Things you might not know about Canada but desperately wish you did.

The thrifts stores pale in comparison to the ones in Oakland which kind of makes sense since Canadians are not known for being fashionistas. The stories I've heard in the past about finding LuLulemon clothing at these shops is nothing but a sham.

Cycling on the side of the freeway is totally legal and legit. It may result in a fatality but other than that, you're good to go.

As it is in Europe and most other countries, the paper toilet seat covers in the ladies room is non-existent.

People are incredibly nice to the point of asking myself, are they for real? Sophie was offered a complimentary beverage in Starbucks yesterday because mommy didn't have money. Or so she said. At the yoga studio the other day, mama didn't have to pay the standard yoga mat rental fee. It is an all around pleasant experience to step foot in this country.

This country also takes its hanging flower baskets with total seriousness. One could assume its because they have such a limited window of when they actually see the sun so they go balls to the wall and create the most vibrant flower arrangements that can rival the French. There
also must be something in the water because I personally have never set eyes on such beautifully bright hydrangeas in all my life.

Bears! Yes we are indeed in bear country and after a bit of research, North Vancouver is inundated with brown and black ones. Thankfully though, the grizzlies don't take up residence here. For them, you'll have to head a bit more north. Our babysitter was confronted with one standing in our driveway the other evening when she came to watch us. This is of great displeasure to mama bear. She needs not have one more thing to worry about. If we lived here, she would most definitely be a card carrying NRA member for the sole purposes of protecting her peeps from those cute, furry things.

And finally, the food. Everything just tastes better here. Must tie back to the water supply! The yogurt is reminiscent of what we found in the South of France two summers ago. Mama swears she's going to fire up the yogurt maker upon our arrival home. We all know how that will go down. One and done. Meaning one batch under her belt and we won't see the machine until our next trip to foreign lands.

And so there you have it....cultural observations of the day!