Today i move from my service apartment to hotel whereby the journey is going to start. Upon check in the hotel, i got to see the seaview of city. As the hotel was under renovation, I went for nearby short walk, have a cup of starbuck coffee and it started to rain. I went back to hotel and meet up with the remaining tour mates for orientation session. Tomorrow we were going Sunshine Coast by the ferry. The tour leader is a funny lady. She set the time to gather at 7.31am at lobby. I don't understand by the 1 min for?
Day 2：Tue 29 Apr 08 - Sunshine Coast
Early in the morning we gathered at hotel lobby and then moved on to Sunshine Coast. Our coach drive into the big ferry across Howe Sound and Jervis to Saltery Bay. Finally we arrived at our hotel, Lund. It is kindly of different from normal hotel as it was facing the beach and was kind of a small village. We have a buffet dinner on cruise. I am sitting together with Judy, John and Andrew. I even went up to the deck to enjoy the scenary and wind.
Day 3: Wed 30 Apr 2008 - Victoria
Today we took the BC (British Columbia) Ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver island and arrive the charming village Chemainus (picture on the left), where many small shop and cafe lurk around every corner. I had a huge sandwich for my lunch. After that we continue our journey to Victoria, where an oritation tour introduced the Inner Harbour, the Parliament House and Bastion Square. Afterward I joined the optional tour to Tally Ho Horse Carriage. I sat in the front as i enjoyed the kind of excitement. But it was freezing with the wind.
The carriage sent us back to the hotel that we stayed for 2 nights (The Magnolia Hotel and Spa). I missed chinese food so much, i found a recomendation of a chinese food, which the hotel staff so called "within walking distance and just few block away from hotel", so i follow the map and it was so far, not as near as what i expected... The food was just so so but quite expensive, finally i took taxi back to Hotel.
Day 4: Thu 1 May 2008 - Victoria
Today we start with the sumptous breakfast at the famous Butchart Gardens, 55 acres if exquisite floral displays. We had few hours to explore these Gardens which have delighted visitors from around the world for over a hundred years. Since I was alone, i found 2 friends that walk around the Garden with me, Campbell and Andrew. Campbell is a good photograher, he help me to take plenty of photos. Finally before leaving the Garden, I went to the gift shop, bought some souvenirs for myself and flower rack for mama, cos mama is a flora lover.
Back to Victoria (city), the afternoon wass at own leisure time. As tonight we werw going to have a classy dinner at Victoria's restaurant, so formal dress was recommended. I spent my afternoon to the shopping mall 'The Bay', managed to bought a dress as I never bring any skirt or dress during travel. No choice i have to spend around CAD100 to buy dress and proper handbag. In the evening, we had our dinner at Victoria's Restaurant which really carry the formal ambience.
Today we start with the sumptous breakfast at the famous Butchart Gardens, 55 acres if exquisite floral displays. We had few hours to explore these Gardens which have delighted visitors from around the world for over a hundred years. Since I was alone, i found 2 friends that walk around the Garden with me, Campbell and Andrew. Campbell is a good photograher, he help me to take plenty of photos. Finally before leaving the Garden, I went to the gift shop, bought some souvenirs for myself and flower rack for mama, cos mama is a flora lover.
Back to Victoria (city), the afternoon wass at own leisure time. As tonight we werw going to have a classy dinner at Victoria's restaurant, so formal dress was recommended. I spent my afternoon to the shopping mall 'The Bay', managed to bought a dress as I never bring any skirt or dress during travel. No choice i have to spend around CAD100 to buy dress and proper handbag. In the evening, we had our dinner at Victoria's Restaurant which really carry the formal ambience.
Day 5: Fri 2 May 2008 - Kelowna
Today we returned to the mainland and travel to the Oknagan Valley, Canada's wine capital. On arrival in Kelowna, learn about wine making from enjoy wine tasting. We had our wine picnic down the road. Upon checked in into Grand Okanangan Lakefront Resort, the evening is at own leisure time. The sorrounding was bit quiet and no much place visit. I only saw a museum which is not my interest. The hotel has full facility. I went for swimming, jacuzzi and gym. Afterward i had room service for my dinner.
