Hubby decided to take a break, more for me, as he predicted that I may have post-partum for having 2 babies in 2 years. Hahaha.. Though the mood swings happened during pregnancy, I guess this was a good gift for me as I was really relieved of all the stress. It was hard at first since the kids weren’t with us and I have been thinking about them quite often. But hubby reminded me that we should be partners of one another first- I should be a wife first before being a mother. So I began to enjoy the trip then.
VISA APPLICATION:
Canadian Visa was the most tedious process I have ever prepared for. US Visa application was easy when I applied for hubby’s. But for Canadian visa application for Filipino passport holders, it was bloody, I swear! So I did prepare the following:
1. CIC Completed Form
FLIGHT:
We booked via China Southern via Zuji.com.sg because of the following:
1. It is the most affordable
Verdict:
China Southern has provided a good option for the travellers. Their food is nice. Their sanitation inside the plane is good. Service is quite fast and friendly. The seats are not too cramped. Well, we selected the seat near the window at the back so it is only me and hubby seated there. I believe the seat was really meant for 2 pax only so it was all good for us. And we were lucky when during the 4-hour flight; we didn’t have someone seated right next to us. So again, it was only me and hubby on that row. I highly recommend the airline for those of you travelling to Vancouver.
Day 1: VANCOUVER
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| Tim Hortons at the YVR Airport |
We arrived in Vancouver at 9:40am on December 5, 2015. Their airport is one of the nicest I’ve been at. The immigration’s fast. We didn’t have a problem collecting our checked-in luggage- this was fast too. My aunt and my cousins picked me up and it was also like a bonding with them. I was so excited to see them all.
It was so cold that time when we got out of the airport, on the way to the parking lot. I was only wearing leggings and a sweater and I swear, it was so cold. Piece of advice, please bring your outdoor jacket meant for super cold weather as you just can’t withstand it.
We travelled for 45 minutes to my aunt’s place and rested for a while. Had a good meal, great chat and hugs from my relatives in Vancouver. Got to shower too and change for the next trip. Our 1st day is dedicated to SEATTLE, WA.
Day 1: SEATTLE WASHINGTON, USA
My kind aunt offered to drive us from Vancouver to Seattle. In fact, on our way there, we have to pass by another relative’s house to meet and greet her happy bday. In 10 minutes, we’re off to Seattle. The Immigration officers in the US boarder were very nice and friendly. In fact, they were not the typical Immigration officer who barely smile and those who are to be feared. They are very accommodating, really warm and friendly. So the trip was easy. Went down the car, walked to the Immigration Office, had to explain the purpose of the trip (Jollibee, Red Ribbon, Shopping, etc.) and off to the road again.
SHOPPING:
Our first stop, of course- Seattle Premium Outlet in Tulalip, WA. Oh my God, it was like heaven in there. Although the weather was not that good as it was raining a bit and it was too cold. We enjoyed the no-sweat shopping in an open air. Hahaha.. As hubby was with me, he went got himself an Oakley shades for $60 and 5 Nike Rubber shoes for him and for my son. Some are sponsored by my loving aunt and cousin, of course. I wasn’t in the mood to shop as I still have pregnancy weight (was just 1 month after my C-sect). But it didn’t stop me to choose 2 watches at Watch Station- 1 Armani and 1 Michael Kors for $80 each. It was a Christmas Sale so all the more I loved it! We also ate dinner and tried some Americana and Mexican dishes. After which, we headed to Ralph Lauren as I have to buy some clothes for my son. He’s been an RL baby since he was born so the saga continued.. And of course, I will never leave the place without buying some drugstore make up- those products not available in SG that time. I spent almost 45 minutes inside Ulta to purchase some dry shampoo, dry conditioner, foundation, etc. And after which, off we go..
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| Seattle Premium Outlet Stores, Tulalip |
HOTEL: HYATT AT OLIVE 8 in SEATTLE, WA
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| Outside Hyatt Olive 8 |
My cousin and her boyfriend brought a car with them and we decided to stay in the metro that night. We booked Hyatt at Olive 8. The hotel is a luxury accommodation (4.5 stars) in the heart of downtown Seattle and the first to receive US Green Building. It was really fantastic. It was close to all the tourist places we want to visit.
After checking-in, which by the way, a Filipino concierge has assisted us. He was so kind and very pleasant which made me feel better in choosing the hotel. Since this is a 4-star hotel, of course, the fee we paid for 1 night wasn’t cheap. But it was all worth it, you know. Before my flight to VanCity, I purchased Colourpop online and asked them to deliver my order to Olive 8. I informed them that I do have a delivery coming and they took it (although I was arriving 3 days prior to the receipt). Once I arrived, they gave me the package and I was the happiest!
When I entered our room, I was shocked as it was really big. I loved it! My husband loved it too. Everything we needed was there.
Day 1: NIGHT TIME AT DOWNTOWN, SEATTLE
We rushed out after checking in as we’d like to have a quick tour of the city at night. It was very cold and it was raining. But Hyatt at Olive 8 managed to give us 2 umbrella and we were fine. We had some pictures taken at Pine St., Westlake, and at the Paramount. Since it was December, the Christmas décor was all over the place and those were magnificent! You can really feel the Christmas spirit- it was cold and it was full of lights. Although it was raining, the city’s very vibrant. We enjoyed our quick night tour.
After the walk, we decided to try some booze in the city. Well, because it was raining, we decided to just stay in the hotel and we had some drinks at Urbane. We had a great chat with the love birds as we shared our love story and they were inspired. After the fairy tale stories, we decided to call it a night at 1 AM.
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| Beer in Urbane, Hyatt Olive 8 |
It was just the first day and a lot had happened already. We didn’t feel tired at all. We were so excited.
DAY 2: DAY TIME AT SEATTLE
Early morning, we decided to have breakfast in the very first Starbucks in the world. Seattle is known for its premium- authentic coffee and we walked our way there. The very first Starbucks is located in the Public Market. When we arrived, the queue was too long already. That we just decided to have a picture taken and we went off to another Starbucks near it to have some breakfast. I don’t know what was distinct but I just find their coffee nicer than the Starbucks coffee I’m having in Singapore (hahaha.. maybe all in the mind? Not sure though).
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| At the very first Starbucks |
After breakfast, we continued the city tour before checking-out. I had to go to some drug stores to continue my make-up shopping, I passed by Sephora and grabbed a few products too and we headed back to the hotel to check-out.
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| Drugstore steals in the US |
We met with our relatives and friends in Westfield South Center to shop. I met Aunt Alice, my aunt’s best friend, and she has given me tons of scented candles from Bath & Body works so I wouldn’t need to buy anymore. She even gave me a Nike Jordan rubber shoes for my son, Gustavo, and I was really elated. She saved me a lot of money. Hahaa.. Thanks to the generous aunts I have! After eating in Jollibee, Seattle and Red Ribbon, hubby bought some rubber shoes again (I know he wouldn’t stop his addiction). And after which, we decided to go back to Vancouver at 6pm.
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| With Aunt Alice and Aunt Grace |
Canadian Immigration just have to asked us what we have purchased and since we are a big group, I believe that our cap is at $1,200. And since we are the only tourists there, we consumed the limit. Hahaha..
DAY 2: BACK TO VANCOUVER
We decided to stay in our aunt’s house. My uncle and hubby bonded so well over a few drinks and then off to bedtime after.
NOTE: I decided to split the story to give way to the tags that I want to insert for shout-out purposes. :)
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