In February this year, I wrote about the usefulness (or lack thereof) of economic forecasts in helping us make better sense of the world. Very interestingly, The Economist ran a series of articles this week on the topic "What went wrong with Economics". Finally, a critical reflection. But what took them so long?

Interesting graphic illustration of our changing times, taken from this week's The Economist. Perhaps it's time to buy more renminbi.

Chicken wings can be very expensive here, but we got two trays for a good deal last evening. And just now, Girl fried them for dinner, they went well together with vegetable soup and rice. It's the first time we had fried wings in Vancouver, the taste was so familiar, it's like having it at our favorite Holland Village coffee shop again. Sweet.

A song both of us like, originally sang by Keeva Mak, words by my favorite lyricist 林夕. One afternoon, I decided to sing this for the Girl while she was preparing lunch. Not the best vocals, but I hope she likes it nonetheless.

It's only 15.9degC now, mid-day. Doesn't sound much like summer, does it? It's time to reach for a pullover.

I just went to the kitchen to wash our glasses after a nice soya drink, and saw this from the window. It's a different spread of colors today, but just as amazing.

This morning, we went to West Broadway (between Alma and Kits) and visited three Asian-owned grocers. To our surprise, we found that fresh veggies are really way cheaper than Safeway, the supermart where we've been primarily shopping for our food. The experience heightened our 'geographical sensibility' of the area as we didn't know these stores had such good deals despite having visited for many times. In the stores, we were suddenly just like kids in a toy shop, snapping up all the veggies we love at fantastic prices: brinjals, cucumbers, spinach, garlic, rabini, blue potatoes, bananas, it just feels great to get affordable access to fresh produce. Along the way, we also spotted Swiss dark chocs on sale at C$1 a bar (yes, just one buck!), we really ouldn't help it and scooped eight bars at one go!

While grocery shopping is taken for granted by our peers in busy Singapore (it could even be regarded as a trivial maid's job!), it is a very joyful activity for us here in Vancouver, spending hours in these stores, looking at local farmers' produce, thinking about how to incorporate different varieties of ingredients for our meals, especially for Girl, who is now trying to be a creative chef. Now she's in the kitchen working on some of our purchases for a late lunch!

Last evening, we were preparing supper in the kitchen and as usual, we opened the kitchen window to let in some fresh air. What was unusual was this superb spread of orange rays across the summer sky. We just stood there for a while, mesmerized.

We just returned home from a morning out and ta da, there was a surprise waiting, from Singapore that is! We're really thrilled and grateful, it made our day, thanks koo koo for the generosity and effort!

我唱出心裡話時眼淚會流
要是怕難過抱住我手
我只得千語萬言放在你心
比渴望地老天荒更簡單未算罕有

*****

This is for my wife, who has sacrificed a tremendous deal just to be here, who has not minded playing the supportive role while I carve a new future for us, who has become my ultimate soulmate. Vancouver has opened our eyes to many things, but the most important aspect to my existence here is the fact that she is here, making great meals, accompanying me to book stores, comforting me when I am unsure and nervous, or just taking nice evening strolls to the waterfront. I don't have a great voice, so I can only rely on songs of others to convey my gratitude. Thank you.

Sometimes, it's easy to overlook space in a corner. Seen absolutely, it's just space, measurable in inches and centimeters. no more, no less. From a subjective level, however, this space becomes alive, dynamic, full of possibilities.

For a moment, I did not realize that, but now I do, and hopefully, we can make that space one which enriches our experience in the house.

It was a bright and sunny Sunday morning today, just the right kind of weather to head out for a morning of grocery shopping. So right after breakfast, off we went! After all, the local news station announced last night that summer has arrived 'officially' in Vancouver (though with temperatures hovering around 20degC in the day, it's still cool by tropical standards), so it's certainly the best period to enjoy the outdoors.

To our surprise, we discovered upon reaching Macdonald Street that it happened to be Greek Day in the Lower Mainland part of Vancouver, a day which marks the finale of the Greek Month (which celebrates Greek culture and heritage). There was a road closure along West Broadway just for the Greek Day Carnival, so we decided to bask in the sun a little longer and join the crowd for a stroll through the stalls.

After that, it was back to what we planned to do for the morning: shopping for more groceries and necessities in Safeway. Incidentally, there've been many items on sale these past few days, Girl now has a complete range of Olay skin care products (which are of great quality despite their affordable prices) at 30% off! However, the best deal has to be the 10-kg sack of rice, which was discounted by $6. So even though I had to hug the sack back home (this meant a 15-minute walk), it was really worth the effort. Indeed, given the savings we've enjoyed, we've found out that it really wasn't expensive to live in Vancouver at all if we manage our expenditure well.

Right, it's off for a hair-cut now, I've realized from the photos that my un-styled hair gives me a perennially 'just out of bed' (a.k.a sleepy) look. Have to ask my top hairdresser (who happens to be Girl) for some trend-setting advice at the 'studio'!

"你太了解我, 如上世紀定了因果, 今生跟我渡過"

*****

很感謝你在溫哥華，跟我一起度過。

In Vancouver, Asia is never too far away.