by Sarah Blinco | Dec 8, 2011 | North America, Travel blogger destinations
Vancouver, you’re my third home. It’s been brilliant living and working in the city for a couple of months.
I’ve loved it here ever since my first visit in 2000. At that time I was merely in pursuit of old X-Files’ filming locations (“nerd”), but my mad film obsessions lead me to one of the prettiest, easy-going, outdoorsy and downright beautiful places on the planet.
Bye beautiful British Columbia…
We stayed in Gastown (pictured) this time around. Sure, this historical part of town is renowned – one, for being a waterfront tourist mecca, but two, for hosting a ‘wide variety’ of people – from the wealthy design set to the ‘residentially challenged’ as they say here.
Across my three visits I’ve never ever had a problem in Vancouver, even in the so-called ‘dodgy’ area. I’m enamoured of the city and its water views across to the northern section, and the reciprocal views from North Vancouver to the downtown area.
Tom Cochrane Life is a Highway lyrics always spring to mind when I look across from Lonesdale Quay as sun sets across the cityscape. There’s nothing more lovely than strolling through Gastown in the evening as it is lit up by fairy-light encrusted trees and old Parisian style street lamps.
Cycling around stunning Stanley Park, fish ‘n chips at Deep Cove, snowboarding down Grouse Mountain overlooking the vast city, watching productions set up for a day’s filming then disappear, and getting lost amongst Capilano’s Christmas Canyon light display – it’s all magical to me, and I can attest first-hand to the many reasons this city is consistently voted one of the most liveable, and naturally gorgeous, in the world.
I’ve written several travel pieces on the region, focusing on the plethora of activities, sights and attractions… in fact it’s all happening in Vancouver! This time around however, I’d like to touch on Vancouver’s vibe, its people – they’re cool, creative, interesting, friendly and welcoming. We had the pleasure of meeting several new friends in Vancouver this year – some of the most interesting, inspired people I’ve met in a long time – you know who you are!
Then there’s the dog factor. They’re everywhere, and Vancouverites love ‘em, therefore I love Vancouverites. Dogs and coffee… it’s a little like dogs ‘n beer going hand-in-hand in London pubs.
Finally, the really noticeable nicety about Vancouver? The air! It’s clean, crisp, fresh… beautiful British Columbia (BC) is actually pretty ‘green’. They’ve had electric buses on the streets for a long time, even beyond when I was first here. It’s noticeable. Clear skin and fresh air in a busy city. Two thumbs up to everyone contributing to that, many cities should be paying attention.
I hope to see you again soon, Vancouver, and BC. I’m inspired by your beauty and the fact that no matter how much time I spend I can never seem to get enough of your amazing offerings. So, I’ll just have to head back again one day x
We adore Canada and British Columbia and believe it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Play flickr gallery:
by Sarah Blinco | Dec 5, 2011 | Lifestyle, North America, Travel blogger destinations, United Kingdom
Musings from 1 December 2011: Sitting in a darkened coach (which once upon a time I would have called a ‘bus’ – inside joke, ask Steve our Welsh Expat Explore driver ;-), on my way back from beautiful Whistler Village in British Columbia.
As I stare back at my own reflection in the window, unable to make out the Sea to Sky view into the black night, it hits me all of a sudden. It’s the day I knew it would nearly be all over, just a few days before we head back to Australia.
When travel comes to an end – what to do when the adventure is ‘over’
It’s hard to not feel a little overwhelmed by this realisation, as all the memories of packing, goodbyes and new beginnings during our first week staying in Bloomsbury come flooding back as if it was all just yesterday. What will I do when travel comes to an end?
I began updating my old Sugoi blog space a couple of years ago in 2009. Our very first entries document when we came up with a grand plan to drop everything and start a new life in London for a year or more (a smart or brave thing to do in our thirties?). We talk about plans, excitement, challenges, apprehension but most importantly the adventure that lay ahead.
Since then I’ve had all manner of fodder to write about – new jobs, new homes, snow, Starbucks, dogs we’ve met in the park (or cafes, street or just about anywhere actually), first-times for everything from visiting European cities to being stuck in airports, and having to work out where to buy groceries and linen.
It’s been 16 mesmerising, special, amazing and unbelievable months. We’ve made new friends, embarked on adventures I never dreamed possible and visited places abroad that I never ever thought I’d have the opportunity to go.
I no longer shed a tear at the thought that I’ve ‘missed out’ on travel – feeling like I’ve lost the chance to gaze up at the glittering Eiffel Tower as it lights up into the evening or missed out on falling in love with Prague as I watch from the castle above the city.
