Canada was never on my bucketlist mainly because I know full well that I can’t afford it; but opportunity came knocking on my door when my paper was accepted for presentation in an international conference.
I applied for a Visa, together with my friend whose research was also accepted for presentation, and lucky as I’ve always been for Visas, I got a multiple entry!
I was also supposed to present another paper in Hawaii, so I’ve decided to book Hawaii first and worry about Canada later. I actually do not have to worry about my US Visa because I also have a multiple entry visa to the US. But fate, cruel as ever, made it a point that both of my presentations were scheduled at exactly the same day.
I chose Canada.
I really didn’t know what’s at stake. I arrived in Hawaii with the full intention to just rest and go around the island with my family. I did not even had any flight booking for Canada. It was only when my Mom called me and asked me what my plans for Vancouver are. She already spoke with our relatives — whom I’ve never even met– about my speaking engagement.
Few hours after, I found myself asking for my cousin’s help, and in the morning, we booked a flight, and I was set to fly seven (7) hours later. IMPULSIVENESS. It runs in my veins.
View from my relatives’ home 
I genuinely had no idea who my relatives are. I even asked my mom numerous times if it’s really okay to bother them. I did not even look for them at Facebook. I just knew that when I land in Vancouver, someone will fetch me.
I might’ve been too loud on Facebook that when I came out of the immigration area, my Manang Myra was out there waiting for me. I didn’t know I was holding too much tension inside me that when she called my name, I almost cried. It dawned on me that had I went to Vancouver without knowing anyone, I might have lost my mind. (Because who goes to North America without even an itinerary or even plans in mind??? Me.)
OH GOD, I REALLY HAVE SOME RELATIVES TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF ME HERE???
Look at this cutieeee patootieee ~ 
Manang Joan took most of the photos here. She takes cool shots that all of these are straight from the cam. 
Jean Marion miii bibi and Kuya Marlon, while we were waiting for our turn in the Ramen restaurant
It was also their first time meeting me. Okay, they might have seen me as a kid in Cagayan but that was it. They are more familiar with my mom, of course.
It might really run in the bloods of every Filipino family but they welcomed me so warmly. Manang Myra made it a point that I slept in her room, and Manang Joan cooked for me, treated me out for a Ramen with Baby Jean Marion and Kuya Marlon (her husband), and she even became my tour guide around downtown Vancouver. She also takes beautiful photos!
I am always grateful that I’ve met them. Even if Vancouver was gloomy and was Raincouver when I visited, they made it a point that I visit beautiful, scenic, tourist spots.
My favorite spot in Vancouver is the Prospect Point in the northern tip of Stanley Park, overlooking the Lions Gate Bridge. I swear it was dreamy.
Of course, we went to other parts of Vancouver while it was pouring and I swear it was cold. Aaaah, I want to live in cold areas.
It was then that I knew that Autumn is my favorite season.
Fun fact: I was in Vancouver only for four days. I pray that I could go back. Please take me back.
Canada was never on my bucketlist, but it is now. Vancouver was gloomy when I visited, but I swear, it is beautiful.
This is the part 1 of my Canada post. Part 2 is for my speaking engagement with my buddy. Vancouver was fun because of him, I have to admit. *roll-eye emoji*
Neyziellewanders 
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