Ending the Year with Adventures

I would be hard pressed to say which adventure we shared with Matt and Tom was the best because there were plenty to choose from. Although they are home safe and sound now, lest I forget, I am writing them down for posterity.

He was just a boy when Tom last saw his cousin Karen who moved to Vancouver twenty years ago. Jane, Tom's Mum was hoping we would connect with her while here, however, that did not happen prior to a week ago Saturday when we drove to White Rock, a seaside community within sighting distance of the United States.

That would be Mt. Baker in Washington State looming over the landscape. It was agreed that we would meet Karen and her boyfriend on the White Rock pier, a taller order than anticipated because, due to the sunny skies, we were not the only folks on the pier. That said, it happened without a hitch!

Bruce is chatting with Frank, I'm the shadow, and the reunion between cousins is taking place to the left of Bruce. We had a lovely chat on the pier, albeit a cold one, followed by a delightful lunch together. Everything went so well!

Speaking of White Rock, we've met a very nice couple at church who, much to my relief, offered to take our Christmas cards across the border for mailing!!! Instead of worrying about whether our sons would get their Christmas checks, I knew I could count on the USPS, and by golly, I was right!

By the time we drove the twenty or so miles back into the city, it was not only getting darker, but colder as well. Our plan was to attend the Festival of Lights at the Van Dusen Gardens, the place I visited in early November when they were beginning to set up the displays. Because it was so close, I suggested a quick stop at Queen Elizabeth Park where I wanted to show our family the tremendous views of the city.

Plenty of snow remaining on the ground at that height, and was it ever cold as well! The garden is but a few blocks away, and when we got there not only was traffic was backing up, the parking lot was full. Eventually we found a parking place on a side street, and careful of the icy sidewalks, we made our way through a big crowd to the gardens where it was, indeed, a festival of lights!

So many it was mind boggling! There were displays on water, as well as high up in the trees. In fact there were more than a million lights!

Plenty of snow on the ground made it even more magical, although it was darn cold, that's for sure.

It is one thing to see a building covered with tons of Christmas lights, but it is altogether different seeing them in this kind of setting.  There are lit paths that you stroll along, and were they ever packed with others who may, or may not, have been as cold as we were!

While Matt, Bruce, and I were at church on Christmas eve morning, Tom was shopping for our Christmas dinner ingredients at Urban Fare. Aside from lunch at The Templeton on Granville Street, it was a low key day with Tom making a cake for Christmas dinner,  while I finally made gingerbread cookies. It would not be Christmas without cookies, would it? I think not! The bright sky was no longer with us and, in fact, there were snow flurries on Christmas day, marking another first for me.

We opened our few gifts, did FaceTime calls with Tom's family, as well as our boys, this being the first time we've ever been away from Bill and Dave on Christmas. Bittersweet might be a good way to describe our feelings. As to the gifts, I haven't taken a photo just yet, however, Matt made me two hats, as well as a beautiful shawl, all welcome gifts for sure. In-between Christmas movies, and Matt and Tom putting together a jigsaw puzzle, Tom and I cooked a Christmas dinner which included much improvisation. He'd purchased a large boneless turkey breast that I wondered how I was going to cook due to a serious lack of tools. Well, here's a new idea for you....instead of putting it on a rack, we came up with the idea of using vegetables as our rack while using the bottom of the broiler pan.

Sliced lemon and an onion were stuffed inside, along with butter mixed with poultry seasoning on the outside, a generous sprinkle of rosemary and in it went into the oven with high hopes. Much to our amazement, our $35 turkey breast was delicious!

Whereas I can't imagine a Christmas without cookies, Tom cannot imagine a Christmas without crackers, so ensuring that he keep the tradition alive, he bought some at the garden gift shop. Crowns must be worn on Christmas!

And for the remainder of the day, for that matter. The meal was lovely, proving to me that while tools are good, making do with what you have is also good. Tom agreed because, while he usually makes his delicious lemon cake in a round pan, the square pan I had worked just fine. Covered in the blueberry sauce he made, the cake was scrumptious!

As is his custom, Bruce cleaned the kitchen while Matt and Tom worked on the puzzle following dinner.

