Last night in Vancouver: June 30
We left our Air bnb up the road and came down to the Fairmont in Canada Plaza for the start of our Rockie Mountaineer trip and here we are in an opulent suite overlooking the magnificent harbour and all the preparations for the weekend's Big Party. Of course buying Gold Class railway tickets means we get Gold Class everything else. Can we cope?
WiFi access will be limited from hereon in so I'll do my best. We'll have to cut right back on photos at the very time they become interesting.
We're leaving at 6.50 am tomorrow so must get sorted tonight.
Off we go.
Friday 30 June 2017
Thursday 29 June 2017
Vancouver: Day 10
Just to prove we can, we caught a public bus to Granville Island to enjoy it without having to share it with 30,000 other tourists. We had yet another sparkling day and enjoyed
viewing all the crafts exhibited in the shops. We couldn't get in last weekend. That led on to lunch at Fisherman's wharf watching the activity of millionaire gin palaces. We took a trip up False River calling in to the jetties for each of the marinas . A whole series of Westhavens where the sumptuous boats belonging to the residents of endless sky towers of apartments were anchored. Just mind-blowing . There were about 20 cute little houseboats but even they were in excess of a million dollars each. Of course all the flags and decorations are being put up for the 150th birthday celebrations on Saturday. Incredibly festive!
We alighted at the end of the run which sported Science World - a vast silver dome glittering and beckoning in the sunshine. By the time we arrived it was only an hour before closing but that gave us an opportunity to appreciate this magnificent interactive centre to capture the imaginations of all ages and cultures.
Tomorrow we leave our happy home by the Sheraton and transfer to the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel at Canada Place where we meet our Rocky Mountaineer travellers. And so begins the next chapter of our holiday. 😎
Just to prove we can, we caught a public bus to Granville Island to enjoy it without having to share it with 30,000 other tourists. We had yet another sparkling day and enjoyed
viewing all the crafts exhibited in the shops. We couldn't get in last weekend. That led on to lunch at Fisherman's wharf watching the activity of millionaire gin palaces. We took a trip up False River calling in to the jetties for each of the marinas . A whole series of Westhavens where the sumptuous boats belonging to the residents of endless sky towers of apartments were anchored. Just mind-blowing . There were about 20 cute little houseboats but even they were in excess of a million dollars each. Of course all the flags and decorations are being put up for the 150th birthday celebrations on Saturday. Incredibly festive!
We alighted at the end of the run which sported Science World - a vast silver dome glittering and beckoning in the sunshine. By the time we arrived it was only an hour before closing but that gave us an opportunity to appreciate this magnificent interactive centre to capture the imaginations of all ages and cultures.
Tomorrow we leave our happy home by the Sheraton and transfer to the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel at Canada Place where we meet our Rocky Mountaineer travellers. And so begins the next chapter of our holiday. 😎
Wednesday 28 June 2017
Vancouver Island: Day 9
This has been a day to explore Victoria . Where to start? The shops were just opening after breakfast at 10 so I decided I just had to do something serious about my inappropriate summer attire. A warm sweatshirt would do. So I finished up buying a Moroccan cashmere jumper for $450. I actually fell in love with a cashmere and silk ensemble but that was over $1000, but I'm not THAT cold.
There is an exciting waterfront which is such a buzz this week with the 150th anniversary and hundreds of people were out enjoying the entertainment .
There were so many planes and little toot boats skipping about for Peter to photograph so I took off to the new museum. The history of this northern zone is all new to me and I found the displays and dioramas so fascinating.
Eventually we met up again and wandered through the glorious Empress Hotel . Such opulence from a bygone era.
By then it was time to board the huge coach which would take us to Schwarze Bay, the ferry terminal. The coach actually drove us on to the ship and then we scrambled up several flights of steps to a huge lounge with a wide variety of food . Think of the Cook Straight ferry but only an hour and a half trip. That took us back to Tsawwassen where we re-boarded our coach and did the hour's drive back to the CBD and delivered the passengers off at their various hotels. We just say we're at the Sheraton which seems to impress. We don't let on We're in the cheap apartment block next door.
All in all a fascinating couple of day's vacation. We are happy to be tucked back home again now though .
This has been a day to explore Victoria . Where to start? The shops were just opening after breakfast at 10 so I decided I just had to do something serious about my inappropriate summer attire. A warm sweatshirt would do. So I finished up buying a Moroccan cashmere jumper for $450. I actually fell in love with a cashmere and silk ensemble but that was over $1000, but I'm not THAT cold.
There is an exciting waterfront which is such a buzz this week with the 150th anniversary and hundreds of people were out enjoying the entertainment .
