With the last month of 2019 having just begun, there was no surprise in Vancouver with the rain, clouds, and Black Friday mall crowds.

The temperature was well below 5°C, but there was nothing stopping Michael and I from welcoming my lovely Toronto family friends, Kristel and Alex, whose visit to Vancouver was a first!

Here’s how we shared new experiences during their first visit!

Unfortunately, after the end of my trip to San Francisco, I fell victim to a gout attack in my lower body which left me immobile and unable to walk for a few weeks.

Amidst the pain along with the struggles of being bedridden, this condition tested my ability to replace doubtful thoughts about my body with positivity.

With huge support from friends, family, my partner, and my beloved prescripted medication, it was amazing to see how I was able turn such scary times into varying small doses of joy.

After regaining some ability to walk again, the month of October turned out not to be so scary after all.

It is almost always obvious that the best recipe for a boisterous, wild, and vivacious time when travelling is to do it with your best friend. Kathleen (emphasis on the best, and royal highness queen love goddess on the friend) flew from Toronto, and I flew from Vancouver to San Francisco where we reunited and unexpectedly turned our travels into something more shockingly reminiscent. Cue the soundtrack, Best of Both Worlds by Hannah Montana. Here’s what we did!

With the temperatures cooling off a bit in the city of Vancouver, why not look back at the heartwarming smiley things that were said and done to enjoy the summer heat while staying super cool. :sunglasses: