How To Be A Vancouverite

I could not resist posting this...




P.S. Contains (bleeped) language some may consider offensive

Summer Fun in Vancouver

I originally complied this list and posted it on Couchsurfing at the beginning of the spring (and received some info from other members too). Seeing as there is a plethora of fun events around town I decided to share it here as well. Summer in Vancouver is fantastic. Generally the weather is agreeable, outdoor activities abound and patios beg for attention. If you are planning a trip to Vancouver this summer, I hope this list finds you. If you live here, I hope to see you out and about at one or many of these activities.

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RICHMOND SUMMER NIGHT MARKET – May 10 – Sep 8, 2013
One of 2 night markets in Richmond; enjoy entertainment, food and various vendors

RICHMOND NIGHT MARKET – May 17 – Oct 14, 2013
The other night market in Richmond! Enjoy the food, vendors and entertainment

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL TEQUILA EXPO – May 24, 2013
Held at the Hyatt Regency, learn all you need to know about tequila (like the good stuff actually tastes good). Tickets required.

IN THE HOUSE FESTIVAL – Jun 7 – 9, 2013
Enjoy comedy, music, art, magic and much more in the comfort of someone’s home. Reservations required.

Make Music Festival - Jun 21, 2013
A free music festival where musicians will participate all over Yaletown and Gastown areas of Vancovuer.

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL – Jun 21 – July 1, 2013
Enjoy everything Jazz at various venues in Vancouver. Some events are free, some required tickets.

STEVESTON SALMON FESTIVAL & CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS – July 1, 2013
Take in the music, arts & crafts, parade, salmon BBQ and much much more in the Steveston Village in Richmond.CANADA DAY @ CANADA PLACE – July 1, 2013
3 stages with live music and entertainment and many exhibitors, enjoy Canada’s birthday here.

CANADA DAY IN SURREY – July 1, 2013
Enjoy great music (Sam Roberts Band, Hannah Georges), cultural shows, dance shows and much more at the Cloverdale Ampitheatre

SUNDAY AFTERNOON SALSA @ ROBSON SQUARE – Every Sunday in July & Aug, 2013
Learn salsa for free and then have time to practice every Sunday afternoon.

Vancouver Folk Music Festival - July 19 - 21, 2013
Head to Jericho Beach for one of the best music festivals in town. Tickets required.

SURREY FUSION FESTIVAL – July 20 -21, 2013
Head to Surrey’s Holland Park for 2 days of food, culture and music. All shows are free. Line up for 2013 to be announced.

CARIBBEAN DAYS FESTIVAL – July 27 – 28, 2013
Head over to North Vancouver for the largest Caribbean Festival and enjoy music, entertainment, food and much more

POWELL ST FESTIVAL – Aug 3 – 4, 2013
Celebrating Japanese culture & art

VANCOUVER ZOMBIE WALK – Aug 17, 2013
Live out your dreams of being a zombie at this awesome annual event

LATIN FESTIVAL – Aug 18, 2013
Trout Lake Park is the venue for this family fun festival celebrating Latin music & culture

VANCOUVER PRIDE PARADE – Aug 4, 2013
The biggest and most fun parade in Vancouver – a must see! 

Squamish Valley Music Festival - Aug 8- 10, 2013A weekend of music and fun. Tickets required.

Burnaby Blues Festival - Aug 10, 2013
A celebration of Canadian and International Blues musicians.

PNE (PACIFIC NATIONAL EXHIBITION) – Aug 17 – Sep 2, 2013
Carnival midway (Playland), games, exhibits, food (mini donuts)!! Tickets required.

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There you have it. An impressive list of Vancouver summer events. This is by no means exhaustive but does cover the main events. Happy summer.

A Taste of Home

As much as I enjoy talking and posting about travel and far off places, it is good to remember home as well. The video below, put out by Tourism Vancouver, sums up my feelings for my favourite city!!

FOOD!!

Since I ain't going anywhere for the next bit I will wander Vancouver, finding bites of pleasure around town. Food and drink bites that is! Listed below are a few of foodie finds happening now or in the near future around Greater Vancouver. Some I have or will take part in. Alas, I can not participate in all of them but I smile just thinking that the opportunity is there.

DINE-OUT VANCOUVER - Entering its 12th year, Dine-Out Vancouver is Canada's largest dining festival with over 200 participating restaurants in Greater Vancouver. Running from Jan 18 - Feb 3, 2013, foodies can enjoy a plethora of prix-fix menus at various price points depending on the restaurant. $18, $28 or $38 gives you an appetizer/salad, entree and dessert that will leave you sated and happy.