There were so many planes and little toot boats skipping about for Peter to photograph so I took off to the new museum. The history of this northern zone is all new to me and I found the displays and dioramas so fascinating.
Eventually we met up again and wandered through the glorious Empress Hotel . Such opulence from a bygone era.
By then it was time to board the huge coach which would take us to Schwarze Bay, the ferry terminal. The coach actually drove us on to the ship and then we scrambled up several flights of steps to a huge lounge with a wide variety of food . Think of the Cook Straight ferry but only an hour and a half trip. That took us back to Tsawwassen where we re-boarded our coach and did the hour's drive back to the CBD and delivered the passengers off at their various hotels. We just say we're at the Sheraton which seems to impress. We don't let on We're in the cheap apartment block next door.
All in all a fascinating couple of day's vacation. We are happy to be tucked back home again now though .
Tuesday 27 June 2017
Vancouver Island: Day 8
We just had to take the opportunity of a flight in a twin Otter. The flight to Vancouver Island was a mere 35 minutes quite apart from the thrill of the scenic experience . We had perfect conditions and found ourselves transported to an Akaroa type village. I had rung our airbnb host the day before as I always like to touch base with people rather than relying on abstract impersonal digital communication . It was just as well. Of course 517 is next door to 533 down Theatre Alley. Where else would you find it. What a cutie place it is. Perfect for us for one night and again at a fraction of the price of commercial accommodation
The village is just so pretty all dressed up for the summer and the 150th birthday party this coming weekend .
After an astonishingly fattening lunch we set off for the Empress Hotel from where our Butchart Garden tour left and there was the coach. Not the one I'd booked, but hey, let's get on board. The drive was about 30 mins into the countryside and there we were. Incredible! Us at the Butchart Gardens!!! Amazing. I hope you have all seen the area on screen. I took a ridiculous number of photos and then tried to select a few for fb. But you'll never understand the splendour until you see it for yourself. I had intended staying through the evening to see it all floodlit for the summer but it was just too cold so we returned on the 6pm coach. A shame but I had the wrong clothes on. I have packed all my merino for the train trip . Why didn't I wear it? That's it. Pack away the summer garb and wrap up.
When we arrived back at the Victoria waterfront we met a couple from Arizona who were even colder than we were so the four of us went for dinner together . How interesting !!! I've never talked to anyone from Arizona. And THAT is the thrill of travel is it not. 🙄
We just had to take the opportunity of a flight in a twin Otter. The flight to Vancouver Island was a mere 35 minutes quite apart from the thrill of the scenic experience . We had perfect conditions and found ourselves transported to an Akaroa type village. I had rung our airbnb host the day before as I always like to touch base with people rather than relying on abstract impersonal digital communication . It was just as well. Of course 517 is next door to 533 down Theatre Alley. Where else would you find it. What a cutie place it is. Perfect for us for one night and again at a fraction of the price of commercial accommodation
The village is just so pretty all dressed up for the summer and the 150th birthday party this coming weekend .
After an astonishingly fattening lunch we set off for the Empress Hotel from where our Butchart Garden tour left and there was the coach. Not the one I'd booked, but hey, let's get on board. The drive was about 30 mins into the countryside and there we were. Incredible! Us at the Butchart Gardens!!! Amazing. I hope you have all seen the area on screen. I took a ridiculous number of photos and then tried to select a few for fb. But you'll never understand the splendour until you see it for yourself. I had intended staying through the evening to see it all floodlit for the summer but it was just too cold so we returned on the 6pm coach. A shame but I had the wrong clothes on. I have packed all my merino for the train trip . Why didn't I wear it? That's it. Pack away the summer garb and wrap up.
When we arrived back at the Victoria waterfront we met a couple from Arizona who were even colder than we were so the four of us went for dinner together . How interesting !!! I've never talked to anyone from Arizona. And THAT is the thrill of travel is it not. 🙄
Monday 26 June 2017
Vancouver: The day we won the Americas Cup!
I found a brochure for the Tsawwassen Mills Outlet Mall and thought that could be my sort of fun - a change from Beavers and Otters anyhow. Peter kindly came too just to keep me company. On the hour long coach trip the Cup coup came through . We then discovered there were a couple of Kiwis behind us because the cheers were far louder than we could create. None of the other passengers could understand our noise but one guy, when he discovered where we were from wisely deduced we must have won the rugby. All through the day and in the restaurant tonight nobody had heard of the yacht race . Can you believe that? However they HAD heard of NZ so that's an improvement .
