Whistler is a town a lot of Americans might remember. It was the site of just about any event requiring a mountain during the 2010 Winter Olympics. And trust me, if you had forgotten, just drop on by to Whistler and you will see constant reminders. It's on all the signage, it's on half the buildings, the stores all still have the merchandise, as do most of the residents.
Whereas, most of the time, Pemberton felt like a quiet, sleepy mountain village. Whistler is almost bustling with activity. It's like someone put an upscale suburb (think Clayton, MO) on top of a mountain 80 miles from the nearest metropolitan area. The population, as well, seems significantly more busy in addition
Today, however, was the first day i got to see why so many people go to Whistler. We've been covered in rain and fog for the last couple of days, and a visibility of 20 feet is not conducive to the appreciation of mountain scenery. I finally got to see the mountains and the well sculpted ski-trails today.
I've never seen a place so devoted to the tourist trade. The over-abundance of navigation signs, making the assumption that most people on a given road have never been there and such a concentration of hotels, restaurants, and little touristy shops like one rarely sees in such a small town. To make another comparison, it's the mountain village version of a Fisherman's Wharf or Navy Pier.
Right now, I'm staying in a suite of sorts. Many of the homes have attached, separate suites which get rented out to tourists. It's a little bedroom with attached kitchen. I've been experimenting with cooking, mostly taking the form of Thai kits and Kraft dinner.
There really isn't much of interest to report, though we did have to stop the truck while a bear crossed the highway. According to one of the locals, "you never quite get used to it." I've mostly been relaxing after the hectic latter end of my Vancouver stay. Also the schools want a lot of workshops and need coordination, we are actually working three elementary schools.
Alright, I'm off. Time for rehearsal.
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