For the past week we have been heading to Granville Island at dusk around 4:30 PM on a daily ritual. There are three purposes for this trek; the first being for the great organic, decaffeinated coffee available at one of the vendors. We get two large decaf Americano coffees for $3.00, which is a real bargain and it is the best damn coffee we have found anywhere. Another reason we make the 20-minute drive is to take in the view of all the lights seen on the balconies, construction cranes and on house and sailboats in the harbour. And the third reason for this little journey is to revel in the atmosphere of the whole area.

The Granville Public Market is a major drawing card at any time of the year but at Christmas time it takes on a new, festive life. Aside from the regular vendors selling an assortment of foodstuffs, there are dozens of artisans selling handcrafted giftware designed specifically for Christmas. We met a lady who makes Christmas cards with wooden, hand painted ornaments attached; another vendor selling custom knit, one-of-a-kind, colourful, woollen hats and yet another who sells unique, high-end Christmas crackers, each one handmade. The florists carry flowers and plant life more in line with the season and there is a Christmas tree vendor outside who also sells, wreaths and evergreen arrangements. Throughout the market there are "buskers" or entertainers carolling or playing instruments in a Christmas theme.

It is a nice outing, our daily venture, and it forces us to explore a little more of the city each time. It also helps us feel more in synch with the season, which is so different for us this year with our family spread out. In just a few days, Christmas will be behind us for another year and Granville Public Market will close on Mondays. Maybe by then our grandchild will be here and we will have a different daily diversion!