Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Dog Beach
Vancouver's about as dog-friendly as it comes, but they're still pretty strict in regards to letting dogs on beaches, with exception to specifically designated "dog beaches". A week ago Friday I joined some friends on the local dog beach at Vanier Park (next to Kits Beach) before heading over to the Folk Fest. Here's my favourite scene from that afternoon. No clue who dude is.
Monday, July 12, 2010
C Restaurant
Scenes from a spontaneous lunch on the patio of C Restaurant on Saturday, June 26th.
Starter of albacore tuna, prepared in a multitude of absolutely fantastic tasty ways...
Pan-seared halibut... with a citrus salsa, risotto cake, spinach, and oyster fritter...
Seafood salad (with local salmon, clams, mussels, and pan-seared scallops)...
and last, but not least, the accompanying Joie Rosé.
Starter of albacore tuna, prepared in a multitude of absolutely fantastic tasty ways...
Pan-seared halibut... with a citrus salsa, risotto cake, spinach, and oyster fritter...
Seafood salad (with local salmon, clams, mussels, and pan-seared scallops)...
and last, but not least, the accompanying Joie Rosé.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
"Are Vancouver summers cold?"
An odd question to post on my blog, no doubt, but strangely it's one of the top Google search inquiries that leads people to my blog. So why not devote a whole post to it? There's obviously enough demand for the answer!
Are Vancouver summers cold?
In a word, no.
In more words, it depends.
It depends on your definition of cold. It's all relative, isn't it? A summer in Vancouver is going to be colder than spending a summer in Tahiti, Cuba, Sri Lanka or Colombia... but that doesn't make Vancouver's summer cold. Or does it? Vancouver's summer is rarely scorching, but it's typically not defined as being "cold".
Here are the more common terms used to describe a Vancouver summer:
Pleasant.
Comfortable.
Warm.
Beautiful.
Perfect.
Vancouver's summers (and summer is tradionally thought of as June, July, August, and September here, by the way) are for the most part in the low to mid 20's Celsius range (which is 68 to 77 Fahrenheit, apparently). Occasionally there will be a day or two where it can reach in the low 30's Celsius range (which is low 90's Fahrenheit), but those are rare, but do occur in July and August.
Sure, those temperatures are going to be colder than some place like Death Valley where there's a constant 40 Celsius/100 Fahrenheit range throughout the summer. Or they're going to be colder than some place like Toronto which might get more humidity and heat in the summer months. But that doesn't make it cold. What it does mean is that you're not suffering through the summer in Vancouver. You're not dependent upon air conditioning. You're not cooping yourself indoors to avoid heatstroke or humidity. You can actually be outside and enjoy it.
"But what about all that Vancouver rain?", you ask.
We don't get much rain in the summer. Sunshine is not as elusive in the summer as it would be in the winter months. In fact, there's so much sunshine in Vancouver in the summer, that it often causes droughts, where water restrictions come into play.
"And in a rainforest zone?" you ask.
It's true.
Vancouver's summers are beautiful. It's when the city truly shines. It's when people break out into summer dresses and t-shirts and shorts and sandals and go swimming in outdoor pools and hang out all day and night at the beach and get sunburns if not protected...
That's a Vancouver summer.
So are Vancouver summers cold?
In a word, no...
... and man, am I ever looking forward to summer!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Celebration of Lightning: a recap of Vancouver's summer storm
I thought I would finally post some photos from July 25, 2009.
I'll never forget this day.
It started out as a beautiful Saturday afternoon: clear skies, sunshine, temperatures in the mid 20's Celsius. We picked up BBQ supplies, called up our friends, and all met down at Spanish Banks.
When we set up on the beach it was 4pm and the tide was very low - one of the lowest tides I had seen there in a long time. You could barely even see the people - they were so far out!
We decided to head down to the beach and walk out to the water's edge.
Some of the guys went for a swim...
...it was around then when I looked east and noticed a big dark cloud looming over the city.
Uh-oh.
I knew it had to be raining over there, and we're not talking about a light drizzle. I just crossed my fingers and hoped that it wouldn't make it out our way. I mean, it was still sunny where we were.
Sort of.
I decided to head back. Back through the seaweed and sandbars and salt water channels.
Back at the site, we set up our BBQ and watched as the tide crept back in.
For several hours we enjoyed drinks, food, and one another's company, watching the tide coming in with all the people with it.
And that's when it started to happen.
We first heard the thunder off in the distance, and it was followed by bright flashes. But the lightning was far enough away, out in the mountains and over the city and suburbs, so we continued our BBQ. We continued like this for about half an hour before the rain set in. It was large, luscious drops of rain. It cleared out almost all of Spanish Banks to the point where we were the only ones left.
Strangely, we stayed and basked in it.
We watched the lightning light up the mountains across the water and behind us over the suburbs. We could see it fork down over downtown Vancouver, and we just stood there in awe.
Earlier in the day we had a hard time finding parking and a spot on the beach. And here we were, a few hours later, and the beach was vacant with exception to a few individuals like ourselves, shreiking with joy at the spectacle.
The thunder and lightning storm persisted at a distance, but the sun started to shine beneath the clouds. A rainbow appeared over downtown.
