Seattle: Starbucks, Space Needle and self-induced sleep deprivation

My first impression of Seattle was far from positive: I'd just arrived back from Brisbane and was suffering from jet-lag, exhaustion, and overwhelming sadness.  While I was excited to see Emmelia and David again, I was still completely out of sorts and not really sure what was going on. Add to that the fact that some guy went postal the morning we arrived and shot  five people, one of those blocks from where we were staying (in an ordinary apartment, to say the least), and I was looking forward to leaving Seattle in a hurry.  After two days, we headed south to Tacoma for a few nights, en route to our next HelpX stay, with Leeann and Kayta in Olympia. Emmelia wasn't shy about making herself at home, and we were lucky that Leeann and Kayta were amazing with her. After almost two weeks in Olympia - filled with laughter, deep discussions and a gorgeous view of trees, with glimpses of Puget Sound - we headed South again, to Portland, Oregon. I loved Portland right away - we stayed in a gorgeous loft apartment, and the family who were renting the space also had a daughter, so Emmelia had some new toys. We spent our week in Portland checking out museums, Portland Zoo, and downtown. We spent only an hour or so in Powells, a downtown bookstore situated on an entire city block. Of course, I could have easily spent all day in this literary heaven. This was where we saw Jane Lynch (for most people, they think Glee, but I think Spencer's mum on Criminal Minds!).  After arriving back to Seattle and commencing our housesitting assignment, I was feeling marginally better than during our first Seattle experience, and the days out and about were keeping me distracted (as was Emmelia).  We haven't done too many "touristy" activities since we've been away, and our Space Needle adventure reinforced why: 20 minutes in the line just to buy a ticket - and then an hour in the line to ride up to the top! All for about 15 minutes up there. The view however, was gorgeous - Seattle is blessed to be surrounded by water and snow capped mountains - it's truly beautiful. We purchased our Seattle artwork at the gift store (we are buying a piece of art from each place we visit) and left! Our next tourist destination - Pike Place Market. The market itself was awesome - heaps of fresh produce, artwork and gifts. Had we not already bought art, we definitely would have purchased something here. We also decided to visit the holy grail of mass-produced coffee - the first Starbucks - just outside the market. This line, thankfully, was only about 10 minutes, and impressively, they got my coffee order right - but that issue is a whole blog in itself! We returned home to the house, about an hour out of Seattle, and after putting Emmelia down for the night, recommenced our NCIS marathon -this would be the self-induced sleep deprivation portion of my blog.  We haven't really watched television for about three months, and to be honest, I haven't missed it. But we decided, that since there wasn't much else to do after putting Emmelia down, to raid our home owner's DVD collection. We decided on NCIS - it's a pretty good show, easy to watch, easy to switch off - right? Apparently not. We got through an entire season in less than a week (we only start watching at 8pm at night).  Then, of course we had to watch the next season, which was not in the DVD collection. A quick trip to the shops, and we were holding Season 8 in our hands. Theres a chance that we may have watched the entire season in about three nights. In fact, there's a chance we stayed up until 2 am to watch the last episodes of the season, because we were heading back to Leeann's for a few days, and knew we couldn't wait. Shock horror - it also ended on a cliffhanger - well, it did for about five minutes of Googling. I'd forgotten how much I love Gibbs.....must be my thing for older guys....  So, all in all, Seattle has proven to be a pretty enjoyable city, the second time round. Even though Patrick Dempsey hasn't been walking around with perfect hair and clothes looking for me (old guy alert), I've had a pretty nice time, given the circumstances. The best part of our Pacific Northwest adventure though has definitely been meeting Leeann and Kayta. Having gone through a similar loss themselves, they really understood what I've been going through, and have made us feel like family. We are definitely going to miss them!  We leave the area on 27 July, and finally begin to head East! We are heading across to Chicago, where we have another HelpX lined up, with a few stops along the way - including the Canadian Rockies, and probably Yellowstone National Park.  As I sit here finishing this blog, it's 9.15 pm, and it's only just started to become dark. The trees are rustling in the wind, and I can see a glimpse of ocean. Emmelia is sound asleep downstairs, and David is next to me on the couch (watching something on Netflix - actually, maybe its been less than three months since he watched TV). While there are lots of issues at the moment, there are also lots of positives. And when I forget that (me, forget to be positive??), I look at my daughter - and feel like the most blessed person on Earth. She has that effect on people ' xxxx Veena 

Strawberries, strawberries and MORE strawberries!

I guess I've been enjoying Canada too much, cos it's been a month since my last blog. Since then I've done something I said I never would - become a mini-van owner! For those of you who knew me during the years that my father owned his mini-van, this would not be a surprise. Don't get me wrong, I loved the awesome trips we did, but what I remember most are the fights with Vans about who got the front seat (me, more often than not) and ALWAYS, ALWAYS having to take people EVERYWHERE!

Anyway, now that we are car owners, we have taken to exploring the greater Vancouver area. Our first day trip was to Lynn Canyon Valley - a national park with a suspension bridge. We did a little hike (and were somewhat freaked by the numerous benches dedicated to those who lost their life at the canyon - on average one person a year) and were mesmerised by the awesome falls. We then decided that rather than go back over the bridge, we'd climb a few stairs up to the parking lot. A few turned into a MILLION! Exercise for the day: check.

We've also spent heaps of time hiking around and exploring Stanley Park. I'm not sure if it's bigger than Central Park, but it's definitely more naturally beautiful. So many gorgeous tracks, with even more picturesque views over Vancouver Harbour. Emmelia has become quite the little hiker, and always has to walk - pick her up and pay the price!

But, perhaps the most scenic drive to date was our weekend journey up to Whistler. Driving along the Vancouver coastline, you are looking out over glistening water and snow-capped mountains (and feeling instantaneously jealous about all the people you can see in boats cruising around!). The higher we got, the more snow came out - interspersed with lakes and a few small town areas. We arrived at Whistler, and checked into our two bedroom suite. Why two bedrooms? So I could share a room with Emmelia and have two nights free from my husband's snoring (needless to say, both bub and I had two good nights of sleep ... as I'm sure David did given he didn't need to endure me constantly elbowing him). Turns out Whistler is surprisingly similar to Queenstown, but more commercialised. Just as many Aussies as Queenstown too.

We spent Saturday on the mountains, riding the Peak to Peak gondola between Whistler and Blackcomb. Very jealous watching everyone ski down the amazing runs. But, given I fell over a lot last time I skied, I imagine doing that while carrying Emmelia in the Ergo Carrier would NOT have been a good (or probably legal) idea!

After a lovely weekend, and enough food to last me a week we headed home this morning. A new Japanese place opened up down the road, and we thought, we need a light lunch (seriously, I reckon I put two kilos on in two days). Turns out it is the BEST Japanese ever, even better than Ginga at Southbank (Ms Stone, yet another reason to join me in Vancouver) and I'm sure I'm now carrying an extra three kilos. Having said that, at least David and I are eating. Emmelia has decided the only thing she wants to eat are strawberries. Strawberries for breakfast, lunch and tea....and snacks! We have been managing to get some real food in, but unless its strawberries, or pancakes (with blueberries picked out!), chances are it's going to get thrown on the floor. We are going through two-pound punnets of strawberries in two days! I reckon she would eat my dad out of strawberries if he still had strawberries patches in the backyard of our old place. He did find it amusing when I told him of his granddaughter's current obsession though. He was so addicted to them he became allergic. Although, maybe that wouldn't be so bad. At least I wouldn't be spending a small fortune in the fruit department .

It appears the saying is true, all good things must come to an end, and so on Friday we bid farewell to our apartment in Vancouver and head over to Vancouver Island to spend three weeks with a family just outside Victoria. In exchange for food and board, they just want some help around the house and with their little boy (about six months old). We are very excited! Will be great to meet some new people, and to spend some time with another mum. Six months old seems like forever ago though, so will be interesting!

After that we are cruising up to Alaska. It promises to, surprisingly, be full of amazing, picturesque, gorgeous (insert other cliches here) scenery. After docking in Anchorage we are gonna RV it up for a week. And, in preparation, we "pulled a Ross" this morning. My fellow Friends officiandos will know that means "aquiring" goods from the hotel. In other words, we may have taken all the little toiletry bottles, sugar and coffee packets and even more embarrassing.....toilet paper!! As Ross would say "it's built into the cost of the room," but I still felt like I was stealing. Oh well, beats having to buy coffee, sugar and toilet paper just for a week.

Now that I've revealed that to the world, it's probably time I go and cook some tea for Emmelia. Although, I don't know why I'm bothering. It'll just end up on the floor in favour of the strawberries.