FEAST VAN - Similar to Dine-Out Vancouver, Feast Van focuses on restaurants in the east Vancouver area while also donating $1 from each prix-fix meal sold to the Strathcona Community Center Backpack Food Program. This program aids inner-city youth and families to have food when other food programs are not running (i.e. weekends). Feast Van meals are $20 or $30 and for a good cause. It runs from Jan 18 - Feb 3, 2013

HOT CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL - drooooool...whoops...ya caught me. This annual event, sponsored by City Food Magazine, is in its 3rd year and has over 60 flavours concocted by local chocolate makers. Spanning 27 days (Jan 19 - Feb 14, 2013) your New Year's resolutions do not stand a chance.

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL - All things wine can be found at this long running festival. Events around town require advance ticket sales. Not only will you be able to taste wines, you can take part in seminar, minglers, galas, lunches and dinners. Running from Feb 25 - Mar 3, 2013 make sure you buy your tickets now as many events are selling or sold out.

FESTIVAL DE LA POUTINE DE VANCOUVER (Vancouver Poutine Festival) - What?! Have I died and gone to comfort food heaven? $10 (kids free) will grant you entry and a serving of poutine at The Heritage Hall on Sat March 9, 2013 during the day. Evening event is $20 with a rock concert to enjoy while munching on your poutine. Can't get much better than this!

EAT! VANCOUVER - The weekend of May 24 - 26, 2013 will have your mouthwatering as you sample, sip and buy some foodie goodies. Food exhibitors, cooking stages, celebrity chefs, wine and beer sampling is standard here. Ticket required and some extra costs for purchases and sampling.

VANCOUVER CRAFT BEER WEEK - Craft beer is how beer should be - made in small batches and full of flavour.  May 31 - Jun 8, 2013 will find beer lovers trying amazing beers from local breweries. A great way to start off the summer.

There you have it...a few great foodie finds over the next while in Vancouver. I hope some of you get to enjoy them. I know I will!

Screams in the Night

A dark industrial area on a gloomy, rainy Vancouver night. Nervous bodies walk down a dimly lit back street. Sounds of screams pierce the dark while creatures of the night sneak about, seeking their next victim. Around the corner you are welcomed to the dankness of "The Daily Grime", a place where souls are lined up to experience blood curdling horror of a wicked, twisted imagination. You are at the Dunbar Haunted House.

The Daily Grime

Dunbar Haunted House has been spooking and scaring Vancouverites since 2004. Family-run and created to celebrate Hallowe'en, Dunbar Haunt has supported BC Professional Fire Fighter's Burn Fund, The Christmas Bureau and the Vancouver Police Union Charity Foundation for several years. Last year to the tune of $67,000. This year will be sure to beat that as the popularity of this annual event is larger than ever.

Dunbar Haunted House

My first visit to Dunbar Haunted House was four years ago at their former location, a residential house on Dunbar Street. With a wait of maybe twenty minutes (on a weeknight) and admission by donation my friends and I entered this small house of horror. It was a thrill for the senses and amusement for my friends as I screamed my head off (not because I was scared...I was just startled by monsters jumping out at me!!) This year's visit and my third one to the haunt over the years was by far the most memorable. The line up at their new location was enormous and we waited almost an hour. Covered tents were set up to keep everyone dry from the rain while costumed volunteers and a band kept spirits light. The theme of "The Daily Grime" was evident outside the warehouse with props, light, actors and signage. The dark and rain naturally created a mildly spooky ambiance. As our group of seven inched closer to the start of the tour we became giddier and wondering who was going to be freaked out the most. We split into two groups so that we could experience the haunting fully. I was, once again, put in the front of the line. It was indeed a scream-fest! More accurately it was a scream-and-laugh-fest. You knew what would be coming but you still screamed, jumped and laughed nonetheless. It was a well spend $10 and having it go for charity was worth it. I highly recommend Dunbar Haunted House to everyone who enjoys a good haunting.

20 minutes to midnight

This evening I went out to a belated birthday celebration. Jena had organized her group at The Tap & Barrel, a restaurant/bar in the Athletes Village area of False Creek. It was a nice time to celebrate Jena, reconnect with a couple of old acquaintances and make some new ones.

