Tuesday, January 30, 2007
29 January, 2007
We finally ventured out the house to get some essentials from the shops. We decided that we needed some sort of exercise so we took the kids ice skating. It was really such fun and the rink was really icy and hard- perfect conditions. Our feet were a bit frozen but we managed. The rink is next door to a lake which has frozen and so we went skating on the lake. It is like skating on a huge hockey field, really amazing. Luckily Rich and I managed to borrow some skates that fitted from Mark and Sharon’s friend. The sun was setting and it was all really special and pretty and different. We got back home and Rich and I took Sammy for a walk while Sharon prepared another tasty home-cooked meal. We then chilled with DVD’s again. This is the first time the entire trip that we have relaxed so much (and watched so much TV) and it feels great!
28 January, 2007
We woke up late and had a very slow start to the day and it felt so good. We all went for a walk in the park since it was a beautiful, sunny day. But little did we know that it would be such a quick walk since it was absolutely freezing (probably About -10 with the wind chill). The air was very fresh to say the least and the river Bow was still flowing. We went for some hot coffee and doughnuts and then we took a drive through down town. There are many parks but unfortunately everything is so brown and ugly in the winter. There are a few skyscrapers and some modern buildings and the town is quite deserted in the winter. We also saw the Olympic Park where they had the 70m and 90m ski jumps during the 1988 Winter Olympics. It is also a mountain where one can go skiing, but we decided to give it a skip and get back home and chill with DVD’s. We had another great barbeque and we all vegetated in front of the TV.
We woke up late and had a very slow start to the day and it felt so good. We all went for a walk in the park since it was a beautiful, sunny day. But little did we know that it would be such a quick walk since it was absolutely freezing (probably About -10 with the wind chill). The air was very fresh to say the least and the river Bow was still flowing. We went for some hot coffee and doughnuts and then we took a drive through down town. There are many parks but unfortunately everything is so brown and ugly in the winter. There are a few skyscrapers and some modern buildings and the town is quite deserted in the winter. We also saw the Olympic Park where they had the 70m and 90m ski jumps during the 1988 Winter Olympics. It is also a mountain where one can go skiing, but we decided to give it a skip and get back home and chill with DVD’s. We had another great barbeque and we all vegetated in front of the TV.
27 January, 2007
Another flight today. Laureen took us to the airport and we were on our way to Calgary. Why on earth Calgary? Because Mark (Pubes) and Sharon Price live their – one of Rich’s old close school mates. The flight was quick and easy and the plane flies over the snow-capped Rocky Mountains the entire way until you reach Calgary and then it is flat and brown. We arrived in Calgary to a balmy -5 degrees and were picked up from the airport by the whole family (Josh and Amy also came with) and we chilled out at the house whilst Rich and Mark went shopping. They came home with tons of ‘rubbish’ and food for an army. They live in a lovely house that is very bright and cozy. Sammy the dog is really cute and we got settled in very quickly. The whole Price family made us feel really "at home". We had a barbeque for dinner with thick Sirloin steak- for those of you who are meat-eaters, and it was delicious.
Another flight today. Laureen took us to the airport and we were on our way to Calgary. Why on earth Calgary? Because Mark (Pubes) and Sharon Price live their – one of Rich’s old close school mates. The flight was quick and easy and the plane flies over the snow-capped Rocky Mountains the entire way until you reach Calgary and then it is flat and brown. We arrived in Calgary to a balmy -5 degrees and were picked up from the airport by the whole family (Josh and Amy also came with) and we chilled out at the house whilst Rich and Mark went shopping. They came home with tons of ‘rubbish’ and food for an army. They live in a lovely house that is very bright and cozy. Sammy the dog is really cute and we got settled in very quickly. The whole Price family made us feel really "at home". We had a barbeque for dinner with thick Sirloin steak- for those of you who are meat-eaters, and it was delicious.
26 January, 2007
This morning we had a gourmet breakfast – crepes with strawberries and bananas and cream. We sadly left the B&B and were on the bus back to Vancouver. The views were really gorgeous and the mountains were covered in thick snow. Then I fell asleep until we reached West Van which is the wealthy area with all the mansions. We drove past, crossed the bridge and we got dropped off very near Perry’s office. We dropped our luggage their and we went for a walk along the water’s edge around the harbor and Stanley Park. It was quite rushed but the weather was so beautiful and sunny that we finally got to see Vancouver. We had one more night with Perry and Laureen and it was Shabbat too. So we actually went out to their friends for an awesome Friday night meal. It was the first Shabbat meal since we started our trip and we really enjoyed it- thank you everyone.
