Playing Tourist in Vancouver, B.C.

Making the decision to play 'tourist' in our own 'neck of the woods', we decided that the first place on our list would be a visit to Chinatown. It had many years since either of us had been. It seemed to have expanded in the interim and is now considered to be one of the biggest in the country.

We browsed through produce stores where interesting and unknown items were displayed. Had it not been so cold, we would have spent more time contemplating the various things and perhaps have been enticed into purchasing some of the unknown fruit or vegetables. The grocery stores, where bins of dried fish and seafood were set out on the sidewalk, were also interesting but the carcasses of roasted fowl hanging in the windows gave us cause for thought. Again we passed by deciding we were not quite ready for this type of an experience.

In search of a large round shortbread, remembered from years long past, we went into several bakery shops only to finally emerge with two large almond cookies that were more lunch than snack. Enjoying our outing, we cared not whether crumbs fell down the front of our jackets as we brushed them onto the street like careless children. Other shops with bargains galore, displayed in flea market style, suggested to us that another visit would be forthcoming at some time in the future when a shopping spree would be part of the plan.

Leaving Chinatown, we decided to visit historic Gastown, home of the well-known steam clock. After exploring various stores, we decided to check out 'Storyeum'. This was another exciting adventure but which unfortunately it is no longer in existence.

From there we took the scenic drive through Stanley Park where we sat watching planes lift off the water on their way to Vancouver Island; a tugboat silhouetted against a snow covered mountain with sun bouncing on the water's surface, and the 'lady on the rock' getting ready for her plunge into the wintry waters. At Prospect Point, with light fast fading, it was difficult for picture taking although this was more excuse than fact. With jackets held tightly against the wind, our admiring look from the viewpoint was brief before continuing on to our next and last event of the day.

Entering the restaurant, the warmth caused our cheeks to flush. To go along with the rest of our great day, we were fortunate in finding a table without having made prior reservations. Winding up our wonderful day, where laughs had been many and conversation aplenty, we said a toast to a day well spent and a promise of being 'tourists' again.