Oh Canada!

Go North!!!  Vancouver awaited so we headed north. Mountains to the east and north were so pretty to these flatland Florida eyes. I keep forgetting that driving to Canada means driving to a different country, requiring passports and border guards. When we realized this, we went into the trunk to dig out the passports and global passes, and repack some of our Washington wine bottles since I was sure these weren't all allowed in.   I was impressed when our Google GPS politely welcomed us to Canada as we waited in line.

Border crossing into Canada

  Then it was our turn to talk with the border police. A few basic questions and then, THE question - do you have any alcohol with you?  The Turk's eyes got big, he started stuttering, and I jumped in and said, 'oh ya. We have a couple bottles for Whistler'.  He asked if we were giving any of the bottles to people in Canada, and I said 'no'.  Well...I planned on drinking at least SOME of every bottle, so nothing was completely being given away.
The Turk did a great job getting us into Vancouver despite crazy Friday traffic and we got to our hotel. The Sunset Inn and Suites was a wonderful haven. A very comfortable efficiency apartment in a great location with friendly and helpful staff.  The Turk and I headed out to Davies Street to check things out. I miss city-access to international foods! Around the corner were restaurants for Pho, Himalayan cuisine, bakeries, Italian, health foods, and more. I just wanted to eat my way around the block!  But we had dinner plans with good friends - so no eating!

Art? outside our hotel (not our hotel in the picture)

WHAT is Transylvania food?

Why are the vegetables wrapped in rubber bands?

Car2Go is Vancouver's answer to Uber which is not allowed. You drive yourself  and drop the car off at nearby lot.

Vancouver has got to be one of the friendliest cities in the world. I wanted to take everyone we met home for dinner. The city is getting ready for the holidays and decorations were going up everywhere - in stores, on the streets, on the buildings. Those lights help brighten up the rainy cold that we had each day.

Decorating the hospital walls

Dinner with friends went by too quickly as we reconnected, and introduced husbands into the mix. Also introduced - a Mexican liquor called Ancho Reyes. The flavor of chilies with a balanced sweetness and alcohol. Quite an interesting and delicious after dinner drink.

bridge from Vancouver heading north

Alas, after a rainy night in Vancouver, and a chocolate croissant for breakfast, we were on our way to Whistler.