This morning we had a gourmet breakfast – crepes with strawberries and bananas and cream. We sadly left the B&B and were on the bus back to Vancouver. The views were really gorgeous and the mountains were covered in thick snow. Then I fell asleep until we reached West Van which is the wealthy area with all the mansions. We drove past, crossed the bridge and we got dropped off very near Perry’s office. We dropped our luggage their and we went for a walk along the water’s edge around the harbor and Stanley Park. It was quite rushed but the weather was so beautiful and sunny that we finally got to see Vancouver. We had one more night with Perry and Laureen and it was Shabbat too. So we actually went out to their friends for an awesome Friday night meal. It was the first Shabbat meal since we started our trip and we really enjoyed it- thank you everyone.
25 January, 2007
Today was our final lesson in Whistler and it was very rewarding. We actually progressed to the Baby Green as Marlene refers to it and then finally the real thing. We were all quite nervous but we all did really well. We got down with no broken bones! We had good turns and bad ones, of course, but above all the views were spectacular. From the lifts we could see Whistler Village down in the valley and Blackcomb mountain covered in snow. The skiing conditions were not great, it was very icy and we did skid all over the show. Even Marlene was skidding a lot and we were really impressed we all did so well. On our final run my legs were actually shaking at the bottom, I knew it was time up.
I almost forgot to mention that Rich stuck his tongue to the lift just like in the movie ‘Dumb and Dumber’. He was so happy and everyone thought it was hysterical. We went back for a Jacuzzi that was really needed- we had major thigh burn- and I was so stiff. We met our skiing colleagues (Britton, Anita, Jeff and Linda) from Ontario for dinner and we all had a great meal reminiscing about our 3 days of lessons, except for Jeff who wasn’t with us because he was skiing blacks (a seasoned skier). We walked back to our abode and the snow was starting to melt since it was sunshine and warm everyday so it was easier to walk. The air was so rejuvenating and we didn’t want to leave tomorrow. I guess even if we wanted to ski we wouldn’t be able to because we were sooooo stiff.
Today was our final lesson in Whistler and it was very rewarding. We actually progressed to the Baby Green as Marlene refers to it and then finally the real thing. We were all quite nervous but we all did really well. We got down with no broken bones! We had good turns and bad ones, of course, but above all the views were spectacular. From the lifts we could see Whistler Village down in the valley and Blackcomb mountain covered in snow. The skiing conditions were not great, it was very icy and we did skid all over the show. Even Marlene was skidding a lot and we were really impressed we all did so well. On our final run my legs were actually shaking at the bottom, I knew it was time up.
I almost forgot to mention that Rich stuck his tongue to the lift just like in the movie ‘Dumb and Dumber’. He was so happy and everyone thought it was hysterical. We went back for a Jacuzzi that was really needed- we had major thigh burn- and I was so stiff. We met our skiing colleagues (Britton, Anita, Jeff and Linda) from Ontario for dinner and we all had a great meal reminiscing about our 3 days of lessons, except for Jeff who wasn’t with us because he was skiing blacks (a seasoned skier). We walked back to our abode and the snow was starting to melt since it was sunshine and warm everyday so it was easier to walk. The air was so rejuvenating and we didn’t want to leave tomorrow. I guess even if we wanted to ski we wouldn’t be able to because we were sooooo stiff.
