Canada: Downtown Vancouver

June 12-13, 2008

Everyone talks about how British Columbia is so beautiful, it was the automatic choice for the west-side leg of our Canada visit.

Fortunately, Jojit was in town during our trip so we stayed in his hip bachelor's pad the whole time we were there (it was so cool, Evan keep on saying after the end of each day, "Mom, let's go back to our hotel now."). Thanks Tito Jojit for the great, fun time!!!

Attractions visited:
1. Sheraton Vancouver Wall Center - remember the scene from X-Men where the man with white wings flew from a building? That scene was shot from this Vancouver building (Jojit who used to live just across the street was able to watch it live). Astig!
2. Vancouver Art Gallery - where the digital clock counting the days till the 2010 Winter Olympics is located.
3. Granville Street - housing the famous Orpheum and Vogue theaters.
4. West End - home to the gay village called Davie Village. Also houses a whole strip of good restos, along Denman Street, as well as the English Bay Beach.
5. Skytrain - a trip to downtown would not be complete without taking a round trip via the Skytrain. We got to get a glimpse of the suburbs as well as the other attractions which we won't be able to visit anymore (e.g. Telus Science Center).
6. Stanley Park - this urban park is a must-see especially for families. Evan had a great time riding the mini-train, wandering in the Vancouver Aquarium (we get to see a mommy-baby Beluga!!!), and looking at the Totem Poles. As we stroll along the seawall, we even saw the Chevron floating gas station.
7. Gastown - where the city of Vancouver began! The Steam Clock (the world's first) is a favorite photo-spot by visitors.

Trivia: I learned that Vancouver is the Amsterdam of the Pacific Northwest, a haven for cannabis afficinados. Legal ang juts! As we walk along downtown, we often saw/smell people smoking it, or was happily stoned. Hehe.