Well, the time was right and I needed a bit of an adventure. Took a short trip to visit our neighbors to the north, and was it ever an experience.

The first full day there began with downtown. All around is architecture that is new, unique and eye opening. The glass sided skyscrapers at times make the city seem to be made of crystal, and so much greenery even in such an urban space is remarkable. Wandered the streets, sampled a few unique and amazingly delicious food trucks, then headed into the Bill Reid Gallery. I've always enjoyed the style of northwestern native art, and this was a treat to see such unique pieces on display. And as a way to cap off the afternoon, a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium was a real pleasure.

Day two, took the opportunity to drive through a few of the west end neighborhoods, making my way to the UBC campus. The Museum of the Earth and the Museum of Biodiversity were both interesting, if a bit small, but the Museum of Anthropology blew me away. The collection of items from around the world from all walks of life were impressive enough, but it truly excels beyond belief in its amassed array of native first nation art and artifacts. The huge gamete of regalia, masks, ceremonial and practical items, up to full sized totem poles and beautifully crafted canoes just blew my mind. So much to see, I was a bit hard pressed to fit it all in one afternoon. But that same evening I got the great opportunity to meet my longtime online friend  gishkishenh for the first time. For anyone not watching her, I cannot urge you strongly enough to do so, as her skill in so many styles is remarkable, and is knowledgeable in so many aspects of first nation culture and art. But beyond that, she is by far one of the coolest people I have ever met, and that evening alone was worth the entire trip. ^v^

The last two days saw more exploring, through neighborhoods, downtown, in and around the beautiful Stanley Park, and the very interesting and bustling Granville Island markets. And just to end on a high note, I managed to score a ticket to the MLS game where the Whitecaps were facing the LA Galaxy. I guess people were a bit nervous going in, given LA's reputation, but the Whitecaps did not disappoint their fans. Despite a few rough goes, by the beginning of discretionary time the Caps were up 2-1, trying to keep LA from tying it up. But in the last minute, one last goal by Vancouver clenched a solid win for them, and I swear I could see the resignation in the LA goalie's face. A perfect way to end a perfect trip.

All in all, this was more fun than I've had for a while. So much to see, do and experience, it is sure staying at the top of my list of favorite places. So to you, Vancouver, thank you for such an amazing time, and I can't wait to come back. ^v^