Blogs from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, North America - page 17

Yesterday went by very fast. I spent the day ironing running errands and generally tidying the house. Steph was at work and got dropped off at the train station straight from working a 12 hour shift. We got the 7.45pm train from Wolverhampton to London Euston. We'd prebooked and managed to get first class tickets for only about £10 extra. We definitely spent the next two hours getting our money's worth! We managed to have seats right opposite a guy who was Irish. I don't know if he'd been on the Guinness or not but he spent most of his time on the train singing out loud and cursing at his laptop because the wifi didn't seem to be working. He got off at Coventry so at least we did have some peace and quiet for ... read more

Geo: 49.2605, -123.114It's sad that our Pacific Northwest adventures are coming to an end. But not before my niece drove me round and visited some sites out of town. We had coffee and a Nanaimo Bar in West Vancouver, a very well heeled district with great views.Then we drove to Deep Cove, which was a gorgeous place, especially in the sunshine. The lunch at Arms Reach Bistro was very pleasant, but I did get an oily salad leave on my shirt. Then again, I'm sitting at the back of the plane, so nobody will care.The next port of call was Commercial Drive, a slightly more down to earth area of town with independent shops and cafés. It's more like a normal suburban high street. I'd like to come back next time and get to know the ... read more

Geo: 49.2605, -123.114Had to be in work mode this afternoon when I paid a visit to the President's Office at the University of British Columbia.Bur first a bit of culture. I have chosen a significant day to visit the University because in the morning, they held a dedication ceremony of a House Post of the Musqueam people, whose land (unceded) the University is built on. This was not the raising of a totem pole, but a dedication of a House Post. They were most insistent that this was what it was. The post was carved by a student of the Musqueam heritage and comes from a long line of talented artists. The actual dedication act was very low key and personal. Of course, there were speeches, from representatives of the University as well as from elders ... read more

Geo: 49.2605, -123.114First full day and so lucky with the weather. Vancouver looks glorious in spring sunshine.Started by getting a Compass Card, a reloadable card for all the transport in the city. Surprised they have only just introduced it. Took the Skytrain to Waterfront and walked around Canada Place. It's like Ocean Terminal in Hong Kong, a place for cruise ships to dock and of course, there are shops there, too. The architecture is amazing and the structure is designed to look like a sailing ship . The sails on the roof were very effective. You can see North Vancouver across the Coal Harbour. The combination of shimmering water, pine trees and sun rays was magical. Next to Canada Place is the Convention Centre and the Jack Poole Plaza. There is a lot of open space ... read more

I’m usually a very positive person. Most days are filled with fun activities like sports and dinner with friends, fitness activities, etc. I was having too much fun that I rolled into 30 without noticing it. Never felt the need to have a serious relationship because I was having too much fun. Then a serious injury happened. And I had all the time in the world to sit and think. Three months of that. It’s easy to while away the time when you’re fit and travelling. Although I was in my favorite city in the world, I wasn’t doing much. I went to the community center every day to work out. I spent about six to eight hours there working out in the gym, watching people play sports, and swimming. In the last week of my ... read more