While in British Columbia, we spent a few days in Vancouver. Just like the first time we were there three years ago, the traffic was crazy, the streets were crowded, the weather was great... and we enjoyed ourselves very much. As my first post about Vancouver, I want to throw some light onto the "little things", that make up daily life. Not the big glass buildings (that's worth its own blog post), the famous waterfront or Stanley Park - just the little daily things that give a city its personality and flair.
One part of Vancouver's daily life is the arrival of giant cruise ships which anchor at Canada Place. I loved how the orange taxis lined up ready to take the tourists to town. They obviously were prepared for groups as you can tell from all the vans standing there. Many Vancouver taxis are actually Prius' (what's the plural of that?).
Biking is big in Vancouver! Often bicycles have their own lanes, get their very own detours and there is parking space for bicycles everywhere where you can lock your bike to. As far as I know you can even rent bicycles to get around, but I didn't get into that. We were happy with the very good public transport there, mainly buses and the SkyTrain.
Oh, and apparently you also get your own lane when you roller skate!
As everywhere... Jesus saves. But why are these guys always so angry??
Little street cafés seem to be everywhere even if the space is very limited. I got the feeling that the people in Vancouver relish summer and appreciate every day it doesn't rain to spend as much time as possible outside.
Here in Gastown which brims with tourists I found this white rose on the black bench. Did someone forget it? Has someone left it there on purpose? Is it a final good bye to some lost love? For what ever reason, I loved when I saw it.
8 comments:
LOVELY post on Vancouver! Isn't it the greatest city. We left on an alaskan cruise from there and the ship docked right at our hotel. It was awesome. Thank for the reminder on the helmet. Yes, a very good idea. I did have a helmet on though when i had my bad injury last year, and the helmet totally did not help... not that it couldn't in another situation. I really feel like what I need is something like a huge airbag that blows up around me if i have a wreck. LOL. Will get the helmet on though and thanks for the reminder!
You're SO right, a sunny summer day is celebrated to the full in Vancouver. You're fortunate to have had good weather, because I spent a lot of time driving to work in that terrible traffic AND the rain, at the same time.
I remember the first time a cruise ship came to the port of Vancouver, because I was one of the passengers. Now cruise ships are part of the scenery but the arrival of P&O Lines' original Oriana in 1968 was cause for great excitement.
Thanks for posting photos of the city. I didn't get farther than the suburbs this year, but it was great to be there in wonderful weather.
K
Oh I so wish I could take photo like yours... what a fabulous tour around the city you have given us! That white rose is kinda sad... or is it just me? I think Canadians have such hard winters that they make the very best of the sunny days... they did in Calgary when I was there. Here in Brisbane we have bike lanes but nothing for roller skaters!!
There is such great perspective in these photos Carola - I especially love the taxis and the circular structure. Plus a great observation about sidewalk preachers.
Rinda (who's off to photograph windmills today and will take your inspiration with me)
I love Gastown! Did you get a picture of the clock? I love the white rose on the bench! Take Care ;o)
Das sind tolle Fotos, die Rose auf der Treppe gefällt mir besonders gut.
Beautiful photos!
Looks like you were having fun. Never heard of a roller skating lane, that's funny!
Darla
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