Amazingly, they finished it while watching more Christmas movies. Just when we thought we'd seen them all, more new ones kept coming on.

 The day after Christmas is called Boxing Day here, when all the stores have huge sales. The weather was not ideal, but I wanted to make sure the lads did not miss Stanley Park, so we went for a cold walk in the park where last week's snow was still in evidence.

Bruce is wearing a hat Matt knitted for him, and I love the bright color. Of course, you knew I would, didn't you? Walking along, we ran into a woman who was feeding those darling Black Capped Chickadees from her hand. Matt extended his hand for seed after she offered, and before long he had those little birds eating out of his hand too.

Not only was I thrilled that Matt and Tom were able to feed the birds in this way, but she also told me about a path to take in March where she claims the blooming flowers are outstanding. Woo hoo! Something to look forward to come Spring. Continuing along the path we came to Lost Lagoon which, much to my surprise was frozen. Never having seen this kind of thing before, I'm chalking it up as another new experience. Birds!

Just as the same temperature feels different here, so do the gray, wintery days. At home, I go crazy when we don't see the sun for a few days, however, here it is just part of the landscape. Don't get me wrong, I do prefer warmth and sunshine, but this is all part of the reason I wanted to come here. More than once in the last few years I'd told Bruce that I just did not want to live my whole life without experiencing true seasons, never imagining that my dream would come true in such a beautiful place. We parted ways at this point so they could walk further, while the old folks, walking on the path beside the tennis courts, walked over to Robson Street to witness the Boxing Day crowds. In a word, large.

The best of that day was yet to come though because for their Christmas gift, I'd purchased tickets to the touring Cirque de Soleil show that comes to town for about six weeks this time of year. Called Kurios , it was simply spectacular.

Bruce was the lone one in our group who had seen le Cirque before, however, this is a brand new show, so he was delighted to see another production. Because I'd purchased the tickets a while back, we sat in the second row, with the performers, make that the aerialists, jumping practically over our heads. Before the show began some of the performers roamed around on the stage, giving me an idea of just how amazing the costumes would be.

That long ramp you see was for VIP guests who walked down onto the stage prior to the show. Being the good girl that I am, no photos were taken during the performance which was fine by me as there was so much to see I surely would have been distracted had I broken the rules. We ate popcorn and cotton candy, as you do at a circus, right? Exhilarated, we walked home in the brisk cold, marveling at the feats the human body is capable of doing. I could kick myself for never going out to Disney to see La Nouba where it ran for so many years. Not that Bruce didn't try and convince me to do so, mind you! When we return to Orlando I must change my stick-in-the mud ways!

The following day Bruce drove us to the UBC campus to visit the Museum of Anthropology where we learned much about the indigenous people who inhabited the area for centuries. As good fortune would have it, a tour was beginning moments after we arrived.

Our docent Carol was a little fireball, loaded with information that she often delivered in a witty style. We learned about the significance of the totem poles, where they came from, what they are made of, and who carved them, all within an hour or so. There is what they describe as, a forest of totem poles, surrounded by glass walls.

in a building constructed specifically to house them and their great height. We went outdoors, while it was snowing, I might add, to view the building from the outside, as well as the "longhouse" built on the property.

Nothing wrong with a snowy day, however, I would have loved for Matt and Tom to have been able to see the ocean from that height. Alas, it was gray, or in the photo more like a white sky. Carol is pictured during her talk about Bill Reid, the man who carved this fantastical piece and who is largely responsible for reviving the public interest in the art of the indigenous people of the coastal Pacific Northwest. This piece is entitled "The Raven and the First Men."

We had no idea Carol would, following lunch, give yet another tour, this time explaining the art of weaving blankets. Beautiful examples below.

We dropped Matt and Tom off at Granville Island and the old folks went back to the apartment; mostly because the snow had turned to rain. Later on, as was only fitting, we had dinner at Earls in Yaletown.

It kept raining and raining into Thursday, their last day in Vancouver. Striking out on their own, they visited Chinatown and Main Street, all in the rain. Not happy that they had to do that, but at least they now have a pretty much complete picture of the weather here in Vancouver. Fog, snow, sunshine, and rain. Close to the weather they are accustomed to for sure, however, whereas London gets lots of press regarding rainfall, in fact, it rains more here than there.

