Have you ever had a stopover that you thought “Wouldn’t it be nice to stop here for a night and check it out?” This is what we did in Kuala Lumpur. If Luc has his way we would have done this in Singapore as well.
We booked an Airbnb on the 35th floor and it was gorgeous. It took a bit to even get there though… I won’t go through the details but let’s just say that it was an hour to get from the airport to Kuala Lumpur then a nightmare check-in at the Airbnb. It also took 5 hours to get toilet paper and an extra towel (one time they told us it was raining so they couldn’t bring it over. Ummmm… unless you’re made out of icing sugar….
After dumping our stuff we left for the centre to go to the Aquarium. Such a cool place. So many fish, rays, sharks… they had one of those moving carpets that took you through a tunnel under the sea. We did it twice we loved it so much. Vivi was absolutely in heaven at the aquarium… I’m starting to see her affinity to water and everything in it!
The aquarium is right downtown so we were right in the middle of everything so got to see the two towers and the green towers. It’s super green and very modern in Kuala Lumpur. Really clean everywhere we went and very well looked after in the city.
We had dinner and then headed back to the Airbnb to take advantage of the beautiful views and pools. We hung our wet clothes from the washer and then went down to the 6th floor and hit the pool. There was a lightning show while we were in the pool and it downpoured. Then we went up to the top floor for views from the hot tub only the hot tub was cold.
The next morning we watched the sunrise against the skyscrapers turning the building pretty purples. We headed out to the jungle in the middle of the city and walked up in the tree tops. We only saw the sign afterwards to be careful for snakes, scorpions, etc… On the way back we had a delicious breakfast at a chocolate shop.
We booked a GRAB to take us to the airport and realized after 3 minutes that we’d left our filter bottle in the fridge back at the hotel. Back to the apartment to get it.
We really maximized our short short time in Kuala Lumpur. It was a ton of stuff to do and we powered through to get to see this modern city. I’m glad that we did I just wish we had a bit more time to explore.
Leaving Timothe’s was
harder than we thought. Essentially we didn’t know how we were getting out of
there but only that something would work out. The guy at Timothe’s called
around to find out when a bus was coming by that would take us to Dalat. I didn’t
want a night sleeper bus (I’d heard that the bus drivers do drugs, fall asleep,
etc…and that there are a lot of accidents with the night busses. When we got to
Ho Chi Minh Luc read in a newspaper that a night sleeper bus had got in an
accident and people died). So essentially we got a ride to the main road and
stood there wondering when the bus would come by.
Eventually, it came
and it was a sleeper bus but we would be on it all day so no worries there. We
were shown to the back and we were the only tourist on the bus that we could
see. We laid in the back and just chilled out as we stopped about 25 times.
Finally I asked to use a toilet as it really wasn’t clear when we would stop,
and about 5 mins later he pulled over and the girls all went into the bushes
and the boys somewhere else. It was like a re-enactment of the Camino with
toilet paper strew everywhere. This wasn’t their first rodeo. It was so odd to
me that we didn’t stop at a gas station or rest area and that everyone on the
bus was just expected to squat. Okey Dokey.
Then after about 5
hours, the bus stopped and the driver told us that we were getting off. Well of
course we had our stuff strewn everywhere because we’d been watching Mapsme and
we were still a ways away from Dalat. We pilled all our stuff together as
everyone on the bus continued to look at us and yell “Dalat” and we scrambled
to not forget anything. Of course, Luc left his 3rd hat behind. Sigh…
We got out of the bus,
and were shuffled into another smaller bus. I said “Dalat?” and the driver
nodded yes. Ok then. Thankfully he didn’t ask for more money.
We finally made it to
Dalat and to our hotel. Into our room and quickly we find that the light in the
bathroom doesn’t work. We asked them to fix it and low and behold he couldn’t
fix it so I asked if we could move and everything was booked. So then I asked
for candles. Yep, candle light in the bathroom. If you can believe it, there
was a bath (that didn’t hold water well) so I decided to have a candle light
bath that night and only had to refill the tub 3 times.
We went our separate ways
for dinner as we were starving and of course an epic fight sprung up because
everyone wasn’t thinking straight and I wasn’t going to eat shitty noodles. So
I took off and had a delicious burger and fries while they ate noodles.
