"I feel I'm incredibly fascinating and this blog bears witness to that simple fact. Friends, from far and wide, are often pestered to keep abreast of my life and opinions. I offer my most sincere greetings to random visitors as well."
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- New Westminster,
- British Columbia, CANADA
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Thursday, May 08, 2008
My Photos Published in France
You don't have to use Flickr, to have seen a few my 4,300 images found there. For example, if you're gay and read French, you can find nine of them in the current issue of PREF mag.
I wondered what that large-format magazine was. It was in the mail today but it had French postage. Then, I remembered the editors had emailed for permission to use some of the Flickr photos about Vancouver. Sure, why not? As well as pictures from the Vancouver Pride Parade, there were some from the area as well. I have to admit almost anything looks good on glossy paper in a magazine!
I gave permission in the past and have also had a few of my photos published in various issues of Travel Sri Lanka. They are always kind enough to send me a copy through the post. I don't care about cash; I make my money in other ways. I'm just appreciative seeing my images published anywhere.
I wondered what that large-format magazine was. It was in the mail today but it had French postage. Then, I remembered the editors had emailed for permission to use some of the Flickr photos about Vancouver. Sure, why not? As well as pictures from the Vancouver Pride Parade, there were some from the area as well. I have to admit almost anything looks good on glossy paper in a magazine!
I gave permission in the past and have also had a few of my photos published in various issues of Travel Sri Lanka. They are always kind enough to send me a copy through the post. I don't care about cash; I make my money in other ways. I'm just appreciative seeing my images published anywhere.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Riding the Rails
Some west-end Vancouver folk have a poor sense of geography. They rarely, if ever, make it beyond Thurlow Street. Some are quite convinced that the city of New Westminster is somewhere back east near Winnipeg or something. And many are under the false impression that they need a passport to travel to Langley.
In actuality, our apartment is only 25 minutes away via the SkyTrain. The main problem occurs after getting off at Granville Station as it can take half again as long for a bus to mosey along.
Last night, as downtown New West. residents, we were downtown for the finale of the HSBC Celebration of Lights fireworks competition which was quite magnificent. We didn't get home til midnight but went down again this morning for watch the Pride parade. What fantastic weather for our three-day weekend! Tomorrow is BC Day, a provincial holiday.
In actuality, our apartment is only 25 minutes away via the SkyTrain. The main problem occurs after getting off at Granville Station as it can take half again as long for a bus to mosey along.
Last night, as downtown New West. residents, we were downtown for the finale of the HSBC Celebration of Lights fireworks competition which was quite magnificent. We didn't get home til midnight but went down again this morning for watch the Pride parade. What fantastic weather for our three-day weekend! Tomorrow is BC Day, a provincial holiday.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Welcoming Diversity
This Sunday is the Vancouver Pride Parade.
I learned a lot during my decade and a half teaching Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE. It provided me with much that most people don't have the chance to experience. I know many people who get used to life there and find it hard to leave.
I left those places because they could not provide me with many important things. People can learn to make do in many situations but it should not be a substitute for really being free to express oneself. The whole concept of personal freedom is extremely foreign to large swatches of the world.
North American values and ideals can get quite twisted at times, but there's still an underlying respect for diversity. There's something noble about perhaps not supporting something but upholding the basic right of others to be different. Agreeing to disagree is quite respectful. These facts boil down to the major reason I'm living in Canada.
Monday, July 02, 2007
You'd Think a Waterfront Park Called ...
People have a need to compartmentalize time. Making order of our lives through chronological markers, for some reason, makes us feel better. Each time Canada Day rolls around, we notice this phenomenon.
We initially arrived just a few days before one to start life in Canada. So, we count the passing of each national birthday party. Yesterday was the eleventh. It was interesting to visit a place so close to where we stayed during our first Canada Day but to where we'd never ventured.
This is CRAB Park at Portside. It's not far from downtown but we needed to walk all the way through Gastown to get to Main Street. The road passes over the train tracks there.
