Long Amtrak Train Trip Starting 26 August!

[Meengla]

A bus from their house to Richmond and then on a Skytrain to downtown Vancouver's Waterfront Station. The fares were cheap and even cheaper in USD. And I loved the tap and go using my credit card. I am kind of a urban-phobic and cities and their ways scare me. Weird, I know. My friend sensed that and so he decided to guide me to downtown Vancouver and show me around.

 

[Meengla]

Arrival at the Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver. And we immediately went out for a walk--a long walk.

 

[Meengla]

[Some of the following pics maybe from day 1 or day 2 of stay in downtown Vancouver. Doesn't really matter though]

The famous Steam Clock in the Gastown area of Vancouver.
GPS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wNprSzYWQTSb9ekP8

 

[Meengla]

Forgot to mention, before friend and I did our long walk after arriving to downtown Vancouver, I checked into the hostel (Cambie St. Hostel, Gastown) and dropped off my main backpack in the room. The entrance to the hostel had a putrid smell--and not from pee--and so I was dreading what was inside. I had never stayed at any hostel before in my life--and probably never will again. I don't think the overall experience was too bad but just not for me. Maybe I will change my mind later.

The bottom right is my bed. Across from me was a grouchy sounding middle aged man who had a blanket drawn all the time. When I asked if the hostel provides towels, he had a big laugh and said maybe you could rent from them; which I did for $3 CND. Anyway, I probably spent no more than 4-5 hours total in the hostel room despite booking for two days. This was a 'Mixed Use' room where females too could stay and in my last few hours, I took a good shower, packed up and left, a big lady climbed up to the bed across from me. I told her she can have mine as I was leaving early morning hours and don't want to awake anyone. I spent the last night past midnight at the restaurant (The Cambie) below the hostel and the hostel's lounge.

GPS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EMYpHZbjWE2ukvGK7

 

[Meengla]

First day in downtown Vancouver (Sept. 3, 10:53 AM) as I walked and walked and walked with my friend almost to Stanley Park. My friend is tall, slim and in excellent shape. Me/wife met him and his wife on an 18 day Panama Canal cruise two years ago from Miami to Seattle. Cruisers on long cruises often become lifelong friends. Half of my friends are from different cruises and they live in different parts of America/Canada.

There were several ships at the port (Canada Place) in downtown Vancouver. Here is a Disney ship:

GPS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LHrAKzj4PSsU7UE36