Yesterday David and I dropped his folks off at the airport at a sinfully-early hour. (They were headed for sunny California which, contrary to popular belief, we are no longer visiting!) We found ourselves sitting in the economy parking lot at Vancouver International at 7:30 am, wondering what we could do in the big city on a Sunday morning. We eventually made our way down the deserted streets and parked at Granville Island, where we wandered around and enjoyed the peace and tranquility of a city still asleep.
Most shops were only due to open at nine or ten, so we walked over to West 4th and discovered the annual Kitsilano Soapbox Derby. These amazing structures went zooming past us down the hill between Burrard and Yew, with very serious little drivers behind each wheel. There were wooden cars, metal cars, and even a corrugated plastic car. All had big-name sponsors and were equipped with their own brakes, though one vehicle plowed right into the hay bales that marked the finish line, and still another managed a very successful burn-rubber-kind-of-stop that resulted in its graceful halt after a 360 degree turn!
Since I am working full-time on my thesis these days, David and I have had to become more creative with our activities, finding free or inexpensive ways to have fun. It’s been amazing to discover how much you can do for free! Wandering along 4th, watching the soapbox cars whiz past, we learned that they were giving out free samples of Coke Zero at the top of the street, so we made our way there and found a gaggle of pretty people decked out in Coke gear. Strutting about their company SUV and gyrating to the beat of their hip tunes, they barely noticed us scoop a couple of mini cans from their display cooler. Our verdict on the new flavour: tastes like Diet Coke but with no funny after taste. We eventually returned to the Island and enjoyed a plate of deep-fried everything: oysters, cod, calamari, prawns, onions, and fries. Yum.
After a couple of other stops, we started to head towards home. On the way out of the city, we swung past my old elementary school, where I attended kindergarten through grade 2. It still has the same gravel backyard I used to wander around in at lunch, sipping on my tetra pak of Super Socco. We then followed the short route that I used to walk with my brother to get home and discovered our old house has been repainted and fitted with a new railing on the upper balcony. Other than that, it still looks startlingly the same, albeit smaller than eight-year-old Rita’s eyes can recall. It is obvious someone has been taking great care of the place.
Once home, we had Anthony (and Tara!) over for some barbequed salmon, roasted zucchini with feta, and great conversation. A really beautiful and long-lasting day!
On Friday night, David became an uncle! Jacob was born a strapping 9lbs, 15 oz and 21.75 inches long. Mum and baby are doing beautifully, and we are told they should be going home today. We haven’t seen any photos yet, but apparently he has a head full of dark curls and a lovely temperament. We can’t wait to see him!