Blogs from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, North America - page 6

We had booked to do one of those Escape Room challenges, which we enjoyed last year in New York (see ) despite narrowly failing to finish it. It was booked at midday, so we had a leisurely morning and walk there. It was back on the border of the area where things had started to get rough when we had walked there the other day (see ). In fact the world’s thinnest building and the gate to China Town were just down the road from where we were going. Sadly, we failed to complete the escape again and were not even close this time as we had apparently only completed about two thirds. It only allowed 45 minutes, which seemed impossible. Apparently some other groups had been able to complete it in under 30 minutes, but ... read more

Unser erster großer Urlaub zu dritt führt uns zum Ende meiner und Beginn von Dennis‘ Elternzeit für 6 Wochen nach Kanada. Nach ein paar Tagen in Vancouver werden wir für 4 Wochen mit einem Truck Camper durch den „wilden Westen“ streifen und zum Abschluss nochmal eine Woche auf Bowen Island auf einer Farm entspannen. Trotz weitgehend schlaflosem Kind und viel zu viel Gepäck kommen wir nach 15 Stunden Anreise irgendwie in Vancouver, der Hauptstadt von British Columbia an. Wir wohnen in Fairview, einem hippen Stadtteil, der nur durch den False Creek, einem kleinen Meeresarm, von Downtown getrennt wird. Unsere Gastgeber Katrina und Gareth haben auch eine kleine Tochter, die nur wenige Monate älter als Marlene ist. Und natürlich „freunden“ sich die zwei kleinen Ladies direkt an, auch wenn unser Kind völlig übernächtigt sein muss. Aber das ... read more

We discovered last night that the hotel had some cycles that we can use for two hours for no cost. We had been planning to go to Stanley Park, which is very near to the hotel, and cycling seemed like an excellent way to see it. There were only three cycles available at first so we did something else for what while and when we went back, perfect, there were four. The park is a lot bigger than we were expecting and the cycle route around the perimeter is about 12km. By the time we had cycled round with stops at the totem-poles, for some photos and for a quick brunch, it was just about two hours on the nail. It worked really well cycling in the park as there were separate paths for pedestrians, cyclists ... read more

Saturday Aug 18 We had a great night’s sleep and a leisurely breakfast. Around 11:30, we got on the Skytrain and headed downtown to the waterfront. Far better than taking the car, maybe we’ll get to like the Ottawa light rail after it begins operation in December? The Star Princess was waiting for us and we began the slow process of getting on board. Three large cruise ships were leaving today, and US Customs computers were down, causing a bit of a wait. Against all rules, Ferdy packed a bottle of Scotch in his suitcase, which turned out to be no problem, our suitcases were delivered to our room intact, and with our booze. It wasn’t long before we got to meet our Australian friends on board and do some catching up. Departure was cool against ... read more

Our final day in Vancouver began with a clear view over the city, the ships waiting to berth to the mountains followed by breakfast at Al’s. A spot of washing and ironing before lunch with ex-students, Adrienne and Tricia, which Adrienne had organised. Sleep followed. Well rested, it was onto dinner with Robert and Al at an Indian restaurant before final packing, ready for our journey to Everett tomorrow. Al and Robert have been wonderful to us. Gratitude … again.... read more