A list! Because narrative takes time.

So a lot has happened since last week.  I'll just make a list of adventures/discoveries thus far to keep things simple.

1. I drove in Canada. Kilometres are tricky bitches. Just kidding...but seriously. I went out last Sunday on my own to the White Rock farmers' market and the huge pier. Even though it was grey out, it was still beautiful. I've also been on the Skytrain (like the metro) and local buses to get around downtown Vancouver. Walking around downtown was relatively simple and I am getting oriented well!

White Rock Pier

View of the water from the harbour downtown. So pretty!

2. Canadian fast food is not terrible. I experienced a lovely place called Tim Horton's one morning when we were in a rush. Apparently he's famous for some reason unbeknownst to me. There are so many fun local cafes and restaurants that I hope to avoid Mr. Horton's establishment as much as I can, though.

3. I got a play phone! My new Canadian cell phone functions (somewhat) but definitely looks like something my boyfriend's niece should be playing with, not me.

4. "Appys" and "grads." People here refer to appetizers as "appys." Yes, with a y. And if you couldn't tell already, grad is short for graduation. I'm all up for some word shortages, but they take it to the next level around here.

5. I already got to experience another longhouse! We went to the Chehalis reservation land for HIPPY Canada staff development day. It was much more rustic than the fancy downtown longhouse, with dirt floors and wooden benches to sit on, and a nice lovely stove with a fire. It reminded me of the stove in my house and my dad's workshop. Our leader/guide/facilitator told us several stories about their culture, we ate lunch there (homemade canned salmon, anyone?), and walked down to their river to wash our hands where they traditionally bathe to wash away negativity.

All the HIPPY Canada ladies in front of the longhouse.

Inside the longhouse.

Delicious home canned salmon.

Me with our guides.

Washing away negativity! Glacier water is CHILLY.

6. The sun sets reeeeeeally late here. Like 9:30pm late. The summer solstice is coming up on June 20, so I definitely plan to take advantage of the longest day of the year in a place where the sun stays out so late.

From when I tried to watch the transit of Venus...keyword: tried. 

7. Speaking of the sun, it finally came out! It has been gloomy, but finally this weekend the sun came to visit. Monday was also a beautiful day. Today the rain is back though, argh.

The sun! Taken on Friday.

8. I ate something called a Japadog. It's a Japanese-influenced hot dog. It was...interesting? I would definitely have to get used to the flavor profile of hot dog, teriyaki, Japanese mayo, and seaweed all together.

Japadog

9. I had the first meeting for my project on Thursday-there was a bit of a rocky start, but everything is progressing now. I will devote an entire post to project development after my next meeting later today! I'll also give more details about HIPPY Britannia in that one.

10. I explored this cutesy little town called Fort Langley. It reminded me of fun little Southern towns. You can walk anywhere and there are little boutiques, book shops, and cafes. I hope to go back again.

Beautiful view in Fort Langley.

An old train depot.

On the railroad with a train passing by.

11. Bhangra! I went to a Bhangra Festival in downtown Vancouver with my partner's niece and her friend (yay new friends!). It was in the Art Gallery Plaza and had all kinds of artists and dancers. My favorite artist was a guy who played violin to punjabi music with hip hop and dubstep influences. People started impromptu dancing while he played. My favorite group of dancers were these little boys that had been dancing together for 8 years. They were probably 11-12 and so into the music!

Violinder

Impressive.

12. After the festival, we walked around downtown a bit, into a cool aboriginal art gallery/shop in Gastown and to a restaurant near the water called Steamworks. Definitely planning to get a couple prints of native art from the shop. I ate the Canadian dish poutine for dinner. Delicious gravy and cheese curd covered fries. Yep.

Me and my poutine.

Up close- yuummm.