Around dinnertime, Bruce drove them to the station so they could head to the airport dry, and they were off, 4,706 miles to London, and an eight hour time change. What a thrill to have family here with us at this most wonderful time of the year.

By the way, in an effort to catch up, I've tried my best to condense this narrative, although it may not be evident by the number of photos I've included!

Following their departure we continued our adventuring ways which I'll get to next time. In the meantime, I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and I'm sending out my wishes for all to have a healthy and Happy New Year. When you get to be our age, healthy is the operative word here. :)

yours truly,

Gail

An Unexpected Tour Guide

Reluctantly, I left the aquarium and made my way to the nearby bus stop. Walking up, I saw no signs, so I asked the young man standing there if he knew when the next bus would arrive. Immediately he removed his phone from his pocket, cheerfully telling me about a great app I could install on mine to give me the bus schedule. Explaining to him that I was a tourist for only two days, would he be so kind as to share what his app told him? At that moment, never for a minute, did I expect the two of us would spend the next three or so hours together, all while he was enthusiastically pointing out sights along the way to Granville Island.

Who, pray tell is this young man of whom I speak? Well, in our time together I learned quite a bit about him, and how it was that he had three hours to spend with a stranger. His name is Quentin, and before moving to Vancouver a year ago, he'd spent the last seven years as a diving instructor on a 200 foot yacht. Yep, you read that right, 200 feet! I don't know how much I should reveal, but I did learn that the crew, including his now girlfriend, (former chef on the boat), and all the others needed to maintain a vessel of that size, moved the boat around the world to the greatest diving places, including the Galapagos, French Polynesia, the Adriatic Coast, and of course, all of the Caribbean. Once moored, the owner would fly in with his family to dive. If you're thinking you might just want to rent the boat for a week, be prepared to cough up $350,000 for the privilege. Out of your price range? Me too!

While waiting for his work permit, he volunteers at the Vancouver Aquarium, cleaning the pools for the seals and porpoise! As well, another day of the week he teaches children about sea life. So, from Stanley Park we took the bus, getting off somewhere I've forgotten, and he showed me around. I told him I write a blog, and had to have photographic proof of his kindness.

The bag you see on the ground is his dive equipment that he carted around like nothing! Anyway, he showed me some sights I'm certain I would never have seen, including the sculpture left in place that held the Olympic flame!

It was just lovely. This area is adjacent to their convention center, built for the Olympics as the broadcast center. The guard at the door nearly stopped him from showing me this gorgeous sight hanging from the ceiling.

There are a lot of ways people get around in Vancouver including sea planes parked adjacent to the center.

So, we are walking to the next bus stop and he asks if I eat ice cream. Sure, I say. Well, you can't come to Vancouver without eating the best in the city! So, we do just that. Salted Caramel if you're wondering.

A wall full of accolades that's for sure.

I did my best to purchase my own, but he was not to be dissuaded. Incredible, right? I seriously could not make this stuff up.

One thing about being a photographer is that generally it is best to be alone on walks. Or that's how I feel about it. I hate having to ask people to stop while I examine something, or want to run across the street for a better vantage point. As such, I would have liked to get a better shot of the Marine Building, now owned by the Guinness family, but it was not to be.

According to the link, it was once known for being the tallest building in the British Empire. Back on the bus again, it was about a twenty minute ride to Granville Island where Quentin was to pick up his car from the place his girlfriend works, teaching pastry at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts.

If you can imagine he asked if I might wait a few minutes while he put that heavy bag in the car! Duh! I can do that.

The entrance looks like this, with a poster below that might bring a chuckle to a few of you.

Vancouver is known as a place with a lively arts scene, and loads of films are shot there. In fact, while we were at the condo, we could not use the roof deck, or lounge, because they were shooting scenes for a show called Continuum. As everyone knows I'm a big fan of street art, and love finding it wherever I go. Unfortunately, the powers that be in Vancouver are not fans, however, after scouring the internet I did find one thing that looked really cool. Well, Quentin took me right to it on Granville Island, and it looked just as great in person. Well, better really. Please note the concrete truck painted like a corn cob.

