Been here just over ten days, in which time we've managed to find a much nicer than expected short term rental in east Vancouver with distracting views of the city and mountains. Every time the rain clears my jaw drops. Planning to see a doctor about this as soon as the medicare thing comes through.

I'm still very much weighing up the pros and cons. It seems vital to have a regular outdoor pursuit or two, in order to make the most of the local surrounds, but due to money, time and other priorities I've not really had chance yet.

The size of the roads, six to eight lanes of traffic seemingly everywhere. I've found this to be the least likable element of the city. It's a far more prominent feature here than every other north American city I've been to (Miami, Boston, San Fran, Portland, Seattle etc). As a result many of the interesting shopping and dining streets (Main, South Granville, Cambie) are just dominated by the road and traffic. Commercial and West 4th are the only (non-downtown) streets where there's a better balance between pedestrian and road elements. Gastown is a relief, the closest thing to a European feel, it reminds me of Covent Garden or Soho. Yaletown is more like Tribeca in NYC - so I'm not trendy enough to hang out there.

Mumford & Sons appear to be massive here. This is puzzling.

Its true that it rains a lot. And I didn't bring an umbrella.

Groceries are 20 - 30% more expensive.

There are a lot of gay and chinese people. And even some gay chinese people.

The sky train barriers are not operational. Free travel for all?

The Canucks play every two to three days. Is this normal?

Unfortunately no free travel for all
- the barriers become operational 1st May I think .... At the moment you take your chances that transit police or sky train officers don't get you!

Yes it seems like the Canucks play all day evey day.

Yale town is currently up its own arse and will hopefully come back to being a decent area again soon.

In the summer GasTown is a tourist trap - as is Granville Island - enjoy while you can.


You will get to work out where to shop! Santa B or Donalds on Commercial , famous foods on Kingsway etc

Walk the seaward at Stanley Park
- that's free!

Where will you be vetting - I have 2 hounds with English accents due for their vacs soon

You might also need to see a doctor after 22+ consecutive days of rain. With the days getting longer and spring on the way you've probably missed the worst of it.


Many locals don't bother with umbrellas when they go out.

And yes the streets are full of traffic. One reason is that years ago a proposed freeway into Vancouver was rejected by activists.

It dries up in the Summer.

And this was a surprise?

They are puttingt he barriers in because some people acted as though it was free.

Yay!

I only actually noticed where to validate the ticket the other day, the machines are well hidden away.

Been going to Santa B but still seems a bit pricey for some things (cereal, halloumi - ok I know.....)

head to Vancouver Vet Hospital on Kingsway - it's my other half that's the vet - but she's very good, although Swedish rather than British. Ask for Linda.

I really want to see some Ice Hockey whilst we're here. Tickets seem pricey though - is there a trick to getting cheap(er) ones? Also going to check out the Whitecaps when the season gets going.

The trick is to make friends with someone who doesn't like hockey, but works for a company that has corporate season tickets. At least until he moves to another company just because they pay him more. The bastard.

Otherwise there is not a cheap option. They used to do family pack type deals but as they have sold out every game for the last five or so years there is no incentive to reduce prices.

A much cheaper option is to head up to the Pacific Coliseum and see the Vancouver Giants. They play in the Western Hockey League which is an elite level junior/amateur league. Ticket prices are less than $20 and, even though the Giants are not very good this year, it can be very entertaining hockey.

The Whitecaps start their season very soon!

Are you a wednesday fan ?

nice tip on the Giant's. may have to stump up full price for the Canucks then - is it possible to get tickets online or is it all season ticket holders? like arsenal before they went a bit average.

I am indeed. you?

- just seen your avatar - looks like Rumbelows Cup v Man U? Those were the days.

Yup, first game was 1966 ( aged 10). Still get up every Saturday morning and tune in.

All these Wednesday fans in Vancouver and ironically Oink is a Spurs fan

They keep a few back to release to non season ticket holders for each game. You can also sometimes pick up seats from season ticket holders who cannot get to a particular game. http://canucks.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=39567

Yid Army.

I'm coming over in June .....up the blades