Off to the Land of Maple Leaf!

After an eventful shock to the system with the bitter cold in Denver, we jetted off from Denver, Colorado (USA) to Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada) to meet two very special people whom we actually met back in April 2016 in Singapore. At that time, they rode on two motorcycles all the way to Singapore.

Of course, they went far and beyond. They are Gene and Neda, a globetrotting motorcycling couple famous for their thread on ADVrider.com called "Quit our jobs, sold our home, gone riding...". They have been travelling the world for the past 7 years and are currently residing in Squamish, British Columbia (Canada), a town north of Vancouver. This cosy town is away from the hustle and bustle city traffic so it definitely provides a tranquil retreat from all the rush that city people can relate to. They have kindly hosted us for a week and I got ample opportunities to eat so many delicious food that Neda cooked. I bet she can cook Asian food better than many Asians out there. They also did so many things for us that I am so grateful for that I feel indebted to them. They have shown much kindness indeed.

The view just outside Gene's and Neda's place. The maple leaves are just so red!

You just see the mountain outside their place. Splendid!

Initially, I used to think that when I visit a country, I must be on a quest to visit as many attractions as I possibly can. However, I realised that it is the people I meet, the chance to understand the local culture I meet and the kindness that I see on the road that matter.

First up, Gene and Neda brought us for some nice freshly baked cheesecake to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary. Cheesecake has always been our tradition for celebrating our wedding anniversaries. It was the first time we celebrated our wedding anniversary that far away from Singapore.

Then, I got a chance to experience Halloween for the first time in my life. Kids knocked on our door and dressed in their cute costumes asking "Trick or Treat?" and their parents being well coordinated in their dressing made it so entertaining for me. It was heartwarming for me to see parents not being self-conscious and dressing up for Halloween and having fun with their kids. Beneath the costumes and makeup lies family unity that makes Halloween all the more meaningful.

On a side note, it was so fun applying tattoo on my face. Gene and Kelvin were so hilarious! Just look at them. Lol! Gene and Kelvin looked so scary.

All of us getting dressed up for Halloween

It was Walking Dead in the house!

The ladies with the face tattoos

Then, we had some Japadogs in Vancouver. When Gene and Neda told us about Japadogs, we didn't know what it was. Apparently, it is an exclusive to Vancouver and not to be missed. A Japadog is basically hot dog bun served with seaweed, teriyaki sauce and mayo. The french fries also includes Japanese seasoning on it. Very delicious!

Next up, we went to a famous Canadian coffee place called Tim Hortons. It's also a very Canadian thing to do. In fact, it's a favourite meeting place for bikers to be at. It is pretty much like how bikers groups in Singapore would meet up at the Indian coffee shop to have some Indian pancakes called Roti Prata and drinks. Oh yes! I tried Tim Bits, the signature item on the menu. It is mini donuts in assortment of flavours.

Neda (1st from left), Debbie, Kelvin

After that, we went for eagle viewing in the morning. We also saw some seagulls too. The beauty of nature took my breath away in the cold 9 degree celsius air. It was so easy to be in the moment, focusing on the scenery and the birds.

What's more, we went to visit the Whistler Village. Apparently, the 2010 Winter Olympics was at Whistler. It was all pretty commercial as you can find apparel brands like Lululemon, Quiksilver, The Body Shop and high-end hotels like Hilton, Westin and Pan Pacific. However, it's THE place for skiing and many people from around the world would travel there just for the sport.

The highlight is getting to shoot real guns! It was all thanks to Kevin and Manon who brought us to Port Coquitlam & District Hunting & Fishing Club to shoot with a Sig pistol and semi-automatic AR-15 rifle. It was exhilarating and an adrenaline rush. Kevin was so patient in showing me how to use a the pistol and rifle as I have never used one in my life. Guns are not allowed in Singapore. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn how to use these weapons. I think I am equipped to deal with zombie apocalypse!

Biting the bullet!

Top row: Gene, Neda
Bottom row: Manon, Kelvin, Debbie, Kevin

In fact, Gene and Neda met up with Kevin and Manon at the very start of their trip and now, we are at the very start of our trip and we met up with them too! I think Kevin and Manon have an affinity with beginner globetrotting travellers.

Gene (1st from left), Neda, Manon, Kevin - Photo Credit: Gene Lee

Gene and Neda did not know us that well and yet they have shown us so much kindness in letting us stay at their place and showing us around and introducing us to their friends, Kevin and Manon. We did not even know Kevin and Manon and yet they have been so open with us.

Kindness abound in this world and only if one opens his heart and give the world a chance, one may be surprised at what the world has to offer.

As Forrest Gump once said, "Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." I am ready for the next surprise. Can't wait.

- Written by Debbie