Vancouver

erin_johnston — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:01:00 GMT

It's my last night in Vancouver. Am off on a bus tomorrow night to Banff - 14hrs!!! Haven't really done that much in Vancouver, other than chill out and sleep :) Sights that I have seen include most of downtown Vancouver, Robson St (shopping mecca, Coal Harbour, North Vancouver, Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain. It has all been new and interesting so nothing much to complain about. In comparison to Brisbane, downtown Vancouver is a bit more run-down and dirty, but definitely has character and every day is new sight even though you may be pounding the same piece of pavement. Managed to fit a few pockets which I figured were the "nice" areas, with fairly modern apartment blocks and office buildings and shopping malls. Much to my disappointment one day when I found out that most of the malls don't wake up and open till at least 10am or later!! Made for a lot of walking around and time-killing....
North Vancouver was lovely, this is across the harbour/bay from downtown Vancouver and was where I visited the suspension bridge and Grouse Mountain. The weather here has been very much similar to a QLD summer!! Averaging daytime temperatures of around late 20's/early 30's, plus humidity; and nightimes haven't been much better. It's not too bad during the day when you can escape to the shops or a bit of shade for relief but sleeping has been quite a challenge. Also haven't been doing my bit for water conservation by having 2/3 showers a day, and for as long as possible.

Samesun Backpackers, where I have been calling home for the past week, has been pretty good. Everyone is friendly and helpful and all of us are in similar situations - just travelling around. The building seems to hold a lot of heat though and our room gets the afternoon sun so this just adds to the weather conditions! We get a free pancake breakfast each morning (however, I normally sleep in way to late to get it - it finishes at 11am). Free wireless is also available if you have your own computer so that makes communication with everyone very easy. My body clock has definitely not changed yet, which is a bit frustrating - it is currently 12:30am and am not feeling the sleep fairies coming any time soon!

So that's pretty much the story for Vancouver. Next time you hear from me I shall be in Banff, AB. Cheers for now, Erin

Brisbane to Taipei

erin_johnston — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:30:00 GMT

Flight to Taiepi was fairly uneventful - saw a sniffer-dog pick up a guy in the customs line (however, later saw him strolling towards a gate so guess it was a false positive by the doggy). 8 and a half hours was a long time to be sitting down, had a aisle seat so was able to stretch out a bit more. They gave us heaps to eat - lunch was beef, rice and veges, with a pasta/garden salad, slice of apple crumble, 3 slices of fruit, bread roll and drinks were wine (just had to have one)/tea/coffee/water/juice. Snack time was same drinks (minus the alcohol) with a slice of fruit cake and a ham and cheese sandwich - quite substantial :)

On the plane got to watch Kung Fu Panda, CSI:NY, 21 (movie about college kids counting cards in Las Vegas) and some of The Bank Job. Plus played heaps of games, mainly Sudoku and this Bookworm game. Time passed by slowly....

Arriving in Taipei was like walking into a summer's day! 30+ degrees outside, could feel it radiating through the gangway. Inside is nice, very quiet though; called mum and then scored myself a free massage in one of their chairs in this Zen Garden thing they have - very good!!!!

Well there are people behind wanting to use the net so I'm going to sign off for now....next time I'm writing I'll be in Canadia!! :)

Canada 2008/9

Vancouver

Brisbane to Taipei