Today we returned to the mainland and travel to the Oknagan Valley, Canada's wine capital. On arrival in Kelowna, learn about wine making from enjoy wine tasting. We had our wine picnic down the road. Upon checked in into Grand Okanangan Lakefront Resort, the evening is at own leisure time. The sorrounding was bit quiet and no much place visit. I only saw a museum which is not my interest. The hotel has full facility. I went for swimming, jacuzzi and gym. Afterward i had room service for my dinner.
Day 6: Sat, 3 May 2008 - Banff National Park
Oh shit, my alarm did not ring at all. Usually i wake up at 5am, but this morning, i only woke up till the porter knocked my door to pick up my luggage. I have to rush within 30mins time to depart. I got to missed my breakfast. Journey through four national parks: Mount Revelstroke, Glacier, Yoho and Banff. At Giant Cedar, a guided walk through 1000 years old red cedars. Continue to check in to the hotel Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. It looked like big castle in the town. We had a sumptous dinners in small group of 4, but the dinner really took very long time. We had our dinner up to nearly 11pm!!!
Day 7: Sun, 4 May 2008 - Banff Sightseeing (Free and Easy)
This morning, i have choosen an optional tour to take Gondola (cable car). It was also the most painful incident that took place during my trip. Upon arriving the top of the mountain, it was such a beautiful scenary. May be i was too excited, on my way down the stairs to gift shop, I twisted my ankle. It was a really a bad injuried and pain. I twisted my right ankle 90 degree to the right on the floor. My tour mate, Judy, helped me to compressed with some ice (snow) and even help me to get some ointment to apply. She is really a nice and kindheart lady (though a bit naggy)
After the Gondola trip, we went back to town and head to the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum for a guided visit and insight into history, culture and stories. But too bad, i am not a museum person, so during the free time, i passed by a photo shop that provide some old customes photo, so i decided to take some snaps. (Am I look like at the 18oo's night club)
Afterward, i bought a walking stick as my feet can't step on floor. Look super pathetic. Initially, me, Judy, John and Andrew planned to go for a famous rib and steak restaurant, but my pain was getting worse and i can't join the group. What a pity. The pain can really kill me and i really cried. After they came back from dinner, both Judy and Andrew rang me to ask of my ankle conditions. Friends really play important when you are away from your family. I felt so touched.
Day 8: Mon, 5 May 2008 - Yoho National Park
Despite the injuried of my ankle, i still decided to go on the optional Helicopter ride. It was rather expensive, around CAD250 for 30mins ride. This is my first time to sit on helicopter. I even got the certificate of helicopter ride.
Aftter the ride, we continue our jouney with an interpretive walk along Lake Louise. See the famous Spiral Tunnels and pass by spectacular Natural Bridge.
Tonight we checked in to Emerald Lake Lodge. It is a kind of traditional house 'inn'. There are no TV, radio, and really could feel nature of the earth life. In the room, you felt like in winter ambience with the fire and wood dummy display and from my room balcony, i can enjoy the beautiful lake and mountain scenary.
Day 9: Tue, 6 May 2008 - Jasper National Park & Columbia Icefield
Today motor along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway and witness spectacular scenes like Crowfoot Clacier and Columbia Icefield, North America's largest sub-polar ice pack. At the Athhabasca Glacier, climb aboard a specially design ice explorer for a once in a lifetime guided tour over steep grades, snow and ice as ascend pathway up to the glacier.
Today motor along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway and witness spectacular scenes like Crowfoot Clacier and Columbia Icefield, North America's largest sub-polar ice pack. At the Athhabasca Glacier, climb aboard a specially design ice explorer for a once in a lifetime guided tour over steep grades, snow and ice as ascend pathway up to the glacier.
The guide told us to taste the icefield and if you drink the icefield water will help you get younger. Me? Of course i tried a bottle of glacier water as well which cost me CAD 2.50 (Let's witness it when anyone of you see me?)
Afterward we moved to the Jasper National Park, amid the forests, lakes, waterfalls, mineral hot springs, rugged glaciers and spetacular mountains.
Before we checked into our hotel, Sawridge Inn, i joined the optional tour for rafting. I expected it would be very exciting and prepare to get wet, but because on that day the water was to shallow so the rafter can see the rock and I can't the excitement to hit into the rock.
