Home Exchange - Vancouver - In progress
Jul 26th, 2008, 06:48 PM
#124
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Hi Annetti,
I live on Vancouver Island and am a here and there surfer on the fodor website. I have to tell you I have been totally captivated by each and every day you and your husband moved around Vancouver and documented it on this forum. Bravo to you because I am sure a whole lot of people pass through Vancouver and see a whole alot less than you did!!, and now you set them straight!!!!!!!!
I live on Vancouver Island and am a here and there surfer on the fodor website. I have to tell you I have been totally captivated by each and every day you and your husband moved around Vancouver and documented it on this forum. Bravo to you because I am sure a whole lot of people pass through Vancouver and see a whole alot less than you did!!, and now you set them straight!!!!!!!!
Jul 27th, 2008, 04:26 PM
#126
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Thank you, amygirl and Toucan2.
We were looking at our Vancouver photos last night on the computer. Neither of us are particularly good photographers, but it was hard not to get some beautiful shots. The city is so photogenic. My husband's reaction is let's go back next year. By the way, Carmanah if you are still reading, my husband who dragged his feet on Steveston, commented after looking at our photos, that Steveston was definitely one of the more interesting days.
I spoke to a friend this morning who said to me, but have you been to Victoria? Could we occupy ourselves for 3-4-5 weeks in Victoria if we were able to arrange an exchange? Do the Fodorites who have followed our adventures in Vancouver and know the way we travel think we can amuse ourselves easily (on public transit, of course) for that length of time? Waiting anxiously to hear your opinions. Thanks.
We were looking at our Vancouver photos last night on the computer. Neither of us are particularly good photographers, but it was hard not to get some beautiful shots. The city is so photogenic. My husband's reaction is let's go back next year. By the way, Carmanah if you are still reading, my husband who dragged his feet on Steveston, commented after looking at our photos, that Steveston was definitely one of the more interesting days.
I spoke to a friend this morning who said to me, but have you been to Victoria? Could we occupy ourselves for 3-4-5 weeks in Victoria if we were able to arrange an exchange? Do the Fodorites who have followed our adventures in Vancouver and know the way we travel think we can amuse ourselves easily (on public transit, of course) for that length of time? Waiting anxiously to hear your opinions. Thanks.
Jul 27th, 2008, 10:08 PM
#127
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"<i>Could we occupy ourselves for 3-4-5 weeks in Victoria if we were able to arrange an exchange?</i>"
The short answer is Yes but there would be a number of days when you'd want a car to visit more distant attractions, the Gulf Islands for instance, although you could do Saltspring by bus on a long day.
Victoria is a much smaller place but (<i>arguably</i
even prettier.
The short answer is Yes but there would be a number of days when you'd want a car to visit more distant attractions, the Gulf Islands for instance, although you could do Saltspring by bus on a long day.
Victoria is a much smaller place but (<i>arguably</i
even prettier.
Jul 28th, 2008, 06:16 AM
#128
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How nice - we meet again!
Victoria is a lovely small city
- operative word 'small'. It's a
walker's dream - compact centre;
well-treed, well-maintained 'burbs
close to the downtown. In fact,
it reminds me of Dunbar - the homes
are from the same era. Some areas
are built on rocky outcroppings w/
arbutus trees and wonderful ocean
views. There's a stability in the
town that comes from it being a
centre of government.
But I think you would want to rent
a car for a few days at least so you
can leisurely explore the many areas
difficult to access by public transport. The most westerly part
of the Island - Sooke w/East Sooke
Park (my personal fav); Botany Bay,
the wonderful beach hikes/walks.
Up-Island has some great places to
visit and is easier to get to by
train (am I right?) and as Sam says,
the Gulf Islands are terrific - Salt
Spring is so delightful but you do
need transport. Obviously, I'm
auto-centric - p'haps I'm an LA
woman at heart!
Meesthare is the reigning expert in
this area and I'm sure she'll chime
in with some great advice.
Victoria is a lovely small city
- operative word 'small'. It's a
walker's dream - compact centre;
well-treed, well-maintained 'burbs
close to the downtown. In fact,
it reminds me of Dunbar - the homes
are from the same era. Some areas
are built on rocky outcroppings w/
arbutus trees and wonderful ocean
views. There's a stability in the
town that comes from it being a
centre of government.
