Day 2- Voila Vancouver!

Good Morning! I had just an evening and a morning of free time before I had to board the Island Princess at noon (wouldn't want to miss lunch on board, eh?). Although I had just a small amount of time it was easy to have big experiences in this very with-it city!

Here comes the food!

Well, if you know me, you know that I love to travel and I love to find the food! A hearty good morning was had at a great bistro just down from our Hotel Listell on Robson Street. Pictured above is what appears to be a plate of eggs and potatoes. However, this was no ordinary plate! The eggs featured fresh salmon, the potatoes were crunchy outside and creamy inside, the toast a hearty gluten-free slice with a great tooth, and the coffee completed the meal. Eggs and salmon...not my typical Chicago fare!

Stanley Park...A Vancouver legend

No visit to Vancouver would be complete without some time contemplating the FANTASTIC totem pole collection in Stanley Park. Stanley Park (Yes, named after its founder Lord Stanley, as in cup...) is a fantastic city park (akin to Central Park in New York...) that has trails, roads, vistas, and more! Not to be missed, the Lion's Gate Bridge as seen below from Stanley Park. It is a great specimen of bridge architecture and it is the springboard one needs to explore the surrounding mountains near Vancouver.

The Impressive Lion's Gate Bridge

As you wander around the sea wall walk of Stanley Park, you get a great view back to the Vancouver Harbor and skyline. 

The Island Princess behind the Disney ship...my adventure begins in just under two hours

While Vancouver offered much to impress in my short twenty-four hour stay, the raison d'etre of this journey lurks in the above picture as the Island Princess sits in her berth. The seven days ahead lead to an area of the world that exists in nearly unspeakable scale, pristine natural beauty, and effortless travel. Be prepared to be amazed!

Epi-curious Epilogue

Before we begin the ship portion of the journey, I must share with you the outstanding small plate appetizer I enjoyed the night before my departure. Pictured below is a delicious flatbread that is sure to make a great plate for your entertaining at home. It's simple: Select a great flatbread, sautee down and puree your favorite recipe for grilled onions, spread same on bread. On top of the puree add goat cheese crumbles, a balsamic reduction drizzle and arugula lightly tossed in oil, etc. A tomato here or there to garnish and you will turn heads with this great plate! Enjoy!

Bon Appetit!

See you tomorrow...Mr K.

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Summit Educational Services

Ray Kinzie

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