Last Night in Canada

It was really strange to go to bed last night thinking this is our last night sleeping in our own beds in our own house for at least 11 months. I was up early and went to visit my Mother one last time before heading out on our noon departure. We chatted for a while and I gave her a big hug before heading back home. Larry and Lorraine were at our house at 9:30 which turned out to be a surprise for Shelley who ran upstairs to shower. Arnita (Shelley's sister and house/dog sitter) had arrived a little earlier.

We did get away at 10 am and dropped Lorraine off home and Larry drove us to the airport. The big guy gave Shelley and me a big hug and we waved goodbye. We were delighted to check in and find our luggage would get routed right through to Kuala Lumpur despite switching airlines from Air Canada to Cathay Pacific in Vancouver. Security was a bit of surprise because I had left a letter opener in my computer bag (my bad) and it turned out I had 8 knives in my carry-on (Shelley's bad). Apparently Shelley thought I was going to check my carry-on. No big deal as they were Walmart specials. It seems it is hard to find knives in Malaysia as everyone eats with spoons/forks or chop sticks.

We immediately headed off to the maple Leaf lounge for breakfast. An hour later and we were boarding. It's getting real now.

Five hours went bye pretty quickly and we landed at 3pm Vancouver time (6pm our time) and Jordan and Lauren picked us up and we headed off to the Airport Elephant and Castle for lunch/dinner. The restaurant overlooks a nice marina so we sat out on the balcony. I immediately recalled our ongoing joke about Doogies imaginary boat.

After lunch we had lots of time to kill so we headed off to Langley (45 minutes) to do a little shopping at Chapters, Shoppers Drug Mart, Dollar Mart (Canada stickers, obviously for Shelley) and Mountain Equipment Sports. It turns out Jordan has discovered hiking and camping and was in the market for a tent for the weekend. We discovered a few that would suit him and he put one on hold for a buddy to purchase (store employee) the next morning.

Jordan then drove us back to the airport for our final hugs and a few pictures. We went though security and found the American Express Premium lounge where we are spending the next five hours (9 pm-2 am) awaiting our boarding time. It's a nice lounge with free food and booze, but best of all napping laz-y-boy chairs.

Shelley is now asleep (9:30 pm Vancouver time, 12:30 am our time). I am sipping a glass of wine and typing this post.

TTYL,

Jim