We had a choice of returning to the CBD at 2.30 or 5.30 so of course I chose the former because of poor Peter. Well, forget that. At 2.00 HE went to the desk and changed our booking to 5.30. He shopped till I dropped. I was the one who kept looking for somewhere to sit and wait. It was a vast single level version of the Onehunga Outlet complex only 10 months old and beautifully presented.
I forgot to tell you that Vancouver is the home of the new lululemon which has just come to Aucland. Head office is here and Mr Lemon himself owns a pad worth $120 mil just down the road. Hasn't he done well for himself. I bet he was a school dropout.
My feet are throbbing!
I found a brochure for the Tsawwassen Mills Outlet Mall and thought that could be my sort of fun - a change from Beavers and Otters anyhow. Peter kindly came too just to keep me company. On the hour long coach trip the Cup coup came through . We then discovered there were a couple of Kiwis behind us because the cheers were far louder than we could create. None of the other passengers could understand our noise but one guy, when he discovered where we were from wisely deduced we must have won the rugby. All through the day and in the restaurant tonight nobody had heard of the yacht race . Can you believe that? However they HAD heard of NZ so that's an improvement .
We had a choice of returning to the CBD at 2.30 or 5.30 so of course I chose the former because of poor Peter. Well, forget that. At 2.00 HE went to the desk and changed our booking to 5.30. He shopped till I dropped. I was the one who kept looking for somewhere to sit and wait. It was a vast single level version of the Onehunga Outlet complex only 10 months old and beautifully presented.
I forgot to tell you that Vancouver is the home of the new lululemon which has just come to Aucland. Head office is here and Mr Lemon himself owns a pad worth $120 mil just down the road. Hasn't he done well for himself. I bet he was a school dropout.
My feet are throbbing!
Sunday 25 June 2017
Vancouver: Day 6
Today, one week out from Canada Day right on the 150th birthday, when there's 3 major events on in the city and 3 cruise boats in, we decided to do the other day of our hop-on-hop-off bus tour of the city. The events drew 30,000 people into the city and created an Auckland type gridlock.
We disembarked at Granville Island with its exciting markets. Peter decided he could just manage a crepe with his mouth, so crepes it was. As good as Paris? Close. 😗 Rather than fighting our way through the crowds we chose to do the ferry trip on the cute Little Toot boat down False Creek to the Maritime Museum . No crowds there and so interesting . It's built around the sailing ship St Roch which made its way through the North Western Passage and is the only ship to have sailed right around North America. So interesting seeing a collection of exhibits on the exploration of the Arctic Regions.
Hopped on the bus again and got a driver we could understand 😃 We drove slowly through the darker areas of Vancouver and heard all about the initiatives of trying to solve the drug abuse and homelessness which is worse than in Auckland. We were asked not to give any money to any of them as they are cared for and only spend the money on drugs.
We disembarked altogether in Gastown which is comparable to Parnell - certainly the major tourist mecca. We could see the crowds thinning and the shops emptying and by the end of the day we had Canada Place to ourselves again with no trace of the dreaded cruise ships. Oh bliss! Time to settle in to our spot by the float planes and enjoy the peace and quiet with an excellent meal washed down with Irish pear cider. After the 12,000 steps we had clocked up we decided to conquer the bus to get us back up the hill. The driver took one look at us and waved us on for free. Do we look that old? 🚸
Today, one week out from Canada Day right on the 150th birthday, when there's 3 major events on in the city and 3 cruise boats in, we decided to do the other day of our hop-on-hop-off bus tour of the city. The events drew 30,000 people into the city and created an Auckland type gridlock.
We disembarked at Granville Island with its exciting markets. Peter decided he could just manage a crepe with his mouth, so crepes it was. As good as Paris? Close. 😗 Rather than fighting our way through the crowds we chose to do the ferry trip on the cute Little Toot boat down False Creek to the Maritime Museum . No crowds there and so interesting . It's built around the sailing ship St Roch which made its way through the North Western Passage and is the only ship to have sailed right around North America. So interesting seeing a collection of exhibits on the exploration of the Arctic Regions.
Hopped on the bus again and got a driver we could understand 😃 We drove slowly through the darker areas of Vancouver and heard all about the initiatives of trying to solve the drug abuse and homelessness which is worse than in Auckland. We were asked not to give any money to any of them as they are cared for and only spend the money on drugs.
