Vacation of a Lifetime

Well, I know I'll get mocked for this but I just had the best vacation ever. We just got back from a long weekend in Vancouver where we did nothing. Well, nothing but walk, drive, eat, drive and walk. Anyone who knows me is probably scratching their head wondering how I could possibly thing that was the vacation of a lifetime, especially if it was only three days.

First of all, it was three days without any work. None. Zero. Zip. I can't remember the last time I went an entire weekend without working, let alone a long weekend. That alone would have made this a great vacation.

Second, we spent the entire weekend with great friends. Some who we neever see, some who we rarely see and some who we see frequently but all of whom we wish we could spend more time with. And most of that was unplanned. Way cool!

Third, we ate fantastic food. As everyone knows, I'm a picky eater. Well, other than a really gross omlette at the B&B on saturday morning, nothing passed my lips that wasn't absolutely the best food that could be found anywhere North of the the 40th. There was one restaurant in particular that really stood out called the Memphis Bar-B-Que. (Or something like that.) We ordered a sampler platter for four people and couldn't finish it. The best part was there were no vegetables. The whole thing was meat, beans and fries! Absolutely fabulous!

Fourth, we got to experience the amazing pleasures of Krispy Kreme donuts fresh off the machine. Free! Now, I've been hearing about these donuts from everyone but had my doubts about how good they could be. After all, I've had donuts hundreds (thousands?) of times and while I may not quite be a pastry connoisseur, I know when I've eaten something good. Well let me tell you, if you've never had a Krisp Kreme right off the conveyor, you haven't had a donut.

Fifth, the Abbotsford International Air Show. I'd never been to an air show before and once we got there the only words I used were: Wow, Cool, Awesome, Amazing. I was completely thrilled with the whole experience and other than a nasty sunburn (despite liberal applications of SPF-40) there was nothing that could have made that day better. Well almost nothing. The steak dinner and fellowship that night was definitely the right way to end the day.

Sixth, seeing the F177a Nighthawk Stealth Fighter in person on the ground at the air show. And then finding out that it was actually going to be part of the flight demonstrations. And then finding out that the B2 Stealth Bomber was also going to be part of the flight demonstrations. Wow! Cool! I never ever thought I would get to see either of those planes fly and I fluked out and got to see them both on the same day. Awesome! And the fact that either of those planes can even get off the ground is simply amazing.

Seven, the Snowbirds. As always, they put on an incredible show and make me very proud to be Canadian. If you haven't seen the Snowbirds recently, please, go! Its worth it.

I've got lots more memories and experiences from this weekend that made it great but on a whole, the best thing was that I was with dear friends and simply wasn't working. Anywhere I can do that is a good vacation. Hopefully the next time isn't too far in the future!