A quick internet search for yummy breakfasts directed me to The Templeton. When I saw the staff chowing down on generously portioned egg dishes from the kitchen, I knew I was in safe hands.

Each booth had one of these retro jukeboxes. Back when they still worked it must have been quite a racket with them all going at once.

I made some friends at the meet-up, and Jacqueline drove me to Sophie's Cosmic Diner. One could draw here many times and not repeat a scene. The owner saw what we were up to and offered us free milkshakes but we were already full from our meal.

When I travel, I don't rent a car or take buses or Ubers. I prefer to explore every street and block within walking distance, looking for the less touristy nooks and crannies, seeing the place as if I lived there.

After I mentioned this online, someone said I was a "flaneur" so I looked it up:

"The destiny of the flâneur is to immerse himself in the panorama surrounding him, to the point of becoming one with it and, ultimately, to vanish."

-Federico Castigliano

Another new friend, Bob, suggested we draw at Café Calabria. Was it Italian? French? Greek? Who could tell?! Bob knew I'd enjoy the eclectic kitsch.

My favorite sketch of the week is from Jam Café, because I was afraid the details would lead to chaos, but somehow it worked. Sitting at the bar and ordering a full meal gave me the sense I could take my time and so I did.

Hello friends,

I've just returned from Nanaimo, Canada, where I met with the Nanaimo Sketch Club to draw on location at the Bee's Knees Cafe. Friendly people. The stereotype of the nice Canadians holds true.

I stayed at The Painted Turtle hostel. I sprang for my own room, though everyone else I met there bunked with strangers. I've never roomed with anybody I wasn't in a relationship with and I'm not about to start now.

When I travel, I don't rent a car or have an itinerary. I prefer to saturate myself with one neighborhood, getting to know the locals and imagining what it would be like to live there.

The first morning I settled into Serious Coffee with a mocha and sketched in the dark before sunrise. Hence the muted colors.

The next morning, the hotel manager recommended I try Brix and Mortar and the mocha there was excellent.

I could see the National Land Building from the window of my hotel and was drawn to the clean geometry. I drew it while chatting with a couple of German gals who were just passing through on their way to other Canadian adventures.

I guessed St. Peter's would have interesting details to draw. I was a tad self-conscious drawing during mass: sitting, standing, kneeling, standing again- all the while sketching.

After the 70 minute service, a woman behind me said, "My late husband was an artist. I enjoyed watching you sketch." So I guess I needn't have worried about distracting the faithful.

I'm heading back in a week to explore Vancouver. If you live there and want to sketch together, let me know!

Steven