The trams will operate 18 hours a day, seven days a week during the Olympic and Paralympic period between Granville Island and the Vancouver Athletes Village. Best of all, it will be FREE! How great is that! Can't wait to ride it.
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Bombardier...you have style!
A few weeks ago I was looking at City of Vancouver's Public Transit site and noticed the something called the "Olympic Line". I though the project had been an idea that never materialized. However, today Bombardier announced that on Monday it shipped two of its very cool "Flexity" light rail trams to Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Games to be used along False Creek which will arrive in December.
The trams will operate 18 hours a day, seven days a week during the Olympic and Paralympic period between Granville Island and the Vancouver Athletes Village. Best of all, it will be FREE! How great is that! Can't wait to ride it.
The trams will operate 18 hours a day, seven days a week during the Olympic and Paralympic period between Granville Island and the Vancouver Athletes Village. Best of all, it will be FREE! How great is that! Can't wait to ride it.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Can you Baseball or Dragon Boat in French?
Yesterday I blogged about some events happening around town and today I attended three of the best ones in Vancouver.
The Dragon Boat Festival featured tons of food, games, information booths...and boat racing. I won a shirt and got my face on a button courtesy of raiseyourhand.com. There were limited food selections and fewer tents but I enjoyed the race. I also ran into the editor of rabble.ca and co-chair of stopwar.ca, Derrick O'Keefe.
I also enjoyed Francophone celebrations at Vancouver`s Festival d'été. Thanks to some friends at Le Centre Culturel, I was able to enjoy a complimentary entrance to the festival and the show La petite fille aux Allumetters (The Little Match Seller) and was impressed by the performance. After the performance we were entertained by clowns, singers and one performer who was a jack of all trades who juggled, squeezed himself through a tennis racket and ran around blowing bubbles. Best of all it was in French, our other official language. I even learned how to say, "Je veux voler un cerf-volant"? I was also lucky enough to run into the Olympic mascots, Sumi, Quatchi, and Miga. The Festival runs until June 24th, so check them out if you can.
I finished off the day by attending the hottest ticket in town: the sold out Vancouver Canadians (also known as the C's) season opener. It was crazy at Nat Bailey Stadium. People had scribbled signs saying " Looking for tickets" and others were begging to be let in. When I finally got to my seat I discovered that we were sitting next to a professional recorder who was putting K's up on the rail. The seats were also great as they were very easy to jump in and out of. There were also some funny old ladies behind us yelling, "Mucho beuno!" every time the batter named Sosa came to bat. Although the C's lost 10-1, the C's gave everyone in the stand a burger and root beer from A&W. On another positive note, I met Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, who was there to throw the first pitch of the game and then saw the night come to an end with some great fireworks.
The Dragon Boat Festival featured tons of food, games, information booths...and boat racing. I won a shirt and got my face on a button courtesy of raiseyourhand.com. There were limited food selections and fewer tents but I enjoyed the race. I also ran into the editor of rabble.ca and co-chair of stopwar.ca, Derrick O'Keefe.
I also enjoyed Francophone celebrations at Vancouver`s Festival d'été. Thanks to some friends at Le Centre Culturel, I was able to enjoy a complimentary entrance to the festival and the show La petite fille aux Allumetters (The Little Match Seller) and was impressed by the performance. After the performance we were entertained by clowns, singers and one performer who was a jack of all trades who juggled, squeezed himself through a tennis racket and ran around blowing bubbles. Best of all it was in French, our other official language. I even learned how to say, "Je veux voler un cerf-volant"? I was also lucky enough to run into the Olympic mascots, Sumi, Quatchi, and Miga. The Festival runs until June 24th, so check them out if you can.
I finished off the day by attending the hottest ticket in town: the sold out Vancouver Canadians (also known as the C's) season opener. It was crazy at Nat Bailey Stadium. People had scribbled signs saying " Looking for tickets" and others were begging to be let in. When I finally got to my seat I discovered that we were sitting next to a professional recorder who was putting K's up on the rail. The seats were also great as they were very easy to jump in and out of. There were also some funny old ladies behind us yelling, "Mucho beuno!" every time the batter named Sosa came to bat. Although the C's lost 10-1, the C's gave everyone in the stand a burger and root beer from A&W. On another positive note, I met Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, who was there to throw the first pitch of the game and then saw the night come to an end with some great fireworks.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Vancouver Event Mania
Summer is officially almost here and there is so much to do in Vancouver. Here is a list of things that are coming up:
FESTIVAL D'ETE FRANCOPHONE
(Till June 24 Le Centre culturel francophone de Vancouver)
West Seventh Avenue between Granville and Fir (www.lecentreculturel.com)
What is it: The 20th anniversary of the six-day festival celebrating francophone culture.
