Thursday, August 25, 2011

My Summer Staycation ... Part Two

Today I decided to take a few days off work and play "tourist in my own town" ~~ a staycation ~~ and I took a stroll around my 'hood. I'm very fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods, in one of the most beautiful cities in the world and I never get tired of walking through it. There is always something new to see, and since I am so close to the ocean, I am always accompanied by my friends the seagulls. For lunch I stopped at Maria's Taverna, my favourite Greek restaurant. Usually Maria's is bustling and noisy, but today I was their only customer, except for two people on the other side of the room. The waiter offered to take my picture and I said, "Sure, okay", but I told him the farther away he gets, the better I'll look, so he'd better back up. He laughed.

On my way home I strolled past the Pocket Market, which is set up every Thursday from 3:00 until early evening. Farmers from all around the Lower Mainland bring their wonderful fruits and vegetables, baked goods and preserves, and sell them at the Pocket Market. They were just getting set up, so I bought two zucchinis. And then I came home and read a book and had a nap. Now I ask you, does it even get any more exciting than that? I mean, I lead life at such at breakneck pace, people ask me how I manage to keep up with all the whirl of activities.  I don't know ... I pace myself, I guess.  One does what one can...

Staycations can be a lot of fun.  We get to do things in our own town that we may normally not do.  I'm planning to check out the Museum of Anthropology in a few days and then maybe, oh, I don't know, I'll take a ride on one of those little ferry boats in False Creek.  On the other hand, it may just be too much of a whirlwind of merriment for me; I'll have to just wait and see...

Here is a little video that I recorded today at Maria's Taverna.  There is Greek music playing in the background, so you may not be able to hear me, but it will give you an idea of what a lovely restaurant it is.

8 comments:

fiftyodd said...

As you say, you are fortunate to have lived in such a marvellous place. Mine did nothing for me. I've never been back, my childhood family memories aren't that great.

heartinsanfrancisco said...

Lovely! And your new photo is gorgeous. How do you manage to be both blond and exotic looking? That is not a usual combination. I think it's your eyes. I also feel the same way about San Francisco - I never tire of looking around at scenery many people plan their vacations around.

KathyB. said...

If we ever get back to Vancouver we will try to eat here. A "Staycation" is perfect, seems we rarely take time to discover & enjoy our own backyards, and to our loss.

BTW, you look lovely.~

DJan said...

That is a great picture of you. I have long believed that if you look good to the person taking the picture, it turns out great. He must have been smitten. I love to walk around the streets of Vancouver, too.

Jo said...

What a delightful post, Jo!

You look absolutely adorable, and it's wonderful to hear your voice...you have a great laugh!

Thank you for sharing more of your staycation with us. I happen to ADORE Greek food, and that taverna looks incredible! I hope you had saganaki, spanikopita, and baklava!

Thanks for taking us on a tour of your 'hood!

Paula Slade said...

Lovely photo of you Jo! Enjoyed reading the update on your "staycation". The restaurant looks charming too. Keep havin' fun! :)

Mia said...

I'll take any type of vacation at this point.

lovelyprism said...

Sounds like the charmed life to me! I wish I enjoyed my 'hood and my town as much as you do. The photo is adorable! :-)