Cousin Connie's visit

Last weekend we had a long-anticipated visit from Ben's second cousin Connie, who lives in Seattle!

After she managed to find her way to our place on Friday evening with the help of printed Google Maps directions and a few text messages, we set off to a make-your-own-stirfry party at our friend Juanita's apartment. It was a great idea, and the evening was filled with laughter and lively conversation.


L-R: Joel, Ben, Myla, Shonna, Hod, Juanita, Connie

The next morning, Myla and Heidi joined us for a breakfast of pancakes and bacon and eggs.

Then, Connie, Ben and I headed off to the Vancouver Winter Farmers' Market at the Nat Bailey Stadium. We had been to the summer venue of this farmers' market quite often during our first year here, but I had no idea the winter one would be so good - I think it actually had more vendors than the summer market (admittedly, that doesn't take much!).









After the markets, we headed into Gastown for a bit of a wander through the oldest part of Vancouver. There, Connie got herself a genuine Vancouver souvenir in the form of some bright green Fluevogs! (Delle also discovered this brand when she was here last year!)





Next we drove to Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver. This is the FREE alternative to the touristy $30pp Capilano Suspension Bridge that someone had recommended to Connie!






On the way home we stopped at Crystal Mall - the Asian mall near our place - and picked up Vietnamese chicken and veggie rolls with peanut sauce and steamed pork and veggie buns for dinner. We also chowed down on some delicious cheese we had bought at the farmers' market, and introduced Connie to the concept of Tim Tam Slams! It was a fun and relaxing evening at home after our big day of exploring the city.


For lunch on Sunday, we went to the home of our friends Harold and Kathy and their baby boy Novak. Stuart and Rosanne and baby Aydin were there too, so we had fun playing with the two little chaps, and enjoyed delicious waffles with assorted toppings for lunch.

L-R: Harold, Kathy, Rosanne, Aydin, Stuart, Ben, Connie

That afternoon we farewelled Connie as she headed up to Whistler for her last night in Canada. We really enjoyed her visit and hope we can do it again sometime. Thanks for coming, Connie!

Weekend with Jim

This weekend we had a visit from Ben's dad, Jim! He had a conference in Toronto last week, and stopped in Vancouver for 3 nights with us on his way home. We certainly enjoyed his visit - he's the only family member we'll be seeing in person for over 2 years!!

I took Friday afternoon off work to collect Jim from the airport. Then we took a 6km walk through Central Park (a large, beautiful park near our place) before going to Ben's work to pick him up - and have a tour!



That evening we had pizza at home.



The next morning we went to Chinatown to find a Chinese laundry bag to send some of our stuff home in as Jim's checked baggage, since he very conveniently travels only with carry-on (we ended up sending almost 40kg home with him - mainly textbooks and winter clothes!)...



Then we had lunch in North Vancouver and went for a walk at Lynn Canyon...

The next day we enjoyed a lovely Sunday that culminated in us introducing Jim to bubble juice...

And today (Monday), which both Ben and I had off work, we met up with Donna and Terry for lunch in downtown Vancouver. Donna used to board with Jim's aunt when she was in college in Montana - it was this connection that first led to us getting to know Donna and Terry last year!



After lunch we took a scenic drive around gorgeous Stanley Park. As you can see, the weather cooperated wonderfully all three days!



Then we swung by Dairy Queen for Jim's third and final Blizzard of the weekend...



And this afternoon we dropped him off at the airport. Thanks for visiting us, Jim - it was wonderful to have you here!!

Lynn Canyon Park

Yesterday we had a wonderful day out exploring Vancouver. It was a clear, sunny day (a rare enough occasion that it's worth mentioning!), and our first destination was Lynn Canyon Park. This is a 617 acre park in North Vancouver with a suspension bridge, walking trails, and a beautiful river winding through it. I found out about it through the Tripadvisor website, as travellers had recommended it as a lesser known but totally free alternative to the expensive and busier Capilano Suspension Bridge attraction 15 minutes away!

Crossing the river to reach the walking trails at Lynn Canyon first involves making it across the swaying, bouncing suspension bridge 50 metres above the rushing rapids. The bridge is 48 metres long, and just wide enough for two people to pass each other. Suffice to say, I was hanging on tight!!


The view from the bridge, once one dared to glance down, was very beautiful:


And here I am, game enough to let go and try a little jump...


Ben's much better effort:


Once across the bridge, we turned left and headed down towards the river. On the way, we navigated treacherous root systems, saw lots of hairy green tree limbs, and leaned over the fence (which had the below warning sign) to see the churning emerald green water far below.


Down at the river, there were lots of protruding grey rocks, and the water was beautifully clear...


A little further upstream, a tiny waterfall flowed through a hole in the back of a cave-like rock formation, and moved gently through a deep pool before reaching the rocky river in the photos above. The most impressive thing about this pool was the amazing green colour of the water, caused by whatever fine mineral particles were floating in it. It was so gorgeous!!


From the pool, we walked up a few flights of stairs and then trekked back through the forest to the suspension bridge. On the way, I found a weird bright yellow fungus (see macro pic - each little bud of it is only about 0.5cm across). Between the blue sky, the green pool, the yellow fungus, and the pink cherry blossoms that are just coming out in Vancouver, it was definitely a day for appreciating the variety of amazingly vibrant colours found in nature!


And that was Lynn Canyon! If any of you come to visit us, we will definitely be taking you there! :) I'll be back soon to tell you about the fabulous bargains we found the rest of the day...