CampbellRiver & Nanaimo

Today, I left my host family's place. I went to Vancouver International Airport. In front of the YVA domestic terminal I get on the shutlle bus to the Souse terminal.
I get on a air plane of Pacific Coasteal Airline to CampbellRiver. It was a grate fright.I have enjoyed.

I had not known about CampbellRiver. I had imagined it was a fishermen's town. I got on the island link Bus to Nanaimo. Seeing from the bus, CampbellRiver was a gorgeous cornstalk town.  I saw many camping cars and morter cyclists.
It was clear. the surface of the sea was reflected sun shine. I had not imagined to see such a perfect scene.
 
In the bus I chatted an elder woman. She was to get on the BC Ferry to Vancouver, which I was to get on the next day. We went yo the Ferry terminal together. She kindly showed me how to get a ticket and how to get passengers' route.
Then I went to the Swy-a-Lana Park and hung around. The bay was beautiful.

Because it wa the last day of staying Canada, I ate a Maplesyrop burger.

26 Sept.2016

VIFF : Vancouver International Film Festival

Today, my last class ended at 3:20 pm.
Yesterday, I reserved a movie ticket of Vancouver International Film Festival.
I bought a "Golden Kingdom". It was filmed at the Cinemateque. The theater was near my school.
The film started at 3:45pm.   It was a Myanmar film.
The main actors were preteen boys. They were on their training of Buddism with their menter.
After  their mentor had been absent, the peaceful world changed into unpeaceful.
The camera had chaptured primitive world. The landscape was beautiful.
The audience could not understand their language, it had subtitle. I was watching the movie with subtitle.  I enjoyed much.

After I watched the movie, I went back to school. I have gotten a quolification of 2weeks' corse.

I think 2weeks was too short. The days of in Vancouver was wonderful.  Itwould be nice if I come here again.

25 Sept. 2015

At Vancouver Public Libraty

Today my classes had started at 8:20 and finished at 13:10.
I went to T&T supermarket to have lunch, then went to Vancouver Public Library.
I asked to listen an audio book of  Montgomery L.M. I listened it with reading a text.
After that, I asked one of the librarian if they had a " Maze Runner".  They had,but all of copies were borrowed. She told me I could download the e-book version. Though I could not download at envy where else but in the library, that was because my Library card was for visitors', I could read it at the library.
She instructed me how to use the computer, unfortunately something wrong in the networkar the time.ea
I thanked her and asked where was young adults fictions. I went there. Thy have many novels and graphics and Manga.

I meant to read one of those books, but I noticed the "Vancouver International Film Festival".
I visited the website, and chose one of them on the time after my class. I bought a ticket on the website. "The Golde Kinfdom". I will go to the theater near the school.

24 Sept. 2015

Lunch, Sovenir shop

Today  the first class had ended at 11:50 the second class had started at 14:50.
I had long enough time to out for lunch. I walked to T&T supermarket in Chinatown. I prefer Chinese bun to a hamburger or hotdog. At the first time I went to the supermarket I got lost. But I have marked the Queen Elizabeth Theater, after that I can go there easily.
The buns and dis he's are delicious,and I can eat in the eat-in. The place is safe and good for  saving.

I sat for a departure test. I had heard that students should take it on Friday, but it was misunderstanding. It included grammer, listening,  reading test. I don't think I made it well.

After school I we t to OK Gift shop to seek some souvenir for my children.

23 Sept. 2015

Movie Tuesday, Cineplex Odeon International Villedge

Today is Tuesday. I have heard about the "Movie Tuesday".  On every Tuesday, you can see the movie at a fare of  $7.50.
I have googled what kind of movie I can see today, then I have decided to see "Inside Out".
My last class has finished at 13:10 then I walked to the Cineplex Odeon International villedge. It was near Chinatown.
Inside Out was an animation movie. It was very instructive and helpful to consider about my mind.
Then I went to the T&T super market, I took delicious lunch there.

22 Sept. 2015

In the evening, I visited to Vancouver Public Library. After I used the PC,I went outside. Then I noticed a bulletin board, in those I was interested in an event.

It was a lecture of a psychologist. I attended it.

Dr.Randy Paterson showed how to set straight our loads of life. His talk was attractive.

