I know it's been a while since the last blog but we have been pretty busy. We arrived in Vancouver 2 weeks ago and we have already played a Frisbee game, played a Frisbee tournament, found an apartment till June, I've found a job, I've quit a job, we've become more 'Canadian' by getting social insurance numbers (which is basically a tax file number), bank accounts & cell phones. Between all this we have traveled near (and sometimes what feels like far) to find a decent coffee. We are currently in a rental vacation which has served it's purpose well but we are excited to move closer to the city in just over a week.
 |
| View from our rental apartment. You can see the mountains, they are beautiful! |
The first two days we did a few touristy things and went to downtown Vancouver. It was rainy so after 6 weeks of travel, aimlessly walking through the city wasn't so much fun, so we just went home and relaxed in an apartment instead of a tiny hotel room. The next day, and every day since has been amazing weather. It's been sunny, cool yet slightly warm. Temperatures have been sitting around 12-15 degrees, so cold when you first go outside but since we are walking a lot to get places it gets pretty warm quickly. The second day was beautiful so we headed 16 blocks north for English Bay. There is a 'beach' there, but it's no Aussie Beach. It's in the English Bay area but in the Summer apparently it's packed! You can see the mountains in the background and go on a nice, leisurely walk, jog or ride around the headland.
 |
| English Bay and Kitsilano Beach. In the background is the main Western part of the downtown Vancouver. |
 |
| English Bay and Kitsilano Beach. |
If you go far enough you'll hit Granville Island which is now a small market area. It has it's own brewery and is known mainly for its fresh produce markets 7 days a week. We have only been there once but we aim to go there on a regular basis for our produce once we move.
 |
| View from Granville Island. The river here if False Creek. Our new apartment is probably 2 blocks to the right if it were in this picture. It's got nice views! Directly across the river, at the end of the bridge is the downtown Vancouver. |
Yesterday was the first day that we got out and explored greater Vancouver area. There are quite a few mountains and hikes that are easily accessible via public transport within less than an hours commute away. It would be faster if we had a car, but we are working with what we got. We went to Lynn Valley yesterday which was fun. We did an 8km hike and although it wasn't the most interesting hike we have been on, the scenery definitely made up for it. We are hoping to explore a lot of the hiking areas around the city in the upcoming months, so stay tuned for some nature blogs.
 |
| Lynn Valley, Vancouver |
 |
| Lynn Valley, Vancouver |
That's it for now. I'm sorry to say that I have not yet tried Canadian pancakes. We will go out for breakfast sometime soon and get our maple syrup hit. To buy it in the supermarkets is just expensive at home, maybe even a little more expensive. I'm also sorry to report that I have not yet found milk in a bag, which I am slightly sad about but as soon as I do, there will be information posted!
