A lovely drive up Cypress Mountain – loads of pics. I even walked up the nature trail a ways to experience the sights, sounds, scents. A *great* place for shapeshifters and other magickal creatures to hang out.

Odd thing: no real scents in the air. V. weird.

Lunch at Splitz Grill (Yummy burgers and pseudo poutine for me); then off to Museum of Anthropology. Last day open for a year as they get ready for their renovation. Loads and loads of people there. We spent a little time, then went to Aberdeen Mall. Contrary to its name, it’s primarily Asian. Found VooDoo babies there!

Back to hotel for rest and a quiet dinner later at Gyoza King. Early day tomorrow as we head over to Victoria for the day.

Random observations:
– the food here has been brilliant, whether a fancy restaurant or a laid back hang out.
– the people here are truly polite and go out of their way to help (the housekeeping maid assigned to my room leaves me a note each day, thanking me for my tip and wishing me a great day–that’s NEVER happened in a US hotel, even though I tip the same amount there – $5/day)
– the city is CLEAN. No diesel fumes (electric buses); very little trash; even the roadsides are clean
– traffic is crazy, but evidently Labour Day weekend is known for that
– the panhandlers are polite, too (a guy walked up to me last night as I made my way back to the hotel. “Miss, would you buy me a coffee?” I declined and he just kept walking down the sidewalk).
– Most houses (at least in the nicer neighborhoods) seem to have hedges, instead of fences.
– Many high rise apartment buildings and office buildings have trees/gardens on top
– There is a fascinating ethnic diversity, so many different cultures
– Starbucks stores are *every*where. I truly believe the chain is owned by wizards. ::g::

I’m so lucky to be on this trip, seeing this beautiful city and spending time with my family.