24 January, 2007
It was day 2 of skiing and we were quite excited. We caught the bus into the village and we got our skis and boots on, which felt a bit tender from yesterday. We were now 5 from the original group and we had 3 other new recruits joining us. We all went up to the bunny slopes first and we practiced quite a few drills. Suddenly I completely lost it and I couldn’t turn. Rich was also struggling a bit; I guess Marlene was analyzing everything so much that we were all confused. I fell a couple of times and at one stage I couldn’t turn so I went on my own mission and lost the group completely. I went so fast that I only stopped at the carpet- finally. It was quite funny actually and to end it all off I fell after I stopped, backwards into the splits! Rich fell a few times too, mainly after he had stopped and started to slide backwards too. We went up to the Roundhouse (restaurant) for lunch and at this stage the only real views and slopes we saw were when we went for lunch. After lunch we were all so tired and our muscles were really sore so we stayed on the bunny slopes for the rest of the afternoon. Marlene didn’t want us to go onto the green yet. We were all progressing very nicely and it was another great day. This time we didn’t go straight back to Jacuzzi, instead we walked to the resort to listen to the talk we had missed. We had cookies and tea again in the warm lounge sitting by the fireplace and a sweet guy came over to chat to us about his product. I think that we were doing most of the talking since he was so ‘blown away’ by our trip and when we left we were given another $50 just for coming in. We were pretty chuffed and I guess we had another dinner paid for! We finally got back to the Jacuzzi, warmed up by our-now very stiff seized-up muscles and we had a quick pub dinner and a few ciders before collapsing into bed. This was all hard work and we were having such full days but it was all so wonderful and challenging.
It was day 2 of skiing and we were quite excited. We caught the bus into the village and we got our skis and boots on, which felt a bit tender from yesterday. We were now 5 from the original group and we had 3 other new recruits joining us. We all went up to the bunny slopes first and we practiced quite a few drills. Suddenly I completely lost it and I couldn’t turn. Rich was also struggling a bit; I guess Marlene was analyzing everything so much that we were all confused. I fell a couple of times and at one stage I couldn’t turn so I went on my own mission and lost the group completely. I went so fast that I only stopped at the carpet- finally. It was quite funny actually and to end it all off I fell after I stopped, backwards into the splits! Rich fell a few times too, mainly after he had stopped and started to slide backwards too. We went up to the Roundhouse (restaurant) for lunch and at this stage the only real views and slopes we saw were when we went for lunch. After lunch we were all so tired and our muscles were really sore so we stayed on the bunny slopes for the rest of the afternoon. Marlene didn’t want us to go onto the green yet. We were all progressing very nicely and it was another great day. This time we didn’t go straight back to Jacuzzi, instead we walked to the resort to listen to the talk we had missed. We had cookies and tea again in the warm lounge sitting by the fireplace and a sweet guy came over to chat to us about his product. I think that we were doing most of the talking since he was so ‘blown away’ by our trip and when we left we were given another $50 just for coming in. We were pretty chuffed and I guess we had another dinner paid for! We finally got back to the Jacuzzi, warmed up by our-now very stiff seized-up muscles and we had a quick pub dinner and a few ciders before collapsing into bed. This was all hard work and we were having such full days but it was all so wonderful and challenging.
23 January, 2007
We woke up to a hearty breakfast and headed into the village to get fitted with all our skiing gear. We waited at the hut for an instructor because today is the day we will never forget –the first day of skiing ever!! We were a group of 8 beginners and we all got into the gondola that would take us to mid-station. At the top we were checking our boots to make sure they were on properly since all this gear was very foreign to us. We hobbled out into the snow, on the bunny slopes and we practiced a few balancing drills. Marlene, our instructor would be with us for the next 3 days and she was great. A real no nonsense kind of chick if you know what I mean? By the end of the day we were almost skiing and we were all very proud of ourselves. Except for 2 people that left the group because they were finding it a little tough and we were down to 6. From starting out and not even knowing how to put the skis on to doing a few turns and actually skiing! We felt it was a good day and we got back to our B&B and flopped into the Jacuzzi for some TLC. We headed out to the Keg for dinner (with our voucher) and we had an awesome meal. The walk back to the B&B was so fresh and the air was so clean. There was still loads of snow piled up everywhere and we were really enjoying the experience.
