Vancouver to Victoria

We have spent Wednesday and Thursday in Vancouver hopping on and off the Big Bus. We had a 2 day deal which worked out cheaper than a one day deal! We had a most enthusiastic driver and assistant in the first bus in which we did the complete tour in order to get an overview and to decide where we would hop off. First hop off was Granville Island which is supposed to wow people but, other than the fantastic indoor market (a bit like the English Market in Cork), left us slightly indifferent. I suppose it would be hard to beat Glacier Bay!

In the afternoon we hopped off again, this time in Chinatown, to visit the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden. This garden is the first full size Chinese or "scholars'" garden built outside China. The aim of the garden is to "maintain and enhance the bridge of understanding between Chinese and western cultures, promote Chinese culture generally and be an integral part of the local community." We had a guided tour which certainly enhanced our understanding of Chinese culture. The whole idea of the garden is to achieve harmony and the balance of opposites. Rocks are placed against delicate foliage and water is an important element. It is a really beautiful garden, an oasis of peace in the middle of the city.

All the materials for the garden, even down to the pebbles, have been imported from Suzhou in China which has a similar climate to Vancouver.

These rocks which were taken from a river in Suzhou were naturally weathered and are natural sculptures. Can you see the face in the one above? And the elephant in the one to the right?

.This is an example of a "baby" penjing

This is a more mature penjing.

A penjing is a chinese bonsai tree - something I did not know when I saw the penjings at the entrance to the Chinese garden in Sydney when we were in Australia. We did not have a guided tour there - which proves the value of a guided tour!

After more than an hour in the Chinese garden, we had a look at the narrowest building in Vancouver (in the world?).

We included Jim in it for scale!

After that several more hops on and off till it was time to tidy ourselves to meet up with Fearghal. We had a great chat and catch up. He has, in fact, come with us to Vancouver Island for his first holiday in Canada!

I will write up Vancouver part 2 as soon as I get time. Today we are showing Fearghal some of the island in glorious sunshine. You will have to wait also for the pictures of Alaska.