I have had a chance to smile down at the Gondoliers as they calmly float on by through a Venetian canal, and be chastised by the Gladiators in Rome for taking a photo of them outside the Colosseum without paying my €5. There are so many things that make me smile now – memories that are mine and Cooper’s, not just scenes from a film.
A couple of years ago for some reason I thought I’d lost all chance to follow my dreams of living and working overseas, but fate stepped in and opportunities arrived seemingly out of the blue. I’m super excited to go home – it was sad to leave our parents, siblings and dog. I can’t wait to give them all a big hug.
My brother now lives in Australia after being away in Japan for five years. It was really sad to literally pass him as he came back into the country and I decided to leave. Since we’ve been gone a new baby nephew has come into the world. What a happy little guy he looks to be; he’ll be sick of me kissing him by the time Christmas rolls around (as will my other 5-year-old nephew, come to think of it). It will be nice to have a ‘home’ base again, at least for the time being. I mean, I think even my computer is getting tired of moving around, with its flickering screen that keeps crashing every few minutes – makes getting through work very frustrating, but I can’t be too upset, it has seen me through travels and work from the Gold Coast to Cairns, London to Paris, throughout Europe, Scotland, Dublin and across to Prince Edward Island, down to Boston, across to British Columbia and beyond.
How though, do I come to terms with the end of life as I presently know it, where every day brings somewhere and someone new across my path? When I was in London I saw another travel writer Tweet something about this and I’ve saved his feature on file… somewhere… I remember the key message though. He was discussing his life as a traveller and a journalist and how each day abroad is addictive, intoxicating − especially for some personality types: the drug of a new day and the exciting type of challenges that the lifestyle brings.
When he touches back down at home and is planning to be there for an extended period sometimes it’s challenging in itself to get back to the ‘real world’.
The lesson, he pointed out, is that travel and adventure should teach us to bring the new found love of exploration back home. Explore places in your backyard that you might not usually go to or that you take for granted. Write about it, film and photograph, share tips, tricks and strike up new friendships that you would if you were a tourist.
My adventure has provided me with so much insight into what can be done – by me and others. I have a feature on the topic in the pipeline for a very fabulous Aussie national monthly women’s consumer magazine (out mid 2012), I’ve learned the value of blogging and social media from my time in London; I have learned to love and be inspired by music again (also thanks to London) and I have ideas and inspiration regarding the future.
Once upon a time I had looked on this day as the ‘end of the adventure’, but now I maintain the hope that it’s really only just beginning. Next year I have the privilege of going back to England as the new Blogger for Back-Roads Touring – something I would never have had the tools or knowledge to even consider entering in the first place but for this time outside of my comfort zone.
Following some supremely inspiring interviews with a series of women aged between 30 and 40 who all decided to do the same as me – take a mid-career pause to live, work and travel overseas – I realised that not one of us for a single second regret taking this ‘time out’ to pursue some kind of crazy Eat Pray Love dream.
In fact, each agrees that regardless of any fears prior to leaving ‘home’, all have returned with a greater sense of inspiration and knowledge we can do so much more than we ever thought possible. Certainly some, like myself, feel just a little bit broken hearted about leaving what became a ‘new home’ (whether it was London, Paris, Vancouver…) but we don’t believe the adventure is over. It’s life changing, both for what’s happened in the past and what will be directed to happen by us in the future.
When travel comes to an end, what to do when the ‘adventure is over’? Start a new one.
by Sarah Blinco | Dec 5, 2011 | North America, Travel blogger destinations
One of my very favourite experiences travelling the world has been visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge (just outside of Vancouver), especially when they switch on the beautiful twinkling Christmas lights display throughout the forest.
We’d visited this special site a couple of years ago and loved Capilano’s Canyon Lights so much that we specifically waited until this December to head up and into the woods again.
Unfortunately my images don’t do the spectacle justice (the camera I have isn’t working so well in the dark; go to the official site or Instagram for a divine view); let me assure you, it’s a vast fairyland high above the canyon and into the rainforest – sparkling lights throughout the woods, a magical treetops walk set to sweet classical music tunes echoing throughout the trees.
Every adult, youngster and dog visiting tonight (on a particularly lovely, clear night here in Vancouver) marvelled in childlike wonder.
5/5 for this fantastic Vancouver experience. Almost indescribable; simply spectacular.
Our afternoon’s IMAGES HERE.
by Sarah Blinco | Dec 3, 2011 | North America, Travel blogger destinations
It’s almost become a rite of passage for Aussies to visit, if not live, at Whistler in Canada, the number one Snow & Ski Resort in North America.
