what started as a short flight to vancouver ended being a whole day of traveling due to the numerous delays of our flight. by the time we arrived to our hotel, the fairmont pacific rim, we were exhausted- luckily the staff were very accomodating and we found toys in our room for julia and even a mini bathrobe, which she was thrilled about. we ate dinner at the raw bar in the lobby – a spot with great energy, live music and the sushi was fenomenal.

on saturday the weather was greyish and rainning so we headed to the vancouver aquarium for guaranteed entertainment. there was a lot to see but we focused on rays, pinguins, frogs, jelly fish and octopus. whilst i am normally not in favour of animals in captivity i do think that this aquarium is a great learning resource and even better research centre to help protect and maintain the continuity of some species.

we had a quick lunch at giovane, the hotel’s cute italian eatery – the place you’d want to find in every hotel – a great italian menu, capuccinos galore and a selection of gifts featuring brands like ban.do, kate spade and herschel to name a few.

how pretty is gastown’s steam clock? the afternoon was spent strolling around gastown –  vancouver’s cool neighborhood. but first coffee (you know i’m into coffee) at timbertrain – a unique coffee shop with amazing locally roasted beans and a seating area that reminds us of a train station waiting area. there are lot’s of boutiquey shops around and we made a few stops, including aesop, kit and ace and my new local favourites oak + fort and old faithful shop. to top off the saturfay afternoon we had delicious ice cream at bella gelateria, conveniently located around the corner from the hotel…
again, too tired to venture out for dinner, julia was pampered with a bubble bath, followed by room service dinner in her bathrobe (oh, toddler life…).

on sunday morning we had just enough time for a quick brunch at medina cafe. we got there early only to find a huge queue waiting outside, which shouldn’t have come as a surprise – they have an eclectic brunch menu with delicious choices. i had paella, a spanish influenced dish (not really paella) with orzo, sausage, avocado and a fried egg! medina is known for their mini sized waffles and unique toppings, so it was only appropriate to bring a couple to go for an inflight snack.

above, seriously practicing my skills at entertaining julia when we go out for meals, and this, plus a lot of patience, is helping me.

it’s so rare to have a picture of me and julia together, it really makes me happy :)

it was a quick, (probably my shortest trip ever) and relaxing weekend. Vancouver, we’ll be back for more!

ps – other traveling adventures here