Monday, January 18, 2010

Ringing in 2010

What a better way to ring in the New Years than leaving the country. But for this single girl on a low budget, it had to be not too far away. So what did I do? I headed to the closest border- CANADA!

This was the first time I had driven over the border on my own and it was not too bad. Just make sure you have a passport or extended license. (And it has to be the official copy, not a temporary! A friend sadly learned this and had to ditch out on our journey) And don't bring weapons, drugs or fruit, which should be a no brain er for most. We got asked questions by the border control, who obviously thought he was a drill sergeant. "Where are you going? Who are you staying with? How do you know this person? yada yada yada...we are two 23 yr olds who look like we are 15, let us into Canada.

Ringing in the News Years was interesting. I a slightly liberal Christian ended up at a weird party with 8 people and a DJ. But the DJ does Raves.. with my great dance moves, I do not do raves. But it was New Years so I went with the flow.. attempted to dance with glow sticks, sent texts that I am going to regret when I get my bill and got giddy that it was a new year!


As usual in the Pacific Northwest New Years day was full of rain, rain, rain. But we braved it, laughed at the clouds and went on an adventure, first stop was Sophie's Cosmic Cafe. Great place for breakfast, funky decor, nice staff and highly recommended.


As we walked into the city across the Burrard Street Bridge, the heavens opened up and we soon were walking with puddles in our shoes and skin tight soaked jeans. I was freezing and staring jealously at my friends rain boots. If you travel to the PNW keep a pair of boots on hand at all times. I need to invest in some for these situations. But a stop at JJ Bean Coffee Roasters , sitting under the hand dryer in the bathroom and one hot vanilla latte later... I was a happy camper.


We spent the rest of the day wandering.. and catching the sites like any good American Tourists. For good bathrooms and a great view of the water check out Canada Place. Its has extremely interesting architecture that reminds me of the Denver airport.

Not a lot going on for the Olympics during this time. I only noticed a few signs and Olympics rings. So I plan to take the Amtrak up in February to check this city out again. I'm also noticing that I need to go when its not cloudy and rainy as I didn't even notice the mountains in the distance. Enjoy some of the pics below. My friend now lives in this city, so I hope to be having lots of great adventures and stories coming from here soon!