As the sun continued to lower itself under the storm clouds, the most beautiful golden light made the atmosphere absolutely magical.
The event became even more surreal when the sky changed colour, from purple, to orange, to red, all the while white and purple lightning bolts forked out over the mountains, the city, and the suburbs. I never managed to capture the lightning on camera, but I assure you it was divine.
Surreal skies turned apocalyptic red. And it was in the torrential downpour overlooking a now-crimson Burrard Inlet at sunset that we decided it was a perfect time go for a swim!
Foolish, perhaps in retrospect, but it'll definitely be a moment I will never forget.
I'll never forget this day.
It started out as a beautiful Saturday afternoon: clear skies, sunshine, temperatures in the mid 20's Celsius. We picked up BBQ supplies, called up our friends, and all met down at Spanish Banks.
When we set up on the beach it was 4pm and the tide was very low - one of the lowest tides I had seen there in a long time. You could barely even see the people - they were so far out!
We decided to head down to the beach and walk out to the water's edge.
Some of the guys went for a swim...
...it was around then when I looked east and noticed a big dark cloud looming over the city.
Uh-oh.
I knew it had to be raining over there, and we're not talking about a light drizzle. I just crossed my fingers and hoped that it wouldn't make it out our way. I mean, it was still sunny where we were.
Sort of.
I decided to head back. Back through the seaweed and sandbars and salt water channels.
Back at the site, we set up our BBQ and watched as the tide crept back in.
For several hours we enjoyed drinks, food, and one another's company, watching the tide coming in with all the people with it.
And that's when it started to happen.
We first heard the thunder off in the distance, and it was followed by bright flashes. But the lightning was far enough away, out in the mountains and over the city and suburbs, so we continued our BBQ. We continued like this for about half an hour before the rain set in. It was large, luscious drops of rain. It cleared out almost all of Spanish Banks to the point where we were the only ones left.
Strangely, we stayed and basked in it.
We watched the lightning light up the mountains across the water and behind us over the suburbs. We could see it fork down over downtown Vancouver, and we just stood there in awe.
Earlier in the day we had a hard time finding parking and a spot on the beach. And here we were, a few hours later, and the beach was vacant with exception to a few individuals like ourselves, shreiking with joy at the spectacle.
The thunder and lightning storm persisted at a distance, but the sun started to shine beneath the clouds. A rainbow appeared over downtown.
As the sun continued to lower itself under the storm clouds, the most beautiful golden light made the atmosphere absolutely magical.
The event became even more surreal when the sky changed colour, from purple, to orange, to red, all the while white and purple lightning bolts forked out over the mountains, the city, and the suburbs. I never managed to capture the lightning on camera, but I assure you it was divine.
Surreal skies turned apocalyptic red. And it was in the torrential downpour overlooking a now-crimson Burrard Inlet at sunset that we decided it was a perfect time go for a swim!
Foolish, perhaps in retrospect, but it'll definitely be a moment I will never forget.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Fresh local produce at Richmond Country Farms
I recently purchased a new car which means I can finally now drive on a whim out to the country. This is great timing because early September means that the local farmer's markets are full of local produce, especially fresh stonefruit from the Okanagan Valley. While there are countless farmer's markets in and around Vancouver, my favourite is possibly Richmond Country Farms.
Located on an acreage out at Hwy 99 and Steveston Hwy, Richmond Country Farms has been a childhood tradition of mine. They're not only an onsite farm (where they grow their own vegetables, like corn, cabbage, and squash), but they're also a great supporter of local farms in and around BC. Their store consists of a permanent indoor structure but most of their local produce is sold outside in gigantic wooden crates. And it's precisely right now when I like to visit, because they definitely have the best selection of Okanagan fruit that I've seen.
On Monday after work I quickly drove down Richmond's No 6. Road - a country road full of U-pick blueberry farms - and found myself down at Steveston Highway, and decided to pay Richmond Country Farms a visit.
They had 3 haywagons full of local corn - people digging through all the ears for the nicest pieces. The corn is often a bargain, usually several ears (3? 4? 5?) for $1. Not only that, but the corn is some of the sweetest you'll ever taste.
There were wooden crates of prune plums, crabapples, Macintosh apples, Walla Walla onions, red onions, Gala apples, golden plums, red plums, apricots, nectarines, white peaches, roma tomatoes - all from the Okanagan.
I then noticed these beautifully fragrant crates full of white (more like pale yellow) peppers, but also these deep purple peppers which were grown in Cache Creek. They were so beautiful, I picked some up to make stuffed peppers with.
There were local green beans, jalapenos, field cucumbers, pickling cucumbers, English peas, zucchinis, and some beautiful acorn squash that they grow right on site. An aside - after tasting those green beans with dinner later that day, I doubt I'll be able to buy them from regular grocery stores ever again!
But local cherries? Richmond blueberries? They had it. Eggplants, bittermelon, watermelon, okra, and tunips? Locally-grown herbs, green onions, garlic? They had that too. Not to mention mushrooms, and pearl onions, and crates of things you rarely see, like locally-grown turban squash!
I spent a good half hour browsing through the dozens of wooden crates and picked up 3 shopping bags worth of fruit and vegetables. After taxes it came to $10.80. Ten dollars! How can you go wrong with that? (You can't!) This is certainly a great feeling on the wallet, but knowing you're supporting local farmers and enjoying the best tasting produce in the region, that's possibly the best feeling of all.