The next day we walked
to the lake. Dalat is the city of romance I think. There are flowers everywhere
and because of its elevation, it’s a lot cooler. I was happy to have a brief
reprise from the heat. The lake was beautiful and we went for a float around
the lake on a giant swan. Vivi doesn’t get to do a lot of things that she wants
(zoos are expensive!) and she wanted to do this so I was so happy to be able to
make it happen. We continued on around the lake and it really was quite
beautiful. After we headed back to the hotel, the power went out as soon as we
got there but they assured us that they had fixed the light in the bathroom but
there was no way to check. We ate at the restaurant that I ate at the previous
night.
Luc and I came to an
agreement finally. I’m choosier about where I want to eat. He will eat anywhere
but likes cheap. Quite a few times we found ourselves walking from restaurant
to restaurant and I didn’t like what was on the menu. I wasn’t feeling it and I
was sick of noodles and rice after 2.5 months. Luc would get more and more
frustrated. So we came to an agreement: if he wants to eat somewhere and I don’t,
then he can eat there. Same for me. It might mean that we eat in different
places, but we’re not settling and resentful. Vivi has the best of both worlds.
She can choose what Luc is eating or what I’m eating and no hard feelings on either
side. Interestingly, since we came to this agreement, we haven’t really had to
implement it much.
The next morning we needed
to get to the airport early so we’d asked for a taxi to come and get us bright
and early. The taxi showed up with a flat tire. So he needed to fix it and when
he was fixing it I noticed that he only had 3 of the 4 lugs on the tire. I
looked around the car and it was the same on the other front wheel. Really? The
driver assured me that it didn’t matter (yeah right). Well we already don’t use
a car seat anymore and now only 3 lugs? Forget about it. I felt a bit high
maintenance but knowing we had an hours drive, I really didn’t want to think
about it the whole time wondering what was going to happen so I asked the hotel
to call us another taxi.
Ho Chi Minh/Saigon
We got to Ho Chi Minh
by way of an airplane. We could have taken a bus or train but it would have
taken 10+hours and I was just a little worn out of road transportation TBH.
This plane ride was about 1 hour so we bought our carbon offsets and away we
went.
This was our 3rd
fancy hotel that we stayed in for FREE. We were starting to get a little too
used to the fancy hotel! We headed out in the blazing sun to get some lunch.
There were a lot of restaurants that catered to tourists or expats which was
right up my alley but the price went up drastically now that we were in the
city.
Back to the hotel,
where we swam in the pool overlooking the river. Dinner… we could have had an
all you can eat buffet for $50/person but that was out of the budget. Instead, we
made friends with the hotel food and beverage manager and he gave us some free
beer (they had run out of the IPA that I wanted), extra helpings of bread, a
free salad and free desert. Luc sent him a thank you note later as he was so
impressed and it felt good on the wallet.
The next day, I went
to the gym and then did laps in the pool. We walked around a bit, I sweated
like crazy and then we headed to the bus station to go south.
We had bought the
tickets ahead of time but that didn’t make it any easier. We got dropped off
with our GRAB and asked what window we needed to go to. Oh the one with 40
people all trying to get to the front (read: no nice lines). We had about 10
mins until the bus left so Luc pushed his way to the front and the guy was the
slowest! He had to reissue different tickets for us and then told us that the
bus was in the back and the license plate number. Meanwhile I was watching all
our stuff like a hawk. This was the place where you get robbed I was sure.
We walk to the back
and there are about 50 busses parked everywhere. It was crazy hot and we were
asking where was the bus? Running with all our backpacks here there and
everywhere. Mental note: get to the bus station well ahead next time. We hopped
onto the bus and it basically left 2 mins later. Phewf! We were on another
sleeper bus during the day so it was nice to be reclined and just chill out.
Can Tho
We got to Can Tho and
the heat just wouldn’t stop. We had rented a homestay so we were on the top
floor with great AC in a small little room. The toilet was one floor down and
the shower was one floor below that. I stayed in that night because it was just
too hot to go outside.
