Best. Pool. Ever.

I know that this picture doesn't really do justice to the experience, but you get an idea.
We arrive in Vancouver, and honestly, it felt like going back in time two months. At home in Oakland, we were in full swing spring, and we had just enjoyed a beautiful sunny weekend at the beach here at home, our veggies are growing in the garden, and our sundresses and sandals are getting some use. Then we land in Vancouver and it's all tulips, daffodils, and rain. Rain. Rain.
But let me tell you, that there is no better place to be in all that rain! This town knows how to live in it's climate! One sunny hour? Everyone in town is riding their bike in short shorts and sandals and tank tops. The gardens are the most beautifully kept- and honored - gardens of most cities I've experienced. And the community centers ROCK. Not center, but centers- there is one in every neighborhood. There are playgrounds with open space and play structures every few blocks in the entire city. There are so many places to take your kids in the rain as well as for those moments when the rain breaks. Case in point: Pools.
What, are these people raised like fish? Pools are everywhere! In the summer we hang at Kits pool that overlooks the inlet (though we have a choice of many beautiful pools) and in the winter, we'd been going to a great little pool, but good ol' Grammy, always with her feelers out for the next best thing, found a great new pool. It's a whole community center with a hockey rink for skating and yes, CURLING, a gym, a playground, and the most awesome pool I have ever seen. I believe it was built for the recent Olympics so it's brand spanking new. It's modern- all soaring wood and glass. It's HUGE. There is a pool for laps. A pool for swim classes. A pool for diving (3 heights). A pool for wading (of enormous size with multiple entries and steps, and tons of little toy boats, noodles and paddle boards). A Jacuzzi the size of most community swimming pools- no really. And the kicker: a "lazy river". It's a spiral filled with jets that floats you along in a big circle letting you ride the current with many points to enter and exit along the way. All under the same roof. There are tables for sitting and resting your things, chairs to relax in a dry spot, and the whole giant area enjoys floor to ceiling windows on at least two sides that allow natural light to fill it, making you feel almost like you're outside, but safe and warm from the rain outside. I didn't miss playing outside in the sunshine for one moment. Wonderful.