Over and out!

Veena

Gastro, gastro go away!!

She hadn't slept well for the last few nights, so it was no surprise that Emmelia was stirring a little on this particular night. However on this particular night she became quite upset so I got her out to settle her. It was when laid her on our bed so I could turn on the bedside lamp that I heard the unmistakable sound - vomit. I sat her up as her dinner ran down her sleeping bag, clothes and our bedding. We stripped her down and tossed everything into the washer (I was very thankful we had a dryer at this moment, though, given it was almost 10 pm already, the guys downstairs probably weren't).

To calm her down, I sat with Emmelia up against my chest on the rocking chair in the lounge room, when it happened again - this time going all over me. Now, those who know me are fully aware that I DO NOT have a strong stomach. At all. Not even in the slightest.

However, despite the fact that the contents of my daughter's stomach (mainly spaghetti bolognese) were now all over me, I didn't even flinch. I really should get brownie points for that.

The worst part was the heartbreaking whimper she made after each time she was sick. It sounded like she was trying to say "why is this happening mummy, it hurts". After several hours of trying to rehydrate Emmelia in between smaller bouts of vomiting, our bedding was finally dry and we headed to bed. Needless to say, it was a rough night. Emmelia initially woke every half hour for sips of gastrolyte. Brownie points to mama again - I bought some in Oz and packed it "just in case" - seriously, am I a mum or what!!

Finally we got about an hour and a half straight, and then we were up. We all took a two hour nap later in the day and Emmelia seemed to be recovering (not eating much, but taking extra bottles). The next day was, well, filled with vomiting of the other kind...which I will not detail. We took her to the doctor, and $120 and 10 minutes later, we left knowing she was OK, and we were doing well (I was reassured by the doctor, but not to the point of $120).

That night, I was awoken (as I normally am) by someone snoring. But this time, it was earlier than normal, around 1 am. I felt a bit queasy, but was too tired to move. After failing to fall asleep for the next two hours - a combination of my stomach and continually elbowing David - it hit. I was sick. It was not pleasant at all, and I was regretting the fact we'd made nachos for dinner. Yuk, yuk, yuk.

Long story short - I was sick, tired, and miserable. I woke up forgetting it was my birthday in Oz, but remembering I had to visit a notary - and it was snowing/raining outside. Joy. After dishing out $80 to have some papers signed - that's right, you have to pay to have something notarised over here - we headed to a questionable food court, and I attempted to eat some even more questionable Chinese food. I managed to keep it down, and even had a little dinner. Surely, this was a good sign.

After sleeping for six hours straight for the first time in about five days, I was woken - not by my stomach, or even Emmelia - but by the familiar, irritating snore of my husband. Sigh. Two elbows to the ribs and he'd rolled over, and was silent, for now. I couldn't help but smile. Yep, everything is back to normal.

Cheers, V.

PS - if you have ANY snoring remedies, I'd love to hear them!!!

93 restaurants in 10 blocks ... so why am I cooking???

Every possible cuisine imaginable is within walking distance. Italian, Pizza (technically Italian I guess), Japanese, Greek, Ethiopian, Jamaican, French, the list goes on. Of course there's also numerous cafes filled with not only amazing coffee, but delectable cupcakes, biscotti, and my new favourite - Nanaimo slice (to die for chocolate and coconut and cream with a biscuity base).

So, why am I cooking? Because all I want is rice. Rice. Plain old rice. Well, actually, with Maggi seasoning on top (kind of like soy sauce but not really). That's it. No accompaniments. Nothing.

You can't walk into a restaurant, or cafe, and order rice (with or without Maggi seasoning). It would be like attending a high tea with the Queen and asking for Diet Coke.

So, I'm cooking. Rice. Every night. Not exactly a perfectly proportioned meal (on the very unlikely chance you are reading this Mrs K, my other meals are much more proportioned, I promise).

There have of course been exceptions. I had a veggie burger and fries the other night. And although it was amazing, my only motivation was that I was so tired from an afternoon at the aquarium that the idea of moving from the couch, even to put rice on, was just too many functions for my brain to handle. Needless to say, David went out and ordered dinner.