It was nice enough and just a stone's throw from Canada Place although the tracks keep it quite separated from the city. We don't mind slightly unsavory sorts so weren't bothered walking there near midday. We got the feeling it might not be the best family friendly place after dark though. The Vancouver Park Board website says it's called CRAB Park at Portside for a neighbourhood action committee, Create a Real Available Beach, and not for the shellfish.
We initially arrived just a few days before one to start life in Canada. So, we count the passing of each national birthday party. Yesterday was the eleventh. It was interesting to visit a place so close to where we stayed during our first Canada Day but to where we'd never ventured.
This is CRAB Park at Portside. It's not far from downtown but we needed to walk all the way through Gastown to get to Main Street. The road passes over the train tracks there.
It was nice enough and just a stone's throw from Canada Place although the tracks keep it quite separated from the city. We don't mind slightly unsavory sorts so weren't bothered walking there near midday. We got the feeling it might not be the best family friendly place after dark though. The Vancouver Park Board website says it's called CRAB Park at Portside for a neighbourhood action committee, Create a Real Available Beach, and not for the shellfish.
Labels: Canada Day, Vancouver
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Already 730 Times!
If you're reading this from up here, then felicitations for the special day. Although this is the nation's 140th, it's only our 11th.The weather outside seems perfect at this hour, so right now we are going to downtown Vancouver to see what's up at Canada Place.
I'll add a photo or two in the evening today to Flickr (and the daily photo under my own picture to the right). Today does mark something of a anniversary for this topic. I started my Daily Picture Parade exactly two years ago. I snapped a picture come hell or high water. So if you wish to view a personal image taken during every one of the last 730 days, please visit this Flickr page.
Labels: Canada Day, Daily Picture Parade, Flickr, Vancouver
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Local Tourists
It was good to take the day to get a little re-acquainted with downtown Vancouver. Although, we live about a half-hour SkyTrain ride to the city core, I was not able to pinpoint the exact last time I ventured there. Living beside the Columbia Station can be noisy but the convenience of being able to pop out in the middle of Vancouver far outweighs any negatives.What a fantastic day to walk around the temperature being in the high 20's Centigrade!
The construction on the expansion of the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre was impressive as the last time the action involved just driving pilings.
We hadn't been to the Waterfront on a weekend to see any of the ships plying the 2007 Alaska cruise season. There was a Holland America on the south side of Canada Place and an Norwegian Cruise Line on the other. Also, out in the port terminal, there was a Celebrity ship.
We walked about a large part of the city. Yaletown is surely growing. In fact things have changed so much since we immigrated here.
I bet that many people who lazed around the beaches today are going home red today.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Where All the Lights are Bright
What an exciting weekend! As it's BC Day tomorrow, many people are free for a three-day weekend. The weather forecast looks perfect. Although the ferries over to the island have probably been busy, there's a lot going on around here. Last night we headed to downtown Vancouver for the finale of the HBC Celebration of Light along with an estimated 400,000 others.
This morning is the annual Vancouver Pride Parade. The webcam below will probably be pointed to English Bay but I'm not sure if you'll see any activity on the right-side of False Creek. This camera updates around every five minutes. Please click the photo below to load the page of Kat Kam and see it in all its 1024 X 768 splendor.
This morning is the annual Vancouver Pride Parade. The webcam below will probably be pointed to English Bay but I'm not sure if you'll see any activity on the right-side of False Creek. This camera updates around every five minutes. Please click the photo below to load the page of Kat Kam and see it in all its 1024 X 768 splendor.
Labels: British Columbia, Vancouver, webcam
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Never Sick of Beauty
As I was driving into work yesterday I noticed how beautiful this area is. It didn't only happen once. Several times on the 20 minute drive into Burnaby I drank in the great views. This week, the sky has been that deep, surreal blue that can happen when a high-pressure system parks itself overhead. The mountain were as clear as a bell and snow's still clinging to the peaks. All the summer vegetation is developed, green, and lush. This wasn't just because I happened to be in a good mood. The day was so impressive that traffic seemed a lot less rushed. Others must have been harbouring similar thoughts.
