Spunkygirl Monologues

Where were you when Canada won its 1st Gold Medal? I was watching Atlantic Canada’s show, reveling in music and the good humored nature of the performers. The show was wrapping up, we had just listened to a beautiful song from an Acadian (Most of the settlers to New Brunswick were Acadian). Shortly after her performance the last musician stepped up to the microphone and explained he had been handed a note just minutes earlier.  The note said that Canada had won a gold medal.  The theatre erupted with cheers, shouts and general Canadian Pride. The feeling was electric.  Kids were jumping up and down, there were tears and it was perfect. I walked out of the Arts Club Theatre grinning from ear to ear and ready to board the Aqua Ferry to Yale Town.

Congrats to Alexandre Bilodeau on winning the 1st Olympic Gold, and congratulations to all our Canadian Athletes, as well as the athletes from around the globe!

Allow me to ask you again, Where were you when Canada won its 1st Gold medal? What were you doing? Was there an eruption of Canadian Pride?  Comment, and share your experiences for us all to enjoy!

Located on Granville Island, Atlantic Canada House is in the Arts Theatre next to the Public Market.  Of all the houses, I think Atlantic Canada House was the most satisfying. Once again I was the guest of lady luck.  I didn’t do any reading or research before going, I just called a cab and asked to go to Granville. My plan was to visit the house and then take the Aqua Ferry to Yale Town.

It was a great plan. I joined the line to get in, only to find out they were doing FREE food tastings. YUM! Although I was warned that there was no need for me to be in line as the food would run out before I got inside, I stayed in line anyway.  As it turns out there was still a little food left and I walked out with a couple free pins, and very satisfied taste buds (I can still taste the Salmon Cerviche and Raw Rock Oysters, so good!).

Although the food was incredible, my favourite part of Atlantic Canada House was the show.  The theatre was small, but intimate.  As I sat down I wasn’t sure what I was in for, but when I left, I left with a desire to go to Atlantic Canada. The show consisted of musicians from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.  Each musician would tell their story and the story of their respective province as personal photos were displayed on the screen behind them. Then they’d share a song.  It was fabulous.  I loved Newfoundland’s David Payne. His humor and his music was lively and had me fully energized!

Talking about Prince Edward Island.

If you’re thinking of going to Atlantic Canada House, try to go during one of their food tastings. But be early if you want food. They have tastings everyday at 11:30am, 2pm and 5pm. As I mentioned, the food is amazing, but you will be in line for awhile if you want some. If sampling free food is not your thing, then see the show. It’s a great way to learn more about Atlantic Canada and their music. They have wonderful artists.

Opening weekend in Vancouver = one big party. The various Country and Provincial Houses are open, sections of streets were closed for pedestrians and retailers were offering FREE samples.

Yale Town

Yale Town is a great place to hang out and party. There are wonderful pubs, an artsy feel and one of the biggest party Venues in Vancouver with free shows every night, along with fireworks.  If you’re looking for a free show, take the Aqua Ferry to David Lam Park, but get there early, like 5pm. If you’re looking for something different, take the Aqua Ferry to Yale Town where the streets are alive with music, people and good times.

Dancer at the start of the Coke Parade through Yale Town

Yahoo has a venue in Yale Town. Check it out, get a FREE photo, use their internet & relax.

Granville Street

Granville is a great place to go for a good time on any night of the week. The street is lined with funky shops, bars and clubs.  But during the Olympics it’s closed off between Nelson and Robson for pedestrian use. That means wall to wall people yelling, cheering, giving high-fives and sharing their countries pride, whether they be Canadian, French or any other country attending the Olympics.

Crowd following a parade near the Granville & Robson intersection.

Different viewpoint of the same parade.

British Columbia Place

This was by far the coolest (Okay, Irish House is beyond wonderful for drinking and having good times, but the $10 cover charge is a sour moment when you’ve been in line for over an hour thinking it was free). They had an incredible skating rink, plus great shows.

If you’re in Vancouver and you’re looking for a free fun, there is plenty to see and do.  It’s best to leave your car at your hotel and take public transit. Follow the crowds, they’re a great indicator of where the action is. I know, I didn’t research anything before or during this trip. Everything I experienced was due to following the crowds!

I’m tired of the limbo years and the overly dramatic events that stretch over weeks and sometimes months.  I miss, me!  I locked in my holiday time for the spring. 3 weeks. Ahhh, it’ll be s nice.  I just need to make it until then!  My plan?  To return to Asia.  This time I WILL get into Tibet for a few days, and I’ll fly into Siem Reap to spend about 4 days exploring Angkor Wat.  Other than that, I’ll be visiting Chengdu, Hong Kong, Emei Shan and Leshan.  It will be an amazing trip and one that I have been dying to take for years.  But before I can go I need to do some prep work!

1. Emei Shan- I want to walk as much of the mountain as I can.  That means I need to start roaming the hills of Calgary some more to get my knees and legs up to speed.
2. Gear- Christmas is coming!  It’s the perfect time to get my gear list ready and be able to give “suggestions”, plus watching for those holiday sales.
3. Photography-  I’ve owned my Nikon D60 for about 2 months now and I’m still trying to figure stuff out. I need to find some tutorials or maybe a class or two that I can attend before I go.  I know I’ll be taking a gazillion photos on this trip.
4. Visas- Ok, I just need one, China.  Come January I’ll pop over to the embassy and slap down enough cash for a multi-entry visa that’s good for a year (just in case )
5. Money!- Now is the time to buy Travelers Cheque’s in USD.  The rate is low and could climb before my trip.  So I’ll be buying TC’s every payday until go time!  I’ll also buy enough HKD for the first 2 days of my trip.

Aside from travel plans and aspirations, 2010 is the year I’ll transfer to my dream city, Vancouver (this is me doing the whole positive thinking thing).   I’ve wanted to live in Vancouver for years now and 2010 will be my year.  I’ll be emailing HR when I get to work today and letting them know I want to transfer out in the summer.

If I’ve learned anything after my Grandmother’s illness, its that I need to start LIVING my life.  It’s time to do the things I love to do and the things that I enjoy doing.  It’s my life and nobody is going to live it for me.