Day 7 - Vancouver Downtown

Woke up at 5 something, made Carol a cup of tea and did usual routine, washing and breakfast in the Opal Lounge.  Then returned to room to begin packing for our departure around noon.  Packing was a breeze but, oh no!!  Serious depletion of Hawkins Cheezies supplies.  So we dash over to Save On Foods to restock.  Phew! culinary disaster averted.

Use the efficient "zip check out" (which basically means that if you agree with the bill which miraculously appears under the door sometime in the night, you leave the keys on the table, ring up an automated number and walk out the room.

After a short taxi ride we find ourselves at the Pan Pacific.  We both heave a great sigh of contentment as we are "home" again.  Phil the doorman takes one look at our baggage ticket (given by young greenhorn who doesn't know the Walls) and says "You don't need that!", takes our bags away and promises delivery on registration.

Registration happens on the Concierge level, 23rd floor and is handled in the usual efficient way by Housman, ex-Stargate extra and all round decent guy.  Our first instruction to him is to book a table at Carderos for that evening.  We leave unpacking and go meet up with Mon and Cats to take the Skytrain to GM Place where Canuck memorabilia await our purchase.  This consists of a hockey shirt for Mon, a hoodie for Carol and 2010 Playoff towels for all.  Jim and Cats threaten to bring theirs to the restaurant that night.  Back on the skytrain to Waterfront and onto the Sea Bus to take us across the Burrard Inlet to the North Shore and Lonsdale Quay Market.

After an hour of mooching around and purchase of strange stuffed raccoons (don't ask!) we return to our respective hotels for a rest and unpacking before meeting up at 7 for our meal at Carderos.  This is a great success as it's location is right slap bang in the middle of the yacht basin, we get a window seat, great view and all are happy.  Food is excellent, atmosphere vibrant - shame about the hockey (Canucks lose 5-3).  So much for waving our Towels.

We take a leisurely stroll back along the Seawall past the Olympic flame (not lit of course now) and say our goodnights.  Early bed after a great day and night.