22 January, 2007
We caught the bus to Whistler from the main bus depot and we slept the whole way but apparently the drive is meant to be very scenic. It was snowing the whole way and when my eyes eventually opened and focused there was snow and mountains all around. It was so pretty and we were so excited. It was a quick journey and we caught a cab from the tourist information centre to the Bed and Breakfast (Haus Heidi). The house was so covered in snow that we couldn’t find the path and therefore the front door. A little voice was shouting “why are you trying to come in through the garage”? We checked in to this gorgeous wooden house and Trudy and Jim and Jake (the puppy Alsatian) made us feel at home. We set out in the snow on a walk into Whistler Village which took longer than we thought because of the thick snow and slippery ice on the pavements. It was such fun and it wasn’t cold at all! The snow was piled up high on either side of the walking path and the houses were all covered thick in the snow. We browsed around town and stopped in to warm up at a Brewery, where we had a cider which cost an arm and a leg. Then…someone found us trying to sell us some timeshare. We had an idea what it would all be about and we signed up for it. We arrived at the resort at 16h15 and they told us to have a seat. We helped ourselves to tea and cookies and then were informed that there was nobody to talk to us. So, we got our $150 vouchers and off we went. That was a really good deal don’t you think? We bought a chicken take away at the grocery store, got back to the B&B, had a fabulous Jacuzzi and had an early easy dinner with some SA wine since we had a busy day tomorrow.
We caught the bus to Whistler from the main bus depot and we slept the whole way but apparently the drive is meant to be very scenic. It was snowing the whole way and when my eyes eventually opened and focused there was snow and mountains all around. It was so pretty and we were so excited. It was a quick journey and we caught a cab from the tourist information centre to the Bed and Breakfast (Haus Heidi). The house was so covered in snow that we couldn’t find the path and therefore the front door. A little voice was shouting “why are you trying to come in through the garage”? We checked in to this gorgeous wooden house and Trudy and Jim and Jake (the puppy Alsatian) made us feel at home. We set out in the snow on a walk into Whistler Village which took longer than we thought because of the thick snow and slippery ice on the pavements. It was such fun and it wasn’t cold at all! The snow was piled up high on either side of the walking path and the houses were all covered thick in the snow. We browsed around town and stopped in to warm up at a Brewery, where we had a cider which cost an arm and a leg. Then…someone found us trying to sell us some timeshare. We had an idea what it would all be about and we signed up for it. We arrived at the resort at 16h15 and they told us to have a seat. We helped ourselves to tea and cookies and then were informed that there was nobody to talk to us. So, we got our $150 vouchers and off we went. That was a really good deal don’t you think? We bought a chicken take away at the grocery store, got back to the B&B, had a fabulous Jacuzzi and had an early easy dinner with some SA wine since we had a busy day tomorrow.
21 January, 2007
We woke up early so that we could get a ride with Perry and his son Daniel up to Grouse Mountain- known as the ‘Peak of Vancouver’. It was a cold drizzly morning and they were wondering why they were actually going skiing in such weather? We were wondering why we were going up too? Well, by lunch time we were all really glad that we had made the trip. They had a wonderful morning skiing and we decided to ice-skate for the first time in 15 years. We were going round and around on the skating rink in the open air with music in the background and snow falling ever so gently on our noses. It was fabulous and stunning. It was freezing cold and our feet were almost falling off but we really had a good morning. Neither Rich nor I had ever been in falling snow before so it was a real experience and we had fun. We relaxed watching a DVD in the afternoon and Perry took us for some excellent coffee. We had dinner at a Thai restaurant and we met up with Michal and Neville who are also ex- South Africans now living in Vancouver. It was a lovely evening and the food was excellent. It really was so nice to be staying with friends in a warm comfortable home and having dinner with friends as opposed to a hostel and hanging around walking the streets of downtown in miserable weather (Thanks guys – we really appreciate it). We still haven’t really seen Vancouver because it has been too gloomy! They tried to drive us to the beach park and some view points but we couldn’t see through the dark-grey clouds hanging out being nasty.
We woke up early so that we could get a ride with Perry and his son Daniel up to Grouse Mountain- known as the ‘Peak of Vancouver’. It was a cold drizzly morning and they were wondering why they were actually going skiing in such weather? We were wondering why we were going up too? Well, by lunch time we were all really glad that we had made the trip. They had a wonderful morning skiing and we decided to ice-skate for the first time in 15 years. We were going round and around on the skating rink in the open air with music in the background and snow falling ever so gently on our noses. It was fabulous and stunning. It was freezing cold and our feet were almost falling off but we really had a good morning. Neither Rich nor I had ever been in falling snow before so it was a real experience and we had fun. We relaxed watching a DVD in the afternoon and Perry took us for some excellent coffee. We had dinner at a Thai restaurant and we met up with Michal and Neville who are also ex- South Africans now living in Vancouver. It was a lovely evening and the food was excellent. It really was so nice to be staying with friends in a warm comfortable home and having dinner with friends as opposed to a hostel and hanging around walking the streets of downtown in miserable weather (Thanks guys – we really appreciate it). We still haven’t really seen Vancouver because it has been too gloomy! They tried to drive us to the beach park and some view points but we couldn’t see through the dark-grey clouds hanging out being nasty.
