1448 days to go. On the Main.

Another scorching day at the W, which shall henceforth be known as "The Sauna." Currie is still rocking her cool white facecloth and we have our fans on full strength.

I went up to Main Street today to meet my friend Karen and her adorable baby daughter Anika for some lunch. The driver of my bus was decked out in an orange Netherlands jersey and had the Dutch flag flying at the front of the bus. As we headed up Main I read him the play-by-play on FIFA.com, from my iPhone.

Karen, Anika and I ended up ensconced in the shade outside Solly's Bagelry. You'd think matzo ball soup wouldn't be that satisfying on such a hot day, but it really was. Mostly it was a chance for me to cuddle with Anika, who is two months old. Her very patient mother lets me grab that child any chance I can. Ah, babies. I need a puppy or a cat with more cuddle tolerance than Currie to channel all this baby-longing. Hey, I'm 30 now - I'm allowed.

On the way home I jumped off the bus early, and walked along False Creek in the sunshine. Vancouver is truly spectacular on days like this, and almost makes up for the nagging London homesickness that I think maybe I'll always feel to some extent. But don't get me wrong - on days like today, there is no place I'd rather be than here.