Saturday, February 28, 2009

Metropolis at Metrotown, Vancouver Canada

Today I was out and about in our lovely city. It was a little drizzly out but nothing can stop me from getting out there! Me & My Husband, and some Friends, went to Metropolis at Metrotown to do some shopping for a friend of ours who just had a Baby!

Metropolis at Metrotown is British Columbia's Largest Shopping Centre! With over 450 Stores!

One can find just about anything and everything they are looking for while shopping at Metrowtown. Metrotown offers World Class Restaurants, One Of A Kind Events, and Must See Attractions all under one roof!

There are three floors of merchants inside the Mall. Metropolis at Metrotown has the largest food court in Western Canada, seating more than 1,000 people! There is a large variety of International Cuisine, to cater to all tastes and diets.

There are shops such as clothing boutiques for men and women, electronics, jewellery, home furnishings, and specialty foods, are located on three sprawling levels. You’ll also find exciting things happening all around from Grand Court features unique events all year like Cirque du Soleil performances, pop/rock idol competitions, a gigantic rocking horse, and an elaborate sand sculpture display. And Famous Players SilverCity offers the latest box office hits on the big screen with big sound. With so much to see and do you are sure to have a great time!

Getting To Metropolis at Metrotown:


The Mall is located at 4700 Kingsway in Burnaby, between Willingdon and Royal Oak. Very close to Highway #1, and has a direct connection for SkyTrain, as well as a Translink bus station.


Mall Hours are as follows:

Regular Hours

Monday – Friday | 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday | 9:30 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday | 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

Holiday Hours

11:00 am – 6:00 pm


I am posting a few Pictures of Metropolis at Metrotown..Enjoy!


Much Love From Vancouver Canada! Sandy :)




Friday, February 27, 2009

Vancouver Canada

Yesterday I went to Beautiful Stanley Park in Downtown Vancouver to take some pictures. Whilst taking pictures, a Beautiful Bird flew over my head and right in front of my camera and starting posing! It was the most beautiful thing! It kept flying around in front of me and posing almost like it was doing a show especially for me! After i had finished taking the pictures...drove a little further up, and low and behold my Husband said, babe look whos waiting for you! The same Bird was right there in front of us! I took some pictures and am posting them here today..Enjoy!


The Beautiful Bird


Downtown Vancouver, Coal Harbour, Stanley Park, Lighthouse, Seaplane



Much Love From Vancouver Canada, Sandy:)




Thursday, February 26, 2009

Cypress Mountain, Vancouver Canada

Cypress Mountain is open year-round and is located just 30 minutes from Downtown Vancouver.

Latest weather report for Cypress Mountain is 45 cm of Snow over the last 2 days!!

Cypress Mountain offers Skiing, Snowshoeing and snowtubing lessons, clothing rentals and equipment are available at the Mountain.

"Cypress Mountain is the official Freestyle Skiing and Snowboard Venue for the 2010 Winter Olympics"!

How to Get to Cypress Mountain

From Lions Gate Bridge, follow signs to Hwy 1 (via Taylor Way). Continue west then take Exit #8 onto Cypress Bowl Rd.

Cypress Mountain is open:

Mon - Fri - 9am to 10pm

Sat, Sun and Holidays - 8:30am - 10pm

See You All Here Soon!

Much Love from Vancouver Canada, Sandy :)

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

BC Place Stadium

BC Place Stadium is the World's biggest air-supported domed Stadium! It has a capacity for more than 60,000 people. It is in the heart of Downtown Vancouver.

BC Place Stadium Attractions are:

The BC Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, It is home to some of the greatest moments in BC's sports history.

It is the future host of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies in Vancouver Canada

Also the BC Lions Football takes place in BC Stadium

The Stadium is home to some of the largest trade and consumer shows, such as the Vancouver International Boat Show, BC Home and Garden Show and The Pacific International Auto Show.

The Stadium has
major events happening over 200 days each year, BC Place truly is a place where dreams come alive.

To get to BC Place Stadium:

Vancouver's #15 and #17 buses, both take you very close to the Stadium.

Hope to see you there!

Much Love from Vancouver Canada, Sandy :)



Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Pictures Of Vancouver Canada

Hi Everyone!

I am posting some pictures here today that i took of Beautiful Vancouver! Enjoy!