20 January, 2007
We woke up ready for the ferry to Vancouver but not quite ready to leave Victoria. It was a beautiful, sunny day and the harbor looked so pretty. When we arrived at the ferry station they told us there would be an hour delay- that was absolutely fabulous- NOT- as ‘Borat’ would say! (That is for you Perry and Laureen; and for those of you who have watched the movie). When we arrived in Vancouver Richard’s friend Laureen picked us up and since it was such good weather we went straight to Granville Island. We browsed around the market and the crafts and boutique shops but it was quite cold and we headed to Perry and Laureens’ home. We loved their cozy abode and we met Asher and Daniel, their two little boys. The main feature of the evening was the Spaghetti Bolognese, without a doubt, and it was really wonderful to be in a home environment again.
19 January, 2007
We spent the morning at the British Columbia Museum and it was very interesting and well done. It covers everything one can think of and we almost didn’t want to leave. Of course, we were on a tight time schedule and had to still do 3 walking tours. The weather was lovely and the sun was trying to peek out. We walked along the beaches and the shops and the fishing harbor and the parks and it was really gorgeous. The houses are so quaint and everything is so organized and clean. There are even ‘signs’ for taking the dogs off leads and when to put the leads back on again. Proper demarcated areas and there were lots of people walking their dogs. By late afternoon it was time for a tea break and so we got involved with a ‘Sudoku’ Puzzle that was in one of the newspaper leaflets at the coffee bar. I guess it was good to sit down and relax! We then went to buy some postcards and an ex- South African who is now living in Victoria started to chat to us. He sought of tagged along and wanted to walk with us/?? Anyway, we went for a drink with him to a local pub, even though he drank coffee, and it was all very strange. He dropped us off at our hotel, we had a quick bite to eat and then guess what??? We did our laundry AGAIN. What fun it was, although I must say that at least we could sit in the hot tub downstairs whilst we were waiting for it.
We spent the morning at the British Columbia Museum and it was very interesting and well done. It covers everything one can think of and we almost didn’t want to leave. Of course, we were on a tight time schedule and had to still do 3 walking tours. The weather was lovely and the sun was trying to peek out. We walked along the beaches and the shops and the fishing harbor and the parks and it was really gorgeous. The houses are so quaint and everything is so organized and clean. There are even ‘signs’ for taking the dogs off leads and when to put the leads back on again. Proper demarcated areas and there were lots of people walking their dogs. By late afternoon it was time for a tea break and so we got involved with a ‘Sudoku’ Puzzle that was in one of the newspaper leaflets at the coffee bar. I guess it was good to sit down and relax! We then went to buy some postcards and an ex- South African who is now living in Victoria started to chat to us. He sought of tagged along and wanted to walk with us/?? Anyway, we went for a drink with him to a local pub, even though he drank coffee, and it was all very strange. He dropped us off at our hotel, we had a quick bite to eat and then guess what??? We did our laundry AGAIN. What fun it was, although I must say that at least we could sit in the hot tub downstairs whilst we were waiting for it.
18 January, 2007
We walked and we walked and we walked. The weather wasn’t brilliant, about 5 degrees Celsius and some rain. We ignored it and carried on with our days plan. The inner harbour is really beautiful, surrounded by mountains (which were snow-capped and full of clouds) but anyway we can just imagine how spectacular it would be in the sunshine. We stopped for a beer and some fish and chips at a harbor café and it was very cozy. The fried fish isn’t half as good as back home but I guess it is something we haven’t had in a while so we enjoyed it. The walk through the shipyard and the upper harbor wasn’t as appealing; perhaps in summer when the rowers are rowing past in their colourful row-boats and the sun is shining on the water it is prettier. By now it was really raining and so we did a tour of the Legislative building – taking in a bit of BC History. We strolled around the town with all its alleyways and funky shops and it was already getting dark by 17h15. We found an amazing Noodle Bar for dinner- quick and easy and really tasty. We tried to find a lively pub but I think that it was too early and being the ‘big drinkers’ that we are, we headed back to our warm and very comfortable hotel room.
