After only a few hours in Vancouver, I have to say that it's already a great experience. First, our hotel, Victorian Hotel, is very nice! My first impression was not very favorable, but once we settled into our room I quickly changed my mind.

The elegant plushness of the towels, the king bed, free internet and the very young and courteous staff are comparable to, and in some cases better than, more expensive places. I'll post pictures tomorrow.

Tonight L and I walked about two miles before we found a suitable place for dinner. First we went to the tapas restaurant we had planned to visit; unfortunately, the place had very loud and horrible techno music that made the wine bottles shake. We did not stay. We then came across a Rodney's and we fell in love with it. It was perfect!

Rodney's has draft beer. Our waiter and other staff there couldn't have been better. We ended up having draft beer, the most amazing oysters L and I have ever tasted, two bowls of oyster stew, and great bread. When I say they were the best oysters, I really, really mean it.

At Rodney's we met everyone sitting around us. The Bulgarian cruise ship crew member sitting next to L. Next to me was a couple who had been on our same cruise ship and a young woman who was so kind as to take pictures for us because I forgot my camera. I hope she remembers to email them to me.

L and I are tired. Good night.