Chapter 2: Vancouver On

Although Vancouver has a reputation for being a bit grey and drizzly, we only saw one day of less than gorgeous weather. Our second day was spent tooling around the Olympic-ized city and heading over to Granville Island. Granville had a great little market area and after a delicious lunch and amazing gelati, we were happy to sit down and watch a local singer.

On March 7th, we drove through the city a bit more to see the different areas. Vancouver, like most cities, has suburbs with different "specialties." There are areas where a lot of the hippies hang out, the richer business district, Chinatown, etc. Brad asked me if Detroit had an area where all the crack heads and druggies hang out. "Yeah, Detroit." But when Brad drove us through the drug area in Vancouver, I was unprepared. There were hundreds and hundreds of people literally lining the streets for blocks. All of the buildings were dilapidated and abandoned. People stood in little groups, all looking fairly homeless and strung out. I saw a couple of drug deals happen in the short amount of time it took us to drive past. It was one of the most bizarre sights to see such a concentrated amount of burn outs. I guess the police prefer to have them all in one area where it can be a bit more controlled. Pretty entertaining but I definitely wouldn't want to walk down those streets. Wish I had a photo...

That evening we were invited to an Oscar party at Brad's school. Brad helps run an out of school program where kids come through at different times each day. They usually have specific activities and he usually has about 40 kids! It's kind of like latch-key with structure. Really great. Anyways, that evening we got really dressed up and went to watch the Oscars. Really dressed up. Probably too dressed up. It was fun though. One of the highlights of the evening for Brian and me was one of the appetizers. Pineapple chunk + cheese + toothpick = amazing. Weird combination, awesome results. It's one of our new favorite snacks! Jalapeno cheese is surprisingly good too.

The following day, we had a full day at Kid's Club (is that what it's called Brad?). Because it was in the middle of winter break, there were only 12 kids which was kind of good for Brian and I because we were able to learn names and hang out a little easier. The kids were hilarious. We played games and hung out outside. There was even a few break dancing kids that put on quite a good show. Brad's definitely got a good gig. They wear you out for sure. Well at least Brian, who had to sit down while pushing girls on a tire swing. Classic.

The next day we had to say goodbye to Vancouver. After a stressful morning we caught the bus to Seattle and ended up waiting over an hour at the border. Apparently all of the guards who check buses through (you have to get off the bus and go through customs) went on break at the same time. Have you ever heard of anything so asinine? We missed our flight but were nicely put on another one and made it to Hawaii with no more drama. Thanks Vancouver for the good times and great weather!! (That means you Brad)

Chapter 1: Fabulous Vancouver

The night before we left, the Walkers and the Whites finally met. I wasn't worried because I knew they'd get along really well, which they did. My mom went a little overboard in dinner preparations. We had crab stuffed salmon and shrimp scampi. I think Brian fell in love with my mom which is a bit awkward. The next morning my parents made us giant omelets from our newest family additions. (My mom has taken up chickening. I'm aware that isn't a word but it has a nice ring...) Needless to say, we were sent off fat. Brian and I had a body fat bet before Jamaica and got really lean but after Jamaica we sort of binge-ate. For a few months. I think I need a personal trainer...

After a safe arrival in Seattle and a bus across the border, we arrived in Vancouver late March 4th. Brad, one of Brian's 50-odd best friends picked us up and took us to his apartment in the middle of the city. The next morning we went for a walk around the city. I couldn't believe how green it was!! There were flowers everywhere and I got a little camera happy. The weather was gorgeous. It was in the high 50s and into the 60s in the sun (that's like 12 to

15 for all you Celsius people). I instantly fell in love with the city. It had breathtaking mountains with white peaks, gorgeous views of the ocean and a very green hippy-esque vibe. The city was well organized. Like it wasn't just thrown together. I think it's my new favorite North American city. Pssh, Canada.

In addition to meeting Brad, I also had the pleasure of meeting Brad's gorgeous roommate, Shady. Shady is a dog that Brian and his roommates had back in university. She's probably one of the most well-behaved dogs I've ever encountered and she's pie-eyed which is pretty sweet.

After walking around for a bit, we decided to go rollerblading around Stanley Park (Vancouver's version of Central Park). We had a great time. I think Brian was especially thrilled because he hasn't been rollerblading in years. Pretty great first day.

Prologue: Packing up and Moving out

"Don't forget to pack your ball glove." That was one of many of the genius suggestions my dear boyfriend gave me before beginning to pack. This was later followed by an ambiguous phone call: "Hard ball or soft ball?" "What?" "Hard ball or soft ball!?" "Brian, I'm pretty sure we can buy balls in Australia." "Ok, but just answer my question." "Hard ball, it takes up less space." "I like the way you think!" Sigh. So here I am, currently in Honolulu and I keep unearthing some of Brian's erm, wise packing choices. Thus far I have found: two ball gloves, a hard ball, two tennis rackets, a tennis ball, a how-to play harmonica book with a harmonica included, orange marking tape (for hiking), a really ugly Australian bush hat, and even uglier crocs (those stupid shoes that I hate). And just now, just at this moment, Brian brought out a elephant-shaped pencil holder that we absolutely needed for our house. Of course. This is going to be an interesting year.

As far as packing goes, mine was last minute and flustered. My final days before leaving were filled with errands and goodbyes and packing kept getting pushed aside. I did get it done (down to the wire) and I think I have almost everything. I guess I'll find out for sure when I unpack. But don't worry, I have about 55 pairs of shoes, and really, what else do you need? (Right Dad?)

Note to Readers

Dear beloved friends and family,

I have decided to write this blog in chapter format. Mostly just for fun and to keep me writing. I'll probably get bored and just write. I'll also probably slack off on the updates. But for now, in the beginning, I'm going to actually try. Thank you for reading, thank you for the well-wishes. Please update us in return and comment away!