03.22.08, Part III: Granville, Kitto, Bubble Tea, Wall Center, UBC @ Robson Square

Saturday, 22 March 2008 - Part 3 * Vancouver, British Columbia
It’s been an interesting day here in Vancouver. Strolling on the beach in the morning, a wild pillow fight at Robson square, and then a moment of being faminished and needing to search out sushi and Bubble Tea. What a popular combination. Plus this is going to be my sushi diet weekend - not intended, its just how it worked out. There is nothing more divine in this world than Sushi, but perhaps Sushi in the Pacific Northwest where its fresh and its produced by the heart of Asian culture in the New World.

Wandering around downtown Vancouver is always a wonderful thing to do, so many sights to see, and alot of culture to breathe in.

Tokyo Joes * 955 Helmcken Street * Vancouver BC V6Z 2S5 * 604.689.0073
An interesting little Japanese restaurant chain in Vancouver. It’s odd because there is a really chic chain called Tokyo Joes in Denver Colorado that’s upbeat and expanding. Seeing this little plain joint in Vancouver when used to the really artsy one in Colorado was kind of a “huh?” slap across the cheek. So now i ponder is this the original one and the Colorado folks ripped the idea off of them, or did the Vancouver folks rip off the Denver folks. Curious. I’ve heard its good in Vancouver but didn’t get a chance to try it out. I know the un-associated ones in Denver are fabulous and to the point that I’m a Joe-addict.

Granville Street * Vancouver, British Columbia * http://www.granvillestreet.com/
Ah Granville street, oh how I have missed thee. So many memories from the days that I used to roam around this artsy and entertainment bustling center of downtown Vancouver. I also remember back in the day when the city of Vancouver wanted to relocate all of the nightclubs in the city to just this street which of course never succeeded. During the years that I lived in Vancouver this was one of my shopping and dining tromping grounds. I’d hit up the coffee shops, the restaurants, and even some of the nightlife with shows at the Vogue, Gothic cheers at one of the pubs, and when Luvafair first moved to the Plaza for some britpop and 80’s fun. For the visitor or resident of Vancouver, this is a hotspot of activity for pub crawling, club dancing, unique and alternative culture shopping, arts, shows, concerts, and as well as some of Vancouver’s notorious seediness and pandhandlers. Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5. Visited almost daily during my last visit 3/26-3/31 as I was staying nearby, and quite often when I was living in Vancouver.

Vogue Theater * 918 Granville St., Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L2 * http://www.voguetheatre.com/
Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/139279. In the heart of downtown Vancouver lies the historical remains of the Vogue theater. The Vogue is surrounded by many myths and legends especially amongst it’s association with being haunted. Many famous people have walked through these doors. In 2006 it was closed as its web site still professes. It is however still a very active theater with live music, comedy acts, and shows every weekend. In 1941 it was a monument of sophisticated art deco design and home to the arts. It housed 1200 seats that presented Vancouver’s hottest acts and talent through the years. It still is one of those hotspots. Conveniently located right on the main bus station route, its a hotspot of Vancouver’s heritage for events of all kinds and varieties. While I’ve never seen the ghosts that haunt these seats, I did however have some memorable moments of entertainment within those walls. Rating 5 stars out of 5.

UBC on Robson Square * 800 Robson Square * Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 3B7 * 604.822.3333 * http://www.robsonsquare.ubc.ca/
When I first went to the University of British Columbia, the only place I could attend college in Vancouver was their main campus over by Pacific Spirit Park / Wreck Beach / Spanish Banks just west of Jericho Beach. But during my Multimedia studies, UBC decided to open a branch at Robson Square. I remember it was desired as well as controversial. Visiting the School 6-7 years later, I saw major improvements and that the campus took over the underground area that resides below Robson Street. UBC of course offers stimulating arts and humanities courses, leading edge technology programs, live performances, international events, and public forums at this location while providing a unique and metropolitan environment for the student being beneath the Fashion and arts district of downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. The classrooms were high tech and spacious when I attended, I’m sure they’ve done nother other than improve. Recently Visited 3/22/08. Rating: 5 stars out of 5.

Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel * 1088 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6Z 2R9 * 604-331-1000
I can only compliment the architectural design of this building as I didn’t stay here during my visit to Canada, nor have I ever. But for those who enjoy architectural design and monuments, the Wall center is some eye candy in that arena. Its located within walking distance from the fashion and commerce districts of Vancouver possessing a dynamic view of the ethereal supernatural beauty that Vancouver is well known for - from the heights of its uppermost floors one can see all of Vancouver, the Bay, the harbour, Canada Place, Grouse and Cypress mountain. This building is a monument of mirrored glass windowns with a soothing courtyard holding spectacular gardens, cascading water, and Roman-styled hand-laid paving stones mixing modern architecture with classical beauty. From the outside, this looks like a plush and comfortable place to stay. For more information, see www.sheratonvancouver.com. Rating of architectural design: 4 out of 5; Rating of Hotel: Unknown. Viewed 3/22/08.

Bubble Tea Booth * On Burrard Street between Robson and Georgia * Vancouver, B.C.
I’m sorry I don’t have the name of this little booth and an internet search provided no success. There is a little hole-in-the-wall (literally) booth just East of Robson on Burrard street (left side when facing Canada Place) that is more of a kiosk or booth than a restaurant. You can get really cheap pre-made sushi packs, sodas, tea, candy, ice cream, and of course home-made Bubble Tea. The Coconut tea was fabulous. Its a nice quick cheap snack / lunch alternative hotspot in the busy fashion and commerce district. Great for budget travel since most restaurants in the area cost an arm and a leg. Rating 4 stars out 5 for the Bubble Tea; 3 stars out of 5 for the Sushi. Visited 3/22; 3/26; 3/28/2008.

Kitto Japanese House * 833 Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia * 604-687-6622
Kitto is in the heart of Granville street just around the corner from Robson. Its a busy, brisk, and small joint right off the main drag known as Granville where many of the nightclubs, bars, unique shops, and entertainment reside. The combo’s are pretty good and its recommended to finish off the meal is some good green tea ice cream. This particular visit (I’ve been here many times) I was running late and joining my group of friends after they were half done with their food. I had to tell a waitress twice i wanted to order, but once it got through i was a new addition to the table, they were really quick with getting my food out. The Unagi was pretty good as well as the Vegetable tempura. They also have a good selection of Vegetarian dishes and sushi. The fish tastes pretty fresh. Average price of Sushi $10-20. Review: 4 stars out of 5. Visited 3/22/08.

03.22.08, Day 2 of 10 Part II: World Wide Pillow Fight/Vancouver 2.0

Saturday, 22 March 2008 - Part 2 Vancouver, British Columbia

Well the first adventurous moment to my expedition started out in battle as I attended the World Wide Pillow Fight Club 2.0 at Robson Square, downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. I started my day pretty early, which was remarkable since I didn’t get to sleep till 5 am after Wreck Beach last night. Figuring out the Public Transportation system was easier than I thought it would be, as Vancouver really has their system setup well. After some chai for an energy boost, my friend Lori arrived and we started scoping out Robson Square and figuring out our battle plans. Some friends joined us as we were soon to embark upon the Worldwide Pillow Fight Club 2.0 happening between 3:00 and 3:15 pm in front of the Art Gallery on Robson. My friend Stephanie was enroute too.

Worldwide Pillow Fight Club 2.0
Saturday, March 22, 2008; Time: 3:00pm - 3:15pm; Location: Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Street, Vancouver, B.C.

Every year, across the globe, another fun flash mob meets for 15 minutes, in one of the most busiest and crowded locations downtown of most major cities to all of a sudden pull out pillows and dive into a large-scale, mass mob, pillow fight! This year I attended Vancouver’s Pillow Fight Club 2.0 … and it was a splendid fluff-puffing-powing event. What an interesting way of meeting people and pillow-pow’ing your friends! At first Robson Street steps of the Art Gallery was pretty bare, by 2:50 a crowd started filling in the sidewalk and steps, with most of the people candidly hiding their pillows, and at 3 pm, the fight began - pillows manifested from out of nowhere and before feathers were flying everywhere. A mouth full of feathers later … frazzled hair … and feather-dusted lint all over our clothes, it was time for bubble tea. Rating 5 stars out of 5. Fabulous time! Thanks everyone who made it happen! I’m amazed I got the pictures I did, I lost my camera twice, and both time caught it before it hit the pavement … lucky! whew!

