My first Canada Day!
Also marks the 3week point for me in Canada and my Bro’s birthday.
I met Maeghan & Chris up town to see what all the fuss was about. The streets were closed off and strewn with red and white, young and old all celebrating their country. And a day off more likely!
We ended up staying for the fireworks at 10.30, which were stunning. A gorgeous ending followed by a chorus of the Canadian Anthem and I was fighting my way back home through the crowds.
Happy Canada Day, Eh?!
I can’t praise this place enough.
After a huge day moving we decided we were craving Italian. While West End, Vancouver has so many restaurants we hadn’t noticed Italian so headed to Urbanspoon to find one.
Adesso was down Haro, off Denman. We thought we were heading the wrong way until we found a gorgeous little outdoor patio area which was part of the restaurant. It’s unusual for a licensed venue to be in a residential area and they are lucky to have a clause to get them around it.
There is a great ambience, both outside and inside. Inside is decadent, a great place for a date or special dinner. Outside is more casual but still fine dining. We chose outside to enjoy the long daylight hours. Plus it was super cute with the hanging flower baskets and fairy lights.
Our server was very informative and passionate about the food. When we quizzed her as to whether we should get the bruschetta she immediately said no as we get complimentary focaccia and oils to start. She suggested the mushroom pizza, however we went for the margherita and the mussels in white wine and garlic.
The pizza was delicious, fresh and cheesy. The mussels – wow. The broth was amazing and they were cooked to perfection. We couldn’t get enough. Even though I said I’d have no more bread I couldn’t help but have some more with the broth.
I couldn’t decide on a main and asked for suggestions. Our server again was great, full of suggestions and knowledge. I went for the Taglietele Nera – black squid pasta with local ingredients. It was amazing. I ate it all even though I was full.
Susan really enjoyed her pasta as well. She had the clam with fettuccine, she also wanted to unbutton her pants – full to the brim! Or pants hem in this case.
We washed it all down with a carafe of red wine. We started with a glass each, I had prosecco and Susan, the red. We liked hers so much we ordered more.
When I quizzed about whether they had a twitter handle they bought out a card with all their social media links on it. Being from the digital industry I was very impressed and quick to tweet (and now blog) my praise.
A fantastic evening at an amazing restaurant. I will be back soon.
I L.O.V.E this quote.
It encompasses how I think and how I try to live by.
Get out and do it now!
We checked back into the hostel after a long leisurely boozy lunch at a Greek restaurant presuming we wouldn’t be able to get home last night. Little did we know!
The weather had been terrible – nearly as much rain in 24hours as they have in a year. Plus the snow was melting. Not only was it flooding but there were mudslides. The town 20mins east of us was evacuated and so was Calgary. Pretty full on. They aren’t expecting the highway east to open for at least a few days, west (Vancouver) maybe a day or so. The hotels and hostels were full with stranded tourists. Supermarket was empty – everyone stocking up.
The roads opened at 8pm and with a 10hour drive ahead we settled in for an hour nap. I was exhausted and quite keen to stay in Banff to wait out the weather however the girls wanted to hit the road so as to not miss work.
We were turned away at one exit – the massive river flowing straight across the highway but found another one. Following the river – flooded in the forest right beside us was pretty nerve wrecking. Plus we were chasing the dark.
After about 2-3 hours we were through the worst of it. I’m really glad we got out then as the roads have potentially closed again. Plus we got a refund on our accom – winning!
We’ve stopped for 2 naps to keep us going and are only 2.5 hours from Van now. Can not wait to hop in bed and close my eyes!
For now I have to get back to playing car DJ. ✌
Cake, cake and more cake!
Huge cake!
Checked out True Confections for dinner on Wednesday. I figured cake for dinner was a good balance to my earlier 90mins of yoga. I am still sore!
There are so many cakes to choose from and they’re huge. HUGE!
I went with a milk choc hazelnut cake although could have quite easily gone a few of the others!
It was delicious – a huge slice cost $8 and I couldn’t eat it all. I would advise to share a piece – save your pocket and your hips!
It’s times like this when I really despise being lactose intolerant – so much cream and mousse and cheesecakes.
If you’re in West End it’s in Denman and Haro – in going for the almond cake with amaretto next!
Love, love, love the Vancouver Aquarium!
I knew I would, hence why I bought an annual membership.
Maegy and I headed down to Stanley Park yesterday to find the aquarium. I could have spent forever there and in the end Maegy upgraded her pass to an annual too.
From the dolphin show to the jelly invasion, everything was awesome.
I took a bejillion pics so here we go…
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