Melbourne

We were two sleepy eyed seniors that boarded the six o'clock morning flight to Melbourne. The film selection was skimmed through and interrupted intermittently by announcements from the cockpit and cabin crew. 

Once the seat belt sign was off, I forgot all about watching movies and moved over to seats 10 A, B and C - empty and just waiting for me to stretch out and have a sleep. A couple of short naps, breakfast, half a movie and a smooth trip passed the time quickly. 

It was nice to be picked up from the airport and after a quick visit to the supermarket we headed to Brunswick for hot cross buns and tea.

Then Harry and I were on our own, enjoying exploring trains and buses with the "Mikey" card. A police incident delayed the train, and so we sat for a while watching other travellers waiting (a bit more exciting than watching paint dry). 

The train trip to Flinders is efficient but a tad boring as the line takes us mainly through run down commercial and industrial areas. We wandered along the Yarra river, reminiscing about our last walk along the same promenade about 15 years ago. It took a while to find a spot for lunch that wasn't a pub or expensive restaurant and a public loo, and in the end we settled for Subway and a very large ice-cream before sneaking into a pub to use their facilities. 

Just as we were about to turn back towards the station we found the Melbourne Convention Center.  Massively long corridors led us to the Lumo Vincent van Gogh exhibition. What a find!! Kiwi seniors got a discount (worth a couple of coffees).  

Two hours later we walked out. Captivated by the visuals, soothing music and subtle lighting.  We saw the show from the mezzanine floor and also from the little 1888 cafe complete with and the cane chairs. A third round would have seen us lying on the double bean bags and would probably have included a snooze.   

For a change we caught the tram home. There were a lot of stops with passengers coming and going. Facing backwards we couldn't see the names of the stops until after we had left the platform and with all the people standing and talking we couldn't hear or see the announcements either.  "Oh well", we thought "We are on holiday so a trip to the end of the line isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Friday was airshow day, and off the four of us went with our seats, picnic and of course our cameras. 

We were told to arrive about midday when the gates opened and were expecting a rather long queue of enthusiastic airplane enthusiasts, but got into the car park quite quickly and wandered with all our gear to a reasonably good viewing sight.  Harry got as near as he could to the fence line and came back to the chairs occasionally for food, a chat and a rest.  

The Avalon airshow was quite different to others we have been too. On the day, the airport was still operating commercial flights and so occasionally the show stopped to let a Jetstar plane land or take off.  I imagine the passengers had never had such a welcoming crowd before.  

Sadly, the air show finished early, as one of the four acrobatic planes crashed, critically injuring the pilot.  We haven't heard how he is, but we wish him a speedy recovery.  I don't think I will ever forget the plume of smoke and watching the other three pilots circling their planes around the crash site waiting to land. I can only admire the pilots fortitude in staying calm while their team mate was injured below and the sombre crowd stood by.  On advice from the commentators the crowd was slow to disperse, buying an early dinner from the well stocked food vans to reduce the risk of traffic jams.  

Williamstown

The next day was a slow start.  We had brunch at the Foundry and then Harry and I went shopping for picnic supplies before catching the train to Williamstown. 

We had been to Williamstown before but we couldn't remember it until we were walking along the road towards the timeball machine.  Our memory was triggered by a maroon building advertising a "Titanic experience", we turned to each other at the same time commenting once again on the unlikely place for the experience. This time we walked around the coast and through the small botanical garden. 

On our last day in Melbourne we took Cherry the dog for a walk along the Yarra - away from the crowds and through the long grass.  The graffiti seems to be everywhere in the Melbourne suburbs.  

We stopped for a devonshire tea, in a rather massive old building that was once a boat shed.  The building was a bit hickeldy pickeldy, with lots of seating areas. History was all around - the furniture, photos of the bygone past and owners, the row boats and old fixtures. 

Our last stop on this whirlwind Melbourne trip took us to a street party in Brunswick, where we met some friends and attempted a quiz.  Questions like "What shop used to be under another shop in the local mall?".  Not a chance of Harry or I winning the prize. 

Loop

Christmas in Vancouver

Our little grandson's expected arrival just after Christmas was enough to tempt us to enjoy another northern hemisphere winter.  We had forgotten how dusk never left the day and night arrived late afternoon meaning the lights brightened even the dullest, coldest and wettest of days. 

Every corner we turned, sparkling lights greeted us, strung around lamp posts and trees, across roads and bordering windows, shop doors and stair wells. 

Everyone said the snow was late coming and the lack of snow was evident as we drove up the steep mountain road to the sledding fields. Sledding was fast and short and enjoyed by most people - some went headed straight down, others enjoyed a slow scenic route, while others came face to face with the snow as they abruptly came to a stop. I was the "official" photographer and never got a chance to sled as the heavy rain started not long after we arrived.  We all squashed into the nearby cafe, unloading our thick outer garments into the corner. Steam rose from our wet clothes in sync with the hot chocolates and once all the snacks were eaten and the children were bored we raced back to the for the drive home. 

