Capucine

Volunteer Abroad: Preparation

Published on October 5, 2013November 2, 2023 by CapucineLeave a comment

Think about how you can help and what you want to get out of the experience

Volunteering might have been part of your ”list” for a while now. The urge to save the world, play a hero, get recognized, tell a great story. But seriously. Why do you do it? How can you help? What do you want to get from the experience? Volunteering isn’t just a thing to try and say “checked, I’ve done my part”. It goes well beyond that. There are a lot of people in need all over our world and they require people committed in helping them find a brighter light. Most of us, literate and educated people, we are fortunate enough to come from a decent family, a decent country, decent government. If I find the time and money to travel and enjoy myself in developing countries, I will take the time to learn and help with the tools I have behind the scenes of less fortunate countries.

I am travelling to Morocco to volunteer with women. Being an Islamic country, women of Morocco are facing everyday challenges such as poverty, violence, illiteracy and unemployment. My goal is to help improving literacy levels by teaching French and English, assisting with professional development and providing support to female victims of domestic violence.

Even if I won’t change the world during my short stay, I will provide the best I can, if only to see progress and change in one person.

Sign up

There are several volunteer programs running worldwide. Volunteering tend to be expensive, so a wise search is necessary. I opted for IVHQ, a program providing aid and assistance to developing countries while increasing education and awareness.

Here is an interesting link of an article published on the Verge Magazine written by Jim Carson regarding choosing a volunteer program:

http://www.vergemagazine.com/articles/volunteer-abroad/volunteer-abroad-how-to-choose-a-volunteer-programme.html

Get documents

After signing up, you will get a booklet of information regarding the program, the preparation, the stay, the activities, etc. It is important to read it thoroughly as important information is provided.

An important document to get is your criminal clearance record check. Since you will be working with people, probably children as well, making sure that you are cleared of any criminal activities is necessary for the process of your application.

It is usually your responsibility to get a Visa. Do your research and get one if required.

Make photocopies of all your travel documents (passport, ID, flights, insurances, Visa). Leave one copy to a friend or family member at home. Take the spare one with you.

Learn about the country

Where is it located? What is the religion? What is the clothing and culture like? What are the customs? What kind of food? What is the weather like? What is the currency? How do you greet someone? How do you thank someone? You don’t need to know everything in detail as you will explore and also learn on your own once there. But there is some essential information to know before landing. Arriving with a basic knowledge of the country would be beneficial for you and be grandly appreciated by the locals.

See a doctor

Make sure you are in a healthy condition to travel abroad. Have him/her update your vaccines and inform you on the ones you need for the country where you will be volunteering.

Pack

You are almost ready to go! Get a travel backpack and fill it with only the essentials. Don’t pack too much. You can always purchase the missing items in your host country. That way you also invest in a developing country.

Clothes: know what are the appropriate clothes to wear and pack accordingly. Some people tend to presume all countries are westernized and there are no customs to follow since they are on vacation. WRONG! Respect the religion, the customs, and the people. Blend in. Also learn about the daily and nightly temperatures and weather. That might prevent you some surprises.
First aid/medical kit: I like to bring a few bandaids, polysporin, grapefruit extract (natural antiseptic, antiviral and anti-fungal agent and excellent for healing of wounds), vitamin supplements and antihistamine tablets.
Toiletries: your everyday use.
Presents for hosts and children: it is nice to bring a present from home to your host family. Nothing expensive, just a little thought. For the children, anything from pens, stickers, chalk, books, games will make them happy. I usually always bring a few items for the local kids, however, you have to be very careful with that action. A lot of developing countries, including Morocco, have a rising problem of pedophilia. Kids have developed a facility to approach foreigners and offering presents to kids in the street will not help the problem. Instead, save the presents for the time you will be invited by a family to have tea or dinner at their house (of course always be vigilant from who you accept these offers).
Cameras: From DLSR to GoPro, to point and shoot to iPhone. Bring enough memory cards. Perhaps a memory stick to keep backups.
Music: for the lonely times, or to start the party!
Reading material: I always carry a travel diary to document my experiences, thoughts and progress. Our memory can only retain so much information and events, that way when on paper it will bring you back someday. A travelling book like Lonely Planet could be of good help as well. Don’t forget your pen.
Important documents: Of course, don’t forget your passport, ID, cards, flight information, insurances, etc.

