77 Sunset Strip

NO SIGN OF THE PEST. We’re so happy about this that I feel like leaving this entry here. However, I shall press on.

December has arrived and Christmas has definitely hit Vancouver. All the streets are covered in fairy lights (except for the gay area which seems ironic) and there is a definite hint of Christmas tree smell in all the supermarkets. The prize for best illuminations so far goes to the St Paul’s hospital Lights of Hope display, and I think there’s something really amazing about lighting up a hospital. We’ve contributed to the festive season so far by consuming concerning quantities of Christmas Hershey kisses, and mulling everything in sight. 

Last weekend Ash was working so I went to the Christmas street parade with my friend from work. I was geared up for it to be like Miracle on 34^th Street and was only slightly disappointed...and that was mainly because Richard Attenborough wasn’t there. There were tons of people lining the street and we had a pretty good spot, although I wish I’d been more prepared with some gluhwein and bratwurst because it was frickin freezing. There were some pretty good floats and a giant inflatable aeroplane that I thought was a polar bear, which frankly would have been a better fit with the occasion. All in all, a good time was had by all...especially Adam with his flask of tea. JEALOUS. 

We also had a windfall this week, when Ash took top prize at Gay Bingo at Celebrities night club on Davie Street. It was our first time there and it did not disappoint. We all had to cheer when ‘69’ was called and the 2 Drag Queens that hosted did an excellent job, becoming more and more inebriated as the evening went on. We also had an interesting 'bingo calls' discussion where I tried to explain why my Dad always runs an imaginary comb through his imaginary hair at 77 Sunset Strip. The last game was a bit pressurised for me, as we had to cover 6 cards at once (it brought back my Blockbusters panic), but Ash took the jackpot of $100, a free weekend in a Mini Cooper and a bunch of Mini swag. I have included the picture of her swagg’d up for your viewing pleasure. I think she was most pleased with the keyring.

 On the apartment front, things are still a little up in the air. The pest problem seems to have subsided, probably because they heard what happened when I trapped my thumb in one of the mouse traps. However the lady we’re subletting off has decided to move. Just around the corner, but we’re meeting to discuss what we’re going to do. It’s a shame because we’ve finally started feeling at home here.

The mountains help with feeling festive

I’ve had a pleasing week on the food front, with excellent pork jowl ramen, gyoza and another trip to Meat & Bread. We’ve got over the initial mulling problem by using a sock to create a Bouquet Garni (I was pretty pleased with myself with this idea), and I’m trying to resist the local Organic cider which comes in a giant glass flagon that they keep tempting me with at WholeFoods. We’ve written and re-written the Christmas shopping list, including a debate about how to make the best Marie-Rose sauce (I maintain you need some Salad Cream for the tang). I’ve had a struggle to find some decent Mince Pies, and all of the Christmas cakes come un-iced and HEAVY on the glace fruits which is a real disappointment. 

 We’ve found a great bar called the Railway Club that you go upstairs to (those of you that know me well will appreciate how much I like a slightly hidden bar entrance). The main attraction of the place is that it smells like stale beer and crisps, and therefore makes me feel right at home. Luckily for Mum and Dad it’s pretty much opposite their hotel so I’m sure we’ll be visiting again.

Not much snow yet!

Grouse Mountain is still number one on the to-do list, especially as I found out that they’re doing sleigh rides. However the Vancouver weather is literally raining on my parade. This week we’re heading to Stanley Park to see the lights festival and ride the Christmas train which should be really beautiful. We’ve heard on the grapevine that the Vancouver Christmas market is a let-down (let’s face it, it was always going to be) so we might give that a miss. Otherwise we’re submerging ourselves in all that Christmas in Canada has to offer...and Home Alone is of course downloaded already.

Stella x

PS. I didn’t even mention my new iPhone 4s. That proves I’m not obsessed with it.
PPS. Some people have said they can't leave a comment on the blog (Katie). If you're viewing the individual post it should have a 'Post a comment' link. If you're viewing my blog page as a whole, you can click where it says the number of comments to leave one.

PPPS. Here’s that Cheese Whiz I mentioned.