Beautiful British Columbia

Vancouver & Vancouver Island

After only minutes of landing and having taken our first steps off of the boarding ramp we knew we were back on Canadian soil when we heard the cheers from hockey fans in the airport bar. AW to be back in Canada for the most exciting time of the year - NHL Playoffs. Molson Canadian says it best “Some call it Spring we call it NHL Playoffs”.

Our month on Canadian soil was spent between the city of Vancouver and Mom and Dad’s place at Saratoga Beach on Vancouver Island. The weather was absolutely awesome during our entire month’s stay. The sight of the deep blue Pacific Ocean with the snow covered Coastal Mountain Range as the backdrop was a simple reminder why BC is referred to as “Beautiful British Columbia”. The views of the mountains and ocean are what make those first impressions of living on the West Coast so memorable - forget that earlier this year it rained (29) days straight, the locals will tell you “oh but when the sun shines”!!!

Ski season has just ended on Vancouver Island (Mt. Washington) and in Vancouver (Grouse, Seymour and Cypress mountains), with the exception of Whistler. What makes this part of the world so awesome for sports junkies is just a few weeks ago those fortunate to live here were golfing (18) holes in the morning and skiing in shorts and a t-shirt in the afternoon. Where else in the world can these two sports be done in the same day?

When the sun shines Vancouver arguably has one of the worlds most scenic and beautiful harbours. With its harbour nestled amongst a mountain backdrop and the endless built up of condos on the waterfront, Vancouver’s harbour is striking similar to Hong Kong - less the millions of people and junk boats.

We spent several afternoons roller blading around the Stanley Park sea wall and False Creek waterfront followed by a few scoops of gelato!! The one thing that becomes very apparent in Vancouver is the minute the sun shines, Vancouverites make the most of the outdoors. With the city located on the water and the North Shore Mountains across the way the outdoor activities are endless. The sun brings the joggers, rollerbladers and bikers out onto the 10km stroll along the Stanley Park seawall, sailboats take to English Bay, the kayakers and rowers make their way through False Creek and Coal Harbour, and beach volley ball players make the most of Kits and Jericho beaches. For those looking for more adventure, hiking trails, mountain biking and rock climbing are only a wee drive away in Lynn Canyon, Garibaldi National Park and Whistler.

When it comes to eating, we are not shy! Vancouver it could be argued has the best Asian food this side of Asia! We had to plan carefully so we could fit in all ethnicities without double dipping the same day. Breakfast was usually Pho, followed by Sushi or Pad Thai/Green Curry for lunch, with Dim Sum, Biriyani, Korean BBQ or Soulvaki thrown in for dinner. And the best part about the Vancouver food scene is it is cheap cheap $$$$ and oh so good! Of course one could not do justice to the endless choices for the palate without mentioning the most “heavenly” of all places to grab a fresh bagel with locks, a fruit shake, a freshly baked double chocolate chip cookie or a latte - Granville Island. Yes it could be said that we have consumed our fair share of rice and noodles during our stay in Vancouver, but not knowing what lies ahead regarding meals for the next couple of months, one needed to stock up on those yummie Asian meals.

On May 31st our South American leg begins………….watch out Guinea Pigs its dinner time in six days!!!!!

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