First Impressions

WOW. Only way to sum up my first impressions of this place.

The trip over couldn’t really have gone much smoother. Packing my bags was the worst bit. In the end I did my usual trick of getting Mum to help me (and by 'help' I mean do everything). I ended up having to leave quite a few bits behind as I was initially way over the limit but when I got the the check-in desk I was at the exact max of 20.0kg! Good job, Mum!

Check-in at the airport was fine and there was a funny moment when Jonesey was interrogated by security before the check-in desk. After I told the guard we were going to Vancouver he asked Mark for how long. “Err.. a year..?" replied Mark, unsure as to whether that was an acceptable answer.

There was another weird moment shortly after take-off as the Captain announced the route. Apparently we were flying towards Dublin then we’d be “doubling-back on ourselves” towards Scotland and onwards... that just didn’t seem right!

On the plane I was sat next to a Northern Irish guy who was going mountain biking in Whistler. He’d definitely drawn the short-straw with the seats. I’d booked extra leg room, which I was so grateful for after walking into the cabin and seeing the seat pitches, but this guy had a huge box in front of his seat which you weren't allowed to rest your legs on, so he essentially had less legroom than a standard seat. Not sure how that one worked!

In the air, the captain announced we were passing over Greenland and to check out the icebergs. Some were absolutely huge, even from 37,000 ft. Nothing could have compared to flying over the Rockies, however. It was the wow-factor I’d been waiting for – enormous snow-topped mountains, just like the pictures! Awesome!

Greenland Icebergs

 

The 10 hours flew by (yes, I'm here all week) and we quickly got through to immigration. Mark and I were standing in the queue when a military-style officer seemed to pick us out of a line of roughly 40 people and walked off with our passports and visa documentation. Thankfully everything was fine and it all went without a hitch. I didn't have to show proof of funds, proof of insurance or even sing the Canadian national anthem. Mark was spreading rumours that he’d read online of 2-3hr immigration queues and people getting grilled by the officers when getting their official visas. However, the guy that eventually sorted my visa only asked one question: “Working holiday?” “Absolutely,” I responded. A few more taps on his keyboard and a couple of staples later I was free to go!

First view on the ground!

 

There was news of an earthquake as soon as we landed, which was nice. As we got on the SkyTrain to head downtown a group of airport security guards who had finished their shift were talking about it. “6.4! Did you feel it?” Fortunately it wasn't in Vancouver itself but on the Western side of Vancouver Island, a good 200km away and there wasn't any damage. The other most notable thing was the weather. It was SO hot - not what I'd expected at all as I'd prepared myself for a Bristol-style rain season that lasted most of the year.

The Samesun hostel was easy enough to find, 3 blocks down from the SkyTrain stop. The rooms are extremely 'cosy' but the price and location are perfect. We're in a room with a South African guy called Sisander and an Irish guy, Neil. I spotted an Arsenal shirt in the laundry pile near one of the beds, which turned out to be Sisander's. What a legend. In fact, I spotted two other people with Arsenal shirts on walking around the streets within the first couple of hours. Oo to be a Gooner! Another early observation: a very high % of the girls I'd seen were hot. Everything was falling into place. 

SameSun sign - right outside the bedroom window!

Saturday was my first full day here. First things first, Arsenal were playing Swansea which was kicking off at 7am local time. I was still on a UK bodyclock and so had been awake for a while anyway. I got showered and headed downstairs to the bar/restaurant to collect my free breakfast and watch the game. After suffering through the dodgy 1-0 win, I decided to go and explore a little bit. The weather was absolutely amazing again so Mark and I headed up Granville St to Waterfront station and from there to Stanley Park. The city just looks absolutely stunning, wherever you walk. There's so much green space and you have the mountains in the distance which look incredible. We walked all the way around Stanley Park which took about 2hrs including stops to take in the scenery and take some snaps.

View across to Stanley Park with North Vancouver shore in the background

Downtown from Stanley Park

 

Lion's Gate Bridge

Cinema listings on the way back from Stanley Park. Nice work!

Still suffering a little from the UK bodyclock, we went back to the Hostel for a quick nap in the afternoon, which turned into a 4 hour sleep. We wasted no time getting ready for a night on the town, ending up in a club just down the road called Joseph Richard. At first it seemed a little bit 'Oceana' for my liking but the music was decent enough, ranging from (pop-)dance to hip-hop. I did request Jochen Miller/Markus Schulz - Rotunda to try and Trance it up a bit, but the DJ didn't seem to know what I was talking about. Pfffft.

Anyway, to sum up, the first couple of days have been awesome. Can't wait to check out more of the city! Hope everyone is well back home!

Simon x