I wondered in how many places long-time residents were taken back by the sheer beauty. It's so easy to get used to one's environment and ignore it. I questioned why this doesn't happen ... here ... to me.
I wondered in how many places long-time residents were taken back by the sheer beauty. It's so easy to get used to one's environment and ignore it. I questioned why this doesn't happen ... here ... to me.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Picture This!
I knew that today I'd just paste in a photo taken yesterday.
I had to decide between Granville Street after yesterday's St. Patrick's Parade, the Vancouver Public Library, the 'Q' at Lonsdale Quay, or this ...
Well, you can see that lunch won.
I had to decide between Granville Street after yesterday's St. Patrick's Parade, the Vancouver Public Library, the 'Q' at Lonsdale Quay, or this ...
Well, you can see that lunch won.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Leaping Lizards
Although we can appreciate the various types of life on the planet, I think we can only love other mammals.
I am often surprised by the things on my 'D' drive. When Windows Vista arrives later this year, I'll probably replace my drives with a shiny new big one. I haven't done a fresh install for years and years.
This fellow was a resident at the Vancouver Aquarium. He wasn't a chameleon. To get this colour, I'd have had to be wearing my 1970's, mint-green leisure suit. I found this lizard among the photos taken when my sister visited Vancouver in 2003. Laurie, it's time to start planning another trip out here, isn't it?
I am often surprised by the things on my 'D' drive. When Windows Vista arrives later this year, I'll probably replace my drives with a shiny new big one. I haven't done a fresh install for years and years.
This fellow was a resident at the Vancouver Aquarium. He wasn't a chameleon. To get this colour, I'd have had to be wearing my 1970's, mint-green leisure suit. I found this lizard among the photos taken when my sister visited Vancouver in 2003. Laurie, it's time to start planning another trip out here, isn't it?
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Globalization
Yesterday in the evening, we headed on the SkyTrain through Burnaby and into the downtown core of Vancouver. Even though all was damp and dark, the mountains which shoulder the city, were obvious. We were on our way to a dinner at the apartment of friends. Early on, the host put on a disc which included family photos on the DVD player. We saw people, houses, and land in south-eastern Nepal. A bit later in the evening, there was a discussion of New Years in various cultures and first hand accounts from countries such as Japan, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. Later in the evening the discussion turned to the current world affairs regarding the cartoons of Mohammad and some spoke of knowledge from the living and working in the Middle East. There were many other topics too, of course. A flight attendant had to leave a bit early as today he's on his way to Dallas and connecting to work a flight to Osaka.When coming home, I discovered my actual life had turned out to be as interesting as those National Geographic magazines I collected as an adolescent.
Friday, July 22, 2005
Beaming Scotty Up
Since living in Canada, I've come to know that there are a great many famous celebrities who have hailed from the land north of the USA. A long time ago, I mentioned one very local boy from New Westminster in my eJournal and images. 
Other actors might be immediately recognized as Canadian while others may not. For example, I wasn't aware that recently-deceased James Doohan was born in Vancouver.
Realizing that Star Trek's "Scotty" came from here, prompted me to search for a more complete listing. There are many places on the web where partial ones occur. The site www.CanadianCelebs.com is perhaps the easiest to locate with many popular actors and musicians.
Maybe in the future, I should work on formatting a page which contains this data.
Other actors might be immediately recognized as Canadian while others may not. For example, I wasn't aware that recently-deceased James Doohan was born in Vancouver.Realizing that Star Trek's "Scotty" came from here, prompted me to search for a more complete listing. There are many places on the web where partial ones occur. The site www.CanadianCelebs.com is perhaps the easiest to locate with many popular actors and musicians.
Maybe in the future, I should work on formatting a page which contains this data.
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Bragging: My Adopted City
By a stroke of luck, I'm able to continue discussing yesterday's topic. I mentioned how hard it is to stay excited about where one lives after being there a long time. Then, out of the blue, a way to do so fell right into my lap.Playing tour guide and giving advice is perhaps the best way to rekindle pride in one's home. Being able to suggest activities to out-of-towners can get one reacquainted with the joys of an area. Actually, Vancouver, BC is a beautiful place and merits a lot of bragging. It's blessed with geography, an environment, and a multicultural society, that really make it special.
