FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2017
Let summer ’17 begin! Flying back to the U.S., I stopped in Vancouver for a 22 hour layover, allowing sufficient time to explore the city. The idea of a long layover sounds great, but what I didn’t expect was how tired I was going to be. I had thought that I could leave my checked in luggage at the airport, but that only applies for layovers 12 hours or less. As such, I had to pick up my luggage at baggage claim and check it in again the next morning. I didn’t get a sim card for my phone, so that was probably the most difficult part of this trip, not having information readily available 24/7.
WHERE TO STAY
Samesun Vancouver – This hostel is a little pricey, but it had everything you needed. Bathrooms were clean, breakfast is provided, and staff was helpful. There isn’t air conditioning in the rooms, so it was a bit stuffy at times, but if you kept the door slightly open and the windows open, it’s not too bad. I didn’t have much time to socialize with other people, but the environment makes it really easy to hang out with other people.
JAPADOG
For lunch, I went to a place called Japadog. As the name suggests, japadog is a hot dog with Japanese toppings. It’s pretty interesting and worth a try if you like hot dogs. There’s tons of different styles and toppings. Because I LOVE avocado, I got the avocado japadog, which is a hot dog topped with avocado, cream cheese, Japanese mayo, and soy sauce.
STANLEY PARK
I truly wish I had more time in Vancouver. It’s a beautiful place. I took a bus to Stanley Park. Conveniently located across the street was a bike rental called Spokes Bicycle Rentals. I highly recommend this place. Renting a bike was super easy and they also provide locks and helmets. The price is around $10 per hour. I rented a bike and rode along the seawall of Stanley Park. It was a really nice bike ride and the views were gorgeous and several points of interest for you to stop and take pictures. There’s actually a lot to do at Stanley Park. It’s got a swimming pool, a beach, and more.
GASTOWN
After I returned the bike, I visited Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood. It’s pretty touristy, but there’s plenty of dining and shopping options. I ended up eating dinner at Steamworks Brewing Co. They have a good selection of food and I ordered their Korean BBQ Pizza. I wanted to try something that I wouldn’t normally be able to get elsewhere. But it turns out that the pizza looked better than it tasted. I’m starting to think I’m not really good at choosing foods to eat.
STEAM CLOCK
I enjoyed strolling through Gastown. Walking on the cobblestone streets and among the gas lights, it felt like I was in a completely different era. I also got a picture with the world’s first steam clock. It’s not hard to find or spot considering there was a group of tourists crowded around the clock taking pictures.
At this point of the day, I am exhausted. I call it a day and make my way back to the hostel. But not before I got some pictures of this random colorful alley. It’s located in an alley south of W Hastings and in between Granville and Seymour St.
That’s all the time I have in Vancouver. Hopefully, I’ll make it back and hit up some other places. LEt me know if you have any recommendations.
