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Vancouver, Canada

Unfortunately our trip to Grouse Mountain took its toll on little Harper who was left feeling a little under the weather. Laura took yesterday off work to give Harper a chance to recover which gave me a chance to go hang out with Laura!

We got to talking about travel which in turn led to the pulling out of the scrapbooks she had lovingly and laboriously put together of her and Matt’s year long trip through India and Asia. It was inspirational especially given their commitment to ethical tourism. I have now added a whole new list of places to my must-see list!

Later that evening I met up with my new friend Ryan for dinner at Vij’s – a very swish Indian restaurant with constant queues out the door. We were happy to wait in the bar though as they bought around plate after plate of hors d’oeuvres to save us from starvation. When time came for the main meal, we were treated to some of the best Indian cuisine I have ever had.

Today it rained, a sure sign to stay in my luxury apartment and tend to some chores. It also gave me the opportunity to skype my baby sister, Gabrielle and her babies, Claude and Lucca – such joy to see their smiling faces – who needs the sun when you can get beams like that!

But I couldn’t stay inside forever because I had another very important date with yet more new friends. I hopped on a bus and headed over the Lions Gate Bridge once more, this time to the very plush neighbourhood of West Van and to the home of the Tak family – John and Heather, their son Ian and their cockerpoo, Jack (50% cocker spaniel, 50% poodle, 100% adorable).

John is the brother of my dear friend Isabella. In the past when I’ve travelled, I haven’t been terribly committed to meeting up with friends of friends but this is no ordinary holiday. Aside from that, such is my affection for Isabella that I was intrigued to meet other members of her clan and I wasn’t disappointed. John and Heather were perfect hosts – welcoming, charming, intelligent and witty – such easy company it felt as though I’d known them for years.

After a delicious dinner, John got Isabella on the phone back in Sydney so we were able to share a moment together – it was a lovely and strange and we all wished that Isabella could actually have been in the room with us.

Ever the gracious hosts, John and Heather drove me all the way home in the rain and came up to have a sticky beak at my apartment – given the great tax hole the Olympic Village project has caused, I’m glad of the opportunity to show people how their money is being spent. We resolved that everyone should be entitled to at least a couple of nights in the apartments. I for one am glad to be having more than my fair share!

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