So we began our road trip to Vancouver by going our usual route through the mountains. There's something so comforting and refreshing about being surrounded by so much nature. I found myself feeling so grateful to be there while driving around the national park. Come to think of it, I was getting really sappy.. L-O-L oh well! It was a lovely drive. And we saw goats again!! That was super cool.
We stopped in Jasper, AB as we usually like to. It was a gorgeous evening there, so we just cruised around before we continued on our path.
We spent the first night in a little hotel in Blue River, BC. The staff were so sweet, and the beds were so comfy! Even all through that morning I was feeling so thankful to be around all this beautiful scenery. I think I was just on a high because I was so excited to get back to Vancouver.. Regardless, it was still a great feeling!
We left Blue River at a fantastic time, so we got a few hours of driving in before we all got hungry again. We decided to stop in Clearwater, BC for some German/Canadian cuisine. The little food truck was a family business, where the father cooked the food and his young daughter took all of the orders. I swear this little girl was only around 8 or 9 years old! Their food hit the spot though. Man do I wish you could have seen my father's face while he devoured his mushroom swiss burger... His exact words were, "THIS IS THE BEST FUCKIN' BURGER I'VE EVER EATEN!" which followed with him going up and giving the man a handshake in exchange for a business card (so we could stop there next time we drive through). Nick and I had cheeseburgers, while mom had schnitzel. We all loved ours as well. A+ spot for sure!
Shortly after our ever-so-brilliant lunch, we stopped by a gigantic antique shop. It was this huge building filled with stuff, with a back yard full of different themed baby barns also filled with things! I'm so glad we stopped, because we actually came out with a few good finds! I got an old pepsi crate to house my records, and dad got a sign and a few oil cans. The man gave us a pretty good deal as well. I wish I would have taken down the name.
After spending another night in an unknown location (I forget where it was), we braved the mountains again going through Kamloops, Marrott, Chilliwack and everything after. We were almost to Vancouver and I was more excited than ever! I won't lie, I lip-sync-rapped to every Iggy Azalea song that exists.
So we'd finally arrived, everyone in the family needed to take their showers, so we all did and got ready to go exploring. The sun was just setting on this gorgeous evening, so we walked around a bit in hopes of finding a nice place to eat. We stopped at Smoke's Poutinerie (it was my parents' first time) and had a delicious meal. After we were all full of cheese, gravy, fries and blue calypso lemonade, we decided to retire to the hotel room early to be well rested for a day of fun that was to follow.
There was a lovely cafe down the street from our hotel on Hornby street called Breka, with a beautiful man inside. I would be lying if I didn't say I blushed terribly when I ordered my hot apple cider. HEHEHE.
Since the weather was on our side this day, we thought we'd take advantage by taking a walk around Stanley Park. Great choice on our part! It was a beautiful walk! After doing a good chunk of the sea wall, we decided we were hungry enough to catch a street vendor hotdog or something. We were unsuccessful in our search, however we did end up stumbling upon this delicious pub that looked over the water. My whole family had cod and chips, of course, and I went for the onion rings. The platter I got almost resembled the mountains I had been so in love with just days before.. It was HUGE! I think they were the best onion rings I'd ever eaten, I swear!
After enjoying a fantastic lunch, we drove back to the hotel for a small siesta, and headed back out with our sights set on Granville Island. We hopped aboard an Aquabus for a 25 minute mini cruise around False Creek, then made our way around the markets and sweet little shops. Nick and I got gelato. It was amazing! There was also a dog that was wandering in and out of all the stores too. SO CUTE!
We ended that night with a trip to Chipotle, where a homeless woman greeted us with an enthusiastic "HAPPY TUESDAY!!!"
The third day we spent there, I got a tour of my school/met a few of the ladies who work there. I've got to say that even though the weather wasn't as nice, that day was by far my favourite! Seeing where I'll be taking my classes next September got me soooo much more excited, if that's even possible, for what's to come!
Then we drove around writing notes and numbers down for buildings we can begin calling in June to inquire about open apartments. The ball is rolling, and I couldn't be happier!
We ended up traveling to Langley for the evening to have dinner with some family. I always love visiting them, because they treat us so well when we're guests in their home. My cousin Courtney cooked us a delicious meal of chicken wings and probably the best ribs I've tasted to this day. Then while the parents sat around to chat we played with nerf guns, and then Kali and I watched Treehouse and played with their cute dog Feta.
The next day, my parents decided we'd leave 2 days earlier than planned in order to minimize the rush on the drive home. That drive was miserable. I didn't want to leave at all, let alone early. And everything was gloomy and rainy. No fun at all! Luckily I had my friends to text me silly things to keep me company.
Overall this trip was a great time! Although there are many things I wish I could have done, what we did end up accomplishing was great, and it just leaves things for next time! Next time.. Hahaha! Next time I'll be there to stay for a while, so I'll have plenty of time!
Hope all of your guys' spring break festivities were lovely!
Stay cool,
Jaime