Took a quick overnight trip to Whistler with the fam. 

H was already there, he was by himself for 2 nights, and my lovely mum was helping me with the children. It wasn't too miserable without him, but it was not easy either, because he is another authority figure that S respects, whether she realises it or not. When he's around, she listens better. 

We left the house at 8AM, and the 1.5 hour drive went as smoothly as possible. Baby P fell asleep almost immediately. S was entertained by the extra books and snacks for about 30 minutes, until she had enough of being in her car seat. Then, she kept saying she wanted to throw away the ocean (the Sea to Sky had the most amazing ocean view that day). 

Finally, we arrived, changed everybody's diapers, and went on the prowl for food. Portobello at Whistler is right around the corner from where we were staying at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler: 

We ordered a porchetta sandwich, and a turkey noodle soup with a side of mac and cheese. The crispy pork skin tasted super fresh, while the meat just melted in your mouth, and none of it was too greasy. 

The soup was mostly for me, and the mac and cheese for S. She didn't eat much though, I think she had enough snacks. Everything was delicious. Or was I just starving from breastfeeding and travelling all day?

What else is there to do at Whistler with two kids, two years old and under, before the first snow?   

📍Coffee Park

📍The pool at the hotel

That's a full day. 

Of course, we had more than one meal out while at Whistler, because who wants to cook after hiking all day? 

We went to Ohyama Ramen:

The stormy weather was perfect for a hearty bowl of pork chashu miso ramen. H had the Big Mountain (top right), and I had the basic with an added egg. Then, we added the gyoza and beer combo, which you can see on the top left corner. Adding the gyoza and beer was the best decision I made that day.


I would suggest that they heat the soup hotter, and use fattier meat, for an even thicker flavour and more soul warming texture. Eggs were good, but cost an extra $2.50. If you don't particularly like eggs cooked this way, then please don't order it, because this one won't change your mind either. For a ramen shop in the middle of a vacation resort town, I would say that the quality is pretty good and I'd come back next time, especially after a day of skiing or being in the cold.




I'm starting to get a feeling that something new is about to begin. Maybe it's the changing weather, which brings up memories of starting a new school year and I was also excited for new books, new classes, new opportunities... As H and I fall back into our routine after 2 weeks of vacation and getting married, I'm looking forward to having some quality time, doing nothing together.

 

After tying the knot (literally, performing a knot tying ceremony before signing our marriage license) with H, we went for our first adventure as a married couple. This wasn't a honeymoon, because we went with his family from overseas, and we were touring them around a bit (they're very self sufficient, and probably didn't need us, but it was good to spend time with new family). It was chaotic to prepare for this trip, since we left only 2 days after the wedding. There was still a few loose ends to clean up. For example, where did all of our Instax cameras end up? Who do we still owe money to? Who had all of our wedding gifts? 

Amidst all of this, we found ourselves packed up into H's trusty old 4Runner, and heading north along the Sea to Sky highway. We arrived fairly late the first day of the trip, and we were ready to eat. The post wedding versions of H and I were constantly ravenous. He was finally done with dieting and didn't have a suit to fit into, and I was finally getting my appetite back after the relief of no longer stressing out over the party planning.

Sushi Village was still open at 8PM, and when we walked in, there was still a packed room of diners and even a short line up. 

From left to right, Beautiful Roll, Caterpillar Roll, Agedashi Tofu, Squid. Small bowl contained a pretty much inedible gomae. There should have been a warning on it, for those with kidney problems to stay away, because of the high salt content. 

The Beautiful Roll, which I think was basically a chopped scallop roll with avocado wrapped around it, was really good, and I would order this again. The texture of the squid was that perfect crunchiness, but again, the salt level was extremely high, so I picked at the pieces that weren't swimming in the sauce. The other options were just OK, but for that Beautiful Roll, I'll give this place a 4 out of 5.

Escaped the tedium of everyday life with a mini get away to Whistler this weekend. The snow at the end of this season is still tolerable, whereas previous seasons, dirt patches would have already been peeking out. H tried skiing for the first time, and while he stayed mainly in the learning areas, he still worked up a large appetite. 

We decided to visit The Wildflower for breakfast buffet on Saturday morning to recover all the calories that we all burned on the slopes the day before.

