Nevertheless, we decided to head into the big scary world by taking a flight to Seattle, and from there a bus to Vancouver. Our ultimate destination is Japan, and after several hours of Internet searches I determined that this is the cheapest route. You know how much I like cheap.
Thankfully we also have many friends in those two great cities, so started off by popping in on the Pellegs only to find they'd flown to Ireland three days before. But they were kind enough to lend us their house, so we walked the city taking in the highlights. I'd forgotten what fog and clouds looked like, and also that nowhere is as flat as east Texas; Seattle has hills inside it! But the exercise allowed us to work off all the coffees and pastries we couldn't resist.
Then it was onto a bus to ride north of the border. The clouds gave way to blue skies within 20 minutes of the Seattle city limits, and immigration was very pleasant, as you'd expect from a country that shares our Queen. We were soon in a bar with Jane enjoying fabulous local beers while ice hockey played on the TVs.
Sunday was spent on a visit to our old stomping ground of Christ Church Cathedral, followed by a picnic in the sunshine. The picnic field was conveniently close to an outside bar, so the kids sat on a blanket while the adults chatted and sampled some more of the local liquid produce.
It's been a fabulous start to the holidays, and a reminder of the entirely different vibe that the Pacific Northwest has to...pretty much anywhere else in North America. People talk about climate change here! And recycling! I don't want to prejudge what Mr Trump is going to say to the Queen during his visit this week, but I'm not sure those will be top of the agenda.
Tray tables in their upright position etc.
A hill! No wonder everyone here is so fit.
Seattle breakfast.
Who's that trip-trapping over my bridge?
Theo Chocolate Factory, with unlimited free samples!
Tourists.
Meeting up with Florin...and a large friend.
Basketball with Agam.
Schooling Arbel.
Some Junior Catan. Almost as competitive as their parents.
The emotional sight of Vancouver again.
Canada Place.
Float planes, Stanley Park, and a wistful look.
Dinner and drinks with Jane.
Catching the water taxi home.
