After 7 months of travel through third world countries, all I wanted to do was leave and return to a place I felt had professional healthcare systems, western food and clean water. I was over the sweltering, humid heat that through illness made me dizzy and even at one point faint – there were times I was walking through streets with absolutely no idea where I was or what I was doing. I was completely over the constant grabs for attention and requests for selfies – sometimes standing just smiling for half an hour while families lined up to take a selfie with me (obviously not because I’m famous but because of my skin/hair colour). I was over moving around with 30 kgs of extra weight on my back and finding a new place to sleep every night or so – not to mention the countless times you open and close your bag to find simple things. I was desperate to get on the plane to Japan and then Vancouver. So desperate I spent my last two days in Delhi, India hiding in my air-conditioned hotel room with a queezy sick stomach ordering food to my room and napping in between day dreams of departing the intenseness that is India.
So why now is it that all I want to do is return to India/Thailand/Cambodia/(not so much Vietnam)? I have so many stories to tell from 7 Months of travel, experience and adventure. So many that whenever I get the chance I’m always bringing something up. And I mean whenever I get the chance, I have become one of those annoying travelers who is always going on about that time I spent 2.5 months in India and raised money to feed street dogs or driving through the Himalaya mountains on one of the worlds most dangerous roads or staying on the most gorgeous private island in Cambodia or completing my 200 hour YTTC in Thailand. I just can’t stop. But now I understand those annoying travelers. I often look back at the photographs I took while traveling and even though at the time things were sometimes rough eg, illness, unpreparedness, difficult people and countries, loosing cameras ect all I think back on is the good memories and as for the bad memories - well most of them become really, really good jokes and really, really good life lessons; however definitely not all of them. Travel is good. It’s good soul food, it’s good for our minds and expanding our consciousness and it’s so good at helping us grow, understand others without harsh judgement and connect with people and places on a level that steals a piece of our hearts. And sometimes just sometimes even the bad things can be good for us. Maybe things didn’t work out the way you planned because it just wasn’t part of your journey and life had another lesson for you to learn that day. If travel taught me anything: Nothing is permanent, don’t take it personally and always remember the people who consistently have your back. Travel can teach us so much about ourselves too. I have always craved conversation that makes me feel connected, valued and involved and these conversations flowed with fellow travelers I met along the way. I learned that I really truly value my own company and my alone time, it helps me to reset and be alone with my mad mind – this is when I have my best and most creative ideas pop up. I learned so much more about myself but it would take too long to write it all here + most people wouldn’t be interested and that’s okay. Upon arrival in Vancouver, my new home for the next couple of years I couldn’t help but notice the lack of street dogs and overflowing garbage, the calmness as people drive down the road without beeping their horns a thousand times and the avoidance of eye contact – things you get used to after 7 months in heavily populated third world countries. Vancouver is gorgeous, clean, has good healthcare, has even better vegan food options and I’m getting used to the avoiding eye contact thing again. Every country has it’s problems, don’t get me wrong – but it feels so good to be able to drink water from a tap and not a plastic bottle. It feels so good to eat fruit and salad and have road rules so that I can feel safe crossing the road. But there is something so incredibly intoxicating about those countries that calls me back. I already can’t wait until I am able to return. until then I’m going to enjoy each day and save more money for more future worldly adventures. Alana xx
