Canada Trip Day 6: Seattle Premium Outlet

18 June 2010 - We were going to Seattle for shopping! Actually, I was worried about letting my self-control go and just splurge instead. But it turned out, I did pretty well controlling my purchases.

The morning started with breakfast at Tim Horton's, a Canadian coffee shop franchise found all over Canada. According to Wikipedia, it is the largest food service operator, outdoing McDonalds. I ordered a bacon bagel and it was GOOD! And, coffee in the morning is just the way to start the day.

As Bruneians, we had submitted our visa waiver form prior to our visit. Details on the Visa Waiver Program, please click here and the form can be found here (under J Visa Waiver Recommendation Application Instructions).

At the Canadian-American border, we had a bit of some interesting events. First, the crossing. As we were waiting in line to have our passports stamped at the booth, cameras (with as many as probably 6, about 3 on each side) lined on both sides of our vehicle and they were angled differently to cover different views. It felt like being in a sci-fi movie.

Next, the immigration officers at the counter were excited to find three Bruneians crossing the border to go shopping, so much so that this attracted the attention of other officers that were in their office rooms to come see us. We, each paid US$6 for border fee to get into US.

In Seattle, we went to Ross, Kohl's and the Seattle Premium Outlet for shopping and this took us the whole day. By the time we got back to Surrey, it was already dark!


Counter at Tim Horton's


Tim Horton's Bagel B. E. L.T (bacon, egg, lettuce, tomato and cheese)


Coffee at Tim Horton's


Zinc-covered barn


Hay roll in white bags


The trucks in Canada and US are like the Transformer Optimus Prime type!


Is that some sort of a kiln?


Houses by the lake (rather dark the picture)


Car in the highway along the countryside


A worn-out barn with a huge tree right beside it


A farm house


Going over a metal bridge


Sauk-Suiattle Native Indian Reserve Road sign


Baker Mountain in the distance


Ross sells things super cheap!


Kohl's has really nice stuff for affordable prices


They have a drive-in at Starbucks! I am so "sakai" (so ignorantly in awe)!


Seattle Premium Outlet


110 outlet stores in Seattle Premium outlet


The shop buildings


As we were leaving, we saw a tourist coach with its storage compartment filled with Coach shopping carriers.


Ivar's Seafood Bar at North Gate Mall


Smoked Salmon Chowder from Ivar's Seafood Bar is so delicious!


Sunset on our way back


A picture that is half cloud-covered

Canada Trip Day 2: Peace Arch Provincial Park

14 June 2010 - Our last stop of the day was the Peach Arch Provincial Park, where the arch stands as a landmark of peace between Canada and USA. Dating back to the 1800s, this area might have been a war zone between Britain and USA until the Treaty of Ghent was signed.

I was pretty amazed at myself for not getting sick of parks and gardens since we were spending the whole day at either of the two sorts. Instead, I felt a sense of freedom, watching the flowers, fountains and oceans of lawn! Not having to worry about what is to be done next, of the emails that was piling in my inbox or about job security is a bliss to be had for a while.

There was an Indian couple in their traditional attire having their wedding pictures by a hired photographer. The beautiful weather (though still cold) and the summer flowers in full bloom would have accentuate the romance in the photos. Here I am thinking of that song "Love is in the air".

A board detailing the history of Peace Arch


A map of Peace Arch Provincial Park, showing it being shared between Canada and US


Peace Arch Park signboard

Coniferous cedar and other trees


Uncle, aunt and mum walking towards the arch


Peach Arch with the inscription "Brethen. Dwelling. Together. In. Unity". The Canada flag is hoisted on the Canadian side of the border while the US flag on the other side.


Floral arrangement of the flag of Canada on this side of the park and on the other side, the flag of USA


My sister attempting a jump shot


Under the arch, about to step into Washington, US


We are now in US. A board stating that the highway is a Blue Star Memorial Highway, a tribute to the Armed Forces that defended USA


Peace Arch beside Semiahmoo Bay


The arch looked as though it is being sheltered by the two tall trees


Portable washrooms


Fiery-coloured like firecrackers, Kniphofia (Tritoma, Red hot poker, Torch lily, Poker plant)


Red Salvia


Wild Lilac


Statue of standing dogs in blue robes that symbolise guardians


Sun rays penetrating through the clouds onto Semiahmoo Bay


Weeping Atlas Cedar


Garden in the park


Tree trunk of weeping cedar


Weeping cedar tree


Cars in queue at the Canada Custom and Immigration

Interesting car license plate


I love watching this. It's a pretty scene which makes me feel hopeful and corny as it may sound, I get these imagination of angels descending with the rays, a result of too much TV!


We had aunt's home cooking to enjoy for dinner and this! Raspberry Icecream cake! So very yummy!


Me and Leo. I now know a cat and a dog named Leo!