The day after we got here, we had this orientation thing with the company we came here through, which just told us about how to get bank accounts, cell phones, where to live, etc. Then we went house hunting. We had no idea where to live, and had no idea Vancouver was as big as it is. We started our search near where we work in North Vancouver, but it kind of lacked the big city feel, so we decided we didn't really like any if those, so we focused our search more on the city, deciding to travel further. After visiting a lot of places, including some weird one with this old guy who would be living in the living room, we settled on an area and found somewhere. So if anyone wants to write to us, send it to:
Suite 5
1339 Barclay St
Vancouver, BC, V6E 1H6
Canada.
It's pretty fun. It's furnished, so we don't have to worry about that and its only about 2 or 3 blocks from downtown and in the other direction is a beach and massive park, so it should be pretty good. Also it happens to be in the block the Incredible Hulk was filmed, and pretty near where Changeling was filmed. Famous. Everything happens monthly in terms of accommodation, so we have to wait until the 1st (its the 28th here) so a couple more nights in a hostel. Anyway, now that we've sorted where we are going to live we can get to know the city and do some fun things. First on my list is buy gumboots.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Last days of the USA
We haven't written any thing in a while. We've been pretty busy trying to find somewhere to live, which we did tonight! Hooray!
We spent our last day in San Fran looking around the Haight Ashbury district which was pretty fun.
There are heaps of fun looking houses, and the Golden gate park, which is massive, is near by so it was pretty cool, we saw a bit of wildlife there.
We caught a Greyhound over night to Portland, and we thought it would be a good idea to get some sleeping pills before we did. It wasn't. For some reason they made us both really restless and fidgity, so neither of us got much sleep. 16 hours later we arrived in Portland.
Portland was really nice. It was very scenic and clean. They have a really good public transport system thats free so we got to see all off the city. They have this aerial tram that goes from one part of the health and science University to another which we went on and got to see some pretty good views including Mt St Helens. We didn't get up to too much, we just looked around the town, ate in some cool all American Diners that sort of thing. We thought of going to the Trailblazers (basketball) but they were sold out.
On Thursday the 26th it was thanksgiving which is pretty much like Christmas, everything is closed and everyone is going to see their families, so we decided not to stick around for that as it didn't really mean much to us, so we had booked our bus tickets for Vancouver for then. We set out in the morning, struck HEAPS of traffic. In the middle of nowhere there was just tons of cars, all going to their families, all at about 40kms an hour. On our bus was this weird guy who had something wrong with him, who took a liking to this Army guy – Captain Eric Carter. He was right behind us and chatted the whole time to The Captain about all this strange stuff, apart from one hour when he locked himself in the toilet. I was worried he would decapitate us once The Captain left, but he didn't. Once we left Seattle everything was fine, only about 7 people on our bus and no traffic. When we crossed the border, this girl on our bus, who had been on the bus for 3 days got denied entry. She was coming to visit a guy she met on the internet who she hadn't seen before, was planning on being there for 3 months and had $200 and no job. I guess I would have denied her entry too, but I felt sorry for her. Once we got to Vancouver we were pretty hungry since everything had been closed in the US. All I wanted was Gerry's quiche and crunchy potatoes, but I couldn't have them. Gutted. But we had finally arrived, so I cheered up and we started exploring the city.
We spent our last day in San Fran looking around the Haight Ashbury district which was pretty fun.
There are heaps of fun looking houses, and the Golden gate park, which is massive, is near by so it was pretty cool, we saw a bit of wildlife there.
We caught a Greyhound over night to Portland, and we thought it would be a good idea to get some sleeping pills before we did. It wasn't. For some reason they made us both really restless and fidgity, so neither of us got much sleep. 16 hours later we arrived in Portland.
Portland was really nice. It was very scenic and clean. They have a really good public transport system thats free so we got to see all off the city. They have this aerial tram that goes from one part of the health and science University to another which we went on and got to see some pretty good views including Mt St Helens. We didn't get up to too much, we just looked around the town, ate in some cool all American Diners that sort of thing. We thought of going to the Trailblazers (basketball) but they were sold out.