Get excited!

Try to get everything organized at least one day before your departure. At least, I try. There are so many things to think about that it is easy to let the stress take over the emotions. I like to keep the last day stress free and start to get excited.

I’m leaving tomorrow for Morocco. And yes, I am excited 🙂

Every Summer Has A Story

Published on September 28, 2013September 12, 2023 by CapucineLeave a comment

A wet and wild summer with rad friends and terrific weather.

Changing Lanes: The Impossible List

Published on September 25, 2013September 12, 2023 by Capucine2 Comments

Like most of us, passionate and travellers, we live life to the fullest and to make sure we do so, we have created a list of goals we want to accomplish before we expire. Whether it is a meli-melo of ideas trotting in your head, or on a sheet hanging around the house, or written on your bathroom mirror, the Bucket List is there and waiting to be crossed off.

Most people tell me, “Why are you such in a hurry of doing it all? You have all your life!” But what if I don’t? Life is unpredictable, plus I enjoy setting myself challenging goals. As I believe we only live once, I want to take advantage of my human life. And while I agree with most part of buddhism, I am not entirely convinced with reincarnation. I hold no memory of my previous life, although if I was a bird that would’ve explained all those aerial dreams. And what if I turn out to be reborn as an amphibian, or a reptile or worse, a parasite? I want to make sure that my human life is fully completed with the goals I set myself. Some people will strive for professional career success, or to realize an Olympian dream, or to become a great entrepreneur. But me, I just want to complete my Bucket List, or I was…

Recently I came across one of the toughest decisions. I was working so hard on accomplishing my #1: 30 countries before 30, and started stressing out by a lack of time and finances. At the edge of the 30’s, I had 8 countries left to visit and 4 months left to do so. My plan was to volunteer in Morocco then travel the African continent overland with a budget camping safari company. It seemed like the perfect plan. But came reality and my dream collapsed. After volunteering costs, surf camp and safari fees, visas, vaccines, air tickets, travelling equipment and optional activities, I was left with just a few coins. I would’ve found myself restrained from checking other items off the list. Plus, when I travel abroad, I like to be generous and give to the local economies, hence buying souvenirs, booking activities from local companies, buying lunch and presents to my guide, driver, host. There was no way I could do it all without coming back home in the biggest financial hole. Life would’ve been hard and miserable for a while. I had to choose. So I took a walk in the woods and sat by a waterfall. I looked as the water streamed through the rocks.

The fear of growing up, the anxiety of settling down, the pressure of starting a family. Overall, it is the fear of stepping into this milestone of life. Growing up. Aging. Life moving too fast. Middle-life crisis. And a Bucket List screaming to be crossed off.

I came to my senses and realized that I was putting too much stress into following this list. I started to search the Internet, trying to understand this meaning and purpose of this famous list. Then I came across Joey Runyon’s article on the Impossible List:

“The impossible list is a journey (…) a series of events, each building on each other in order to create a great story. Each list has a meaning and a purpose and the list expands and changes in order to tell a story of how you’ve grown, what you’ve overcome and how you’ve gotten to where you are from where you’re from. The check marks designate things accomplished, but the purpose is not to simply achieve specific accomplishments but to change in the process that occurs between events.”

This reading has inspired me in changing a few approaches I had on life. I turned my Bucket List into an Impossible List (at least to try it out) and found myself releaved of anxiety and future feelings of failure. I decided to postpone the safari to a later year, without holding grudges, and put emphasis into volunteering. This way I could spend more time offering my help to people in need and I would even have the time to fit a safari with my mother in the Sahara desert and finish with a vacation in the Canary Islands. While focusing on one thing, I would have the financial comfort and appropriate time to profoundly explore an area of the world that I was forever attracted to.

Whether you have a To Do List, a Bucket List or an Impossible List, remember it is not a race, it is a personal evolving challenge with no expiry date. Don’t limit yourself with time, don’t take it as a failure if you can’t cross off some items. Leave room for change, as we constantly mature and evolve. A list should inspire you to do more each day and live life at the fullest. A life of purpose and meaning. Because it’s not to get there, but how you get there. It’s about how you live the journey.