The next morning we awoke
very early before the sun rose so we could do a river cruise to the biggest floating
market in Vietnam. Our guide, Lyly and our boat driver were awesome. So
friendly and cute. The guide made us more bamboo bling bling while we floated
down the river to the most beautiful sun rise. Eventually, we made it to the floating
market which was pretty cool. We couldn’t really buy anything as they sell large
quantities to resellers (think Costco for fruits and veggies on the river). Then
we had a delicious Pho for breakfast right from the boat.
We cruised down the
river and saw mud skippers and then we went to a rice noodle making business.
We watched how the made big circular sheets of rice flour over a hot fire, then
transferred to a place to dry in the sun. Hard work, 7 days a well. Everyone
there was family.
We headed home for a
much needed shower. Later we went out for dinner. We basically hid upstairs in
our room in the AC for the afternoon.
The next day, we walked
out to get breakfast and look around before it got too hot. Then back to the
train station (with lots of time to spare) and back on a sleeper daytime bus to
Ho Chi Minh. All in all, I’m not sure going to Can Tho was really worth it in
the end. I liked the floating market but for the amount of time we were in a
bus and in the room in AC it seemed like maybe we should have skipped it.
Ho Chi Minh/Saigon
This time we had
rented an Airbnb that was a GREAT price on the 35th floor. I was in
heaven. Our own kitchen, really spacious, and our own WASHING MACHINE. We decided
we would wash everything we owned. It’s not so often you don’t have to pay to
wash your clothes so we took advantage of the machine and the days that we had
there (4 nights I believe) and started washing.
The next day Vivi and
I wanted to just chill. We’d been moving around so much we just needed a day
off in the AC. Luc, of course, needed to see more and do stuff, so he hopped on
a GRAB scooter and took off for the day. We did girly things like face masks
and watched a movie. It was so nice to just be.
That night my stomach
started hurting and I could tell it was the tell-tale sign that I wouldn’t be
able to go to the Cu Chi Tunnels with them the next day. That night I took all
the things I needed to take for my tummy but in the morning it just wasn’t
better so I stayed home again while they went to the tunnels. I really wanted
to see the tunnels but it wasn’t meant to be. They had a great time and I’m so
happy that Vivi got a chance to learn about them.
The next day we got on
yet another bus that would take us to Cambodia. This would be a two day bus
trip to get to Siem Reap.
Reflection:
Vietnam is a vast country with so many
beautiful and varying landscapes.
I’m thrilled that they take credit cards more
readily here.
I had heard that the younger generation can
speak English and the older generation (because of the war) but the in between
generation can’t so much (unless they are involved with tourism) and I’d say
this is a pretty accurate generalization.
I learned that Vietnam has been claiming their independence
from many different countries for many many years. This impacts a culture I
would say when you’re fighting to be a country with its own unique culture. It
seems to me like Vietnam is a young country now defining itself.
This is the country where we bus, plane, train,
and boat the most in our trip.
It seems like a whirlwind of activity and by
the end of it, Vivi and I are absolutely spent. It’s a little too fast or too
much and I can notice how we all get a little more tense when we don’t get a
break from moving.
This
post is going to be a bit longer than normal. I’m going to attempt to capture
the highlights as well as what I was feeling on the inside. I’ve been thinking
a lot about this particular blog post as I feel now, as I look back, that it
was a really hard time for me emotionally, but now I see what I was doing and
why and what I should have done and what I’ve learned about myself going
forward.
Lausanne I love Lausanne. The architecture,
the feeling of the city, the cobblestone streets. I visited Lausanne several
times. Once with Kim. Once with Vivi. Once for a date night. It’s only about 15
mins by train (the LEB) from Luc’s parents’ house in Jouxtens to Lausanne.
Lausanne in Christmas time is just so picturesque. It’s hard to really put a
finger on what it is but it’s like this fusion of old historical buildings with
new funky vibe. When you go, visit the Cathedral for outstanding views of the
city.