Richmond Country Farms is located at 12900 Steveston Highway, immediately east when you get off the Steveston Hwy exit from Hwy 99 (just north of the Massey tunnel). It's open 7 days a week from 9am until 8:30pm from April until December 23.
For more information, visit http://www.countryfarms.ca/
Located on an acreage out at Hwy 99 and Steveston Hwy, Richmond Country Farms has been a childhood tradition of mine. They're not only an onsite farm (where they grow their own vegetables, like corn, cabbage, and squash), but they're also a great supporter of local farms in and around BC. Their store consists of a permanent indoor structure but most of their local produce is sold outside in gigantic wooden crates. And it's precisely right now when I like to visit, because they definitely have the best selection of Okanagan fruit that I've seen.
On Monday after work I quickly drove down Richmond's No 6. Road - a country road full of U-pick blueberry farms - and found myself down at Steveston Highway, and decided to pay Richmond Country Farms a visit.
They had 3 haywagons full of local corn - people digging through all the ears for the nicest pieces. The corn is often a bargain, usually several ears (3? 4? 5?) for $1. Not only that, but the corn is some of the sweetest you'll ever taste.
There were wooden crates of prune plums, crabapples, Macintosh apples, Walla Walla onions, red onions, Gala apples, golden plums, red plums, apricots, nectarines, white peaches, roma tomatoes - all from the Okanagan.
I then noticed these beautifully fragrant crates full of white (more like pale yellow) peppers, but also these deep purple peppers which were grown in Cache Creek. They were so beautiful, I picked some up to make stuffed peppers with.
There were local green beans, jalapenos, field cucumbers, pickling cucumbers, English peas, zucchinis, and some beautiful acorn squash that they grow right on site. An aside - after tasting those green beans with dinner later that day, I doubt I'll be able to buy them from regular grocery stores ever again!
But local cherries? Richmond blueberries? They had it. Eggplants, bittermelon, watermelon, okra, and tunips? Locally-grown herbs, green onions, garlic? They had that too. Not to mention mushrooms, and pearl onions, and crates of things you rarely see, like locally-grown turban squash!
I spent a good half hour browsing through the dozens of wooden crates and picked up 3 shopping bags worth of fruit and vegetables. After taxes it came to $10.80. Ten dollars! How can you go wrong with that? (You can't!) This is certainly a great feeling on the wallet, but knowing you're supporting local farmers and enjoying the best tasting produce in the region, that's possibly the best feeling of all.
Richmond Country Farms is located at 12900 Steveston Highway, immediately east when you get off the Steveston Hwy exit from Hwy 99 (just north of the Massey tunnel). It's open 7 days a week from 9am until 8:30pm from April until December 23.
For more information, visit http://www.countryfarms.ca/
Monday, August 31, 2009
Richmond Night Market - one month left!
Last night, after several pitchers of Granville Island honey lager at the Pirate Pub downtown, a bunch of us decided it would be a great idea to head out to the Richmond Night Market. Being the last weekend of August and a gorgeous evening at that, it seemed appropriate enough. After all, we had spent the last few weeks talking about going and we weren't going to let the end of summer slip us by.
This year the Richmond Night Market is going under the new name of "Summer Night Market". A bit confusing since the old Richmond Night Market's website is still live despite being obsolete, and the old name is still what people are searching for. Nevertheless, Richmond's Summer Night Market, though under new management, offers the same thing at the same place at the same times:
- rows of Asian street food vendors
- stalls of cheap merchandise
- permeating smells of BBQ meat
- bright lights
- large crowds
- over-flowing garbage cans
The Richmond Summer Night Market has been a summer tradition of mine since the late 90's. Back then it was held at Richmond's Lansdowne Mall parking lot, with only a handful of vendors selling things like bubble tea and Asian stationery. It kept on expanding, however, and outgrew its location, eventually finding a semi-permanent home behind a warehouse north of Bridgeport Road's big box sprawl. Mention "it's just north of Ikea" and only then do locals begin to understand where it is.
The Night Market is best described as this surreal, frenzied, mish mash of cheap trinkets and rows upon rows of Asian street food, all in a night carnival kind of atmosphere. While not parallel to the epic night markets in Asia, it's about as close as it gets to Hong Kong night markets here in North America. Set your expectations accordingly.
Shrimp gyoza
Japanese scallop & octopus cakes
Spicy, crispy, deep fried chicken
Sesame red bean cakes
Spicy halal lamb
Deep-fried ice cream
While we arrived with only one hour to go, we managed to stuff ourselves silly. Next time, however, we'll be coming back earlier, and with an empty stomach.
Richmond's Summer Night Market is open Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm until midnight, and Sundays from 7pm until 11pm. It closes for the season on October 4, 2009.