Deep Cove

Today I had three classes, and the first one started at 11:50. For I had plenty of time before school, I went to Deep Cove.
It was clear with few clouds. I took a train to Metro town, at Metro town Station Bay, I got on the bus. After I got on the bus I understood it was not for Phibbs Exchange, then the driver kindly instructed me where I should got off and took the behind bus.
I changed the bus and reached the Deep Cove.
I walked in the park faced the bay, walked down to the beach. It was very beautiful.
After enjoyed the scenery, I went back to the Phibbs Exchange, then went to Lonsdale Quay To get on a sea bus. It was my first experience to get on the sea bus. It is used to let people across the bay.

It was nearly 10;00, I walked to the Central Library. I was surprised to see many people lined to wait the library open.
I hurried to the fourth floor. I could find a seat for PC. I wrote my blog as a diary, to memory where I went and what I did.
Every single day is wonderful and exciting in Vancouver.

After school, I walked around Yalletown, then went to Granville island by bus. I enjoyed four glasses of  beer at a brewer.

21 Sept. 2015

Peace Arch Park

I went to the border of  between U.S. and Canada.
From 22nd street station I took a train and two buses to reach NB King George Blvd FS 8 Ave. It was the nearest bus stop to the Peace Arch Park. After I got off the bus, I walked along Highway 99. It was a little scary to walk along the highway.
For I had no idea how to reach the park, I dropped in a duty-free shop and asked  a clerk. He told me the park was just behind the shop.
The park was quiet, it was at the side of the ocean. I walked in the park, then crossed the road to enter the next park. There was a big white arch with a gate. The gate was open, with the words on it -"(MAY THESE GATES NEVER BE CLOSED"
After I took pictures I started to return to the bus stop.
But I was confused. I had come along the right side on the road, same direct with cars. If I would walk the same lane, the cars come toward to me. The opposing lane might be better. But to enter the opposing lane, I might enter the entrance checkpoint. I had a passport. That would be helpful, but I thought I might better avoid the checkpoint.
 I was wondering, at that time I saw a pickup truck and an elder man. I asked him how could I return to the NB King George Blvd 8 Ave. He kindly gave me a ride to there.
 He went through the path around the duty-free shop. I did not notice it. Through the path, the car entered the opposing lane.There was roundabout near the bus stop. If he did not help me, I could not get back to the bus stop safely.
I thanked him.After I waved him, I took a picture of his truck. It is the most important picture in Canada for me.

From the bus stop, I took two buses and a train from Bridgeport to Vancouver International Airport. I wanted to make sure where the shuttle bus station to the South terminal was.
From the airport, I went to Waterfront Station, then I understood I should get off at City Center to exchange to Expo line.The City Center station and the Granville station is 5 minutes walk. I made a plan for the day I go to Campbell River.

I went to Chinatown, there I found a good supermarket full of Chinese products. There was an Eat-in. I ate Chinese fried bread and bought cookies and so on.
I wanted to go around more, but it was cold and raining. That why I went back home.

20 Sept. 2015

Victoria in Vancouver Island

On 19 Sept. I took part in an activity of excursion to Victoria in Vancouver Island.
We should be at Canada Place at 7:00 am. It was raining in the morning. The two students who are staying at the same host family had signed up this activity. I followed those two girls to the meeting point.
 It took long time from downtown in Vancouver to Victoria. The bus went to Tsawwassen, got on the BC Ferry and arrived at Swartz Bay, went to the downtown of Victoria.
While we were sat in the bus, the guide person told us much of stories. Two of them I had remenberd.
First, the name of "Tsawwassen"  is come from first nation language, means "Toward sea".
Second, the British Columbia was demanded to belonged from both the U.S. and the Canada.
For U.S.A, because they had Alaska, if they got B.C. they make the route from South to North. For Canada, if they got B.C. they make the route from east coast to west coast.  The British Columbia chose to belong to Canada.
In Canada, the transcontinental rail road was a huge project. For the project many Chinese worker had come to Canada. They worked hard, and the project has finished before it had been anticipated.
But the government could not pay the workers they had promised. Instead of the payment, the government gave them an allowance to settle in Canada. That is the reason, there are many China town in Canada.

With hearing interesting story, the bus arrived at Victoria.
First, we visited the Fisherman`s Wharf. I saw seals, they were cute.  Then hung around Inner Harbor area. I enjoyed the Government street sight, then went to Emily Carr House. I had a good time, then went to Royal BC Museum.
To buy the ticket, the guide person asked me whether I want use cash or credit card. I offered to pay by credit card. The device she had was incredibly smart. She indicated to write down my signature on the device`s screen by my finger. It was a clumsy signature, but effective. I have not seen that system in Japan.

