January 26 to 30, 2016......Holidays

January 26.....

It is all her fault again, of course. planning and then sending us away to Vancouver and then to Hawaii. (Adrienne)
On this day we have a direct flight from Ottawa to Vancouver. Leaving at about 6pm and arriving at about 9pm Pacific time. Rain is expected for our 4 days here but nobody is discouraged. This evening it is just to get settled in our mini-Hotel on the campus of UBC. We have been here several times before. It is exciting being in such a vibrant community of higher learning. Adrienne and I know the ups and downs of universities however they are one of best future investments for individuals and for a country.


January 27........

It is our first full day here so generally we taking it slowly. Mostly we go to the Granville Island market. I have a difficult time going around and around when all vendors seem to look the same. On the other hand......Adrienne is very enthusiastic about getting supplies. Cheeses of every description. Cheriso, bbq salmon, candidied salmon and 3 half loaves of bread. Enough for an army of ten. The strategy is to eat lunches in restaurants and then do wine and cheese at our hotel lodging. The wines we buy from Liberty Wine store are a Syrah from Church and State and a Zin from Great Northern.
So yes, our lunch is indeed at the Granville Island market. She orders a huge slice of pizza with a fresh salad on the side as her lunch. I'm satisfied with the basket of raspberries and a gigantic oatmeal-fruit muffin. there are so many of the best choices at this market.
In the evening we enjoy the fruits of Adrienne's shopping. The BC salmon is something we have to come back to when we are here. Her choices of cheeses and breads are again almost over the top.
We plan a busier day tomorrow.


January 28..........

Always I have to go for an early morning walk. Sometimes I head north to University Avenue and there is a string of cafes and small stores. Today I only stop for a tea at the 24-hour A+W.
Breakfast is at the hotel with fresh eggs on toast. The eggs are from free range or almost free range chickens. The yolks are richer more orange in colour. The flavour is also richer than our regular store bought eggs.
Before lunch we head over to Stanley Park. This is always a treat. The day is not so rainy. We scout out the totem pole area and the aquarium area as well as Propect point.
Adrienne has made reservations at at a downtown restaurant called Chambar. At last I get to describe what we have eaten. It is a planned suggested lunch menu for a city sponsered foodie event.
At first we order the stuffed calamari which has ground up veal inside. The flavours in and around this "surf and turf'" are amazing. The chef and staff are makimg a reputation here for sure. Our next course is a lamb dish. And what a lamb dish. Four generous paties of minced lamb are on top of a delicious collection of tomatoes, green beans and other vegies. A mayonaise sauce is at the centre to hold it all together.
The afternoon is time for Museum of Anthropology on the campus of UBC. Totem poles and Bill Reid works or art. The in situ totem poles outside are also interesting. Thank goodness the UBC people have cooperated with the BC indigenous peoples to reflect their history and traditions.
Jean and Kim arrive late in the evening.


January 29.........

Breakfast with the fresh eggs.