CANADA
Hello folksNow writing this from Vancouver Island – Nanaimo. I slept for about 36 hours after arriving here! the pace of Vancouver took its toll! Following on from my previous blog I spent many an hour walking/cycling around Stanley Park, False Creek, Granville Island and Jericho Beach. I now know how to put a cycle on the bus rack (at the front of the bus). It took a little while to work out (and some instruction from the driver) but second time around was getting an old hand! The reason for this – cycle had a puncture and it was a long walk back. Granville Island is a neat place, has an interesting market and small aquabuses plying across the water. I also found the best fish and chip shop in the area and believe me the queues were LONG at lunchtime – deservedly so. Further along was the tented village where they were performing Shakesperean plays, 4 different ones, alternate nights. The Tempest was fully booked for my time there, so I was advised to come along early for a “return”. This I did and I was rewarded with a ticket, not only that the two sisters (one of whom was celebrating their birthday) promptly asked me to join them, so my evening was even more enjoyable than expected. The performance was magical, with the backdrop of Vancouver waterfront complete with mountains peeping through an opening at the back of the stage which the actors used for entrance etc. As a plus the birthday girl lives and works in Victoria, here on VI, so I shall be meeting up with her again next week. The last evening in Vancouver found me at the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park for a performance of Jesus Christ Superstar, which was a very energetic performance from a young cast. So what are my impressions of my trip so far? Very positive. I love watching the families enjoying the outdoor life together, the neat way they have of putting the children in a buggy at the rear of the cycle, the energy they put into family life which produces a good feel factor. I am enjoying using transport again, there are usually several options so spoilt for choice. Coming in the high season means there are celebrations of all kinds happening, for example down in Victoria this weekend there is dragon racing. Further up the coast at Parksville there is a sand sculpting competition and this last weekend there was a concert in the park here in Nanaimo performed by the Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestra. I have been helped all along the way by the warmth of the Canadian people who are most welcoming and helpful and feel very privileged to be taking this trip. As for my return itinerary, I have now managed to alter this so will be flying back east to spend time in the Nova Scotia region, with a Salty Bear trip around Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, finishing my trip with a visit to Lunenburg and a sailing on the Bluenose (tall sailing ship), weather permitting, which I am so excited about. How I will ever come down to earth enough to board a plane back home remains to be seen!! For now exploring this area and the small islands close by and the possibility of sea-kayaking. Just leaves me to wish you all well. By the way Chrissy, have met up with John and Vivienne, they were right behind me when I booked in at my accommodation complete with note! and will meet again later this week.All best, Barbara
posted Tuesday August 2024