At the end of the evening I headed out the way I came, alone, in the direction of the Skytrain at Main Street. I decided to walk along the "seawall", past the moorage of the Dragon Boats with Science World twinkling blue and red lights behind it. I paused and leaned against the post rained-on rail, taking in the reflection of lights of BC Place and the intermittent lights of traffic on the Cambie Bridge. I took in the calm on the waters of False Creek, the clearing sky and a quietness that is uncommon in a city centre, even with the blanket of night.  Soon, though, I began to hear more. The traffic din grew a decibel louder. The chatter of voices arose. The hum around me ensued. I began to notice movement around me. The couple on a nearby dock, kissing and laughing as they were caught up in love, or simply lust. The barely noticeable body taking their black and white dog out for a long awaited rain break. The group of friends laughing at a new found memory. I looked to the time on my phone. It was twenty to midnight. A Skytrain shuttled past. Again my eyes looked towards Science World and the movement on the nearby roads. Behind me I heard the not-so-distant sound of police sirens wailing. A thought flitted through my mind: "Someone's life is about to change." I thought of how our lives move. How standing there; everything, everyone was inert in regards to my life and me to theirs.  Much was happening around me but nothing dissected my life. Or did it? It made me wonder for a moment of the mechanics of chance; of how life goes. Or does not go. I looked up and saw the that the clouds were lessening from earlier in the day. I saw a few stars but did not feel like observing. I pulled out my phone once again. It is one minute to midnight. I tried to take a picture of Science World but the battery was so low it did not  allow it. I headed to Main Street Station and caught a train downtown and subsequent bus home. 

Ugly Vancouver/Neon Vancouver Exhibit

This past Sunday I visited the Museum of Vancouver for the first time ever. I didn't even know it existed until about a month ago. I am glad I discovered it though. It is a little gem of a place housed in the same building as the HR Macmillan Space Centre in Vanier Park. Now I know where that is so how come I didn't know this museum existed? Anyways. It is has an interesting (permanent) gallery of Vancouver's past. It's current exhibits are very cool too. That is what brought me there in there in the first place.

Whilst travelling on the bus, as I do, I noticed an ad for the "Ugly Vancouver/Neon Vancouver" exhibit that is at the MOV until Aug 2012. The exhibit contains a selection of the old neon signs that were part of Vancouver's cityscape for a greater portion of the 20th century. I thought it would be fun to find out a bit more about my beloved city and posted it on Couchsurfing as an activity. Myself and CSer M met at 2pm and we stayed over 2 hours at the museum. We discovered another exhibit happening there as well: Art Deco Chic - Extravagent Glamour between the Wars. This was a fashion exhibit that was oh-so-glamorous! M and I really enjoyed that one. As cool as the neon signs were, I enjoyed the fashions of the 20s and 30s more. We also perused the permanent exhibits as well. Overall, it was a great afternoon.  I could talk all about what I saw but I think this time I will let the picutres speak for me.

If you're ever in Vancouver, consider visiting this museum to learn more about Vancouver!

UGLY VANCOUVER/NEON VANCOUVER

Hastings St (circa 1960s) covered in signage

Powell Cleaners 

Signage (circa 1935) and description below

The elements used in neon

The only non-working sign at the exhibit

A table top sign used at stores

ART DECO CHIC

This caption was with the picture below

 

Early 1920s Evening Wear

Late 1920s Evening Wear

Early 1930s Evening Wear

A modern effect on vintage style

I personally loved the 1930s styles I saw here

1930s Daywear - hats everywhere!

Late 1930s Evening Wear

So elegant

I love the detail

 

"WE WANT THE CUP!"

Last Tuesday night (May 24) after work I headed down to the Ivanhoe Pub on Main St in Vancouver, a dive bar that was the location this weeks regular Couchsurfing meeting, a ritual that participate in almost every week. But this week was going to be different. Not because I was going to meet some great new friends from around the world. Nor because I was going to see some of my regular CS buddies that I always have fun with. No, this was going to be different because we were all collectively gathered to see if it would be the night that our beloved hockey team, the Vancouver Canucks, would advance to the Stanley Cup finals. We were not alone. Bars, pubs, living rooms and even a public screening had Canuck fans gathering to cheer on our team over at Roger's Arena.


The Canucks were in Game 5 against the San Jose Sharks. Since hockey playoff games on based on best of seven and with Vancouver leading the series it would not have been the end of the world if they did lose. Another game a few days later would be scheduled to continue the battle. Though what made this night an auspicious one is that it was seventeen years ago on May 24, 1994 that the Canucks were pitted against the Toronto Maple Leafs. They played with heart, talent and skill to beat out the Leafs, thus advancing to the Stanley Cup finals. Although they played hard in the finals it wasn't meant to be and they lost to the New York Rangers. Since then the Canucks have been working hard to fin Lord Stanley's Cup. Years past, especially the last couple years, they have come close, making it to the playoffs but never succeeding as far as they did in 1994. This year is different. And I know, in my heart of hearts, that the team from the city I call home will bring that cup back to Canada - where it belongs. The Vancouver Canucks have really become an amazing team this year. Despite being riddled with injured players they still managed to not only be the number one team in the Western Conference but in the ENTIRE league. Impressive. The Sedin twins, Kevin Bieska, Ryan Kessler, Alex Burrows, Roberto Luongo to name just a few of the players have made us proud. I'm sad that Manny Malhotra is out due to an injury but know he is supporting his teammates and hope he is back in good form next season.

