Vancouver

Well, actually, it was Winnipeg first, where we saw the "bodies" exhibit (which was very interesting) and stayed at a hotel with a water slide, though we did not make use of it (!) Flying over the prairies and the rocky mountains was amazing - it was really cool to see the miles and miles of flat land turn suddenly into mountains. Pictures from the window seat (thank you Brent) posted below:

 

In Vancouver we are staying with my sister Andrea and making full use of her apartment, as she is working pretty nonstop - though she was able to come pick us up at the airport and multitask with some takeout sushi as well (thank you Andrea). 

We have been walking machines as of late - to China town, the Granville island market, Stanley Park, and lots of shops and wanderings in between. Highlights of our trip include: hanging out with my brother Mike two nights in a row and seeing his beautiful condo, though he will soon be giving it up for a big move to Toronto, spending some time at the aquarium and seeing beluga whales, dolphins, sea lions, otters, sharks, turtles, parrots, tortoises, and many, many fish, and hiking up Grouse Mountain, which is 2 800 feet of elevation (and a much more difficult ascent than I anticipated) with a beautiful view at the top and a gondola ride back to flat land.

Dinner with Mike at the Keg on their heated rooftop patio, which is open all year long

Vancouver at night - downtown waterfront. The blue lights in the background are the Olympic torch, and the whale statue is "digital orca" by Douglas Coupland. Photo credit to Mike.

View from the walk along Granville Street Bridge

Along the Sea Wall

Along the Sea Wall

At the aquarium - we found Nemo! He was hiding out in a sea anemone. So predictable.

One of the beluga whales. This one blew water bubbles and then caught them for fun.

View from the top of Grouse Mountain.