We get an early morning start as Dr. David drives us to the train station on his way to work. The 7:40 leaves Seattle for Vancouver on time and we have an excellent breakfast in the dining car. The scenery en route is quite remarkable and I take some video clips as we pass changing landscapes, marinas, towns and industrial areas. The final approach through New Westminster and its variety of spectacular bridges is quite amazing.
After checking our bags at the counter, we head out to the skytrain and take it downtown. It's STILL raining in Vancouver but it dosen't dampen our spirits as we stroll through historic Gastown. " Established the same year that Canada became a nation, Gastown grew into Canada’s third largest city and one of its most cosmopolitan. But the Gastown district today retains its historic charm, independent spirit and distinctiveness. There’s no mistaking Gastown for any other area of Vancouver, or of Canada for that matter. 1867: The south shore of Burrard Inlet was a wilderness. Its only non-native settlement was a lumber mill where the owner didn’t allow alcohol on the premises. One September day, “Gassy Jack” Deighton arrived (he received his nickname because of his penchant for spinning tall tales and talking without end). He stepped ashore with a barrel of whiskey, telling the millworkers that if they’d build him a saloon, he’d serve them drinks. The saloon was up and running within a day…just across the property line of the mill. Gastown was born." Source: http://www.gastown.org/
We continue walking east to Chinatown, the largest in Canada, where we stop for an authentic Chinese lunch on Main Street. We walk back to the Pacific Central station, through a corner of the notorious Downtown Eastside, to collect our bags and opt for a taxi to the airport. The return flight on WestJet is uneventful and arrives 15 minutes early, although the check in was a slow process. Using our headphones again saves $6. Today's savings: $6 - Total Savings:$132.29 CD
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