First day!

Hi,

After traveling for many hours (28 in the end with the missed flight) it was a very pleasant surprise at how smoothly the Canadian customs experience (ccexp) was. Everyone smiled, laughed at my sleep deprived attempts at humour and were extremely helpful.  The guy at immigration didn't really look at my papers, "That would be the 2 year visa you are after eh?" You betcha!

Then a quick taxi ride to the hotel (forgot to tip the driver) and probably an I'll advised attempt at putting my bike together.  Happy to report only one thing broken (my custom made rear light holder) and the front wheel was pretty out of true.

This morning my first take of Canada, a waffle! As this isn't a waffle rating page I'll just say this, it was ok.

Then I was off. First of all, Vancouver is surprisingly hilly, not San Fran crazy, just a couple of sneaky climbs.

Stopped into a bike shop that looked likely to buy a rack to replace the one I couldn't fit into my box. Got it cheap! Second hand, slightly bent, it will do the job! Then onwards! Picked up a lock and some new tires at the next shop. 2 inches wide, looks like I could ride on water! Hopefully they will stay flat free for 4000ks or so.

Then I went walking to find a phone.

The next part is why we (me) are all here : Poutine number 1 from a place called New York fries... Not bad, classic brown packet gravy, 3/5. Fries, 3/5. Curds, 4/5. Overall a good start. A few more to try though...

Already have my eye on another place tomorrow...

Time for dinner!