Reflections

14 Jan 06

Kiasu sporeans are in action again. Haha. A whole bunch of us was queueing outside the FIUTS office just so that we can be the first to sign up for the most popular event of the year -- Vancouver trip! USD85 was reserved for the transportation and accomodation and i would say its pretty inexpensive as it definitely will cost us more if we do the travelling alone.

Cost aside, its definitely a long journey there. 4h in the van! but well, i get to see the scenery and catch a bit of sleep here and there. After departing from the Burke Museum, chinese words start filling up the van. Felt kinda bad as we have friends from USA and Japan as well. If time could turn back, english converstion will be our choice.

Checked into Buchan hotel, where all of us pronounced it as 'Bull-chan'. Or if we are trying to be cheeky we'll change the pronounciation to 'Bu4 can3'. This direct translation of ours actually got ourselves into an embarrassment state! you see, on the last day where we are supposed to meet up in the hotel to leave together, Tiran, Ray and I was kinda lost in that neighbourhood. so we approached an old man and asked him where is 'bull chan' hotel located. He said that its pronounce it as 'but-chen'. oh my we had a great laugh of our direct translation then! figured that its a scottish restaurant so perhaps they have their own way of pronouncing it.

After leaving our 'barang barang' in the room, we headed downtown along Robson Street. I must say that Canada really leaves a good impression to me. The sunshine (contrast with the gloomy rainy weather in Seattle and you'll know what i mean), the safer streets (as compared to Seattle), the great air and scenery...everything just seems so perfect! felt that i could just retire over there, sip a cup of mocha at the starbucks, looking at people and their dogs, oh well i can continue dreaming it haha.

Next we made our way to the Waterfront to look at the shores of the northern vancouver. its indeed breath taking! and the only thing that ruin it is the noisy construction that's just few distance away from me. arrgh!

We are supposed to have our lunch at the famous old spaghetti factory but it seems that we are taking ages to reach there. reason being that the scenery cause us to stop our feets everynow and then despite hearing our stomach protesting for food. Dinner was great! Well worth the money and ambience. Ice cream is just the right way to end our meal and their unique way of containing the tea just thrills me haha.

Took some group photos at night and headed to chinatown. nothing much as most of the shops have closed by then. Headed back to hotel to gear up for tomorrow's exciting amazing race against the time.

As promised... presenting to you great photos taken from the vancouver trip!