But I think you would want to rent
a car for a few days at least so you
can leisurely explore the many areas
difficult to access by public transport. The most westerly part
of the Island - Sooke w/East Sooke
Park (my personal fav); Botany Bay,
the wonderful beach hikes/walks.
Up-Island has some great places to
visit and is easier to get to by
train (am I right?) and as Sam says,
the Gulf Islands are terrific - Salt
Spring is so delightful but you do
need transport. Obviously, I'm
auto-centric - p'haps I'm an LA
woman at heart!
Meesthare is the reigning expert in
this area and I'm sure she'll chime
in with some great advice.
Jul 28th, 2008, 04:53 PM
#129
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Oh, my goodness - I'm a reigning expert?? What a compliment!
I do live in Sooke, just outside of Victoria, and as far as I'm concerned this is just about the best place in the world. I suppose I mean Vancouver Island in general, Victoria in particular, and Sooke in special particular, if there is such a thing.
Annetti, I have followed your thread and truly enjoyed it. We don't spend as much time in Vancouver as we would like. After reading about your adventures, that might change!
I would concur that a car isn't absolutely necessary for walking around Victoria itself. You can get a bus to Butchart Gardens, and bus transportation generally makes a lot of things accessible. However, it would be a shame to come all the way out here and not visit the Gulf Islands, the Cowichan Valley, Tofino, and various other places that are easily accessible from Victoria for pleasant overnight or several-night stays. I have no doubt that you could occupy yourselves very happily here if you were able to arrange an exchange. Distances are greater, though, than they are on the mainland. I work in Victoria and if I didn't have my car, I would find the commute a big problem even though I work only part-time and don't have to travel during rush hour. The bus stops practically outside our front door but it would be a very long ride indeed to where I need to go.
Do you have specific questions about the area that I could try to answer?
I do live in Sooke, just outside of Victoria, and as far as I'm concerned this is just about the best place in the world. I suppose I mean Vancouver Island in general, Victoria in particular, and Sooke in special particular, if there is such a thing.
Annetti, I have followed your thread and truly enjoyed it. We don't spend as much time in Vancouver as we would like. After reading about your adventures, that might change!
I would concur that a car isn't absolutely necessary for walking around Victoria itself. You can get a bus to Butchart Gardens, and bus transportation generally makes a lot of things accessible. However, it would be a shame to come all the way out here and not visit the Gulf Islands, the Cowichan Valley, Tofino, and various other places that are easily accessible from Victoria for pleasant overnight or several-night stays. I have no doubt that you could occupy yourselves very happily here if you were able to arrange an exchange. Distances are greater, though, than they are on the mainland. I work in Victoria and if I didn't have my car, I would find the commute a big problem even though I work only part-time and don't have to travel during rush hour. The bus stops practically outside our front door but it would be a very long ride indeed to where I need to go.
Do you have specific questions about the area that I could try to answer?
Jul 28th, 2008, 09:16 PM
#130
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dear annetti, thanks for ur wonderful and detailed report. i love living in victoria but concur as many of its charms are the great outdoors an occaisional car rental or bicycle would help or just continue to make friends. there r bike trails that go out to sooke and up to the ferry terminal, etc. but places like botanical beach r a 2 hour stunning drive.
fyi i am a recent immigrant to canada via berkeley and santa fe , nm. i've married a canadian and hope to spend the rest of my life here. people r very friendly and welcoming in less than 3 years i have a wide circle of friends and a husband, new house and dog!
cheers
AndrewDavid
ps what home exchange service do u use?
fyi i am a recent immigrant to canada via berkeley and santa fe , nm. i've married a canadian and hope to spend the rest of my life here. people r very friendly and welcoming in less than 3 years i have a wide circle of friends and a husband, new house and dog!
cheers
AndrewDavid
ps what home exchange service do u use?
Jul 29th, 2008, 07:28 AM
#131
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Thank you all, llamalady, Sam, Andrew, and Meesthare: Your descriptions of outlying areas sound very pleasant.
