Banff 1.0

I just can't believe how fast time flies. I've been in Banff for almost 4 weeks now, and almost 1/3 of my time in Canada is already over. The first week here, I spent almost all my time looking for a job. I distributed a total of about 50 resumes throughout the city (which is actually quite tiny), went to hotels, restaurants, bars, and more. After almost a week, I had my first success. The Rimrock Resort Hotel invited me for an interview. The job interview was quite businesslike and lasted almost three quarters of an hour, but that was to be expected at a 4-star hotel. About 3 days later, I moved out of the hostel with my big backpack and into the staff accommodation of the hotel. On the first day, I had to sign one form after another until my head was spinning. Then I settled into the 3-bed room a bit, which will be my home for the next few months. Of course, the accommodation is not perfect, with 2 other people in one room and a kitchen in the hallway. Also, the job (housekeeping - or in German: Zimmermädchen) is not exactly a dream job. But I can save money for my next adventure here. The job pays well, the rent is minimal, and I also get free meals twice a day. My roommates are okay, although they are quite silent, and after a good 2 weeks, I can say that the job is actually better than expected. But saving money becomes relative again when you think about the ridiculously expensive seasonal ski pass and all the equipment. So just don't think about it!

What else is new with me? Some of you probably have a big question mark on your forehead because of the pictures above. Yes, I actually bought a car. Actually, I wanted to buy a car in the spring and not in the middle of December. I have always looked around the car market here out of interest and realized that it's a disaster when it comes to converted traveler cars. Then I found this gem and actually just wanted to take a look. Well, then I bought it. The car is a 2005 Dodge Caravan and comes with a bed, camping equipment, and more, making it the perfect road trip car. But for now, it will probably be used as a ski mobile. The only problem with the car: it has already been driven a lot, it has 370,000 km on it, which has caused some rust, small dents, and a stone chip in the windshield. But I got the car incredibly cheap. I may have to invest a little bit, for example, I already bought a new battery, but that's okay. It's just old and wise and has traveled a long way. We have already had our first adventures together with tow trucks and so on... The only thing it needs now is a name. That's where you come in. Come up with something and write to me. I'm looking forward to all your ideas!

Now that Christmas is approaching, I sometimes feel a bit homesick. After all, this year everything will be completely different. I will probably have to work during the holidays and won't really celebrate Christmas or New Year's Eve, but that's okay. I'm already looking forward to next year when I will have my family around me again.

As you can see, things are going well so far. I'm broke now, but I'm proud to be a car owner. I have a job, so I can start saving now. I'll go skiing whenever I can during the winter and explore Banff and the surrounding area. In the spring, I can start the next adventure with my new travel companion. Don't be upset if you hear less from me in the near future. I'll get in touch again as soon as there's something new here.