Anything is possible in Vancouver

I love my children. Of course I do.

But sometimes I have to get away. Away from the worry and responsibility of raising them.

This weekend, my friend Tricia and I took our second annual roadtrip up to Vancouver.

And had our second annual dinner at Tapastree (Tasty small plates, great wine, amazing service.)

We even splurged on dessert. And can I just say that instead of going back to our hotel I really wanted to crawl into Tapastree's vat of Sticky Toffee Pudding and sleep there? Oh. Criminy. It was to die for.

But, alas, I was forced to return to the Fairmont. I probably would've been happy with a Sheraton or a Days Inn, possibly even a gay Indonesian backpacker's hostel, but Tricia wanted luxury (luxury!) and I have to admit that I didn't hate the puffy pillows, thick carpeting and all around high quality of the place. (In fact, I really liked it. Shhh.)

My favorite part was the sweet, old woman in the lobby telling me about the sightsawing she wanted to do. But rain was coming down in sheets and she didn't think she was going to get much sightsawing in. And forever more I will say sightsawing instead of sightseeing because it is hilarious and cute and vaguely cockney. Or something.

One of the nicest things about our hotel was the location. It was really close to the best coffee in town.

While Tricia and I were waiting in line for our lattes, I happened to notice one tall, George Clooneyish man (who, incidentally reminded me a lot of my own husband). I pointed him out, murmuring appreciatively, when the woman in front of us whipped around and asked if we were talking about her husband.

Ah, yes. Only a little. I couldn't help it. And how do you not know about ordering coffee? Just read the menu up there. If in doubt, get a mocha. Now turn around and let us gawk in peace.

On the way home we hit traffic on top of traffic wrapped in more traffic. And a border crossing line I would've taken a picture of had I not been so busy cursing and contorting my body to ease my searing sciatica.

I was set to accept our fate of a long, rainy wait, but Tricia, it turns out, is quite the little schemer. Refusing to accept that we'd be in line for 2+ hours, she decided that we should zoom up toward the duty free shop, buy a few things and, from that lot, insert ourselves smack in front of a customs agent. All totally legit.

It worked! And for a good portion of the ride back she regaled me with tales of all the rock stars she'd plotted her way backstage to meet and befriend as a teenager in L.A.

This is one thing (among many) that's so cool about Tricia. She is not what I'd call someone who feels entitled. But she is confident. And she believes that if a certain thing is attainable, it might as well be she who gets it.

Inspiring, yes? I love her.

So, I say, it might as well be I who gets the Sticky Toffee Pudding bed with the vanilla ice cream pillows.

Because I want them. 

And anything seems possible when you're a few hours from home and wandering the warm, teeming streets of Vancouver with one of your best friends in the world.

Comments

[AndreAnna]

I almost licked my computer screen.

[Jennifer]

Oh, why do you have to tease me with that cappucino? It looks magically delicious!

"When in doubt, order a mocha."

So true...Gave me a chuckle!

[Erin]

Ohhh, I am jealous. Sounds just wonderful.

[Lisa Milton]

I wish I could trade up: My Monday morning cup for that lovely one right there.

Heavenly.

Glad you got away...

[Kerri Anne]

I love inspiring friends and trips with said inspiring friends and amazingly lovely coffee art. Sounds like a fantastic weekend!

[Csquaredplus3]

Lucky girls. Pretty girls too. Especially the teeth - I like good teeth. Lucky, pretty girls, with good teeth. There.

[papergirl]

Your friend is lucky to be able to spend a getaway weekend with such a beautiful, groovy, smart AND talented writer. Hmm, I wonder if I can get some vanilla ice cream pillows at Macy's? I'll let you know.

[MommyTime]

Ahhh, it sounds magically delicious, from the pillows to the mochas. I hope you feel rejuvenated and happy. You deserve it.

[Tootsie Farklepants]

That coffee is simply too pretty to drink!

[Vanessa]

Oh thank God you're over food allergies for a while ... sounds fun and inspiring!

[Ashley]

That looks like so much fun! I've never been to Vancouver yet, although I live very close to it and I've been dying to go! I need to go soon and your post makes me want to even more!

[Katie in MA]

I can't make up my mind about which part is my favorite:

The tastiest looking coffee I've ever seen?

Or that you TOTALLY got busted ogling that yummy-sounding man? HILARIOUS! And just where is that woman's sense of humor? How could she not turn around, smile knowingly, and announce, "He's taken, ladies," with good grace, aplomb, and sheer delight that she gets to sleep with the best looking man in the joint? I simply couldn't have helped giggling. :) And talking louder. Ha!

[Nora Bee]

That's one pretty latte. And I'm totally going to steal that duty free shop trick.

[Always Home and Uncool]

Beats my road trip to Cleveland with the boys. Cleveland. What was I thinking?

[Lyssa Ireland Thomas]

Time away from the kids helps me like them again. A coffee like that one makes me like EVERYONE again!

Glad you had a nice trip!

[San Diego Momma]

Oh wow. Just reading about the luxury and the toffee and the wine and the pillow and the carpet was a nice escape.

Glad you got away for reals.

[carol]

I think I need some girlfriend time and a cup of that coffee.

[Priyank]

Vancouver is a great place, and the coffee looks lovely!

[Lulu]

Oooh...what fun! A girlfriend's getaway. You look more like sisters than friends, though. Glad you had fun!

[BOSSY]

Absolutely no fair taking Road Trips without Bossy.

[debbie]

I'm so envious of this on so many levels! You took a road trip without kids...with your best friend (who could pass as your sister, by the way!!)...had some great coffee...and staying in a nice place. Sounds like a great time!!