Vancouver: Day Four

Saturday was our departure day. We were heading home, hooray! We had been homesick for days. It was such a relief to know we'd soon be in the states, we'd be done with public transit and we'd sleep in our own bed. We had a leisurely morning I packed and we checked out at 11 o'clock. We left our bags with the bellman and we set off for the Sky Train. We were going back to Kirin Seafood, this time we opted for the location near city hall since it was a bit closer.






We loved the meal we had previously at Kirin so much we decided to repeat it. It was just as good, but I prefer the Richmond location. Stuffed again, we waddled back to the train station bound for Yaletown.


Art in the station


A quick walk back to the hotel and we were ready to go. Too bad we had 45 minutes to spare. We were so tired of walking we stayed put and read until the shuttle came to take us back to the train station. Finally, 1:30 rolled around and we were on our way. The Sky Train goes right to the airport so that was a breeze. At check in we were notified our flight had a 2.5 hour delay. We now had four hours to kill. Joy. We sat in the food court, next to the only plug we could find. Frank checked work emails while I read. Figures were were so psyched to be home at 6, just enough time to grill, before lounging in the hot tub with margaritas. Our plans were foiled but we made the best of it.

Maybe smokers in the US would think twice, with these types of warnings? The price is enough to scare me. This was at the duty-free store at the airport.


Near our gate, we spotted this sign below. Are that many people traveling with chickens?



We flew Philippine Airlines home. They have food service. How bizarre? I forgot what that was like. The ham and cheese was absolutely disgusting it's no wonder why airlines did away with food, why spend the money on such shitty food?


We got in just fine, customs took some time coming back. We had a dick taxi driver than whined about us only going to MGM Grand. He waited an hour... this was his chance... blah, blah, blah. Valet was insane. Waited forever for our car, but that was to be expected it was Saturday night.

We stopped at In-N-Out to grab dinner. Oh the sweet taste of home. Frank hopped in the pool and I headed for the hot tub. There is no place like home, sometimes I just have to leave to remember just how good we have it.

Final thoughts on Vancouver...

I'm happy we experienced the city, but I'm doubtful we'd return. However, we did enjoy Banana Leaf, Kirin Seafood and Guu immensely. They just might make another trip worthwhile. We found buying daily bus passes at 7 Eleven was the way to go $9 each and it was good for the trains, too. I loved the Sky Train, quick and super convenient. Busses were never on time, so I really appreciated the timeliness of the trains. The parks are lovely, I definitely recommend a bike ride through Stanley Park.

Vancouver: Day Three

Friday, we went to the west end to see Stanley Park. We wanted to grab a bite first but most places didn't open until 11 o'clock. We stopped and had cappuccino and a treat to pass the time. The pb & chocolate square was as dry as a bone.


Finally, Mediterranean Grill had opened it was Frank's choice for shawarma, I had souvlaki. Neither were particularly good, it was a disappointment.




But now we had energy for a bike ride. We rented for a place on Denman, rates were cheap only $5/hour. I got a basket for my camera bag and we were on our way. The park is very large, the bike trails take you all around on the sea wall. It was an enjoyable ride and the sight were lovely.






























Check out the jetskis for the scale of this sucker, it was huge!




Ever since we arrived in Vancouver the locals talked about the weather, mentioning how warm it was, and they wanted to hit the beach. I thought they were making small talk, but I suppose they were genuine. It was beach weather to them, the temp was 70. Kids were playing at the splash pad and water park, too. How funny is that they have splash pads, but Nicky doesn't in Chicago - poor kid. I've never see tankers at the beach that was a wild sight.


We stopped at the concession stand near the heated pool for a drink. I gotta kick out of the daily info.


Also, spotted this sign there. There were a lot of smokers in Vancouver, more than I've seen in a long time. I imagine the ban will have some up in arms.


After the ride through Stanley Park we returned the bikes. We worked up a bit of a hunger, but more than anything we were disappointed by our last meal so we stopped in Banana Leaf for a bite. It is a Malaysian restaurant with great reviews. They deserve them, too. We had "the perfect lunch for two" and it was... we started we Rotai Canai, followed by Cod in ginger soy sauce, Sayer Lamak, and Renden beef. We like the beef the least, the other dishes were out of this world.








After lunch we wandered a bit down the street and came across Cupcakes, we couldn't help but stop. Frank got a red velvet cupcake and I got a variety of minis. They looked great in the case, but once we opened them up they looked a bit dry and they were. We only had a couple bites they were pretty bad.




We had our fun and we were pretty beat so we went back to the hotel to recoup.

A few hours later we headed Queen Elizabeth via the Sky Train. It sits on the top of a hill so you have great views of downtown, but the gardens there are beautiful.




















After taking in all scenery, we hopped on the bus and headed back to the west end. We decided on Japanese for dinner at Guu.

Guu was hopping we had to wait twenty minutes for a table. Once we got seated we looked over the menu, it's tapas style, Frank knew he wanted duck, but left the rest up to me. Aigamo or duck was in miso, it was tender and delicious. Next, we had pork, tofu, kimchi soup, it was also great. Then, we shared pan fried noodles and veggies. Yum! Lastly, we had crab cake and rice patty with puffed egg. Again, so good! I wish these photos turned out better.






Once again our bellies were full and happy. We walked down Robson Street. It's filled with shops, very American, I could've been in any city in the states with high-end stores. We walked back to Granville.


Again, we looked for a place to grab a drink but the bars were all bumping. Most had covers. Not happening. We stopped at the liquor store and picked up a 6-pack of Kronenbourg. I about died at the price $18.95. We're not in Kansas anymore... We went up to the roof top of the hotel and drank our beers in peace while watching the world go by. Best bar in the city. Eventually security kicked us out they wanted to lock up for night. It was nice while it lasted. We crashed not long after.