I received an email from a retired teacher who taught me in Grade 5 in Sunapee, NH. He was a fairly new teacher in 1969/70! Ken Greenbaum and his wife will be coming out to catch one of the avalanche of Alaskan cruise ships that depart from here. Jay and I recall a stunning time aboard one. As the Greenbaums will be arriving two days early for their August departure, they asked for suggestions on what to do. There's a lot.
The picture to the right shows Jay before the quite formal, famous 'Captain's Party' on board an Alaskan Cruise in 2001.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Bridges to the Past
On Wednesday, my entry briefly mentioned the first summer in BC. After finding a place to rent, we had to find out about things around our new home in British Columbia. I love the feeling one has when exploring an unknown area, when every direction contains new experiences. It takes a great deal of work to keep up that inital love and awe for one's surroundings.
The last and only time we visited a private tourist attraction,
the Capilano Suspension Bridge, in North Vancouver was the summer of
our arrival.
I can't imagine living without personal transportation. Even though I frequently use public transit in order to get downtown, it'd not be convenient for learning the 'lay-of-the-land'. As soon as basic shelter was obtained, next, came a basic vehicle. Simply put, there are places we would never have seen were it not for truck ownership. My original plans were to make the brand-new, little Ranger last 12 years as that'd work out to $US 1000/year. Now that it's just a year shy of a decade, I think I can safely extend that original estimate.
The last and only time we visited a private tourist attraction,
the Capilano Suspension Bridge, in North Vancouver was the summer of
our arrival.
I can't imagine living without personal transportation. Even though I frequently use public transit in order to get downtown, it'd not be convenient for learning the 'lay-of-the-land'. As soon as basic shelter was obtained, next, came a basic vehicle. Simply put, there are places we would never have seen were it not for truck ownership. My original plans were to make the brand-new, little Ranger last 12 years as that'd work out to $US 1000/year. Now that it's just a year shy of a decade, I think I can safely extend that original estimate.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
The West End
Thanks for dinner. Getting together last evening was fun. You served us enough food to make us feel full. Although I neglected to bring along my camera, I found this previously-taken photo of the neighbourhood. It was taken about the same time of year. So, when's the next dinner scheduled?
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Cam-a-Lot
This is a repeat entry. Last July, I included the same live shot of Vancouver Harbour and Stanley Park. Sometimes once is not enough. During suitable hours you should be able to get an idea of what the weather is up to. We're at UTC/GMT -8 hours. Oh, and daylight savings time kicks in next weekend!
You should see an image by a Port of Vancouver cam.
Wait, there's more! To see a live shot of the dust that collects on the back of my computer monitor, click the thumbnail photo.
You should see an image by a Port of Vancouver cam.
Wait, there's more! To see a live shot of the dust that collects on the back of my computer monitor, click the thumbnail photo.
Labels: Stanley Park, Vancouver
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Street Smarts
I wouldn't make a very good street person.
In a blog entry yesterday evening, I mentioned that it was raining. As I was driving home, I was very pleased with myself and the world. Everything appeared shiny as the street, tail, and shop lights all reflected on the dark pavement. Drivers seems one degree less hostile and a smidgen more forgiving than usual. The rhythm of the wipers created music that seemed choreographed to the activities outside. The heater was warming the interior of the truck and I felt comfortable and safe.
To our US Friends:
In a blog entry yesterday evening, I mentioned that it was raining. As I was driving home, I was very pleased with myself and the world. Everything appeared shiny as the street, tail, and shop lights all reflected on the dark pavement. Drivers seems one degree less hostile and a smidgen more forgiving than usual. The rhythm of the wipers created music that seemed choreographed to the activities outside. The heater was warming the interior of the truck and I felt comfortable and safe.
To our US Friends:
Labels: driving, maintenance, relaxing, Vancouver, weather
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Stanley Park
For those of you who've not been to Vancouver, I've got to provide a link to Stanley Park so you can get a better idea of what it is. We have so much to thank for Victorian-era public planning that set aside this land. How wonderful to have such a huge refuge in the middle of the city!
