Home again Home again......

The Vancouver afternoon was damp and cool but the hop on hop off bus took us around the city to see enough to make us want to visit again in warmer weather.  First hop off was at Stanley Park where I hoped to see some totem poles and walk around the sea wall.  Everyone we talked to said to visit this park.  But the rain was steady and we were cold and did not continue..hope to return when the sun comes out later.   Next stop, Grandville Island and we grabbed a bite to eat at the Pacific Coast Cooking school restaurant.  Nice food but slow, guess the chefs were still learning!!, and windy due to door opening every 5 seconds!!  Their main dining area was really nice with a 3 course meal for $19.  No time for that today.  At that point George gave up and went back to room and rest.

Market was fun and of course full of more restaurants.  Dale and I found a bead store that distracted us until Dennis came to pull us away.  Awesome amount of beads!!!  A little chocolate and a lot of photos and then to the bus.  George would have loved the wharf area and tiny water taxis that are really pontoons dressed up. (photos later when we get them downloaded)

Over the bridges and through Chinatown to Gastown and our next stop.  Guide said souvenirs and it was crammed with shops.  This is where Vancouver started and architecture was interesting as were the many visitors.  Still cold and damp...hot drinks..buttered rum and Irish coffee perked us up a bit.  Enough so D&D decided we should walk back to the hotel..about a 40 min walk through the city.  We saw the nice shopping, art galleries and centers, the court house and a more seedy area at the outskirts.  I called it a day and picked up George for a dinner at the hotel while D&D left again walking to a Japanese restaurant which they enjoyed.

Last day G awoke to say..I'm not going to Vancouver Island but will find a doctor.  After a breakfast he set off in a taxi and the rest of us were picked up for the tour.  Bus took us to a ferry for a ride to Vancouver Island.  He toured around the city to show us where to go, first tiny Chinatown, shopping, Parliament buildings, museum, waterfront.  All was interesting and about 20 min walk apart.  Den went to Chinatown first and Dale and I raced to Emily Carr's birthplace.  It was a very quick visit but we are fascinated by the artist and her life and works.  More research later.  Then we raced up the street to Chinatown and quickly enjoyed the city before racing back down to meet the bus with just enough time to photograph totem poles at the museum.  Crazy.  Victoria is lovely and quaint and everyone should spend at least a whole day here..not 2 hours!!!!

Last stop was Butchart Gardens.  Incredible!!!  is the only word.  Beautiful landscapes and millions of tulips and azaleas.  Photos don't do it justice.  The sun actually came out for the first time here so we could enjoy this beautiful place.  Another place to visit again to see the gardens, more of Emily Carr and the museum, and to learn more of the First Nations tribes and their work.

Ferry ride back was nice and scenery lovely.  Much like other coasts with many islands covered with pines and bordered by glacial rocks.  We spied a few seals swimming but no whales.

Back to hotel at 9 where we found G resting and tending to his now diagnosed shingles.  Ugh, it is in the upped quadrant of his face, eye and up into his forehead and hair.  Looks like he was punched in the face with the eye swollen and red.  Meds to help, but very painful.  He should have seen the ships doc a few days ago.  Guess we all should have the shingles vaccine..this is painful!!

So we are happy to be home for many reasons.  We look forward to seeing the family again..it has been ages.  I missed my grandchildren and wished I could show them what we were seeing first hand.  It will be slow getting back into routines ..haven't even begun to unpack or shop.  And I am still rocking with the ship!!!!

Photos to follow in the next few days...M