Canadia

Well I'm now in Canada. I had one of the longest days of my life yesterday, when I left Australia at 10am on the morning of the 28th, somehow flew back in time, and arrived in Vancouver 3 hours before I left at 7am. My day was quite full, I got to my friend's parent's place, got back 'downtown' to meet a friend for lunch, then went home, ate dinner, fell asleep in front of the TV by 11pm. Eventually got to bed. Slept 12 hours.

Jet lag wasn't such a problem today, checked out Vancouver itself. My friend Mike took me in the car up the hills behind his place in West & North Vancouver. Pretty views of Vancouver and the mountains behind. I seem to have arrived right as the various blooming trees are in bloom. Picture attached of what I think are Japanese cherry blossums (sakura), but someone correct me if I'm wrong. Very pretty anyway.

Then ventured 'downtown', walked around. Saw stuff. Vancouver city itself is more urban and generic looking than I'd imagined - but then most new places impress me in the same way. There are lots of Asians here. There are also lots of homeless people and people offering to sell 'the good stuff', is what one person called it. Oh well, perhaps I don't notice the seedier sides of Sydney when I'm there. The surrounds however are quite exceptional. Tall mountains, green with pine and dusted with snow at the peaks. Pine trees are everywhere and make for a pleasant change of scenery from Australia. The weather is fresh, it's cool but warm enough to go out in a jumper. Yesterday rained lots.

Well, that's all from me for now. More soon.