How many food products have you actually seen produced? Most people will say – none!
You eat and you drink every day, but with the exception of the FREE BEER tour at one of those national breweries, most people would rather eat and drink than know how it was made!!!! (more…)
If you are interested in Totem Poles (and who isn’t?), you have two distinct possibilities to see them firsthand in Vancouver. B.C. One option is “free” near the entrance of Stanley Park (see our September 28 blog). The constant rumbling of tour buses stopping in the parking area is an interesting juxtaposition of ancient cultural and modern forms of pollution …
I’m sure the original First Nations population of British Columbia would have been appalled, or at least confused by the throngs of tourists snapping photos and taking videos of the assembled collection of Totem Poles in the park.
The other option for seeing Totem Poles and other collections of First Nations art is not free, but without the tour buses.
Approximately 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver, and an interesting drive through the suburban area of south Vancouver, is a quieter and reserved observation of the creations of the First Nations peoples.
(First Nations – - – refers to the over 600 aboriginal bands of peoples of Canada.)
A large collection of over 35,000 artifacts are housed at the Museum of Anthropology (MOA) located on the campus of the University of British Columbia. Today’s building is far more complex than its humble beginnings in 1949 in the basement of the University Library.
The current museum was designed and built in 1976, holding collections of not only First Nations artifacts, but that of the South Pacific, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.
Most well-known for its Northwest Coast collections, the MOA exhibits large sculptures in the Great Hall.
These large wooden sculptures of red cedar are representative of several First Nations communities such as the Haida, Kwakwaka’wakw, and Oweekeno.
Even a thousand years ago, guys were telling fish stories…
"Really guys! The fish was THAT big!"
Every piece of travel material on Vancouver mentions Granville Island as a great place to go. We agree. Even on a rainy day, we found Granville Island with its Public Market a great opportunity to eat, see and experience.
The Public Market has several large buildings where the same vendors have been for years. The variety of products sold range from gorgeous produce to cheese to flowers to pastries to tea to – well, you name it!
Gorgeous produce arrayed at Granville Island's Public Market
There are also food stands where you can purchase burgers and other food, ready made, even from buffalo. Almost every ethnic food variety is represented. Bagels, pizza, teriyaki, fish (fresh and cooked) and almost too many choices! (more…)
Vancouver, a major city in British Columbia with a population of over 2 million, has an amazingly diverse group of neighborhoods. We never saw any rundown homes, but we did see many panhandlers, especially in downtown areas. (more…)
Those who have a fear of heights – BEWARE! You will not want to go over the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver.
For the rest of the population, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a fascinating diversion that gives you a rare vantage point high above the river and forest.
When you enter the park (admission charge – about $30 Canadian per person for adults), you briefly see some totem poles, snack locations and a store, but the real reason you came is waiting for you.
Step down from a platform area onto the suspension bridge and you will feel a swaying. Look down the 200-plus feet to the water below and you will have a sense of just how high up you are.
Capilano Suspension Bridge - spans the Capilano River -over 200 feet below
First up on our Vancouver itinerary was a visit to the third largest park in North America, Stanley Park…
When the people of Vancouver British Columbia established Stanley Park in 1888, they created more than just a park. They provided a place for their citizens – and visitors – to enjoy the country right in their own city.
Totem Poles in Stanley Park - signify legends
Wander into the funky, eccentric, artfully scattered and humorous décor of Cranky Sue’s in Cannon Beach and you’ll find some chuckles and great food.
Why is Sue cranky? After all, she has a successful restaurant in its third year and is going national with her clam chowder, Caesar dressing and crab cakes. (more…)
Let’s face it, the name sounds like a disease. But, about two hundred years ago, Captain William Clark and his party came to the area now called Ecola State Park to salvage some whale oil and blubber they needed for survival. They also boiled seawater until they could gather enough to preserve food to make it back to the East Coast.
Inspiring scenery - the Pacific Coast with Haystack Rock is in the distance
If Cannon Beach is like Scottsdale without water, then Seaside, Oregon is like an upscale Coney Island with all of its family amusements.
Lewis and Clark statue at "Prom" turnaround
Think of Scottsdale on the ocean, less heat and no malls — You’ve got Cannon Beach on Oregon’s Pacific Coast.
An upscale beach community, Cannon Beach was the second resort town on Oregon’s coast. (Seaside was the first.) Art galleries, boutique shops, unique toy stores, candy makers and specialty restaurants abound.
Shops on Hemlock Street