For more information, visit: http://www.summernightmarket.com/
This year the Richmond Night Market is going under the new name of "Summer Night Market". A bit confusing since the old Richmond Night Market's website is still live despite being obsolete, and the old name is still what people are searching for. Nevertheless, Richmond's Summer Night Market, though under new management, offers the same thing at the same place at the same times:
- rows of Asian street food vendors
- stalls of cheap merchandise
- permeating smells of BBQ meat
- bright lights
- large crowds
- over-flowing garbage cans
The Richmond Summer Night Market has been a summer tradition of mine since the late 90's. Back then it was held at Richmond's Lansdowne Mall parking lot, with only a handful of vendors selling things like bubble tea and Asian stationery. It kept on expanding, however, and outgrew its location, eventually finding a semi-permanent home behind a warehouse north of Bridgeport Road's big box sprawl. Mention "it's just north of Ikea" and only then do locals begin to understand where it is.
The Night Market is best described as this surreal, frenzied, mish mash of cheap trinkets and rows upon rows of Asian street food, all in a night carnival kind of atmosphere. While not parallel to the epic night markets in Asia, it's about as close as it gets to Hong Kong night markets here in North America. Set your expectations accordingly.
I typically drive if I'm going to the Richmond Night Market. It's often less than a 20 minute drive from downtown Vancouver. Park for free on the streets by Ikea and walk 15+ minutes, or pay $5 in the Sear's lot to be closest. This year since the opening of the Canada Line, it probably makes as much sense to take the train to Bridgeport station and then transfer onto whatever bus that takes you to the Ikea at Bridgeport & Sweden Way.
Just walking to the Night Market is an event in itself. You end up walking behind the long-closed big box stores and trample through the brambles over railroad tracks before following the crowds through the darkness to a warehouse where you can hear music and lights coming from behind. It's all so mysterious and exciting, and not unlike a rave.
As far as I'm concerned, the only reason you go to the Night Market is for the food. The merchandise vendors come secondary. We're not talking about high end knock-offs, but cheap plastic trinkets, Sanrio-esque stationery, Vietnamese and Canto-pop DVD's, Samurai swords, "magic" bras and panties, and doggie outfits. This is a generalization, I assure you, but you get the idea. It makes for great entertainment moreso than great shopping.
So, for me, it always come down to the food. I wouldn't come here expecting gourmet foodie delicacies, but cheap and tasty Asian street food typically unavailable in this environment elsewhere in Vancouver. There's usually a decent variety, from BBQ meat and seafood on skewers to noodles, to the more traditional Cantonese style dumplings, to exotic desserts. It's all so very festive and half the fun is going around with a group of friends and trying new things together.
Highlights of our night:
Pork siu maiShrimp gyoza
Japanese scallop & octopus cakes
Spicy, crispy, deep fried chicken
Sesame red bean cakes
Spicy halal lamb
Deep-fried ice cream
While we arrived with only one hour to go, we managed to stuff ourselves silly. Next time, however, we'll be coming back earlier, and with an empty stomach.
Richmond's Summer Night Market is open Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm until midnight, and Sundays from 7pm until 11pm. It closes for the season on October 4, 2009.
For more information, visit: http://www.summernightmarket.com/
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Best of Summer 2009: Locarno Beach
On July 21st I joined my sister down at Locarno Beach. It was one of those spectacular evenings - clear skies, warm temperatures, high tide, and a million little sailboats out on Burrard Inlet. We ate dinner at the Galley restaurant (a local's secret at the top of the Jericho Sailing club) and spent our evening enjoying what Vancouver in the summer is all about.
View more of my photos from that evening, here.
View more of my photos from that evening, here.
Summer's back after an unseasonal cold spell
After months of beautiful, gorgeous weather and warmer-than-average temperatures, Vancouver's summer went on summer vacation and October came in to substitute. Typically August is our hottest, sunniest month... but not this August!
No, this August turned into glimpses of cool, breezy, rainy, autumn-like October. "Back to school weather" as I like to call it. You know it's unseasonably cold when you start taking out the alpaca sweaters, jeans, and wool jackets.
But today was the first day where summer came back. I went for a short walk along the seawall to Third Beach and back. Temperatures weren't soaring - it was maybe all of 20 degrees Celsius, but enough for everyone to strip down, pack the beaches, and go for swims. It was ideal summer weather.
This upcoming week is supposed to see temperatures rising once more. I gladly welcome it back!
No, this August turned into glimpses of cool, breezy, rainy, autumn-like October. "Back to school weather" as I like to call it. You know it's unseasonably cold when you start taking out the alpaca sweaters, jeans, and wool jackets.
But today was the first day where summer came back. I went for a short walk along the seawall to Third Beach and back. Temperatures weren't soaring - it was maybe all of 20 degrees Celsius, but enough for everyone to strip down, pack the beaches, and go for swims. It was ideal summer weather.
This upcoming week is supposed to see temperatures rising once more. I gladly welcome it back!
Friday, August 7, 2009
October in August?
After weeks (okay, months) of non-stop sunshine, and after a week and a bit of a pretty intense heat wave (including tropical humidity and an entire city-wide sell-out of air conditioners and fans) - we're now having October in August.
Seriously.
August is known for heat waves.
August is known for sunshine and warm, summery temperatures.
August is typically the prime of summer in Vancouver.
So what's with the grey skies? What's with the cool temperatures? Why did I break out the autumn jacket and jeans?
Why?
Because the temperature's a measly 16 degrees Celsius outside!
Seriously.
August is known for heat waves.