Yesterday the gang met for a picnic dinner, marched around some trails, and eventually returned by the seawall. We didn't make it back to the Point in time for the sounding of the 9 o'clock cannon. The Lions Gate Bridge provides a backdrop in this photo.
Click here ---> Three Larger Photos from Yesterday
Yesterday the gang met for a picnic dinner, marched around some trails, and eventually returned by the seawall. We didn't make it back to the Point in time for the sounding of the 9 o'clock cannon. The Lions Gate Bridge provides a backdrop in this photo.
Click here ---> Three Larger Photos from Yesterday
Labels: Stanley Park, Tim, Vancouver
Sunday, August 01, 2004
Busy Summer
Many call this the 'wet coast' as well as the 'west coast'. Our winters are dreary and gray. (Yet, there's seldom snow on the ground, so I'd rather have drizzle than have to shovel!)
This also means that when summer arrives, we try to crush a whole year of events into a dozen short weeks. There always seems to be something on.
Last weekend Vancouver hosted the Molson Indy.
Then, over 300 thousand people went to downtown Vancouver last night to catch the second entry in the fireworks competition called the Celebration of Light. We didn't.
However, we headed downtown this morning for today's colourful sights and sounds.
This year's Pride event was larger than ever. Luckily, the day provided perfect weather for the occasion.
Monday, July 19, 2004
Little Shake
Last night, I thought it was weird that the vinyl blinds were rattling in the middle of the night, as the window was not open and wind could not have moved them. I wondered why I awoke at one o'clock. I muttered something about an earthquake and rolled over and immediately went back to sleep.
The news this morning confirmed there was one centered on the other side of Vancouver Island. It is often true that Vancouverites have more in common with those from San Francisco than Toronto!
The news this morning confirmed there was one centered on the other side of Vancouver Island. It is often true that Vancouverites have more in common with those from San Francisco than Toronto!
Labels: Vancouver, Vancouver Island
Thursday, July 08, 2004
Vancouver Harbour Cam
In the early days of webcams, I had one. As soon as I got broadband in 1997, I took an old Sony Camcorder and parked it on the balcony. It served up Internet photos through all sorts of weather and finally kicked the bucket in 2000. Perhaps I should consider getting a webcam back in operation someday.
Although it's sometimes broken, you should see
a recent image of Stanley Park by the Port of Vancouver.
Although it's sometimes broken, you should see
a recent image of Stanley Park by the Port of Vancouver.
Labels: Internet, Stanley Park, Vancouver, webcam
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Sun and Sand
Yesterday was yet again another fine day. Perfect weather for the area made it a great day to be off from work, pack a lunch, and head down Marine Drive toward Wreck Beach. We rediscovered the fact the trails are steep but the hike rewarding. It is amazingly close to an urban center, but you'd never know!
Sunday, May 09, 2004
People Actually Live There
The entire Vancouver, BC downtown doesn't vacate after working hours. This is unique among most small, North American cities. (There are slightly over 2 million people in the Greater Vancouver Regional District.) Here's a photograph of high-rise residences taken from Granville Island.
A higher resolution file of my photo can be found at www.webshots.com.
A higher resolution file of my photo can be found at www.webshots.com.
Saturday, May 08, 2004
Urban Development
In college, I really enjoyed studying about urban planning and development. In which class would I have studied that? Did I take a course in Cultural Geography? The way that cities grow is immensely interesting to me. Wasn't it Burgess who created a concentric-ring theory of socio-economic development in old Chicago?
I was again reminded of similar theories at the end of the movie, Mona Lisa Smile (2003). The credits rolled while pictures of post WWII events flashed. One scene showed Levittown, NY. If you're not familiar it, it’s the exemplar of a manufactured suburbia. It necessitates a car culture. Those forces are still playing out now, although to a much lesser extent in Canada than in the States.
The following paragraph copied from Vancouver and "Cascadia", is the third part of a 1998 online article I found at The Atlantic Online.