It took almost 90 minutes from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen. On the Ferry boat, I was anxious because my iPod touch`s battery was going to dead. I looked for some outlets. I found. There were two persons working at their PCs. One of them were connecting the outlet. He was kindly let me use that outlet. I charged about 5 minutes or more.
My iPod touch is very convenient, but I wish some advantaged invention, for example, rolling hundle to generate power.
Thanks to kind person, my iPod had revived.

19 Sept. 2015

Souvenia shop

In the morning, on the way to school, I found crowded people.
There was a Beauty Bush by NORDSTROM. Befor it open, they held a bountiful campaign.
They treat costomers free coffee, doughnuts, pastry, and tote bags. There ware many booth of cosmetics and hair products. They offered free make ups and hair sets.

Today was Friday. I reminded that shops are closed at 6 in Vancouver, but on Friday many shops are open until 8 or 9.
That's why I went to shopping for souvenir. I wasked along the Robson street. I found a typical souvenir shop. And I bought some cookies and chocolates. And by my daughter's advise, I bought a small snow dome for my mother.

18 Sept. 2015

Fly Over Canada

Today, I had three classes, the last one was finished at 13:10.

 I asked our activity cooedinator, whether I could use the remeined $11 of  EF credit for  the "Fly Over Canada". Ahe replied I could. I bought the ticket adding $6.
At first I went to the JTB office. I was still eager to go to CampbellRiver. I had searched the public transportation in Cancouver Ialand. I had known it might took long time. I should be Vancouver International Airport at 14:20 to back to Japan. I reserved to stay at Nanaimo on 26 Sept.
I don't have enough time to go to Quadra Island and Cort Island.
I should be arrive at Vancouver airport south terminal by 8:45 am. on 26th September.
I will fly to CampbellRiver in the morning on 26, will take a bus from CampbellRiver to Nanaimo, maybe I will arrive at there around 5:00 pm.
Next morning,I will get on a 8:30 Ferry to Tsawwassen, then go to YVA.
After I had planned this itenerary, went to JTB office again. I made a reserve to Pacific Corstal.
Then went to Canada Place to ride the "Fly Over Canada".
On the way to Canada Place I found a chocolate shop. I ordered a cup of chocolate. It was delicious. But I was disappointed at the treatment. When I ordered the clerk, a man seemed  her boss, directed her never accept debit card. As if most Japanese have used debit card and annoyed him. But I meant to pay  money.I didn't feel good. Chocolate was good but man was not food.
I rode "Fly Over Canada". It was a scenic film.
Then I went to the Central Library. To my joy, I found a stationary shop in front of the library.I had lost an eraser and went to by two stores, but had not found either of the store. I bought an eraser at the stationary shop.

17 Sept. 2015

Jerico Beach

At the breakfast, I asked my host mother when I might use her loundly. She had told me the students are allowed to use it once a week. My socks were going to shortage. I will use it today after I would back home.

 I left home before 8:00 this morning. Then took a skytrain, got off  at  Commercial-Broadway and got on a bus to west.
I hung around West 10th avenue, took a photo of  ex Rinjuan-Ms.Yoko Kirishima's residence- then wandered about Jerico Beach. There were joggers and cyclists enjoying along the beach side path.I also enjoyed the scenery.
I remembered my class would srart at 9:20. I hurried up. I waited at a bus for a bus go to downtown. I  thought the bus I should take was N17. That bus didn't come. Another buses came frequently. Thereby I decided to get on one of the buses, go to the nearest bus stop to Granville street and would take another bus which go to the district to my school.
I got on a N14 bus. The bus went through the disterict I hoped.
I thought I might be late for my class, but I arrived at school 30 minutes before it started.

At  night a daughter of my host mother insructed me using the washing machine and drying machine.
To wash, it takes 20 minutes, and to dry, it takes 40 minutes. Very convinient.

16 Sept. 2015

Hanging around Vancouver

In the mid night, I waked up 'cause I felt ill. I had stomach acke and felt to vomit.
Unfortunately,I had brought no medicine. Only I could do was laying down rubbing my tummy. Almost one or one and half hours past. I decided to wake up and write a dialy. While weighting dialy, I exchanged messages on Line with my son and daughter.
I had learned that I can download google map, and view it out of WiFi.