We disembarked altogether in Gastown which is comparable to Parnell - certainly the major tourist mecca. We could see the crowds thinning and the shops emptying and by the end of the day we had Canada Place to ourselves again with no trace of the dreaded cruise ships. Oh bliss! Time to settle in to our spot by the float planes and enjoy the peace and quiet with an excellent meal washed down with Irish pear cider. After the 12,000 steps we had clocked up we decided to conquer the bus to get us back up the hill. The driver took one look at us and waved us on for free. Do we look that old? 🚸
Saturday 24 June 2017
Vancouver : Day 5
The day dawned bright and clear but Peter did not. He's been talking about a tooth since we arrived but presumed it would go away. After all he did his big checkover at great expense before we left. However the tooth needed urgent attention this morning so the concierge at the Sheraton next door was extremely helpful to me and 10.30 on Saturday morning saw Peter sitting in a dentist's chair rather than the hop-on-hop-off bus. 30 mins later a charming young dentist brought him out to me to explain her theory of the problem. $90 later we were on our way with a prescription for antibiotics in case it flares up again when we're on the train. I put Peter to bed and went shopping. Now where have I done that before? By 4pm I had inspected every interesting shop in the major Pacific Centre and was totally shopped out. Peter had got bored with feeling poorly so made his way to meet me half way for a 4.30 meal. We must have looked very elderly because a delightful girl came out to lure us into her wonderful restaurant and organised a fancy omelette that Peter could manage. She was brought up by a NZ nanny and has been 3 times so she appeared delighted to restore us. Wine helped.
After a considerable struggle we managed to locate a boutique movie theatre screening 'The Green Ray'. See if you can find it anywhere . We both dozed off through it but only because of overdoses of Panadol and shopping respectively. Make sure you stay till the end. It's divine.
The day dawned bright and clear but Peter did not. He's been talking about a tooth since we arrived but presumed it would go away. After all he did his big checkover at great expense before we left. However the tooth needed urgent attention this morning so the concierge at the Sheraton next door was extremely helpful to me and 10.30 on Saturday morning saw Peter sitting in a dentist's chair rather than the hop-on-hop-off bus. 30 mins later a charming young dentist brought him out to me to explain her theory of the problem. $90 later we were on our way with a prescription for antibiotics in case it flares up again when we're on the train. I put Peter to bed and went shopping. Now where have I done that before? By 4pm I had inspected every interesting shop in the major Pacific Centre and was totally shopped out. Peter had got bored with feeling poorly so made his way to meet me half way for a 4.30 meal. We must have looked very elderly because a delightful girl came out to lure us into her wonderful restaurant and organised a fancy omelette that Peter could manage. She was brought up by a NZ nanny and has been 3 times so she appeared delighted to restore us. Wine helped.
After a considerable struggle we managed to locate a boutique movie theatre screening 'The Green Ray'. See if you can find it anywhere . We both dozed off through it but only because of overdoses of Panadol and shopping respectively. Make sure you stay till the end. It's divine.
Friday 23 June 2017
Vancouver: Day 4
Well, what a day that's been. The locals call it a heat wave and I actually got to take my jacket off. 😎 Vancouver is a small city surrounded by mountains which are still snowy so it's no wonder there's a chill in the air. This morning we did our walk down to the waterfront, Canada Place, which is comparable to our Viaduct Basin .I left Peter with 22 floatplanes while I went in search of a hairdresser. It's Friday you see. I finished up in the grandest of hotels which I knew would be ridiculously expensive. However I went in and asked. They had only just opened at 11.00 and found they had no hot water. The client with the first appointment wouldn't stay but I didn't care so I got a free hairdo and made a friend with girl who did it. I find out so much from hairdressers. They know all the local gossip. Walked back to Peter who was equally happy with his morning's activity .
After a sumptuous lunch in the sunshine on the waterfront we booked one Beaver city flight for 5.pm and another to fly to Vancouver Island next Tuesday. Then off to find how to get onto the sea shuttle across to Lonsdale Quay on the North Shore. All so similar to Devonport only they have a thriving market there which is well worth exploring .
Then back on the shuttle to wait for our Beaver flight. Peter will be putting so many photos on fb. It was absolutely perfect for us especially after Luke and Laura had taken us for that wonderful tour last night. We knew what we were flying over. And then to cap it all off one of the huge Alaskan Cruise boats was making her way out so we made a very low pass over her as we were coming in to land. (To sea)
To celebrate all that we needed wine and nibbles at Canada Place.
Yes, I think we've settled into the swing of it now.
Well, what a day that's been. The locals call it a heat wave and I actually got to take my jacket off. 😎 Vancouver is a small city surrounded by mountains which are still snowy so it's no wonder there's a chill in the air. This morning we did our walk down to the waterfront, Canada Place, which is comparable to our Viaduct Basin .I left Peter with 22 floatplanes while I went in search of a hairdresser. It's Friday you see. I finished up in the grandest of hotels which I knew would be ridiculously expensive. However I went in and asked. They had only just opened at 11.00 and found they had no hot water. The client with the first appointment wouldn't stay but I didn't care so I got a free hairdo and made a friend with girl who did it. I find out so much from hairdressers. They know all the local gossip. Walked back to Peter who was equally happy with his morning's activity .