We walked and we walked and we walked. The weather wasn’t brilliant, about 5 degrees Celsius and some rain. We ignored it and carried on with our days plan. The inner harbour is really beautiful, surrounded by mountains (which were snow-capped and full of clouds) but anyway we can just imagine how spectacular it would be in the sunshine. We stopped for a beer and some fish and chips at a harbor café and it was very cozy. The fried fish isn’t half as good as back home but I guess it is something we haven’t had in a while so we enjoyed it. The walk through the shipyard and the upper harbor wasn’t as appealing; perhaps in summer when the rowers are rowing past in their colourful row-boats and the sun is shining on the water it is prettier. By now it was really raining and so we did a tour of the Legislative building – taking in a bit of BC History. We strolled around the town with all its alleyways and funky shops and it was already getting dark by 17h15. We found an amazing Noodle Bar for dinner- quick and easy and really tasty. We tried to find a lively pub but I think that it was too early and being the ‘big drinkers’ that we are, we headed back to our warm and very comfortable hotel room.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
17 January, 2007
We spent most of the day traveling. It took forever to get from Vancouver mainland to Victoria (on Vancouver Island). We took the local buses and the ferry and we eventually arrived in Victoria in the afternoon. The ferry was pleasant and very ‘calm’ and the scenery was quite pretty too. Since we skipped lunch we found a hotel in a great location facing the harbour and we headed out for some grub. By the time we left the restaurant it was dark and the weather was the same as yesterday with a bit of a drizzle so it was no fun walking around. Besides the fact that everything closes here at 18h00 and it was really quiet out and about. We were quite tired anyway and needed to be fresh for tomorrow’s adventures. We also hadn’t been online for about 5 days so it was great to catch up on some admin, phone calls, e-mails and blogger.
We spent most of the day traveling. It took forever to get from Vancouver mainland to Victoria (on Vancouver Island). We took the local buses and the ferry and we eventually arrived in Victoria in the afternoon. The ferry was pleasant and very ‘calm’ and the scenery was quite pretty too. Since we skipped lunch we found a hotel in a great location facing the harbour and we headed out for some grub. By the time we left the restaurant it was dark and the weather was the same as yesterday with a bit of a drizzle so it was no fun walking around. Besides the fact that everything closes here at 18h00 and it was really quiet out and about. We were quite tired anyway and needed to be fresh for tomorrow’s adventures. We also hadn’t been online for about 5 days so it was great to catch up on some admin, phone calls, e-mails and blogger.
16 January, 2007
We arrived in friendly Canada and spent a while at the tourist information since we had no idea, once again, where we were going to stay or where we would ski and how it all worked. Eventually we left the airport with the local bus and got downtown quite near to our hotel- the YWCA. It was really clean and neat and well-located. We dropped our luggage and headed out in the freezing cold (from the sun, sand, sea and surf to snow and hopefully not sniffles). It felt like any biggish city and we couldn’t really see much because it was so cloudy and gloomy outside. However, it could have been worse and it could have rained but it didn’t! Well, we walked around Gastown and Chinatown and downtown but we didn’t really see a whole lot. There are lovely buildings, some modern and some old, and the streets are broad and kept very clean with great shops and malls. Everyone is extremely friendly wherever you go and whatever you do and this really makes up for the bad weather. People go out of their way to help and there is no way you can get lost! Unfortunately Stanley Park is closed due to the recent snow and wind storms which is very uncommon here. I guess it is not that safe so they are waiting to make sure the trees are all cleared. We did pass by Canada Place (the waterfront) where one is supposed to get splendid, panoramic views of the park and the mountains but unfortunately visibility was too poor to enjoy the view. After dinner we walked back to the hotel and the streets were dead. There was nobody around except for quite a few beggars which we were surprised to see. I guess it was too cold to be walking around like us crazy South Africans.
