31st May 2009

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31st May 2009

After 3 hrs on the national express, followed by 3 hours stretched across airport seats in a heavy doze, it’s time to check in at Gatwick’s South Terminal for my flight to Vancouver.

Although I managed to get my large case to 20kg, I have to cheat with 7.5kg of hand luggage. Of course gate 28 happens to be at the far end of the jetty and 20 minutes later (even using the long slow flat escalators) my shoulders aren’t very happy.

A local Canadian told me to avoid the East and Surrey Area’s around Vancouver – she’s travelled even further than me overnight – from Ireland. Even though I’m seated at 10J my seating area is the last to be called for Thomas Cook/Canadian Affair flight. The excitement loomed as the A330 departed at 9.45.

Even though I ask for a window seat, mine lacks a window. Later on when I recline the seat I find I am entitled to a part view from the window behind. Even in economy from years of travel, I’ve never felt this cramped. I’m glad I’m not obese as hip wise my shape just fits the seat and my shoulders are touching a student and the fuselage. The best part is the views. First comes the mountainous peaks and lakes of West Scotland. The jet skirts the southern coast of Iceland, but I don’t see any ice.

Over South East Greenland things begin to change as the ice sheets and mountains blend into a blue horizon. With an isolated majestic beauty of their own, miles of snow capped mountains and winding glaciers are stretched out into the distance. Many pieces of ice float on the lakes surfaces below. Over the southwest of the country blobs of ice pools are set on baron land. Brown valleys are interspersed with veins of ice. Flying over Davis Strait, the jet flies over Northern Canada and the Baffin Island area. All in all it’s a combination of flat and hilly. Out of all my travels, the 30 minute approach into Vancouver has to be the most breathtaking. Mile upon mile of snow-capped mountainous region stretched out before me as the A330 started a descent over the Rockies. A 4 armed lake presented itself as an unusual shape, while another area looked like a patchwork quilt.

Mountains, valleys and rivers approached once more until the flatlands of the Vancouver region began to form. Stretched out below, the urban sprawl met winding rivers and distant mountains. I felt a sense of traveller’s excitement. After the city developed more detail, it was an 11.30 am touchdown.

The Canadian couple next to me said Vancouver is only 150 years old. The crew get 24hours here, then 24 hours in Edmonton. Back in ’92 I remember getting at least 5 days in a long haul destination with Monarch.

With a temperature of 17oC and clear blue skies it puts me in an optimistic mood for a forecasted few days of sunshine. Oddly I don’t feel tired although my shoulders achingly would not agree.

The airport has a modern fresh appeal to it although I’m surprised to pass a tank with large lethal looking jellyfish in it.

My heart sank when I saw queue after queue of passengers at immigration. It took me nearly an hour to get to the desk. An older distant looking olive skinned official asked if I had a return ticket. After proof he wanted to know my whereabouts itinerary. Did I have asylum invisibly printed on my forehead?

A helpful lady at immigration gave me a printout and description of my 20km journey. I crossed into the domestic terminal and got some change. The heat and sweat felt rather uncomfortable couple with the baggage situation. At 2.5 dollars it was a bargain - as I didn't have 50 cents the driver accepted $2. A few minutes later it was changeover to another bus. Passing along a straight boulevard the houses looked mainly large and neatly geometric. Some reminded me of my travels to the US and Australia. Heading towards down town, the shops were a mix of different styles from boutiques, to supermarkets to pharmacies. Most of the passengers looked oriental. A helpful lady told me the YWCA was 4 blocks down from the West Georgia St stop. I noticed that the Canadian accent is a lot milder than their southern counterparts.

Four blocks later with 2 unforgiving shoulders, the shower was a welcome site. I would describe the YWCA as clean and comfortable, fairly basic, like a 3* hotel. My room is situated on the 10th floor overlooking tower blocks and the quilted dome sports stadium.

I went to bed at 3pm and although I set my alarm for 6, my body needed another 2 hours sleep. Still there was enough time to view China town's night market (open Fri. - sun eve).

As I approached the millennium gate in Pender St, a strong smell of Chinese cuisine wafted in mid air. Situated on Keefer Street, the illuminated mini marquee stalls trailed gradually uphill. I was expecting it to be much larger. Oriental vendors sold plenty of nic- nacs from crafts, jewelry, mobile phone accessories to t shirts and DVDs. Some stalls such as the Dim Sum serve hot Chinese specialties i.e. dumplings and noodles.

Thankfully I came across a 7 11 shop for my groceries after a $15 two course filling meal at East's Chinese restaurant. At $27 it's not cheap for a few goods.