Tag Archives: Canada

Dear daughter got hitched: The World’s Largest Tin Soldier

The Google Maps review said “If you’re looking for a large tin man or a fan of roadside attractions then this won’t disappoint“. I mean, really… there are people that wouldn’t go out of their way to see the World’s Largest Tin Soldier? Dear husband and I found the art piece in New Westminster, Canada along a quayside walk. The soldier is about 32′ in height and was constructed by the Sheet Metal Workers International Association. It holds the Guiness World Records Book title for the largest tin soldier. As important as the soldier is the lovely boardwalk area, restaurant and stores surrounding it.

There are also some photos of the surrounding area in the lovely evening light. We also stopped at the Mid Century Modern Home (mid-century modern furniture and other items) and had a delectable meal at The Boathouse.


 

Dear daughter got hitched: Abbotsford-Huntington Border Cross and Guildford Town Centre

The State of Washington has 13 drivable border crossings across it’s 687 kilometres (427 miles) border with British Columbia, Canada and this is the Abbotsford-Huntington Border Crossing on highways WA Hwy 9 / BC Hwy 11. In the US it the city of Sumas and in British Columbia it is in Abbortsford. This is not the most direct border crossing, which is in Blaine, but dear daughter was convinced it was the quickest one. That might of been true if we hadn’t become lost. But it is a lovely countryside and worth seeing!

Our family made this trip for our dear daughter to marry what is now our dear son-in-law 🙂

Anyway the first day we realized that we forgot several basic things and off dear daughter and I went to Surrey’s nearby Guildford Town Centre to stop at Walmart (not my favorite store, but we needed a quick stop that had everything). The other photos show the Walmart’s escalator with a separate escalator for the carts and a couple of the art installations there.

Here is a video of the staircase waterfall.

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Hooked Fish Bar has a view!

IMG_3629We hadn’t been to Vancouver in well over 20 years and it was past time. So dear husband and I gathered up dear daughter and off we went. Along the way we stopped at the Vancouver Airport and picked up her boyfriend. Once at the hotel we asked for a dinner recommendation  and we were sent to Hooked Fish Bar at Crescent Beach area. I had the fish tacos, dh had the fish & chips, dd had the salmon burger and bf had the mussels. We shared some poutine, a first for dh who took right to them! Afterwards we walked along the beach and even into the water, gathering shells, admiring the view and generally playing.

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Tea at the Empress

Today’s new place was extra special because dear daughter and I went to the Empress Hotel for afternoon tea. We had tried to do this once before in the summer, but it was impossible to get in.

The tea was an experience! Much more refined than our usual Starbucks break with a gorgeous, classic interior and dignified, warm service. They seated us by the window and we happily visited and watched the city walking by us. There was a pianist for most of the time that we were there.

As for the tea, it included five types of finger sandwiches, a marvelous scone and assorted treats. I’m embarrassed to say that we ate almost all of it! We were sent home with two boxes of tea to help us recreate the experience

http://www.fairmont.com/empress/GuestServices/Restaurants/AfternoonTea.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Empress_%28hotel%29

   

Nautical Nellies, Victoria, Canada

Nautical Nellies by Gexydaf
Nautical Nellies, a photo by Gexydaf on Flickr.

Two sweet words… spring… break. And time to go a little further afield. Today we hopped in the car and drove up I5 into Canada. Then we took the Spirit of British Columbia Ferry and over to Victoria. Our delicious halibut and chips dinner was at Nautical Nellies. Dear daughter and I shared a meal and a dessert and it was more than enough.

http://www.nauticalnelliesrestaurant.com/