Well, we are well and truely immersed in Vancouver and feel as though we have lived here for years. But more of that shortly as we must always start at the beginning. Sunday, we drove to Fiona's and had a delicious lunch and introduced Tiger to her new home before Fiona drove us to the airport. We duly presented ourselves at the airport, having previously checked in online. Now I've the check in online with other airlines and assumed that we'd rock up and have our bags weighed and ticketed and that they'd check passport and we would be off. No, no, although I'd got the boarding pass, I still had to use one of those infernal machines which have taken over all of the Air New Zealand area like a scene from Dr Who. All this so that we could declare that we'd packed our bags, didn't have anything naughty in the bags and deal with those sticky paper luggage tags BEFORE taking said bags to a real person, who checked passports, weighed the bags and sent them on their way to wherever. We sure hope we see them again, but as this is a direct flight, the odds are pretty good.
So up we go and pass through immigration (once again self service), remembering to take off glasses, as these we not allowed on our passport photos - but it makes it hard to read what you supposed to do without glasses. Vivian had the audacity to smile for a start and the gate did not like that!
On to the dreaded scanning machine, where we both passed with flying colours, except it was Vivian's turn for the random "wand over". Funny thing was that we had had a " discussion " on Saturday about the liquids, sharp stuff, etc. which had mean't a bit of a repack of the suitcase. Anyway, plastic bags in top of my backpack which I put to one side while removing my "man bag", but before I could produce said liquids etc. the official shoved the bag through the scanner with no comment. Seems our discussion earlier was unnecessary☺
We had plenty of time for a coffee and must say that the Atomic Coffee at top of the escalator was very good, which was great as it will be our last Flat White for a month. While enjoying our coffee and people watching, we noticed a large number of elderly (OK, they we generally old) wearing gold tags. That ruled out a Mormon convention!! It turns out that this was a group of 60 from Tasmania, who were travelling on our flight and then going on a Norwegian Line ship for Alaskan cruise and then a trip to the Rockies. Given the age and condition of some of them this was to be a mammoth event. One lady had to be attended to with oxygen about half way through the flight, so hope they are enjoying the thought of the return journey.
Although we were a little late departing wee arrived pretty much on time and were met by our friends Rohays & Don. They were so thoughtful and provided us with water, orange segments and grapes to keep us sustained while they drove us to our hotel. I think it was about 4.00 when we checked in and were surprised when Rohays said that they'd be back at 7.00 as they were taking us out for dinner. Now this is still Sunday, after we had already had most of a NZ Sunday plus a 13 hour flight. Amazingly we were still feeling as fresh as .......? I of course take "No More Jet Lag", which I swear by. Anyway Vivian had a rest for an hour or so, I sorted our the WiFi and after a shower and change we were all set, for what was a fabulous evening. We were taken on a drive around the city to get our bearings and headed off to the Yacht Club for dinner. The weather was warm enough to sit outside and admire the view. Starting to worry about all the winter clothes we packed.
We got back to the hotel about 10.30 and had no trouble getting to sleep. Surprisingly. We were awake before 6.00 on Monday. Monday was a little cooler to start with, but progressively warmed during the day. By the time we got to Rohays & Don's for dinner I had to borrow a pair of Don's shorts. We saw a lot more of Vancouver and are actually starting to get our bearings.
Tuesday was another big day and we were up relatively early to catch a free shuttle to go to Capalino Suspension bridge, which is on the north shore. Fortunately we were there early and went across before the crowds as this is a large bridge which sways quite considerably, particularly when a lot of people start moving. Vivian handled it well, along with the treetop walk, but was less impressed with the cliff face walk over the river.
Rohays & Don picked us up from there and we drove north towards Whistler to visit the new Sea to Sky Gondola at Squamish. The gondola only opened on Friday and rises 850 metres. Absolutely amazing views. Yes, another hot day. We also trecked up to see the Shannon Falls, which were full of spring melt. All in all, quite an active day, finished off with hospitality at Rohays & Don's yet again.
Well, the day has arrived and we are going down for breakfast, repacking our bags and walking down a couple of blocks to our ship for the next phase of our holiday. Vivian has just commented that she is a bit sore from all the exercise yesterday.
Updates and hopefully some photos will follow as time & technology permit.
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