How The Other Half Lives

And by Other Half, I mean those who live North of us. Specifically Canada. More specifically, Vancouver, BC.

Dustin has been doing some simulation training up there and I went up to visit last weekend. I pulled out my long sleeved shirts again and made sure I had a light jacket and flew up on Friday afternoon. Apparently meal service on airlines has gone the way of the Dodo bird. At least on Delta you can buy a "gourmet" sandwich for $8 cash, exact change only please.

But I digress. The flight was fine except for some weird chugging noises that sounded like a car engine that has a bad starter (Dustin assured me it was normal for the kind of plane I was on) and the very talkative woman next to me. Customs was a breeze and the walk out of the airport was very nice. I wish I had a picture of the homemade sign that said "Vancouver ----->". I'd hate to turn the other way and hit Quebec instead!

Dustin was waiting for me and as we waited for the shuttle, he asked what I thought of Vancouver. Always a smart aleck I said the airport was very nice. We got a laugh and by the time we made it to his hotel, we were ready for some dinner. The hotel was in Chinatown so we walked a block and found a few chinese restaurants that only took cash. A few minutes of looking for an ATM, admiring how pretty the money is up there and walking back to a restaurant that looked good and we were set. We opened the door and noticed we were the only non-Asians there. The menu was in Chinese with English translations on about half of the menu items. It was going to be delicious!

We weren't disappointed. The sweet and sour chicken was perfect and the chicken fried rice was better than any I've ever had. Dustin ordered curry chicken that wasn't quite what he expected and spicier than he liked but it was ok. Even the plain white rice was good! If you're in Vancouver/Richmond, I highly recommend Top Shanghai Restaurant on Ackroyd(I think) in Chinatown. I think even Kylene would be impressed and she's very picky about her chinese food after serving her mission in Hong Kong (right?).

Saturday we walked to the mall and bought Dustin some new work pants and a nice shirt. We ate at place that specilized in french fries and thought briefly about trying the gravy on top before opting for cheese dip. Then we found Maxims bakery. Oh the delicious smells wafting from that delightful store! We were completely full and still tried to determine if we had room for a weiner bun or cake. And the prices were soooo cheap! $0.80 for a weiner bun (hot dog in a roll) or a chicken and ham pie. Everything there was also in Chinese but with English subtitles.

Dustin had a training on Saturday early evening so I spent some time reading before we had dinner at a White Spot restaurant. Very tasty and decently priced.

Sunday was spent trying to get home and when that failed, we ordered some room service. Chicken quesadilla and some chicken fingers and fries. With plum sauce. Surprisingly good with the french fries.

Monday we were able to try the bakery finally and it was worth the wait. The bread was sweet and soft and left you full but wanting more.

It sounds like we did nothing but eat but we spent some time walking around Chinatown and enjoying the weather and lovely flowers. My last meal was at a local pub called The Foggy Dew and Dustin's bangers and mash was wonderful and my steak nice and tender.

The flight home was very quiet and went pretty fast. Dustin is expected home on Saturday and I've hinted that I'd like some rolls from Maxims if he's able to bring some home. I can't wait!