Another snow event was New Years Eve when we piled (minus Mum and baby) into the car to go to  Mount Cyprus.  An early firework display in the evening for the children and night time skiing made for a wintry picture with an eerie light shining over the buildings and children as they threw snow balls.

It was unseasonably warm for winter, and many of our clothes stayed in the bag, not having to wear as many layers as we had planned.  The snow did not arrive until February, when outside in Vancouver, it was knee high, perfect for building snow people, with long carrot noses and smiles on their faces.  I was envious we had missed it!!

Gardens 

Then there were the gardens.  First was Capiliano - we have been there numerous times before - but not at night or in winter.  More hot chocolate and a walk over the suspension bridge.  I always want to hold on tight especially when the children are running over, and jumping on the bridge.  I looked down to the gorge in the fading light as water flowing steadily underneath me.  A long walk around the forest of lighted trees ending with more food to fill the tum and warm the body.

The Van Dussen Gardens were new to us.  In day light the gardens must be spectacular, but at night all we saw was trees casting shadows over the paths, wonder reflections on the water and snow covered grass.  A wonderful experience, that will be followed by a daylight visit one day.  

Train ride to the North Pole 

A treat for Nannie and Poppa and the two older grandchildren.  The old steam train puttered along a short track and local volunteers entertained us with juggling, singing, some clowning and of course sweets. Back at the station we visited the North Pole.  Our six year was disappointed, when he realised that he wasn't actually at the "real" North Pole, but in a large tent close to where we got on the train. "We are back where we started" he said. But he soon forgot his disappointment.  We occupied ourselves for hours, painting wooden trains, riding little trains, meeting Mr and Mrs Claus, eating hot chocolate and "as many as you like" marshmallows, colouring in and making Christmas decorations.

On each trip we always manage a trip to the Shipyards.  Harry and I always manage a leisurely lunch at one of the restaurants there, looking over to Vancouver city. This year, the Christmas markets lined the pavements and although there were a lot of treats to sample we decided to sit outside at one of the restaurants under a gas fire enjoying the food and the scenery adorned in our hats and coats. 

On another day we went back, taking the kids for a scooter and ice cream "they used to have birthday flavoured icecream" I was told in a disappointed little voice, but we did manage to find other flavours equally as exotic and everyone seemed happy.

Christmas Day was spent with family and friends and a wonderfully cooked meal (ordered in from a local deli).  Our little grandson arrived and we spent time with him and looking after the other two - sleep overs in Nannie and Poppa's bed, visits to Science World and the aquarium and to the forest to find slaters and worms.

Ski school started and we hitched a ride to Whistler for the day.  We had been before, but in autumn when only the highest of the peaks were covered in snow.  This time was different.  People everywhere on skis, or wandering around.  We took the gondola (glass floor) up and over to the ridge and down the other side.  An enjoyable day while we waited for the end of the day and the skiers to return.

 

Summer in Vancouver and Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring Island - it is only a short boat trip from Vancouver and worth going to for a short getaway.  

With two children, four adults and a dog we were grateful that most of the journey was out of the car, and in a boat. 

Sailing across the Canadian/US border and then back again, it is probably the only time we will ever cross an international border without showing our passports. 

The island was magical.  A bit like Waiheke Island for those kiwis who are reading the blog.  Remote, but accessible, hot, with a hint of quirkiness and hippiness (if that is a word).

The Airbnb was not ready for our early arrival so we stopped at the market in the township - hot and bothered we found a place to sit in the shade while the kids played in the park, and Winston the dog sat forlornly outside with an adult, looking in at the dog free park.  

We settled for ice-creams and then it was time to find the "blue house".  Close to the beach said the online info, but only as the crow flies.  From the verandah (we aren't allowed to call it a deck in Canada as it apparently sounds like something else), we could see the water, but the road said "No access to the beach" and they were right.  It was a circuitous route to the rocky or sandy beaches and over the few days we must have found and taken almost all of the alternative routes.

At the beaches we returned the little crabs to the sea with our six year old, climbed over rocks and paddled, picnicked - it really was a bit cold for swimming.

There was a turkey farm, where the turkeys followed the children around - I guess because they were similar heights or more likely they hoped for food.  The turkeys became quite a feature that evening as we introduced the children to charades.  To make it easy, we suggested everyone had a chance to act out and make the sounds of an animal and we all had to guess.  "Gobble gobble gobble" said our six year old grandson squatting.  "Turkey" we all said.  "Gobble, gobble, gobble" said our three year old grand daughter and you guessed it we all said "Turkey".  The whole evening was full of laughter as the children took turns and the adults were required to guess - and every time the answer was "turkey".

