Our most exciting port of call! Well, following 5 days at sea it was a relief to get off the ship. Unfortunately, the ship progressed at a modest 14 knots, compared to the top speed of ~21 knots. Our arrival time was 1:00 pm. We suspect this was to save on port fees but had the unfortunate side effect that guests on the tour would get little time to visit Butchart Gardens.
In the morning, we had the postponed Captain Q&A. Paul Adams gave a short presentation to answer common question. He explained the detailed cost of going into a port and explained the coordination of an evacuation at sea. Later in the morning we packed.
We had lunch in the Grand Dutch Cafe just in time to go ashore and walked into town. This is the route we have followed many times before. We go along Government to see the shops, then return going into the Empress Hotel and Convention Centre. After looking at the old photos and exhibits (again), we cross the road and enter the Museum. There was the van used by Terry Fox during his cross Canada run which we had not seen before. Then we entered the Parliament Building and looked at some of the photos, finding one of Vicky Huntington. Finally, we retraced our steps along the road back to the ship.
Alison went for her final swim, while I recovered from the long walk before dinner. Due to Candian regulations, our favourite Grand Dutch Cafe was not serving alcohol and we needed to find the Ocean Bar on deck 2. After dinner, Alison went walkabout while I got a seat in the World Stage. Our entertainment was the Mentalist, Brian Ledbetter. He did some incredible demonstration of mind reading. I explained to Alison how I thought he did it and she called that cheating and was disappointed.
We were in no rush to get off the ship in Vancouver, so had a leisurely breakfast in the dining room. I had one last meal and felt my arteries contract after reading a book on the Heart! Time to go back to reality and get the public transit home.
Chris's Wanderings 