Here is a random question: How many of you have visited local landmarks/sites of interest? Let’s take Van Dusen Botanical Garden as an example. How many of us living here in Vancouver have visited it? In my case, well, here, here and here. I am sure some a lot of people haven’t done so because, in a way, we take it for granted or because we might not find it as interesting as, say, tourist. Well, something similar happened to me. When I was living in Panama, I visited the Panama Canal only once and that was when I was 10 or so years old. Ever since, I had absolutely no interest in revisiting it. To me, it is just a pond with murky water where large boats go through from one ocean to another. Of course, that was my perspective of somebody living there/used to live there; for somebody who has never seen it will certainly have a different perspective…

Miraflores Visitor Centre. Sorry, this is the “best” picture of the bunch. Others might not be as good…

In this case, my parents’ friends had a keen interest in visiting it. After all, they are not from Panama and it was their first visit. Since I was taking care of them, that meant I was tagging along. So, without futher ado…

A boat just entering the locks.

Passing through the locks…

After the boats align itself to the locks (thanks to tugboats), they are then “pulled” by these.

After the boat crosses the locks, it closes and refills with water.

Almost done crossing the locks…

Done!

Finally, some wacky facts of the Panama Canal:

• There are three sets of locks: Gatún, Perdo Miguel and Miraflores.
• There was a referendum for a third set of locks was passed not long ago.
• It officially opened in August 15, 1914. Yes, it is almost 100 years old!
• Highest fare paid so far? US$331,200, paid by the Disney Magic.
• Lowest fare? 36 cents by Richard Haliburton who swimmed it.

Let me overstate the obvious: It is currently the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. And what is one of the most representative symbols of the games? The cauldron, of course! While I can see it almost every day since it only takes a small detour from my stroll to work, that is not necessarily true for those not living in Vancouver (or chose to take some days off from Vancouver). (Aside, of course, from the TV). So, below, a photo essay of the Olympic Cauldron of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games!

And, of course, a list of all the posts related to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games…

• Alberta House
• Robson Street
• Maison du Québec
• Saskatchewan Pavilion
• LiveCity Downtown/Canada Pavilion
• Saxony House
• Northern House
• Ontario House

Click on the picture below to open a larger version in a new window!

This was taken on the day they just lowered the fences. Not too shabby if I can say so myself…

Taken another night; however, there was still a lot of people…

At the same time the fence was lowered, they opened an observation platform right next to it for an unobstructed view. And below are the pictures…

Aside to my visit to Robson Street and LiveCity/Downtown for the Canada Pavilion, most of my houses/pavilions so far have a food component. Today’s post is that of the Northern House, a house dedicated to the northernmost Canadian territories, i.e., Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, is mostly a cultural one. That does not mean it will less interesting than the others; I certainly enjoyed it because it was a break from the hecticness of other pavilions and houses. So, please, enjoy!

Oh, once again, the rest of the posts of this series!

• Alberta House
• Robson Street
• Maison du Québec
• Saskatchewan Pavilion
• LiveCity Downtown/Canada Pavilion
• Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games – Saxony House

No, that’s not Russell Peters. It was a narrator on site, telling the story of the Inuit.

They have a second floor with additional exhibits but, unfortunately, the day I was there, they had it closed… Other than that small disappointment, I will have to say I really enjoyed this one. It is a real break from what goes outside and shows a side of Canada we are aware of but may not put too much attention.

Continuing with my series of places to visit/events/pavilions during this Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, today, a quick stroll in Robson Street. Just in case, my other posts in this serie:

• Alberta House
• Maison du Québec
• Saskatchewan Pavilion
• LiveCity Downtown/Canada Pavilion
• Saxony House
• Northern House

This one will be mostly a photo essay, so enjoy!

(Note: For a larger version of the picture, just click on it – a new window will open).

In the picture above, you can see the Vancouver Art Gallery and GE Ice Plaza (the dome at the bottom left of the picture). If you look really closely, what do you see on the top right???

One of the main attractions: the Olympic Zip Line! The line for this free attraction is said to be a couple of hours per day.

O RLY?!

And, finally, something of a surprise. This picture was taken in Vancouver Art Gallery. Spring is here!

Bakery Nouveau
4737 California Ave SW
Seattle, WA

Yesterday, I wrote about Salumi, where I picked some goodies on my way back from Tacoma. However, that wasn’t the only place I stopped by. There was one other place where I decided to grab some goodies to share with my fellow friend food bloggers: Bakery Nouveau. I won’t disclose the reasons why I chose this place but will say that I had the hunch it would be good. How good was my hunch? Well, instead of me saying it, I will defer that to Mijune (of Follow Me Foodie), Anita (of La Petite Foodie) and Sherman (of Sherman’s Food Adventures) whom I brought these goodies. So, what about this post, then? Instead of my usual commentary, this will be mostly a photo essay. So, without further ado, the links to Mijune, Anita and Sherman’s site and some picture of their goodies! (Oh, I must mention you should visit all their sites, as they did not necessarily have the same goodies!).

Mijune’s post is up!
Anita’s post is pending.
Sherman’s post is up!

Yup, they have chocolates, too!

And sandwiches!

And breads, too!

Goodies…

More goodies!

Yes, even more goodies!

German Chocolate Cake, which Mijune shared with me.

Blueberry pistachio, which I got one piece for myself (and shared with Mijune) and another piece for Anita.

Some macaroons for Mijune and Anita.

Double-baked almond croissant… Would it be better than Thomas Hass‘? Ask Mijune, Anita and Sherman, as they all had it!

Peppermint cheesecake for Sherman and Viv.

A special request by Sherman, something “lemony”, in this case: lemon croissant.

