We've heard people talk about Vancouver and its stunning beauty but you really have to be there to appreciate just what they are all talking about... So for those that have not been, apologies but the following just won't be doing it justice.

It's vast for starters but has everything you could want in a place to live... Snow capped mountains painting the horizon, reems of farmland harvesting the best seasonal produce including sweetcorn and blueberries, relaxing harbours to watch big expensive yacht and boats, sleepy seaside towns to take long walks through, busy metropolis cities of commerce, glorious dense islands that offer beautiful beaches, 800 year old tree and one amazing never to be forgotten experience of the mammal variety.

Some details on the places we visited...
*Richmond for family time, laughs and dancing to punjabi music and most importantly for making new friends and being made to feel SO welcome- thank you 'mum' & Rajan x

*Surrey for a bit of India central - whole plazas full of Indian clothes, food and music shops but no chicken pakoras!

*Vancouver city for -
Walking along the beach at English Bay and Gay Pride parade.
Yaletown's harbour and dinner at 'C'. Halibut & chips and abstract lemon meringue pie for dessert. S also tried oysters.
Surjit pa's mates penthouse apartment for amazing views of the city and of the fireworks, hosted by Thailand.
Stanley Park for a long walk amongst the joggers and cyclists.
Kits Pool, longest salt water pool in Canada (3times an Olympic pool), for fun and learning to swim with Rajan.

*Vancouver Island for -
Ferry ride to capital city Victoria and some sightseeing around the port and old English looking buildings.
Going whale watching in a 'zodiac' dingy boat and striking gold - spotting three Orcas (killer whales) off San Juan Island after what had been two weeks of no show. So lucky, excited and blessed to have witnessed them. Definitely a highlight of the trip so far. Also spotted seals chilling on some rocks.
Port Alberni for more family time, home cooked food and dancing!
Harbour Quay and the best donuts in Vancouver... not!
Sprout Lake for some spontaneous swimming and the worlds largest water bombers (which help in bush fires).
Hike up to lookout point and panoramic views of Port Alberni... Indian gidda (folk dancing) time!
Tofino and misty Long beach with its freezing water but warm sands.
Majestic Cathedral Grove to see an 800 year old tree.
Goat on the roof of the Old Country Market in Coombs - there's literally goats living on the roof of a grocery store. Weird!

The food...
The fresh grown corn on the cob was out of this world - so juicy.
We tried veggie hotdogs in Victoria but were not much impressed. Lemon cheesecake & strawberry cheesecake ice creams were good though.
'Bhua ji's' shortbread biscuits and everything else she cooked us... Yummmmy.
Good pizza, margarita's and Ouzo shots with kisses at Greek restaurant Dolce, and S taking to the road and driving us home!
Homemade pasta with the best Alfredo sauce.