Tuesday, June 23, 2009

A weekend in Vancouver

My birthday treat! A weekend in Canada, with a fantastic train ride each way. Brits simply won’t believe the ride: two carriages of seats so comfortable and large you can’t touch the one in front; plus one enormous dining car where you can sit, drink beer and play cards the whole time. Stunning views as you chuff along the coast – and all for 30 bucks each way!

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However, it did take five hours (!) each way and was fairly chaotically organised. Here’s me looking at some trees:

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We jumped straight on our B&B’s bikes and explored the city. Lots more skyscrapers than I was expecting – but I loved the international atmosphere – and the game of cricket in Stanley Park.

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The totem pole collection there was fairly awesome. Here’s an especially gruesome one that got away:

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Would you believe I went swimming? In the sea, in Canada? It was chilly but gave a great view of downtown. In the evening, we headed up to see my old school mate Kevin Murphy, and his son Michael.

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The next day, more sightseeing, some lovely nibbles at Granville Market and some gentle ferry riding around the city before our train home. Most civilised!

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