UMTravels

Stayed up to 4am chatting with Dave-son. That meant an hour and a half nap before heading back to the airport so he could get his flights back to Tokyo.

Breakfast at the Denny’s around the corner from Helene’s before picking her up for our trip to O Canadaland to “check-in” — I mean land. Probably would have been better if she’d come in solo (or with a Canadian) since the surly immigration lady (and I use that term loosely) put Helene through extra hoops — however, on the customs line (to declare the goods to follow), it was the exact opposite — not exactly here is your Canadian flag pin, but at least “Welcome to Canada.”

Got lost in Vancouver and took a  nice tour of the city — blame my tiredness (had to stop in Mount Vernon on the way up and take a half an hour nap!) Finally found Commercial Drive but I couldn’t find Toby’s Sushi Restaurant — long since closed — so we stopped by to see if Tom (Tuma) was home. He was, boyfriend Stephen was, and most amazingly, Michael, Helene’s Vancouver roommate just back from Brazil was as well. Much conversation which included a local recommendation for lunch since I was once again fading.

The burger at Fets was really good — but the waitress should really right things down. Helene didn’t get her dressing on the side, I got fries instead of the salad I’d swapped it out with — and for some odd reason, the iced tea was sweet — we ain’t in Georgia (but the Memphis BBQ was in the next block).

After lunch it was back to the border. On the way up — there were two lanes open with two cars in each. Quick (except for the 45 minutes to “land”). On the way home…. an hour wait at 2pm to get back across the border. Maybe it’s time to get the Nexus pass (quick, short lines since you’ve already given them all your information in advance).

Got Helene back in time for the 5pm local news, got myself back in time for the 5:30pm national news. Was asleep on the couch by 6:45pm, was asleep in bed at 7:30, and was back up and groggy at 9pm for a sandwich and a glass of whiskey (and some fine Monday night television).

Jameson probably coming up tonight to avoid the unknown traffic of the morning.