Much Love from Vancouver Canada, Sandy :)

Monday, February 23, 2009

With Love, From Vancouver Canada

It has been a lovely day. Always feels good to have a sense of accomplishment! Today i decided i would write about a personal encounter that happened while i was out. Me and my Husband were driving along Kingsway in Vancouver and while we were waiting at a red traffic light, i saw a very old man walking across the crosswalk, almost into the on-coming traffic on the other side! People were looking at him aghast! I quickly got out of our van, and helped him cross the street. I asked him if he would like a ride home but he insisted he wanted to walk, so i made sure he was ok and ran back to the van. As we drove along i noticed many Seniors out and about, and i realised that even at such vulnerable ages, they still have the courage to get their coats and shoes on and head outside for some fresh air. It was a day of enlightenment today, as i realised that if they can be out even in the rain, then who are we to complain. We can all make a difference, even if it is just to lend a shoulder for a brief moment.


Much Love To You All from Vancouver Canada, Sandy :)

Sunday, February 22, 2009

The Vancouver Canucks

Canada's favourite Sport is Hockey. It is played and enjoyed by all ages. There are thirty Professional Hockey Teams that play in the National Hockey League, of which six of the teams play in Canada. The six cities that have professional teams are Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.

Vancouver is particularly passionate about their team named the Canucks. They play 82 regular season games from October through April. They play 41 mainly sold out games at General Motors Place, which is Vancouver's 20,000 Seat Stadium.

Since joining the league in 1970, Vancouver has made the Stanley Cup playoffs 20 times. They have reached the Stanley Cup Finals twice in their history during the 1981-1982 season.

See you at the game at General Motors Place!


Much Love From Vancouver Canada, Sandy :)

Saturday, February 21, 2009

About Me..

Today, i thought i would give a little in-sight into who i am.

When i first came to Canada in 1991 as a young teenager from England, i was in awe of this Beautiful City! I knew right away that this was the City for me...where i wanted to settle down for the rest of my life.

I met my Husband here while on Vacation. He is a very Charming, Loving man, one who encompases all the qualities of a true Canadian. He brings out the best in me, gives me the freedom to be who i really am, which to me is the most precious gift a Husband can give to his Wife. Who i am today is all thanks to His Love and Support over the past years.

I was born and raised in England. A very Historical Country which has much to offer. We still visit often. I must admit though... I really don't miss the cold temperature there...i'm sure my fellow Brits would agree on that one ;) I do highly recommend people to visit England for it too is a very Diverse Multi-Cultural Country and has much to offer!

Much Love from Vancouver Canada, Sandy :)

Friday, February 20, 2009

The Vancouver Lookout & Revolving Restaurant

Your journey begins in a Skylift elevator only 50 scenic seconds to the Lookout Tower..Once you reach the Top, you feel the floor rotate a whole 360 degrees while giving you a Great Majestic View of Downtown Vancouver, The Harbour and North Shore Mountains and Inlets... ! Absolutely Astonishing!

The Lookout Tower at Harbour Centre, is Vancouver and British Columbia's tallest building at a height of 581 feet!

Above the Harbour Centre Lookout is The Revolving Restaurant..A very romantic place to take your loved one for a very special night out. Its just Magical to see the View while the restaurant rotates 360 degrees, all while your having a very Romantic Candle-lit Dinner!

Highly Recommended!

Much Love from Vancouver Canada, Sandy :)






Thursday, February 19, 2009

Fun Activities for Kids In Vancouver Canada!

Vancouver Aquarium is a great place to take Kids. Its always a fun day out! Full of Excitement and very Educational at the same time. The kids have such a good time, they dont even realise how much they are learning! There are always many shows throughout the day. Educational talks are also included in the admission. You also have the option to go behind the scenes and find out what it’s like to feed and train the Animals of the Vancouver Aquarium alongside their trainers. Animal Encounter opportunities include Beluga Whales, Sea Otters, Sea Lions, Sea Turtles and White-Sided Dolphins! A new addition to the Vancouver Aquarium is the Beautiful Baby Beluga ....TIQA!

Science World is another great favorite of Kids...with its hands-on Science Centre offering Entertaining and Educational experiences. Science World contains five permanent galleries (Eureka, the Sara Stern Search Gallery, KidsSpace, Our World, Visual Illusions), a Special Exhibitions Galleries, The Science Theatre, and the Alcan OMNIMAX Theatre, as well as a variety of Centre Stage Shows!

