Chillin' in Vancouver

True to our weather observations, after sunny Saturday Vancouver receives 3+ days of rain.  We both admit that the overcast skies and rain is putting a bit of a damper on our activities.  Sunday, Monday and Tuesday we tend to hang around the condo until noon each day, then put on rain jackets and grab the umbrella before stepping out on the street.

We explore some of the more interesting architecture in downtown Vancouver including the Art Deco Marine Building and the Hotel Vancouver in the Franco-Scottish Chateau style.

We walk from our condo to Gastown, Vancouver's oldest district.  It has cobblestone streets and many small shops and restaurants.  The Gastown Steam Clock plays the Westminster chimes every quarter hour and blasts the hour, playing for us as we walk by.  It is the world's first steam powered clock.

The underground Pacific Center offers a couple of hours of entertainment; meandering through the mall and dropping into the stores that look more interesting to us.

Food and beverage are also some of our entertainment.  We celebrate William's birthday on Sunday with a delicious dinner at La Brasserie on Davie Street.  After a cold, rainy walk in Gastown it seems only fitting that we stop in the Steamworks Brewing Company for a beverage to warm us.  And after shopping there's nothing better than Doolin's Irish Pub as a place to rest our feet, have a pint and a bite to eat.  Transylvanian Traditions Bakery two blocks from the condo has been calling to us since we arrived.  We finally give in on Tuesday and sample their Amandina cake.  It's chocolate cake with chocolate cream and a hint of rum.  I think it's pretty good, with subtle flavors and sweetness.

Tuesday evening we start to pack our bags for the trip to the U.S.  It's been 80 days and many fun adventures.  The highlight, of course, is Paul and Kara's wedding.

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