I've been in Vancouver for six months now, so am long overdue for an update. Whenever I'm in a new place, I pride myself on my observational skills and social commentary, regardless of the minimal sample size of data I may have to work with. (i.e. I enjoy making unsubstantiated sweeping statements about foreign cultures). So what's it's like to live in Vancouver? Well, it's a bit like dating a supermodel. You're happy about the beauty, concerned about the expense and you're perhaps oddly getting less sex than normal. On the bright side, there's seems to be lush greenery everywhere, snowcapped...

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5 months ago, I quit working on cruise ships. After that, I used a Eurail pass to go around Europe. 7 weeks later, I flew to Vancouver. The next day, I took the Amtrak down to San Francisco. Then I headed to Black Rock City for Burning Man. It was a busy summer. After that, I returned to Vancouver...and re-entered the real world. That was three months ago. Yes, it's been that long since I last posted. I know, I know, it's a bit awkward now. It's like texting someone weeks after hooking up, going "hey baby, wanna go to the Aquarium'?". Obviously, you're not sure what to think now. Is this...

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I went to Burning Man for the first time in 2010 and loved it. I was lucky to be part of an established camp, The Lost Penguins. Being part of a camp is definitely the way to go. It's costs more as you contribute money to setting up camp but the benefits of being part of a community is manifold. I even volunteered to go early to help set up. It's surreal to see a city rise from the sand in only 3 days. I'm not going to lie and say it changed my life or anything like that but I had lots of fun. However, I can understand how it may do for people who haven't had the chance to travel extensively...

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Here's my packing list for Burning Man: Camping Gear - air mattress - sheets & blanket (or sleeping bag) - pillow - large tent (you need something comfortable to live in for a week) -tarp (to shade the tent) - carpet for tent (the desert ground gets super cold at night) - long metal bars for tent (to avoid the tent from flying away in a storm) - water bottle - strappy thing for water bottle - cup - bowl - fork - spoon - eye mask - ear plugs Clothes & Accessories - goggles (sunglasses aren't as effective in dust storms) - dust mask - scarf - costumes - t-shirts -...

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