Canucks and Us

Our last morning on Nieuw Amsterdam.

Maggie was out of the room early. I slept in until 7:45 (it's a big deal when your daily grind begins around 5am).I hopped out of the bed, pulled together the last of my items, then said, "Fair winds!" to our little room. Up to our table I traveled to write and to enjoy our final morn. This ritual of being at the table first had become something of a routine and it was nice to have downtime. The view from my table was superb. Before me lie the great city of Vancouver. My particular window-scape looked out over Stanley Park, the West-North-West snow topped mountains, an enormous train station, and a floating Chevron Station (a fuel dock). On the port side was the odd Convention Center on steroids.

Floating Gas Station

This was the major stop for most passengers and as such the vessel was relatively empty. I made up my breakfast - bread-less eggs Benedict, a banger and two cooked tomatoes. Coffee happened. The girls joined me and we took our time. We wanted to be the last off and we just about met that goal. Our bags were literally the last to be picked up. Exiting the cruise boat and the area surrounding was extremely easy. The nice Canadians hailed us a van and in we all hopped, off to see our B&B.

The drive to Barclay House B&B was quick and easy. In no time at all, we found ourselves before a yellow and white trimmed Victorian from 1904. It was storybook cute. We met a lovely German family on the porch as we brought in our bags. Our two rooms, the Haida Way and the Garden were the ground flats. We passed through a lovely garden with gold, white poppies, maroon colored leaves of Japanese maples and a whole ton of untamed flowers. Essentially, exactly what I hope my future front yard will look like.

Waiting to check in!

Maggie's and my room was adorable. It was all yellow with red furnishings, tulip lanterns and a sitting area. The red couch in the fore room was to be my bed so that Maggie could enjoy a proper bed. Our room was referred to as a "bachelor," which I had never heard of - I would describe it as a kitchenless studio, option one bedroom. The bathroom did have a door, so I suppose that makes the difference. There was a deep, white coffin tub with a long shower pipe. Adorable. If it had a kitchen, I could live there, but I hadn't seen Carolyn and Felicia's rooms yet. 

Their room would be my first choice, but mostly because it had a Jacuzzi tub!!!! That's right, a full, raised, corner jacuzzi in the room. We didn't jump in right away, as we had adventures to get through, but we made a date for it later. There was no way we were going to miss that opportunity.

With no plans, no reservations, we headed out to see what the road would bring. 

A block hadn't passed beneath my feet before a Canuck stopped us to visit and then give us travel and sight seeing suggestions. She recommended that we go to a local store called Chocolate Mousse, a particular Italian restaurant and that we go to Stanley park. Following our guide's suggestion, we went to the little store in which I found a fun rucksack, which has since become my favorite bag ever. It's next to me now as I type this. I LOVE sturdy canvas bags and this one came with a lovely selection of pockets AND the option of turning into a backpack or shoulder bag...#sold.

While Maggie ran back to the B&B to grab a sweater Carolyn, Felicia and I went to an Asian Tea store to get something refreshing and so that Carolyn could experience Bubble/Boba/Pearl tea (It's called something different everywhere you go). At some point we also stopped at a Starbucks where we received a free drink because they made one of the orders incorrectly...but this met expectation and I got free caffeine, so all was good.  

Once Maggie rejoined us, we strolled through Stanley Park which is alongside the waterfront in Vancouver. We were amazed by the lush green, forest park. It was beautiful. We found a bench that looked out to the Rowing Club and ate the sandwiches we packed from the cruise boat. We were well prepared travelers.

As we were sitting there, we spoke to a lady for well over a half hour and it all started because we four women locked on to the cutest dog any of us had ever seen; a Black and Tan Pomeranian. Trust me, I know - but when they are shaved, they are adorable. I'm not much of a fan when they are Pom-Poms, but holy cow, this dog was cute. 

Lunch time!

At some point we resumed our walk and the race was on. Maggie took off with Felicia, so Carolyn and I stopped and admired the roses, the flowers, the birds, the scenery as we strolled along. The first pair were CONSTANTLY waiting on us. Felt bad, but I could have easily enjoyed the entire day exploring the park, reading the historical signs and watching the people, the boats, the seaplanes, and the Eagles. Yes, Eagles. When we sat at lunch, I spotted the beauty soaring over the trees and it was breathtaking. 

EAGLES!!!

We found some amazing totem poles that told of the legends and the stories of the local artists, many belonging to the local tribes, the Haida people. The Haida were either the dominant local people or the local nation, can't quite recall which (if you know, please leave a comment below!), but they were the featured tribe. There was a gift store, so of course we went inside. There were some BEAUTIFUL Canadian jade pieces, but I ended up purchasing a moon bracelet. I now have a sun and a moon symbol, thus I am complete (my own interpretations).

Discovering Totems

Downtown and the Nieuw Amsterdam in the Back

We walked/ran some more then we made our way to a restaurant for snacks (fries and bread) so that we could watch our vessel depart. We raised our glasses as we watched our girl, Nieuw Amsterdam, head off to other adventures without us. It was strange seeing her leave, but it was a relief to be back on land.

After we rested, we set off and found an Italian restaurant. The girls enjoyed their food and we made a new friend. His name is Gavin and as it turns out, he was a Kiwi and possibly had connections to a little boat we knew back home. I gave him my card and told him I'd do some investigating when we returned and he was excited to find out more about how his ancestors made it to New Zealand. 

After the restaurant we strolled around before making it back to the B&B. Maggie checked out for the night, so Carolyn, Felicia and I tried out the Jacuzzi! We had a blast. We only dipped our legs/calves in to help ease our aching legs, and it was wonderful. The hilarity came from us figuring out how to turn on the silly thing. After MUCH trial and error, we discovered that there were eight steps, yes eight, to turning on the jets. Eight. 

Half the fun was figuring it out. We enjoyed great conversation, some silly, some serious. Hot tub time was my idea of vacation; no itinerary, no schedule - just friends and a relaxed environment. 

We stayed up past midnight visiting and then I snuck back into the room, quiet as a mouse, ready to sleep on my red couch. 

Total steps > 21,006.

Until Next Week dear readers when we spend a full day in Vancouver! 

Your humble Author, 

S. Faxon