When the opportunity arose for me to take an Alaskan cruise, I purposely chose to sail the Inside Passage in the southern direction so my mother and I would have the pleasure of disembarking in Vancouver. Admittedly, I was in no big rush to get back to the real world, and I was looking forward to spending a few relaxed days in this awesome city which, whenever I visit, has an enticing way of reminding me why it's one of my favorites.