Vancouver!!!

surprise
Originally uploaded by melissatiro.

I'm back from a wonderful 5 days in Vancouver. What a great long weekend catching up with friends, eating tons of Asian cuisine (sushi, Japanese tapas, dimsum), and a great surprise (more later). Even the crummy weather didn't get in the way of total bliss.

My great hosts (Eileen, Justin and Rosy) were as always amazing, accomodating, lovely and just so much fun. That's 3 consecutive generations of Simon Fraser University LCPs that I consider family. Eileen and I go a long way back from LC VP Finance to the MC. Justin was my CEED and in general, my partner in ghettoness (when are we signing up for the Amazing Race?!). Rosy is the girl that makes me laugh and cry at the drop of a hat. These 3 almost had me convince that it is time to hang up my cowboy hat (and boots) and move to hippie land. ALMOST convinced.

One of the best surprise I've ever had was Goldee's arrival(she is a former AIESEC Phes MCP, and Victoria trainee-- picture above with her, Justin and myself). She was in town for awhile. It was awesome to catch up with her--trying to get as much out of our time together by staying up until 4am just chatting!

Thanks to Celine as well for some Singapore cultural preparation on the ferry ride from Victoria to Vancouver.

Good times, good times...

Many people will walk in and out of your life, But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

Shuang-An Girls
Originally uploaded by melissatiro.

In the next 2 months, we will see many AIESEC countries say goodbye to their current MC teams and welcome others. there are 2 special people that are saying goodbye to their MC term: Chris and Flic. I know that they have had an incredible year with lots of challenges, successes, laughs and friendships. I'm glad that for a short while I was able to be a part of this dynamic duo. Their warmth and laughter made my CEED in Mainland of China equally as memorable as my MC term. I have never met two individuals that I truly clicked with. Leaving them was truly leaving a family.

Thanks for taking a chance on Justin and I as your first Mainland of China CEEDers for your term. I know I can speak for both of us when I say that it's almost a year since we were there and still the memories are stil so fresh.

Flic, good luck with school. Australia is lucky to have you back. Chris, have a BLAST on AIESEC International-- you will KICK ASS!

See you both in Australia in December! ;)

Update.

My mind keeps on drawing a blank everytime I start a new post. I'll let Assem give you his highlights of the past 2 weeks. Although, I wasn't there for the conversations he's had with people, I definitely had similar great experiences. Oh and thanks Assem for the laughs ;)

It's been 16 days since I last blogged. I know, I've been slacking off. I'm still tired from Montreal (yes, "one last" AIESEC Canada conference...unless they invite me in 3-4 years time that is :P). Montreal was great- I love that city more and more! Thanks Anuj for hosting me before the conference!

I'm back in Calgary and have spent the past 2 days figuring out travel insurance, plane tickets, student loan payments, the list goes on! It makes me want to scream: JUST LET ME LEAVE ALREADY! :D Nacho shared with me pictures of my working space and a great transition agenda (only i get excited about agendas-- i know!) and Tee sent me pics of her room (I'm moving in!). It's definitely all coming together now. In the meantime, I'll slowly say my goodbyes, mostly to my family who I won't see for an entire year.

So, how do you pack for a year?