Friday, 7.27.12 Big Bus

We started the day on the Big Bus tour which also included the pink busses for $37 for a two day pass senior fare. 

We enjoyed the tour and got to the Granville Island stop after Stanley Park. 

First off, we were hungry and Judy opted for the apple cinnamon crepe.  It was fun watching it be made.

The flowers were amazing.

 There is  a great children's park and kids market with every kind of kids toy.

The tug boat was a favorite with the kids.

The Colosseum-like library was interesting.

Chinatown is the second largest outside of China, however the largest population of Chinese outside of China live in Vancouver.  There is your next Trivial Pursuit prize winning answer! .

The steam clock is powered by steam that runs through the city buildings and streets.

The five sails of Canada Place are an amazing landmark of the harbor.

We stopped at the RCMP "Mountie" shop and I got my new patch for my jacket.

We went to the Imperial Palace for dinner, a short two block walk.  Judy had abalone and chicken fried rice and I had crab and corn soup and a spring roll.  Judy said she hadn't had abalone in ages so it was fun.  The bell staff and concierge have been most helpful. 

We will board the ship about noon today and may have limited email and blogging access, but I will catch up  when we do.  Hope you are enjoying our trip.

Canada Line

 On leaving the airport we took a shuttle to the Marriott airport.  This is the horticultured wall at the Canada Line terminal.  The fare was $8.75 to Waterfront Station, the end of the line.  Credit cards accepted.  The train was clean and bright and swift. 

When we got to the station I found a bank cash machine and got some Canadian money to use. I love the aarchitecture of the old train stations. 

We walked the block to our hotel and along the way we found the stone soldier.  The have many of them around town decorated by local artists that are later actioned off  to raise money for local charities.  This is the first one we saw.

ZUIDERDAM entering Vancouver harbor

The Zuiderdam entering Vancouver harbor

I will post later regarding our fanastic Friday.  We got up this morning and saw the Holland America Zuiderdam entering Vancouver harbor.  To our delight, she docked right outside our harborview window at the Fairmont Waterfront, Room 1703.  We are up and packed and went to breakfast.  I had a crab, shrimp and avocado omelette in Herons, the hotel restauraant, and it was spectacular.  It should be about 70 degrees today by 2pm.  We sail at 4pm.  We arranged with the bell captain to get our luggage at 10am and take it directly to the ship. The cost was whatever we tipped the bellman.  Very convenient! We are off to see the War of 1812 exhibit at Canada Place, Canadian Trail.  Judy is the historian of the trip and she is amazing in the stories she tells.  I am so blessed to have this time with her. 

Great Greek...and Judy, too!

Tonight we had dinner at Monterey Greek Taverna. Judy and I dined on fine Greek homemade food including lamb souvlaki and spanikopita and wonderful home-made pitas. This restaurant was right down the street from the Vancouver Airport Marriott.  Highly recommend the food and the host was great, too!

Meet my friend Judy from Corvallis, Oregon.  We have been friends since 1975 when she first helped me get certified as a La Leche League leader in Upper Michigan.  Tonight's dinner was a gift from Aunt Gene's Memorial oil fund! If I haven't told you about that, I will on my return...Time to hit the hay after a long day.  Nite!

Vancouver Airport

Safely landed in Vancouver.  The scenery from the air was magnificent over Glacier National Park.  The lines at customs were reallllllllllly long.  Delta's agent Kelly saved me and got me to the hotel shuttles.  This is a view of the walkway towards customs.  Judy arrived about the same time but we missed each other.  She said it was because I came on a jet and she came on a prop plane.  We didn't know they still made them!  Got settled into the Airport Marriott and had lunch. The fire drill was NOT amusing and very loud, but we didn't have to evacuate.  Time to catch up!

Dogsledding in Juneau

This is me dog sledding on the glacier in Juneau on my first trip to Alaska seven years ago.  I'm all packed and ready to go... only 43 pounds in the suitcase...and it only took 2 hours to pack!!!  Who would believe it!.

Alaska Dream Vacation with Holland America

 This is the start of my FAMtastic Holland America Cruise Tour to Alaska and Denali National Park.  I will write more tomorrow and you can follow my trip and adventures each day.  I promise to have a great trip and post great pictures.  Peg