I won’t be able to cross off my #1: 30 before 30, but at least I got an inspiring lesson from it. And I feel great about it 🙂

Yearning For Simplicity

Published on August 29, 2013August 17, 2022 by CapucineLeave a comment

A pack of malicious clouds covered the village of Whistler with continuous precipitation on this Tuesday morning of late August. The cool breeze and the leaves prematurely falling from the maple trees almost made us forget about the endless sunny and hot days that made our summer until now.

I opened the door of the local brasserie for business, the old wood cracking with the movement. I chose a reggae playlist, if only to bring a little sunshine on this rainy day.

Through the glass windows, I perceived a mature couple walking towards the entrance.

“Good morning,” I welcomed.

“So,” inquired the husband with a mocking smile while hanging their umbrella, ”has it been raining like this all summer?”

“Actually, we had a gorgeous summer,” I reassured with a laugh.“No drops until today. We desperately needed rain as it started to become dangerously dry.”

I wiped the bar counter and invited them to sit on the red leather stools. “Would you like some coffee to warm you up?”

The couple settled to the bar and agreed to hot beverages.

The clock on the service computer indicated 9am, but the darkness of the outside felt like it was late at night. The flowers surrounding the patio swept to one direction and the dead leaves swirled to the left side of the terrace as a strong wind picked up. We watched the rainfall, sheltered in the deserted yellowed wall bistro.

“So you guys are visiting Whistler for a few days?” I asked the couple.

“We are,” said the man, wiping the last parcels of water on his thick black framed glasses. “Actually, we haven’t been here in 9 years, but we lived here for 17 years, back in 1977.”

“1977!” I repeated with astonishment, “pretty impressive. You were part of the “making of” the town. You have seen it grow from a seed to full tree.”

“We sure did,” affirmed the man while sipping the foam of his cappuccino. “I remember when they put up Red Chair, there was just a few of us on the trails, we were so spoiled. There was only 4 or 5 lifts at that time… and how many today?”

”37.” I answered.

“37 chairs!” exclaimed the man.

“And a lot more people!” I smiled.

“I bet. That’s a reason why we left. Whistler was becoming more of an extravagant resort town rather than the home it has become to us in the recent years.”

“Where did you go after?” I permitted myself to ask.

The man looked at his wife and I could glimpse a timelapse of memories going from eyes to eyes. He explained that they moved to the lower mainland, close to the city, and found jobs there. Her as a teacher and he as a construction worker. And after a couple of years they purchased a home. “That was back in 1998 when houses weren’t in the six figures,” he explained, “but then we realized that we weren’t ready to settle down. So we sold the house and bought a sailboat. We sailed all the way to Mexico and moored there for a couple of years. Some of the best years of our lives.”

Their complicity enlightened the obscurity of the rainy day. They shared stories of their time spent on the Mexican coast, living the life of aliens, making hand made crafts from recycled debris, teaching English to adults and kids, helping building small villages and schools, all in exchange of supplies and food.

“We didn’t have any mortgage to pay, or kids to feed, or job to attend. We were free.” he smiled to his wife.

“But freedom isn’t eternal?” I doubted.

“No it’s not. That’s why after a few years, when the mooring fees drastically increased we decided to sail back to Canada,” he said. “And we were ok with that. We knew we didn’t want to raise our future kids in the city so we sold the boat and found ourselves a beach house on the Sunshine Coast and started a beautiful family.”

“No more sailing?” I dared to ask.

There was something about his smile and the quietness of his wife that made the couple a very mysterious kind. I wanted them to talk about their adventures all day. I didn’t want them to leave.

“At our age now,” responded the man after finishing his last sip of coffee, “sailing in open ocean is really exhausting and expensive. But we did get a smaller sailboat and cruise around the Gulf Islands. Valerie and I opened a small craft store. We don’t make a lot, but plenty to afford what we need.”

That was it: “what we need”. A concept that Whistler has buried long ago under tourism development and big buildings and amenities to satisfy a world based on wants. But that wise gentlemen and his timid wife had all they needed: health, food, shelter, wind, and each other.

10 Easy Camping Food

Published on August 29, 2013August 17, 2022 by CapucineLeave a comment

If you browsed my blog recently, you might have noticed that I have been enjoying the great outdoors frequently this summer. Just like travelling, camping is for me a way of connecting with the nature and reconnecting with myself. After a long busy week at work, I find comfort in the wilderness. But camping isn’t just a nature occurrence, it could also be a culinary experience.

