Thursday, December 16, 2004

Bangcover & Vankok

Oops, that should be Vancouver & Bangkok. We're not confused!

Well we've made it halfway 'round the world. The flight over the rockies and the prairies was wonderful particularly for David and Courtney since this was their first time seeing this part of Canada. We also had a good look at the north mountains from Stanley Park as we spent most of the day walking around the park (8km) seeing totems, hollow tree, Prospect Point, etc. Also took the seabus to Granville Island and had supper at the Old Spagetti Factory in Gastown after hearing the hourly blow on the steam clock. It was a quick trip but we made the most of our time in Vancouver.

After flying over the Pacific and as we were leaving Tokyo, we saw the sunset over pink clouds and noted a large pointed mass rising above the clouds. Guessed it might be Fiji Mountain and sure enough the flight attendant confirmed it.

Now in Bangkok at Wendy House near to Siam Square. Arrived late last night negotiating the taxi trip from the airport. Today we walked to the train station to get tickets for our 12hr trip to Chiang Mai tomorrow. We also took a trip on the Chao Phraya River Express which is part of the regular transit system - fascinating way to see Bangkok. The canal is twice as wide as "our" lake in James River. From the river we managed the trip back to the guesthouse using the Skytrain. So, that's three modes of travel so far in Bangkok. Only got lost once and disorientated three times. Solicited by the tuk tuk drivers at least 25 times on our walkabout today. They don't like to see people walking. :-)

Ate supper tonight at Sorn's Restaurant at Jan's suggestion - the proprieter remembers you and Hilda.

We have internet access here at the guesthouse plus English newspapers and lots of books - pretty good ones I must say - we could stay a long time - but tomorrow we are off early in the morning to take the train to Chiang Mai where Nancy has arranged another guesthouse for us. We are looking forward to being in the north with Nancy over the holidays.

It's one year since Dad/Bob/Grandad died. We are remembering him and thank Michael for the message although we haven't figured out how to open it on this machine. Will try again the next time we have internet access.

Bye for now,
Elaine, David & Courtney

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Liam & Brenda,
Well, it is great to hear that your having a great time. we were hoping that you would write a new message before we left. We are all packed up and getting ready to leave for Newfoundland in the morning. Have an awsome chirstmas, and new year. And we'll hear from you in the new year.