August is known for sunshine and warm, summery temperatures.
August is typically the prime of summer in Vancouver.
So what's with the grey skies? What's with the cool temperatures? Why did I break out the autumn jacket and jeans?
Why?
Because the temperature's a measly 16 degrees Celsius outside!
Quite a change considering that a week ago, it was 36 degrees!
While this is a nice break, this appears to be the week's forecast - an unusual cold spell for Vancouver for this time of year. While it won't be popular at the beach, I hope it translates into relief for the hundreds of forest fires choking up British Columbia.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Crazy surreal weather in Vancouver on July 25
I still have yet to post my photos of what happened on July 25 in Vancouver, but to get a sense of what took place on that incredible night, all you have to do is watch these videos:
Thursday, July 30, 2009
And yet another record breaking day
So today they just announced that we've consecutively broken the record for the highest temperature recorded in Vancouver, at 34.4 degrees Celsius. Sounds like peanuts if you've experienced California's deserts where it can easily be 44 degrees Celsius, but with this smoggy, tropical humidity, it's pretty insane. Especially since inside my apartment it's also about 34 degrees Celsius.
Massive storm clouds have also appeared over the Coast Mountains, and apparently an hour ago lightning struck on Blackcomb Mountain in Whistler, and there's a forest fire growing exponentially near the peak. Great.
In other news, it's a great day to go to the beach!
Massive storm clouds have also appeared over the Coast Mountains, and apparently an hour ago lightning struck on Blackcomb Mountain in Whistler, and there's a forest fire growing exponentially near the peak. Great.
In other news, it's a great day to go to the beach!
Hottest day ever recorded in history
Last night felt like a night in Hong Kong... humid, smoggy, tropical. The air was so thick, you felt like you could swim in it. It actually felt like the warm tropical Carribbean. Soooooo weird to feel that in Vancouver. You basically never feel that kind of humidity and heat combo in Vancouver, ever.
Worth noting is that with exception to shopping malls, hotels, and office buildings, 99% of us that live here do NOT have air conditioning in our homes, so it's forcing everyone outside to the beach, to the local parks, to the swimming pools, to movie theatres, etc. We're completely obsessed with the heat at the moment, it's all anyone can talk about! Sorry Toronto! Sorry Montreal! But it looks like we stole your muggy, smoggy summer!
Yesterday, it turns out, was the hottest day ever recorded in Vancouver's 123 year history, at 33.7 degrees Celsius. But the reality is that the official Vancouver temperate is always taken at the airport, which is actually out by the water on Richmond's Sea Island. But Sea Island is often cooler than Vancouver, so 33.7 degrees was likely at the lower end of the spectrum, I'm sure.
On my way home from work, my bus overheated and broke down on Broadway and Granville. Escaping that tin can sauna, I wandered over to the Mac's convenience store based on the recommendation of my colleague, and filled a monster cup full of cream soda slurpee. I then walked across the Granville Street Bridge. I found the experience strangely satisfying. And it was 4:22pm when I looked across to the big Molson electronic billboard blinking a perpetual 4:22! 33C! 91F!
Worth noting is that with exception to shopping malls, hotels, and office buildings, 99% of us that live here do NOT have air conditioning in our homes, so it's forcing everyone outside to the beach, to the local parks, to the swimming pools, to movie theatres, etc. We're completely obsessed with the heat at the moment, it's all anyone can talk about! Sorry Toronto! Sorry Montreal! But it looks like we stole your muggy, smoggy summer!
Yesterday, it turns out, was the hottest day ever recorded in Vancouver's 123 year history, at 33.7 degrees Celsius. But the reality is that the official Vancouver temperate is always taken at the airport, which is actually out by the water on Richmond's Sea Island. But Sea Island is often cooler than Vancouver, so 33.7 degrees was likely at the lower end of the spectrum, I'm sure.
On my way home from work, my bus overheated and broke down on Broadway and Granville. Escaping that tin can sauna, I wandered over to the Mac's convenience store based on the recommendation of my colleague, and filled a monster cup full of cream soda slurpee. I then walked across the Granville Street Bridge. I found the experience strangely satisfying. And it was 4:22pm when I looked across to the big Molson electronic billboard blinking a perpetual 4:22! 33C! 91F!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
It feels like Mexico right now...
... it truly does.
Look!
We're in day 5 of this heat wave. I don't think I've ever felt this kind of heat or humidity in Vancouver, ever. I mean, we just don't get humid summers. But this could be August in Montreal right now. This could be Atlanta. This could be the Mayan Riviera. The air is just thick. It's very tropical. All that's missing are piña coladas!
And for those who read temperatures in Fahrenheit, 29 Celsius = 85 Fahrenheit.
With the humidity? It feels like 100 Fahrenheit.
Look!
We're in day 5 of this heat wave. I don't think I've ever felt this kind of heat or humidity in Vancouver, ever. I mean, we just don't get humid summers. But this could be August in Montreal right now. This could be Atlanta. This could be the Mayan Riviera. The air is just thick. It's very tropical. All that's missing are piña coladas!
And for those who read temperatures in Fahrenheit, 29 Celsius = 85 Fahrenheit.
