Re: 2010
- From: bg12345@xxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: 28 Feb 2006 08:42:44 -0800
Chris K wrote:
So, for the 2010 games, will it be better to stay in Whistler or in the
city of Vancouver?
They're planning to extend the Skytrain (a legacy/leftover of
the 1986 World's Fair) plus major highway upgrades. In the
city of Vancouver itself, there is no subway but it does have
an extensive and high quality bus system with good service for
the disabled (including wheelchairs).
Foreigners shouldn't drive in Canada, but they can; Canadians
practice defensive driving, so lunatics behind the wheel are
not appreciated or welcomed. Also, seat belts are the law as
are motorcycle helmets and it's strictly enforced.
Other notes on Vancouver:
The city is smoking UNfriendly. There are fewer and fewer
places where polluting other people's air is legal. In sports
facilities, government buildings, restaurants, and many others
places it's verboten. It's great for those who like to breathe.
Yes, marijuana is effectively legal (it's still illegal by law,
but they won't enforce it). If you're crazy/dumb enough to try,
that's your business, but don't try to take samples home and be
aware some countries punish people for drug use done in other
countries. Eg. South Korea will jail people who test positive,
even if the person used it in Canada.
Are you a nudist/naturist? Ladies, swimming topless in public
pools and on the beach is *legal*. (Childish male gawkers are
not welcome.) There are hot springs around British Columbia
which are nudist/naturist friendly, though I can't name any.
Personal advice:
If you're staying in one place for a long period (more than two
weeks) look into renting an apartment. When I go on holiday (up
to a month) I stay put. Renting instead of staying in a hotel
is cheaper, more convenient, and you get to meet local people.
Sights to see in Vancouver:
Chinatown/Gastown. It's arguably the oldest Chinatown in North
America and is the second biggest after San Francisco.
Stanley Park. You'll be astounded that a city wouldn't build on
such prime land; instead it's one of the most beautiful city
parks you'll ever see. Be sure to visit the Planetarium, the
zoo, the train, etc.
The World's Fair site. It's still there, right next to BC Place
stadium where the opening ceremonies will be held. BC Place
(60,000 seats, with a dome roof) was built for the BC Lions and
the long-gone Vancouver Whitecaps. It has the same dimensions
and design as Minnesota's Metrodome, but is light inside, not
dark and ugly like the "Plastic Palace".
The University of British Columbia campus. No, not Wreck Beach
(the nude beach on campus), come back in the summer for that;
rather, go and see the Haida totem poles. They're amazing.
Harrison Hot Springs. An hour or two east of Vancouver, it's a
naturally (read: volcanic) heated hot mineral water spring. It's
sooooo soothing. (Harrison is NOT for naturists!)
Victoria. While the rest of Canada is counting frostbite cases,
Victoria counts blossoms and laughs as they tell everybody how
many there are. The Parliament buildings, the museum, and the
(for lack of a better word) Englishtown are worth seeing. There
are people in Victoria who speak with British accents and have
never been to England....
The Royal Hudson. Now out of service, it was one of the last
steam trains to have a scheduled route (but only for tourists).
You can still see it at its own museum.
VIA Rail's trek through the Rocky Mountains. You'll either be
floored or scared spitless at the route the train takes through
the mountains. If you have time after the olympics, you can
take the train all the way across Canada; only Russia's cross
country route is longer in the world.
The Ferries along the coast. Many boats cater to tourists who
want to see killer whales and other native marine wildlife.
Bob Dog
.
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