My Canadian Hangover

I was unsure how I'd feel on my last full day in Vancouver. I assumed I'd be sad, angry, frustrated, bemoaning the task of packing, etc... but I didn't. I just felt happy. I had taken time to reflect on my journey the day prior and it left me feeling very satisfied with my time in Vancouver in a way I didn't expect. I originally left Chicago for Van in an attempt to detox from my job, reset myself and the direction of my life... and I feel like I've succeeded.

That evening I was treated to a lovely & humbling goodbye party with my improv family. Our group of students very quickly became my chosen family in Vancouver and boy, did they give me a proper send-off! I don't really have photos from that evening because I was too busy enjoying it. To me, saying goodbye to friends is much more about conversations than standing around taking pictures. (Don't get me wrong, there's a few wacky moments on camera, but they're for us to laugh at. Not everything needs to be on the internet!)

Love Notes

My amazing-aussie-Amanda organized our evening and gifted me a card with messages from each member of our group, as well as a frame with multiple photos of us. It's now sitting next to the TV in my hotel room, where it will rest in each city I stop in. 

Only Available in Canada

Robert ensured I was well-stocked in my Canadian delicacies before crossing the border. The Kinder Surprise Egg is now illegal in the States, so I had to open it and just take the toy inside.

Tinkerbell! 

 Letters From Home

Roxi & Karla gifted me amusing postcards to mail during my road trip, a little pick-me-up book for those lonely moments I'm sure to encounter, and a book about beavers. Because, Canada.

The group also graciously and unnecessarily plied me with copious amounts of vodka over our six hours at the bar. (Yikes!) I hugged and cried until the bar closed and they poured me into a cab around 1:30 a.m. I am so humbled by their generosity. My colleagues, friends, and family in Chicago were so supportive when I left my hometown. It still boggles my mind that my departure from Vancouver was just as lovely.

The Next Day...
Did you see above where I mentioned "copious amounts of vodka?" Folks, it was not necessary for everyone to buy me a drink. There were nearly 15 of you over the course of the evening! But you did...

I had a deadline to leave my extended-stay home by 10:30 am and still had to load half my car. In my 'slower state' it took me two and a half hours to complete everything and I handed in my keys with two minutes to spare. Success!

My Bags Are Packed, I'm Ready To Go...

I didn't stick around after taking this picture. I plugged in my GPS, set it for Washington State instead of British Columbia, and drove directly to the U.S. border.

Reaching the Seattle area, I had the pleasure of meeting a childhood friend & her family for dinner. We ate pizza & gelato, I told stories with her elementary school-aged daughter, and was exhausted just watching her chase around her son. I had a great time.

I can't be bothered to look up - I'm eating gelato.

Not only did I have a great evening, but it gave me a wonderful start the U.S. portion of my road trip. I left my Vancouver family and walked right into another. I don't know what good karma I earned, but I'm getting it back in spades.

I'm also still a bit hungover... it appears Vancouver will be with me for a while. ...That's ok with me.