The Pursuit of Leisure Don't expect too much, and you won't be disappointed.

Back in Vancouver and checking in from the Blue Horizon hotel.  I got a nice view of downtown and part of the park.  I took the bus from Whistler this morning, and when you don't go the scenic route, the drive only takes 90 minutes versus the 4-hour train ride I took to get to Whistler.  Last night I got a note slipped under my door saying that I could choose to stay for another night at Crystal Lodge for the special "summer" rate and it sure was tempting!  But the weather forecast called for rain and I had a bus ticket to Vancouver so back to Vancouver I went.  This hotel location is much better one that my previous one - a lot closer to the park and the beach and the harbor.

Today I finally stopped by the Vancouver Aquarium today in Stanley Park.  Definitely feeling the effects of horseback riding in my legs today so I didn't walk around that much around the city.  Stopped by the Rose Garden in Stanley Park as well before heading to the aquarium, which had some really interesting exhibits on exotic fish and British Columbia oceanlife and a really neat jellyfish exhibit, and of course the usual dolphins and seals and also beluga whales and adorable sea otters in their outdoor pools.  

Afterwards I roamed Denham Street by the park and the beach to find a place to eat dinner and I settled on Legendary Noodle where the noodles are handmade on site.  I had a nice steaming bowl of hot and sour soup with thick noodles and a steaming hot cup of house special chrysanthemum tea.  Yum!

Tomorrow I am taking a day trip to Victoria.  I was considering spending my last full day on vacation walking around the city and shopping and buying souvenirs but after visiting the aquarium I felt inspired to go whale-watching and the waters around Victoria are famous for it.  The clouds also cleared today so hopefully it won't be raining tomorrow.  So I booked a last-minute trip that'll be a 10+ hour return trip and a combination of boats and buses and walking.  The trip also includes a stop at the Butchart Gardens for some pretty flower-viewing.  It's going to be a long day but a nice way to wrap up this vacation.  If all goes well I'll be able to make a quick souvenir run right when I dock back in Vancouver for some cheesy goodies.