For those who are tired of the classic wiener on a bun, here are 10 easy camping food to prepare at home (for most of the recipes I haven’t included measures since I like to go freestyle when I cook):

1. Mexican Breakfast ***Pair with a Ceasar***

8436108109_8ba785924e_n — Photo taken from http://www.cookorgreenic.com

My brother introduced me this flavouring Mexican dish at my first wild camping adventure out West when I was 15. It stayed one of my favourite since. No preparation needed, except for the guacamole.

Ingredients:

Tortillas
Cheddar cheese
Refried beans
Sour cream
Salsa
Homemade guacamole

Prepare the guacamole in advance. Put cheese and refried beans on tortilla, then fold in 2. Place on BBQ grill until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. Garnish of a generous portion of salsa, sour cream and guacamole. You could add an egg on top as well.

2. Omelette with Pan-fried Potatoes ***Pair with a coffee Bailey’s***

Cobb-Salad-241x300 — Photo taken from http://www.thedailymuse.com

This earthy meal is easy to prepare and will wake you up nicely.

Omelette ingredients:

Your favourite fresh vegetables
Eggs
Milk
Cheese (I use cheddar or feta)
Cooked bacon (could also be ham)
Salt and pepper

Chop the veggies, cheese and meat. In a bowl, beat the eggs and milk. In a Mason jar, combine all dry ingredients together. In a second Mason jar, put the liquid mixture. Once at your outdoor kitchen in the woods, pour the content of the 2 jars in a hot pan and cook just the way you like it.

Pan-fried potatoes ingredients:

Red russet potatoes
Onion
Green onion
seasonings

Cut potatoes in half and boil until tender, but still a bit crunchy. Place in a plastic container and toss in olive oil and seasonings. All you need to do is to pan fry until nice and crispy!

Another alternative to this recipe is to put the omelette and hashbrowns in a wrap with sour cream and salsa. It makes a delicious breakfast wrap!

3. Mini-quiches ***Pair with a homemade Sparkling White Wine Sangria***

Either for breakfast, snack or dinner, these mini-quiches are a real treat!

Ingredients:

Mini-quiches shells (I use Tenderflake)
Eggs
Milk
Bacon (or ham)
Frozen spinach
Feta
Cheddar
Salt and pepper

Cook the bacon, then chop in small pieces. Unfreeze and drain spinach. Cut feta in small cubes. Beat eggs and milk together, add salt and pepper. Mix the bacon, spinach and cheese to the egg mixture and pour the filling in defrosted shells. Shred some cheddar cheese on top. Follow to instructions for cooking.

4. Ham & Cheese Waffles ***Pair with a Mimosa***

You need a waffle maker for this one.

Ingredients:

3 eggs
2 cups milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups shredded cheese
3/4 cup cubed cooked ham or bacon

Beat eggs, milk and oil in a bowl. Combine flour, baking powder and salt, add to egg mixture and beat until smooth. Add cheese and meat. Pour in waffle maker and cook until brown and crispy. Once cooled down, you can store the waffles in aluminum paper. Place them on the BBQ grill until well toasted. Butter up and put maple syrup. Serve with a fruit salad. You’ve got yourself a delicious sweet and salty delicatessen.

5. C.H.E.L.T Croissants ***Pair with a Cider or a Stout***

breakfast-sammy-wp — Photo taken from http://www.babyhedgehogs.wordpress.com

My boyfriend’s favourite!

Ingredients:

Croissants
Cheese (Brie is phenomenal in this)
Ham (for optimum pleasure, substitute for prosciutto)
Eggs
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Mayo

Don’t need to give you directions here. Pretty simple. But make sure you toast the whole package on the BBQ grill. Yum!

6. Antipasto Platter ***Pair with a Pinot Grigio or Dolcetto***

So much to say here! But I’ll link those recipes to awesome food website. Here are some ideas for when the sun is hot in the afternoon and you want a light snack, or to open your appetite before dinner. Plus in camping, we always eat.

