1st June 2009

and so it begins... and it began in a spectacular way too - an upgrade to Business class made a 91/2 hour journey a much more wonderful experience and was quite a classy way to begin our journey as poor backpackers/volunteers around the world. Lobster, fillet of beef and an endless supply of champagne - bliss - I'm not sure we'll ever be comfortable flying economy again!!

We landed in Vancouver mid-afternoon and determined not to let jet lag grab a hold, stepped straight out for a walk to Granville Island. On the map of course it looked like a short stroll but 45 mins later and still walking over Granville Street Bridge trying to work out how to get to this Island, our decision to stroll in our flip flops was a bad one!! However, it was an amazing walk with spectacular views across to downtown and the mountains framing the backdrop - we definitely felt we had hit Canada. A perfect first day.

We soon slipped back into the backpacker way of life - roasting hot dorm room with no air con, creaking beds and 18 year olds running havoc around the corridors, except this time we're not not those young kids - we have 10 years of wisdom to share with them - hahaha who are we kidding - let's go grab a beer!

2nd June 2009

We LOVE Vancouver!!

Got up bright and early, partly due to jet lag, partly due to our Irish room buddies and partly due to excitement I like to think. By 9am we had pulled our hiking boots on and were walking to coastline of the city - loads of pics to show but all I can say is the scenery was out of this world!! From stunning harbours to snow-capped mountains to sunny beaches and hidden lagoons - I challenge anyone who comes to this city not to fall in love with it straight away!! Enjoy our pics - they speak for themselves - we leave for Hope to begin our first project tomorrow - so will let you know how that all goes...