Vancouver, BC: Day 4
We packed up all of our stuff this morning and checked out of the hotel
at about 11am. Our train back to Seattle didn't leave until 5pm, so we
spent the day shopping and driving around the area. We bought some
souvenirs (clothing) and drove out along the coast to the University of
BC while the kids napped in the car (renting the car seat for Eliana
with the car was the best money we spent on the whole trip).
After the kids woke up we visited the Vancouver Roundhouse where a full
size train (the first train to pull a transcontinental load into
Vancouver) is on display. Berkeley climbed up in the engine and pull
the rope to ring the bell - he thought that was pretty cool. We played
at an adjacent park until it was time to return the car.
Our train didn't depart until 5pm, so we burned a bit of time after we
returned our car (at 3pm) by riding the Vancouver sky train in and out
of the city. Yeah, it was pretty much a vacation where we spent much of
our time either riding trains or looking at trains - Berkeley's dream
vacation no doubt.
We had a very pleasant train ride back to the states. The train stopped
at the border for the US customs check at the same time we were in
the dining car having dinner (by mere coincidence). It would be hard
to imagine a more pleasant border check - while I was interfacing with
the customs agent
(providing the passports and other documentation and having a good
chat), Kristy was eating her prime rib and the kids were chomping away
at their dinners. Yeah, I think we can travel by train again. It's a
great way to travel.
|