The major problem I might have is driving the twisted, curving roads in those areas. I am very susceptible to motion illness and it gets worse as the years go by. I've tried all the usual remedies, but the "cures" ruin the pleasures for a short excursion, hence our avoidance of Linn Canyon and Whistler while in Vancouver. I was also reluctant to take the ferry to Victoria, but was going to risk it during our trip to Vancouver, but a cold mid trip saved me from possible sea sickness, however for a longer trip to Victoria it would be worth the trouble, I just am not sure we can do all the side trips, so what do people think now, that I've been honest about my motivations? Thank goodness for the anonymity of this board, I hate to fess up to problems. Prior to our trip to Vancouver, I telephoned the bus company to find out about the bus ride to Tofino and was warned that it is a "hard" trip for motion sickness prone people. I guess my question is: can we manage to find things to do that will not involve twisty, curvy roads or long ferry rides or those not over 30 minutes? Unfortunately, I can get sick on a five minute curvy road. At this point my darling husband will not even consider going on these kinds of excursions with me, he just hates seeing all my discomfort and will talk me out of it when I bring the subject up. When I read your responses to him, he was not too sure. We would not mind renting a car if we can drive comfortably without too many twists and turns.
Of course, all this discussion may come to nothing if we were not able to arrange an exchange, but I would pursue it, since I have a couple of leads for possible exchanges if people here think we can manage.
llamalady: I thought the arbutus was only a bus stop in Kits. Never knew it was a tree!
Andrew: We have used both Intervac and Homelink with success. Homelink has an interesting chat forum which is helpful, however you must be a member to access it. It sounds like a lot of good things fell in place for you, marriage and a lovely place to live. Best wishes to you.
The major problem I might have is driving the twisted, curving roads in those areas. I am very susceptible to motion illness and it gets worse as the years go by. I've tried all the usual remedies, but the "cures" ruin the pleasures for a short excursion, hence our avoidance of Linn Canyon and Whistler while in Vancouver. I was also reluctant to take the ferry to Victoria, but was going to risk it during our trip to Vancouver, but a cold mid trip saved me from possible sea sickness, however for a longer trip to Victoria it would be worth the trouble, I just am not sure we can do all the side trips, so what do people think now, that I've been honest about my motivations? Thank goodness for the anonymity of this board, I hate to fess up to problems. Prior to our trip to Vancouver, I telephoned the bus company to find out about the bus ride to Tofino and was warned that it is a "hard" trip for motion sickness prone people. I guess my question is: can we manage to find things to do that will not involve twisty, curvy roads or long ferry rides or those not over 30 minutes? Unfortunately, I can get sick on a five minute curvy road. At this point my darling husband will not even consider going on these kinds of excursions with me, he just hates seeing all my discomfort and will talk me out of it when I bring the subject up. When I read your responses to him, he was not too sure. We would not mind renting a car if we can drive comfortably without too many twists and turns.
Of course, all this discussion may come to nothing if we were not able to arrange an exchange, but I would pursue it, since I have a couple of leads for possible exchanges if people here think we can manage.
llamalady: I thought the arbutus was only a bus stop in Kits. Never knew it was a tree!
Andrew: We have used both Intervac and Homelink with success. Homelink has an interesting chat forum which is helpful, however you must be a member to access it. It sounds like a lot of good things fell in place for you, marriage and a lovely place to live. Best wishes to you.
Jul 29th, 2008, 07:56 AM
#132
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IIRC, the arbutus is known as madrona in your neck of the woods.
Yes, Tofino would be a problem for
you but most of other routes are
quite straightforward and you should
not have a problem. But don't quote
me.lol - or not. That's a nasty
affliction for someone who loves
travel - no help from an ENT guy?
Yes, Tofino would be a problem for
you but most of other routes are
quite straightforward and you should
not have a problem. But don't quote
me.lol - or not. That's a nasty
affliction for someone who loves
travel - no help from an ENT guy?
Jul 29th, 2008, 08:04 AM
#133
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Hi, Annetti - the road to Sooke is a bit twisty; my sweetie initially thought we shouldn't look for a house here because he thought the trip out might make him feel motion-sick. However, it doesn't at all, and he is quite susceptible. We do the trip a few times a week and it doesn't trouble him in the least.
The highway up and down Vancouver Island is pretty straight.
The ferry truly will not be a problem - I've never, ever heard of anyone getting seasick on the ferry. My sweetie feels weird on rowboats! And he's never had even a hint of difficulty on the ferry. The trip to Saltspring Island from here is smooth as glass. If you want a really short ferry ride to Saltspring, you have a choice. There's a 35-minute trip from Victoria (Swartz Bay) to Fulford Harbour; or, you could drive up to Crofton about an hour and a half away (up a scenic highway that does go up and down some, but doesn't really twist) and take the 20-minute ferry ride to Vesuvius Bay.