Ingredients:

Hummus
Artichoke dip
Selection of cured meat
Assorted of olives (don’t forget the blue cheese stuffed olives)
Marinated vegetables
Selection of cheeses
Bread
Crackers
Crudities

7. Marinated Thai Chicken Shish-kabob with Green Bean Salad ***Pair with a Gewürztraminer***

My mom’s recipe, a true finger licking dish.

beef-shish-kabob-recipes-t3-intro — Photo taken from http://www.tasteofbbq.com

Thai chicken ingredients:

Chicken
Fish sauce
Oil
Garlic
Cumin powder
Coriander
Curry powder
Sambal oelek
Maple syrup (or brown sugar)

Cut the chicken in bite sizes. Pour all ingredients in a dish plate. Make sure the chicken is all submerged. Cover and refrigerate all night. Place on sticks (if wooden sticks make sure they soaked prior in water). Place in Ziploc bag. Cook on BBQ.

phpThumb_generated_thumbnail — Photo and part of recipe taken from http://www.chow.com

Green bean salad ingredients:

Finely chopped shallot
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
Minced garlic clove
Haricots verts
Grainy Dijon mustard
Salt and fresh ground pepper
Olive oil
Fresh parsley

Cook the shallot, vinegar, and garlic in a pan. Prepare the beans by cutting the stem end off of each, then boil in salted water. When the shallot mixture is ready, add the mustard and add salt and pepper. Add the oil in a slow, steady stream. Stir in the capers. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed; set aside. When the beans are cooked, drain and add to mixture. Toss well. Put in a plastic container and refrigerate. Serve as a succulent side with the Thai chicken.

8. Grilled Prawns with Orzo Salad ***Pair with unoaked Chardonnay***

3849723086_80615890c9_o — Photo took from http://www.figandcherry.com

Marinated prawns ingredients:

Prawns (or shrimps if preferred)
Garlic
Lemon or lime juice
White wine (if you are a fan of prawns, I’m sure there’s some kicking around)
Salt and pepper

Marinate the crustacea in oil, garlic and salt and pepper (you can place them on sticks if you want them as skewers, make sure again to soak the wooden sticks in water prior). Ceil in Ziploc bag and refrigerate overnight. When you are ready to feast, add the citrus juice and the white wine to the bag and mix well. Wrap the prawns in foil paper and place on BBQ grill until cooked the way you like (just a few minutes). Or place directly on grill if they are on sticks.

Orzo salad:

166474_10150120679512437_753327436_7677735_4653842_n — Photo taken from http://www.maeskitchen.com

I always have this side dish during Christmas and Thanksgiving and it’s been so delicious that I modified it a bit and started to add it to our camping menu.

Ingredients:

Orzo
Frozen spinach
Feta cheese
Walnuts
Bacon
Dried cranberries
Oil
Salt and pepper

Cook orzo. Chop bacon and cook. Toast walnuts. Once the orzo is cooked, drain and let it cool down. Then add all ingredients together in a large bowl and mix well. Add oil to the salad so it doesn’t sticks. Add salt and pepper. Place in plastic container. Yummy side dish that is as good heated or cold (I prefer it cold).

9. Pasta ***Pair with a Shiraz***

320 — Photo taken from http://www.bravetart.com

A lot of people don’t think about bringing pasta in camping. But it’s actually very easy to make with no preparation needed (unless you want to add extra to it).

Ingredients:

Ravioli or tortellini of your choice
Sauce of your choice

Boil water in a pot and cook ravioli for 6-8 min. Add sauce. I even add some cured meat from my antipasto platter and add some cheese on top. Voila!

10. Papillote ***Pair with a Malbec***

A bit of preparation at home and a bit of time to cook, but once you dig in it, I assure you that you won’t be able to stop.

Ingredients:

Yams
Potatoes
Onion
Garlic
Brocoli
Mushrooms
Cheese (I use cheddar, my boyfriend uses Velveta cheese)
Sausages
Butter
Seasonings

Cut the vegetables in bite sizes. Take the sausage meat out of the skins. In a large piece of foil paper, place the vegetables, sausage meat, squared pieces of butter and cheese. Combine everything together. Season well. Foil the paper and refrigerate. Just before dinner time, place the papillote in the BBQ (you could also put it straight on the fire). Cook 30-40 min or until everything is soft and hot. This savoury and juicy meal will bring comfort and warmth after a full day playing outside.

