Battle of B.C.

 A few months ago Bowen asked if he could attend Battle of B.C. in Vancouver, British Columbia.  Battle of B.C. is a 3-day Video Gaming Tournament for competitors in Smash Bros and Melee.  Even though he would be 18 by the time of the event I wasn't quite comfortable letting him attend without any parental support so we decided to go along, and also celebrate our 23rd wedding anniversary.

The three of us headed to the airport in an Uber at 3:30 a.m. Friday, March 29th.  We were almost to the airport when Jason received an email that our flight had been cancelled and we had been put on a flight at 4:30 p.m.  This was a huge problem as Bowen was registered to play doubles at 11:30 Vancouver time and not only would he forfeit the game and be out money, it would also forfeit his doubles partner as well.

We continued onto the airport to see what we could figure out.  After arriving we talked to a ticket agent and we were put on standby for the 6:00 am flight, after we didn't get on that flight we were put on standby for the 7:30 am flight.  That didn't work out either, as only 2 or 3 standby customers were getting on each flight and our entire plane of people were trying to get to Vancouver.

The next flight left at 8:30 a.m.  It was full already but was our last chance to get Bowen there in time for his match.  Jason went to the ticket agents and pleaded our case.  He asked if Bowen had more of a chance of getting on if he flew alone.  Bowen has never been on an airplane or traveled alone but he was willing to do it.  This tournament meant a lot to him.  With only one seat left available, Jason's persistent requests and many, many prayers Bowen boarded the plane.  He was able to negotiate the train system in Vancouver, find the venue and arrive to his match on time.  

After such a stressful morning, and it really wasn't important when we arrived in Vancouver, Jason and I decided to just wait until our guaranteed flight at 4:30 p.m.  We had a leisurely afternoon at the airport.  We ate at Chili's, had snacks, talked and people watched.  Jason always says that it doesn't matter what we do as long as we are together and we definitely put that to the test that day!

Our flight left on time and we arrived in Vancouver that evening.  Bowen was busy at the venue, so we let him know that we had arrived and we checked into the hotel and then went for a nice dinner.  

 Love some of the older architecture in this part of the City.

A beautiful view from our hotel room.

I had made the mistake of neglecting to purchase gum before our flight and my ears were terribly plugged until the next morning but we were still able to have a nice dinner and walk back to our hotel.  Bowen grabbed a bite to eat on his way over to the hotel and we finally all settled in for the evening.

Saturday morning Bowen headed over to the venue early so Jason and I slept in.  How heavenly!  No kids, no responsibilities, absolutely no reason to get out of bed.  The Oilers were playing a matinee so Jason found it on TV.  We decided to be really lazy and ordered food from the restaurant in the hotel.  While Jason watched hockey, I had a shower and got ready and then we had lunch.  We ordered a scallops appetizer to share and we each had a bowl of clam chowder.  So delicious!!

After lunch, we finally left the hotel and went for a walk.  Our hotel was right on the water front.  It was so beautiful.  We walked down by the water and enjoyed the gorgeous weather and views.  

Cool statue outside the Vancouver Convention Centre - Bowen's Venue

 

A bit later we took an Uber to David Lam park to a Cherry Blossom Festival.  I was not expecting the crowds, but it was fun to be in the large group enjoying the amazing cherry blossom trees.  Some were lit, and the effect was quite spectacular.  We walked around for a bit and enjoyed some music.  We had planned on just eating at the food trucks but with the crowds the lines were so long we decided to find dinner closer to the hotel. We found a little mom and pop pizza place and went and picked up pizza for dinner.

Sunday morning, Bowen was back at the tournament so after we had breakfast we took an Uber to the Granville Island Market.  Loved it!  Right up my alley.  Lots of little shops and artisans. 

We bought a little something for Ashton and Cadence at home and I bought myself a beautiful music tile called a memory block made by a local Vancouver artist - Sid Dickens.  It's named "Rhythm - pure and undiluted.  Evoking cherished memories.  Fueling spirit and soul."   Apparently he is quite famous and has just retired so he won't be making them anymore.  Now I need to find a spot in my music room for it.  

 

Two things on my eating bucket list for this trip was first to have clam chowder and second to have a lox and bagel.  Found a place that made their own bagels and they had lox and bagel on the menu.  Jason grabbed a reuben bagel and we sat outside by the water to eat.  It was such a beautiful day.  Finished off with some amazing donuts. 

We met Bowen for a late dinner at the hotel restaurant.  Pricey but delicious.  I had sablefish.  I ate fish at almost every meal - I figure why not when you're on the coast!

Our flight home on Monday wasn't until later in the day so we slept in a bit, checked out of the hotel and left our luggage there, went for breakfast. and then walked around for a bit.

I love how there are gas stations on the water for the boats.

 

Grabbed a gelato and had lunch, big surprise I had fish n chips.  

Then jumped on the skytrain back to the airport.  Flight was on-time and we arrived home about 11:00 pm Calgary time.  It was such a great little get away and I'm so glad we tagged along with Bowen, who by the way had a fantastic time at his tournament.