Vancouver, Tofino, Banff, Montreal, Quebec, Ottawa.....

I have been to more cities than you can count on two hands since I last posted. I have also finished exams, gotten my results back, said goodbye to all my friends in Vancouver and started my crazy 3 months of travel. I have so many stories to tell, but for now here are some photos...

Last days in Vancouver - Grouse Mountain
Finally looked at some of the sites in Vancouver...


The Grouse Grind - 1km elevation over 2km of track!! Extremely tiring, and didn't even come close to the 20 minute world record (in fact it took us an hour and a half)




The views from the top were worth it though... MAN vancouver is nice.


We took the gondola down, thank goodness we made it...


Stopped by Kitsilano beach on the way back, sure isn't Bondi but still very peaceful...

Last days in Vancouver - Cycling in Stanley Park




Cycling around Stanley Park gives great views of downtown Vancouver


Jose being a smartass managed to break off the chain..

Goodbye UBC!!

This was the actual sunset from my window on the my last night at gage. Man will I miss this place!


Sushi with the girls across the hall on our last night


...then some poker with the roommates


Gage Towers after everyone has moved out! How sad they rent these rooms for $30 a night over summer


Picked up my pitiful paycheck, so here is a photo of where I worked!



Spent my last few days at Fairview (another residence) after getting kicked out of gage... had to stick around for U2 and MAROON 5!! Both concerts were amazing!!!

Onto the Rockies
Rina and I rented a car and made the long drive over to Banff and Jasper after the concerts. The scenery was just incredible... You can't believe your eyes. Here is a selection...


Lake Louise


















We climbed up this mountain!

Goodbye Vancouver, Hello Eastern Canada - Montreal
I loved Montreal, though its hard to believe its the same country as Vancouver. Truly a Bilingual city, it had a fascinating mix of European and American culture. Nightlife especially was incredible!!



Some of the buildings in Old Montreal


The "English Residences" up Mont Real (Mount Real)


Our somewhat shitty hostel, outdoor shower and all. Great people though!




McGill University was very impressive

Anyone speak English? - Quebec City
Quebec city maxes you wonder why the separatists haven't had their way in any of their numerous referendums. Its not Canada at all! Beautiful city though, and the only walled city in North America.


City Wall


Quebec Parliament



Ottawa, National Capital
Back into English speaking territory...finally!


Ottawa was in the middle of a tulip festival. I don't like flowers but these seemed photo worthy...


Supreme Court, a lot smaller than I expected


Parliament, which was in session with some Sponsorship scandal that's threatening to cause an election - damn corruption meant we couldn't take a tour!


Crazy American Anti-Abortion Protestors


...and Falun Dafa presentations, all on the lawn of Parliament. Love a free country (see Washington DC next post. hehe...)


Tribute to Canada's hockey obsession


The PM's residence. A good hour walk from Parliament - not really worth it! Bring on Kirribilli house I say.


Quirky hostel put us in the "Australia" room. Aww....

And since Ottawa I have been to Toronto, Niagara, Washington DC, Philadelphia and am now in NEW YORK CITY - the without a doubt best city in the world. I have more photos but might take a few days. KEEP CHECKING!

Anyway, missing everyone at home a lot, but pretty busy not thinking too much about home!

Check back soon...

Nick