The anticipations are finally in the past. I'm here in a foreign country at last, and even one as familiar as Canada is nonetheless a reality that "home" is now my backpack.

I'm here in Vancouver, after Jen graciously drove up here to drop me off. Keith came along as well. We had a fab day, of the kind that's long but never drawn out. Full of the recommended daily allowance of silliness as well. Witness our negotiations with the customs:

We drive up to the border, laugh at the familiar speed "hump" signs, and eventually make our way to where traffic divides into several lanes on their way into the Canadian hinterlands. Natch, we choose the slowest lane. You might be able to guess why.. A Canadian verion of Carrie-Ann Moss awaited us, and we could tell from a distance that she was enjoying her work.

"What brings you to Canada."

"Ogopogo," attempting to be honest.

Not laughing, "Surely something else brings you to Canada."

At this point I either announced the brandishment of my ridiculous t-shirt: "EVIL IS NEVER IN FASHION!" or cautiously confessed: "I'm doing research." I cannot remember which, but I leave it up to you to consider which is more akin to my tact.

Indeed, the acid-green anti-evil t-shirt was the subject of much humor on this quick road trip to Vancouver, including an impromptu photograph which I'm still considering whether I should update the site with.

In any case, this episode was just a sample. Jen, Keith, and I had many good conversations about music and traveling, since all three of us will be doing some extended traveling in the future (I believe in you Keith!) We also spent a good amount of the day speaking in pirate talk to each other. The reality that this would be my final association with familiar American cohorts... well, it made the day heavy at times. But ultimately, also very festive and celebratory.

So I am here at last, in Vancouver, typing to you in a cafe where they won't allow me to continue to sit here without having to buy an overpriced smoothie. That's okay though. I've got my hostel for the night, and potentially a free ride to Penticton for tomorrow. I'll update you more on this shortly.

This evening, I'll be going to the UBC Museum of Anthropology - fortunately today is a free entry day.

Anyway, that's all for now. This is just a quick update to let you all know I'm well, and in Canada, and it's great.

P.S. By the way, I read in the Canadian newspaper that scientists have debunked the eight-glasses-of-water-a-day legend.