Day 1 (July 30) - The Day That Strikes Back

After arising at the ungodly hour of 330 (AEST), we set off to Sydney Airport. Our flight left Sydney Airport at 0945 (AEST) and arrived in Los Angeles at 0645 (Pacific Daylight Time), which for the people trying to do the maths, that is 13 hours high altitude torture.

At Los Angeles Airport (LAX), we were absolutely exhausted. We slept on the floor at the airport like homeless people. Our next flight from Los Angeles to Vancouver would only take 2 and a bit hours, so we landed in Vancouver just after 1230 (PDT) a little weary, but more excited.

We were picked up at Vancouver Airport by our very lovely friend, Tobi. We quickly exchanged pleasantries and headed for the car. The weather was fantastic - sunny, blue skies and about 25 degrees. At this stage we started to devise a cunning plan to attempt to avoid becoming jetlagged. We decided to stay awake to after dinner - let say 1000 (PDT) Easy, right??

Next, we headed off to lunch at Kitsilano, which is a nice beach/harbour side place - very summery and a great place to people watch. As previously mentioned, It was amazing weather. Vancouver has just broken the record for most consecutive days of sunlight, with today being the 33rd day of sunlight in a row.

We had lunch at a very funky restaurant called the Local. We all had a delicious craft beer and shared some lunch. Believe it or not - the beer made us sleepy!! So prior to heading home we grabbed an Iced Coffee as a pick me up.

We arrived at Tobi's family home in North Vancouver, which is a beautiful 'ranch-style' home. We then met Tobi's parents, Hamish and Shirley. We then had a little time to 'regroup' and have a much needed shower and to brush our 'Barry Beef'!! We had to keep occupied as fatigue was starting to set in, so we headed off to Sandy Cove Beach in West Vancouver for a swim, some sun and a local ale. West Vancouver is home to the most expensive real estate in the area and had a real Palm Beach vibe. The water temperature was refreshing..... ie; Cold but still nice.

We had a great home cooked meal for dinner, Greek Style Chicken, Salad and Shirley's World Famous Spanakopita's!! We spent the rest of the evening drinking wine and trading stories and sorting out a common vernacular.

Now for all those at home wondering how long we have been awake for, we hit the hay at around 1030 (PDT). First person to leave a comment with the answer to 'How long have Mitch and Jo been awake' will win a fantastic prize*

Yours in Travel

Mitch and Jo.

xx

*Fantastic Prize is subject to availability.