Day 2 of 10: Vancouver, B.C. & Jericho Beach

Vancouver, British Columbia: Day 2: Part 1 - Enjoying Jericho Beach
Home to the X-files and many other supernatural thrillers and television shows such as Dark Angel, The Outer Limits, The New Addams Family, and Stargate … Vancouver is a multimedia and digital entertainment hot spot in North America. Many digital producers, special effects, sick and twisted animationists, foreign film festival highlights, and top movies are produced and Created in Vancouver. Rated the 16th most beautiful city in the world, Vancouver has just about everything for anyone. Street coined “the Amsterdam of North America” or the “San Francisco of Canada”, Vancouver has a miriad of interests for the tourist. A unique nightlife awaits the night owl. Tons of plays and theatrical performances, music fests, concerts, and other cultural festivities. Home to the World’s Fair in 1986, the city has landmarks celebrating that event. In what other city can you stroll in a rainforest, swim in the ocean/lounging at the beach, rollerblade the beach walks, and go skiing in one day? 10 minutes to Grouse Mountain ski resort, 20 minutes to Cypress Mountain, and 45 minutes to Whistler/Blackcomb. Vancouver is a skiers/snowboarder’s paradise. Also known for it’s Asian culture … Vancouver is one of North America’s most famous Asian cities.

I’m on day 2 of a 10 day trip to Vancouver, as I came a few days early before my work conference … to say hello to friends and family since I used to live here in early 2000-2002. As I remember all of the places I used to hang out, and all the venues I used to visit, heart-felt warm memories encompassed my soul as I realized I was home. Home in a different way than where i was raised, because I am an American, and I was raised in New York and New Mexico. Its hard to explain the feeling I feel about Vancouver, because its very much a feeling of place and a feeling of connectedness, and for some reason, it centers in the area of Vancouver that I am staying in today, house sitting for a friend in Jericho Beach.

Jericho Beach Vancouver, British Columbia
Between North ends of Wallace and Discovery Streets * Vancouver, BC V6R4K5 Canada
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/rec/beaches/jericho.htm
One of Vancouver’s famous beaches, festive as well as serene locations, its popular during the summer for festivals, concerts, events, and summer sun bathing and beach fun. During the winters, serene moments and quiet beaches for walking, and absorbing the beautiful bay. Late at night, a great romantic get-away. Before the arrival of European settlers this area was home to a native village called Ee’yullmough. Later in the 1860s a logging camp under the auspices of Jeremiah Rogers took hold here. Known as “Jerry’s Cove”, the name evolved into the now familiar “Jericho”. This once was the site of Vancouver’s first golf course but was commandeered by the National Department of Defence in the late 1930s for a seaplane base with numerous hangars lining the shoreline. Turned over to the Park Board in the early 1970s, all but a handful of the buildings were demolished as the park took shape. The eastern section of the beach caters to swimmers and the west to sailboats and windsurfers under the auspices of the popular Jericho Sailing Association.
This long and sandy stretch gives panoramic views of the city, the mountains, and the bay. Very popular for sunbathing, dog walking, and family picnics … my visit the morning of 3/23/08 was welcoming the joyful frolick of kids scrambling for hidden eggs during their Easter egg hunts. For the traveller, the Jericho Beach Hostel is right upon it, and one of the best hostels in the city of Vancouver. Nestled between Kitslano and UBC, Pacific Spirit Park, and not far from Spanish Banks and Wreck Beach … this series of natural locations are a must visit in Vancouver. Popular location for boating - kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing as there are docking yards nearby. Concession stands and bathrooms are located conveniently here. This is also the home to the infamous annual Vancouver Folk Festival. Rating: 5 stars out of 5.