We arrived just after 10AM, and there were still a few other guests waiting for a table, so we got in line and after 5 or 10 minutes, we were invited into the dimly lit restaurant. The hostess lead us around the buffet area, showing us the fresh pastries, the mini cereal bar right across from it, the smoothie bar, the omelette station... etc.! We were drooling by the time the hostess seated us at our table, and did not wait for our server to introduce himself. 

Here's H's first plate of food, including pork belly, eggs benedict, English sausage, beans, mushrooms, and a bit of smoked salmon on the edge:

I need their recipe for their spinach and apple smoothie (see photo above). 

The smoked salmon was on point, and we probably ate the value of the $36 meal just in smoked salmon alone: 

The chef at the omelette station was still on duty by the time H was ready for his 2nd plate of food, and he chose to stuff his omelette with all types of cheese and lots of veggies. I'd suggest asking for no goat cheese or a small amount, as it overpowered all the other types of cheese that H chose to throw into the mix:

The highlight was their selection of pastries, which I saved for dessert at the end of the meal: 

Their chocolate donut reminded me of Honey's in Deep Cove. Other than these 3 pieces that I managed to polish off, they had many other cake options, including one or two that were already finished off for the day, such as the banana bread. I'll have to come earlier next time to see their full selection of daily fresh pastries, which are made in house by their pastry chef who trained in Dubai. 

I'm not waiting until the end to have the donuts next time, because they ran out of one of the flavors. Maybe this is a lesson in life, to not wait until the end of the meal for dessert, and perhaps the best things don't come to those who wait. 

The last weekend of 2017!

We visited Backcountry Brewing post snowshoeing in the Callaghan Valley, in search of fries, but found something even better. PIZZA!!!!

There were a few brews on tap, including a really milky looking IPA (2nd from right in the paddle, perhaps called the Secret Handshake).

I didn’t like one of their stouts (I think it was the She’s a Lady that I liked), because it was too watery for my taste. Other than that, I really can’t wait to come back to try all their other beers, and have another bite of their latest pizza flavour, the Wake n Bacon (truffle, brussel sprouts, pork belly, and an egg). The Prosciutto was also fabulous, with a great tomato sauce base. This is really next level pizza. A must-go for a pit stop on the way back from Whistler.

Alexander Falls 2017:

Goodbye 2017! I suppose this would be a good time to look back, and think about the things that have happened this year. Travel and explore, eat, take photos… What will I do in 2018? 

My guess is I'll look for new highs and dig myself out of deeper lows. 

It’s the little things that add up to make a big difference. Here’s a list of “little” things that I thought about today while H is guiding his kids in Nova Scotia and I was hiking (if you have any questions about this bottom of Brandywine Falls hike, email me using contact info on About page):

1. This little plastic squirrel (beaver? whatever.) that I thought was a candy and that I tried to eat because I was hungry, waiting at Milestones on Robson:

I could’ve choked on this little pointy thing. There was also the small portion of popcorn shrimp that was deceptive at first, because of the real popcorn underneath all of it. This really bothered me. I’m paying close to $14 for a handful of POPCORN?! If the whole container was full of shrimp (which were also little), then I wouldn’t be so upset at the price. A’s seafood pasta was oversalted and I’m sure my kidneys are suffering from just one mouthful of the spaghetti that she shared with me. I only came to this place because it was A’s farewell party, and she’s sort of amazing so I had to say bye. Not coming back unless I have to.

2. Little habits and mannerisms add up, and become glaringly obvious to the point that they’re all I notice. Legs shaking, nose twitching, chewing loudly, unnecessary remarks/actions for attention or for whatever reason. Now I know this could be an uncontrollable physical/psychological thing, and I am trying to let it go. BUT SOMETIMES…!!! Tonight for example:

Scene – Soup is done, in the pot on the stove. Everybody is finishing dinner around the table, and to wrap up the meal, like true Asians, we drink soup.

Person1: Let me get you some soup. *starts to get up from the table to get me soup

Person2: OH I’M GOING FIRST. *jumps up quickly and heads to the pot first to get first dibs from a huge pot of soup

Now, I asked questions because I’m trying this new thing. I tried to be kind and understand why Person2 needed to be first to get the soup when there was so much and Person2 had been just sitting there with an empty bowl for at least 5 minutes prior to Person1 getting up from the table. The soup was already done a while before dinner started.

Me: Just wondering... Why did you get up when Person1 decided to get up?

Person2 had no good response other than a scowl and“What’s the problem?” in a very defensive tone.

3. Small acts of kindness, like Person1 getting up to get me soup out of the kindness of their heart. M asking D how his leg was, because she noticed a huge cut there and is a caring person. J planning a party for A. Friends going out of their way to keep showing up and be supportive. Food sharing even though you love what you bought for dinner and the portions are small!

4. Human beings are actually really tiny, adding our mark on the world (see photo above of waterfall). We did the Brandywine Falls hike again. One of the rocks we walked by ended up tumbling into the water. My big picture side makes me wonder... What will that fallen rock do to change the grand scheme of things?

As a finale to the long weekend, M, D, and I went to Brandywine Falls:

We got to the viewing platform. We saw the lake at the 2nd viewpoint. We tried to get to the bottom of the waterfall, because our thirst for adventure was not satisfied by the 15 minute walk to the platforms. We didn’t make it because we got lost while wandering through the bush and were devoured by the mosquitos. The bites are really swelling up now…

Let’s not let the fun end there! It was only barely 3PM, so we drove up north to Cows at Whistler:

It’s bumpin’ on a hot weekend afternoon, and we spent more than a minute trying their punny flavours. I ended up getting a blueberry milkshake, because milkshakes all I crave after hiking. I don’t remember what the other two got, but they’re in the video in this post and you can try to guess. The ice cream was absolutely necessary to bring our moods back up from the fail hike, and went well with the music played by the street performers there. Although the milkshake melted too quickly, the ice cream overall is quite tasty.

We also made a pit stop at Shannon Falls. Very busy tourist stop.

I think what I learned from this day was that I need a drone. If I had a drone, I could’ve flown it down to the base of the waterfall, rather than physically climbing down for that base shot. Needless to say, I am now obsessed with going back and finding the proper way down.

To drink enough water. To get enough rest. To make time for your loved ones.

This weekend was mostly about friends.

Saturday night, I went to PappaRoti with R, M, and P for the first time, and was pleasantly surprised that these bus were actually amazing. I had the Strawberry Field (strawberry + whipped cream and bun with chocolate syrup), and R had the one on top with strawberry and bananas. M and P had something with ice cream and more syrups, but no photo, SORRY. She had that chai latte thing, at the top left corner, and the tea on the bottom is mine.

The whipped cream and fruit and syrups are completely unnecessary – the buns are just amazing by themselves without the rest of the frou frou toppings. Had a nice chai tea as well, and I ordered the pot size, which came with a little timer to tell you when your tea is steeped to perfection. It was gooooood. Might get a bulk order just for munchies.

Despite having a cold, there is no better way to wind down a long week than a day in Whistler. Picked up this OTC drug called Eltor to help with my congestion:

Takes about an hour to kick in, then it KICKS IN. Super effective relief.

Our first run of the day was up the Glacier bowl. Reminder to do a warm up run first next time. The hike up is rather annoying though. See the tiny person at the bottom?

Hot cider to complete the day and clear my sinuses up:

I’m still pretty congested without the drugs. I really need to take better care of myself. It feels like there is never enough time. Life already feels too short!

And the rest of the weekend was skiing and eating.

Sunday morning, we just chilled around the village, because we stayed up late playing Machi Koro the night before. We originally wanted to brunch at Araxi, but it was no longer open for the breakfast hours and we were hangry.Ended up here, at Stonesedge:

I was impressed by the décor, and the presentation was very appetizing. The Mexican mocha hit the spot, I could imagine hitting up this spot for a drink après ski (wow so much French today). The food was not the best though… Everything seemed a bit overcooked on my plate of Breakfast Poutine, while S’s steak was a bit undercooked. Drinks, good; food, meh.


I feel like we missed the whole Women’s March, and now, looking at the news is just depressing. Hoping for the best, still…

Read the previous post for Part 1: http://luwesa.blogspot.ca/2017/01/55104-inauguration-weekend.html

As the 45th US president was being sworn in, some Canadians were watching closely. Others, like me, decided to hit the slopes at Whistler. There was quite a crowd, even though the snow wasn’t the freshest and the sky wasn’t the clearest. A mountain day is always a good day… 

We drove up to Whistler on Friday night, right after work (9-5 office life for all 4 of us in my car), stopping by Squamish to grab a late dinner at Mag’s 99:

 

Top: Fried chicken, fries. Bottom: Chimichanga

This must’ve been the best chimichanga I’ve ever had. It was packed with rice, and the pool of mysterious orange sauce it was sitting in really complimented the flavors of the rice and meat inside. I’m hungry just thinking about it. This was enough to put all of us into a food coma.

It was not easy to finish it off, because LOOK AT ALL THE RICE, from just a quarter of the chimichanga!

The chicken was OK, slightly dry. I’d give this a 3/5 for the chicken and 4/5 for the chimichanga. 

We got to the hotel, started playing Machi koro, and didn’t get to bed till 1:30AM… Staying up late and struggling to wake up the next morning seems to bring us together.

This is going to be a slow new years eve. I feel the urge to stay in, be an introvert, and mourn the end of another year. I always feel like I haven’t done enough. What have I accomplished?

What did you manifest this year? – Aaliyah @YYOGA

Let’s start with yesterday, New Year’s Eve eve:

I made breakfast.

I went skiing. P had a leak in his front tire, something punctured it, so he didn’t get to go, and ended up being our driver. Thanks dude.

I ate some more at Kyo, but it was a disappointing meal. Top left: beef teriyaki. Top right: Aburi (not really though?)

I think I know what aburi sushi should taste like, as I’ve had some great ones before around Vancouver. I came to Kyo last year, and it blew my mind that they offered such aburi for $30 a person, all you can eat. It obviously wasn’t going to be as good as the ones offered by “authentic” Japanese restaurants, (based on my little experience with Miku, Victoria Sushi, Kishimoto), but I was able to distinguish it from regular sushi. This time around, it looked like they just torched some regular sushi and put on a line of sauce. Their cooked food was disgusting as well, with the most memorable being the beef teriyaki. We were all shocked at how it looked like it might have been boiled, or microwaved, and it was still cold. The menu had some changes too, and didn’t have the same options that would spark joy (prawn tempura? udon?). There are other things I could rant on about... But moving on. 

Never going back.

I went to a onesie Christmas party, but was too tired and ended up leaving early. Too old for this.

Thinking back through the rest of the year, it’s hard to think of things that I’ve accomplished, off the top of my head. The same applies though to the opposite – what did I do that I wasn’t satisfied with?

It’s been a while since H has been this sick, and I guess it really hit him hard for 2 days straight. He missed a shift at work, he stayed in bed for 1.5 days (where the 0.5 went towards going for dim sum across the street from him), and he is still coughing and sniffling. I guess he breathed on me or something on Friday, because I started feeling the headaches and chills on Saturday. Almost missed a powder day on Sunday, but woke up after a dose of Neocitran and 13 hours sleep to make it into P’s car for this:

It wasn’t my best day, it was certainly hard to breathe and get circulation to my legs for them to work proper-like. We went up the t-bar to do the glacier bowl on Blackcomb… I was not prepared for the low viz pow that would hit us right in the face. Not bad though. Then, moguls left right and centre, and my cardio was shot because of the flu/cold that I thought I’d slept off the night before. It just hurt so much to breathe in that –10/-15°C air… Still felt amazing, adrenaline rush.

Any day on the mountain is an awesome day. I still swear by this.

I’m looking forward to going up more often, maybe in the new year, because looking at the calendar for the rest of this month, I think things will get too busy too fast.

I just took another pack of Neocitran... Goodnight, world.

I’m very glad that the work crew dragged me out to this hike, needed to escape, runaway and hide in the fog for a day. Recharged and ready to go for the next week! (This doesn’t always last very long, I usually crash by mid week and am ready to runaway again).

A rest area after the switchbacks.

Lesser Lake comes first, poor thing gets a put down name.

Walk faster guys…

First views of the lake.

So calm.

Sneaky shot of somebody meditating.

Around to the other side of the lake.

Time to go home. Photo credits – PvN

Hiking boots are a huge plus, it’s getting muddy up there. Make sure to carry enough water and food, but not too much. I don't recall how crowded it was last time that I visited, which was probably about 3 years ago, at least. It's still not too bad. I think the wet ground and the switchbacks keep people away.

More on this hike here:
https://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/garibaldi-lake/
https://www.livetrails.com/trails/Garibaldi-Lake-19.html
http://whistlerhiatus.com/whistlerhikes/garibaldi-lake.html

My photo style keeps switching with my mood… That soft foggy look is so moody, and the clear almost HDR look brightens up the page. Either way. Hope to squeeze in more hikes before snow season.