What a city!

It would be criminal of me to not post about my experience in Vancouver, B.C. . It was an experience worth blogging! The border to get into Canada is about 10 minutes away. There is this huge border patrol station where you have to show your passport or birth certificate. The border patrol agent asks you a series of questions. "What brings you to Canada? Where is home? Are your kids at home? What is Thriving Ivory? Where is Thriving Ivory playing? How long are you staying?" These questions are very serious like you are on an episode of cops. Then, when your questions are finished, he waves you through. I have heard from my neighbor that sometimes they take your car keys until they are done asking you questions.

Vancouver is incredible. Absolutely stunning with the largest Port I have ever seen. There is a tunnel where you drive under the water. I was frightened as you imagine the weight of the water is above you. Born and bred in California, visualizing possible earthquakes everywhere I venture is a habit!

The drive to downtown was fascinating as huge, beautiful homes are on a busy street. There were enormous hedges to block the view from traffic. The dwellings reminded me of San Diego homes: old, trendy and huge! A lot of them had unique doors with funky wreaths. I instantly could tell this was a artsy, hip city.

Downtown initially reminded me of New York City. There are huge skyscrapers where people live. (But, what if there is an earthquake?...oh, never mind!) The shopping was similar to the Gateway in Salt Lake City magnified 500%. There was Restoration Hardware, Bombay, and other funky clothing and furniture stores huddled together with hip restaurants and bars. We parked underneath and passed several bums begging for money. One of the bums complimented Ken and me how we should get married and we dress so classy! I was so oblivious as I was carrying on a conversation with this really nice man... he then asks for a dollar. Wanting to give him one, (he did compliment me after all!) Ken reminds me we only have American money. Ooopsie! Anyway, we pass a young couple laying on the ground covered with trash bags for warmth. They had a sign that said, "McHungry...anything helps." I told them their sign was cute. :)

The people outside the pub were very friendly and hip. I made a few friends chit-chatting with some of them. Getting inside the bar, the security checks my purse. I thought they were checking for weapons but when he made a comment about the residue at the bottom of my handbag I realized he was looking for drugs. I told him he was welcome to look closer as my two year old would not mind if he confiscated his Ritz cracker's crumbs!

The show was incredible--and as we left after midnight, I was surprised to see the nightlife on the street for a Wednesday night. I can only think of the Las Vegas strip on a holiday weekend. There were mobs of people.

I give Vancouver four stars!