Bon Appetit!

Note: I am not a food blogger and these recipes are just ideas I share with you. Also, I lost my recent pictures on my phone hence the few pictures taken from the Internet. I hope you enjoyed and I wish you a happy end of summer!

Rainbow Lake – Whistler, BC

Published on August 8, 2013September 12, 2023 by CapucineLeave a comment

Summer has been magnificent so far with suns sparkling the forecast everyday and warm, pleasant temperatures reaching 30˚C each afternoon. Rain was needed and so it did for a couple of days, just enough to soak the dryness of the forest and revive the grass and trees of their pure lush greens.

It is wildflower season and it is the perfect time to undertake a hike. There are so many wonderful options here in the Sea-to-Sky corridor, from Squamish to D’arcy, from short easy hikes, to strenuous day hikes, to multi-day hikes. Unfortunately, most of them are part of provincial parks, like Garibaldi Park, or are drinking water supply areas so dogs are not allowed on the trails. There are also regulations for camping and swimming at certain spots. Make sure you read all signs and recommendations before you start your alpine excursion.

I called Claudel on Friday morning and see if she could come up from Squamish and meet me in Whistler. I haven’t seen her in a while and I missed her down-to-earth, calm and wise personality. She is also a huge nature lover and studies Fish, Wildlife and Recreation at BCIT. She is the perfect partner for this hiking mission. She agreed to meet me on Monday morning.

We decided to go to the Rainbow Lake Trail, a 16km round-trip hike reaching 850m in 8km. We also decided to bring the dogs, as you are allowed to do so until the intake and then you have to maintain them on leash (I would’ve felt guilty otherwise to sweat for 16km without my dogs).

We travelled up the trail through a forest of Western Red Cedars, Black Spruces, Lodgepole Pines, Douglas firs and Western Hemlocks, traversing wooden platforms over marshlands. The essence of nature was fresh and earthy. Claudel stopped here and there, picking up wild ginger from the soil and identifying some leaves and pieces of bark from the trees.

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The well-marked trail was easy to follow and was also well-maintained. However, the mosquitos and flies kept sticking to our sudor as soon as we paused to catch our breath. So we continued moving at a steady pace (gosh I’m not in shape!).

We passed a beautiful waterfall where we stopped in the breeze and let our drinking water slide through our dehydrated throats. Half way there!

After perspiration, bug bites, heart pumping and thighs burning, we arrived to our destination. We have reached the summit and found the tranquil alpine lake peacefully resting in the middle of a garden of wildflowers, surrounded by mountains peeking through a baldachin forest.

We ended up spending 3 hours atop, laying in a bed of wildflowers sipping on rewarding mimosas between buzzes of bugs and bees. We conversed about life: the things we have accomplished, the things we want to achieve. Life surely goes by fast and there is so much left to undertake. And that Monday of late July we attained that summit.

Just like life, a little of determination, courage and commitment can bring you to the top. Keep pushing yourself, even if it itches. It’s never supposed to be easy. Don’t give up, because once you arrive on top, you know you have succeeded. And that feeling is unique to yourself, because only you know how hard you worked for it. Enjoy it. Embrace it. And don’t forget to smell the roses along way 😉

What to pack:

Water bottle
Lunch (sandwich, fruits, granola bar, nuts, etc.)
Towel
Bathing suit
Sunscreen
Mosquito repellent
Flashlight
Lighter
Whistle
Bear bells

* Don’t forget you only want to pack the necessary. It might be a long haul. However, always leave room for the sparkling 😉

What to wear:

Good hiking shoes
Sunglasses
Hat
Comfortable clothes

Information websites and lists of trails in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor:

www.clubtread.com

http://www.mountainguru.com

http://www.seatoskytrail.ca

Happy trails everyone!

The Road to Home

Published on July 19, 2013July 19, 2013 by CapucineLeave a comment

As soon as flight AA1746 from Grand Cayman landed its wheels on the wet tarmac of Vancouver’s International airport, a double spiral of anxiety and excitement swirled inside my guts. Delicate sleet danced softly toward the ground. I disembarked the craft and followed a crowd of Asian-Canadian passengers. The scents of Tim Horton’s fresh coffee and sugar donuts was an enticing welcome.

