Footloose in Vancouver West End Robson Granville Island False Creek Gastown Commercial North Shore Sea Island YVR SkyTrain Footloose in Victoria

Scene One: Editor's Comments

Continued from Home Page

Speaking of UBCM and the Communities involvement with the 2010 Winter Olympics, promoting this event will be a true labour of love. I am proud to say that we've been carrying the torch for BC since Expo '86 -- and around the world for the last eight years as publishers and guest speakers. I will continue my comments on UBCM's 100th Year and an invitation to BC Mayors on behalf of Africa Travel Magazine to let us locate "twin cities and towns" in Africa. Canadians have been doing remarkable things on that continent that I have seen personally and the world needs to know. Those comments will be in the Communities section of this website.

This year's balmy Vancouver summer provided an opportunity to explore our own backyard in a more leisurely fashion than usual. As always, Theatre Under the Stars at Malkin Bowl in the heart of Stanley Park, was a highlight attraction, with “The King and I,” providing an Oriental touch, and “Anne of Green Gables,” some choice Canadian content. After the performance, we spoke at length with Anne and her co-star, and in my opinion both are destined for stardom. I was delighted to see the blueprints showing a new all-weather bowl on the horizon (more about this project and its funding program soon).

Granville Island is another attraction we never tire of, and we will never forget the sailing excursion we took from there last summer with Cooper's Boating Centre who offer charters and advanced training programs in the art of sailing. All you other former Sea Cadets take notice.Talk about a Cinderella story, this entire island and virtually all of False Creek, was what your would call an ugly duckling -- a polluted industrial wasteland, before its magical transformation. I can remember the smoke and smog that used to hang suspended above the area like a cloud. Today it's truly an agora - a people place. You can contact Coopers at 604 683-6837.

Of Seaside Retreats. The seaside village of Dundarave in West Vancouver is still our favorite summer hangout, where you can lay back and watch Alaska-bound cruise ships, seaplanes and helijets come and go, with Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge as part of the backdrop. It takes me back to chilhood days when we would spend an entire summer here, fishing and swimming off the wooden pier - and believe it or not, the place has changed very little. I took a group of 20 Kenya Safari Operators and Tourism Ministry officials to Dundarave for lunch at the Beach House a few years ago and received raves for my choice. The commercial strip along Marine Drive could easily pass for one of Southern California's more upscale communities. If you enjy a leisurely stroll by the ocean, West Vancouver's beautiful seawalk takes you from Dundarave eastward to the Capilano River, via Ambleside Beach and Golf Course.

One weekend, we drove a little further and rediscovered the fascinating Whytecliff Marine Park, a hidden treasure just west of Horseshoe Bay, off Highway 1, Upper Levels. It's the kind of retreat where you want to stay all day, to enjoy nature and learn about marine biology as you enjoy the sheltered Cobble Cove. Whytecliffark is a favorite place for scuba divers in training and the water is clean and ideal for swimming in July and August.

Of Buddhas and Oriental Design: Two events we attended recently attest to Vancouver 's place as a Cosmopolis of Cultures. The first was the unveiling of North America's largest Jade Buddha at Sopel Studios, 515 East Esplanade in North Vancouver. Across the way you could see evidence of the immense Waterfront development that's transforming the harborfront, from Burrard Dry-dock's old site near Lonsdale Quay for several blocks eastward. Sopel's artistry and dedication to his project was outstanding ,and the jade is from Northern BC near the Yukon border, an area I know well. More on Sopel and the company's Howe Street Gallery to come. A few days later, we attended the opening of Kozai Gallery a unique store that features hand-built hardwood furniture and lighting creations from Japan. Kozai means hard material in Japanese.The gallery is located just south of Broadway at 1515 West 6th Avenue. A brief profile on the owner Ron Cromie will follow. www.kozaidesigns.com.

Of Tomahawks and Native Chiefs: Since the North shore was home during my growing up years, the Tomahawk Barbecue, or Chick's as we called it, was Hamburger Heaven to generations of kids in the area. I was fortunate, living a few blocks away on Pemberton at the time. Whenever I have friends in from distant places, I treat them to some true Canadiana with a Chief Dan George burger, or a Yukon pancake breakfast at this famous restuarant, that's a true museum of West Coast native culture. Chief Dan George starred in the movie Little Big Man. along with Dustin Hofffman. Here are some interesting morsels you will find on the Tomahawk's menu.

Speaking of Pemberton Avenue, some readers may remember the three story yellow house with the giant weeping willow. Our home stood on the property now occupied by the Cactus Club.

Getting ready for winter. Most winters these last few years, have been spent half way around the world in some part of Africa. That's the unique thing -- our most successful project is a magazine for the Africa Travel Association. Our mandate is to spread the positive message about Africa as a place to visit, vacation and invest. so, for the last eight years, we've been ambassadors for Africa around the world -- and proud promoters of our own country in Africa.

Vancouver's North Shore
There's an part of Vancouver that tugs at my heart strings and has played various tunes on them for decades while I was living east of the Rocky Mountains. There's good reason for this nostalgia, since North Vancouver was home during my teens including studies and activities at North Van High. Unfortunately, like many souvenirs from the past, our beloved Alma Mater is no longer there. However the area is as attractive as ever with live theater and related activities. My family's first home in North Vancouver was near Mosquito Creek on Kings Road West in Upper Lonsdale. I attended North Star School, another icon that has gone with the wind. From our area, you could climb the tortuous trail up Grouse Mountain if so inclined, or freewheel it in the other direction, coasting on your bicycle, daredevil style all the way down Lonsdale for 28 blocks to the Ferry Dock, now part of Lonsdale Quay. (continued)

Lonsdale Quay Public Market
Vancouver's North Shore waterfront presents a carnival atmosphere as a fleet of stubby black and orange tugboats bob up and down like bumper cars, while squadrons of sassy sea gulls dip and dive. Nearby Burrard Dry-dock adds an industrial touch. Folks bask on the boardwalk deck and harbor side tables; others perch near the fountain. A troop of street musicians performs a continuous show. It's a fun scene. Last week when my son Ken and his fiancé Fay joined us for breakfast the Caribbean Days celebration was in full bloom, which added to the excitement. But, as I've discovered over many years, there's never really a dull moment at this highly attractive people place. Creativity blossoms in tempting food displays, arts and crafts, costumes, sights, smells and colors. Lonsdale Quay Public Market provides a spectacular view of Vancouver's skyline, as the tricolor SeaBus approaches. Recently removed from the area is one of its attractions, the old North Vancouver Ferry #5 , that was given a new life as a "The Seven Seas, " seafood restaurant. (continued)