The Cupcake shop..with such a huge selection of very Delicious Cupcakes... It really does meet all the taste buds of every individual!

The Museum of Anthropology is thoroughly enjoyed by all kids and adults alike! with the Monumental North Coast Art, Totem Poles and Carvings..it really is very highly recommended to all! As quoted by The Museum "The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia is world-renowned for its collections, research, teaching, public programs, and community connections. It is also acclaimed for its spectacular architecture and unique setting on the cliffs of Point Grey. Unprecedented opportunities for research, teaching, and public enjoyment."

Also great fun is The AquaBus, the shuttles runs across the water. Very affordable! Takes you to places like Granville Island where there is a great Kids Market, Public Market, Art School, Shops, Restaurants, Theatres, Galleries ...and more.

You can also take the Ferry to Victoria, BC! It is such a Beautiful Place.

If you have the right clothing (warm and waterproof in the colder months), Vancouver has lots of great places to go for walks which are family friendly... eg, Lynn Canyon, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park..

If you're here in the Summer, Steveston Village is a very nice place. (In Winter, it is a bit windy.)

Get yourselves to The Eatery. It's a very fun and kid friendly sushi restaurant in Kitsilano. You won't regret it.

Also consider checking out the Maritime Museum..you can climb aboard the St. Roch, the first boat to circumnavigate N. America. And there are loads kid-friendly, interactive things to do including costumes and drawers to explore. It's on the little water taxi route so it's easy to get there from Science World or Granville Island

A great way to explore Vancouver with kids is on the Big Bus, an open (in good weather) vintage double-decker. Hop on and off throughout the day to see all of Vancouver's top attractions.

Take the Skyride to Grouse Mountain! You will be rewarded with a Spectactular view of Vancouver and the Pacific Ocean.

Look forward to Seeing you here in Beautiful Vancouver Canada!

Much Love, Sandy:)




Wednesday, February 18, 2009

The Grouse Grind, North Vancouver Canada

The Grouse Grind, often referred to as "Mother Nature's Stairmaster" is a 2.9 km vertical incline, straight up the face of the Mountain. The average inclination is 28% or 15 degrees. Although, there are parts of the Grind that are steeper than 40 degrees

Make sure to have a light meal before the hike and to take lots of water with you (Gatorade is great for electrolytes), and be sure to wear very comfortable clothing and shoes! Oddly enough sometimes one will see women with one to two-inch pumps trying to hike up the mountain, sweating, complaining of severe knee and foot pain, hence the RIGHT SHOES!

The Hike itself is very Exhiliarating! There is nothing like being in the Clean Crisp Fresh Air! Nature at its BEST. But be Warned! The Grind isn't for the light of heart! And be ready to be totally soaked from perspiration if its your first time up the Mountain!

Once at the top you will feel a sense of Accomplishment! The VIEW once you reach the top of the Mountain is simply..BREATHTAKING!

Now get ready to go all the way back down! You have 2 choices of getting back down, one..to trek all the way down, or two...take the Skyride Gondola. Either way it will be worth your while when in Vancouver to participate in the hike up THE GROUSE GRIND! Trust me!

Checklist of things to take with you

Good Pair of Hiking Shoes
Water Bottle
Gatorade
Cell Phone
Protein Bar
Fruit

REMEMBER you will be Hiking up the Mountain for about 1 1/2 hours..so make sure to go to the BATHROOM beforehand.

Location - North Vancouver

The 232 bus from Phibbs Exchange or the 236 bus from Lonsdale Quay takes you within 50 metres of the base.

Enjoy!

Much Love From Vancouver Canada, Sandy :)

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

ESL Schools In Vancouver Canada

Hi To All ESL Students Around The World!

With Spring just around the corner, many International Students will be coming to Vancouver, Canada to Study ESL. I am listing some great ESL Schools here in Vancouver, some of which my past ESL Homestay Students have attended, and had very positive experiences with. Now is a great time to Enroll for Spring and Summer Programs!


The ESL Schools are as follows:


Tamwood International College

"All of the Tamwood International programs in Canada have been selected for their excellent locations, their modern facilities, their proximity to popular attractions and their professional environments."


ILSC

"You'll be surprised how quickly your speaking improves when you are immersed in English all day long. With our incredible selection of language study programs, accommodation options and after-class activities, you can 'live the language' with International Language Schools of Canada."


