I decided after much contemplation (and several declines from my friends much to my surprise) that…read moreI'd ask Marcus to come along with me on this three hour tour of the Vancouver Harbour, False Creek and downtown aboard the famous Hornblower Yacht that departs from Coal Harbour.
It shocked me actually that Marcus wanted to come with. He didn't usually like to lift his sorry butt off the couch on a Sunday, complaining usually of his torrid night past which consisted mainly of hard cheezies and plenty of X-File repeats on DVD.
"They're called reruns," he told me as we walked up the plank to the main deck of the Hornblower - a three deck yacht that was immaculately clean emitting a sense of pride that only the great ocean could demand.
"Besides," Marcus threw in. "I couldn't let you go alone."
Inside my head, I thanked him. I didn't understand why my friends would turn down a chance to ride False Creek, through the heart of downtown Vancouver, past the business district and take in the beautiful sight that is the sails of Canada Place. Usually, I'd have to draw straws to see who went... but not today. There was only Marcus left standing.
In the dining room, the tables were set with matching table cloths and napkins, and at the end of the room, there was a full bar for cocktails and non alky's. On the walls, pictures of famous ships and other boat paraphernalia brought a feeling of comfort and nostalgia, even though I'd never been on the boat before.
Upstairs, Marcus excused himself and instinctively found his way into the men's washroom, patting his stomach and announcing to the rest of the crowd that he "had to create some space for dinner". I cringed. They all walked away disgusted.
The Japanese could hear the toilet flush from downtown Tokyo and they yelled "Tsunami!" as Marcus bailed out of the loo.
"Now I feel like a man," he said (only he was truly serious) "Let's go see the boat".
The second deck of the Hornblower wrapped around the entire length of the ship. There were chairs and tables scattered all around from bow to stern. Pockets of people sat with martini glasses and beer steins, taking in the view of Coal Harbour. The blue sky above displayed a run of overcast, but that eliminated the sweltering heat that pounded behind the clouds. It was a perfect day for a cruise.
The Hornblower DJ began the evening with light Caribbean music, then as the time passed, got into newer music and old time rock and roll.
The dinner was a choice cut of prime rib, roasted herb potatoes, fresh veggies, French bread and a variety of salads. Overall, the presentation was great and the food was tasty.
After dinner, that's when the party really got started. Marcus downed three quick tequilas from the bar and scooted upstairs. I cringed again, wondering if I would be wiping Marcus up off the floor by the end of the trip. I downed my red wine and chased after him.
Upstairs, the DJ had most of the people dancing in mere minutes. Playing music from the disco era, to the eighties, to old time rock and roll - he didn't stop once. He was unique in the sense that he pulled out costumes and masks for himself and the dancers to wear. People loved it! They put on the Village People hats and did the YMCA! I'd never seen a group of people have such a good time in a short amount of time.
He even had Marcus dancing. During the song Man, I Feel Like A Woman by Shania Twain, the DJ put a feather boa around Marcus's neck and dressed him up like a woman, wig and all! Marcus saw me watching from the railing and strolled over to me... more like sauntered seductively.
"Dude," he slurred. "I totally need some bazookas!" He raised both his hands to his chest and squeezed. For the first time in a while, I saw my friend smile.
By the end of the trip, the sun had set and the beautiful lights of downtown Vancouver appeared. The BMO building stood tall on the shore. The RBC building with the one solid green laser light that shot high into the night sky. Stanley Park on one side, the North Vancouver Quay on the other. The sails of Canada Place were lit up like the Hollywood sign and clear as day. There is no better view of the city than from the deck of the Hornblower.
I felt Marcus slump down beside me against the rail. He reeked of tequila and cheap perfume."I think I got a date," he slurred and turned halfway around.
I turned and saw him wave to a red hair lady about fifty years of age, wrapped in one of the DJ's boas. She must have outweighed Marcus by at least a hundred pounds, but she was happy... and apparently so was he.
"Jackpot!" He made a motion in the air like he was pulling on the limb of a one armed bandit.
"So you had a good time," I said.
"Ooooh yeah," he smirked. "I'm glad I told everyone that the cruise was on the Fraser River... not False Creek."
I was angry only for a second. He was my best friend after all, and if anyone needed to have the night of their life aboard a beautiful yacht, it was Marcus.
