All Things Anne!

I think I need a whole post dedicated to Anne of Green Gables. I remember my Aunt sending my sisters and I the first three books of the series when I was around 12 years old. Anne always reminded me a bit of my best friend Andrea because she hates her red hair and freckles whereas I'm a fan of both red hair and freckles!

Who doesn't love Anne? That girl was so full of life and hilarious! At the time I had no idea that Green Gables was even a real place and it was only when I moved to Canada that I learned where Prince Edward Island was! As soon as I stepped foot on the island it was obvious how important Anne was for the islanders. I found her likeness everywhere. A good way to sell things, I'd say.

This chocolate shop was pretty awesome but pricey. They make these chocolate-covered potato chips that are really popular. I bought some for my sisters after one of the girls I met at my hostel gave me one to try. Not bad. It was really cool to see them being made.

I had a front row ticket to see Anne: The Musical. It was recommended to me by somebody and I decided to go because I figured it would be nice to have something to do at least one evening. I mentioned I was going to a lovely New Zealander named Dot who I met in the hostel and she came along with me.

Oh my gosh, I loved this musical! I mean LOVED it! I was enthralled from start to finish! It honestly brought out so many emotions in me. I laughed when Anne broke her slate over Gilbert's head,held back tears when Matthew died, felt nostalgic for the innocence of childhood friendships when Diana and Anne met....Top class musical; one I would see again and again. During the intermission Dot bought me a glass of raspberry cordial, just like they drink in the book. That was tasty stuff!

The next morning, while I was still on a high from watching the musical, I went on a day-trip to Cavendish, the birthplace of L.M. Montgomery. It was a beautiful sunny day, the only nice day I had weather-wise on the island. I know this sounds creepy but my first stop in Cavendish was the final resting place of Ms. Montgomery.

After paying my respects, I walked down the street until I got to Green Gables.

Very cute little place that inspired a great book!

This is Anne's room:

Walking through the woods I ran into these girls who had been picking vegetables.

Beautiful fields near the Montgomery Homestead

The Church Where LM Montgomery Worshipped

A day I will remember for a long time. It's amazing how much words can influence us and inspire us at the same time. As Anne once said: "Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world. It wouldn't be half so interesting if we know all about everything, would it? There'd be no scope for imagination then, would there?"- Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Toronto 2011

A few days in Toronto to visit my dear Farrah and "Baba". Also a few days to enjoy real summer (I hope you're taking notes ,Vancouver. We have yet to have a real summer, not impressed). I must say, after a few days with Baba, my reflexes are a lot sharper and I think I got quite a bit of exercise too!

This might replace bubble tea in my heart. Godiva's raspberry mocha

There she goes! Not a care in the world:)

This girl always makes me smile:)

Some shots from the Caribana. Luckily we left quite early because we were so hot and tired. Somebody got shot and killed there:( I think it's safe to say I will not be attending Caribana again in future.

On our way home we happened upon a Filipino festival. Fun times! 

Another drink we discovered: sago gulaman. Very sweet and refreshing

Thanks to Leo for making us REAL Jamaican food; ackee and saltfish. I am honestly drooling thinking about it, yum!

K'naan- Brockpoint Point- July 2011

I love free concerts! I don't know what's happened to Vancouver but we seem to be getting more great concerts than I have time (or money) to go to! This was my second time seeing K'naan perform outdoors. Last year we were drenched in the rain. This year the rain mercifully held off until after the concert ended.

Fun day and great performance, despite K'naan's angry outburst at someone in the audience. I still don't know why but I'm pretty sure it was justified.

Edmonton 2011

Another visit to Edmonton! This time I was there for 4 days. It was nice to see all the kids again all grown up!

The highlight of my trip was a visit to the Fort Edmonton Park. I love history so I had a great time here, despite being bitten all over by mosquitoes. I didn't even know Edmonton was "famous" for its mosquitoes. I'm bringing lots of insect repellent next time.

I normally don't take a lot of pictures of myself when I'm on vacation because I like non-human subjects but I had my own paparazzi, Sharron, for the day and she took loads of pictures of me! She has a great professional camera.

This was my first time seeing a wigwam in person. I even got the chance to go in it! It is pretty much impossible to see the outline of the wigwam since it's the same colour as the background!

 It was neat to see a Cree woman making bannock bread. She was nice enough to take a picture with us and explain the history of bannock (Scottish origins no less!).

I just love arrows.

Une lettre en francais:)

My cute little Simon! 

 

 

 

This couple were totally in character, I loved it!

 Uh-oh! It seems there was a reward being offered for the capture of Simon! $100 definitely isn't what it was. I don't think I'll turn him in.

Supposedly the tobacco chewers were a menace back in the day.

Oh my! A penny farthing!

Next we did a bit of sight-seeing downtown. It was such a hot and glorious day! We started off in Whyte Av. and then drove downtown to the Taste of Edmonton festival. Ate up lots of goodies that day.

On my last dry evening in Edmonton we went to watch Joey play some soccer. I know it was just kids playing (16 years old) but they played with so much passion I really got into it! Tried in vain to keep the mosquitoes at bay. I ended up wearing pants to cover my legs the remaining time I was there.

Simon shows up everywhere! Love him:)