Vivi shop
Cathedral in Lausanne
Place de Palud
Delicious Sushi
View near Cathedral
Spread Love
Peeking through the Christmas Trees
Near the Cathedarl
At the Christmas Market
Vevey This place has my heart. 8 years ago
we lived here when I was on maternity leave. Jaedyn would go to school down in
Vevey and me and Vivi (6 months old) hung out in a little apartment while Luc
went to work during the day. Vevey is right beside the lake and has the most
incredible vibe. The lakeside is the best part of it and we really loved Pizza
Taxi both 8 years ago and even today. You might know this place by the giant
fork or the Charlie Chaplin statue. This year they are having the Fete de
Vingeron (only every 25 years or so) and Luc had hoped that he could go back
there before heading home at the end of July. It’s not to be. We came to Vevey
over and over again for a date day, for a date pizza and when Jaedyn came for
Christmas we came here to reminisce and walk around and of course visit Pizza
Taxi. I feel one day I will live here again beside the lake when I’m old and want
to stare at the lake and mountains forever.
The walk to our apartment
The walk to our apartment
Super old fountain
Walking through the beautiful trails
All the things I bought for the kidney stones
Montreux
We walked from Vevey to Montreux one day and it wasn’t exactly as we had
remembered. We thought there was a beautiful lakeside path that took you the
whole way but in actuality there a lot of road walking. As you get closer to
Montreux, the path comes back and it’s gorgeous. We had a DELICIOUS fondue at
the Christmas Market (I didn’t really share because I think Luc made fun of me –
you’d think he’d learn). The Christmas Market here is really outstanding. Lots
of things to buy and mulled wine and so many things to taste. Montreux is where
the rich and famous come so be sure to stop by here if in you’re in the area.
It is beautiful and also lakeside.
The train to Vevey
My date
Vevey by the fork
Make love not war
Views to Montreux
Views to Montreux
Delicious wine
Montreux Christmas Market
Montreux Christmas Market
Montreux Christmas Market
Montreux Christmas Market
yum!
Yum!
View on the ride back
Geneva Vivi and I took a train one day to Geneva in
December. Luc didn’t want to go but wanted to visit with some friends and play
in the snow so her and I went. I really wanted her to see Geneva and I hadn’t
been yet since coming back to Switzerland.
It was COLD! About -2 I think. We explored: visited the
outside of the United Nations, walked along the lakeside, had a sandwich, hot
chocolate, the Christmas Market and watch the Jet D’eau. We basically walked
until we were too cold and then ducked inside to get warm and then outside
again. Geneva is an old city. Almost hygienic in its cleanliness and lack of
colour. I’m glad I went, I was equally glad we went home. On the way home, the
train stopped for about a half an hour because it said that something was on
the rail road tracks. I had heard earlier that this happens a lot because
people jump in front of the train to commit suicide. No idea if that’s what
this was, but we got out and walked home from that stop.
Streets of Geneva
United Nations
United Nations
New Swiss Ambasador
Jet D’eau
Biggest clock in the world (I think)
Opening of Dr. Gabs Dr. Gabs…. Delicious dark (or light) micro-brew beer. I loved this beer. This company was created by 3 men who went to school together (one of them lived down the road from Luc and is friends with him) and started brewing beer from a birthday present that was given to one of them – a home brew kit. From there they have grown and grown and grown. Luc went to work very part time at the factory.
While we were there, they opened a store/small pub/the lab in the most famous and expensive street in Lausanne: Rue de Bourg. So we had to visit. It was the second week of December, and it was opening night. We had a blast checking out the new digs and the beer was exceptional. Another impromptu date night!
I only wish I could import their beer back to
Canada. It’s that good.
Love this BEEEER
The Dr. Gabs Warehouse
The Christmas pack
Soon the doctor will be colourful
Walking the streets during Christmas
Opening Night!
The
Olympic Museum and Ouchy Some stuff about the school system
in Switzerland bugs the hell out of me. You can’t take your kid out of school
for a day unless you have a doctor’s note. When we went to Ouchy (by the lake)
we wanted to meet Vivi’s class at the train (as they were coming back from the
pool) and then directly get on the train to go to Ouchy. Instead of Vivi walking
back to the school and us walking up to the train again (she would have missed
about 20mins of class time) but the teacher wouldn’t allow it unless she had a doctor’s
appointment. Sigh…
Anyway, after doing it the “right” way we got
on the train and headed to Ouchy. There’s something about this place – I think
it’s the proximity to the lake. I’m beginning to realized I’m a water girl through
and through (I am a Pisces after all) and all these places that I adore are
close to massive bodies of water (no wonder I want to go home).
