Farewell to Vancouver, and Canada

As I look back over the last few days, I think I need a Japanese garden on this ship . . .  I have not been well, and have had many computer problems, which probably accounts for my feeling like that. But at least I did enjoy Hawaii very much and will tell you about that next. 

I also had a great time on my last day in Vancouver with my ‘old' classmate, who kindly took me to the Furry Creek Golf Club for lunch. The drive there along the coastal highway was spectacular, with so many blue-coloured islands in the distance. Unfortunately there were no lookouts so I was unable to take any photos along the way, but the golf course itself was very picturesque. It was quite hilly, and at the back there was a creek tumbling down a ravine. Apparently there is a flatter golf course in Vancouver, but this was a delightful, friendly place. And our lunch was really delicious. 

Later on we drove back into the city and met another former classmate, who unfortunately was only free to see us for a very short time. Afterwards we had a farewell dinner in a traditional Malaysian restaurant. I cannot thank my former classmate and his partner enough for their very generous, kind and warm hospitality over my time in Vancouver. I only hope that they will visit Melbourne so that I can return their hospitality. 

Overall, I simply loved the city of Vancouver. I am not surprised that it won the title off "The World's Most Liveable City' this year, or, having seen so many cities now, that Melbourne also has won that title, with Vienna a close second. It is a clean city with a great balance between modern high-rise buildings, restaurants, parks and gardens, bays and sporting facilities. It is not overcrowded, and has roads that are wide enough to allow traffic to flow at a reasonable rate. Its backdrop of distant mountains add to its appeal. And the city fathers have now wisely brought in the rule that new buildings must have a rooftop garden, making it more sustainable as well.   

When I left on my ship the next morning, it was hard to say goodbye to Canada. Canadian people are so friendly and so polite, and its scenery, particularly in the Rockies, is stunning. I am so glad I had the opportunity to see it.  

PS.  I was talking to people at dinner tonight about my time on the Rocky Mountaineer.  Their experience was very different to mine as the wonderful trips I had by coach were not included. Their travel was from Vancouver to Banff to Calgary, and they had not enjoyed that nearly so much. So if you are thinking of making the most of the Rocky Mountain experience, I strongly recommend the trip I took, starting at Jasper, and going Gold Leaf. You can see the photos I took on that trip over my recent posts.

At the harbour in Victoria on Vancouver Island.

Another view of the harbour.

The building in the foreground is the parliament house for British Columbia at its capital - Victoria.

Next to Victoria harbour - the welcome to Victoria - next to its parliament house. 

Peeking though a hole in the hedge at the Butchart gardens - the harbour from which our boat collected us to return us to Vancouver.

Another view of the harbour from where we were collected for our return journey to Vancouver.

Vancouver at sunset on our return.  

The golf course at Furry Creek.

Furry Creek.

Another view of Furry Creek.

Entering one of the bridges in Vancouver at dusk.

The view from the ground floor breakfast room of my hotel on my last morning. 

Another view of Canada Place. My ship was berthed very close to that. I literally only had to cross the road to it.