So after lunch, headed to Gastown and Chinatown. I wasn’t too sure if I was really in those areas since the streets were a bit quiet and not much was happening. I ended up hitting a block which was kind of scary – people who looked homeless and drug dealers – who pretty much lined the streets. I ended up at a Starbucks to have some relaxing time of editing more photos and writing. Dinner was soon after – thai food – my treat for the hosts’ family.

I realise there is a bit of a theme going on, and not that it represents the WHOLE of Vancouver, but I was speaking to a lady on the bus today and it was something that she pointed out – that poverty in developed countries compared to poverty in third world developing countries is quite different. Its like poverty in developed countries is a whole lot worse and after having spent 10 years overseas, she comes back to a place where the government has done little to change the increasing levels of homeless people.

A similar image to my london photo, but it is a really nice landscape.

Written by Milton Lai

NYE was a new experience – I spent it at a club – not the best scene in the world, but I had to see it at some stage. The highlight was at the end of the night when the designated driver was… way too drunk to drive, so I ended up driving… in snow, on the wrong side of the road, whilst it was raining… quite a feat for the first time.

Yesterday I spent it shopping – slightly bad idea considering I didn’t have enough sleep. Had multiple feeds during the evening… unfortunately and it ended with some card playing with my hosts’ family.

Today I went to go see Capilano Suspension Bridge – nice place – transport was a bit short, but its been a lovely day. Currently in a restaurant/diner. I might head to Gastown and Chinatown in a bit. Pictures over the past day or so:

My host:

Written by Milton Lai

Couple quick shots on my way back home this evening.

Written by Milton Lai

Had a lovely sleep in this morning. Just a tad bit sore, but all is well. The day has been so nice – blue sky and all! Headed off to Metrotown this morning before heading to Stanley Park. The days are a bit short, so I’ve only had about 3 hours of walking before it started to get dark and as amazing as the park is… it’d be a bit scary at night. The trails are completely snow filled and so the trail was… difficult. The normal path which takes you around the park was quite icy so the walk ended up quite slow. I didn’t quite make it all the way around the park, but it was nice to have no one about and to just relax with my iPod. It’s new years eve tonight and I’m still not sure what is happening as yet. Currently sitting in a coffee shop going through my photos and having a break. Its pretty much dark outside now. Quick post before I go!

This one reminds me of my boss:

View from my lunch spot:

Written by Milton Lai