I also have an amazing memory of my stagette starting
here 10 years ago during August. It must be the memories coupled with the water
that gets me all nostalgic.
We walked over to the Olympic Museum and had
lunch with Luc’s cousin, Chiara. It was a delicious lunch and so nice to catch
up with her one last time before leaving.
Olympic Museum
Olympic Museum
Medals
Ash tray
lighters
Chateau
de Chillon, Luc’s Birthday and Halloween On Luc’s birthday we had a
loooooong lunch and then to Chateau de Chillon beside the lake just past Montreux.
I’ve been in this castle 3 times now I think… It’s really beautiful. I
especially love the dungeon and the story of the guy who lived there for years
and years. Not sure why I like it so much… maybe I’m a bit twisted?
Being that Luc was born on Halloween, every
year he has to share it with the trick or treating. But this year we made it
back too late to trick or treat so Vivi missed out (I think Luc was secretly
happy). We ate cake for dinner. Vivi asked for a salad. I think it was really
nice for Luc to be home for his birthday to spend it with his parents and
friends.
Chateau de Chillon
Chateau de Chillon
Chateau de Chillon
Chateau de Chillon
Chateau de Chillon
Vivi’s
Canadian Birthday Party Speaking of birthday’s, Vivi celebrated
her birthday at a patisserie with a few friends the last week of school before
Christmas break. Since she was really missing home, we had a Canadian themed
party! If you can believe it I managed to find some Canadian and BC flags,
little Canada pins for the good bags, Luc had Canada flag stickers from his
stag and we decorated in red and white.
I think it was a pretty big success. It was a
wonderful way for her new friends to send her off and for her to feel like her
birthday was a big deal. Which it was. She maybe missed Canada just a little bit
less for a little bit.
Making
friends While I was there, I got to
reconnect with Lauren and Francois and their two girls. The let us stay in
their place for a few days between New Years and Vivi’s actual birthday.
We had dinner with Julian and Stephanie and
Emily and Yann and their kids. That was really fun. We also partied for Julian’s
birthday (I partied a bit too hard if you know what I mean).
We had a few meals with Maxim and Filis and
their two kids. One extraordinary fondue in their little cabin behind their
house. And another garden meal with Maxim’s parents that was also out of this
world.
I was happy to spend a day with a friend back
home, Kim who coincidentally was there visiting a friend just about 10mins
drive away. That was really neat to see a familiar face so far from home and to
be able to talk about life and such.
Kim!
Cathedral
Walking
to and from school 4 times a day But most of my days after returning
from the Camino was filled with walking 1km to and from school sometimes 8 times
a day. Vivi went to Luc’s old school and she needed to be walked to school in
the morning (the I walked back). Two days a week, she walked home for lunch (we
would meet her to walk her home and then walk her back 1.5 hours later). And
finally at the end of the school day.
Now, something that Luc and I didn’t agree
upon was whether should could walk alone. I felt that 8 years old walking that
distance, without a phone, was too far. Call me reserved, scared, fearful,
whatever, this is just how I felt. Luc on the other hand was totally fine for
her to walk there and back alone – so you can imagine the contention.
For the most part I liked walking her. It got
me outside, away from the house, in the fresh air. It was time that we got to
be together and the view was gorgeous. It didn’t rain much either and sometimes
we drove if we were running late. Sometimes I would meditate on the walk home.
The field we walked through
The moutain views
Snow
snow!
The walk to school
The field
The fountain at the school
My meditation bench
the field
Running
and walking
A lot of times I would walk Vivi to school and then I would set off on a run
somewhere or a walk to Renens to take some time by myself. I would also walk to
a bench and then meditate.
I
loved running around Jouxtens and the area. It was fall and the leaves were
changing and it was cool. My body temp tends to run a bit on the hotter side so
running in the fall is perfection. The cool temps, gorgeous leaves, beautiful
swiss architecture – it’s all just a little wonderful.
