Modern Art Sculpture in English Bay

Yet another sculpture in Vancouver - two giant sized diamond rings. I really have no idea why they are here, but what a way to propose to the one you love. Although, I am sure they will need to have the ring resized...

Sidewalk Etiquette

A few times a year, there seems to be a bit of a need for a city wide pamphlet to go out to all the people walking on the city sidewalks. The pamphlet should be about sidewalk etiquette. I notice that during holiday seasons throughout the year, there is an influx of people who do know understand how to make their way through the crowds of people on busy downtown sidewalks. Nothing overly wordy needs to be written up, just a few key points, like going with the flow of traffic, not gathering in the middle of the sidewalk so others can still pass through, these sorts of things. It makes life a lot easier for everyone if we thought about the people around us and were more considerate. Not that I REALLY want the city to have to spend millions (if not billions) on such a project, but it would be nice for everyone to have a friendly reminder to swing their cigarette wildly in the middle of a crowd...

Unique Flowers Around Vancouver

Vancouver seems to be constantly in bloom. That's right, even in the winter time, something is blossoming and it is one of the things I love most about this city. I have taken a few pictures of flowers I can not quite place, but seem to stand out against the sea of the usual blossoms. The first picture shows a flower that almost looks tropical. There are a few downtown that have this tropical type look and feel to them but I have yet to figure out what they are. The second picture is of flowers on a climbing vine which I had never seen before even though it is on my regular route. If I find out what these plants are called, I will update and let you know. What are your favorite blooms?

Car sharing in Vancouver

I took this picture the other day because I have noticed the new 'Car2Go' smart cars everywhere downtown! This particular one was parked right outside my condo complex and I assume there is a neighbor of mine that is using it frequently. My husband and I use the modo car coop as there are plenty of cars all over the greater Vancouver area and we can use different sized cars for whatever the occasion. We have been a member for around 3 years now and I have to say that I enjoy the car sharing experience. Sure, there are times when you get a car that is a bit untidy, but most of the members are good about that sort of thing. I think the best part is not having the worries of owning a car - gas, servicing, payments - all the annoying bits. lol If you are interested in car sharing, check out www.modo.coop , zipcar.com , or car2go.com . All options are better for the environment and gives you less stress. Although, it will not cure any road rage...

Sunny days + Bubble Tea = :)

So you already know by the title that I am getting a bit creative today. Maybe good or maybe not so good? Either way, I am a happy camper since the warm weather has hit. Since it is not supposed to stick around past today, I thought I would do a shoutout to all the bubble tea shops in Vancouver. I don't think I can go a summer without a nice cold sweetened milk tea. It is a nice change from the summer drink standbys of lemonaid and iced tea. It can be light and fruity or thick and frosty when blended with ice. Oh course, I can not forget the tapioca pearls that make the tea have 'bubbles'. If you don't like tapioca pearls, maybe have coconut meat instead. Also, for those on a budget, go to the local asian supermarket and make bubble tea at home. Now if I could only get my husband to actually get tea instead of coffee or a fruity version...

Panic in the Park!

Louise (my dog) and I were walking through Nelson park enjoying the lovely summer afternoon sun, when we heard sirens. A fire truck came down the street and then just stopped in the middle of thurlow, I assume, because turning onto Comox street is a bit difficult for a huge truck. But then the fire fighters jumped out and ran over into the park. I became increasingly confused at this point since I had seen no smoke or fire in the park at all. When I rounded the corner though, I noticed all three firefighters trying to help out one of the men in the park. Soon afterward, an ambulance came to take over. I just wanted to write this up as a thank you to the emergency workers and fire fighters for going to help regardless of what energency there is.

Vancouver Finally Warms Up!

I have recently challenged myself to do a blog post (and video) a day for 30 days. Since the weather here in Vancouver had been so blah and no where near spring/summer conditions, I didn't think I would have any problems fulfilling my goal. AND THEN...summer had decided to finally show up! All I want to do is take long walks by the beach along English bay or leisurely enjoy a bbq dinner on the patio. Temptation is so hard to resist! Oh and don't even get me started on netflix...

Modern Art on Display in Yaletown

I have noticed over the years, that Vancouver has acquired quite a few pieces of what I like to call "modern art sculptures". There are a few that popped up by skytrain stations and parks right in time for the Olympics. So a month ago, my husband and I were out strolling around Yaletown and decided to go to Starbucks. This piece of modern art was sitting (laying?) right in front of the Starbucks.

I really have no idea why a giant sized head is sitting in a small park area in Yaletown. I realized in an instant that it might be a good place for people to meet up if ever lost.
But my true question when seeing these structures is 'how do people sign up to make this art for the city of Vancouver?' Exactly what is the protocol for this type of thing? I have never heard of anyone who even knew how the artist was selected or how much money was given to said artist. More importantly, I want pictures of how they make these massive pieces of art because that seems even more fascinating to me than anything else.

Goodbye to the Neighborhood Church

The west end of downtown Vancouver can feel like an oasis from the hustle of the downtown core and is probably the closest thing to the suburbs you will find. There is a strong sense of community and people actually know (and speak) to their neighbors. It was a great shock to most to see the old community church be bought and torn down in the last few months. The church was non denominational and welcomed all who was in need, including even the most down trodden. What was worse is that the new owner wanted to put in a huge condo complex that wasn't in keeping with the rest of the complexes around the 'hood. I just wanted to say good bye to a local hang out for me and my dog. I didn't think I was even concerned about it being torn down until I saw the wreckage with my own eyes. I leave you now with a few pictures I had to take to remind me to always appreciate the things around me.