LSI Vancouver

"An ideal place to study English. The school is located in the centre of downtown Vancouver, just minutes away from major transportation routes. All main attractions such as galleries, museums and movie theatres are within easy walking distance of the school. "


Pacific Gateway International College


"The School's mission is to build bridges between all countries, cultures, races and creeds. We intend to achieve this by cultivating mutual understanding through teaching English and other fields of study as a means for developing effective global communication."


Canadian College of English Language

"The Canadian College of English Language invites the world to study English in Canada. Vancouver's outdoor lifestyle and cosmopolitan flair make it the perfect destination to study English.

Fantastic new campus, newly renovated downtown student residence and commitment to providing the highest quality English learning environment has made CCEL recognized as the best ESL school in Canada."


Much Love from Vancouver Canada, Sandy :)






Monday, February 16, 2009

Vancouver, Canada Hotels

Make sure you look for the best Vancouver Canada Hotels for your traveling style and needs.

Here are some great ideas with some Youtube Videos ..Enjoy :)


Business Vancouver Canada Hotels


The best business Vancouver Canada Hotels are strategically situated and offer a fully equipped business center with high speed Internet, an executive retreat, banquets and reunion services and fine dining on site or nearby.

The Sutton Place Hotel

"Within walking distance of the main entertainment and cultural districts, this hotel offers a world class business experience under a magnificent European setting with outstanding service."



Le Soleil Hotel

"This boutique- style hotel, situated in the financial and business district has luxurious elegance and amazing service that make the business experience beyond enjoyable."





The Westin Bayshore Hotel

"This splendid hotel provides business experience and nature delight with fishing, jogging, walking and cycling along the ocean side."




Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

"Located close to the business and cultural district, this 5 star hotel provides a magnificent natural and cultural setting for business, surrounded by amazing mountains and Vancouver's best international activities."




Fairmont Vancouver Airport

"Ideal for the busy executive, this 5 star hotel is in the Vancouver International Airport, allowing guests to enjoy luxury and practicality with different outdoor activities nearby."






Romantic Vancouver Canada Hotels

"The Finest Vancouver Canada Hotels offer enchanting, passionate choices.

These hotels are special for romance, privacy and service."

The Wedgewood Hotel

"Boutique- style, romantic, independently owned hotel on the trendy Robson Square, with the owner's elegant personal touch.

Enchanting décor, delicious cuisine and pampering services enhance romance."

Opus Hotel

"Located in the trendy Yaletown district in downtown Vancouver, this boutique- style hotel with magnificent design, tailored service and excellent amenities, exceeds romantic expectations with 5 different décor schemes to choose from."


Pan Pacific Vancouver

"Located on Vancouver's breathtaking harbor front and close to different social activities, this hotel allows experiencing the city and natural beauty from the bedroom through picture windows in a romantic environment, with amazing service and lots of pampering amenities."





Loden Vancouver

"At the bank of Coal Harbor and inspired by mountains, forest and sea, this hotel fascinates with romantic amenities, first class service and international environment.

Accommodations are custom- designed for an experience pleasant beyond expectation."

Four Seasons Vancouver

"Because of its charm and hospitality, this hotel provides the perfect setting for wedding receptions."

Child Friendly Vancouver Canada Hotels

It is vital to find secure, comfortable and amusing hotels for family vacations.

These 5 star Vancouver Canada Hotels offer spectacular family activities.

Four of them permit pets.

Le Soleil Hotel

"This luxury hotel has special complimentary kid programs.

Amenities include an spectacular indoor pool and open- air activities like skiing, jet skiing, beach, biking and tennis."


Fairmont Waterfront Hotel

"This luxury hotel provides child programs and hotel owned dogs for children to have fun with and walk.

It has an fantastic indoor pool and offers open- air activities; skiing, hiking, biking and shopping."


Four Seasons Vancouver

"This 5 stars hotel provides kid programs with many amenities and babysitting service. Hot- air balloon rides are organized.

It has an indoor and outdoor pool that will be a joy for the children."

The Westin Resort And Spa

"This luxury hotel is packed with kid programs at a special place, the Kid's Closet. Pets are not allowed.

Amid the activities there are hot- air balloon rides, zip trekking, paragliding, in- line skating and horseback riding. They also have ecological activities like rafting, jet boating and kayaking.

It has a combined indoor/ outdoor pool that will delight children."