Who is it for: French speakers and francophiles who enjoy great music, both indoors and outdoors, and Canadians who are proud that French is one of the country's two official languages. Eh, oui! Years past have seen Quebecois legends like Robert Charlebois grace the outdoor stage. This year, Montreal band Malajube joins Karkwa and rising Quebec star Pierre Lapointe on the Air Canada Stage starting at 5 p.m., June 20. The festival culminates on St. Jean Baptiste Day, or fete nationale as Quebecers call it, with a June 24 fete at Richard's on Richards.
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL FLAMENCO FESTIVAL
(June 28 to July 5 at various venues)
www.flamencocorosario.org
What is it: Flamenco Rosario's annual event celebrating the traditional dance and music of Spain.
Who is it for: Fans of foot stomping and castanets, customers of tapas restaurants who want to branch out.
CRAB PARK CANADA DAY FESTIVAL
(July 1) Crab Park, Portside, foot of Main Street
www.bandcouver.com
What is it: The city's other Canada Day party. A free, all-ages celebration from 1 to 4 p.m.
Hosted by the Crab Water for Life Society and Bandcouver, the event supports keeping up this green space in the Downtown Eastside. There are events for the kids at this portside park as well as a number of Vancouver bands. At 1 p.m. Maria in the Shower will be playing, followed by Fuzzcat at 2 p.m. and then Blackberry Wood takes the stage at 3 p.m. And you'll still have plenty of time to make the Canada Day parade downtown at 7 p.m.
Who is it for: People who like to feel good about getting down.
BOLLYWOOD WEDDING
(July 23 to 26 at the Italians Gardens at Pacific National Exhibition at Hastings Park)
Admission is free, ph. 604-893-8875 for reservations
What is it: An interactive outdoor dance and theatre production about the engagement and wedding of two young Indians brought together in an arranged marriage.
Who is it for: People who like attending weddings but don't want to shell out for a gift, interactive theatre fans suffering withdrawal now that Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding has come to a merciful end.
2009 WORLD POLICE AND FIRE GAMES
(July 31 to Aug. 9, various venues around the Lower Mainland)
www.2009wpfg.ca
What is it: International sporting event for firefighters and police, customs and corrections officers to let off some steam and show off their athletic prowess competing in over 65 events including rugby, ultimate fighting, karate and, um, darts.
Who is it for: Family and friends of competitors, people who have a thing for authority figures.
VELO-CITY: VANCOUVER AND THE BICYCLE REVOLUTION
(Until Sept. 7 at Museum of Vancouver)
www.museumofvancouver.ca
What is it: Exhibit curated by Propellor Design that delves into Vancouver's bicycle culture and how it's shaping the city we live in.
Who is it for: Bike enthusiasts, guilt-ridden automobile drivers, future ministers of transportation.
I will probably go on a slow day.
CARIBBEAN DAYS FESTIVAL
(July 25 and 26, Waterfront Park, North Vancouver)
www.caribbeandaysfestival.com
What is it: The Trinidad and Tabago Cultural Society of B.C. throw the year's biggest Caribbean party.
There is a Caribbean cruise the Sunday before the festival, a multicultural parade on Saturday at 10 a.m. leading down to Waterfront Park and a children's parade on Sunday, July 26.
But the big event is an outdoor dance fest at the Marketplace Plaza near the SeaBus when the festival shuts down at 7 p.m. on Saturday night. You'll be jammin' to two bands and two DJs playing salsa to reggae until 1 a.m.
Who is it for: Anyone who likes a good party in the sun with spicy food and steel drums.
POWELL STREET FESTIVAL
(Aug. 1 and 2, Woodland Park, 700 Woodland Dr.)
www.powellstreetfestival.com
What is it: The 33rd annual festival celebrating Japanese Canadian heritage and culture in Vancouver.
The festival has moved to a new location this year but will also include a bicycle valet so getting there is easy. Some events will happen at the Britannia Community Centre.
The theme of this year's festival is migration--across Canada, back to one's heritage and into new media.
Past festivals have included demonstrations on martial arts, Kokoro dance, concerts and of course, there's the food. Sushi, anyone?
Who is it for: Those with a yen for karate and tasty Japanese treats.
MUSICFEST VANCOUVER
(Aug. 2 to 16, various venues)
www.musicfestvancouver.ca
What is it: Formerly known as Festival Vancouver, MusicFest "explores the connections between cultures, centuries and people" featuring more than 50 classical, world music and jazz performers from Canada and around the world.
Who is it for: Anyone who knows what a lute is, concertgoers not burned out by the folk and jazz festivals.