I was again reminded of similar theories at the end of the movie, Mona Lisa Smile (2003). The credits rolled while pictures of post WWII events flashed. One scene showed Levittown, NY. If you're not familiar it, it’s the exemplar of a manufactured suburbia. It necessitates a car culture. Those forces are still playing out now, although to a much lesser extent in Canada than in the States.
The following paragraph copied from Vancouver and "Cascadia", is the third part of a 1998 online article I found at The Atlantic Online.
Paraphrasing Jane Jacobs, the classic writer on urbanism, Price told me, "People have confused overcrowding with high density. High density is actually desirable, because it means lively, safe, convenient, and interesting places in which to live." From 1956 to 1972 Price's West End neighborhood, for example, which had been overcrowded, transformed itself into a high-density area. Its population increased by about half, and the number of apartments quintupled: spacious one-bedroom apartments replaced teeming tenements. The West End now has the liveliness and sophisticated feel of Manhattan's Upper West Side. The ostensible reason for the neighborhood's success is that big businessmen took risks and built apartment blocks, while small tradesmen opened shops. Hong Kong Chinese culture, comfortable with high density, helped too. But business and culture operated within a framework of deliberate planning choices. In the United States in 1956, the same year that the West End was rezoned for taller apartment buildings, President Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act, which created the interstates. Consultants from Los Angeles advised Vancouver to build a freeway-and-tunnel system through the city. Vancouver citizens rejected that advice. The nineteenth-century grid pattern of narrow streets laid down by British engineers remained intact, and parks and benches, a profusion of cafés, and an explosion of tall residential buildings all followed.
Labels: Vancouver
Monday, February 23, 2004
Quick Access to Downtown
We went to a friend's house for dinner yesterday evening. Just like every trip to downtown Vancouver, we took the SkyTrain. It's convenient to pop out of the tunnel at either the Granville or Burrad Station. Because of the nice weather yesterday, it seemed that everybody had a similar idea of going downtown. Robson Street was very busy.
Here's a picture of my apartment tower. The building has direct access to the Columbia Street SkyTrain station, so the half hour trip is always a breeze.
When going to work, it takes me about the same amount of time to drive half the distance.
Sunday, February 01, 2004
VCC Promotional Materials: Mr. Baker
This is our friend, Jiwan. He attended Vancouver Community College a few years ago.
VCC's downtown campus specializes in training for careers in hospitality, health, business and technology and other areas. In many of the programs offered at City Centre, content is primarily one-third theory and two-thirds practical experience gained in working situations.
Here's the contact information:
City Centre Campus
250 West Pender Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 1S9
Tel: (604) 443-8300
Fax: (604) 443-8588
As you can tell by the photograph to the right, Jiwan took a program to qualify as a baker. Look at the size of that rolling pin; it could be a lethal weapon! The picture was taken by the college for their promotional materials.
They've made use of it too. Can you imagine seeing a life-sized cardboard cutout of yourself? We once spotted one at the Pacific National Exhibition Fair. The PNE is an annual 'county-fair type' event which takes place just a few kilometers from downtown Vancouver.
Jay occasionally walks through the downtown VCC Campus on his way to work. He maintains that a copy still haunts the hallways of the college to this very day!
Labels: Vancouver
Saturday, January 31, 2004
Instant Tropical Vacation
Yesterday, much of Canada was in a deep freeze. Meanwhile, the temperature here in Vancouver was a balmy 8 degrees Celsius (45 F). Still, it was a real treat to visit Vancouver's Bloedel Conservatory at Queen Elizabeth Park. Built in 1969, it is the second largest domed conservatory in the world.
Yesterday was the annual plant sale with free admission. This year's
usual entrance price is just $Cdn 4.10. That's quite a bargain! Being able
to sit under the canopy of a tropical rain forest on a January day is worth
considerably more! (Jay seemed to know all the types of plants.)
Yesterday was the annual plant sale with free admission. This year's
usual entrance price is just $Cdn 4.10. That's quite a bargain! Being able
to sit under the canopy of a tropical rain forest on a January day is worth
considerably more! (Jay seemed to know all the types of plants.)