Andrew, sounds like you got here around the same time I did. My sweetie is originally from Vancouver; we met in Toronto and moved out here in September of '05. You're right - it's a welcoming place!
The highway up and down Vancouver Island is pretty straight.
The ferry truly will not be a problem - I've never, ever heard of anyone getting seasick on the ferry. My sweetie feels weird on rowboats! And he's never had even a hint of difficulty on the ferry. The trip to Saltspring Island from here is smooth as glass. If you want a really short ferry ride to Saltspring, you have a choice. There's a 35-minute trip from Victoria (Swartz Bay) to Fulford Harbour; or, you could drive up to Crofton about an hour and a half away (up a scenic highway that does go up and down some, but doesn't really twist) and take the 20-minute ferry ride to Vesuvius Bay.
Andrew, sounds like you got here around the same time I did. My sweetie is originally from Vancouver; we met in Toronto and moved out here in September of '05. You're right - it's a welcoming place!
Jul 29th, 2008, 09:54 AM
#134
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Thanks again, Meesthare and llamalady. I feel reassured. We will look for an exchange in Victoria. The difficulty with an exchange is that it is a two way street, you have to find someone interested in your neck of the woods and you cannot always count on it. It is not like calling a hotel and making a reservation. You have to agree on time frames, time of the year, etc. Nevertheless, if you are flexible, you can find something to suit you. The hard part is when you have a specific place in mind, like Victoria. However, we were very, very lucky to get Vancouver. It had been first on my list, so maybe it will happen again.
PS llamalady - unfortunately ENTs have not been miracle workers for me. They just load me up on meds, a most unwelcoming solution!
PS llamalady - unfortunately ENTs have not been miracle workers for me. They just load me up on meds, a most unwelcoming solution!
Jul 29th, 2008, 10:50 AM
#135
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dear annetti,
a funny story about car sickness. i had to drive a twisty road up to port alberni ( about 3.5 hrs from here to retreive my husband who had an emergency appendectomy there.
took the relatively new dog who got car sick just as we reached the parking area at cathedral grove, a scenic spot a few km before port alberni. the friend i was w/ suggested Gravol ( an anti nausea med) but new to the country i heard gravel and i could not understand how feeding pebbles to my dog would settle her stomach ( perhaps u should try it!) so we went back and forth w/ a "who's on firs ; what's on second" kind of exchange for 15 minutes before we understood each other.
meesthare: yes i am happy to be here and applaud ur good taste also. in june a friend and i drove cross country and i got my first look at toronto which i really enjoyed and hope to revisit
cheers
AndrewDavid
a funny story about car sickness. i had to drive a twisty road up to port alberni ( about 3.5 hrs from here to retreive my husband who had an emergency appendectomy there.
took the relatively new dog who got car sick just as we reached the parking area at cathedral grove, a scenic spot a few km before port alberni. the friend i was w/ suggested Gravol ( an anti nausea med) but new to the country i heard gravel and i could not understand how feeding pebbles to my dog would settle her stomach ( perhaps u should try it!) so we went back and forth w/ a "who's on firs ; what's on second" kind of exchange for 15 minutes before we understood each other.
meesthare: yes i am happy to be here and applaud ur good taste also. in june a friend and i drove cross country and i got my first look at toronto which i really enjoyed and hope to revisit
cheers
AndrewDavid
Jul 30th, 2008, 01:29 PM
#137
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annetti: Thanks for posting a very detailed report of your stay in Vancouver. I visit Vancouver often but I loved reading it through your eyes, so to speak.
meesthare: I had to laugh when you wrote how "twisty" the road to Sooke is. We drove that road many years a-go and the twists and turns seemed to never end. But it is so beautiful there and worth the twisty road trip. I can't wait to visit again. This time I'll drive...lol.
meesthare: I had to laugh when you wrote how "twisty" the road to Sooke is. We drove that road many years a-go and the twists and turns seemed to never end. But it is so beautiful there and worth the twisty road trip. I can't wait to visit again. This time I'll drive...lol.
Jul 30th, 2008, 01:56 PM
#138
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that's the strange thing annetti, she loves to b in the car and the slighest curve even on top of gravol makes her ill. in fact she would rather sit in the cramped quarters of the car for hours even if i've left here in it while dining or dancing than enjoy the comfort of the funky house we built for her w/ a bed in ea room! go figure
cheers AndrewDavid
cheers AndrewDavid