SUMMER CINEMA IN THE PARKS
(Mondays at 9 p.m., Aug. 11 to 18 at Grandview, McSpadden and Victoria parks)
www.thedrive.ca/event_cinema.shtm
What is it: A chance to get out of the living room and lounge in Eastside parks, watching old movies.
The event is free but cash and food donations are being collected by the Vancouver Food Bank. It's presented by the Commercial Drive Business Association.
The schedule is:
Aug. 11, Grandview Park, Wizard of Oz
Aug. 18, McSpadden Park, E.T. the Extraterrestrial
Aug. 25, Victoria Park, Shrek
Who is it for: The kids. The babysitter. The overly cute couple with a beach blanket on hand.
UNDER THE VOLCANO
(Aug. 9, Whey-Ah Wichen / Cates Park in Deep Cove, North Vancouver)
www.volcano.resist.ca
What is it: Canada's largest political festival. A grassroots celebration of arts and activism, taking place where Malcolm Lowry wrote his famous novel, Under the Volcano. Which is not about the festival.
In its 19th year UTV still has free shuttles leaving from Broadway SkyTrain Station every half hour, so leave the car at home.
Admission is by donation. The suggested amounts range from $10 to 20.
This year's lineup hasn't been announced yet but Tegan and Sara and Kinnie Starr have played previous festivals.
Who is it for: People who like their music with a dose of social justice.
There are many other Vancouver events. These are just a few that one of my favorite local papers, the Vancouver Courier, posted that I thought were worth mentioning since I am considering going to a few of these. Let`s enjoy this beautiful city.
FESTIVAL D'ETE FRANCOPHONE
(Till June 24 Le Centre culturel francophone de Vancouver)
West Seventh Avenue between Granville and Fir (www.lecentreculturel.com)
What is it: The 20th anniversary of the six-day festival celebrating francophone culture.
Who is it for: French speakers and francophiles who enjoy great music, both indoors and outdoors, and Canadians who are proud that French is one of the country's two official languages. Eh, oui! Years past have seen Quebecois legends like Robert Charlebois grace the outdoor stage. This year, Montreal band Malajube joins Karkwa and rising Quebec star Pierre Lapointe on the Air Canada Stage starting at 5 p.m., June 20. The festival culminates on St. Jean Baptiste Day, or fete nationale as Quebecers call it, with a June 24 fete at Richard's on Richards.
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL FLAMENCO FESTIVAL
(June 28 to July 5 at various venues)
www.flamencocorosario.org
What is it: Flamenco Rosario's annual event celebrating the traditional dance and music of Spain.
Who is it for: Fans of foot stomping and castanets, customers of tapas restaurants who want to branch out.
CRAB PARK CANADA DAY FESTIVAL
(July 1) Crab Park, Portside, foot of Main Street
www.bandcouver.com
What is it: The city's other Canada Day party. A free, all-ages celebration from 1 to 4 p.m.
Hosted by the Crab Water for Life Society and Bandcouver, the event supports keeping up this green space in the Downtown Eastside. There are events for the kids at this portside park as well as a number of Vancouver bands. At 1 p.m. Maria in the Shower will be playing, followed by Fuzzcat at 2 p.m. and then Blackberry Wood takes the stage at 3 p.m. And you'll still have plenty of time to make the Canada Day parade downtown at 7 p.m.
Who is it for: People who like to feel good about getting down.
BOLLYWOOD WEDDING
(July 23 to 26 at the Italians Gardens at Pacific National Exhibition at Hastings Park)
Admission is free, ph. 604-893-8875 for reservations
What is it: An interactive outdoor dance and theatre production about the engagement and wedding of two young Indians brought together in an arranged marriage.
Who is it for: People who like attending weddings but don't want to shell out for a gift, interactive theatre fans suffering withdrawal now that Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding has come to a merciful end.
2009 WORLD POLICE AND FIRE GAMES
(July 31 to Aug. 9, various venues around the Lower Mainland)
www.2009wpfg.ca
What is it: International sporting event for firefighters and police, customs and corrections officers to let off some steam and show off their athletic prowess competing in over 65 events including rugby, ultimate fighting, karate and, um, darts.
Who is it for: Family and friends of competitors, people who have a thing for authority figures.
VELO-CITY: VANCOUVER AND THE BICYCLE REVOLUTION
(Until Sept. 7 at Museum of Vancouver)
www.museumofvancouver.ca
What is it: Exhibit curated by Propellor Design that delves into Vancouver's bicycle culture and how it's shaping the city we live in.
Who is it for: Bike enthusiasts, guilt-ridden automobile drivers, future ministers of transportation.
I will probably go on a slow day.