I was unable to get a good shot of another truck painted like a Converse tennis shoe! If you think I'm an enthusiastic person, Quentin puts me to shame. Everything is beautiful, including the labels on the gin and vodka bottles at the local distillery. Of course, before the diving gig, he was in marketing, so he has a special affinity for labels. I thought of my son Matt when I saw this place.

Speaking of Matt, Quentin is a year younger than Matt, and I told him to be sure and tell his Mom how kind he was to me. Eventually he looked at his watch, and said he would take his leave; he had to meet up with a fellow volunteer who worked inside the market.

Apparently they meet once a month to clean up the shoreline, under water no less. They are quite serious about recycling in Vancouver--note the three bins. Let's look around the area, shall we? Inside there are vendors of food of all types.

By now it was nearly 3; starving, I bought a little pasta salad at a place that also had a beautiful olive display.

Because of the time. and I was unsure when Bruce would be done. I did not spend as much time inside as I might have liked, but I did look around more outside. There are great views from every angle.

Because of the lovely weather people were outside basking in the sun.

I thought to myself, the buildings look as if they could be in Miami Beach.

Another time, that is if I go back, I would most definitely take advantage of the ferries! And there is what is called the Aquabus.

The bridge is the very one we drove over via bus.  Again, because my time was limited, my exposure to the many art galleries was, of necessity, from the street.

Making my way back to the condo, following my bus ride, I loved seeing all the area has to offer. I don't need to tell you how seeing this kind of stuff excites me!

Although I did not get to try it, Meat & Bread is highly regarded.

Here's a view of the condo building that I'm including,

the one shaped like a V. By this time, Bruce was still at work, and I was hankering for a glass of wine. Although there is a grocery store on the ground floor, they do not sell any alcohol. I opted to go to the bar located at the point of the V. While resting, I chatted with two young men sitting adjacent to me. When I told them I was from Florida, one of them asked me if I had ever been to the Keys. Why, yes I have. Turns out, he has been watching the great Netflix series, (we finished it last night), Bloodline, set in Islamorada. Although there is murder and mayhem, the scenery is gorgeous. He's now dying to go there himself!

Finally, Mr. Peck called it a day and we set off to the Earls location in Yaletown. We enjoyed a lovely meal there, and the walk, although about ten blocks, was good, with lovely sights to behold.

I found this article on the web about how Earls develops their menu, and the same attention to detail exists in the building department, that's for sure! In fact, Bruce was in Vancouver to review many plans and details for the one he will build in Orlando, beginning in September.

One thing I discovered is that it is great walking home after dinner; a good way to rid oneself of that over-full feeling! It was a beautiful night, and the building looked magical.

Are you worn out yet? I sure was! Day one in the books. What did I do on Thursday? Coming soon.

Hope you enjoyed this little tour made even better because of the kindness of strangers.

Gail

p.s. I was encouraged by several to put as many photos as I want, so I did!

Vancouver, Part One

Yesterday I looked at the photos from the trip, today I think I've recovered enough to write about them. Time change, along with long travel days will do that to an old lady.

Because Bruce booked our tickets only a week in advance, he took what flights he could get for a reasonable cost. Translated into plain English, this means long layovers on both Monday, and Friday. How does 3 hours in Minneapolis, and 4 hours in Salt Lake City sound to you? For a non-sitter such as myself, it sounds like torture. Add to that, a two hour flight delay from Minneapolis, and Bruce found himself with a crazed woman! Aside from those inconveniences, the trip was GREAT!

Vancouver has a bunch of tall stuff, including the skyscrapers, the mountains, and the gorgeous big trees. And, of course, the seaport which was endlessly fascinating. Following our cab ride to the condo, we collapsed into bed as it was past midnight our time. Our first real view of the city was at dawn from the balcony of the 36th floor of the Woodward's Building. What a view it is!

This is looking some way or another--I never really got my bearings except to tell you that the mountains are on the North.

No doubt you knew we would be up early! Having only lived in an apartment for one year of my life I find it fascinating how others do. Across the street...

Because it was too early to go to the office, Bruce set up shop on the dining table.

The company keeps the condo for traveling folks, and it is wonderful, with these great views everywhere you turn. Eventually it was late enough to go find some breakfast, and while doing so, we walked the few blocks to the office to remind Bruce where it was! Chinatown is where.