Creating
my business and writing my book At least 3 times a week I would
walk to Renens to a coffee shop there and work on building my business and
writing my book. Sometimes I would do research for our trip. I would spend a
good 4 hours there before I needed to come back for lunch or something. I loved
this time to myself and away from the house. It was always a peaceful time for
me – getting to be me.
Our
Airbnb rental After a while of living with Luc’s parents in their house, I felt we really
needed to connect as a family unit again. So I looked up a little Airbnb not
too far away so that Vivi could still go to school on the Friday and the
Monday.
Luc
and I had a lot of conversations about this Airbnb rental. He felt that his
parents would wonder why. He wanted to go further so we could explore somewhere
else. He didn’t want to spend a lot of money. I held strong in that I wanted
this place to be a place of down time. To play games, watch movies, connect.
This wasn’t a time for sight-seeing. To be honest, Luc and my relationship was
not doing well and Vivi was so homesick. I was close to depression and I needed
to have some time together and away. Some autonomy.
We
went to visit the Airbnb about 4 days before our check in. It was perfect. We
each had our own rooms, our own kitchen, our own living room and dining room.
Then the woman said that we could come early – 2 days early even for free! It
was like the universe was giving me exactly what I needed and wanted.
We
took advantage of our time there and entertained for 3 meals. It’s something
that Luc and I really love to do, to have people over to our house, cook a nice
meal and connect. It felt so right to do this in our own space.
All
in all, the Airbnb was amazing. I’m so glad we went. It at one point was almost
just me and Vivi as I took a strong stand for my well-being and told Luc that
if he didn’t want to go, that was fine, Vivi and I would go alone. He made a
great choice joining us. It was so important for our family to get back to
being our family again.
Luc and I thought we would do one last trip to the rugged West Coast before we leave, just the two of us.
Tofino has always held such a beautiful place in my soul. So many memories growing up. Chesterman’s beach has been where my spirit retreats to when I think of a warm peaceful place in my heart.
In my influential years, I slept in my car for an entire weekend in the long beach parking lot while me and my girlfriend searched all weekend long for our two friends (they had taken off to another island without phone service). I’ve camped in my Volkswagen van on the side of many roads in and around Tofino. I’ve done tequila shots off a surf board around a camp fire at Chesterman’s beach, fallen asleep in front of the fire with my friends and had one of my friends sleeping bags catch on fire (he was ok but what a way to wake up!). So many many memories. And I feel like as I’ve grown up, so has Tofino. All of the things I just mentioned, would never happen now. Tofino is very regulated now as far as fires, camping and public drinking goes.
Anyway, back to last weekend, Luc and I took off for a weekend of reconnection to each other and the West Coast of Vancouver Island. In typical Luc fashion, he forgot a pretty integral piece of clothing when visiting the wet coast – a rain jacket. This provided no end of laughter for me throughout the weekend. What was priceless was watching him hike for 11KM’s with a massive golf umbrella.
FOOD/Restaurant
Tofino and Ucluelet have some wonderful wonderful places to eat! Extra bonus: lots and lots of seafood! Yum!
This photo stared at me the entire time I was eating.
Hank’s BBQ, Ucluelet
Our first meal was out of this world delicious! The ambiance in the restaurant was pretty eclectic – Luc and I had no trouble singing along to most of the songs. Great beer choices too! I’d say this was our most expensive dinner but probably because we ordered two drinks each, two appies and one main meal to share.
Feast Tofino 8th Annual Dock Festival
We were lucky enough to be there when Feast Tofino was happening. While the weather was less than desirable for an outdoor food experience, it was so freaking delicious. We paid $25 each for 10 tickets. Those tickets would get you one little sample of food from different restaurants and hotels from around Tofino. All seafood and fish based delicacies. Absolute heaven. Live music while you stuffed your face.
This rustic bakery has been a part of my life for over 25 years and not surprisingly it hasn’t changed much. They still take cash only at the till. Super fresh baked goods with piping hot coffee. When you come to this bakery, you want to just grab your book, and chill out. Slow down. You’re on Tofino time. Definitely worth a visit to grab a java and some baked goods for your breakfast tomorrow or a snack today.
View from outdoor eating area at the floathouse.
