Tuesday, October 8, 2019 - San Rafael to Vancouver, B.C.

Tuesday, October 8, 2019 - San Rafael to Vancouver, B.C.

Am running away again!   This time will be on the Seabourn Sojourn from Vancouver to Miami, cruising the west coast, part of Mexico, Central America, Panama Canal, etc. Then staying on for a Miami to Miami leg which will take in the Caribbean.  Was supposed to visit Cuba on the second portion, but that was cancelled - UGH!   Oh well, when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade - right?   Caribbean not too much of a lemon - it will be warm and relaxing.

So, this morning was up at 4:00 a.m., to be certain that all was well with the house, plants watered, and all of the little things we do when we leave our comfortable abode.   My pickup at 7:00 a.m. arrived a little early.   Was happy to see my driver Omar whom I had the pleasure over the years of travel, and we were off.

Two suitcases were sent several weeks ago and would be awaiting my arrival on the ship.  As a result, only had to deal with one suitcase and one carry-on.   While at the airport, wandering around, saw the Centurion Lounge (new to me) which is a service for American Express Platinum Card holders.   It was nice and comfortable.   Had a bit of breakfast and a coffee.

The flight up to Vancouver took only two hours.   This was the shortest flight I'd ever undertaken to get to a cruise ship - that was nice - except for the fact that the plane was so cold it was like flying in a refrigerator.   My coat was in my luggage - stupid!!!

Seabourn was there to meet me and as soon as I had my luggage, was whisked off to the ship through the streets of Vancouver, about a 30-minute ride.   Expected rain, but the skies were only a little cloudy and even though sun shone sporadically, it was cold. 

Have been to Vancouver several times in my life.  Except for the beautiful Stanley Park and the imposing Lions Gate Bridge, my opinion of the architecture in this city has never been good!   Buildings all have straight, sharp edges, the use of glass and mirrored glass seems over the top, and generally there's not much to ooh and aah about - but that's my opinion.   Haven't been here for maybe 20 years, but with all the new buildings, there just seems more to NOT ooh and aah about!    Had a glimpse through a narrow view point of a building that had rounded edges, but we were gone from there before I could get a photo or appreciate it!
These photos are not great, but taken while moving through the city in a van. 

      

The Sojourn awaited its passengers at the new cruise terminal - very nice - clean - bright.  My suite was ready and thankfully two pieces of sent luggage were there for me.   The usual beautiful bouquet with a greeting card, and a gorgeous white phalaenopsis sat on the side chest - beautiful!   I'd left my orchids home to be greeted with a real beauty!  Thank you, Seabourn!

                 

What follows, of course, is the mad scramble to get all clothing tucked away and hung - oh the wrinkles in the luggage that was sent, even though everything was in plastic bags and already on hangers.  Thank goodness for the pressing service aboard ship.   Will send a few things each day until all is once again smooth.

My suite overlooks the bay here and it is full of activity, including a Chevron floating gas station, and an airport for seaplanes which are often coming and going - lots of fun here!!

  

Mandatory ship's drill will be held shortly - we all gather in the dining room to be instructed on what to do in the case of evacuation from the ship.  Have now seen so many of these that I could probably do the instruction!

Then out on deck for the sail away and took more photos - finally found a round building in Vancouver right near the ship!

This evening was invited to dine with Sarah Bomber, a member of the Seabourn Singers.  She is American (unusual, as most singers on these ships seem to come from Europe - especially the U.K.). Everyone at table was filled with bonhomie so the guests were immediately relaxed and we had lots of fun.

. . . and so to bed.