Our own "One Million Dollar View"

Well here I am, sitting cozied up in my little suite for the next 4 months...and couldn't be happier! I am staying at Gracie's Place with the 5 other Canadian students from out of town. This lovely woman, Gracie who has lived in Haida Gwaii for the last 35 years of her life welcomed us into her country cottage-esque B&B and helped us get settled into various rooms and spaces that seemed to fit just perfectly for each of our personalities:

Sam-a 6'6", 21 year old Environmental Studies and Geography major from UVIC chose a room on the end of the house, with a cedar finish, a bed long enough to avoid the "feet hanging over the end of the bed" syndrome which he rarely is able to avoid because of his height. It just so happens this room has an outdoor "beer fridge" right by its door ;)

Annsely-a 19 year old Ecology major from University of Guelph chose a room with a hideaway bed, a big comfy couch in the middle of the room because she enjoys the feeling of being "tucked away" when its cold and rainy (which will be a trend in the next few months here). Her room opens up to a part of the patio with a fish bbq right outside.

Ally- a 21 year old Forestry and Natural Resources major from UBC who lives in White Rock with her parents and is used to sharing common spaces with several family members. She chose the double room in the large, upstairs part of the house, which offers a beautiful, open kitchen with an antique wood burning stove, a lovely comfortable living room, with an amazing reclining chair in front of a wide open window over looking the water

Me-a 24 year old Environmental Science major from SFU who enjoys living amongst others and being social with a house full of love and warmth, but also craves personal space, indpendence and a place for yoga, journal writing, reading, etc. So I chose the room at the end of the outdoor patio, that's tucked into the corner just enough that I feel protected from the elements, but still get a view of the water from my bed and access to beautiful deck space. I have my own kitchenette, bathroom (and shower), so I can be as involved or reserved with regards to the others.

The rest of the crew will be arriving over the weekend. I am truly excited for what the Village of Queen Charlotte will bring me in the coming months. Everyone that I have spoken to on my journey to the island today only has incredible things to say about the place. Especially ppl who have been here for years never seem to tire of the sweeping panoramics of seascape. Gracie herself claims that even being here for 35 years has not lead her to let one day of seeing these quaint ocean-side views slip her by without feeling thankful for living in such a magical place. Frank, a BC Hydro employee that we met on the ferry ride over also claimed that we are lucky....because we will get to live and experience these "million dollar views" for the next several months. Frank also told us him and his local house band, "The Charlotte Misfits" are playing AC/DC and Elvis covers at the local watering hole in Skidegate tomorrow night, so it looks like our "class" already has its first meeting lined up!

Other than having to repack one of my suitcases 4 times over because, like always, I overpacked and was 6 kg overweight in one of my suitcases and having quite the spill at the ferry terminal in Sandspit after not noticing the slimy moss on the landing, today went smoothly. I can barely sit on one ass cheek because of how hard I fell on the cement docking pad, but I have a smile on my face and a yummy halibut burger in my belly (locally caught and grilled to perfection). Yes, I know many of you are jealous and will continue to be jealous of all the fresh and local seafood I may get my hands on.

School starts on Monday at the Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay Llnagaay in Skidegate. I couldn't be more excited! :) To learn more about the adventure I have begun, check out: www.haidagwaiisemester.com