With the humidity? It feels like 100 Fahrenheit.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
July 25, 2009
July 25th will forever be etched in the minds of those who were lucky enough to be here.
Out of seemingly nowhere, on a hot and humid Saturday afternoon, a rogue thunder and lightning storm ambushed Greater Vancouver for hours and hours. It produced an apocalyptic blood red sunset never seen in this city before and continued to woo the 300,000 people awaiting the Celebration of Light. It was truly a battle of Mother Nature vs. the fireworks, and it was an obvious winner.
I was at Spanish Banks all Saturday, from about 3pm until about 9:30pm (hosting a BBQ with friends) when we witnessed what was the most spectacular natural event I've seen in my 29 years of living here.
My personal experiences and photos of Saturday will be posted in the next few days, but until then, I leave you with this. (Just mute the cheesy music).
Out of seemingly nowhere, on a hot and humid Saturday afternoon, a rogue thunder and lightning storm ambushed Greater Vancouver for hours and hours. It produced an apocalyptic blood red sunset never seen in this city before and continued to woo the 300,000 people awaiting the Celebration of Light. It was truly a battle of Mother Nature vs. the fireworks, and it was an obvious winner.
I was at Spanish Banks all Saturday, from about 3pm until about 9:30pm (hosting a BBQ with friends) when we witnessed what was the most spectacular natural event I've seen in my 29 years of living here.
My personal experiences and photos of Saturday will be posted in the next few days, but until then, I leave you with this. (Just mute the cheesy music).
Friday, July 24, 2009
Somewhere over the rainbow...
So I never made it to the fireworks on Wednesday night, but I certainly heard them! A former colleague of mine took some absolutely spectacular photos of the event. Needless to say, they capture the essense perfectly. Thanks Sam for giving me the permission to share them! :)
FYI - Canada's theme was "There's No Place Like Home". To see more of Sam Lin's photos of the Celebration of Light, visit his website, here.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Fireworks, 1st night: Canada
Tonight is the first night of HSBC Celebration of Light fireworks competition in Vancouver. Tonight's country is Canada.
Hundreds of thousands of people will be making their way downtown in a sort of organized chaos. West End roads like Denman and Davie will be closed to traffic right after rush hour. People will be setting blankets up on English Bay as early as 4pm. But honestly? If you don't need a massive picnic spot, you can probably just wander down there for 9pm and stake out a spot on the lawns in front of those ugly 1960's-style apartment towers on Beach Avenue by Gilford. That's what I've done in the past, even 10 minutes before they start (which is 10pm, by the way). Otherwise, it's usually best to get there no later than 8pm if you're looking for a comfortable spot to sit on the beach.
People who have never attended the fireworks before often ask where the best viewing location is. Personally I've always found that English Bay beach, right in front of the barge, is best. That's where you get the full effect of the music and the artistic display of the fireworks - the way they were meant to be experienced.
However, English Bay is only great if you're already downtown and don't have to fight traffic or the hordes via public transit. It's even worse leaving, as there's a mass exodus of what could possibly be 200,000+ people - don't expect to get anywhere quickly. Even better are the police helicopter spotlights dispersing the crowds. Fun times indeed.
But a few years ago we had a friend in town and brought him out to Granville Island's Bridges restaurant for dinner. It just happened to be the same night as the fireworks. We sat on the patio and had a beautiful view of the fireworks behind the Burrard Street Bridge. It was picture perfect.
Decades ago as a child growing up in Richmond, my Dad would drive me and my sister into Vancouver for the fireworks. We'd drive down Arbutus through Kerrisdale eventually entering Kitsilano. Somewhere, somehow, we'd find parking by Vanier Park and would perch ourselves on the path, straining our necks to watch the fireworks across English Bay. But it was so worth it in the end.
For information on tonight's fireworks, visit http://celebration-of-light.com/
Hundreds of thousands of people will be making their way downtown in a sort of organized chaos. West End roads like Denman and Davie will be closed to traffic right after rush hour. People will be setting blankets up on English Bay as early as 4pm. But honestly? If you don't need a massive picnic spot, you can probably just wander down there for 9pm and stake out a spot on the lawns in front of those ugly 1960's-style apartment towers on Beach Avenue by Gilford. That's what I've done in the past, even 10 minutes before they start (which is 10pm, by the way). Otherwise, it's usually best to get there no later than 8pm if you're looking for a comfortable spot to sit on the beach.
People who have never attended the fireworks before often ask where the best viewing location is. Personally I've always found that English Bay beach, right in front of the barge, is best. That's where you get the full effect of the music and the artistic display of the fireworks - the way they were meant to be experienced.
However, English Bay is only great if you're already downtown and don't have to fight traffic or the hordes via public transit. It's even worse leaving, as there's a mass exodus of what could possibly be 200,000+ people - don't expect to get anywhere quickly. Even better are the police helicopter spotlights dispersing the crowds. Fun times indeed.
But a few years ago we had a friend in town and brought him out to Granville Island's Bridges restaurant for dinner. It just happened to be the same night as the fireworks. We sat on the patio and had a beautiful view of the fireworks behind the Burrard Street Bridge. It was picture perfect.