There was a goat farm, with a cheese factory, lots of feta to chose from and little pizzas which were quite nice, but a tad expensive.

A stop at a cider house, where we were served an immense amount of cider (thankfully the driver was pregnant), which meant all the others could enjoy sample the different flavoured ciders.  Not being a big drinker, we sipped a few and talked about our preferences before handing the glasses over to the cider lover.  We sat under the umbrella while it rained and played games with the kids until the cider was finished. 

That night was a thunder storm - now we have been in many - but nothing like this.  It thundered all night, and each time we woke up with a loud noise and the house shaking like we had just experienced a fairly significant earthquake.  Thankfully, the house stayed up and the kids slept through.

And then it was time to go back to Vancouver, another week for working parents, and fun times for kiwi grandparents to share with grandchildren. We enjoyed some new adventures and revisiting places. 

Buntzen Lake

Buntzen lake is only a 30 minute drive from North Vancouver.  It is an idyllic lake with a small beach and bush lined shores.  We went for a short walk (perhaps when the kids are older we will walk right around the lake which takes a few hours).  Because of its popularity you have to book a car park - it is cheap but a way to manage the numbers of visitors to these popular sites.  And it works! There are always enough car parks (though sometimes you may have to go around the car park more than once).  Our car park was booked until 2.00 and so we left early afternoon - plenty of time for the family to board paddle (I had tried the previous year, but managed to fall off in an inch of water).  I remember distinctly my son in law laughing and saying "No one ever falls off" in that much water.  And the highlight (or low light), as we drove home watching a small bear navigating the footpath and busy road to get back to the bush!

We also managed to do a number of forest walks.  Some with the grandchildren, where there is a forest only a couple of hundred metres away.  Here we climb fallen trees, hunt for slaters and take them home to the slater house where they are lovingly cared for.

When the kids are at school or day care, we venture further to the suspension bridge or other lakes always finding new places to explore and ways to avoid walking along the busy main roads.

Shipyards

A perfect seaside suburb - lots to do and places to eat.  A splash pad in summer, and an ice rink in winter.  Walks around the harbour, looking across to central Vancouver.

Baseball

Our first baseball game, with our grandson's team running on to the pitch with the Vancouver players.  We were a bit put out initially, as we weren't allowed to take any food into the stadium (not even snacks for the kids).  The food was as expected expensive and low nutritional value, but we did enjoy watching the couple attacking a two foot hotdog from either end. 

Surprisingly, the game moved along quickly (perhaps I am thinking of American football when I say this), and we enjoyed watching and soaking up the atmosphere while munching on our fries.

Other things we did in Vancouver - all of which are worth looking up if you are visiting...

Burnaby Historical Village

Lots of historical buildings (churches, bakeries, ironsmiths, drapers, bookshops), gardens and of course the historical merry go round - always a favourite with the kids.

Marine Building

The Marine Building is a 1930's skyscraper  in the central city.  Yes, during the art deco period.  The public are allowed on the ground floor and mezzanine and last time we went it was covered in scaffolding.  Not this time... a magnificent example of art deco architecture. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_Building 

Science Centre

Always a hit with the kids and grandparents alike and only a bus, boat and train ride away.  The driverless train continues to be fun, as we sit at the front and experience a "roller coaster" sensation as we speed around corners and through tunnels. 

We always start off at the hamburger shop, which sells reasonable burgers and chips (or should I say fries) and then spend hours exploring the exhibits, watching the science talks or playing in the water.

Aquarium

Another hit with the kids and where I taught them that dipping hot chips in icecream and tomato sauce was just the best (much to Mum's dismay).

Summer Concerts

Like in New Zealand, summer is celebrated and at the local mall we spent a nice evening listening to live music.

Outlet Shops

On our last day, Harry convinced me to go to the outlet shops. Nothing much to buy at the outlet shops - but had lunch and watched planes land at the airport (if I didn't know better I would think they were preparing to land on the pedestrian walkways at the shopping centre).

A couple of new observations:

• The local school's classroom doors can not be opened from the outside (there is internal access from hall).  I guess that is a security to stop terrorists (or perhaps bears - yes they do come to school occasionally). 
• Each year, children are asked to bring a bag of familiar things (photos of family, a toy) in case there is an emergency at school and they can't get home quickly.
• To add a driver on to the insurance for the car costs about $1000 (this covers personal indemnity and thankfully ACC covers this in New Zealand). You have to pay for a year, so once we leave Harry is immediately taken off the policy, and most of the money is thankfully refunded. I knew there was a reason I did not want to drive in Vancouver.