03.21.08, Day 1 Part 4: Vancouver, B.C.: Vegan goodies at the Naam, Fire & Spinning down at Wreck Beach

Friday, 21 March 2008 - Day 1, Part 4 * Vancouver, British Columbia
It’s definitely really nice to be back in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver, British Columbia … nonetheless. While still chilly, far cry warmer than Colorado … and a nice break from the snow. My friend Lori called me to meet her at the Naam, an incredible Vegetarian restaurant in the heart of Kitslano, a neighbourhood in Vancouver, where alot of artsy, health-conscious folk live. Kitslano is a little more pricey than the rest of Vancouver, but laid back and not as crowded as other areas of the city. Its also surrounded by beach, neighboured by Jericho Beach, Pacific Spirit Park, and the University of British Columbia. I walked down 4th from Jericho Beach, enjoying the night air, and folks heading off to happy hour and found my way to a very busy and crowded restaurant. A fifteen minute wait and I soon had a table for me and my friends who were soon to arrive.

The Naam
2724 4th Avenue West * Vancouver, BC V6K 1R1, Canada * (604) 738-7151 * In Kitsilano near the beach
I remember the Naam vividly from when I used to live in Vancouver, and from every trip I’ve made to this gorgeous city ever since. After all, where else could you find a full service Vegetarian restaurant open 24 hours and 7 days a week but in Kitslano? It is and was always a popular venue for after clubbing fare as well. Always crowded and servicing the most excellent food, it’s worth the wait. It’s been around forever it seems, and is the city’s oldest natural foods restaurant. “Funky” decor with wooden tables and a wooden floor with a garden patio for summertime seating. Every night from 7-10 they boast live music such as blues, folk, and jazz. Everything on the menu is fabulous, and if memory serves me my favorite dishes are the Thai and Naam Dragon Bowls, Thai Noodles, Buddha’s Feast, and Crying Tiger Stir Fry. The Naam Burrito Wrap is also fabulous. On this particular re-visit I had the Buddha’s Feast, topped with cashews and was in palatable heaven. Top that off with a Chai shake, and I was good as gold. Rating: 5 stars out of 5.

After dinner, even though it was close to midnight, we were headset on going to Wreck Beach. No liquor stores were open or available, so it was energy drinks and chips to take down with us. Wreck Beach is technically closed at dark, but that doesn’t stop half of the population of beach-goers from going at night, even during winter, to head down to one of North America’s largest clothing optional beaches for a campfire and/or beach party. Parking is convenient in the garages at UBC and its a short jolt down a very steep several hundred staired climb to the beach. Don’t park along the road however after 11 pm, as you’ll be towed, as they figure you are down at the beach when you’re not supposed to be.

Wreck Beach Vancouver, British Columbia
One of the world’s most famous ‘clothing optional’ beaches is one of my most favorite natural locations in all of my worldly travels. Especially during the day and summer, my memories are a whirl-wind of fun from the days I’ve lived here and the times I visited. Of course, during the winter months, and evenings, like today’s visit, there is no absence of clothing. But during the warm days, 95% of the population is stripped down, and you definitely can get sun, surf, and full body tan taken care of in one. Plus a moderate temperature ocean experience where you can actually go swimming. Sure during the winter months, crazy Vancouverites who are members of the Polar Bear club will take a frisky naked dip, especially to ring in the New Year. During the day, vendors galore from legal merchants selling freshly prepared Vegetarian and/or wild game grub (like Venison, Buffalo, Elk burgers), Sarongs, and beach stuff … there are the ‘illegal’ vendors who sell chocolate covered mushrooms, pot, margarita’s, beer, and mixed drinks. Of course, this kind of vending is illegal and not tolerated, apparently often cracked down on, even though to access Wreck Beach, is a long, panting climb down a series of several hundred stops - so most law enforcement don’t have the lungs to keep running up and down the staircase. Lots of activities and community fun always takes place at Wreck Beach, and sometimes even night time bonfires, fire spinning, and beach parties take place. If you’re a naturalist, this is definitely a place not to miss. Rating: 5 stars out of 5.

It was a bit of an exhausting climb down the stairs, especially since I’m out of shape, but my asthmatic lungs at least handled the climb better than when I lived here, because I’m used to higher altitudes and more struggling breathing. Warm sand beneath my feet, campfires off in the distance, each attached to their own little beach party. We wandered to a few in hopes of finding someone we knew, but alas, such was not the case. So we started our own little fire and Bonefinder entertained us with some fire spinning staff and poi till 4 o’clock in the morning. Good times were had by all.