Tonight was also the last night we were together, as Tomorrow noon, as pasrt of the group heading to Toronto were going to take the train to Toronto. So this was consider our last day for this tour.
Day 10: Wed, 7 May 2008 - The Canadian Train
Before we proceed to the train station, we kicked of the day for an interpretive walk at Maligne Canyon, one of the most spectacular gorges in Canadian Rockies. Unfortunately, my movement was restricted, so i was only stayed in the gift shop, browsed around for last minute souveniers shopping.
We then proceed to the train station. It is time to say good bye to those tour mates that did not continue the journey to Toronto. At this moment, we were hugging to each other and i felt so touching for everybody concern of my injuried. Though all of us are new mates but the warmth and care are something priceless. I was really unable to control my tears anymore. I hug and cried on Carmen's shoulder. Carmen is our comedian tour leader and also Martin our drive who always help me down on the stairs from the coach since i sprained my ankle. Initially the group heading to Toronto were supposed to be in one car in the train, but at the end, the 8 of us was split up into 3 cars. The train departed at around 2pm and it was raining, just like my mood (sad).
---
---------------
Day 11: Thu, 8 May 2008 - The Canadian Train
----
________________________________
Day 12: Fri, 9 May 2008 - The Canadian Train
---
We supposed to arrive Toronto on Friday night and stayed for 3 nights. However, our train was stopped at some rural area. No network connecttion at all. We were all very panic and worried what had happend actually? There were 4 passangers sick and one died. Initially, it was suspected SARS. We were all quarantine from one car to another car. Ambulance, helicopter, police, government people, reporter all there. After 12 hours investigation, it was false alarm. The train only depart at night which we supposed to arrive Toronto. Sigh, we got to stay another night on the train.
----
-------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 13: Sat 10 May 2008 - Toronto (Free and Easy)
Upon arrival, we quickly check into our Hotel - Hilton Toronto and had breakfast. During the breakfast, John, who flip on the newspaper, saw the photo of me and Andrew look out from Train window publish on the Canadian newspaper. Somemore i wore a mask, so paiseh!
Then we got into hop on and hop off bus to catch up some attraction. First we went to the Casa Loma. It is sort of castle and inside got some furniture and antique from late Prince (i guess cos no tour guide to explain). Then me and Andrew went to take some traditional costume photos, act as Prince and Princess. The real copy i haven't received, this picture was taken by our camera.
From Casa Loma, we hop on to Toronto CN Tower. It is so high and able to see the entire city of Toronto. We then had our dinner at Hard Rock Cafe and walk around the Yonge Street (like sg Orchard Road)
-------------------
Day 14: Sun 11May 2008 - Niagara Fall Excursion
Yeah, finally the main focus for all the to Canada was to witness how grand is the Niagara Falls.
Early the morning, the tour representative fetched our group (8 of us) to take the coach to Niagara. The journey also take around 2 hours plus to reach there.
Upon arrival, we had our lunch and then prepare to get 'wet' as we will take a ferry and went under the waterfalls. Ah, the water smudge my make up! It taste like salt water. Don't ask me why?
Initially we planned to go Chinatown for our last day dinner but when we back it was quite late and raining. All of us were too tired so we just had our dinner at the Hilton Hotel cafe. Me, Judy, John and Andrew had our last day dinner and it was time to say good bye. We were always in group of 4. The next day, i would fly back to Vancouver while the 3 of them will proceed to San Francisco. Though after our last dinner, we still had little gathering at Judy and John's room. Have some champagne and chips. John bought a pamelo from chinatown but it was dried up.
_____
Day 15: Mon 12 May 2008 - Back to Vancouver
Afer the breakfas, i was busy packing and then proceed to airport with domestic flight back to VC. I stayed for a week then i return to Singapore.
During the one week stay, most of the days was raining. Yet i managed to joined the local half day tour to some attraction but not as exciting as Carmen's tour group.
One of the most famous attraction is Stanley Park. Also Vancouver Tower and Granville island.
The picture was taken at Stanley Park.
That's the end of the journey! I have took more than thousand over photos in my notebook, but if to upload all, will also take thousand years.
No comments:
Post a Comment