Phoenix has fallen Staycation

So today we are definitely acting as tourists (close to) our home town. It's a bit dreary and overcast as we merge into the stream of traffic headed westward to the city.

But some lightening and clearing are already evident as we neatly snag a prime parking spot right by the entrance to Van Dusen Gardens. It's a discounted entry with our Compass cards and no lineup.

Even in late October there's still colour everywhere, just more the trees than floral. Hardly anyone else is around as we stroll over to the Elizabethan maze first. Its even dark green walls are an appealing puzzle to us, and we take turns leading, switching every time we run into a dead end. Which is at first funny, then disconcerting. Trying to apply logic, like spatially we must be here, or attempting tricks such as make every turn left and you'll get there....didn't work.

There are only 6 of these mazes in North America. At least the permanent kind. At this time of year, corn mazes are everywhere! I like the cedars of this one though, all 3000 or so of them!

We'll have to vanquish this maze another time. There's so much more to see and explore. Large open spaces are punctuated with massive trees, and bordered with flowering bushes and plants from all around the world. Seriously beautiful here, I can't believe it took us this many years to come see.

But for now, we have a reservation for afternoon tea at the Fairmont at Vancouver Airport. We've never done an afternoon tea before, and don't know what to expect. This is a rare treat, and also a deal with our Compass cards. The floor to ceiling windows of the lounge restaurant area look out onto the runways of the domestic end of the terminal. It's completely soundproof though. A vast fireplace flickers nearby as we're seated by the window, and our waiter gives us the menu.

It all sounds amazing and tempting, and the hardest decision is the tea, as everything else is set. We deliberate carefully before selecting Cream of Earl Gray and Bella Coola Punch.

Tall silver French presses are brought to us, steaming hot and fragrant. In short order, tall trays of delectable treats are presented. We savour every sip and bite. So elegantly presented, but nothing pretentious about it. And the flavor combinations are fabulous : smoked Gouda tart with hazelnut pesto, ricotta and peach bruschetta. Incredible.

I am struck by the idea that many years ago, you could just go to the airport and take the next flight anywhere. Brad says you still can, if money is no object. But I think that detracts from the romance of the concept. I'll check the departures board on the way out, just to see.

So we leave the airport and slam directly into rush hour traffic 😅 this, we haven't missed! We inch along, back at least to the comforts of home and not a hotel. Time enough for that, as we pore over every booking site we know, continuing the search for an affordable hotel in a decent arrondissement in Paris.Les mer