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
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