Having decided the night before to break down and purchase a better pair of shoes, mostly because my right foot kept hurting, I headed over to the 4th largest tourists attraction in Seattle, the R.E.I. Store. I wrote a note about the store before, but it is quite the store. Daniel, who was actually from College Station, assisted me in getting my large backpack better setup because it didn't feel right. Then upstairs to the shoe department. Exhaustive search of the discount shoe racks, then seeking assistance in regards to a good shoe for my situation from Travis, and then Tyler, a bit of shoe experiements, and the winner was the Five Fingers. As the shoes slipped onto my awaiting and eager feet, I could tell immediately that these were the ones. My right foot felt good in them. Now after having walked many blocks, I believe I made the right decision, as my right foot doesn't hurt.
From the shoe department to the men's department to search for a light jacket in the discount section. I liked the one that I found, and only had to try on three, the best part is that it is stylish and the price was right. A couple of discounted shirts and a pair of pants finalized the deal. Amazing, the funniest part was no one in REI blinked an eye when I walked in with a large backpack on my back, my Keen bag slung around my hip, and my small backpack hung on my chest. People were friendly and quickly assisted me with taking my packs and putting HOLD tags on them behind the counter so I could shop. I had to ask, so I did, and of course, they have people like me with fully loaded packs walk in and shop.
Off to the bus station, walking very comfortably in the new shoes, 30 minutes later and we were boarding the Greyhound bus for Vancouver, BC. Having already struck up a conversation with a young lady from the UK, Methilda, I asked if I could sit with her as the bus was going to be full. We talked and she is living in Vancouver for a year before returning to the UK, a gift from her grandparents.
A few stops between Seattle and Vancouver, especially the Border Crossing, and then we were in Canada. The scenery didn't alter much, but my excitement did. I could feel my spirits lift as I began to think about the new adventure. Probably the most expensive adventure to date, but I hope I can make it on the budget. I've even booked some travel over night so I can save on hostels. Now, I'm sitting in the Beaver of the Samesun Backpackers Lodge on Granville Street in Vancouver. My friend Shannon suggested I visit Granville, so here I am, staying right in the thick of it all. Tomorrow, a bike rental and I'll be off to discover Vancouver, visiting several parks, riding along the sea wall, and maybe a free walking tour of some areas.
For now, I'm going to take a short walk through the Davie Street area, and Shannon, you might know what that street is all about? I had to laugh when that was the first street that the hostel receptionist told me about, and it is so convenient. I'll be back before long, as I just want to walk the street to see what it is like compared to other such ghetto areas I've visited.
Photos of arriving in Vancouver via Greyhound bus:
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| Seats at the Greyhound bus Station in Vancouver |
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| Ceiling details of Greyhound bus Station Vancouver |
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| Greyhound station Vancouver, BC |
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| From the bus, going over the bridge, logs in the river, Vancouver directly in the distance. |
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| Vancouver, BC in the distance, taken on the bus. |
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| This just ended up as a great photo with all of the various reflections in the bus window. |
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