Monthly Archives: August 2011

The number 6.

Well it’s official – I’ve been in Vancouver for 6 months!

As of September 6th I will officially lived in Vancouver for 6 months. Tonight was a beautiful Vancouver evening so I put on my shoes, grabbed my shades and did one of my most favourite things in my neighbourhood – head out out for a walk. I wanted to capture the places around my neighbourhood that I’ve come to love since arriving here 6 months ago. So in the spirit of the number 6 – I’ve decided to reflect on my top 6 favourite places/things I’ve found over the past 6 months.

#1 – The Treehouse

I remember the first day I flew into this wonderful city – caught a cab – and landed on this front door step with my two bags in hand and had absolutely no sweet clue where I was or where I would be where I am today. It took me a mere three days to feel comfortable here and I know how fortunate I am to have found this place and the people who live here.

When I first arrived here at 2215 this path was made up of stones – we recently had the path paved and I wrote this into the wet cement so that even after I’m gone others will come and go as I have – and will feel welcome just like I did.

Just one block away is this gorgeous tree covered walk way that looks literally like it’s come out of a movie. I could honestly see myself walking up and down this pathway for years to come.

#2 – Whole Foods

Call me a dork – health freak – foodie – ridiculous – but one of the most exciting aspects about living where I do is that I’m only 9 blocks from my front door is a Whole Foods (or Capers)! For those of you who don’t know what Whole Foods is – it’s a grocery store that is full of all healthy, organic, fresh foods chalked full of clean eating food! I actually hate grocery shopping (shocking I know) but I love shopping at Capers.

#3 – Coffee

Best part about where I live is the abundance of delectable coffee on every corner, more specifically 49th Parallel. If you know anything about me (which if you are reading this I’m assuming you do!), good coffee is essential to my entire being. Give me a book – sit me in this coffee shop – buy me a non-fat latte and you’ll have found the key to my heart.

The staff are wicked, the atmosphere is amazing and look how cute it is!

Not to mention how amazing the coffee is.

#4 – Kits Beach

The one thing I forget to appreciate and complete take advantage of is the fact that Kits Beach – one of the best beaches in the entire world (actually) – is a 15 minute walk from my front door.

There are ALWAYS people at the beach – playing volleyball, basketball, running, sun tanning, BBQ-ing, eating at the Boathouse Restaurant, reading, enjoying each other’s company and even sleeping – at any point of the day.

Not to mention I’ve worked at this beach, layed in the sun for entire afternoons, sat in the sand reading a book, watched fireworks surrounded by thousands of people from the sand and the most amazing aspect above all else – watched the incredible sunsets countless times.

You can see English Bay and the West End from here as well – how beautiful is this?

I remember when I was watching the leaves on the trees grow and it feels like I’ve blinked my eyes and now they are already falling to the ground…

This is one of the most amazing points I’ve come across since exploring this neighbourhood… I always walk back here just to get a look at the incredible view.

#5 – The Parks and active lifestyle

Rosemary Brown Park might be tiny, might only have 2 swings and is barely used, but I love it. Whenever I’m there I feel like it’s my own private green space. Not to mention I have a new-found love for city parks… I’m not biased or anything…

One of the main reasons I moved to Vancouver was because of its above average active lifestyle. Vancouverites are conditioned from a young age to be active – its in their blood! With a mix of warm climate, active choice of past-time activities and the social-aspect of sports and activities, I came here to become immersed in one of the most important aspects of my life. I need to reach my personal fitness goals and if I am ever going to do it successfully – it’s going to be in Vancouver. Wait until you all see me at Christmas ;)

#6 – The streets

This is one of my favourite street corners – the corner of West Broadway and Vine. I love this corner for a few reasons – one that the coffee shop is basically the type of coffee shop (almost exactly) as I see myself owning in the future – and secondly the condos that are in this building are completely incredible!

I love my street. It’s so private but feels so lively at the same time.

 I feel like I’m walking home every time I come to the corner.

Oh, I have to mention I’ve eaten a whole lot of oatmeal…

Met a bunch of great people and eat a lot of wonderful sushi.

Just to think… only a year ago today I had just graduated from MSVU, moved back into my parents house while I decided what my next step was going to be in life and the idea of moving to Vancouver was just a pipe dream… If anything, these past 6 month just go to show that anything is possible in life.

If I can make a big move like this, start from nothing and leave everything in my life behind to follow my dreams – you can too. I don’t regret anything in the past 6 months – except maybe not moving here sooner. I’ve experienced so much in my last 6 months, have grown unbelievably as a person, fell into the life I dreamed about, learned a lot about myself and can’t wait to see what the next 6 months will bring.

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The final August weekend: 2011 edition

Did you realize it’s the LAST weekend in August? How did that happen already???

This weekend was definitely one for the Vancouver memory books – another tourist/local necessary experience was had! After my normal Saturday morning workout (best time to fit it in and make sure I start my day off right!) Faith, Ambrose and I decided we’d go the brunch at the infamous Seasons in the Park and check out what all the locals are raving about.


As soon as we walked in we were in complete awe. Not just because of how beautiful the restaurant was, how comfortable and inviting the patio looked, how nice the staff were, or even how good the food was

But because of the VIEW!


The restaurant is located in Queen Elizabeth Park at the top of a small mountain. The location is a gem and the view is spectacular! I decided on smoked salmon eggs benny and changed my potatoes to salad (it was a good choice – the salad was SO fresh!).

We had a wonderful brunch and headed out to the look off to take in the view and see the spectacular gardens before leaving.


Gardens and a view!

Looking at the restaurant patio looking from the side:

Typical tourist shot!

The most fun part about the look off was the bronze statues who were like permanent tourists – with a photographer and all! Who ever designed the park was a genius! Faith the photographer wanted her picture taken by the photographer!

Ambrose tried to ruin the shot but got shoved out of the way!

After leaving the park Faith and I went to lay in the sun in English Bay and reveled at the sparkling ocean.

We decided to get all dressed up (for no reason other than to dress up – you have to do that sometimes!) and meet Faith’s friends for a drink at a cute place called Sandbar on Granville Island.

Then, before I knew it I was heading downtown to Yaletown to meet up with another friend and ended up meeting some pretty great people! I danced my feet off and had a spectacular time! Not bad for a zero-plan kind of evening.

This spontaneous weekend was amazing and was another justification for my love of Vancouver. I love feeling like this is my city  and now, six months after being here, the list of things we’ve experienced is larger than most people who’ve lived here their whole life.

I was walking to the bus stop after hot yoga one evening last week and it occurred to me that I fit in. I go to work, head to yoga after work and walk downtown with wet hair, no makeup and wait for the bus with no shame. No need to impress or feel out-of-place because I fit in, I’m just like every other Vancouverite.

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