My favourite bits of downtown Vancouver!

Brace yourself for a massive post filled with spectacular scenery! :) Being a coastal city, the winters in Vancouver are mild and the temperatures never fell below -5 degree Celsius even though we were in the depths of winter. Furthermore, we were blessed with sunshine and clear skies for all the four days we were there, perfect weather to frolic about. 

Our friend, D picked us up from Vancouver international airport and led us to his waiting Nissan before speeding us off to his new apartment in Richmond. It was the first time I had seen D, but I had heard only good things about him - he was kind, generous and could be counted on for good food recommendations. The most striking thing about him though was that he was Asian and Canadian. I had always held the impression that Chinese migrants were more or less shun by the rest of white community, and hugely disliked because they took away low-paying, menial jobs from the community that could have benefited the White working class. (All this no thanks to writers like Amy Tan) 

While D was not holding a high post, he had craved out a life for himself which included a lovely 1700 square metre apartment with a mini courtyard by the coast and a car to take him to and fro work. In fact, most people who lived in Richmond were Asian migrants turned privileged Canadian citizens, realist who were now living the American (or in this case, the Canadian) dream. 

the view from D's handsome apartment 

 Located at False creek, Granville island is a huge market place that sells all kinds of fresh food and artsy crafts.

 fresh fish!!!

 the junction between East Hastings and Main street: known as the most dangerous part of downtown Vancouver, hobos, prostitues and druggies hang out here. Ironically, the police museum is also located a few blocks away along Cordova Street. Unfortunately, the museum was close on a Sunday and we did not have time on the other days to squeeze a trip in. This will definitely be on my list of things-to-visit the next time I'm in Vancouver.

one of the many "prescription specialists" near East Hastings. One cannot help but wonder what these specialists are prescribing. Notice the pair of shoes caught in the branches? I wonder how it got there?

 Binners' Market: a informal, rough marketplace full of druggies selling second hand stuff. Very much like Thieves Market here in Singapore

From East Hastings to Gastown: Vancouver city expanded and grew from this humble, laid-back spot. 

the famous gastown steam clock that steams every 15 minutes to music. 

the five sales at Canada place that was unfortunately close that day! 

 the tinnest, most slim commercial building in the world.

 lovely views of downtown Vancouver from prospect point in Stanley Park.

Although Vancouver has an amazing and efficient sky train system, I believe that the best way to explore it is still by one's two feet, there is nothing like a slow, enjoyable walk in lovely weather!

brillant sunshine at prospect point. 

totem pole area

totem pole site offers great views of Commercial Vancouver.