The 34 Hour Day

Thursday the 28th was the longest day ever. I woke at 3:15am too excited to go back to sleep so laid there for another hour before waking everyone else so we could start our adventure. We had an easy run from Toowoomba into the airport and met up with Aunty Emma for breakfast before saying our goodbyes to Gam Gam and Aunty Emma and venturing through the magical yellow departure gate. Although we planned to arrive early the time seemed to pass quickly and in no time we were boarding. Prior to the trip I had been asked by so many people if we were crazy taking two kids on a long haul flight but I would honestly say it was a breeze. Aubs and Lioney travelled like superstars!!

After a couple of movies, some snacks and iPad time, they curled up in their seats and slept. Ad and I on the other hand didn’t have such luck despite our attempts and unfortunately had no sleep at all. We powered through though and we all hit the ground running in Vancouver.

The kids were amazed and slightly confused that we had left Brisbane at 11:30am Thursday and travelled back in time to arrive in Vancouver 6:50am Thursday. An easy taxi ride into the city and a welcomed win to be able to check straight into our hotel, Carmana Plaza. We had expected to have to wait until late afternoon to be able to get our room. Check in time for hotels in Canada is 4pm! A much needed freshen up and quick unpack and we ventured off to get the lay of the land.

First stop was a visit to Telus (The Canadian Telstra) to get Ad’s phone set up. That took a little longer than anticipated but the kids and I took advantage of the shop’s lounge chairs and all had a nap! Feeling refreshed from our power nap we spent the rest of the day wandering the city on foot, visiting the Vancouver Art Gallery precinct where the kids joined in with The Salvation Army carollers. We also found ourselves along the Coal Harbour Sea Wall and found Christmas Markets. I sipped an awesome mulled wine while the kids took a ride on a beautifully restored carousel.

By this stage Ad and I were exhausted so a quick dinner at A&W (Canadian Macca’s) and we called it a night.