The walk towards the exit seemed for ever long. I was so excited to see him, and the snow, and the mountains. He stood motionless in the middle of a time-lapsed crowd, holding a bouquet of honeysuckles. I knew nothing would have really changed, even after nearly two years of my being away on an island but still, the beard on his face made me feel like I had been forever gone.

“The city never snows. Only for you”, he said.

We drove through the city, entering the pumping heart of downtown. The workers in the food stalls on Granville St. were hustling to keep up with the hungry mass and the smells of smokey hot-dogs grilling on charcoals and sweet crepes being poured on hot rocks made me salivate on my car seat. And as the evening crowd started to assemble on the outdoor heated patios of Robson St., the consumers struggled on the sidewalk overburdened with shopping bags. The homeless were curled up at each corners with a collection of decrepit winter supplies.

When we arrived at the entrance of Lions Gate Bridge, I looked through the fogged windshield and glimpsed at the two lions sculptures standing strong and tall. Their 2010 Olympic red scarfs floated in the cold wind. Behind, the porch lights of the houses of the North Shore started to glimmer against the dark mountains. Below, the cargo boats slowly pursued their path.

We drove north on winding Highway 99 into the steep and rugged Coast mountains. The snow stopped, revealing the rays of a late autumn sunset reflecting on the Pacific ocean. We made our way through the Sea-to-Sky corridor, driving by past ancient volcanoes, dramatic valleys, snowcapped mountains and gleaming ocean. Sailboats caught the last beam of light on the turquoise waters of the fjord of Howe Sound. A scenic journey through picturesque landscape of familiar grounds.

As we passed the port town of Squamish, a cloud covered the sky, sending glittering snow and leaving a delicate white veil on the asphalt. Soon enough we were in a magical tunnel of snowflakes climbing into paradise.

It was a dark night when we arrived, however the village was a shimmer of colourful lights. Children wearing oversized Canucks jerseys were having a snowball fight in the public square. Honeymooners strolled through the village, holding hands and licking chocolate chip ice cream cones from Cow’s. An extensive family from Mexico was sitting on a bench by Zog’s sipping hot chocolates and savouring delicious BeaverTail sweet delicatessens.

He held my hand and, as the snow continued to glitter the little resort town of Whistler, he looked into my eyes and said: “Welcome home”.

The Return Home: What Would Have Been If…

Published on July 8, 2013September 12, 2023 by Capucine2 Comments

Since I have been back home, living the sedentary life of a worker, I have had many thoughts about what could have been if I would have chosen another destination after I left Cayman. I thought of Australia, working in a fancy beach resort, or Switzerland working at a classy ski resort, or even try the south of France and search for work on luxurious boats. But my mind was set on Whistler, at least for then. To recharge batteries. To refresh my soul. To reconnect with the people who knows me best. To soak in the comfort of familiarity in the place I would never be alone.

But here I am sitting today thinking what could have been if I chose another way? I could be working by the Great Barrier of Reef living the life ”down unda”, or I could be travelling Europe after completing a ski season in the Alps, or I could be working my butt off on some rich yachts pocketing the big dough while sailing around the Mediterranean… A lot of different things could have been, but how would I know?

I am fortunate enough to have a life full of choices: the choice of schools, the choice of clothes, the choice of friends, the choice of paths. Many children still in today’s world only have one choice: the one to survive. So I try my best to grab every opportunity that I can and live up to them. When I got that phone call to go to Cayman in 2011, I hesitated at first and am so glad I took the offer. To burst the bubble and explore the outside world was so far the best experience I ever had. Travelling is one thing, because you have a return date, therefore you know you are coming back. But living abroad is jumping in an obscure ocean filled with uncertainties and unknown. And that’s the best feeling. I remember that feeling while, in 2003, I left my hometown and travelled 5,000km by bus to Canada’s opposite coast. I learned English and developed a true passion for travelling. Indeed I’ve trotted many roads since, but I’ve stayed here the most. Now that I am back, I have difficulties to commit to anything. I got rid of most of my large belongings prior to Cayman and now, I’m afraid to get a new car, or a new bike or a stable job. I’m still afraid to unpack my boxes. I am afraid of catching up on a routine that will confirm a sedentary existence. And then I realized: how can I commit to here when I always have a foot in the door? I want to taste different lifestyles. I have to keep working on creating the next chapters in this book of life.

