“So sit, and wait, and bend, and break, you rise, and fall, just you, that’s all”

Shihad Home Again

We appeared at the diner at 10 past 6 and took our usual table. The paraphernalia of caffeine appeared on the table before us. Our host stepped away from her opening rituals long enough to let us know a new special menu was starting this morning. Unlike the austere offerings of the standard menu these expansive platters really pushed the boat out. Omelette, potato wedges, eggs, ham steaks, sausage and bacon nestled next to pancakes, waffles and bananas drowned in caramel sauce. A lone stalk of kale formed a beacon of green in the centre of the spread. We ordered one to share although in truth it could have fed 4.

We packed up our room, arrange to store our bags behind the desk at the hotel and checked out. It was a beautiful blue skied day. The snow glistened in the golden sun. We set off for Stanley Park. Soon we were out of the CBD and walking past marinas and a naval base. We enjoyed views across the harbour and back to the city. I even glimpsed a sea otter slipping along the foreshore. We walked about half way round the park before cutting into the peninsular to see some Native Canadian artwork. We bought a soft drink from a kiosk and then coffees from a gift shop. I had a quick chat with the barista about the North American tensions and how we intentionally avoid going through the States. Then we caught an Uber back into town. We lunched at an iconic seafood and chop house called Joe Fortes. I initially read the date on the wall as it being founded in 1885 but on reflection the unclear font was actually inscribed 1985. Either way the joint had some pedigree.  We had oysters, crab rolls and beers in a rather grand dining room waited on by smartly dressed waiters, very old school. Then it was back to collect our bags from the hotel, where for the first time I met with gruff annoyance from the lady behind the desk rather than the “Canadian nice” every other staff member had exuded. Then it was the Sky Train to the airport, a couple of drinks to pass the time, and onto an AirNZ flight with all the gruff service that often entails and back to Rubes and home and reality and ultimately some huge life changes.

It was a hell of a trip.