Vancity!

I don't generally like to visit places more than once.. but every so often I realize I'm kidding myself. For example, New Zealand. Ain't no way I'm not going back. and Paris.. I was there when I was 16 and too young to realize what a cool place I was visiting. ANd Italy.. sure, I went there for a DAY but I know there is much more to explore.

The Boy signed up for Ironman Canada and so we knew a year ago we'd be heading to Vancouver for a mini visit before heading up to Penticton for the race. Last night we got in late but MB picked us up from the airport (Thanks lovely!!) and this morning we got up early, saw her off to work, and then headed on the Millenium line to Waterfront, took the Seabus to North Vancouver, and then the 236 to Grouse Mountain!

I'd heard of the Grouse Grind a few years ago from FL who is a hardcore hiker and backcountry camper, so I thought it was out of my reach... but The Boy and I did it in underaverage time, only 1:17! I just want to make it clear - it sucked. There were girls having full conversations all the way up and I was just trying to breathe. The Boy was talking my ear off while grannies passed us and I was hanging onto tree stumps trying to catch my breath. What a mess. But you know what, we did it. WE DID IT! and I would have bought an "I survived the grouse grind" tshirt, but they were really ugly.

We were sweaty messes so we devoured some lunch at the top of the mountain (I actually wolfed down a half a sandwich before The Boy had even unwrapped his, looked at me, and said "wow, hungry?"), cleaned up, walked around and took the swingy gondola back down to the city.

Next stop was the Lululemon Lab, the design hub of LUlulemon where new stuff is developed and then produced in limited quantities. If it's good, then they produce more and send it out to the stores! i picked up a dress, a purse, and a pair of shorts for me, and a number of other stuff for MT, by request!

We had planned to go Scuba Diving on Sunday, so we started to walk west towards the dive shop. about an hour and a half later of sightseeing and wandering later, i had the genius idea of actually calling the dive shop to see if there was any space available. there wasn't. we headed over the Burrard St Bridge to check out a bike shop, and then busted it by bus over to meet MB after work. We stopped for a quick roll of sushi-snack and then headed back to her house that she shares with her boyfriend DS for a home-cooked dinner and drinks. It's the weekend!!!