Although he'd only been to Vancouver the one time last October, he remembered it was in the brick building on the left. His plan for the day was to work, mine was to play. And, if you can imagine, the weather was outstanding, with clear blue skies, and mild temperatures requiring only a light coat. How could I have been so lucky??? Don't know!

Before leaving I looked on tripadvisor for the best things to do while in Vancouver. Number one on the list was Stanley Park, so my first order of business was to figure out how to get there via the bus. Heading down the elevator, we began chatting with a couple, who, in what was to become very common during my stay, walked me to the area where I could purchase a ticket! Only a few blocks away, it was a comfortable walk, and of all things, I saw a Rexall Drugstore.

This will mean something to some of you, nothing to others. I can't remember the last time I saw a Rexall, however, during my growing up years, I probably saw the one behind our house every day. The bus and train station on Water Street, where I, once again, was given kind assistance on how to use the ticket machine.

I walked the few blocks to the bus stop, and before long I was on my way. To say Stanley Park is beautiful is an understatement. Seriously, from the moment I got off the bus, there were gorgeous sights everywhere I looked.

Above is the horsedrawn trolley that you can ride, which I did not, but you can if you want to! Apparently the cherry blossoms were early this year but, boy howdy, the tulips sure put on a show!

I am going to do my best not to overload you with photos, but it will be hard to do so, as I want you to feel as if you were there with me! The lodge built in 1911...

Could it be any more beautiful? I don't think so! The daffodils were competing for attention.

Not to mention the anemones which were such a wonderful shade of purple. Later on I would see sea anemones which possibly delighted me even more! Did I mention everywhere you looked a picturesque scene unfolded?

A fair amount of folks rent bicycles near the park entrance to cycle along the sea wall encircling the park.

It is a safe bet those folks were not carrying a bag with cameras, as your favorite blogger was doing. Instead I began walking along the sea...

which was lovely, however, eventually I knew my legs were going to wear out, so I took a pathway that I thought headed to the aquarium; instead I came across the filming of a McDonalds commercial.

And an adorable little birdie...

After asking somemone which way to go, I made it to the aquarium, and I have to say, it was so, so good. Worth every cent, and then some! I hardly know where to start everything was so exciting. The displays were mostly sea life in the Pacific Northwest waters. The link will take you to professional photographs, however, I'll do what I can.

The first tank you encounter gives you a glimpse into the wonders to come.

The colors are so vibrant it is hard to believe they are real. Because I live in a city known for fantasy, I suppose that is why that occurred to me. While all the fish were fantastic, the anemones were almost more so.

Can you believe the range of colors??? Everyone gathered round the jellyfish exhibit, and can you blame them?

Honestly, I could not get enough of them!

I so wish the one below had come out better, alas it was not to be. These are, aptly named, Umbrella jellyfish.

They were so cute! Our niece Amanda is visiting Japan, using a clear umbrella, and I couldn't help but think of her when I saw these. Anyone interested in Moon Jellyfish?

Speaking of Japan, this tank held jellyfish found off the coast of Japan.

While standing in front of this display, I overheard a child asking her Mother about the anemones and algae. Her reply--sea flowers!

The pinks were great, as was the green.

As well, there are some really cool white ones.

Recently I saw the stingrays at Brevard zoo, which were white; apparently they come in other colors.

Sadly I was unable to photograph the gigantic octopus because it was all curled up, but man, what a sight! Eventually I tore myself away, and went outdoors to see the beluga whales, and whatever else there was to see. A seagull keeping watch over the swimming whale...

Adjacent to the whale pools, South African penguins were chilling before jumping into the water.

I later learned the one on the right is molting, just like our cardinal friends do in late summer.

If ever there were a sleek sea creature it is the sea lion. While visiting San Diego I saw them there in great numbers, however, certainly not this close.

Finally, (if you can believe it), the Pacific White Sided Dolphin who was rescued after losing her pectoral flippers in a fishing net.

Are you suffering from photograph fatigue yet? I suspect that is true, so I will write again tomorrow about the rest of the day, which held yet more excitement!

Stay tuned!

I hope you've enjoyed the trip thus far,
Gail