Decades ago as a child growing up in Richmond, my Dad would drive me and my sister into Vancouver for the fireworks. We'd drive down Arbutus through Kerrisdale eventually entering Kitsilano. Somewhere, somehow, we'd find parking by Vanier Park and would perch ourselves on the path, straining our necks to watch the fireworks across English Bay. But it was so worth it in the end.
For information on tonight's fireworks, visit http://celebration-of-light.com/
Friday, July 17, 2009
Vancouver Folk Fest 2009 - Go!!
Just a quick update! It's currently 28 degrees Celsius - a real scorcher of a July day - the epitome of a Vancouver summer.
While I'm heading out to a weekend-long wedding, if you're looking for something to do this weekend, I can highly, highly recommend that you head out to Jericho Beach for the 32nd annual Vancouver Folk Festival. It starts today, Friday, July 17th at 5pm and continues all day Saturday and Sunday, with over 60 artists from 14 countries on 7 stages located throughout Jericho Park. Needless to say, it's one of the most magical summer experiences that the city offers. World music, gorgeous scenery, a laid back west coast vibe, and glorious summer sunshine - what more could you want?
Even if you don't shell out the money to get in, it's even worth going just for the atmosphere along Jericho Beach during the festival - that quasi-hippy spirit; the Vancouver of yesteryear. As well, it's fun to explore the dozens of vendors selling all kinds of bohemian joy - always worth a peek!
I'm rather excited about tonight's line-up, specifically Arrested Development (of Mr. Wendall fame) and my personal favourites, Iron & Wine (see the video below if you're not already familiar). If it wasn't for this wedding, I'd be there in heartbeat! It's just too picture perfect not to go.
For prices, lineup, and schedules, check out their website: http://thefestival.bc.ca/. It will not disappoint!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Vancouver's Beaches
My sister and I playing around Kitsilano Beach, 1990.One of Vancouver's greatest assets is its public beaches. At one moment you can be in the heart of the hustle and bustle and only minutes later transport yourself to where mountains and saltwater meet, where ocean kayakers are paddling, harbour seals are swimming, and blue herons are nesting in trees.
So close and yet worlds apart.
In 2006 I attended a UBC Geography alumni event where the guest lecturer was urban commentator Lance Berelowitz. Berelowitz had just released his book titled Dream City: Vancouver and the Global Imagination, and shared with us his thoughts on his adopted city. He remarked quite matter-of-factly that Vancouver doesn't have any real public gathering places in the urban core. Those that were designed as one are hardly ever used as such. Unlike other cities where public gatherings occur in the middle of the city - in city squares, city parks, and busy plazas - Vancouver's public gathering spaces are peripheral. The largest public collective experience (the HSBC Celebration of Light) exists for 4 days in the summer at the edge of the city along its waterfront, when over 100,000 come together and gaze outwards with their backs to Vancouver. That is the collective Vancouver experience, and really explains so much. His interpretation was rather enlightening and it really explained what made Vancouver feel different - something I could never put my finger on.
With that in mind, it becomes apparent that to really understand Vancouver - what makes it this liveable, enjoyable place (or so the polls apparently say) - you really have to experience Vancouver from its shore. Sure, Vancouver's beaches don't complete with those of Mexico, Hawaii, Brazil, or Australia, but nobody should come here seeking tropical water and powdery sand. Heck, the majority of these beaches have the sand trucked in! Vancouver's beaches (as rocky, dusty, or barnacle-infested as they are) are more about the scenery and recreation - they're spaces where one can venture alone or with others and feel connected with the spirit of the west coast. If anything, they'll give you a taste of what it means to live here and a chance to test out the local lifestyle.
My overviews of Vancouver's beaches are incomplete - basic at best - but should hopefully help give a sense of the differences between the popular beaches in and around Vancouver should you want to visit one... and you should!
English Bay Beach (map)
English Bay (rarely but sometimes known as First Beach) is the most popular downtown beach and one of Vancouver's oldest recreational sites. It's located at the focal point of the West End where Davie, Denman, and Beach intersect. The sand is a little on the dusty side, but you don't go there for the sand, you go for the view and the people watching.
In the summer months there's a kayak rental shop and floating waterslide for those brave enough to swim. On the last Wed/Sat of July and the first Wed/Sat of August, English Bay becomes packed with tens of thousands of people to watch the annual Celebration of Light fireworks competition - the best viewing location is here.
English Bay especially comes alive when it's sunny - especially moreso on warm, sunny evenings - the sunsets here are spectacular. English Bay tends to be a bit of an after-dinner stroll destination with all the little restaurants, coffee shops, and dessert places across the street on Denman. If you only have one evening in Vancouver and want to know where to end up at the end of your day, this is where I'd go.
Official website: http://vancouver.ca/parks/rec/beaches/english.htm
Sunset Beach (map)
Official website: http://vancouver.ca/parks/rec/beaches/sunset.htm
Lost Lagoon (a major bird/raccoon habitat) is located behind the beach so you'll often get Canada geese feeding in the nearby fields. In the evening watch out for the resident skunk snooping around the garbage cans. And if you look up in sky at dusk, you'll spot bats flying around feeding on insects. In the summer months, there can often be spontaneously drum circles nearby.
Official website: http://vancouver.ca/parks/rec/beaches/second.htm
Third Beach (map)
Third Beach is my favourite beach in Stanley Park. While it's a relatively small beach, it has some of the cleanest, softest sand in town, and a very peaceful, relaxing atmosphere.
