Ah, last-minute plans.
We’ve all been there, right? Those spontaneous decisions that lead to unforgettable experiences and unexpected twists. Well, let me take you on a journey through my whirlwind 61 hours in Vancouver, a city that taught me the art of going with the flow. From missed flights and surprising snacks, to impromptu mall adventures and casino nights, this is the story of a weekend where plans changed in the blink of an eye, and I discovered the true magic of embracing the unexpected. So buckle up and get ready to dive into a tale of adventure, laughter, and the joy of living in the moment.
Hours Prior: Skies of Uncertainty
My day started at 4 AM, last Friday, with a wakeup call that could rival a rooster’s crow: my mom shaking me awake. Bleary-eyed and disoriented, I stumbled out of bed, ready to conquer Vancouver alongside my younger brother. Flying standby, we were hopeful about snagging seats for the flight. But the universe had a wild surprise in store. At the gate, they called out our names, and for a brief second, we thought we hit the jackpot and scored some seats. But, turns out, there was no more space for us. So we sprinted to customer service, desperately seeking a game plan while updating the family over FaceTime. Eventually, we hopped on a flight to Calgary, with a connecting flight to Vancouver, but here’s the plot twist: it was a grueling six-hour wait until 1 PM. So, we morphed into airport explorers, exploring gates 1 to 60 of the Montreal airport, and even indulging in the tantalizing world of scandalous celebrity gossip magazines at the Relay store. When hunger struck, the line at Tim Hortons seemed never-ending, leading us to stumble upon a hidden gem: a charming French café. And let me tell you, those breakfast croissants were a mouthwatering surprise that made the switcheroo totally worth it.
Hours 1 to 12: Delicious Surprises
In a whirlwind of excitement, we landed at the Vancouver airport and were greeted by our cousin and aunt. Their surprise? Japadog – a nostalgic treat that instantly transported us back in time to our last trip to Vancouver almost ten years ago. As we embarked on a scenic drive to the hotel, the city unfolded before our eyes, with skyscrapers reaching for the sky and majestic mountains embracing the horizon. The sparkling waters of the pier added a touch of magic to the landscape. Reunited at the hotel room, our extended family filled the space with laughter and heartfelt conversations, catching up on lost time. Our growling stomachs led us to the The Crystal Mall‘s food court, only to find disappointment as all the restaurants had closed, except for a dessert place. But fate had other plans. A chance discovery led us to a Chinese banquet-style restaurant, The Grand Crystal Seafood Restaurant, where our aunt’s spontaneous decision to treat ourselves resulted in a magnificent feast. Lobster, fish, noodles, soup, pineapple pork, Chinese broccoli, fried rice, Kung Pao chicken, shrimp, and even red bean pudding– a parade of flavours that left us in awe. With each bite, we relished in the joy of unexpected culinary delights and the warmth of togetherness.
Hours 12 to 23: Joyful Reunions
In the early hours of the next morning, the time difference jolted me awake at 6 AM, eagerly anticipating the arrival of my sister, her boyfriend, and our cousins. From Japan (You can read all about my sister’s trip to Japan next time!) to Montreal, they embarked on their journeys to join us in Vancouver. With heartfelt embraces, we gathered in the hotel room, relishing the warmth of family ties while savouring a delightful brunch of Denny’s and Popeyes. As fate would have it, my sister asked me to accompany her to the lobby to check out the venue, unaware that I was clad in my cozy slippers. Little did we know that this impromptu trip downstairs would snowball into a thrilling escapade. Suddenly, our cousins joined us, and we found ourselves swept away to Metropolis Mall. Laughter filled the air as we ventured into OVO, where playful banter ensued over my choice of slides. Amidst the excitement, my sister and I stumbled upon charming rings at Cocomolo, forever capturing the essence of this spontaneous outing. With hearts brimming with joy, we retraced our steps back to the hotel, eager to prepare for our cousin’s enchanting eighteenth birthday celebration.