Pan Pacific Vancouver

"This hotel is close to the Storyeum, which makes it special for kid guests.

The outdoor pool is heated and they offer activities like skiing, sailing, beach, biking and shopping."


Much Love from Vancouver Canada, Sandy :)

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Stanley Park, Vancouver Canada

Today... awoke to a lovely calm peaceful morning, birds singing, the first signs of spring nearing..such a beautiful sight!

Its a nice and sunny day out today. A great way to spend the day is to go to the magnificent Stanley Park, which by the way is recognized as one of the greatest parks of the World! A beautiful evergreen oasis of 400 hectares very close to the downtown core. A nature lovers delight, surrounded by lush fir, cedar and hemlock trees. One can find many different species of animals in Stanley Park, from birds, geese, fish, river otters, squirrel and many many more.

There is always much happening in Stanley Park. One can start the day off by going for a walk, drive, rollerblade or cycle around the Seawall. It's about six miles around (vehicular traffic flow is one way, and counter clockwise in direction). By circling the park one will see many of the great landmarks..a beautiful rose garden, a small playground tucked in behind it, as well as a dining pavilion. On the water side you will see the beautiful English looking building that houses The Vancouver Rowing Club, and Coal Harbour, where you may be lucky enough to see a seaplane land!

You will also see the Vancouver Aquarium, Totem Poles, Yacht Club, Horse-Drawn Carriage, and many other attractions! Its a great place to go have a picnic while taking in the Majestic Breathtaking views of the Mountains, Water, and Downtown, Vancouver!

See You There!

Much Love, Sandy:)

Saturday, February 14, 2009

A Very Happy Valentines Day 2009 To You All

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Valentines Day is such a special day celebrated the world over. Love is seen in many forms, be that between mother and child, husband and wife, girlfriend & boyfriend or just a passing glance at someone.

Its early morning here in Vancouver Canada right now...a little chilly out in the wee hours of the morning, 5:00am to be exact.

Valentines Day has always been celebrated in a big way here in Canada. Everyone is wished a day full of love and laughter from all, be it someone known to you or not.

Vancouver is full of very friendly and caring people, coming from all walks of life.

There is so much one can do on Valentines Day with their loved one here in Vancouver BC, may it be a walk on one of our lovely beaches..Jericho, Kitsilano, English Bay, Sunset, Locarno or Spanish Banks
to name a few! Followed by a nice dinner by a warm fireplace in a lovely restaurant. Some great restuarants in Vancouver are Vij's, The Naam, Palki, Lumiere, Capone's, Pastis,O'Doul's Restaurant & Bar, Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, Boathouse, Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant, Pepitas, Maurya, Thai House, The Westin Bayshore (one of my fav's!), Cafe Pacifica, Earl's, Crave, India Gate and many other great restuarants here for every nationality and every taste.

Another great way to spend your day is by going to one of our great Spa's and just endulge the day away. Some great Spa's that we have in Vancouver are..
Absolute Spa, EvelineCharles Spa and Salon, Miraj Hammam Spa, Breathe Spa, Skoah, SpaEthos,Spa Utopia & Salon, Spruce Body Lab, Vida Wellness Spa and Spa at the Wedgewood Hotel.

In Vancouver there is a spot for all!

Wishing You All A Very Happy Valentines Day

Much Love, Sandy:)

Friday, February 13, 2009

Homestay in Vancouver Canada

A Very Warm Welcome To Everyone Around the World!



Homestay in Vancouver is becoming more and more popular! There are Students and Professionals coming from all over the Globe...looking for a place to stay while on Vacation, Studying or Working in Canada. Homestay is a very affordable way for students to get accustomed to the Canadian way of life. Homestay Families in Canada are very eager to help students learn the Canadian way of life.

Students that come to Vancouver, have the choice of having meals included in their Homestay Fee, which varies depending on type of accomodation required.

Homestay connects families from across the Globe, brings them together under one roof.

There have been times when myself and my husband have hosted International Students, and have had 4 different nationalities, cultures and backgrounds all sitting at one table having dinner.

Homestay is a very enriching experience for both Homestay Family and Student.

We enjoy very much learning about different cultures as well as teaching about ours.

I am sure, every single person that will go through this great experience will Cherish it for Life :)

In the following Youtube Video, Reporter Join Chris Wheeler from Tourism BC takes you on a Seaplane adventure around Vancouver! Enjoy!




Much Love, Sandy :)