Third Beach is located on the opposite side of Stanley Park's entrance, so I think that half the attraction of the beach for me is that it requires a tad bit more effort to get to, which is why it's never as crowded as English Bay or as busy as Second Beach. It just feels like you're more secluded... like you're on vacation on some island, miles away from the city.
There are logs placed in rows along the beach, which offers a bit of privacy. There are designated swimming areas, and life guards on duty during the summer. As well, there is a concession stand up the stairs from Third Beach which is open when the weather's nice, selling hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, and other fun snack food.
Oh, and the sunsets? They're absolutely spectacular from here!
Official website: http://vancouver.ca/PARKS/rec/beaches/3rd_beach.htm
Kitsilano Beach (map)
Vanier Park dog beach (map)
Technically called Hadden Park, it's not really a beach you'll want to lounge around and sunbathe on unless you're seeking the company of playful off-leash dogs! This tiny sandy beach at the base of the cliffs on the west side of Vanier Park is a designated dog beach where it's legal to keep your dogs off leash. I've honestly seen 30+ dogs on this tiny beach at one time. It's amusing nonetheless.
Official website: http://vancouver.ca/parkfinder_wa/index.cfm?fuseaction=FAC.ParkDetails&park_id=110
Jericho Beach (map) 
Jericho Beach is located in front of Jericho Park in Kitsilano by Alma and 4th Ave along the southern shore of English Bay. Jericho forms the eastern segment of the vast Vancouver beach that stretches from the northern foot of Alma Street at the way west to the cliffs at UBC. Famous for being a large mellow beach with plenty of green space - a popular place for large group gatherings, picnics, beach volleyball. Sailing club nearby means lots of boating activity, including a rather large windsurfing community. This beach is also ground zero for the Vancouver Folk Festival in July - an incredible must-do-at-least-once Vancouver experience, just for the ambiance of it all.
Official website: http://vancouver.ca/parks/rec/beaches/jericho.htm
Locarno Beach (map)
Just west of Jericho, Locarno is the next beach over and one of my favourite evening picnic sites. You can drive right up and presto - instant beautiful scenery, gorgeous evening light, kayakers, harbour seals, blue herons, people playing volleyball, people having large family picnics. There are numerous picnic tables located in a variety of locations - in cedar groves, in grassy fields, or right at the sand's edge. The beach is pretty spacious, all things considered. In the day it can be quite busy with recreation but by evening it's this absolutely spectacular.
Official website: http://vancouver.ca/parks/rec/beaches/locarno.htm
Spanish Banks (map)
West of Locarno and Jericho - and to be honest, it's just a continuation of them both. Spanish Banks is at the base of Pacific Spirit Regional Park closest to UBC - lots of green spaces and wide stretches of sandy beach make this a popular "let's get out of the city" beach despite the fact that you're on the fringe's of Vancouver's most expensive residential neighbourhood, West Point Grey. The massive green spaces and endless parking makes this a popular picnic and group gathering site. Named after the Spanish explorers of the 1770's - the first Europeans to scout these shores - the beach's official name is "Spanish Bank", but almost everyone makes the name plural. I'm not sure why.
Official website: http://vancouver.ca/parks/rec/beaches/spanishbank.htm#speast
Wreck Beach (map) 
The famous "clothing optional" beach and one of the last remaining beaches in Vancouver where the hippy legacy continues. Drum circles, naked people, bonfires, skimboarders, university students - those looking to chill. For the longest time it used to be known as the only beach where there was no view of civilization from the shore, up until a few years ago when UBC developed condos nearby - a cause of greatly heated debate. Despite the occasional RCMP patrol, the area is known for its cheerful black market where vendors (nude or otherwise) go around selling alcohol, recreational drugs, food and trinkets. Some call Wreck Beach a nude beach, but it's a bit of a misnomer as every time I've been here (summer or otherwise) the majority of people were clothed. As long as you're respectful, all are welcome. Located at the base of steep rainforest-covered cliffs behind the Museum of Anthropology out at UBC, it's only accessible by a staircase carved into the cliffs. Be prepared for a strenuous climb up afterward.
Official website: http://www.wreckbeach.org/
Tower Beach (map)
Around the corner from Wreck Beach is Tower Beach, named after the long abandoned WWII pillboxes installed to warn of Japanese attacks that never came. Like Wreck, you can't get to Tower Beach without descending stairs down a cliff, although one set of stairs follows down a ravine. As far as beaches go, it's mostly cobble and eroding cliffs - a beach best used as a field trip destination where local physical geography professors drag their students to ponder the Vashon till and rates of erosion. (Don't ask how I know). It's not known as a clothing optional beach, although you will find the occasional lost nudist wandering over while confused university students stand around pretending not to notice. When I studied at UBC I sometimes used Tower Beach as a quiet place to stroll around to waste time between classes. And on dreamy June nights, a week before summer soltice, spontanious parties happen where admidst the poi dancing, drummers, and DJ's, hundreds of locals unite to embrace the morning sun.
Unofficial website:http://www.english.ubc.ca/PROJECTS/TRAIL3/BEACHES/
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