Everywhere here there are Aussie accents, which is quite nice, and just a little surreal being that there certainly isn’t any place like this in Australia!
Whistler is a simply gorgeous village located about an hour and a half outside of Vancouver, Canada. It’s brimming with chic boutique stores, pubs, restaurants and hotels and the fun is as plentiful in summer as it is in winter.
Obviously the allure of this place for Australians is the snow, and we were fortunate to experience a super snowy day on Tuesday followed by what locals describe as a ‘blue bird’ day (superb sunny skies but with snow-capped mountains – ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding).
Whistler and Blackcomb mountains (side by side surrounding this resort town, and connected by the world-famous, record-holding Peak2Peak Gondola) are huge, and vast − a snow-drenched dream. Aside from the simple pleasures of playing in the snow, visitors here treasure the exceptional standard of service at each and every hotel and dining venue, and the ease with which anyone can wander around and enjoy so many fun options – rain or sunshine, day and night.
We stayed at the Pan Pacific Hotel by the village (there is also a Pan Pacific option ‘mountainside’) which we’d highly recommend for its proximity to everything, fantastic service, free and delicious breakfast and free WiFi, among many other delights that made for a totally brilliant stay.
I also have to say we enjoyed the fab lunch specials (especially the soup) offered by Ingrid’s Village Cafe (yummy!), although there are many exceptional dining options here − so much so that actually ‘choosing’ where to eat can be a happy challenge.
If you’re keen for some R&R check out the luxe Scandinave Spa with its hot and cool plunge pools and steam rooms surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains and fir trees (draped in snow when I visited).
Whistler is pure magic. We’ve only ever visited in winter but we’re told summer is even better with cycling, hiking, concerts and so much more on offer. I can’t imagine this place could actually get any better.
All I can say is that if you ever have the chance to come here, whether for a day (check out West Coast Tours, excursions from Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway), a week, season or a year − definitely say ‘yes’ in a heartbeat.
**Just be aware… if you’re taking a midnight stroll through town as we did on Sunday night, you may just run into a big brown bear! Yep, it was meandering along on one side of the street where we almost crossed over and bumped into it. Thankfully we didn’t smell good enough to eat and that exhilarating experience just added to the fabulousness of this awesome little place.
We adore Canada and British Columbia and believe it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Take a look for yourself here on Flickr
If you’re interested in more stories from this divine part of the world, you might also enjoy:
Heaven is Harrison Hot Springs
Coffee & cocktails in Gastown
The X-Files and Vancouver travel journal
Discovering Grouse Mountain and Victoria, Vancouver Island
By Sarah Blinco
by Sarah Blinco | Nov 22, 2011 | North America, Travel blogger destinations
Hello again! I’m back following a forced hiatus − that is, my computer decided to have an extended nap for a week. $$$ and a new screen later, I’m back!
It’s even cooler here in beautiful British Columbia, and the snow is falling. Ski resorts are now welcoming winter sports enthusiasts and I’m there ready to… well, drink hot chocolate and watch in awe.
Cool travels – Grouse Mountain and Vancouver Island
We paid a visit to gorgeous Grouse Mountain last week. Grouse is cool because it’s only about half an hour’s easy commute from Vancouver city. We’ve been patiently watching from the city down below each day, waiting for powder to appear on Grouse’s peaks, and as soon as it did (on a sunny day, no less) we ventured up top for a play in the snow.
Grouse is special to me because it’s really the very first place I ever saw decent, fluttering, deep white winter wonderland-type snow, back in 1999 when my brother and I first visited.
Grouse is fabulous and this time around we trekked into the mountain a little further to see if we could meet the bears they have at a refuge nearby. Unfortunately the lazy little fellas (like the wolves in the sanctuary at the bottom of the mountain) were sleeping, so we were left to guess what they look like. Anyone however, can check out what they are up to day or night by logging onto the Grouse Wildlife Refuge bear-cam.
Little did we know that one day soon, we’d come face to face with a bear in the middle of the night in Whistler village!
Ice-skating, skiing, snowboarding, walks, hot drinks and fabulous Vancouver city views − it’s all at Grouse. There was even an Aussie Blue Cattle Dog playing up the top of the mountain with his owner − a highlight of our day, because this young dog looked just like our very own Harry who we miss back in Aus.
This is my third visit to B.C. but there’s just so much to see in this beautiful part of the world that I never seem to make it far out of Vancouver city itself. We had an aim this time around to at least get to Victoria on Vancouver Island (about four hours from Vancouver by coach, ferry then coach − check for deals on Pacific Coaches).
