will i am's delayed diary

Tater has an uncle on Victoria Island and during his last visit there, he took a sea plane to visit him. And from that experience, he strongly-encouraged us to do the same. So KH got tickets with Harbour Air and packaged it with a whale-watching company at Victoria Island. Got off the Sky Train at Waterfront station and had a simple breakfast panini from Pepe. Walked over to Vancouver Harbour that was located right next to the Vancouver Convention Centre. Only after checking in did we realize that they served free pastries and coffee to passengers. Our flight used a Sea Otter and could seat twelve passengers. Luggage is stowed in the pontoons. Very different taking off from the water. But taxi-ing out to the open waters was quite a slow process. Take off was smooth and view was amazing with no turbulence. Our altitude was low, so we were rewarded with a great birds eye view of the islands. Further out we could see how salt water and fresh water mingled judging by the dual color...

Kenji and Andy took leave to spend the day with us. Actually Andy called in sick. Lol. Not wanting them to come all the way down to fetch us, we took the Sky Train to Lansdowne. Nearly everyone on the train was of Chinese-descent. While waiting, we did some shopping at Lansdowne Mall. They took us out for dim sum that day. Some say that dim sum in Vancouver is better than Hong Kong due to the freshness of the ingredients, but I don't agree. Sam Sui Wah looked like your typical dim sum place with Cantonese-speaking waiters, typical furniture and gilded Chinese characters on the walls. The prices were relatively steep but the portions gweilo-sized. Some of the stuff were good, but some I did not like. The weirdest item was the baked melon lolo. Halfway through, felt a bit 'zhai' and Kenji's stomach reacted to something we ordered too. Andy sent us back to their place so that Kenji could purge a bit. The place they live in is quite nice, with several housemates. The livi...

Truth be told, our schedule for the second part in Vancouver was a bit fluid. Based on a recommendation from our hosts, we visited Granville Island. Took a bus ( she even taught us how to cheat! But we didn't do that. Actually wantend to buy the tickets on the bus, but since we didn't have any coins, the bus driver just gave them to us FOC! ) and subsequently went by foot. Nearly went the wrong way as the signage was quite bad. Doubled back from on top the bridge and walked under it instead. Along the way, we asked directions from a woman who was luckily going the same way. Started off at Net Loft, a place where the local art writers from Emily Carr University sold their wares. Most of the shops weren't open, so we had a simple breakfast at Net Loft Cafe first. Wandered in Net Loft and then the Public Market. Fantastic selections of fresh produce, arts and craft. Interesting to note that all the fruit sellers spoke Cantonese. Then went to RIP and the Kids Market. ...

As with all my travel posts, they can lengthy affairs that sap your patience. Hehe. Tater even suggested that I just fast-forward to the current. But, I can't! This blog acts as my journal. A place where I compile all my life events, memorable or mundane. Anyway, stay with me for just a few more posts. Hehe. Today I'll reward everyone with an LRT Celebrity, KPop Kim ! Been ages since I found someone of this quality. Rare to see someone all-dressed up, with slick hair, flawless skin and big guns ( I'm such a sucker for muscular arms ) on the Ampang Line. I managed to get some pretty good shots since it was two in the afternoon. Perfect light. Even managed to get his pits! Enjoy!