July 30, 2010
This is our little breakfast nook with a view!
Many thanks to everyone who has written comments and has e-mailed to say they are enjoying these postings from Canada. It’s nice to be sharing this holiday with all of you via the blog. We’ve had such a lovely time but we do miss home. Your messages make us feel so good!
Today “our chauffer” picked us up promptly at 9 am. I’m actually referring to a West Vancouver Transit driver who by some serendipitous happening seems to always be the guy operating the big blue bus whenever we board it… Check out this link to read more about him: http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/27188/ ) “Off to Horseshoe Bay again?” he asked. Yes indeed we were taking the ferry to Vancouver Island to see more old friends…
Those readers who have never made the crossing on BC Ferries to Vancouver Island should add the trip to their Bucket List. It’s like going on a short Gulf Islands cruise for just $13.00 and if you’re lucky enough to be on a new boat, the appointments (restaurant, lounge-bar, shops and business center) make you believe you’re on Princess Lines. Whales and other sea animals are sometimes spotted during the trip – quite exciting!
Heather and Brent picked us up and off to their lovely home we sped. Jorge and I prepared margaritas and guacamole which were followed by champagne, salmon, salad, cheeses and chocolate. I’m afraid the road to rolly-polliness continues to be long, wide and full of temptation.
Friends since high school days, Heather and I have seen one another through some of the best and some of the worst times in our lives. She’s always had a few choice words just when I have really needed them… Our relationship is also a lot of FUN and today was no exception. We laughed until our sides ached!
Backing up a few days, my sister Barb and great friend Mary stayed for two nights at the beginning of the week and Merida’s symphony conductor Juan Carlos Lomonaco’s sister and a friend also visited us in our West Vancouver digs. Harry and Pilar are in the magazine publishing business and it was interesting to hear their take on the future for writers in Canada. Apparently it’s no easier than anywhere else. But as Harry said, “People aren’t going to stop reading and new authors do get lucky on a regular basis.” Hope springs eternal, I guess.
Monday will see us leave Vancouver and fly to Calgary where we’ll spend a few days with Vanda and Ali, good friends from Merida. It’s odd how my two worlds are now converging. In Mexico we see many friends from Canada and here in Canada, we meet up with lots of people we’ve gotten to know in Mexico!
Indeed… it’s a small world after all.
PS. For Colleen… If you read this “Happy Birthday”. Jorge and I thought of you when we drank today’s champagne!