CARIBBEAN DAYS FESTIVAL
(July 25 and 26, Waterfront Park, North Vancouver)
www.caribbeandaysfestival.com
What is it: The Trinidad and Tabago Cultural Society of B.C. throw the year's biggest Caribbean party.
There is a Caribbean cruise the Sunday before the festival, a multicultural parade on Saturday at 10 a.m. leading down to Waterfront Park and a children's parade on Sunday, July 26.
But the big event is an outdoor dance fest at the Marketplace Plaza near the SeaBus when the festival shuts down at 7 p.m. on Saturday night. You'll be jammin' to two bands and two DJs playing salsa to reggae until 1 a.m.
Who is it for: Anyone who likes a good party in the sun with spicy food and steel drums.
POWELL STREET FESTIVAL
(Aug. 1 and 2, Woodland Park, 700 Woodland Dr.)
www.powellstreetfestival.com
What is it: The 33rd annual festival celebrating Japanese Canadian heritage and culture in Vancouver.
The festival has moved to a new location this year but will also include a bicycle valet so getting there is easy. Some events will happen at the Britannia Community Centre.
The theme of this year's festival is migration--across Canada, back to one's heritage and into new media.
Past festivals have included demonstrations on martial arts, Kokoro dance, concerts and of course, there's the food. Sushi, anyone?
Who is it for: Those with a yen for karate and tasty Japanese treats.
MUSICFEST VANCOUVER
(Aug. 2 to 16, various venues)
www.musicfestvancouver.ca
What is it: Formerly known as Festival Vancouver, MusicFest "explores the connections between cultures, centuries and people" featuring more than 50 classical, world music and jazz performers from Canada and around the world.
Who is it for: Anyone who knows what a lute is, concertgoers not burned out by the folk and jazz festivals.
SUMMER CINEMA IN THE PARKS
(Mondays at 9 p.m., Aug. 11 to 18 at Grandview, McSpadden and Victoria parks)
www.thedrive.ca/event_cinema.shtm
What is it: A chance to get out of the living room and lounge in Eastside parks, watching old movies.
The event is free but cash and food donations are being collected by the Vancouver Food Bank. It's presented by the Commercial Drive Business Association.
The schedule is:
Aug. 11, Grandview Park, Wizard of Oz
Aug. 18, McSpadden Park, E.T. the Extraterrestrial
Aug. 25, Victoria Park, Shrek
Who is it for: The kids. The babysitter. The overly cute couple with a beach blanket on hand.
UNDER THE VOLCANO
(Aug. 9, Whey-Ah Wichen / Cates Park in Deep Cove, North Vancouver)
www.volcano.resist.ca
What is it: Canada's largest political festival. A grassroots celebration of arts and activism, taking place where Malcolm Lowry wrote his famous novel, Under the Volcano. Which is not about the festival.
In its 19th year UTV still has free shuttles leaving from Broadway SkyTrain Station every half hour, so leave the car at home.
Admission is by donation. The suggested amounts range from $10 to 20.
This year's lineup hasn't been announced yet but Tegan and Sara and Kinnie Starr have played previous festivals.
Who is it for: People who like their music with a dose of social justice.
There are many other Vancouver events. These are just a few that one of my favorite local papers, the Vancouver Courier, posted that I thought were worth mentioning since I am considering going to a few of these. Let`s enjoy this beautiful city.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Google Killer or Flop?
I heard Microsoft came out with a Google killer! It's a new search engine called Bing, and being marketed as "the decision engine".
I went to bing.ca and tried it by entering "Vancouver" and waited for the results. Although it brought results, I was not impressed. The only feature that caught my eye at first glance was the "smart movie preview" feature which allows the user to view movies before selecting them.
A user can easily change countries so I decided to change from bing.ca (Canadian site) to bing.com (United States site) and noticed a big difference. The major being the shopping section, the travel section and the main menu on the front page.
I really like the travel search because it combines information from other sources, searches can be presented in a grid and you can narrow your search by category. I hope the changes are made to the Canadian site in the near future.
I will keep testing Bing in the next few weeks to determine if its a good source for "Vancouver" information and searches.
I went to bing.ca and tried it by entering "Vancouver" and waited for the results. Although it brought results, I was not impressed. The only feature that caught my eye at first glance was the "smart movie preview" feature which allows the user to view movies before selecting them.
A user can easily change countries so I decided to change from bing.ca (Canadian site) to bing.com (United States site) and noticed a big difference. The major being the shopping section, the travel section and the main menu on the front page.
I really like the travel search because it combines information from other sources, searches can be presented in a grid and you can narrow your search by category. I hope the changes are made to the Canadian site in the near future.
I will keep testing Bing in the next few weeks to determine if its a good source for "Vancouver" information and searches.
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