As I could not find a place in Seattle (that I could pay) that was free for the whole month, I checked out of Lily’s home this morning, rented a car, and drove up north to Vancouver.

I like this city. It’s been a long battle between Vancouver, Seattle and Portland, as my home for the month of August. Seattle won, but as I needed to switch places anyway, I combined it with this weekend.

I also want to see my friend Joe, whom I met with Javo back in Buenos Aires. Alas he has an operation around that date so it’s not sure he’ll be in shape to meet up.

The drive was a smooth 227 km, but of course I had to wait endlessly at the Canadian/US border. 80 minutes on the highway, 50 minutes on the next smaller border crossing. Seriously? I mean, with 8,891 kilometers or border in total, who is patrolling that? I mean, ever?

I arrived in Vancouver in the early afternoon, my host Darek buzzed me in by remote, as he was attending a music festival this weekend.

I have a great room in the Athletes’ village, close to False Creek on the water, and a 25 minutes walk to Davie Street and the bars.

I decided to head over to the University and walk down the stairs to Wreck Beach, a sandy stretch at the westernmost part of Vancouver.

It’s known for its hippie appeal, the skinny dipping and the pot that’s smoked there, under the watchful eyes of the police who makes sure things do not get out of hand too much.

 

I spent the late afternoon there, hanging out. It’s quite a crowd, and quite a sight, but there are no pictures to be taken. So I leave that to everyone’s imagination.

In the evening, I headed for final beers in one of the bars on Davie Street. Tomorrow, as it will be hot, I’ll probably hang by the beach again. In the evening, I have tickets for Lady Gaga’s artRAVE Ball. Life is good.