I left home ar seven, I had planned to take a walk around the downtown. But when I went out of the station, it was cold. Then I went to school.
I had three classes in the morning, the third lesson finished at 13:10. After that I searched a "thrift store" on google map. I found one near the school. I walked to the Wildlife thrift store and bought a cardigan. It cost $11. It was 13 degee celcious in the morning. It was cooler than I had anticipated.

 I signed up an activity of hanging around China town in Vancouver.
The Cina town was not so far from my school. After the tour I hung around Gastown and went to Canada Place. I saw the beautiful sea and the harbor.

15 Sept. 2014

School, and after school

I made a mistake. I planned to go to school by 8 o'clock. I should get on the 7 o'clock train.
But when I woke up it was 7:50. I was upset. I ran to the station, and ran to the school.
I wan't late for the designated start time. From 7:30 to 8:45, new students were expected to sign up.
In the morning, students were directed to chat with small group members each other.
First, I chatted with three students, those were from German, two young women and a middle-aged man.
The man had taken paid leaves and going to study 2weeks like me.
Their English ability were good. I didn't think they need to study abroad. I felt I was faltering out.
There were almost seventy to eighty people from various countries. German, Switzland, Norway, Nederland, Mexco, Italy and Japan.
I met some Japanese. One of them was an elder woman than me. We chatted at McDnald.

In the afternoon the new students took part in the bus tour. We visited Stanly Park, Lynn Canyon,Gastown, and Granville Island.

After school,I hung around in the town with the Japanese elder woman. Her name was Shuko, similar to me. She was came from Chiba pref. We went to the Art Gallaly, but it was closed at 5:00 on Monday, then went to JTB office, where I consulted to reserve a airplane ticket to CambellRiver. I want to visit CambellRiver and Cort island on 26 Sept. the day before returning to Japan.
The woman who deal with the reservation said to me, if I should fly to Japan I should not make the plan tightly. I must consider again.

14 Sept. 2015

At UBC Anthropology museum

 I got on the city bus to go to the University of British Columbia.

In the morning,I went to  Seven11 with my host mother. She advised me to buy the 10-ticket for 2 zones because I should commute to downtown every day.
She took me to the EF school and showed me how to get to the Central Library.
After she left, I went to the Central Library. I asked the person at the reference desk how to access the internet.
He made me a visitor's library card and taught me the ID and PIN code to join the WiFi or use the computers.
Then I went to JTB Vancouver office in the basement of Fairmont hotel. It was closed on Sunday.

Then I got on a city bus to go to the University of British Columbia. On the way,as I was looking a map in my guide book, an elderly man asked me where I was to go. I told him I was going to UBC. He said I was on the wrong bus, I thanked him and changed to the right bus.
I was surprised to see the bicycles being held in front of the bus.
At the UBC,I was confused because it was very huge. I visited the Museum of Human Beauty Biodiversity and got a campus map. Then visited the Museum of Anthropology and Nitobe Memorial Garden.
I went back to the bus stop in front of the entrance. There were three bus stops. I read the third bus stop's sign. It showed the N17 bus goes to downtown. Thereby I was waiting with holding my guide book. A young man asked me "Are you OK? You are Japanese, aren't you?" I told him I was waiting for the bus going to downtown. He said, "Ok,Let's check. The N17 bus goes to downtown, but you can get a bus also goes to downtown at the first bus stop." I asked him,"Earlier?"  "Earlier!"
I said to him, "Thank you."  I have learned when I was holding a guide book with frowning, some charitable people gave me a help.
I went back to the Granville Station, got on the millennium line. I went to further than needed. I wanted to use the Day pass more effectively. I went to King George station then returned to 22 nd Street station.

13 Sept. 2015

At host family`s place in Vancouver

I arrived at my host family's place at 12th September.
I thought I was going to share a room, but host mother said that I use one room alone.

Here, there are 5 students. The students may eat dinner at anytime, don`t need to tell her when they would come home in advance. In the morning they take breakfast by themselves.

My room is on the basement, there are three rooms and live 4 students. There is one bath room, it has shower, toilet, and washbasin. We should be careful not bothering each other.

Talk about my host family, the couple were  came from Philipine, and their daughters are born in Canada.
 I asked my host mother, "Taking care of students is a hard work, isn`t it?" She replied, "I`ve retired my previous work. I used to be a nurse. I worked in the nights and slept in day time. It was hard work, and it is easier now."

The host father told to me, "At least four months is OK". He has met various foreign students. He said even if they could not speak English, they got to understand in four months.
I can`t stay more than two weeks, it is a shame.

12  Sept. 2015