Hip, cosmopolitan Vancouver’s blue skies and sunshine (not that frequent) were perfect for exploring the city on foot. Come along on a walk. But first:One of the Fairmont’s concierge-dogs, helping a customer find postcards at the gift shop. Ok, we’re on our way:

Very chi-chi postal boxes, no?
You know you’re in the Commonwealth when the buildings have names like this.
Beautiful, classic old buildings. They remind me of Marylebone in London. Oh, I do miss London. But here in very modern Vancouver, some of the historical buildings have QR codes posted right on them so tourists can learn more and even view old photos of the buildings.
It’s not Big Ben, but one day these analog clocks will be a thing of the past. I just love them.
We don’t see these in the U.S., do we? I was dying to open one.
And a Princess Building would be hard to find. I wonder which Princess this one honors?
These stations were EVERYWHERE. I was right at home, given my well-known addiction to Purell. (Hey, I might have been the first, but I’m not the only one who sanitizes after the Sign of Peace at Mass!)
However, this woman’s mask did give me pause. I would certainly not be drinkin’ the holy wine after she sipped it.
The Lookout takes visitors to 540 feet above sea level. Cool beans. Still not taller than most of the skyscrapers, though.
But its 360 degree view of the city gives a neat perspective.

Vancouver’s a business center, for sure. And lots of high-rise condos. Reminds me of Singapore in that.
Note the heli-pad in the center. The big circled H is the clue.

The water’s lovely against the mountains.

The city’s very trendy. And green. In both ways.

Amazing events in town. Yesterday afternoon a drum corps performed in the square right outside our hotel room window. Dr. Brene Brown is speaking this week. The Jung Society is celebrating their 30th anniversary with readings. And at I saw at least a half dozen more workshops and seminars that I would love to attend.

I picked up the weekly alternative paper and ran across this ad: FORESKIN FOR HER Seminar explains the many sexual functions and benefits of the foreskin for both men and women. A very today topic, especially just after San Francisco tried to ban circumcision.

Only topped by GIVING GOOD HEAD Blow more than your lover’s mind with an evening that covers erotic techniques and products that will enable you both to enjoy a heightened level of excitement and pleasure. Yes, Vancouver is very hip. But let’s move on, shall we?
Of course I’d love to do business with a phone company named Fido.
An upscale roach coach, quite unlike those we see most often in San Jose.
An ice skating rink at Robson Square.
The marvelous Vancouver Musem of Art. The big exhibit was the Surrealists…I’m burned out on them (been to Florida’s Dali a zillion times; they were once my client) and nothing else appealed, so we didn’t go in past the shop. I did make a purchase, that you’ll see further down.
The side of a building.
I know it looks like he’s just dangling, but he’s washing the windows. It’s a job… but not for the faint of heart. My father worked his way through college and med school working on scaffolds,but he didn’t have to dangle all day like that.
Christchurch Cathedral, circa 1894, right across from our hotel.
Looked like the Red Cross to me.

After a long day of exploring, finally time to sit down over coffee and read the Globe and Mail, using the new, retro reading glasses I picked up at the Vancouver Art Museum shop– at an exhorbitant price.My Honey’s Buns was an irresistible choice of cafe. I mean, irresistible.
And here’s their slogan:
Off to Kamloops by train Friday morning. We meet our train guide in the lobby at 6:30am and our luggage goes at 5:45a.m. Whoa! Talk about O-dark-hundred. More from the Rockies….