We slowed it down this weekend. I was recovering from a week’s worth of the common cold, and Ken was just starting his stint. We cancelled majority of our plans and opted for some needed rest instead. However it was his sister’s birthday so we couldn’t miss that.
We were already familiar with the 2025 Mazda 3 Sport GT, having test driven the automatic version the week before, and this week it was all manual. Same interiors for both, the way they differ was through the way each handled. Quick and speedy, the sport made our limited outings easy through downtown Vancouver’s congested traffic, and it made parallel parking into the first available spot we saw effortless, on this busier Saturday night.
However, during the next following day, manual was less desirable given the longer 45 minute drive out to Langley. At least the gear shift was smooth and one of the easiest to maneuver, and we could rely on the auto-pilot on the straight highway roads.
On Saturday we had dinner at Taqueria Jalisco Mexican Restaurant to celebrate Ken’s sister’s birthday. Her husband choose the restaurant based on the desire for tacos and Jalisco came up in the search with a 5 star rating.
We had reservations for 7:30pm, but with parking a challenge we were tardy and left waiting for our table. There was a quick discussion on whether we wanted to stay or go else were, but seeing the tacos made through the window was enough to temp us back in and waiting for a table.
There, we ordered a round of drinks and shared tacos, tortas, and tortillas as a table. Full review of that meal to come in its own post.
Seeing as we were already in the West End we decided to cross the street and partake in the city’s celebration of Taylor Swift coming to town. Her eras tour will host 3 shows next week and to welcome her, Vancouver has erected several activations where fans can visit and take photos with, of, and in front of.
Majority of them are light up words like “Shake it off”, “cardigan”, and “down bad”. As a non-fan I am not sure of the significance of each, but appreciated that it has added to the festive season.
“Cardigan” is located by the West End Christmas tree with English Bay in the background.
Across from it is the “A-maze-ing Laughter” sculptures, created to have spectators mimicking their actions and expressions. Tonight they were “Taylor’s Version” with her tour’s trademark friendship bracelets wrapped around their wrists and strewn over the necks. “Best Friends”, “Pride”, “Peace”, “Forever Always”.
Once again I do not have the passion for either, but admit they are fun to capture. Driving out of downtown we got to take in “Shake it off” in-front of the art gallery plaza’s giant Christmas tree and “Down Bad” with a tube of red lipstick between the letters, by the Apple Store.
There are 13 of these in total, and not all located downtown. Apparently there is also a contest you can enter for visiting them all and sharing your journey. I didn’t look into it more, but that would be a fun scavenger hunt to participate in.
The next day we got festive with a drive out to Martini Town in Langley. This is a make-believe town/stage-set used in the filming of many Hallmark Christmas movies.
The ability to visit it for your seasonal photo-taking started last year, so I was curious how they improved in its second year.
Previously you couldn’t go into any of the fictitious building and there was little to do outside of taking photos. So I am happy to report that it is a little more to see and do with carollers, performers, and a visit from Mr and Mrs Clause. Full review of the experience to come.
