everyone for me and I am looking forward to coming home in two years.
We went to a party on Saturday night and man the woman that were there, model material and the guys there were Fireman (Big Boys). We felt a little out of place. lol
Well ...got to go...I hope this email finds you all safe and well.
Enjoy the photos http://www.yaletowninfo.com/events/ysccs.aspx
Cheers
Dave Whitson
209-1330 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2B8
(Editor's note) Check out Dave and Yvette's photos on Ringo at
http://www.ringo.com/friends/view.html?memberId=147161282 and
http://www.ringo.com/friends/view.html?memberId=147047343
Cheers Clive
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Date:27/07/2006
Well Howdy Team,
We had another busy weekend we went to Nanaimo, Vancouver Island.
We traveled by bus, then by BC Ferry’s to get there. It was a nice trip, around 4.5 hours all up. What a beautiful place it is trees, water, festivals…
The people we stayed with we met on our honeymoon (Nice older retired Canadian couple) They have a place above the Town of Nanaimo and are keen sailors and golfers. The law in Canada prohibits
people from hurting the wild animals, so what did we see in their back and front yards? Wild White tail Deer …WOW We sighted around eight of then, they are not tame so getting close to them is a
mission. }
If you come to Van you have to go to Vancouver Island. We did get plenty of pic's so we will post them on the web sight.
Hint: Public transport is the way to go in Canada. It is cheap and they are regular. The weather authority has made a warning that the temps are going to get to 36 deg C so time to find some
water and a cool place to hide out from that midday sun.
Hint: DON’T drink the water here, buy bottled water from a 7/11 or cnr store. Better to be safe than sorry. Plus the water is not cared for like it is in NZ.
Travel Advice: Always carry Bottled water with you in any country that you visit, remember you can take food onto an International flight but you cannot take it off.
Well time to go again, I hope the Southern trip went well and you guys have plenty of pic's for me to look at.
I miss you guys, stay safe
Dave |
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Date:12/07/2006
Hi Team,
Things are really happening in Vancouver at the moment, from June to October the 28th it is Festival Time. Sun up about 0630 and sun down about 2130 ( a long day )
So far Yvette and I have gone to Greek day, The Salmon Festival, Canada day ( this was as big as New Years in NZ ), Kitslarno Weekend on 4th Ave, Gas Town Jazz
festival.
We haven't been able to get to all of them, there are 63 events planned through-out June to October.
Hint: The weather was still holding a very cold breeze ( at the start of June ) even though the sun was out. (Dress warm )
Hint: It is best to invest in a small umbrella and keep it in your bag.
It seams that Vancouver is a all season event Province whether it is a Snow Fest or a Summer Fest.
Reference: Copy and paste www.hellobc.com/en-CA/RegionsCities/Vancouver
Travel Hint: If you are staying in hostels or cheap hotels invest in a door jam ( a rubber wedge for the door ) It has been known that visitors get robbed while they sleep.
Or you could put a "noise maker on the door". This is a general thing to do while travelling.
Travel Safe Guys
Miss you all
Dave ( D J )
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Date:21/06/2006
Hi Fellow Aardwolf’s,
Well today marks our second month of being away from home. It doesn’t feel that long...
Anyhow …we have joined up with the local gym (Fitness World) the staff seams nice and they like to keep you busy.On the weekend Yvette and I went on a road trip to Seattle...a trip not to forget!!!!!
1/ Six lane Interstate highways (that is six lanes going in one direction)
2/ Speed limit was 70 miles an hour (110km) we tried to stick to it but got harassed by drivers treating the road like a racetrack. Imagine you are just casually skating along …in a speed
skate...brother it was a bit nerve racking. I started to figure out that if I stay in the "middle lane" and drive 20 miles over the limit then I’m all good.
3/ Don’t take a wrong turn, on these baby’s you will add 15 minutes to your trip just getting back to where you what to go…
We have pic's we have taken of the trip and will put them up soon on the pic board.
When we got to the start of the line for the US boarder we thought it was going to take forever, the line was huge. (50 minutes or so). The US
and NZ have an agreement that we do not have to have a permit/entry visa to go over the line, but be prepared to stand in a line for 15 minutes and fill in a green wavier form that allows you to be
in the US for 90 days. You can use this form to go in and out the US as much as you like for 90 days.
They also take a sample of your figure print and a photo. (This also applies for Hawaii and Canada, even if you are on a transfer or refuel) You must give a clear reason for visiting the states and a place that you intend to stay.