Labels: flora and fauna, Vancouver
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Vancouver Newsletter for ESL Students
Everybody in education is talking about blogging nowadays. It's strange I don't see more examples!
You are invited to read a 1.4 meg PDF File of esl EGG. It's a newsletter designed for Vancouver-area, English as a Second Language students.
You are invited to read a 1.4 meg PDF File of esl EGG. It's a newsletter designed for Vancouver-area, English as a Second Language students.
Monday, November 10, 2003
Grind .. Ground ... Grounded
After living in the area for seven years, it was about time to take on the Grind. Some locals do it every weekend and try to best their time to the top of Grouse Mountain. There are real fanatics so some even use an electronic pass system to time their accent to the exact second. The ultimate goal is to 'do it' in under a half hour. In July, I tried a leisurely climb while hauling up myself and my extra 50 lbs. The ordeal took closer to two and a half hours! I think Jay was bored while I stood around gasping for air. Grouse Mountain is a ski area so if you punish yourself by walking up, you can get a cheap, one-way ticket down on the gondola.
Sometimes quite crowded, the last third of the walk seems vertical!
Sometimes quite crowded, the last third of the walk seems vertical!
Sunday, November 09, 2003
If You Had a Bird's Eye ...
This link will take you to a picture that's been sitting on my web server since the days I used to run a web cam on my balcony. It is an aerial photo of a big chunk of the Greater Vancouver Regional District. The Fraser River and the SkyTrain bridge appear along the bottom of the picture. The camera is pointing north and west toward Burnaby and Metrotown. Downtown Vancouver, although twelve miles away, is visible too.
View Large Image in New Window
I cannot remember where the original came from. I modified the image to include a green arrow at the bottom center which points to my apartment building. Since the picture is 1024 X 768, you may have to use your scroll bars to view the entire panorama. The file is nearly 400K and may take several moments to load depending on the speed of your Internet connection.
View Large Image in New Window
I cannot remember where the original came from. I modified the image to include a green arrow at the bottom center which points to my apartment building. Since the picture is 1024 X 768, you may have to use your scroll bars to view the entire panorama. The file is nearly 400K and may take several moments to load depending on the speed of your Internet connection.
Labels: camera, Fraser River, transit, Vancouver
Friday, October 17, 2003
Skytrain
This apartment is about twelve miles from downtown Vancouver. I never drive there however, as it's easier to hop on the Skytrain [link expired]. I'm proof that people will use public transit if it's easier or faster than driving. The Columbia Street Station adjoins our building so getting downtown is a no-brainer --- it's both easier and faster than driving. (It's also cheaper than paying for parking!)
Here's a night picture of an 'old' Skytrain car.
Here's a night picture of an 'old' Skytrain car.
Friday, September 19, 2003
All in a Day's Work
Jay went to work today and is signing up for permanent part-time with benefits at Covenant House Vancouver. It looks like he'll have to work shifts every other weekend. His job at the YMCA might be curtailed in the future as they construct a new building without hotel space.
Labels: Vancouver
Tuesday, September 02, 2003
Laurie's Visit of Last Week
Let's start the day with a photo:
My sister came to visit Aug. 20 to 27. It was the first time she'd been out to Vancouver (and I've been here seven years). It is always fun being a tourist in your own city again. This area rocks! (The average blogger is probably under 27 and I want to sound like that too.) The picture above is in Stanley Park and the obligatory shot in front of the totem poles. Actually, we're printing this up on a t-shirt to send to my father. Will it be done and mailed to NH before September 18th?
My sister came to visit Aug. 20 to 27. It was the first time she'd been out to Vancouver (and I've been here seven years). It is always fun being a tourist in your own city again. This area rocks! (The average blogger is probably under 27 and I want to sound like that too.) The picture above is in Stanley Park and the obligatory shot in front of the totem poles. Actually, we're printing this up on a t-shirt to send to my father. Will it be done and mailed to NH before September 18th?
Labels: Stanley Park, Vancouver
Locate additional information at the my eJournal and images blog site.