Canada-Week 2

Well, as of today, we've officially been in Canada for 2 weeks. I have to say that, for the most part, we're still really loving it. The assignments continue to challenge and stretch us. We're constantly trying to apply what we're learning and go out of our comfort zones. At the end of every day we're exhausted, but it's a good kind of fatigue!

Our biggest adjustment, besides the schedule, continues to be the lack of a vehicle. It seems like we "lose" so much time riding mass transit and the planning that is involved for procuring groceries or deciding on a route can get old. But, we're trying hard to look at our commute in a positive way. We've seen and experienced all sorts of things going to and fro and we've also gotten to talk to some really interesting people.

On the flip side of that, there are parts of city living that we love. For example, I can walk out my door and in 10 minutes or less I can be at a grocery store, barber, fire station, many restaurants, a bakery, produce stand, meat market, fish market, or a $1.25 store (yes, the "dollar" stores here actually are $1.25 stores, I told you it was more expensive here!) All the while, hearing a dozen different languages. That's kind of cool!

We've found several fun things to do here in the city this week, here are a few photos of all the fun!

On Friday night, we had some colleagues over for dinner. Their oldest daughter, who is quite the artist, brought her face painting kit. The kids had a great time getting their faces painted while the adults visited.

Here is Isaac looking quite yucky!

Lily, the pumpkin

Abe, the puppy

On Saturday, we met some other friend for a day of exploring on Granville Island, which is not actually an island, but a peninsula. This area is known for it's markets. We enjoyed exploring the Kid's Market, which is two floors of children's shops Then we went to the public market which was full of every food you can imagine and some you'd rather not!

Exploring a meat cabinet. I don't think this is the one where I saw the $70 turkey.

Hmmm, not exactly sure what that one is...

Abe found something else he'd like to try. We opted for a donut instead.

One of these things is not like the other, one of these things just isn't the same!

The girls with some new friends

Totem poles are everywhere here!

Just an average view around these parts. I'm telling you, it's breathtaking!