Chapter six 🚽

First of all, I forgot to apply for my Canadian SIN number and an account while spending the days with the potatoes. So, I spontaneously decided to quickly visit a Canada Service Center, as I was somewhat familiar with the area by now. I dropped off my luggage at the hostel and strolled along Pender Street. As so often in the past few days, a certain nervousness washed over me. I once again had no idea what to expect, and in the past week, I had stepped out of my comfort zone more times than I had in my 28 years combined. You could say I’m now a pro at being ‘uncomfortable’.

Once there, I had to find the right room and asked the 'concierge' at the entrance. I understood half of what he said, but nonetheless found the right room – skillful as ever! At the counter, I checked in and was called after about ten minutes. A middle-aged man greeted me, radiating a pleasant 'dad aura'. We talked a lot, including the fact that he is usually used to someone starting a work-and-travel adventure at 18 or in their early 20s.

I explained to him how my last few years had been, and that I hadn’t really thought about such a trip back then, as I had to manage my life and it wasn’t financially possible at the time. I told him that I always had to pay for everything myself (driver's license, car, first apartment, etc.) and never really had any financial support to afford such a trip in my youth. There are many things you don’t think about beforehand that cost money. Just a lot of little things. Still, I feel like the timing is just right. Today, I can handle challenges and manage various situations better than I could at 20. I find solutions more quickly and can approach things more pragmatically. The downside is perhaps that I sometimes overthink things and am not as open or naive as one might be when traveling. Sometimes, it’s important to just leap into the unknown and let things take their course – like the potatoes you harvest with a smile, even if you had to work hard for it! (I’ve never harvested potatoes, but I like that anecdote).

I talked a lot with my Canada Service substitute dad, and in the end, I left with my SIN number and a 'Prove your English Skills, good luck' to take with me. However, I decided against opening a Canadian bank account, as I already had a Canadian banking connection set up through Wise in Germany. Yay! In such matters, I’m really quite organized, and I was really quite satisfied with myself. (Yes, Leonie, you could give me some praise too)

My journey from Vancouver to Whistler began. However, it took a little time to find the bus stop – as I mentioned in 'Chapter two', I had issues finding the bus stops. This time I had to get my ticket via my mobile phone and couldn’t pay directly on the bus as usual. Since I was a bit confused about the bus schedule, I felt a little lost for a moment. But, as often here in Canada, the bus driver was extremely friendly.

Speaking of which, did you know you should thank the bus driver when you get off? I find this gesture very appreciative. After a 2.5-hour bus ride, I called out “Thank you” towards the front as I exited. It felt nice to create this little connection, even if it was just a simple thanks. Such moments make traveling special and show that kindness is appreciated everywhere.

With my heavy suitcase and backpack, I headed to my private accommodation, which I had rented for two days to have some time for myself. Since I mentioned it in the last chapter, here’s a brief summary again: Overall, I really enjoyed the private accommodation. I could dive into my thoughts, write my chapters, turn up the music, dance and sing, without worrying that my roommate would be disturbed. The rest, however, is now under wraps. Except for my underwear and toilet story.

The funny thing was that my underwear nearly sank into the bathtub! There’s no partition at the drain, as it goes straight through. I imagined my underwear having a little swimming party while I tried to save it. Also, the toilet flush stopped working, and since I had to pay a deposit here, I decided to fix it myself. Luckily, it was just the chain that connects the flush that had come off. Still, I had to reach into the gross water, and my fingers felt like Hulk's claws with this mini chain, as it was hardly graspable. It was a bit like a race against time – I felt like an action hero searching for treasure in a dirty water trench. The rest you can imagine – I managed it, but I was glad there were no spectators!