Whistler, British Columbia, Canada | Winter 2008
Oh Whistler, how you made 5 months pass within the blink of an eye. Working as a lift operator at the worlds top ski resort had its fair shares of up and downs. Waking up at 5:30 am to go work in minus 20 degree weather was a downer but getting to see the sunrise at the top of Blackcomb four days a week was a definite up. I made unforgettable friends from around the globe and have countless couches to crash on in the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Even though the 08-09 season wasn’t the best ever, I still did some of the best boarding of my life! Getting fresh tracks down Glacier, Flute Bowl, and Spanky’s was insane. The nightlife was out of control and hit me like a freight train. Every night there was something to do from house parties to nightclubs. Within the blink of an eye 5 months had passed and the season was winding down. Ill never forget the people and experiences I had in Whistler and feel truly lucky to have experienced the mountain life style in Whistler. I understand why people say “you’ll do it for a season and still be here twenty years later!”
London, United Kingdom | Summer 2006
During the summer of 2006, I had the opportunity to participate in a five week extended study program in London with Cal Poly's Graphic Communication Department. The experience was life changing to say the least. We rented out five flats in West Minister, right next to Little Vince. There were old pub’s in a five minute walking distance and a tube stop within one block. Public transportation in London is amazing. It truly made me realize how much Americans depend on cars to get around and how wasteful it is. The tube could take me anywhere in London fast and without the stress of driving. It was really like a dream living in London for those few weeks. Coming from a small town I never though that I would like the city life, but after this experience I’m definitely open to the notion of living in a big city for a few years.
Dublin, Ireland | Summer 2006
During my extended study in London with Cal Poly, we had four day weekends which gave us the opportunity to travel. One of my weekend adventures was Dublin. A place where Guinness is the cheapest beer on tap is my kind of place! I couldn’t believe my ears when I asked the bartender “give what ever is the cheapest… I’m traveling” and a pint of Guinness was placed in front of me. While I was in the incredible city I partied in Temple Bar, toured the Guinness Factory, and by chance saw the Dublin LGBTQ Pride Parade.
Edinburgh, Scotland | Summer 2006
Part of the extended study program included visiting print factories in Scotland. So I casually dropped by Edinburgh to check the scene out. The streets are filled with history, culture, and excitement. Around every corner there’s a neat shop or sketchy pub in a dark alley. You can feel how old the city is and its history. By mere coincidence I got to see “The Rat Race” which is a physical and mental adventure challenge that uses the cityscape as its playground. I also made a journey out to Lock Lomond (unfortunately Lock Ness was too far) and hiked through some of Scotland’s spectacular country.
Amsterdam, Netherlands | Summer 2006
From Vincent Van Go to the coffee shops, this is one of the most exciting cities I have ever visited. Just the people watching at two in the morning was some of the finest I have ever done. You can spend an entire day just lounging in the park enjoying the perfect weather, hop on a bike to go the nearest café, or cruz to Anne Frank’s house. Nightlife is rich with diversity, street performers grace every corner, and amazing food can be found anywhere. Could you ask for more? Everything from the architecture to street culture makes this one of my favorite cities in the world.
Rome-Vince-Amalfi,Italy | Summer 2006
Word of advice… it takes more than six days to travel Italy and just because you have train ticket doesn’t mean you will get a seat. While I saw some of the most incredible architecture such as the Coliseum and Vatican or the canals of Venice, sleeping on the floor of the walk isle for an eleven-hour train ride took some of the splendor out of it. Not to mention our group was on a seriously tight budget so we opted not to get hostel in Venice for the first night… and just ruff it on the steps of the Grand Canal. To top it all off, the weather is some of the most extreme I have ever encountered. In Venice, it would be 110 degrees in the day with about 95% humidity. At night there would be torrential thunderstorms and lighting striking no more than 100 feet away from you. At dinner we would be enjoying our canal side dinner table sipping on some premier Chianti (or whatever we could afford) and by desert we were sitting on the docks without umbrellas taking in the warm downpour. At least it was a free shower. Definitely check out the pub-crawls if you’re into bar hoping. It’s some serious fun.
New Zealand | Summer of 2003
Have you ever watched Bruce Brown’s classic surf film “Endless Summer”? If you haven’t … shame on you! If you have, remember that spot in New Zealand with the insanely long left point break? Been there, done that, and I am definitely going back! I felt right at home in this amazing country and in the water. It’s rough, cold, and graced with endless amounts of secrete surf spots. You just have to know when and where just like Big Sur.
Gold Coast | Australia
Having Nancy Emerson, ranked #3 in women’s longboarding at one point, guiding you through the Gold Coast, was a surfers gold mind. I surfed everywhere up and down the gold coast from secret spots to the infamous Super Banks and Snappers. Sun, fun, and surf makes this place heaven for surfer and partygoers. To bad I wasn’t 18 when I went!
