Vancouver - home of the Canucks

Sunday, July 13th


We disembarked early today from the ship in Vancouver.  Overall, it was one of the easiest departures from ship ever. After rolling our luggage up a big hill and checking them into the Fairmont, we got out and saw a lot of the Vancouver sights.  


We hopped on the Ho-Ho bus and had front row seats as the bus took us around the city for a quick over-all look at what the city has to offer.  We saw the fantastic high rises, the Olympic Torch from 2010, and drove through the beautiful Stanley Garden.  The city was slow to wake up as it was Sunday morning.  






Vancouver is a beautiful and cosmopolitan city and nicknamed "Hollywood of the North" as it is second only to Hollywood in film production.



It was a beautiful Sunday, and half the city was out and about. We got off the bus in an area called Gastown and saw the steam operated clock tower that chimes the Westminster song at noon.  Lots of street performers, painters and musicians filled the streets that are blocked off to car traffic.  




The diversity of the people is remarkable.  I don’t think English is the first language here as many nationalities are represented.  Bike lanes are bigger than pedestrian lanes and look out if you happen to venture out of your lane.   They will run you over!


After an alfresco lunch, we made our way back to the hotel for a brief rest and refresh.  Later, we strolled around the corner to the beautiful waterfront.  There we saw lots of float planes giving sight-seeing tours.  We did our share of people-watching and even found a geocache.  As the sun set, we stopped for LeRoy's beer of the day (Stanley Park Sun Setter) and shared some Canuck nachos.  





An early night tonight as we are heading tomorrow to Bellingham, Washington on the early AmTrak.  We hope to see you there (if Homeland Security lets us in!).

LeRoy and Vialula
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada

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