After a sumptuous lunch in the sunshine on the waterfront we booked one Beaver city flight for 5.pm and another to fly to Vancouver Island next Tuesday. Then off to find how to get onto the sea shuttle across to Lonsdale Quay on the North Shore. All so similar to Devonport only they have a thriving market there which is well worth exploring .
Then back on the shuttle to wait for our Beaver flight. Peter will be putting so many photos on fb. It was absolutely perfect for us especially after Luke and Laura had taken us for that wonderful tour last night. We knew what we were flying over. And then to cap it all off one of the huge Alaskan Cruise boats was making her way out so we made a very low pass over her as we were coming in to land. (To sea)
To celebrate all that we needed wine and nibbles at Canada Place.
Yes, I think we've settled into the swing of it now.
Thursday 22 June 2017
Vancouver: Day 3
And so we come to the end of another perfect day looking at the prettiest sunset at 9.55pm. Not a cloud in the sky. I actually took my jacket off a couple of times today but was back into my merino + jacket tonight.
Today was one circuit of the hop-on-hop-off trip around Stanley Park . We did the first half with a Candian driver whom we could barely understand, but after our one hop off we did the rest of the loop with a Canadian woman who was infinitely better at communicating. We alighted at the Aquarium which was good but of course we were spoiled in Dubai. Mind you the jelly fish tanks were awesome. They had an Amazon Jungle section with a variety of radiant birds too.
We then did the 1km walk along the waterfront to view the display of totem poles. See fb photos.
The highlight of the day was being picked up by Caisley relatives and wined a dined by them before being driven along the route to Whistler and half way up Cyprus Mountain for a panoramic view of the greater Vancouver. we did the return trip through the affluent Horseshoe Bay with its $8 - 10mil homes. we are just so grateful to Luke and his wife Laura for their extreme hospitality. we saw so much we would not have experienced without them. They have lived here for 10 years now and established their own building enterprise .
Now the big challenge is to see if I can save this so you can read it.
And so we come to the end of another perfect day looking at the prettiest sunset at 9.55pm. Not a cloud in the sky. I actually took my jacket off a couple of times today but was back into my merino + jacket tonight.
Today was one circuit of the hop-on-hop-off trip around Stanley Park . We did the first half with a Candian driver whom we could barely understand, but after our one hop off we did the rest of the loop with a Canadian woman who was infinitely better at communicating. We alighted at the Aquarium which was good but of course we were spoiled in Dubai. Mind you the jelly fish tanks were awesome. They had an Amazon Jungle section with a variety of radiant birds too.
We then did the 1km walk along the waterfront to view the display of totem poles. See fb photos.
The highlight of the day was being picked up by Caisley relatives and wined a dined by them before being driven along the route to Whistler and half way up Cyprus Mountain for a panoramic view of the greater Vancouver. we did the return trip through the affluent Horseshoe Bay with its $8 - 10mil homes. we are just so grateful to Luke and his wife Laura for their extreme hospitality. we saw so much we would not have experienced without them. They have lived here for 10 years now and established their own building enterprise .
Now the big challenge is to see if I can save this so you can read it.
Wednesday 21 June 2017
This is the 3rd time I have tried to write up Day 2 so it will be the shortest yet, but I'm determined to master it so that by the time we start to do something beyond walking straight down our road to the harbour where the Alaskan cruises leave from plus the 22 Beaver and Otter floatplanes are moored, I'll be able to write it up.
Wednesday 14 June 2017
Canada
Canada, 2017
Seriously starting to think about flying out of Auckland on Tuesday 20 June to arrive in Vancouver an hour before we left Auckland. How's that for time travel. We'll be in Vancouver for 9 days so I shall try to keep you posted with our fun each day. Just may be having too much fun to manage a daily posting but will see how we go. I know some of you are thinking you may do a similar trip to ours so let's hope I can inspire you into it.
Next posting 20 June from Vancouver.
Seriously starting to think about flying out of Auckland on Tuesday 20 June to arrive in Vancouver an hour before we left Auckland. How's that for time travel. We'll be in Vancouver for 9 days so I shall try to keep you posted with our fun each day. Just may be having too much fun to manage a daily posting but will see how we go. I know some of you are thinking you may do a similar trip to ours so let's hope I can inspire you into it.
Next posting 20 June from Vancouver.
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