The tension at the Ivanhoe was high. I had missed the regular periods as I was working but made it in time to watch the 1st overtime period while sharing a chair with Erin as all seats were taken, carefully hoping that I wouldn't knock her beer out of her hand if the deciding goal was made. A painful and tense OT period still kept the game tied. FRUSTRATION! Just score dammit!! Alas, we had to wait with bated breath for the final goal during the second OT period. So many close scores. And so many great saves by Canuck goalie Roberto Luongo (my fav player). Finally Bieksa spots the puck that nobody saw and placed it in the Sharks net. "We're going to the cup, baby!" is what he cried out when he scored. It was a second after the goal was shot and netted that everyone realized that they just WON! Smiles, hoots, hollers and screams drowned out all other sounds at the bar. Erin and I started screaming. I hugged Jenn, then Darren and the German CSer that I just meet. The streets filled with car honks and Josh informed me that a bunch of us were going to the street party on Granville St. Our group of  8 - 10 led a screaming and hooting parade along the Georgia Viaduct that was punctuated with cars honking and excited fans leaning out the windows waving their  Canuck flags. The crowd on Granville street was a sea of blue jerseys and flags, everyone giving out high 5's to every passerby. The police kept a watch on the exuberant (and often drunk) fans. I felt sorry for them - having to work on such a great night. Soon I was separated from my group and wandered around trying to text, hoot and high 5 all at the same time. With the blessings of modern technology I was able to find my friends via text and joined them at a local pub for a round of celebratory beers and then headed out dancing. Hockey fever was definitely in the air! It was a great night! I can't wait for when we win the Stanley Cup. That win will not only be special for Canuck fans but for all Canadian hockey fans as the precious Stanley Cup will be back home!! GO CANUCKS GO!!!!

April in Vancouver

Eeva's Spring Guide to Vancouver
I've blogged about where around town I've been so now I will write about stuff that is yet to be done around town. Kinda like a travel guide - only I've taken everything from the Internet.
Hey - that's what it's there for :-o  !!

Now of course there are the year round things you can do like visiting the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Vancouver Aquarium but I think I want to find out what stuff is going on that is usually only in April/springtime.

VANCOUVER CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL - The city in pink! With the lovely mild weather here on the west coast the cherry blossoms welcome spring in pink and rose hued splendor. Various bike tours, walking tours, painting events and even a haiku invitational allows everyone to be involved in some ways. I attended the "Cherry Jam" at Burrard Station. They had musical performances and vendors offering samples all beneath a breathtaking canopy of pink blossoms.

MAKE IT VANCOUVER! CRAFT FAIR - Apr 15 - 17, 2011 at the Croation Cultural Centre you can find unique and one of a kind crafts and jewellery. Plus it's a fundraiser in support of Union Gospel Mission. Check it out. Entry fee is $5 and children under 12 are free. Visit the website for a coupon for $2 off your entry.

VANCOUVER SUN RUN - April 17, 2011 - This annual 10km race is the largest of its kind in North America. No need to be an elite athlete to take part. All you need is comfortable shoes, perhaps some sunblock and the stamina to walk or run 10km through Vancouver. Oh yeah and cough up the registration fee too. I have done this in the past, either walking or a walk-run combo. Decided to skip it this year but there is always 2012...

PLAYLAND OPENS (at PNE grounds) - Although you have to wait until the end of the month it still is open in April. Summer is on the way when Playland opens. Go out and have fun on the wild rides this amusement park offers.

HASTINGS RACE COURSE OPENS - Horse races, casino games, dining and other events all start on April 16, 2011. Now I have never been to see or bet on the horses but I have heard it can be fun.

SMELL THE ROSES AT VARIOUS GARDENS - Spring is a great time to visit some of our cities great parks. The Rose Garden at Stanley Park is in it's glory. Take a walk around Van Dusen's Botancial Gardens (fee required) or meander through Queen Elizabeth Park. If you like (and the grass is dry) bring a picnic lunch, a blanket and bask in the colourful beauty around you.

