#16: On to Vancouver

Our last Canadian destination was Vancouver.  Bruce's brother Doug lives there, but even without the incentive of seeing another favourite Ryan relative, we would have stopped for a couple of days.

Back in the 60's when Alberta was a cultural/right wing wasteland we often escaped to Vancouver for a weekend of forbidden pleasure.  (Not to worry --we were there to indulge in restricted movies and ethnic food.)   But even though the rest of Canada is now more fun, we still love this city and we are not alone.  Vancouver is often at the top of the "liveable cities" index.  Nicely situated between ocean and mountains, it has a mild climate, cosmopolitan population, plenty of culture, and a laid-back vibe that makes it comparable to Melbourne, another notable "liveable city".  It is probably just as well that Vancouver comes with a high price tag.  If every Canadian could afford to live on the west coast, the rest of the country would be empty.

The Electra is noted for the exterior mosaic design in mid-century shades.

At least a visit to Vancouver doesn't have to cost the earth.  We found a perfect one-bedroom condo in The Electra, right in the middle of downtown.  The former home of B.C Electric, this 50's era heritage building was converted into high-end condos in the 90's.  We found our suite through airbnb  and paid the condo owners about $150 per night -- much less than one of the less-well-equipped "suites" we might have rented in a less conveniently located hotel!
 

The view of Sutton Place from our much cheaper and nicer condo

From our groovy pad we could walk everywhere:  Robson Street, Public Library, Vancouver Art Gallery, along the sea wall to Stanley Park....     

"Pop Rocks" for lounging on Robson Street

The sea wall offers great views of downtown Vancouver

We did drive to Granville Island where I might have enjoyed shopping had I been with a fellow shopper (Bruce says "look around" but he what he means is "look around for 5 minutes.")
However, lunch at The Bridges Restaurant was very nice indeed, and we happily recalled our meal there with New Zealand friends Jim and Margaret seven years ago.     

The Bridges on a sunny day.

This temporary installation is now permanent, thanks to Lulu Lemon.

Doug was our restaurant guide.  First we went to English Bay for a more touristy dining experience, but I can't recall the restaurant at all -- just good food, crowded streets, and an interesting location near A-Maze-ing Laughter, 14 large, laughing bronze statues.

Our most memorable evening meal was on Commercial Drive where we walked up and down reading menus for about 20 minutes before choosing the Memphis Blues Barbeque House. Good music and good food.  I recommend the catfish.