Well here we are again. I have been busy for the past two months trying to find interesting anecdotes to share with you. I have walked the lanes of Port Coquitlam, peering into backyards, I have joined a Fitness establishment, I have found a new office and also spent time in a couple of Starbucks and Coquitlam Centre people watching. All and all, I have made every human effort possible and I have come to a startling conclusion. Life in Canada is boring.
Anyway, let’s go for a walk.
And around to the front yards



The Port Coquitlam crows have joined forces with the European Chafer Beetle to destroy many many yards in PoCo.



This reminded me of how many wires are strung in China except neater but remember, this is the front of the house.



Doesn’t everyone hold pine boughs back from the neighbour’s fence with heavy twine? Maybe time for a saw?



I don’t know which is worse : 1. The wysteria has totally been let go 2. It has taken over and is killing the tree or 3. the roots are likely going to cause serious damage to the drainage around the house
We were only away three years, but when did Hallowe’en become a decorate your home, adult dress up to go trick or treating and something beyond a visit to the pumpkin patch event? Knapp’s Plantland set up this series of rides, putting “green” etc etc and then SOLD tickets for the rides. How gauche.
Return to China
We have “returned” to China.



These were four kids who were clearly of Chinese heritage who spent at least 2 hours at Starbucks on Nov. 4. “Take Your Child to Work” Day.



On the other hand, unlike people in China, they cleared their table, putting all their garbage into the garbage can! Hen Hao!



Two more girls – shopping – on Take Your Child to Work day. I even saw parents (Moms) shopping with their children – guess their job is shopping.
On The Other Hand
Now I admit that I rarely shop at Superstore. I wish to overpay. However, this ice cream is perhaps the best I have ever enjoyed – not the product specifically but the flavour – Chocolate Fudge Crackle with Peanut Butter. I was in heaven!!
And finally, one of the teachers in Jiaxing sent this to me. I was really touched. (Ed. note: Hey – this isn’t supposed to be all about Geoff)
The Shoe Blog
Did I say life in Canada is boring? 2 hours of sitting at Starbucks and these were the highest heel I saw. Pathetic.
Sounds like you are going to have to work extra hard to make the normal seem extraordinary if even to yourself. We prairie types will enjoy all the mountain/ocean exploits you get up to…. Good luck.
Great photos…we perhaps, in our idiosyncrocies…are not as different from the Chinese population….and their unique ways of managing life. Thx
lois and gerry
Did they survive the crossing? All the rest is just fluff!
Always fun to see what you are up to, Geoff. You have a great imagination.