Thanks for last night sweetie!

Shamus and I had a great night! I picked him up from work and we went to Mountain Equipment Coop for some trip shopping... It was an expensive shopping trip, but naturally I had fun. I got a great new backpack that can hold a hydration reservoir - a must in the South African heat. We also needed to buy the water bag separately.

I also got a long sleeved shirt that has a mesh liner to cover my arms in the sun (I burn easily). Shamus got one too. I also got a tank top that wicks moisture and a pair of board shorts! (In blue) But now I am not sure about the shorts, because would I really swim in them, or did I want them for wearing around town? Oh, crap. Buyer's remorse strikes again.
I got a pair of new shoes too, light trail hikers from Merrell... Shamus is saying we'll have to do a lot of walking on the trip... *gulp*.

Mom found me a cheap 2006 England travel book, I will take a look and see where to stay when we are in London and what to see. So exciting!

We also went out for dinner at COAST Restaurant in Yaletown for Dine Out Vancouver. The food was delicious!! I had the CRAB cakes (jeez, thanks for pointing that one out, Judy!!) to start, a Moroccan spiced lamb sirloin for the main course, and a delightful peanut butter bar with milk chocolate fondue for dessert! I also had a cocktail which I don't remember the name of, it had gin in it and it was so tasty, I didn't even notice it had liquor in it until the room started spinning..... All in all, a great, albeit expensive, night!

More shopping to do!

I asked Shamus to look into seeing if we can leave early and spend a couple of days in London before the rest of the trip (we really wanted to take advantage of the fact that we would be there ANYWAYS... but if the project goes over the 6 weeks, I would likely be heading home early, alone, and I would miss that).

On a related note, we got our travel shots on Friday, I got 4. 2 in each arm and I am SO SORE still! Shamus only got 3 (since I am a nurse, I think I got another one that was good to get anyways) but he actually has a BRUISE on him arm from one of them!

I also placed an order for my travel book through Chapters online (save $10 vs. in store) and I can't WAIT for that to come. Today I went to Lululemon and bought a new pair of crop pants (SOOOooo comfy!) and a moisture wicking sports bra. I had wanted to go to Lush too, but we went to see a movie and by the time the movie was out, Lush was closed. So I will have to go some other time.

Tomorrow, I am picking Shamus up from work and we are going to Mountain Equipment Coop for some necessary shopping. I want to buy a new backpack, maybe sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing. Maybe a big hat. I burn easily. Then we are going to COAST restaurant in Yaletown for Dine Out Vancouver. It's going to be a busy night!

Just practicing adding pics to the blog, this is Shamus and I at my cousin's wedding in September!

A picture of Katse Dam, in Lesotho, where we will be spending some of our time.
A picture of some Lesotho men I found off of the internet.... crazy looking spears!!

Oh, the uncertainty!!

As it turns out, I am leaving for South Africa in 3 weeks! Leaving Feb 8th. Flying from here to London Heathrow, then on to Johannesburg, and to Maseru in Lesotho.
Shamus works for BC Hydro, and they are participating in a transmission project in the country (Lesotho's largest export is electricity). I am able to come along, and I don't think they are going to pay for my flight, so it is costing me a fortune! I was hoping they would hire me on as the First Aid attendant but I am not sure if they will.
It's really cool, because the whole country is up in the mountains and the average elevation is over 1800 m!!!!
I am going to have to take tonnes of pictures!!!

I am still not sure how long I am going for. The project is estimated at 4-6 weeks, and Shamus and I would LOVE to stop for a few days in London on the way home.

Small problem - I got a job the other day at Surrey Memorial. The first available orientation is at the end of February, so I will be gone for that. I am hoping that they will let me do my orientation at the end of March. BUT if the project lasts the full 6 weeks, and we do the London thing for a few days, I might be cutting it close for THAT too.

Well, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. And think of all the shopping I have to do!!!!

Katie