Day One

Before I start writing anything I must mention that I have two travelling companions; Joyce and Rose. I thought I should mention them first because I plan to do a lot of bitching about them and want you to know who I'm referring to.

Our flight was at 7:00am and we planned to get to the airport around 5:00am. I know it's early but I prefer to be early rather than have to rush. I'm more of a waddler than a rusher. I woke up at 3:00am, showered, sweated about 3 pounds off and fried some bacon on my stomach before the cab came (yes, even at 3:30am Toronto is freaking stifling). We picked up Rose and then set off to pick up Joyce. On the way to pick up Joyce my cellphone rang. I didn't recognize the number and thought it was a little odd that someone was calling at 4:15am but I picked it up anyway. It was the cab company giving me the wake-up call (that I declined). A 4:15am wake-up call for a 4:00am pick-up - good job.

I set off the metal detector twice at the airport but the third time was the charm. The plane ride was comfy but no food, with the exception of 4 cookies. Thanks WestJet, I'm still stuffed.

We had to take a cab to our car rental place because the don't do pick-ups from the airport and then they tried to make us pay an airport tax. Apparently anybody renting a car in Vancouver within 24 hours of arriving by plane has to pay an airport tax. We told them we actually got in yesterday and had just been dragging our luggage around for a day.

There are a lot of one way streets in downtown Vancouver and when we first got to the hotel we overshot it and had to circle back. The second time, we were able to pull up right in front of the hotel but than this guy in a van starts backing up and starts motioning for me to back up. I'm thinking, "screw you buddy, who do you think you are", well it turns out he was the valet for the hotel and was just trying to do his job.

We got to the hotel at around 11am but couldn't check in until 3pm so we went for lunch and then walked around a bit. Just what I enjoy doing after waking up at 3am and going on a five hour plane ride.

Finally checked in, relaxed for a bit and then went for dinner when our friend Ahnes.

Incidentally, I've let both Rose and Joyce know that they are competing for the title of "Best Travelling Companion". Rose is currently ahead by a mile and a half.