News from Whistler

On Monday I will have been in Canada for exactly half a year. For me, it feels like I just arrived yesterday. Time flies, especially when you feel comfortable and can constantly collect new impressions.

I have already been in Whistler for an incredible 4 months. However, next week I will have to say goodbye. The time here has been incredibly good. Skiing and snowboarding are still fun even on the 45th day. The farewell will not be easy, but I am leaving with a good ending. What have I been up to in the last few months...?

January was very dark, cold, and gray. I used the time to work a lot. Due to the night shift, I actually saved a lot of money because there was simply no time to spend money. February and March were and are very sunny, which is also noticeable in the mood among the workers and guests. Besides work, I went skiing a lot and will have spent almost 50 days on the slopes by the end of next week :).

The night shift ended last week. In addition to the four regular shifts during the week, I always worked a fifth day, evening, or night shift to replenish the travel fund. In retrospect, I do not regret working at night at all. I now work during the day and cannot go skiing on my work days, which also means that I do more and different things after work and spend more money. Still a good change, as you can chat with guests and other workers during the day (gossip, haha;)). In January, I was promoted to Senior Lead. Actually, not much has changed in terms of work, but I got 2 dollars more per hour. I have already said goodbye to my boss and she has also offered me the opportunity to come back to Whistler to work anytime.

In addition to all the travelers from all over the world and the Canadian workers, I have also worked with a member of the so-called First Nation in the past few days. The indigenous people often live in reserves. My co-worker J-P explained to me that there are still many problems between the different cultures, but official efforts are being made to promote cultural value and exchange. In Whistler, there is a large museum and many signs also display the place names in their language. However, there are still reservations on a personal level. The last school for re-education was only closed in the 90s, which is why his generation belongs to the first "free" generation, according to J-P. The First Nations do not pay income tax, but only if they have an employer in their reservation. J-P works for the mountain and is treated the same as all other Canadians. Sometimes reserves are located on heavily traveled routes between larger cities. It is worthwhile for the residents to open businesses in such cases.

During the last two weeks, I take it easy and do a lot in and around Whistler. At the beginning of the week, I was at the Whistler Olympic Park. It is half an hour south and a bit higher. Biathlon, cross-country skiing, and ski jumping competitions were held here. I have been there for the second time to do cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The landscapes are as beautiful, lonely, and expansive as always.

Many describe Whistler as a kind of bubble. You enter this small community and perceive very little around you. The weeks always follow the same pattern. Many guests on the weekends, many staff parties and offers during the week, always the same faces and the same routine. Actually, a very nice time, but it is time to leave the bubble and explore the rest of the country.

The travel fund paid off with a car with which I will go on a big tour next Saturday. Jordan from Australia will drive with me and if Corona does not close the Canadian border, friends and family will join later on. So, I am a little sad to leave, but I am also incredibly excited about the trip through Canada and little detours to the USA as far as possible ;).

Oh yes, and since yesterday, toilet paper and noodles are finally sold out here too. The ski resort has been closed for next week.