የታተመ: 21.10.2022
Okay Day 3. Quote of the day: 'Save until you break!'
Once again, the day started with a balanced breakfast... Bagel with Cream Cheese. We also took two more in napkins to have lunch covered. A feast.
We left the chamber of the Stink Mole overjoyed, although we didn't exchange a word with it. However, we left our suitcases behind for now, so as not to enter the bank like the biggest backpackers. We wanted to open our Canadian bank account there. But it didn't happen, because after a disgusted look and slight overwhelm, the nice man sent us away with the prospect of a soon appointment. Well... can't have it all.
Now we had a plan to visit the Food Market on Granville Island. But... how do we get there? Google Maps says ferry. We say no. There must be another way, because ferry means cost. So we walked along the water, passing various beautiful parks, searching for a way across the water. On the way, we had our first joy: a water dispenser. Luxury if it's not chlorinated water. So we prayed. Actually... it tasted like earth! Anything is better than chlorine. Great success.
We were called by the bank a second time, after Toni confidently rejected the first call as a scam. But now we found the big bridge over the water. Google Maps says it's a highway. We say no! And so we walked across the bridge, always with heavy baggage. The view was breathtaking and so, once again, saving paid off, even though we were physically exhausted. Once we arrived on the other side, it was time for the stolen bagels for lunch. Delicious, 10/10.
The Food Market was a sea of a thousand different, colorful delicacies. From cake to fruit to German sausages, everything was represented... only unfortunately, it was too expensive. And so, we only enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the people and the view of the water with the city in the background.
+ Toni was almost attacked by a dog, while we fed almonds to pigeons... you win some, you lose some.
Well, in any case, we didn't want to make the death march across the bridge a second time, because that would truly be the breaking point. So, we were generous and actually spent money on the bus. Weak performance... we know. So, we took the bus back to the city center to the SWAP office because there, being productive as we are, we wanted to finish writing our resumes. As said, done. So, we were actually sitting one afternoon in an office in a high-rise building in Vancouver. What's going on here?
After finishing our work, we went to the supermarket once again to get breakfast for the next day. What do you think we got? That's right. Bagels with Cream Cheese. Delicious.
We picked up our suitcases at the hostel, said goodbye to Franzi for the next few days, and walked to the train station, because our motel is located outside of Vancouver in Surrey. So, once again, we embarked on the death march with what felt like tons of luggage and boarded the crowded train without a seat. A dream.
You think it can't get worse? I'm sorry to disappoint you. We got off at the wrong station and with zero energy, we also managed to find out that our ticket was apparently invalid. So, we couldn't get through the barriers, if it hadn't been for a kind man and a kind woman who smuggled us in with their train tickets. Kiss to both of them.
Finally arrived in Surrey, our motel was still a 30-minute walk away, so we set off once again. It was the ultimate breaking point. We walked and walked and finally arrived physically and mentally broken. We just wanted to fall into bed when we couldn't believe our eyes. Is that a kitchen? And a bathroom? A TV? It was a dream. Quick shower, quickly do laundry in the sink, and then off to bed. Wrong. We still had to find accommodation for the next few days. Once that was taken care of, we could finally fall into bed, or rather sofa bed... oh yes, without a blanket. That's right, apparently there was none provided for the person on the sofa bed. I (Melanie) had a thin sheet. It was a dream.
That's how our day ended. That's enough.