DAY 31 Vancouver, Canada

CANADA,  HERE I COME!!!

On Wednesday I took the Amtrak train from Seattle, Washington over the boarder to Vancouver, British Columbia. I was very nervous as I did not really understand how the border control was going to work. The way I understood it, I did not need a visa as I am from one of 54 exempt countries and arriving by road/rail from the USA. Had I arrived by plane, then I would have needed an electronic visa, same as with the USA. But.... there was some conflicting info online and I get nervous around customs officials, even when I know I have not done anything wrong. And then of course there was the issue re not having any Canadian cash on me at all and needing to take a bus from the station.

Turns out I did not have to panic at all! The train was punctual and comfy and look at the views!

The train is pretty much just like being on a plane only the toilet was huge and clean. And you have to go to the restaurant car to get something to eat.

And the customs issue.... easy as! They checked my passport when they checked my ticket and assigned my seat. And then on the boarder a female official came round the train, looking at passports and handing out arrival cards. At the station, the train parked in an area where there are mesh fences on both sides and you stay seated while they take your luggage off the train. Then passengers get to leave the train one car at a time. You grab your luggage and go through customs just like if you arrived on a plane. I went pretty quickly.

And my fears about not having cash.... There was an ATM right there on the station, right next to a foreign exchange counter.... I had choices and it was quick and easy to get money and just as easy to get to the bus stop and to the hostel.

I stayed at the Cambie Hostel in Gastown (in the thick of it!). Gastown named after Gassy Jack... and no, not what you think...... gassy refers to someone who talks a lot. :) 

Once checked in, I was too pooped to do anything or go anywhere. So I Skyped with my lovely daughter, chillaxed and went to bed early.

After a $5 discount from the hostel, this breakfast cost me $2.50only. And it was very tasty.

One of the many shops close to the hostel.

The steam clock on the corner down the street from the hostel.

On Thursday I made use of the Hop On Hop Of busses and got a good overview of Vancouver. My favourites were Stanley Park (+/- 1,000 acres) and Granville Island which has a huge market.

Simon, the Hop On Hop Off bus driver. He knows EVERY coffee shop and points them all out. The coffee and café culture is as strong here as it is in Wellington.

Vistas of the city.

A bunch of sculptures of the same guy laughing.... a bit creepy I thought

I noticed these stone figures in several places around the city

These huge shoe boxes were outside a shoe shop. One was actually seating. This one had a pair of sneakers in a Perspex box on top.

Vancouver has something like 27km of sea wall, starting at "The Drop" by Canada Place, where the cruise ships dock, and going all the way around Stanley Park. Vancouverians and tourists walk, jog and cycle along these seawalls.

This mermaid is dressed in diving gear

 Stanley Park

I always wondered what it would be like to take a bath tub out onto the water... now I know!

Painted Silos on Granville Island

Lunch at the Granville Island Market was honey and garlic pork and stir-fry rice. Sat outside to enjoy the lovely weather. Swooped in a seagull, hit me in the face with one wing and grabbed some of my food. Some more fell on the ground so I only ended up with half my lunch and 3 gulls fighting over the rest. And right there by a sign that warns to not feed the birds as it is seen as animal abuse by the SPCA. What about the abusing birds though???? Who is going to sort them out?

I am going to stop here and go on with my second day in Vancouver tomorrow as this blog is now getting stroppy and moving pictures around.... :)