So what would have been if I didn’t choose to come back home? I don’t know. I can’t predict the future or create a different present. This is it right now and I am grateful for the things and people that surround me. But I am currently working on future projects that will satisfy my needs. Because I can.

Wilderness Pleasures

Published on May 13, 2013September 12, 2023 by CapucineLeave a comment

It is a Monday in early May. A late peaceful afternoon. I am sitting in the boat, parked on its trailer in the driveway of my house, laptop on my thighs. My dog is laying on the bow. I watch cars pass by, kids on their bikes, cats tempting the grass. The air is warm and the smell is beautiful. My other dog attempts to chase a bird that keeps stealing her nuggets in her bowl. I sip on a local apple cider and contemplate life. I am inspired by my surroundings and I type. …Hold on, why am I sitting on the boat on a trailer in the driveway? Why not…

As excited wild campers, we went out camping at the lake for the first time of the year 2 weeks ago. It was a cold, windy, gusty, overcast and rainy late April weekend, but who cares? Certainly not me. I am a passionate traveller always striving for new adventures and this is why I chose the Canadian West Coast as my home. British Columbia has all what it needs to satisfy my spirit when I am not on the road overseas. From the mountains to the ocean, from the forests to the lakes, there is never a dull moment for all summer outdoor enthusiasts: ski the glacier, mountain bike down the gnarliest trail, hike to the peak of a mountain, wakeboard the glacier lakes, fish on the ocean, surf on the island, go camping… It is indeed, one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

We went out again last weekend, spending 3 days in the wilderness. The sun was hot, the water was a mirror. It was a premature summer weekend offering us a very revitalizing lake to freshen up between our sessions of Vitamin E. The weather was unusual for this time of the year, but much needed and very much enjoyed. The calm water was inviting. I strapped the wakeboard under my feet and carved my turns along the wave. I looked up high and felt the sun on my face. I looked around and admired the views of 9000′ mountain peaks reflecting perfectly on the pristine water. There is no where else I’d rather glide.

Anderson Lake is a recreational paradise located 1 hour north of Whistler. As religious campers, we make it our destination weekly, rain or shine. This weekend, our 3rd camping trip, had rain in the forecast. So we brought extra tarps and rain jackets.The spot we regularly attend to is a place we found a few years ago and decided to make our home. The boys built a rock wall and a fireplace, flatted some spots to put the tents, attached anchors for the boats, even created a landscape around to make it cozy. There is an outdoor ”kitchen”, an outdoor ” living room”, and room for 10 ”bedrooms”. Oh and the outdoor ”bathroom” is definitely the best seat in the house! It is a home, far away from home, far away from televisions and cellphones, where one connects to the other, where soul meets nature. If you want to look for adventure, there are a few waterfalls to hike to and enjoy the view. If you feel more like a rural exploration, you can boat to the village nearby and walk to the only pub in town. Seton Portage is a historic rural community located at the north of Anderson Lake. A few orchards, small farms, one pub. Indulge on a homemade poutine, sip on a bevy and play a game of pool or darts. Get some supplies if needed.

Of course, like everything else, camping is not an activity that everyone enjoys, however, you need to try it before refusing the offer. Myself, I like to get dirty and wash off in a cold lake, I like to fish for dinner, I like to share stories by a bonfire, I like to fall asleep under the stars, I like to wake up to the chanting of the birds, I like to peacefully admire the mountains reflecting symmetrically on the mirror waters, I like to feel the early sun shying behind the trees, I like to sit there for minutes, for hours, for days… Camping for me is a way to splurge into the moment.

Winter surely departed, leaving behind left over snow on the top of our dear rocky mountains. The sun has arrived and is not shy to shine. Sunny bright days and a glorious forecast to stay, might be the joy for all dreaming about summer glow and a sun-kissed tan. I am looking forward to biking the trails with the dogs, cruising the highway along the mountains window down, wind in the hair, or to go canoeing down a river with friends, but most of all, I am looking forward for the next retreat in the wilderness and escape the hustle and bustle of my little town.

If you ever feel stressed, tired or simply out of energy, consider a camping getaway. Connecting with nature will re-boost yourself and revitalize your senses. It might be all you need: a cure found in our beloved nature.