vancouver, ca

When I was in Seattle, I decided to spend a couple days across the border. Even though it was a relatively short trip, I instantly knew I wasn't in America anymore. It might have been the number of people who were smoking, and all the "pop" and "washrooms." But anyway, the stereotypes are true: Canadians are incredibly nice. 

Except for Chinatown. Stay away from that place. 

Japadog - Japanese hotdog

I didn't have any cash, so I told the ferry operator I'd pay him when I got to the other side (Granville Island). But he disappeared, so I never got to pay him... 

Duck poutine: duck fat fries, duck confit, duck gravy, eggs, and cheese curds. So pretty, but too salty. 

I was too ashamed to try my luck at another free ferry ride, so I walked around the island and took the long way back, on this very long bridge. 

seattle, WA

What do you do when your company forces you to take the first week of the year off? Go somewhere frigid, of course. 

Yeah, I know the north is colder than traditionally sunny San Diego, but I wanted a short and easy trip to a hip place. And somehow I managed to completely avoid the tornado/flood/hailstorm fiasco that occurred in San Diego, so it all worked out! In fact, I only saw light drizzling on one day. 

And for some reason, I felt incredibly unsafe in Seattle. Got the shady vibes everywhere I went...