We got up just when the ship was pulling into the Vancouver harbor. Got ready and went to the buffet for breakfast one last time. At 7:45, we moved everything to the Universe Lounge to wait for our disembarkation call. Everything was very organized and ran smoothly. Soon we were called and we breezed through passport control and customs and were ready to explore Vancouver. We changed some money, bought tickets for the Vancouver Trolley (a hop on and off tour) and got a taxi (a Prius!) to our hotel. Since it was so early, we weren't able to go to our room, but dropped our luggage off and headed to the one of the trolley stops to start our tour. Unfortunately, two full ones went by before we decided to start walking and catch the trolley later. We walked along the sea wall walking path and into Stanley Park and around to see the totem poles on display. We then took a trolley to Prospect Point, which had a great view of the Lionsgate Bridge, which the ship had sailed under this morning. After having to wait through another full trolley, we decided just to stay on for the duration of the ride. The driver also gave a commentary as he drove and was pretty amusing. At Canada Place, we transferred from the "Red Line" to the "Blue Line" and drove through Chinatown and then on to Gastown. The Vancouver International Jazz Fest was in full swing and the main street of Gastown was closed for the occasion, so we got off the trolley and joined in the fun.
There were 2 stages and lots and lots of people. The first group we watched was from Finland.....that was a whole different kind of jazz! We had some lunch and then went down to the second venue, which was much more enjoyable. Since the trolleys had stopped running, we walked back to our hotel (Robson Suites) and checked in. We have plenty of room here - full kitchen, living area, etc. Lots of space to spread out in. And free internet!! After resting a bit, we walked down a block to Denman St, which is full of all kinds of ethnic restaurants. We chose "Banana Leaf", a Malaysian restaurant which was very good. Then we walked down to the beach and watched the sun setting (much, much earlier than in Alaska!). There were lots of people strolling and even some wading in the water (Brrrr!). We sat on a bench for awhile and people watched. Got some gelato on the way back and stopped in Safeway for something for tomorrow's breakfast. Only one more day to explore this fun city!
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