The flight from Melbourne to Vancouver was super easy thanks to an upgrade with QANTAS. Even without the upgrade it was so easy as I had never seen LA so empty. Got to customs and was the first person in line so a very warm US ‘hello mam’, finger prints and out into the LA sunshine (smog).
Well, things were so straightforward. Picked up my bags and transferred them in the transfer area to wait my Alaskan flight. Hmmm had never flown Alaskan Air before and had visions of Ella dogs pulling the plane out – but it was fantastic. Great service, heaps of leg room and smiling staff.
Arrived into beautiful Vancouver into spectacular sunshine. Woops I think I have made a huge mistake with the case full of clothes – well until I got to the arrivals area and had the endless wait of watching every suitcase go around except my own! It became clear that somewhere between LA and BC my suitcase had been waylaid. Forms complete, into a cab and a drive through what I think is one of the most livable places on Earth. With Vancouver at the top, or near top of all lists, I don’t think I am the only one that could easily just transport my life to the beautiful harbour city.
Jude had recommended the Blue Horizon hotel. I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was fantastic. Right in the centre of Vancouver in Robson Street with super nice staff and great rooms. The views over Vancouver across the city and to the sea were amazing.
Carol and I walked down to Gastown and had great dinner in the Flying Pig restaurant. Gastown is Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood and is full of great shops, cafes and the gaslights that make the streets twinkle at night. Well I am sure they are now electricity but they do add a gorgeous light to the streets. Gastown was named after a Yorkshireman ‘Gassy’ Deighton who opened the first saloon their in 1867. Our saloon for dinner was just lovely. We had to acclimatize to the over the top service but we were back in the land of serious tipping.
Now about the luggage. Went back to the hotel and got a call to say my bag had gone to London to visit the Queen but was on its way back and should arrive sometime during the night. What the? How does ones bag get from LA to London? I did ask the man on the phone whether my bag would get the frequent flyer points and was told politely in a very serious way ‘Mam only people earn points’ !!!
Sleeping under the stars 