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Lost Lake: Lost lake is located only a 15 minute walk from Whistler Village and can be accessed by the Village trail. There is no parking at Lost Lake and you will not get closer than street parking with a 10 minute walk. To circle the small lake takes only 30-45 minutes walking giving time to stop and enjoy the scenery. There are plenty of stops along the way to enjoy the view of shimmery crystal clear water, alpine flowers and woodland. You will be able to find a private swimming spot by walking the trail or you can join people jumping from the jetty. Beware of bears in the area. Lost Lake July 2016. Photographer: Alana Hailwood-Winn. Alice Lake: Alice Lake is located off the Sea to Sky highway on Alice Lake road 2KMs North of Squamish. At Alice lake provincial Park there is plenty of free parking but you’ll have to beat the afternoon rush. If you arrive in the morning you’ll be able to choose the best spot on the grass seating area and claim it before the crowds flood in. There are three lakes to choose from and the biggest of the three has a scenic 20 minute walk completely around. You can rent Kayaks, SUP boards and paddle boats right on the beach. Alice Lake, September 2016. Photographer: Alana Hailwood-Winn. Alta Lake: Alta lake is off the Sea to Sky highway a few Kilometers before Whistler. Rainbow Park is where you will find plenty of free parking and lounging space on the grass. They have a dog specified area at the South end of the beach. There are three large docks walking out to the much deeper centre of the lake to dive from. Alta lake is surrounded by a busy bike trail and is a popular family spot with a wide beach entrance to the water and plenty of room for everyone. Trees shade the outskirts of the park and you can enjoy the view of mountains Surrounding the lake covered in thick pine trees. Alta Lake, August 2016. Photographer: Alana Hailwood-Winn. Buntzen Lake: Buntzen Lake is located in Port Coquitlam 30 minutes drive East of Vancouver city. When the free parking near the lake fills up on a busy day some local tenants offer their lawn space for parking $10 all day it just means you’ll need to walk around 40-50 minutes to reach the popular summer spot. Buntzen also has a dog specific area where dogs can be off leash and enjoy the beach with their owners supervision. Walking the full trail lake circuit should expect to take around 2-3 hours and there are other longer hikes available in the area. Beware of bears through the woodland surrounding the lake. To find a private swimming spot away from the busy beach take a walk around the lake and there are plenty of secret And quiet spots available. Buntzen Lake, August 2016. Photographer: Rhys Wren. Lynn Canyon Park: Lynn Canyon Park in Lynn Valley offers a range of trail walks through lush Canadian woodland. You will need to do more research to figure out which hike is the right one for you but a simple walk over the suspension bridge will show a selection of fresh natural rock pools filled with flowing river water. There are paths to walk alongside the river leading both upstream and down which both lead to gorgeous bathing spots if you can handle how cold the water is. Please follow the signs accordingly where it is unsafe to swim. Trek a ways off the beaten path in Lynn Canyon to find one of the regions most popular and best watering holes. 30 Foot Pool is popular with youth and families alike for it’s beauty, deep, pristine waters and yes, even for the trouble it takes to get there. Don’t expect to be the only ones with this great idea, but if you get there early it’s well worth the hike in. Lynn Canyon is a short 25 minute drive North of Vancouver city. There is plenty of free parking available but fills fast during the Summer months as a popular tourist destination. Beware of bears in the area. Lynn Canyon, June 2016. Photographer: Alana Hailwood-Winn. Sunset beach: Sunset beach is a short drive from UBC campus at the West End of the Seawall trail. There are large logs all along the beach offering a place to sit And relax. There are designated volleyball areas with nets set up along the sandy waterfront. There is plenty of free parking all the way along the water front and it is a really popular spot for lounging and sunbathing on a sunny day. With a Full view of Vancouver city and the North Shore as well as incoming/outgoing ships this swimming spot is different from all the rest. You may be lucky to spot whales or seals swimming together out in the ocean depths. At Sunset, sunset beach is truly stunning in or out of the water. Sunset at Sunset Beach, August 2016. Photographer: Alana Hailwood-Winn. Capilano Canyon: The river valley in North Vancouver boasts quite a few options for those looking to experience chilling glacial water. There’s something for everyone, from shallow, calm areas for children to cliffs and waterfalls for the more adventurous and experienced swimmers. It’s a popular destination, but the multitude of options makes finding a peaceful perch easier than you’d expect, plus the walk in is a site to behold. Parking fills up fast and is costly. You’ll need a credit card to use the parking meters. Capilano Lake at Capilano Canyon, August 2016. Photographer: Alana Hailwood-Winn. |
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October 2016
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