Main lesson learned on this trip: test carry-on retractable handle before leaving.

Oh, Vancouver. How much you’ve changed and how much you’ve stayed the same.

There were FAR too many people for me to get a good gauge on whether or not the west coast still felt like home and running around playing Olympic tourist didn’t help. I spent almost 7 years living and working downtown, but haven’t lived there since the summer of 2007 (before jet-setting down to Nevis). Before that most of you remember I was up north in Prince George for a year. It’s been a long time since Vancouver was “home”, but something about the city will always hold a piece of my heart.

The biggest addition? Definitely the Shangri La. Whoah.

The biggest loss? Slickety Jim’s burned down! Main Street isn’t the same without that supa cool breakfast joint.

We attended three men’s hockey games and one men’s curling game. Despite all the rumours of disastrous security lines, we showed up early and were shuffled through efficiently in 15 minutes or less. Our hockey seats were amazing. Our curling seats sorta sucked. In a corner at the end of a long row, it was a pain to get in and out and forget about seeing the opposite end. The curling game actually ended up being pretty exciting with a tie between the USA and Switzerland going to an extra end. It was one of only two curling games the American men would win in the tournament. Yay, Shuster!

I bought one piece of Olympic memorabilia (a pin with Canadian and American flags) and lost it within 48 hours because it fell off my jacket. I mistakenly meandered into Lululemon while running on a treasure hunt around Metrotown for red Olympic mittens. Their cheer gear hoodies were gorgeous and if I had an extra $108, I would be sporting maple leafs down south with pride right now.

Brigette and Markus were our gracious hosts in New Westminster. They have a lovely little house and she makes a great beef bourgeois!

We also got to see Mel, Karen, Julie, Simona and Christina. Simona shuttled us around town (more red mitten scavenger hunting) and introduced Brandon to the best ceasar ever. Christina helped satisfy my sushi craving (that Chef’s Roll was to-die-for) and Karen ended up tied to her house due to unexpected plumbing problems.

Too short. Too little time. Too few hugs and happy faces.

We’ll just have to go back sooner than later.

Oh, and yes. We eventually did find red Olympic mittens! I got a pair for me and a pair for Brandon’s mom. But only in large. So if you see a ladies medium or small, feel free to send ‘em on down to Oklahoma City!