Around the World I

Day 5 - Tue 15 Apr 2003

Up at 6am for my final breakfast on the train, toast and tea, then off to do my final pack. The train got into Vancouver 40min early. Got Sheila to the skybus and bought a day pass, said our farewells as we hit downtown. It was just before 8am when I found and booked into my hotel. Had a quick wander around to find an Internet Cafe. Then walked downtown to the Seabus terminal and took it over to the North shore. Helicopters and small seaplanes were taking off on either side - got a great view of the bridge and waterfront.

The weather has been wet this morning - From the North Shore I jumped on the 246 bus which goes up into the hills, and then back down town via the Lions Gate bridge. By this time I was getting cold, so I headed back to the hotel to get a bigger jumper. (still only 10am). Found out that the library does free Internet access and is open until 8pm. Sent my first e-mail back home, and checked on the SARS situation, by the looks of it HK seems to be getting worse.

Me and the Bear

Headed out and did the Lonely Planet walking tour - it then started to rain again, so got on the bus and headed out to the University, where the museum of anthropology is situated. By the time I arrived the sun was out again! Lots of totem poles and First Nation carving - spent a couple of hours having a look around before heading back into town. While looking around I started chatting to an American couple, who said that they should be in the UK now, when I asked why they said the "Iraq invasion" - well, the UK is very close to Baghdad!

Had a look around Gastown, and saw a very interesting lady in black low cut strapless dress being searched by the police! Then moved back to the library to send a few more e-mails. Lisa had replied, and suggested meeting up with her in Australia - well I'm tempted, I really am! If I miss out HK and Singapore, then I'd have seven days down under. But I bet I can't do it because of the miles limit on my ticket.

I've checked the phone book, and there are three STA travel shops here, so I'm going to check them out, and see if I can re-route. Meeting up with Lisa is an attractive thought - but a plan 'B' could be India, or even Sri Lanka. Next stop is the travel section of the library!

My hotel room is small, and at the back of the hotel, but it is clean and has a wash basin. I've no neighbours, and in fact I haven't seen any other guests!

NextView my route around the world here