Hours 23 to 30: Celebratory Traditions
The time had come to celebrate my cousin’s highly anticipated Filipino debut celebration. The venue shimmered with an earth-toned theme, adorned with captivating decorations and an array of vibrant balloons. As the night unfolded, we immersed ourselves in the rich traditions of the event, with the enchanting rituals of the 18 roses and 18 candles. Each rose symbolized a special male figure in her life, while the candles represented cherished female mentors and friends. The air was filled with laughter and excitement as heartfelt speeches and dedications were shared. But it wasn’t just the traditions that left us in awe. The feast that awaited us was a true gastronomic delight. A lavish buffet spread showcased culinary delights, ranging from succulent roast chicken to delectable charcuterie, accompanied by a dazzling assortment of salads. And let’s not forget the dedicated dessert table, a paradise of sweet indulgence. As we relished each bite, the room echoed with lively conversations and the joyful strains of K-pop and anime music, a reflection of our cousin’s vibrant personality and her love for these genres. The celebration was a fusion of tradition and modernity, a testament to the diverse influences that shape our lives.
Hours 30 to 38: Unexpected Gambles
Our adventure took an unexpected turn when, fuelled by an impulsive decision, our aunt proposed a last-minute visit to the Grand Villa Casino. Without hesitation, we embraced the idea and embarked on a thrilling escapade. As we entered the vibrant casino, luck seemed to evade us initially. But then, the magic of the slots brought us an unexpected surprise. With each spin, our fortunes turned, and we managed to recoup our earlier losses. Laughter and excitement filled the air as we bonded with our cousins and shared unforgettable moments with our aunt. The casino became a backdrop for spontaneous camaraderie and joyful memories, exemplifying the theme of unexpected twists throughout our remarkable journey.
Hours 38-47: Blissful Bonding
The following morning, we bid farewell to the hotel and made our way to our cousins’ house in Surrey. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and laughter as we shared stories and cherished moments with our aunts, uncles, and cousins. We indulged in mouthwatering takeout Korean, boneless fried chicken, and fried rice, a delightful treat that satisfied our taste buds. And to top it off, there were plenty of leftover birthday cake from the previous night. Despite our initial plans to explore the city, we collectively decided to stay in, recognizing the need for rest and relaxation. Little did we know, this spontaneous decision would lead to an afternoon filled with heartfelt conversations, endless laughter, and the creation of cherished memories. As the day unfolded, we eagerly anticipated our final adventure in Vancouver, knowing that it would be a fitting end to our unforgettable journey.
Hours 47-57: Unexpected Delights
Amidst the vibrant array of Funko Pops, we delved into Toy Traders, immersing ourselves in a world of whimsy. My eyes widened with delight as I stumbled upon a Hello Kitty figurine dressed as Naruto, a fusion of my favourite Japanese animations. Then to fuel our appetites, we ventured to Ninkazu, an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant and cherished family favourite. While our initial plan was to dine and then continue our adventure at the Richmond Night Market, the allure of the restaurant consumed us. Time slipped away as we reveled in the artistry of each maki, nigiri, and sashimi, indulging in plate after plate. Our aunt, ever the catalyst for fun, even ordered sakes for us to sample, sparking laughter and camaraderie. What a memorable way to cap off our final evening in Vancouver, brimming with joy and satisfied palates.
Hours 57-61: Grateful Departures
The next morning, we were awakened at the unearthly hour of 4 or 5 AM, our bodies protesting against the mere two hours of sleep we managed to steal. With heavy lids and drowsy steps, we embarked on the final leg of our journey, bound for Montreal. Flying standby once more, we anxiously checked our flight status online, bracing ourselves for a potential disappointment. Our hearts sank as we scanned the screen indicating full flights. With desperation creeping in, we racked our brains for backup flights. But in our exhausted state, a ray of hope appeared: seats magically opened up on our preferred flight. We hurried to the airport, fuelled by sheer determination. It was a chaotic frenzy of last-minute plans and barely functioning on minimal sleep, but we made it onto the plane.
As I look back on our crazy adventure in Vancouver, I can’t help but crack a smile. From the epic family reunions, to the unplanned shenanigans and mind-blowing discoveries, this trip was one for the books. Vancouver, you’ve been a wild ride. You’ve given us memories that will make us chuckle for years to come. So here’s to embracing the unexpected. Until next time, Vancouver, keep the surprises coming! We’ll be ready and waiting for our next adventure.
The Lilac Blog 