We’ll have to get back over to Vancouver Island one day because we realise we’ve missed so much − it’s one of the largest islands off the west coast of North America, and there are numerous areas of the region (such as Ladysmith and Tofino) we didn’t get to visit: untamed, wild beautiful landscapes. Typical ‘super natural’ BC (as they tout in the tourism advertisements).
Victoria however (capital of British Columbia), is a picturesque, clean city brimming with cool old buildings, contemporary shopping and night-life.
My friend, Lauren, once sent me a snow globe featuring Victoria’s romantic city skyline and I’ve wanted to visit for myself ever since receiving this treasured gift. Victoria is Western Canada’s oldest city, originally settled in 1843 and is named after Queen Victoria.
Mostly it is easy to navigate by foot if you’re staying in the city centre. Stroll around the inner harbour for lovely views of the city’s classic, famous architecture of parliament buildings and grand old hotels; Government Street offers shopping and entertainment options, and look out for areas like Old Town, Chinatown, Market Square and Bastion Square for historical buildings and boutique browsing.
It’s also worthwhile finding your way to the famous Butchart Gardens and Craigdarroch Castle, and of course whale watching is a popular activity with numerous adventure companies offering a range of options to suit your time and budget.
We were lucky enough to be reunited with a fellow Expat Explorer from our brilliant August trip, which made this visit extra special.
Vancouver Island is definitely worth adding to your B.C. itinerary − it’s stunning, typical of the whole region, but with a slightly different feel to Vancouver city. Again, I feel fortunate to have visited such a pretty part of the world.
We adore Canada and British Columbia and believe it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Take a look for yourself here on Flickr
If you’re interested in more stories from this divine part of the world, you might also enjoy:
Heaven is Harrison Hot Springs
Coffee & cocktails in Gastown
Wonderful Whistler adventures
The X-Files and Vancouver travel journal
By Sarah Blinco
by Sarah Blinco | Nov 7, 2011 | North America, Travel blogger destinations
So far in our lives the only ‘hot spring’ town we’ve experienced is Moree in New South Wales (Australia). Now don’t get me wrong, we love Moree − we lived there for about two years, but Harrison Hot Springs (about 90-minutes drive from Vancouver), apart from also being a small town, couldn’t be more different − or scenic.
It is in fact, a sublime corner of the world that makes you want to pack up your bags to move! In all honesty, if you’re seeking beauty like Switzerland but without the price tag, add a destination like this in British Columbia (B.C.) to your ‘to see’ list.
Heaven is Harrison Hot Springs in British Columbia
Harrison Hot Springs in British Columbia is a town of around 2000 people. Harrison thrives as a cool tourist destination which boasts pretty homes, chic coffee shops, restaurants and hotels, surrounding mountain ranges, beaches, rivers, lakes, farmland and of course, divine mineral hot springs (accessible, as in Moree, via public pool facilities).
The quaint town was quieter this weekend because the weather is cooling down (hence the snow appearing on peaks above us), but the sun glistened so we were free to explore landscapes that appear to be directly from a Twilight or Once Upon a Time set (incidentally, both filmed in B.C.).
Even the commute from Vancouver on Friday afternoon was gorgeous − thanks to major traffic congestion we were forced to (literally) take the scenic route cross country, brightly lit by autumnal colours under a setting sun; and through classic old towns like Mission and Fort Langley – areas I recognise as popular filming ground for movies, and TV series’ including The X-Files, Supernatural, Smallville and Stargate.
We were introduced to the town by Phil (an old friend of Cooper’s) and his lovely wife, Susan.
Everyone we’ve met here has shown us warm, friendly hospitality, and we’ve done everything from enjoying delicious lattes by the beach overlooking snow-capped mountains, to walks around the town and local lake, hiking through vast open spaces, keeping an eye out for salmon and bald eagles. We watched ultralight aircrafts cruise across farmland, and enjoyed toasting marshmallows by a secluded river at sunset (pictured on this page).
It’s the ultimate B.C. escape, and a location also ideal for cycling, fishing, boating, golfing and getting back to nature. Harrison Hot Springs has reminded me, once again, why I believe this part of the world to be one of the most beautiful you could hope to discover on any journey.
There’s an added secret bonus in these parts too − it’s known as ‘Sasquatch (Bigfoot) Country’ − so keep your camera handy at all times because you may just need it for more than the scenery!
Further reading
If you’re interested in more stories from this divine part of the world, you might also enjoy:
The X-Files and Vancouver travel journal
Coffee & cocktails in Gastown
Wonderful Whistler adventures
Discovering Grouse Mountain and Victoria, Vancouver Island
Play flickr gallery:
