December 31, 2013

Maple leaves, Bridges and Break-ins

Monday was another overcast cold day. I don't think I have seen the sun since I came, and while my skin is loving the rest from sun exposure I'm already starting to long for a break in the clouds. 

Today turned into a bit of a shopping day. We met a friend of Colin and Evelyn's at a shop called The Gourmet Warehouse, which is a huge kitchen appliance and specialist foods store. I picked up a few goodies, in particular a maple leaf shaped cookie cutter. I love how the maple leaf is everywhere here, it's on clothes, petrol stations, food, banks, sporting teams. Having one simple symbol to represent their country is kinda cool. And it's classy; well more than other countries emblems. 


Then we went to Granville Island, which is one of the many islands around Vancouver ("Vancouver is a city full of bridges" I've been told). It has lots of cute shops with artisan products and also a huge food market with gourmet snacks and fresh produce. 



Since I've arrived here I've been warned a lot not to leave anything valuable in the car. When several people reminded me to take all my things with me I thought it was quite odd. It was then explained that car break-ins are quite common. Today we discovered that both Colin and his sisters car had been broken into overnight. Not much was there to be taken besides some clothes; but here is my own piece of travel advice if anyone reading this ever heads to Vancouver. Take all your valuables with you, and also keep the car clear so people can look inside and realise there is nothing to take. 

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Sorry to hear about the break-ins. Was any damage done to the cars? If they are so common it might be better to just leave the car unlocked so they don't damage it getting in.

Unknown said...

Those pies look amazing, as do the blueberries and raspberries. What are the little yellow/ orange fruit between the blueberries and raspberries?
Happy New year Erin look forward to hearing how you celebrate!

Erin said...

I think they are kumquats.