Olympics 270712

My Olympic blog starts here. We are all very excited to be going to London next week. The Irish are pinning most of their hopes on Katie Taylor, our female world champion boxer. Just to remind you that Katie has won 13 gold medals in boxing to date. Hopefully she can add to that tally in London. She is 26 from Bray & has been top of her sport (60kg) since 2005 - no pressure Katie!

110712 Vancouver Airport

We have had 19 days of sheer bliss. From the stunning beauty of Banff to beautiful Vancouver. It wouldn't have happened without my 'present' wife & best buddy - our best holiday ever. Sad to leave but can't wait to get home (we especially his our 'famous 5' grandkids) - see you all soon xx

100712 Vancouver

Our last day had to come sooner or later. We spent most of today in the city. I was amazed to find a peaceful Japanese garden among the skyscrapers. We also visited the museum, which tracks life in Vancouver from its origins. There wasn't a huge contribution from the Irish, you can see today that there is more of an eastern influence than a western one here in Vancouver, especially from a tourist perspective - lots of Japanese, Chinese & Korean.

090712 Vancouver

At this stage we usually want our holiday to end, however this has been several different holidays, so we are sorry it,s coming to an end. We started the day with two ¢9 travel cards, which let you go anywhere for the day, including the sea bus over to the city center. We went to Capilano Suspension bridge - how scary is that! Another glorious day in the mid 20ies. We are delighted with the hotel too - its very close to everything, with a huge pool, steam room, Jacuzzi etc.

080712 Vancouver

A glorious warm (scorching) day in Vancouver. After breakfast we came across a vintage Corvette rally close to our hotel. What a selection of 'boys toys. I just couldn't decide which one to take home, however the one below really took my fancy. We then met Mark (Verena's son from Switzerland, who is over here learning English). We went to the aquarium for the afternoon. We had a good chat & a laugh together for the day. It was great to see him for the day.  A really vibrant city that appears to be very alive, it looked busy everywhere, lots of people in cafes, on bikes & roller blades etc...

070712 Vancouver

The last step of our journey today to Vancouver. We arrived early & changed our booking to an earlier ferry - they make things so easy here by just cutting through the red tape. I've been in many ferry terminals & this is as god as it gets & that's for the toffee apples alone! Am looking forward to exploring Vancouver tomorrow - its at least 34 years since I've last been here.

060712 Vancouver Island

Another day of wows. We drove to the Pacific coast (pacific rim national park). Its a surprisingly long drive - about 3 hours each way, however it was worth every second. Lakes, rivers, rain forests, snow capped mountains and Pacific beaches. I've taken enough photos to bore a nation. I'll understand if ye are not at home when I call. On to Vancouver tomorrow for the final leg.