traveltales: VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Sunday, September 29, 2013

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

A Fun Day With A New Friend

With a full day planned ahead of us, we were up early and had breakfast before walking down to Canada Place. We were the only people on the link-bus with the driver, Andrew, a friendly informative young man. Our first stop on this fine day was Capilano Suspension Bridge. (see post in March ‘11)

After enjoying the rain forest park on the other side of the swinging bridge we returned and admired the many story poles on the grounds and talked a bit with one of the carvers. The First Nation’s people are trying to eliminate the term totem pole by calling them story poles. The Spanish thought the natives worshiped the poles and thus called them totems, which in Spanish means idol. That is not the case as the poles tell a story, usually the family history.

Then we returned to the bus stop and flagged down Andrew, who had instructed us to do so. After only a short wait he returned to pick us up for the ride up Grouse Mountain. On the bus was a lone Aussie, Ann, from Adelaide. Australia. Having visited her home town, we got to talking and learned she was traveling alone, so we asked her to join us for lunch and the afternoon.

We rode the large gondola 3700-feet up the mountain. The views from the Altitudes Observation Restaurant were spectacular. We watched clouds drift past completely obscuring our view except that of the falling snow. Then the clouds would drift off and it would be clear and we could see the ocean below. We enjoyed a hot leisurely lunch before watching a movie about the mountain and its activities. There were four grizzly bears in a sanctuary on the property, but to get there we would have had to slosh through wet slushy snow and none of us was wearing appropriate footwear. We spent most of the afternoon on the mountain.

Since it was a beautiful clear evening we elected to eat at the revolving restaurant, which happened to be at the top of our hotel. We had a leisurely dinner enjoying the view as we rotated one and a half times. Since we’d been in Vancouver several days we recognized many of the buildings down below as the restaurant revolved. It was the perfect end to a fun full day.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.