Getting back is a total different story and it took 2 1/2 hours to get back across the border on Sunday night from the
US to Canada. The queues of cars were two wide and a mile long!!!! People were yelling and honking their horns and generally getting very impatient at the people that were cutting in to the line
using a local towns back street. We thought it was a good idea until one of them tried to cut in on us…
We thought we'd be home around 8.30pm and instead it was nearly 11pm!!
Hint 1: When coming towards the queue for this boarder (from the US) take the line with the barrier to the direct left of
you and cars to the right and do not let anyone in as you will get abused.
Hint 2: Buy some snack food and take a pack of
cards with you…and good luck.
On Sunday we went to this amazing wildlife park that was even further south and saw baby beavers and skunks and Bison!!! We also saw Cougars and Grizzly Bears. I had a blast!!!
By the time we got back from the wild life park, we didn't have a lot of time to see much else. We spent some time shopping at the outlet shops and the local mall and tasted this great ice cream,
where you chose a flavor and then you can add any mix you like to it, like M & M, nuts, sprinkles, mars bars, fudge, chocolate bits, fruit or sauces. They then mix it all up and serve it to you in
a waffle cone or bowl!!! YUMMY
We are planning on going back so that we can see the Space Needle and have a better look around the city.
Hint 3: These city’s are big in the States and Canada, so if you are planning to come over for a visit you need to plan
at least 3 days to see most of the attractions and sights.
Travel Advice: Check to see if the time on your watch is easily changed. Most of
you can move forward but a flash second hand watch like mine I had to stop it for 12 hours to change it.
I hope you are all well and surviving the winter…
stay safe
Dave DJ
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Date:17/05/2006
Hi Aardwolfs,
I have now seen most of the rinks, (about 14) and most of the Hockey stores (about 6) here in Vancouver.
You really do have to shop around to get the correct information ...one shop said that I could not get the blades I needed for my skates and Cyclone Taylor replaced and sharpened them right there in
under 10 minutes.
I have gone for a skate at the local rink at the Kitsilano Community Centre.Nice rink, very hard ice, nice to skate on.
They have a public skate 11:45am to 1:30pm for only two dollars. Whoooo Hoooo
Well... as you all know the NHL is the Vancouver team (The Canucks) is out of the play offs and they have just fired their Coach. Vancouverites don't agree and put the blame on two individual
players. No I in team....
So All of Canada is backing The Edmonton Oiler's. Bit of a wild card this team, their Goalie "Rollie" is a bit on edge and has to keep his head during the play or they will lose the Stanley Cup...
The team is gutsy and ready for most things, they are a great penalty killing team.
Edmonton city has reported having problems with gangs of youths causing damage after the last win.
A local said it was only a small group causing the trouble. "I hope the Police are better prepared for the home game next week."
Hint: to buy a cell phone and a service you will need $1000,00 deposit for six months, any references you have in NZ dose not count for much here...so be prepared to lay out a lot
of deposits. Vodaphone or Telecom do not operate here unless you have set up international roaming with your company.
This is IMPORTANT please check this out before you come for the friendship games.
I would also look at hiring a cell phone ...just Google "cell phone hire Canada" and a good selection comes up.
Well that is it from me, miss you all
Be safe
Yours in Hockey
David Whitson (DJ Dave)
cell:778-846-2120
209-1330 Burrard Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6Z2B8, CANADA
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Date:12/05/2006
Hi Aardwolfs,
We are well and things are slowly coming together
We are now keen supporters of the local Jnr team, The Vancouver Giants. They have just completed a six win victory in a 7 round semi final.
There defence is the tightest I have ever seen in hockey and their goalie is not afraid to take on advancing opposing players.I am very surprised to see people on the street asking for money....not just poor "looking" people either.
We are having our hottest day today 32deg our unit is on the darker side of the tower so it is cooler here.
I walk nearly every morning and have found a indoor pool four blocks away and a hockey store 20min walk away over The Burrard Bridge.
Did you know that 90% of kids in Canada play Soccer and only 50% of them play Hockey as well. Then they make the choice to go to Hockey in their Bantam years.
Have I found any hockey to join up with?.... well first I have to hunt down the three sets of gear...Goalie, Defence/Coach and Referee. A lot of the leagues are closing down for winter, saying that
there are 12 sheets of ice available in BC area over spring. The 8Rinks complex is dedicating one of their eight to indoor soccer and another is dedicated to figure skating. 8rinks has a pro shop as
well.
Well better go I'm meant to be hunting for a car. Oh fun!!!
I hope to see you all in 07 at the Friendship games or the winter games.
Stay safe
Dave (DJ)
P.S djykw@shaw.ca is now our email address you can send it out to the club??
Cheers
Dave (DJ) |
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