Au Revoir

Today was my last day in Vancouver. As I write this, I am sitting in Vancouver International Airport with my fingers crossed that my flights do not get any more delayed. UGH - sometimes I hate winter and O'hare.

I spent my morning wandering around downtown one last time and grabbed a Starbucks. I have had more coffee these past few days than in the entire previous month. I know it is probably not the best for me but hey, I was on vacation! On a side note, it really entertained me that most things had french and english writings - like my coffee cup :)

Whilst wandering, I headed over to the Gastown where the sidewalks were brick and there were numerous cute little shops. I took a couple pictures of the neighborhoods icons - a steam clock and "gassy jack". One thing I noticed while here was that nothing besides cafes opens before 10 AM. This is good because it forced me to take my mornings at a more relaxing pace. Its also bad for people like me who get wake up early and want to get a jump on the day.

Then it was off to the airport. I was one of the lucky people who got to either get the pat down or the fancy new body scans. I chose the body scan - its a little weird but got me through security in less than half the time. I don't think that it is worth all the fuss you hear!

Its been another successful trip, now I need to start planning for my Denver trip. Fingers crossed that I get home tonight!

Vancouver: Day 3

My third day in Vancouver began at Granville Island. Its an area known because of its market and little shops. I grabbed breakfast here - a delicious bagel with scrabbled eggs and bacon. After that, I wandered around the area a bit.

The view of Vancouver from Granville Island

Next, I headed back to the downtown area in search of the Olympic Flame. This is the 4th time I've been to an Olympic city after the games. I also have pictures of Atlanta, Sydney and Salt Lake City's cauldrons.

Olympic Cauldron

One of the things that has amazed me the most during my stay here is the public transportation. I have been using the buses, trains and ferries A LOT because of the weather. In my travels to other cities, every time you get on public transport you have to swipe your ticket. Here, more often you don't. Very trusting but a little confusing to someone who is used to validating tickets.

Inukshuk Sculpture

I feel like this picture sums up the weather of my trip

After grabbing lunch I spent the remainder of my afternoon just enjoying the city and walking around. I must say that I am actually sore because of all my walking. I saw a couple more statues and went to Chinatown. After another busy day in the city, I need to pack and figure out what I can do in the morning before its time to head home!

Me in Chinatown

Vancouver: Day 2

Maple Leaf: I am in Canada after all!

Today was my second day in Vancouver! I started my day by walking to the waterfront station, grabbing a coffee and then hopping on a seabus (aka a ferry). Next, I hopped on a bus and was off to see the Capilano Suspension Bridge. This was the best thing I have done so far. This is a bridge over a canyon - the views are absolutely amazing. At one point, a juvenile bald eagle flew underneath me! Once you cross the bridge, there are a bunch of displays about the forest.

On the Capilano Suspension Bridge

One of the things on my day zero list, was to hug a tree. Here is a picture of my hugging a giant Douglas Fir. This beauty is over 300 years old, 250 feet tall and weighs over 40 tons!

Fir hugging a fir :)

 Even though the weather wasn't the greatest, I headed up to Grouse Mountain next. When I got there, it was pouring rain at the foot of the mountain and snowing at the top with fog.  Luckily, after I watched an introduction video, it cleared up a bit and I was able to see the city of Vancouver.

The view of Vancouver from Grouse Mountain

A sign at Grouse Mountain that made me smile

After all that wandering, I am ready for an early night so I can do it all again tomorrow!

Bienvenue!

 Today was my first day in Vancouver, Canada! It was a LONG day that started by hoping on a plane in central Wisconsin at 7AM. I arrived in Vancouver at noon local time. After a quick bite to eat and checking into my hotel, I was off and running. I spent my afternoon wandering around downtown Vancouver. It was not the best weather for my exploring but I didn't have high expectations and made the most of it. It is warm here (a high in the mid-40's) and rainy.

I walked a chunk of the seawall today - mountains AND water in one view!!

At one point, I went into Safeway - a grocery store chain that I shopped at while in Australia. Turns out they carry several of the same brands. I have to admit that I was having a flashback. This whole city reminds me of my time in Oz. I can't put my finger on it but the public transport, lightrails downtown and all of the tourists take me back.

Some driftwood along the seawall with the city in the background

The totem poles of Stanley Park

Seawall

Transit station with Canada Tower in the back

Beautiful!

My hotel room - its small but pretty nice for the price AND its right downtown!

 

 

Anyways, so far so good. Hopefully, I get a good night sleep because I am exhausted after today. I'm looking forward to more city wanderings tomorrow!

Vancouver

Its that time again - I have the travel itch. Yesterday was my 26th birthday (I know I am old!). In December, I have a week off unpaid from work. I figured I better take advantage of the time. So, as a gift to myself, I bought a plane ticket to Vancouver.

I have a list of things that I am interested in doing. The Vancouver Aquarium and Stanley Park. Capilano River and Grouse Mountain. Butchart Gardens. Whale watching. I only have a short time in the city, so if any of you have visited Vancouver, I would love to know what you think are the must sees!