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
