July's exploits

This photo was taken as we were ready to go out to the Flight Centre annual ball - this is my team, we were going for the cheesy "family in front of the fireplace" look - I think we pulled it off! We had a great night, in a huge place big enough to fit all 800 or so of us, and hot enough to melt everyone's makeup.

July was the month of "waiting for our visas - and waiting some more". We applied in February, and after much chasing up, finally heard back in the last week of July that we'd been approved for another two years. It was a loooong wait, but worth it in the end! So we're here for a bit longer, staying in the same apartment and jobs as well. It's a relief to be able to plan more than a month in advance!

We did try and make the most of the nice weather we got and saw a few sunsets - they're just gorgeous here, they get a deep red or bright pink colour, so different than at home. There was also a fireworks festival on, which had four displays in a two week period - there was a barge set up in English Bay and they let them off there, the weather was great so it was pretty cool.

Andrew's brother Aden and his girlfriend Kristin also came to visit for a few days. Kristin is from Calgary so they were over visiting her family and stopped in for a few days on their way back. Was great to see faces from home and catch up. We went up to Whistler for the day (it's so different in the summer!), watched the fireworks, had a nice leisurely lunch in the sun by False Creek, it was great.

Shopping in Seattle

Friday after work we drove on down to Seattle. American immigration officers get a bit of a bad rap worldwide about being strict and staunch - all the times we've crossed the border we've always found them to be reasonably relaxed and friendly and quick with a joke. It's the Canadian ones that are serious and don't show any personality! On previous trips they've told us that they've had the immigration froms translated into Kiwi. This time on the way down the Americans are asking the usual - where are we going, for how long, how much cash do we have in the car.... and then he says "Alright guys, give it to me straight.................. (our hearts pound, what have we done wrong??!!)......... which is better, vegemite or marmite??" We laugh, shout our answers and he gives us back our passports and we're on our way!

We stayed at the Sheraton that night - we had a free night to use, thanks to travel agent discounts - and when we arrived they had a little plate with meats, crackers, buffalo mozzarella............ lovely. We were lucky enough to get a corner suite, so the windows went right around and gave us a great view. After a relaxing night we headed out for a spot of shopping. This weekend was supposed to be about sightseeing, but all we did was see the inside of shops - but what great shops they are! I hardly ever go shopping in Canada, I save it all for the USA - much more variety and it's cheaper. Win win! Andrew was amazingly patient with all the shopping.

5 new pairs of shoes later and we went out for a great dinner - to the Cheesecake Factory. They do have a lot more than just cheesecake, but booooooooooy is their cheesecake amazing. They have a full cheesecake menu with about 30 different flavours. We were so full after out meal that we had to get the cheesecake to go - and had it for breakfast! We picked up a bottle of wine - one that we normally buy in Vancouver for $13.99 we got in Seattle for $4.99. I say it again - God Bless America. That night we stayed at the Fairmont Hotel in Seattle.

After a tad more shopping the next day (no more shoes, just clothes and alcohol this time), we trundled back across the border and were home in time for dinner. Productive weekend!