Taxi Cab Touring in Vancouver

 I took my first swing at taxi-cab touring in Vancouver. Here's how it works: As a winter-time business traveler, there are no daylight hours for sight seeing after putting in 10-14 hours at the office. But it was my first visit to Vancouver and I wanted to capture some of the magic and beauty of that great city to share. I had a new Palm Pre Plus cell phone, and it had a camera. A marriage made in heaven, if you ask me. So while the taxi cab was winging its way to the office, I pulled out the cell phone and tried to photograph the beautiful neighborhood we were driving through.

If you've never taken a photography class, you may not be aware of how different your eye perceives the world compared to a camera. It takes a little time and training, learning how to frame a picture, learning how not to jerk the camera around when pressing the touch screen button, and getting the timing down to press the little button in between bumps, jostles and jogs of the moving vehicle.

I was delighted when my photos stopped looking like the first photo, and began to reflect the beauty I was seeing around me, like this Tudor-style home in a suburb of Vancouver. And I'm pleased to be able to share the beauty of this great, big world with all my friends.

The Largest Movable Roof

Did you know that Vancouver boasts the  largest retractable roof? My co-consultant and former Vancouver native proudly pointed out this wonder as we toured the grounds of the Pan Pacific hotel on the waterline.

However, since I've come home, I fear he may have been pulling my leg. Does this photo look like the home of the Vancouver Whitecaps to you? 

Mix and Match Architecture - A Striking Contrast in Vancouver

When I travel to major cities, I love looking at the architecture. It tells a story to me, a little history of the city and when it was growing. For example, here is a quaint 10-story molded concrete building. This would be a large building for many cities, and may tell a story of growth in days gone by. Yet it is dwarfed by the glass-and-chrome skyscrapers around it. Vancouver has been a successful city for a very long time and shows no sign of slowing down.

Infinity Mirror in Vancouver

An infinity mirror is a fascinating concept. You may have seen one in a hands-on kids museum, in a disco, or maybe in the temple. But have you ever seen one in the business section of downtown Vancouver?  

My First Day in Vancouver

October in Vancouver: What images does that bring to your mind?

When I think of Canada, I usually think of "The Great White North," very cold, with lots of snow. Much to my surprise, my first day in Vancouver was gorgeous. From our office, my native guide and fellow consultant, Monte, was excited to show me the mountains ringing the city. The air was crisp and clear, enough clouds to be pretty, but not enough to block the view. Overall the weather was very nice.

The view from my room at the Marriotts was gorgeous, overlooking the pool with a view of the mountains on either side of the Hilton. After work, I slipped on my swimsuit and found the pool a wonderful 80 degrees. It was a little chilly, so the hot tub was welcome and very relaxing after my swim.

So if anyone asks, tell them October in Vancouver can be just as beautiful as October in California.

YVR Art - A Tribute to Aboriginal Art

The airport at YVR has some stunning arwork celebrating the aboriginal peoples of Canada. As you descend the stairs from the terminal into Customs, this beautiful two-story-high water fountain relaxes the mind and refreshes the eye.

As you are leaving Vancouver International, display cases show artwork by local native artists.














If you enjoy museums, try the Historical Village, the Museum at Campbell River, or view the Totem Poles in Stanley Park.

Arriving in Vancouver

My first arrival at the Vancouver airport was an unexpected pleasure.

The flight was not especially pleasant. From Seattle, I boarded a plane so small I could not carry on my own luggage; the attendant checked it at the airplane. Small planes are very noisy and because of turbulence there was no beverage service. When we landed, I had to carry my luggage up 2 flights of stairs from the tarmac to the terminal. Then a seemingly interminable ride up two very long escalators.

But the destination was worth the journey.


When you enter the airport proper, it is a magical moment.
You hear the ocean roar and the seaguls call. You find yourself surrounded by exotic Indian artifacts. Trees line the walkway and peace descends upon your soul. Welcome to Vancouver, the ocean calls.

Crystal Clear in Vancouver

It was a beautiful morning in Vancouver. The historical flavor of the Wells Fargo Bank was a nice contrast to the looming skyscrapers in the background. The sky was a beautiful crystal blue with just enough cloud to make it you appreciate the sun. It was the sort of morning that makes you glad to be alive.