Good Times

It's hard to believe the the trip has come to an end and I am already back in Toronto. The past couple of days have been spent doing little more than chatting with Tom, eating yummy food, and sitting at the beach. We took the ferry boat over to Granville Island, popped into a couple of restaurants, but otherwise sat on either a bench or a log to people watch and read at Kits.

If anyone is keeping up with the food journal, we also discovered some ridiculously good Vietnamese salad rolls at Granville and udon soup at a sushi place in Jen's neighbourhood. Tricky to eat at the beach, but I'm pleased to report it can be done.

On our last day, we spent almost 12 hours at the beach and weathered any number of weather systems as they rolled in an rolled back out. Wind, rain, sun, cold, hot, it was a Vancouver sample platter of wacky summer weather. Laura and I finished our night under umbrellas with a couple tasty beverages.

The time has passed quickly this trip, but when I look back it is amazing how long I have been gone and how much I have squeezed into that time. I have had three legs to my journey and have been very fortunate to have loved ones at every step of the way. I'm extremely lucky to have a mother and sister that I genuinely enjoy travelling with. I'm lucky to be from a family that not only enjoys each other, but can laugh no matter how things are going. I've seen Canada's diversity from the train, rocked out at Pemberton, broken my camping drought, braved my fear of bears, tried surfing, finally seen Tofino, fell in love with the PT Cruiser, watched whales, walked amongst trees, and eaten more good food than should be allowed. Not too shabby for a summer holiday :)

This trip has also confirmed my instincts about Vancouver. My first impressions weren't overly generous, I love this place. People are friendly, the ocean is at your doorstep, boys are cute there, nature activities are easy to access, and there are mountains everywhere. I feel a stay in Vancouver is in my future, I'm just not quite sure when or for how long at this point. I think the trip has solidified for Laura that this is true for her as well and that in her case it should happen sooner rather than later.

Right now, it is nice to be home and have a chance to catch-up with friends and family before the school year kicks into overdrive. Thanks to everyone who has been in touch and has been playing along with my blog. I look forward to seeing you shortly :)