On Thursday the 26th it was thanksgiving which is pretty much like Christmas, everything is closed and everyone is going to see their families, so we decided not to stick around for that as it didn't really mean much to us, so we had booked our bus tickets for Vancouver for then. We set out in the morning, struck HEAPS of traffic. In the middle of nowhere there was just tons of cars, all going to their families, all at about 40kms an hour. On our bus was this weird guy who had something wrong with him, who took a liking to this Army guy – Captain Eric Carter. He was right behind us and chatted the whole time to The Captain about all this strange stuff, apart from one hour when he locked himself in the toilet. I was worried he would decapitate us once The Captain left, but he didn't. Once we left Seattle everything was fine, only about 7 people on our bus and no traffic. When we crossed the border, this girl on our bus, who had been on the bus for 3 days got denied entry. She was coming to visit a guy she met on the internet who she hadn't seen before, was planning on being there for 3 months and had $200 and no job. I guess I would have denied her entry too, but I felt sorry for her. Once we got to Vancouver we were pretty hungry since everything had been closed in the US. All I wanted was Gerry's quiche and crunchy potatoes, but I couldn't have them. Gutted. But we had finally arrived, so I cheered up and we started exploring the city.
Monday, November 23, 2009
RAIDER NATION
Yesterday we went to see the Oakland Raiders play the Cincinatti Bengals at the Oakland Coliseum, courtesy of Cam & Penny (THANKS GUYS!), & it was AWESOME
Edward had laughed when we told him we were going & described the entrance to the stadium from the train as a "maximum security prison". we were not disappointed.
We got some food
The Raiders were down 17-10 with only a couple of minutes left but managed to comeback with an 80-yard touchdown drive to tie it up at 17 all. Then a fumble was forced by the Raiders to regain the ball within field-goal range which sent the crowd into a FRENZY.
Janikowski nailed it & the Raiders won it 20-17
Truly an awesome spectacle & the win meant we didn't get stabbed. We have some video to upload but haven't worked that out yet so coming soon. Off to Portland on an overnight Greyhound later today so we're off to explore Haight-Ashbury & Golden Gate Park & maybe catch a cable car!
Edward had laughed when we told him we were going & described the entrance to the stadium from the train as a "maximum security prison". we were not disappointed.
In the parking lot of the stadium they have Tailgate Parties where everyone hangs around there cars & gets really hammered on Budweiser & chicken wings
The stadium itself is pretty awesome; the Raiders share it with the Oakland Athletics baseball team so it's got an odd shape to it & they patch grass over where the baseball diamond would usually be
The Raiderettes are BABEZ
The game itself was action packed with many a twist & turn. The Raiders were major underdogs with a 2-7 record coming in to the game against division leading Bengals (7-2), & the Bengals took an early lead. The picture below is the first Raiders touchdown; #5 will throw to #80 & the stadium will go NUTS!
When the Raiders are on defense & a big play is coming up some sort of undertakers bell will toll over the speaker system & it's DEFENSE TIME
Janikowski nailed it & the Raiders won it 20-17
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Alcatraz
For my birthday, Sam booked us a night tour of Alcatraz. We took a ferry to the island, and on the way got some good views.
When we arrived we were assigned a guide (ours was Art) who took us up to the prison in the same way the prisoners were taken there, without the shackles.
We all were given an audio player and headset as we left the showers, which was the end of the induction for the prisoners (we didn't have to shower..). It was narrated by previous guards and inmates, and was really interesting. We walked through the cells, isoaltion cells, dining room, and Library. It was all pretty spooky but really interesting. The isolation cells had no lights and no windows, and some prisoners, like Al Capone, were in there for a long time at once.
After the audio tour we were free to wander around and take guided tours if we wanted. The hospital wing was open for only half an hour on the tour because of the asbestos in the ceiling and walls. It was definitely the spookiest part. The equipment they used was so scary looking and weird. Al Capone also spent a lot of time here and while he was dying from syphilis.
We all were given an audio player and headset as we left the showers, which was the end of the induction for the prisoners (we didn't have to shower..). It was narrated by previous guards and inmates, and was really interesting. We walked through the cells, isoaltion cells, dining room, and Library. It was all pretty spooky but really interesting. The isolation cells had no lights and no windows, and some prisoners, like Al Capone, were in there for a long time at once.
After the audio tour we were free to wander around and take guided tours if we wanted. The hospital wing was open for only half an hour on the tour because of the asbestos in the ceiling and walls. It was definitely the spookiest part. The equipment they used was so scary looking and weird. Al Capone also spent a lot of time here and while he was dying from syphilis.
It was a really interesting tour. The prison was completley different to any other. It wasn't about at all about rehibilitation or justice, but punishment and control. Not a very fun place to be in or work in, but really cool to visit!
San Fran Tour
While in Brisbane my bro Jonathan had put us in contact with a US mate he made while in Europe who lives in San Francisco. So yesterday Sara & I had the privelige of a local's tour of San Francisco with our hosts Edward & Liz (end of tour photo).
Firstly we headed for this CRAZY impractical street called Lombard which looks like something a slalom skiier would carve.
Palace of Fine Arts is a sweet buiding constructed for a World's Fair in 1915
Next we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge & copped some amazing views of the bridge & city & THE ROCK from the hills above Sausalito. Really started to feel like we were in the Full House intro by now. Really good.
