Vancouver, BC

The Dr Sun Yat-Sen classical Chinese garden, located in Vancouver, I think south of Gastown - just past the skid.

Modeled after a Ming Dynasty Scholar's garden.

Tranquility in place.

Vancouver, BC

Totem Poles in Stanley Park. We had a view of the park and the Lion's Gate Bridge from our hotel rooms.

Vancouver, BC

More images of the Lower East Side (AKA Skid Row) in Vancouver. These are two old hotels that are still in operation, but appear to have been left to rot.

The Skid runs immediately between two designated tourist areas (Gastown and Chinatown). It remains to be seen how the politicians will try to hide this from the tourists/dignitaries that will be in Vancouver during the Olympics next year.

Vancouver, BC

Here I am at night on Granville Street. This would appear to be an old Theatre District, the Orpheum shown above. The Vogue is just down the street.

What I'm really liking about Vancouver is the extensive use of neon in new buildings, and the vintage neon signs that remain.
Even though some are not working.

Vancouver, BC

Still in sunny Vancouver, where it finally is sunny and warm, for only the first time on my trip. Spent the day in Victoria yesterday (pictures later); today, wa walking trip through Skid Row and then a venture into Chinatown.

This afternoon: Davie Street

Vancouver, BC

Arrived Vancouver, BC about 18:00hrs yesterday. It had turned dark by the time we got to the Empire Landmark Hotel. This is the view of Robson Street, I think looking west, from my room on the 21st floor.

Future Travel

Some friends are thinking of spending a few months in Mexico, they've found a great deal on a beachfront condo.

They asked if I would visit while I'm in Florida.

Good timing, since I was thinking of a trip to Puerto Vallarta for next year. They're staying not too far away. I went to the travel show at the fairgrounds this weekend. No representative from Mexico was there.

Also, most of the companies/agents had almost no information about travelling in Mexico. I'm told Mexico is not a popular destination at this time, mostly because of the swine flu (H1N1).