A trip to the aquarium doesn't really sound that exhausting right? Well, it started with a misguided one-hour bus journey. As each stop passed (seriously, a stop every two blocks!) the bus became filled with crazy individuals, the sane people seeming to know better and disembarking. The weird old guy trying to talk to Emmelia like she could understand him. The old indian lady who kept trying to tell me that "Mika" was a great baby's name. The french couple who were still hungover from the night before. And the really strange lady who shouted at everyone and mumbled to herself. We must have fit in there somewhere to have not got off sooner.

The aquarium itself was fantastic, and Emmelia loved every display. Bliss, right? Try taking her AWAY from a display. That's right. I was the parent with the tantrum-throwing child who kicked and screamed for the literally three seconds in between displays. As soon as she was back in front of a tank, she was back to adorable, babbling "dith, dith" (her version of "yes").

We wisely decided to ditch the bus on the way home, instead opting for the Skytrain. A 10 minute journey later, we were only a few blocks from home. Skytrain 1, Bus 0.

And what did I really want...(well, apart from maybe a double shot of Vodka)...rice. But, I settled for a burger and fries instead.

Hmmm ... I wonder what fries taste like with Maggi seasoning??

Cheers, V.

PS - As I've been writing this, I have been eating "New York Super Fudge Chunk" ice cream. In between checking on the rice, of course.

Surviving the first week: coffee, cots and cold!

A little more than a week ago I was gettng around Brisbane in a singlet and shorts, the anticipation of what lied ahead secondary to the denial it was actually happening. For years, I've wanted to live overseas. As a teenager I planned world voyages, after University I planned a year of work exchange, somehow knowing they wouldn't be more than wishful thinking. So, surely the denial that in a week I'd be leaving sunny, humid Australia behind for what looked to be a freezing, wet Vancouver, was justified? I packed my daughter's suitcase in a daze, avoiding questions from friends and family that began with "has it sunk in yet?", maintaining a cool composure on the outside (while internally, unashamedly freaking out). Then, somehow, and I'm not sure how, I found myself at a gate at Sydney airport with my husband and one-year old, and it finally hit. The little girl inside wanted to turn around and run as fast as I could, to somewhere in between infancy and adulthood, where it was all about barbie dolls and "responsibility" was just a word my parents used. Of course, I got on the plane, survived a 14 hour flight (just) and braved the harsh Vancouver wind (and rain) as we set course for what would be home for the next two months: a one bedroom apartment just off Commercial Drive - which according to Google - was trendy with just the slightest hint of "don't go out alone at night if you know what's good for you". Somehow still functioning, impressed that I hadn't collapsed into the puddle at our doorstep (Emmelia was in the carrier, so surely she'd be ok, right?) my husband uttered the words no traveller, especially after what seemed like an eternity of being awake, wants to hear - "Veena, where's the portacot?". After making our way inside and exchanging pleasantries with the owner (her warning us to keep the doors locked to keep the "harmless homeless guys" out) we set about trying to find out if our super-expensive cot was still at Vancouver airport. But of course, our phones weren't working...so my husband went out to find a payphone, and I laid Emmelia down to have a nap. All I wanted was to fall asleep next to her on the bed, but I needed to pee so badly, that I spent the next hour internally cursing myself for not peeing on any one of the last 15 times I'd reminded myself. David returned with a new cell phone and instructions to the airport that would save us the "$50 cab fare". Two buses and a train later, we had recovered the cot - and were in a cab home. The rest of this day is a blur of deep sleep intertwined with the best pizza I'd ever had. A few days later, and we were pretty well settled in. Emmelia was sleeping well (slowly being brought back from a 10 pm bedtime to 7 pm to allow for time zones) and I was internally weighing up the necessity of every trip out of the house (one tires of putting on all the extra layers every time you leave the house pretty quickly). I also quickly learnt not to underestimate the importance of always taking an extra layer after a long day out in what had to be the harshest wind I'd encountered for a while. I've also become accustomed to looking out the window and not seeing Brisbane's M1 motorway, but instead picturesque snow capped mountains surrounded by unique and trendy apartments. My morning trip to Starbucks is as much about the backdrop as it is the caffeine (for those playing at home - a tall, half caff soy latte). So, all in all - I am slowly realising that I'm actually in Canada. But instead of it being a solo adventure or work trip - it's a journey of discovery with the two most important people in my world. It all makes sense now, why none of those other planned adventures eventuated - they weren't supposed to. I was exactly where I was supposed to be. Just like I am now. PS - Commercial Drive is aweseome - no dodgy encounters at all!!