Vancouver

Sharon and I have both been to Vancouver a few times, but we had more visiting to do. First, say good-bye to Harrison Hot Springs:

Then off to Coquitlam to see another "long-lost" cousin of Sharon's for a somewhat spontaneous visit. Niesje was also at a distant wedding that weekend, but returned in time so we could connect with her and Bill, albeit briefly, during the day.

"A rose between two thorns."

We then sprinted off to see a slew of Rampersads in West Vancouver. Some of which are old acquaintances (the cousins and their other halves), some are just old (Uncle Carl), some are new to us (the fresher batch of the cousin's kids).

the freshest

at Cari and Phil's house

We were fed a large spread, loosened up with some scotch and wine, attacked by some children, and after starting to reconnect with this side of the family, we left. It was great seeing everyone after such a long time, but we had yet more visiting to do! Just as well for them, though... it was a "school-night" after all.

Our final destination for the night: an old family friend of Sharon's, Joanna. She is also the one we thank for our house - as she came all the way to Toronto to be our real estate agent when we were buying our home back in 2002.

Joanna put us up for the night in her beautiful condo in English Bay.

Next day, the rain started! It was for the best in the end, as we got a chance to catch up the next day, instead of going for a bike ride through Stanley Park.

Onwards we went, to catch a ferry bound for Vancouver Island where I realized I still had a set of keys to Joanna's place.  I guess subconsciously I wasn't ready to leave...