Floathouse Patio and Grill, Ucluelet
Our last dinner didn’t disappoint. This restaurant floats which makes it pretty unique. While eating outside would definitely have been better for ambiance it was too damn cold! So we sat inside and enjoyed great food and our server Emma from Australia was wonderful.
Tacofino, Tofino
Our last stop before taking off was at the most tasty food truck this side of the 49th parallel. The original truck that started it all off for Tacofino definitely was worth the wait. And the line up was long! No surprise though cuz the food is out of this world. Outdoor seating is all there is with two big long tables to share your meal and space with like minded foodies! Be sure to stop here at least once while in the Pacific Rim.
Drink
2 Flights!
Tofino Brewing Co, Tofino
We stopped in here to take a couple of delicious flights and to dry off and get out of the rain. The place was buzzing and we grabbed the last two seats. Before long it was really busy in there! Super fun and a warm feeling where people are there to experience their liquid gold. I highly recommend to stop in here if you are interested in beer tasting and micro breweries. One of the tasters even had kelp in it! We’re still really confused why the Ucluelet restaurants don’t carry this beer but they carry Victoria and Whistler beer… we think there might be a bit of a feud happening but we’re just not sure…
Pacific Rim Distilling, Ucluelet
This place was so quaint. The guy who owned it was 3rd or 4th generation distiller. He was just about to close up for the day but let us sample his distilled vodka. I believe he said that he had been open for a week but has been selling out constantly. I would stop by here and say hi to Luke on the way through Ukee!
Hiking
Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet
We hiked 11KM’s along this beautiful well kept trail. Where we got on the trail, it was very close to many different hotels and resorts which we commented on that it definitely didn’t feel like we were out and alone like you do when you’re hiking in East Sooke Park. At some point the resorts fall away and then you’re more alone which is nice.
Every turn has a bench or look out that is breath taking. At one of the parking lots, you can borrow a walking stick that has been left there for others to use. Be prepared to take lots of photos and it will take you longer than you expect to walk it. We just kinda got carried away with the beauty of it all.
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Wild Pacific Trail, Lighthouse Loop, Ucluelet
A smaller loop (2.6KM’s I believe) which winds in a circle to the lighthouse. It’s really very beautiful with a lot of placards along the way that you can read about the history of the shipwrecks, birds, trees and your surroundings. There is a pole along the trail that is dedicated to love locks that people have placed many locks on it.
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Chesterman’s Beach, Tofino
As I’ve said before this is my all time favourite beach. When you look inside your heart to find the most beautiful peaceful place in the world you’ve been, Chesterman’s is that for me. White sand, surfers, jutting rocks, long walks, kids playing in the ocean, and Frank Island. There’s something so mystical about this beach. When you’re there, be sure to close your eyes, and stop and listen to all that is happening around you: the people, kids, churn of the ocean, wind, smell the surf, birds, and sun or rain on your face.
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Airbnb
We stayed at a wonderful Airbnb in Ucluelet called the “Surf N Stay” tucked in the back of a property on a quiet street. It was walking distance to Ucluelet and to the Wild Pacific Trail. While you could hear people walking above your head quite easily, it was really the perfect spot for us to use as a home base for the weekend.
Airbnb is a wonderful way to travel and see more of the culture of the place you are visiting. You feel like you’re one of the locals when you’re staying in locals homes. If you haven’t used Airbnb before, I highly recommend it. And please use our travel link. Using our link will get you $45 CAD in free travel credit and we receive $25 CAD. Win win!
Reflection
Luc was pretty heart broken to not have sunshine while we were there but if you think about it, Tofino and Ukee are best known for their wet and rainy weather so we got the full authentic experience. We went there to connect back to nature, the West Coast beauty, and for me – my roots. The Pacific Rim helps me to connect with my life force and love.
I had a wonderful time with Luc full of laughter (maybe at his expense), love and connection. We even saw a bear on the way back. I believe that when you set your intention for what you want to get out of your journey, all that there is left to do is open your mind to what you want to experience, and hand it over to the universe to create that for you, you let go of how it has to go and just open up your heart and soul to how it will unfold.
I will miss you my beautiful rugged west coast. You hold my heart, love, space, and life force. Until we meet again.