We arrived in friendly Canada and spent a while at the tourist information since we had no idea, once again, where we were going to stay or where we would ski and how it all worked. Eventually we left the airport with the local bus and got downtown quite near to our hotel- the YWCA. It was really clean and neat and well-located. We dropped our luggage and headed out in the freezing cold (from the sun, sand, sea and surf to snow and hopefully not sniffles). It felt like any biggish city and we couldn’t really see much because it was so cloudy and gloomy outside. However, it could have been worse and it could have rained but it didn’t! Well, we walked around Gastown and Chinatown and downtown but we didn’t really see a whole lot. There are lovely buildings, some modern and some old, and the streets are broad and kept very clean with great shops and malls. Everyone is extremely friendly wherever you go and whatever you do and this really makes up for the bad weather. People go out of their way to help and there is no way you can get lost! Unfortunately Stanley Park is closed due to the recent snow and wind storms which is very uncommon here. I guess it is not that safe so they are waiting to make sure the trees are all cleared. We did pass by Canada Place (the waterfront) where one is supposed to get splendid, panoramic views of the park and the mountains but unfortunately visibility was too poor to enjoy the view. After dinner we walked back to the hotel and the streets were dead. There was nobody around except for quite a few beggars which we were surprised to see. I guess it was too cold to be walking around like us crazy South Africans.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
15 January, 2007
Our last day didn’t start off very well. Rich bought a new razor and there were so many attachments and ‘things’ to carry that we had to somehow return it. So, we decided to go for a walk and enjoy the morning, but 10 minutes into the walk we realized that we hadn’t returned the snorkeling gear and so we had to fetch it. Once that was done we were on our way again and then we thought we should perhaps return the razor and get that off our chests. Well, that was a hot long walk and we ran back since we had to check out. We eventually got settled on the beach after lunch and once again were considering canceling the flight to Vancouver and staying on a couple more days. But, we met a lovely Canadian couple on the beach and started chatting and they were great. They were telling us wonderful things one can do when it snows and what fun it can be and I guess made us feel a bit more at ease with the fact that we were heading for the snow when we could be in beautiful sunshine. We had dinner with Coby and Robyn and will try and catch up with them in Toronto in a few weeks time. We got the bus to the airport and had to wait and wait… Our flight was about 1 ½ hours delayed.
Our last day didn’t start off very well. Rich bought a new razor and there were so many attachments and ‘things’ to carry that we had to somehow return it. So, we decided to go for a walk and enjoy the morning, but 10 minutes into the walk we realized that we hadn’t returned the snorkeling gear and so we had to fetch it. Once that was done we were on our way again and then we thought we should perhaps return the razor and get that off our chests. Well, that was a hot long walk and we ran back since we had to check out. We eventually got settled on the beach after lunch and once again were considering canceling the flight to Vancouver and staying on a couple more days. But, we met a lovely Canadian couple on the beach and started chatting and they were great. They were telling us wonderful things one can do when it snows and what fun it can be and I guess made us feel a bit more at ease with the fact that we were heading for the snow when we could be in beautiful sunshine. We had dinner with Coby and Robyn and will try and catch up with them in Toronto in a few weeks time. We got the bus to the airport and had to wait and wait… Our flight was about 1 ½ hours delayed.
14 January, 2007
We woke up late because we watched Prison Break until all hours of the morning. We set off on the bus with some snorkeling gear to Hanuama Bay. This is a beautiful bay that is now a nature reserve with well-preserved coral reefs and plenty of colorful fish. We spent a couple of hours snorkeling and swimming and sitting on the beach before heading back on the bus to Waikiki. We got to the main beach and spent the afternoon chilling and sleeping on the beach. We did a fairly long walk to the Ala Moana Shoping mall, the biggest in Hawaii and then got to Wal~Mart and bought some essentials that have been on our list for a while. We had delicious beef ribs for dinner and walked back in the fresh air and loving Hawaii.
We woke up late because we watched Prison Break until all hours of the morning. We set off on the bus with some snorkeling gear to Hanuama Bay. This is a beautiful bay that is now a nature reserve with well-preserved coral reefs and plenty of colorful fish. We spent a couple of hours snorkeling and swimming and sitting on the beach before heading back on the bus to Waikiki. We got to the main beach and spent the afternoon chilling and sleeping on the beach. We did a fairly long walk to the Ala Moana Shoping mall, the biggest in Hawaii and then got to Wal~Mart and bought some essentials that have been on our list for a while. We had delicious beef ribs for dinner and walked back in the fresh air and loving Hawaii.
