We spent our first full day, a Sunday, enjoying a boozy brunch and fossicking through Vancouver’s thrift stores.
A solid night’s sleep helped both of us shake off the bone-tiredness of a long haul flight and jet lag. We both rose around 8am, chatting about our ideas for today’s foray into the central city while we each got ready.
Our apartment is warm, spacious, and comfortable. It comprises two queen-size bedrooms and large wardrobes with mirrored doors and extra drawers inside; separate lounge/dining room and a galley kitchen, plus a small balcony. I discovered an extra bathroom off my bedroom last night, hidden behind my door.
While Michayla was getting ready, I took a quick trip to Urban Fare across the road to secure us some milk, juice, laundry powder, and Starbucks coffee. It reminds me of Whole Foods stores we shopped at in London, lots of fresh produce, a buffet of takeaway salads and hot meals, sumptuous deli, and your usual groceries.
A 15-minute walk south-west gets us to the Templeton – a great choice for Sunday brunch. A classic diner decor with booths and counter seating for about 40 people, it’s menu includes alcoholic shakes and cocktails – which we take full advantage of! I had a Chocolate Hazelnut Shake (Frangelico, Nutella, and Chocolate ice cream) while Michayla had a mimosa.
Of course, we also shared an omelette with bacon, toast, and rosemary potatoes, and bacon and eggs with salad and avocado. Delicious! And the service was fantastic.
Our tummies full, we first headed to My Sister’s Keeper where Michayla picked up a cute beanie, then to Wildlife Thrift Store where we each picked up an infinity scarf, and Michayla nabbed some clothes.
Next we briefly popped into Mine & Yours which was a bit too rich for our tastes, and found the same with High End Resale where we only window shopped.
Then we headed to Victoria’s Secret – a favourite of Michayla’s. We don’t have a full VS store in Christchurch, so she grabbed a bunch of stuff at 40% off. By the time we left the store, our feet were aching so we headed back to the apartment.
We’re now enjoying more Tim Hortons and Starbucks.
Observation: Unlike back home, Marijuana is legal here. So when waking around Vancouver CBD, we really noticed a pervasive scent of marijuana and cigarettes.
sidalscapes 