The last 6 1/2 months living out in the middle of nowhere has been fantastic. As with all things in life there are good things and bad things, but overall this experience was wonderful and something that I will never forget. I've loved the people I've met, the opportunities I've had and not to mention the absolutely incredible places I've seen & experienced. However, the time has come for me to begin the next part of my Canadian journey. I packed my life up into the back of my car and left the Icefield for the last time. It didn't feel strange at the time, because I'm used to getting away on weekends and going on adventures. It still doesn't feel like I've truly left yet...
I headed to Canmore, only a few hours South of the Icefield, and this gorgeous little town surrounded by mountains will be my home for the next portion of my time in Canada. I will no longer be driving giant 6 wheeled, 30 tonne, 56 seat Terra Busses on a glacier...I'm going back to what I'm used to.
My new role is actually for the same company I've been working for since I got to Canada, however instead of working directly with guests as a tour guide, I will be working in the Marketing Team as the Social Media Coordinator for Pursuit Banff Jasper.
At the time I'm writing this I am still not 100% sure what this role will actually involve, so I'll update you more on that another time. My new job starts on November 12th, so I have a little bit of time up my sleeve before I begin my new job. With this extra time I decided it would be a good idea to go and visit some friends that I have't seen in a very long time. Back in University, I met 3 awesome Americans (at different times throughout uni) and while I'm in Canada, the United States is much closer to me than it is back in Australia...
So, currently what you're reading I was writing this on my flight from Calgary (Canada) to Minnesota (USA). This is my first stop where I'll be seeing two awesome friends. This will also be my first time visiting the United States so I am pretty excited.
Before boarding my flight I was "randomly selected" for some extra security checks. I had to remove a few extra clothing items than normal, stand in a strange x-ray tube and have machines spin around me scanning me for anything suspicious, I was then patted down by a very large security guard and taken to another section where my backpack, camera bag and everything else was opened and thoroughly inspected, checked out and swabbed.
It was one of those strange situations where you are scared of whats in your possession, even when you've done nothing wrong...the same as being pulled over by the Police.
The people who were in charge of this process were actually super nice, very chatty and the guy who went through all my baggage with me laughed when he realised I was Australian. "Trump must dislike Australians, what did you do to him?" He joking said while he chuckled to himself. Apparently a lot of Australians travelling to the US lately have been "randomly selected" for these checks. At least he found the process funny I suppose....
After I got through security I had 3hrs to spend in the Airport (I was super early because of the bus schedules which ran from Canmore to Calgary Airport). I spent most of the time listening to music, editing photos and making a few changes to my website. With the massive amount of time that I had, I got so distracted that I almost missed my flight. After hearing my name called out on the entire Airports PA system I ran for my gate, and luckily made it just in time. The last person on the plane and I was lucky enough to have a window seat, and no one next to me.
Stay tuned for some more epic updates and what I get up to in America. As per typical Ben style travelling I have nothing planned and no idea what I'll be doing...
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