Story by Nicole

For the 4th of July, we went to Canada. We met Jason’s immediate family at the Vancouver airport, rented a Dodge Caravan, and stayed in an adorable condo on the beach. It was a beautiful and relaxing trip, during which we made several American observations about Vancouver.

Coffee is decidedly lacking.

We have no pictures that represent this observation. Jason may have been more inclined to take them if he was inspired by fantastic coffee, but alas, it proved difficult to find. For the Rafals, a family dedicated to coffee drinking, this was the low point of the trip. On our last morning in Vancouver, we finally found acceptable coffee at the 49th Parallel.

Even the signs are polite.

A sign provides a gentle warning against trespassing. (Photo/Jason Rafal)

The Public Market on Granville Island is an overwhelming display of edibles and other goods.

Marc and Nicole through one of the Granville Island Public Market entry doors. (Photo/Jason Rafal)

A display of colorful macaroons at the Granville Island Public Market. (Photo/Jason Rafal)

Poutine from the Granville Island Public Market. (Photo/Jason Rafal)

A Granville Island reflection. (Photo/Jason Rafal)

Residents love their nice cars.

A Porsche parked at Kits beach. (Photo/Jason Rafal)

Stanley Park is a lovely place, but a vast and confusing wilderness for the Rafals.

Nicole attempts to explain to Emilie how to get out of Stanley Park. (Photo/Jason Rafal)

Water droplets on a rose in the Stanley Park Rose Garden. (Photo/Jason Rafal)

Water+mountains+city=beautiful Vancouver.

A water taxi on the English Bay. (Photo/Jason Rafal)

Nicole climbs on public art. (Photo/Jason Rafal)

Marc and Anne enjoy the Reflections terrace at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia.(Photo/Jason Rafal)

A view of downtown Vancouver from Kitsilano Beach. (Photo/Jason Rafal)