Vancouver had been on my list for quite awhile since I fell in love with it while visiting when I was a kid. With birthday pending, it seemed like it was finally time to return for a few days.

Unlike most of recent travels, my plane seat for this one was a wee bit cramped. Fortunately, it was a quick 2.5 hour flight and next thing I knew, we were landing, greeted by this fella.

It was a pretty quick drive to where I was staying, an Airbnb in a very central location. Given it that was now after 9pm and in a state of hunger, I opted for a spot very close by – a sake bar with plenty of food options too.

My very friendly server soon presented me with my choice of cup I wanted for my sake. Given it was my bday, I opted for the festive glass one. To go with my sake, I ordered a Japanese bar staple – takoyaki aka “octopus balls” – and some mixed tempura.

The takoyaki was just the right texture with the perfect amount of Japanese mayo and bonito flakes – delicious. The mixed tempura was light and was enhanced greatly by dipping into the accompanying green tea salt. I also was intrigued by a sake they had that was stored in cedar to ferment, which gave it this faint smoky flavor. I said my goodbyes and headed back to the condo to get some much needed sleep.

After working for a few hours (gotta pay for this trip somehow!) I hopped in a quick Uber to another Japanese spot for lunch – this time for a local favorite – aburi sushi.

Aburi style sushi, in which the fish is seared with a torch, has apparently become all of the rage in Vancouver and Miku is considered to be one of the vanguards. I decided to go with a set lunch which featured both aburi sushi and some of their other favorites.

First up were a pair of chef’s choice appetizers – tuna sashimi and seared sable fish with edamame. Both delicious along with a really good miso soup. Given how hungry I was, this was a nice start.

Next up was the main event – an assortment of their deluxe rolls, premium nigiri and of course, the aburi sushi (the ones in front) All it was very good, and I was wise to save the aburi sushi for end as I was very full after those.

The weather was pretty much perfect so I decided to walk off my lunch with a stroll along the waterfront, including watching sea planes land and takeoff for parts unknown.

I continued my walk along the water until the marina, which featured some truly unique looking boats amongst the usual yachts. Further on there were a series of luxury condos that probably cost a pretty penny.

The weather was so nice I decided to continue my wandering to the other side of the coast, which featured the 2 main beaches of Vancouver- English Bay and Sunset.

Next thing I knew I had basically circled all the way back to my neighborhood, which was a good thing as I was starting to tire. I gave it a final push forward and made my way back to my condo for a much needed nap. Tonight would be what I was considering my real birthday dinner. But that’s for another post.