Below is Alcatraz with the Bay Bridge which connects Oakland to San Francisco in the background.
We returned to the city to take in some of Little Italy & Chinatown. These two districts aren't just a gimmick for tourists, rather Little Italy is full of Italian restaurants run by Italian families who have lived in the area for many generations including some of Liz's family.
Chinatown is huge & chaotic. 22 blocks of dim-sum & fishmongers selling dead turtles & people who can get by easily without ever having to learn english. Edward was keen for a snack so we got some take-out dim-sum, yum.
Edward took us out later for a dinner of local cuisine and produce, which was awesome. Next we met up with Liz who was at a friends birthday, then on to celebrate Edwards friend Johnny's engagement. We had heaps of fun & are grateful for the sights presented to us & the experiences shared.
Firstly we headed for this CRAZY impractical street called Lombard which looks like something a slalom skiier would carve.
Palace of Fine Arts is a sweet buiding constructed for a World's Fair in 1915
Next we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge & copped some amazing views of the bridge & city & THE ROCK from the hills above Sausalito. Really started to feel like we were in the Full House intro by now. Really good.
Below is Alcatraz with the Bay Bridge which connects Oakland to San Francisco in the background.
Chinatown is huge & chaotic. 22 blocks of dim-sum & fishmongers selling dead turtles & people who can get by easily without ever having to learn english. Edward was keen for a snack so we got some take-out dim-sum, yum.
Edward took us out later for a dinner of local cuisine and produce, which was awesome. Next we met up with Liz who was at a friends birthday, then on to celebrate Edwards friend Johnny's engagement. We had heaps of fun & are grateful for the sights presented to us & the experiences shared.
Interstate 5
Hello,
On Friday we left LA for San Francisco. Our Greyhound bus rode the I5 which began with an hour of winding hills known as The Grapevine, then took us through the San Joaquin Valley which included five hours of the longest, straightest road we've ever been on. The entire valley is flat, arid & looks like a desert should except it is extensively farmed. We stopped for lunch at a truck-stop in the middle of nowhere & walked through sand to McDonalds.
No idea how they grow things there but there were massive plantations of citrus, fruit, vineyards all just grown from the sand & some fields spanning several kilometres. One of the strangest things was there were no houses anywhere that we could see, so while there where people picking the fruit we couldn't work out where they came from. This is a view looking east, to show how flat it was.
We arrived in San Fran 7 hours after we first left, and had a look around the city which we liked heaps. This is Union Square
On Friday we left LA for San Francisco. Our Greyhound bus rode the I5 which began with an hour of winding hills known as The Grapevine, then took us through the San Joaquin Valley which included five hours of the longest, straightest road we've ever been on. The entire valley is flat, arid & looks like a desert should except it is extensively farmed. We stopped for lunch at a truck-stop in the middle of nowhere & walked through sand to McDonalds.
No idea how they grow things there but there were massive plantations of citrus, fruit, vineyards all just grown from the sand & some fields spanning several kilometres. One of the strangest things was there were no houses anywhere that we could see, so while there where people picking the fruit we couldn't work out where they came from. This is a view looking east, to show how flat it was.
We arrived in San Fran 7 hours after we first left, and had a look around the city which we liked heaps. This is Union Square
Friday, November 20, 2009
More Blogs About Buildings & Food
Today we saw many buildings & several more Districts of LA:
Walt Disney Music Hall designed by Frank Gehry
City Hall
Sara had Cherry Pepsi & it was delicious [Sam slammed down Gatorade (not pictured)]
Little Tokyo has a Little Space Shuttle
We walked through awesome Toy District which had shiny piñata alley-ways
Wholesale District had an exciting array of technology & wristwatches & barbed-wire
Central city is odd, all the skyscrapers are solely commercial buildings with little or no shop frontages on the street level. All the people walking around seem to only be going to or from work so in a way it's a bit lifeless. Still, lots of good glass & bricks & steel
Lunch = wicked burrito + salad in a giant taco bowl. YUM!
Walt Disney Music Hall designed by Frank Gehry
City Hall
Sara had Cherry Pepsi & it was delicious [Sam slammed down Gatorade (not pictured)]
Little Tokyo has a Little Space Shuttle
We walked through awesome Toy District which had shiny piñata alley-ways
Wholesale District had an exciting array of technology & wristwatches & barbed-wire
Central city is odd, all the skyscrapers are solely commercial buildings with little or no shop frontages on the street level. All the people walking around seem to only be going to or from work so in a way it's a bit lifeless. Still, lots of good glass & bricks & steel
Lunch = wicked burrito + salad in a giant taco bowl. YUM!
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