As I mentioned in a tweet on Friday night, I am back in Vancouver! And where was I? How about a couple hundred of click south? Yes, I was in Seattle… Wait, make that Tacoma. It was a bit unfortunate it was raining the whole time, not to mention I was far from Downtown Seattle. I did go there on my way back but, still, I couldn’t take that many pictures of the area (aside from rain, did not have a tripod with me). But, even then, I am glad to be back in Vancouver. As a reminder of where I live, I decided to take a small walk – hey, both cities have certain similarity (rain aside…). Here, a small photo essay.

Note: Clicking the image will open it in a new window.

Cambie Bridge, afar (to the left), Vancouver City Hall

BC Place, where the opening ceremonies of Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games will take place.

Cambie Bridge again, this time overlooking Downtown Vancouver

Science World, aka, Telus World of Science. South west of it (to the right of the picture), the Athlete’s Village; however, it was dark at the moment.

I think I am starting a tradition here, hehehehe. Similar to last year (here and here), I went to Van Dusen Botanical Garden again this year for the Festival of Lights. Below is my photo essay. And, of course, Merry Christmas to everybody!

Note: For a larger version, please, click on the image!

Last week in Vancouver, it was the Santa Claus Parade. I am not aware when the first one occurred and, when I was living in Downtown, I never paid attention to it. But, given the fe$tive environment right now, I thought I should check it. So, below, the good, the bad and the ugly of Santa Clause Parade 2009!

Vancouver’s major, Gregor Robertson

As a reminder, the Winter Olympic Games is in about two months time! Here, three of the four mascots (the fourth one, Mukmuk missing)

Yes, there was some Olympic games motif…

North Burnaby “Vikings” band

Russian Community

Ogopogo!

And, finally, the old man himself, hehehehe.

The good, of course, it was a fun event and, needless to say, it was packed. In the area near Robson Square, you couldn’t even walk around. If somebody says it is not in the same scale as some major parades (NY Macy’s parade, for example) but, who cares, it is all fun! The bad? The weather. It was a clear day but it was darn freezing cold! Because I did not take care of myself, I ended up with chapped lips. Argh!!! As for the ugly… Well, first read this (will open a new window) from Rick Mercer. Are you back? OK! I personally believe in the chaos theory but, at the same time, I also believe that by living in a society, we create a natural order of things. I know I am starting to get a bit philosophical here but, please, bare with me on this one. It happens that I was standing perfectly fine in my spot with good angle of things going on. That was until a trio suddenly sneaks in front of me and every once in a while block my initially perfect angle. That is the reason in several of the shots you see something that appears like a head popping out. While I did not tell them anything, it was pretty obvious I wasn’t happy they were doing that. In fact, I think I showed too much restrain by not going postal on the spot, as they ruined way too many shots. Eventually, they realized that and silently walked away… Would I go back next year? Will see about the weather!

Yesterday, I wrote about my visit to New York City. Reality is, I am not that much into Broadway shows or similar activities that New York City is known of. Instead, me being a lone-wolf type person, I prefer to do activities of my own. And the “best” such activity in New York City? A visit to Central Park! Here is my photo essay of that visit.

Note: Click on the picture for a larger version.

Unfortunately, not long after the last picture, it started to rain! As a result, I had to cut my walk around the park short. However, there is one thing I learned on my walk: Why New Yorkers appreciate it. This park provide an oasis to the hectic nature of New York (or at least in Manhattan). Still, in my case, it is still Stanley Park!

As you should have noticed on last week’s posts, I was in New Jersey. How long? How about two weeks! So, during the weekend, I decided to, once again, make the best out of my trip: In this case, go to New York city, the Big Apple! Here is a photo essay of places I went. Please, sit down and enjoy the ride!

Starting off, rather than driving to New York City (thereby referring to as “NYC”), I drove to a train station and take the train to Manhattan. Above, the station I parked and took the train from: Metropark… (Oh, clicking the pictures below will open a new window with a large version of the image).

Which took me to NY Penn Station (not to be confused with another station with similar name: Newark Penn Station!), and just outside, Madison Square Garden.

Just outside of NY Penn Station: Macy’s and, here, their Miracle on 34th Street presentation.

Broadway. It looks “empty” because it was still relatively early.

An ice rink near Rockefeller Centre. Fortunately, we don’t have to envy them! Why, a public mini ice rink opened in Robson Square!

Grand Central Station. There were a lot of people with camera taking pictures!

Back to Broadway, this time hitting…

This street full of street vendors!

At this point, I must mention I overheard somebody else said “I can’t believe you want to walk through the three busiest blocks in Manhattan!” I will admit I can’t believe it either! But, looking for good eats (and not necessarily eating them!), hehehehe.

After I walked back to Time Square, I did *something* nearby. More details will be revealed as we through the next couple of New York posts, hehehehe!

The following day, I chose to go to Manhattan again. I decided this time to go to other areas; in this case, Union Square.

Let me put it this way: if you had only x hours in Manhattan, would you spend one of them standing in a line for a burger? Here are some thoughts from the Foodosophy team about their burgers if you need to know about their goods……

Other that Time Square (and certain shop which will be blogged later…), some more time walking around Manhattan. ^_^

No, we are not in HK! Instead, this is New York City’s Chinatown.

NYC Chinatown! After I started to take pictures of the food, somebody (the manager?) ran after me telling me pictures weren’t allow. OK???? That didn’t stop me from taking pictures without focusing the lens and/or do other adjuments… ^_-

After that, I went around some of the other streets but not knowing where was what or who, I simply went through the main streets and call it a day to relax – sort of.

I must mention, these pictures barely represent Manhattan, not to mention not all my pictures of New York are in this post. There are two more posts and one of them will go live later today, around noon. Until then…!