Thursday, July 15, 2010

A Vancouver Kinda Summer


I'm back bloggers! I hope your week has been great, mine had certainly been...interesting.

I traveled to Vancouver for work and spent a few days there to explore "Hollywood North", nicknamed as such because it's the third largest film production center in North America. This was my first time traveling alone and basically my first real trip to Canada.

Upon first impressions I was not a fan of the city. I actually got lost with my luggage and on foot on East Hastings Street. From what I understand, it's one of the worst, if not THE worst, streets in Canada. The homeless travel to Vancouver because of the mild winters and this is where they settle.

Now, I do not have a problem with homeless people. My problem is the several blocks were jam packed with not only homeless but also drug addicts and dealers, as well as drunks and prostitutes. I literally got stuck just standing in between people because there were so many of bodies standing on the street - hundreds. I have never been so scared in my entire life. Luckily I found my way out and got to my company provided hotel. Whew!

That night I met up with some ladies from the local Vancouver office and we had dinner on a rooftop at Earl's. If you are ever in the area, check this place out. Delicious food and drinks!


Saturday I spent the whole day working (literally from 8 am to 11 pm) and I was pooped! After sleeping in Sunday morning I checked out of the hotel and into my own hotel, Moda. It was a great find! The Yaletown area hotel (a section of Downtown Vancouver) was originally built in 1908 and recently renovated. While my room was small, it had a lot of charm. Wood floors, loft style windows, and modern decor. Great staff, too!


Once settled I headed to Granville Island to check out the shopping. There I picked up some souvenirs and did a beer tasting at the local brewery. Pretty good brew!


That night I decided to go to a nice dinner. Whenever traveling I always pick a fancy restaurant with a view. It's a great way to see the city from a different perspective, as well as get a bigger picture of the area.

For this dinner I chose Cloud 9, a rotating restaurant on the 42 floor. It was absolutely breathtaking! The views are almost indescribable. I couldn't help but snap pictures the whole time I was there. On top of the amazing atmosphere, I was delighted with the service provided by the staff. Everyone was extremely friendly and it made the fact that I was dining alone so much more comfortable. The food wasn't too bad either!


Vancouver has the most beautiful sunsets! They were definitely the highlights of each of my days. I miss them already.

I hope you enjoyed my recap. More to come =)

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

These pictures make me want to go on vacation!

Syed said...

Ahhhh how exciting! Glad you got to the hotel ok, that couldn't have been fun.

Staley Mc said...

Looks like a fun trip!

Ryan L said...

I live in Vancouver and I work with the prostitutes, drunks and drug addicts you were so afraid of, and I just want to say that this kind of ignorant attitude is a huge part of the social problem they face every day.

You know nothing, princess. If you want to avoid the real world, stay in LA next time.

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

Ryan L.: Thanks for the comment. I appreciate you reading my blog. I disagree about the ignorant part, and think that you accusing me of being misinformed makes you the one in the wrong though...

I was, in fact, surrounded by a numerous amount of people asking me for money and offering me drugs.

Respectfully, your comments are out of line. I guess I'm an LA princess for not wanting people to sell me drugs. Where I am from that's illegal.

Pretty Zesty said...

looks amazing! I've never been!

this free bird said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
this free bird said...

LOVE! I'm Canadian and now live in SoCal, but visit Vancouver regularly.

Girlfriend I'm glad you made it out of Hastings safely. My friends lived in Burnaby for awhile and we had to drive through the area regularly to get into Vancouver. It is scary and to be on foot there would have made me uneasy walking alone. One time a very ill and drug addicted person ran into the street right in front of our vehicle and we almost hit him.

Next time grab breakfast at Cafe Medina. You will pee your pants with giddy at their little waffles (topped with milk chocolate lavender, raspberry caramel...it's a dream!!). Their other restaurant - Chambar - is right next door and it's a great spot for dinner and drinks.

Going back to slowly read your post!!

xoxo,
Carrie

Vijay said...

excellent post ....love your blog//pretty nice contents...helps to learn some thing for a non-native speaker ....attractive and cool article(A Vancouver Kinda Summer")makes u cool as like my cool blog

Couture Carrie said...

Gorgeous hotel!
Love these pics!

xoxox,
CC

Audrey Allure said...

I think I've been to Cloud 9 before, when I was a bit younger so I don't remember much lol. But looks like you had an amazing time within those gorgeous photos!

And glad you got to your hotel safely, I would've been super scared too. lol

Anonymous said...

What an awesome trip! The best pictures were those of the food! LOL!!

Valerie said...

Your trip looks amazing! What beautiful views and delicious food! The hug deli was strangers giving hugs! Crazy, right?

xo
Valerie

Cafe Fashionista said...

Welcome back!!

Ooh, these photographs are absolutely stunning! I'm so glad that you had a fabulous time; now I'm dying to go on vacation!! :)

Jules said...

Wow, it definitely sounds like the trip started out a little rough. I never knew that Vancouver was known as “Hollywood North” or that the homeless traveled to that area because of the weather. I guess it makes sense. I would have been terrified being in that street all alone surrounded by sketchy strangers. I’m glad it all worked out and you were able to meet up with co-workers for dinner at Earl’s! The cocktail you ordered looks so good.

Sorry you had to work so much on Saturday, but that is great that you extended your stay and the new hotel you checked into looks very quaint and charming.

Granville Island looks like it was a fun day and that is so fun that you went to a brewery and did a beer tasting. I am in love with the photos you snapped from the restaurant. The only rotating restaurant that I’ve been to was in Hawaii and it was amazing with some incredible views. My only regret was that I wish I had gone at sunset. I love the photo you posted with the city and the clouds. It looks like you in between land and sky (if that makes any sense). The first sunset photo you posted is very beautiful too. I’m kind of obsessed with pretty sunsets ;)

Unknown said...

Looks like the most lovely trip, with the exception of Hastings Street. I am with you, being alone on a street surrounded by addicts is a frightening thing, yes, they are sick people suffering from the disease of addiction, but that doesn't mean you would feel any less safe! Really enjoyed looking at your pictures! XO!

Yelena said...

gorgeous photos! as usual ;)
i left you a little blog award on my blog :) enjoy! :)
xo.

Leah said...

What a wonderful recap... I love the beautiful images of Vancouver. And your hotel room is fabulous. xoxo

Angela said...

Oh I wanna visit.

KDC Events said...

I am so jealous of all your travels!! I would love to see Vancouver. It looks like you had a great time.

Andee Layne said...

ive been to Toronto twice , looks like i need to make it over to Vancouver! Gorgeous photos! xo

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