Farewell Vancouver

Well time again to leave another nice place on our trip.

Today was pretty laid back starting with breakfast at Medina's.  Apparently the best cafe in town.  We had to wait in line to get a table and you can see by the photos, it was a specially presented meal which didn't disappoint.  If you look carefully at the photo of the outside of the cafe you will see a familiar sign normally reserved for wine!

After breakfast we hit the shops for some serious retail therapy, well at least Connie did.  She actually found a few things to buy and one of them was actually for herself!

Everything I have looked at and wanted to buy is cheaper in Australia.  The government removed the tax concession for tourists 2 years ago which has taken away any financial advantages.  GST is 15% on electronic equipment which put anything I wanted to buy on par if not dearer than back home.  Even time pieces (watches) were more expensive although they did seem to have a bigger range.  O well, more money for Connie to spend.

In our travels today we rain into Boston's cousin visiting the city for his first time.  We took his photo and included it below for the Torrisi's to see.  (It's the photo of the dog for those wondering what I am talking about).

One more walk around the city and dinner at an Irish Pub at Canada Place where we were served by a waitress who is touring Canada and comes from the suburb of Oxley in Brisbane.  Small world.

Farewell Vancouver.  We had a great time and enjoyed your very warm hospitality.

Not sure what the wifi arrangements are on the ship?  Hopefully we will be able to maintain the commentary.  Stay tuned.

Vancouver day 3

Well after nearly two weeks, we had our first sleep in getting out of bed around 09:30 and not hitting the footpath until just before 11.  Today we walked to Granville Island over the Granville Bridge and visited the Granville markets where Connie had her first Coca Cola for the trip.  We spent most of our time in the food areas admiring the wide range of fruits and vegetables.

There are many arts and crafts stalls as well and talented buskers all over the place.  They have criminal seagulls around the markets that will steal any food you don't keep an eye on.  There are even signs warning you that unguarded food will most likely be taken by the birds.  Pretty entertaining to watch while having lunch. 

After a couple of hours we decided it was time to move on and we caught the ferry across to David Lam park.  The ferries are small and pretty cute.  Check out the photo.
People here just love their pets and in particular, dogs.  They are everywhere including departments stores, supermarkets and even in restaurants.  Not as bad as Paris though where one person told us they saw a german shepherd being fed at the table by the owner with a fork!!  There are some amazing pet stores and dog spas around the place with all sorts of accessories, garments and jewelry!

After a tour of the park we headed into Yaletown where I had a haircut in a salon run by chinese women with 3 little dogs (see comment above ;-).  Interesting.  I was getting my hair cut while a little fluffy pekanese dog sat on its pillow making sure everything was going right…

By the way Tessa, we saw someone driving your R8 convertible.  Sounded really nice.

After the haircut, a bit more walking, shopping and finished up having a steak at The Keg for the first time since leaving Australia, and it was very nice. Can't get used to the pricing here as everything is ex GST and depending on which state you are in the GST is different.  It's pretty annoying to be honest.  Their notes are very similar to ours though which is so much better than the american greenback.

That's pretty much it for today.  A little laid back and down a gear or two from previous days.

Once again, enjoy the photos.  :-)

Vancouver arrival and days 1 and 2

Connie

A full day was spent today on Vancouver Island … the home of the rich and richer.  This place is a mix of British architecture with provincial French landscapes, displaying colour from every corner.  It has multi bulbed lamp posts along the sidewalks with dining tables and chairs spilling over at every turn.  Chocolateers and bakeries line the streets, however the quality is unlike that of the beautiful streets of France! 

The Island also has one of the most extravagant flower gardens in the world … Butchert Gardens.  Truly a feast for the eyes, even a non-garden lover will be captured by the manicured gardens, water ponds, and sculptured Canadian wildlife throughout.  Part of the gardens were transformed from a disused quarry by an English couple when they settled on Vancouver Island over 100 years ago.  

Frank :-) :-)

Don't think we have mentioned our second day on the Rocky Mountaineer so a quick recap here before we move onto Vancouver.

The landscape changed a lot as we left the rockies and moved in towards Vancouver.  In some areas, it was almost desert like with little vegetation and dry fields.  We met a very nice couple on the train and spent most of our free time with them.  They have had many life experiences and we laughed through many a meal while sharing stories.

The Rocky Mountaineer train ride is certainly a very special one that cuts it's way though some very rugged and beautiful landscapes making it a unique experience most of which cannot be managed by motor vehicle access which adds to the character of the trip.

Recapping our arrival and day one in Vancouver, someone must have given them the hint that Connie and I were in town because they arranged to have the Olympic flame lit, a special concert and fireworks to seal it all off.  What a night. We were very appreciative of their welcoming activities although I didn't see the mayor and we didn't get our key to the city so need to follow up on that...

We started off our first full day with hiring bikes and spending a few hours in Stanley Park.  This is the equivalent of our New Farm Park but on some serious steroids.  The distance around the park is just on 10kms and is frequented by walker, runners, roller bladers, dogs and bike riders.  There is a seperate pathway for people and bikers.  Such a great system.

Inside the park are lakes, walking tracks, shops, a miniature railway and a first nation (aboriginal) dedication area.

After our energetic morning on the bikes we headed off to Gas Town for Sushi and then headed of toe Metroplex, the largest shopping centre in British Columbia.  Not as big as Chermside IMO but worth a bo peep.

Another late night finish before we got up early to do the ultimate Victoria (Vancouver Island) day trip including whale watching.  Now, Connie and I both get sea sick and we left our kwells behind in Brisbane so off to the pharmacy we went and purchased the Canadian equivalent.  Did they work, I hear you ask.  Yes, thank god…  We spotted two pods of whales, many seals and bald eagles.  A very successful trip and no hanging over the edge of the boat throwing up breakfast!

Here are the photos.  Lots of them today so enjoy.