One panhandler startled us, since she appeared so well to do and polished. She approached us, we thought asking for the time, but instead she asked for some money. We saw street musicians, some quite talented, performing for money.

 
The panhandlers were most disconcerting at times, especially one who appeared disabled, who suddenly appeared two blocks from where we had last seen him. We ambled, window-shopping and sightseeing. He was planted in his new location almost too quickly for someone who appeared disabled. I must have a kind face, because most of the people walked right up to me. I carry no cash, so I was not in a position to help them even if I had wanted to.

Some neighborhoods

We made a point of traveling around to see some of the neighborhoods mentioned in the travel guides with evocative names like Gastown, Yaletown, Chinatown, Kitsilano, and Granville Island.

Gastown

Charming shops in Gastown

Named after “Gassy Jack,” this section of town has some specialty shops and restaurants. Cobblestone streets and glass globe lights line the main street. The most distinctive feature of Gastown is the steam clock, which plays music every quarter hour and spouts steam on the hour. Tourists all jockey for a photo op, as did I. Supposedly, the city was looking for a way to cover a vent from the steam system, which heated buildings.

Steam clock at work

Steam Clock in Gastown

The steam clock is unique and so is the crowd that gathers. Everyone seems oblivious to the other tourists waiting to photograph the clock. We waited.

 
Right across the street from the clock on Water Street is the Water Street Café. With white tablecloth service, we had a delightful meal with attentive service. My potato gnocchi with proscuitto, shrimp, and butternut sage sauce was scrumptious and such an abundant portion I was only able to eat half.

Unusual architecture in Gastown

Chinatown

Just a few blocks over from Gastown, we drove briefly through Chinatown. Signage was in Chinese lettering. The banners on the streetlights also reflected an Asian flair.

Chinatown shops

Chinatown with signs and banners

 Come back tomorrow as we visit downtown Vancouver and some other neighborhoods.

 
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

More than just some grassy lawns, Stanley Park has a miniature train ride, a children’s farmyard, several playgrounds, an aquarium (admission fee), totem poles and great trails for riding bikes and walks.

Thunderbird House totem pole - replica from Stanley Park

Tall fir and other old growth trees provide shady areas. Water surrounds most of the park, so ships in the harbor and the Lions Gate Bridge form a scenic photo op.

Canada Place view from Stanley Park (ship dock, convention center)

Lions Gate Bridge

In season, there are theater performances, horse-drawn carriage rides and shuttles to the different attractions.

 
This is a place for families or just people who want to enjoy nature – and it’s just down the street from the busy downtown business district. Just outside the park, shops rent bicycles so people can enjoy the miles of trails.

 
More on the train

 
We trekked down a pathway to where the train was resting between gigs.

Miniature train ride

When we visited, Krista, from the park’s staff, was readying a Halloween display, so the miniature train ride was on hiatus for a few weeks. She shared the following times that the train runs: (weather permitting) weekends in February from 11-4, spring break (11-4), Easter (11-4), summer through “Labour” Day (we were in Canada where they use the letter “u” in spelling), the October Ghost Train (6-10 PM) and their “December Bright Nights” (3-10 PM).

 
Stanley Park is a great place to get back to nature or let your inner child loose. There are  1,000 acres in which to let yourself roam!

 
There is no fee to enter the park, but if you’re parking a car, there are meters from which to extract a receipt that you place in your dashboard for hourly or daily parking. Rates vary depending on the time of year. The meters accept credit cards.

 
http://vancouver.ca/parks/parks/stanley/index.htm

Tomorrow.. Come back for a heightening experience – the Capilano Suspension Bridge.