And of course the wonderful April fresh things you can do any old time is to start sitting out on the patio for your meals/drinks at your favourite restaurant, smell the daffodils, picnics in the park, walks throughout the city, race around the Sea Wall on two wheels or two feet or work up a sweat by surviving the Grouse Grind hike!

Diwali Festival 2010 Vancouver

"Better late than never" as the saying goes. And so it is with my entry about the 2010 Vancouver Diwali Festival. I attended on one of the days & took some pictures but just haven't gotten around to making an entry - until now at 5 months later. Oh well.

To best describe the Diwali Festival I decided to copy & paste the description from the Vancouver Diwali Festival website (see link above) as they sum it up well:



A beautiful dance performed amazingly
on the main stage



"Vancouver Celebrates Diwali is a South Asian arts & culture festival intended for all cultures and communities. Diwali means “row of lighted lamps”, and its worldwide festivals are a unifying celebration of light over darkness that symbolize the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Celebrated across South Asia, this festival is experienced on a grand scale in almost all regions of India and is looked upon mainly as the beginning of the New Year. People give expression to their happiness by lighting diyas (clay lamps), displaying rangoli (colorful floor mosaics), decorating their houses, bursting firecrackers, partaking in sumptuous feasts, and celebrating with dance, music, and storytelling. For all, it is a time of renewed spirit, celebrated with family and the community through joyous music, dance, crafts, and delectable sweets."

The festival ran from Nov 2 - 7, 2010 with various activities & workshops around town. I attended on the last day, which was a Sunday. From 12:00pm - 6:00pm the Round House Community Centre in Yaletown was buzzing. Actually it was bursting at the seams. A free event that had several stages, food vendors & a great view of a beautiful rangoli certainly wowed many a people. It was the largest attended Diwali Festival in Vancouver's seven year history. As much as I enjoyed it, I hope that next year they hold it at a larger venue. It was packed!

When I arrived the crowd was already a fair size and I only found standing room only for viewing the main stage. The dancers and the musicians were enjoyable. I particularly fond of the bright coloured costumes worn by the variety of dancers.

Asian & Indian dancers performing
together amazingly.

Inspiring musician.

I just love the stunning costumes.

A short while after watching these stunning performances I went to the lobby area to meet a friend. We walked around & found the large rangoli which was almost complete. The bright, colourful, large floor mosaic was simply amazing and my favourite part of the festival. I was amazed that  it was make from dyed rice (or something similar - it looked like rice). Unfortunately for me the battery in my camera died and I couldn't take any pictures. Perhaps next year. And I do hope they have a larger site to hold it at. That was my only complaint.



First Full Moon of the Year of the Rabbit

Another aspect of diversity that comes from living in a larger metropolitan city is the various representations of religions. Although I am not a fan of organized religions and do not subscribe to any one belief  "system", it can not be denied that religion plays a huge role in the lives of people everywhere. In Greater Vancouver there are plenty of temples, mosques, churches etc that support it's peoples beliefs. Even if you aren't religious sometimes it's great to visit these places of worship to keep your mind (and heart) open. And if not for that, just to get a taste of what is it's like in some other country in the far reaches of our great world.

Seeing as my main mode of transport is public I have been able to see the outsides of many a temple via bus. The two that I thought were quite beautiful were the Buddhist Temples in Richmond, BC. I've wanted to visit them for some time now but have never wanted to go by myself. So when my Couchsurfing  friend J organized a trip out to one of the temples to celebrate the first full moon of the Year of the Rabbit I was all over it (we went on Feb 17, 2011).

The temple that we went to is a Mahayana Buddhist temple and part of the International Buddhist Society. Although I don't know all that much about Buddhism, J say this is the same type of Buddhism practiced in China. She also told us that this temple was quite lavish compared to many of the ones she visited in Singapore. There is a lot of support for this temple from the Asian community in Richmond.

If you want to visit this temple I would recommend it. Here are the details of when & where:

Buddhist Temple
9160 Steveston Highway (between No. 3 and No. 4 Roads)
Richmond, B.C., Canada
(there is a bus that stops in front of the temple too)

Open daily from 9:30am - 5:30pm
They offered guided tours to groups of 15 or more but otherwise you're free to walk around the temple, as our group of 5 did. They have information areas set up in the main building.

Check out my pics below!!

Upon entering

amazing detail from the buildings

Smiling Buddha (outside the temple) - offerings of incense could be made to him

The main temple itself. No photo taking was allowed inside the temple. Here you could make offerings of fruit & vegetarian foods. They go to the monks who reside at the temple.

My fellow temple visitors (I'm taking the pic). A great day it was!