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A little culture shock, who knew?

Posted on March 15, 2024March 16, 2024 By Debbie Kochel
Vancouver Island

We honestly did not think we would have any culture shock. We speak the same language, and we have some of the same franchises. (not breaking my Starbucks addiction anytime soon). But, yesterday after we did our chores, we went to the convenience store to buy Jim a six-pack of beer. I am all stocked up on the NA beer. (I could bring a lot across the border). The alcohol was limited. So, we walk down to the store, and what? Where is the beer? The clerk laughed at us, no we need to walk a mile and a half down to the liquor store. We were here back in November and that is slightly ringing some bells now. I guess if you are from Utah, this would be normal 😛

We bought some bus tickets and went to find the bus stop. It was such a gorgeous evening that once we got to the bus stop it was going to be 15 minutes until the bus arrived. So, we decided to walk to the next stop. That only took 5. So we walked to the next, which only took 5 as well. Now, geez we’re almost there so we finished the journey on foot. Stopped at the grocery as well and bought some fruit and vegetables to go with dinner. We were shocked when we went into the grocery store. There was a big wine section. What? You can sell wine in the grocery store but not beer? Not sure of the rationale of that one. The walk was so enjoyable, we walked home too.

We took down the flybridge windshield and scrubbed underneath. There was a science project growing under there. The flybridge got a good scrub down after that. We need to wash the cushions up there next.

Gorgeous day! – that is astroturf – Starlink is up! – Ew, science project – Much Better! – Wow the tide is low today! – smart idea, even the leaf bags are compostable – so many beautiful flowering trees and bushes

We figured out how to connect the laptop to the TV and we were able to watch Hulu. YUSS. (thanks Starlink and NordVPN!) In the summer we do not watch any television. Well, that is a lie. We always watch Sailing Project Atticus on Saturday mornings. Otherwise, there is too much to do and see. But, in the winter, it gets dark and cold and who wants to be sitting outside, especially in the wind!

I need to find a T-mobile store here. If we are going to be here for 3 months, it doesn’t make sense to pay for unlimited data when we are capped at 15 GB. Plus, the coverage is not good. Haha. Jim just informed me that the closest T-mobile is at Lopez Island. There is no T-mobile in Canada. I guess I’ll need to call them then 😛

The sunrise is gorgeous this morning. It is going to be another glorious day. Time to go soak it in.

Talk Soon.

Tags: Canada liveaboard Nordic Tug PNW travel blog Vancouver Island

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