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June 16, 2003

G'day, Eh?

We (my roommate Andy, our friend Megan and myself) headed up to Vancouver, Canada around 10:00 Sunday morning. We hit the border around noon, and were greeted by an unfriendly customs officer who seemed more concerned with how much cash we were bringing with us than proof of our citizenship (she didn't even ask to see our passports). I guess American cash is all the identification you need to get into Canada.

On our way into Vancouver I forced Andy to pull over at the first Tim Hortons and drank my fill. He and Megan seemed to enjoy the sour cream doughnuts they picked up. I realized then that I had forgotten my Canadian bank card at home. Luckily I had a five dollar bill on me to pay for the coffee and my Canadian credit card for any other expenses.

When we got into Chinatown, we decided to stop for something to eat. We let Andy pick the restaurant, since he had a hankerin' for some Vietnamese Pho. It turned out to be the only cash-only restaurant in Vancouver, so I had to play the exchange game at a bank machine.

We met up with Travis, a friend of mine from high school, who I hadn't seen since my going-away party to Japan in 2000. He took us to Kitsilano beach where we walked in the sand and enjoyed the nice weather (sunny and 20°C. I refused to use anything but Metric measurements while in Canada. Also I said "eh" a lot and laughed at Andy and Megan's "American accents". Yes, I'm a jerk).

After the beach, Trav took us into town for some great burgers at Fatzo's. He drove with us to the border and dropped us off at the duty-free, where I picked up a Coffee Crisp, some Canadian Club, and a maple leaf patch for my backpack (gotta keep up the stereotypes).

The American border guard was a little more discriminating, and carefully poured over my passport before finally letting us through.

I had a great time visiting with Trav, reacquainting myself with BC and showing off our beautiful country (it was Megan's first time in Canada). Now to take my proper place in my friends' social circle as "dirty immigrant who steals American jobs".

00:00 | Canada

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