Animals, Art, Castles, Coastlines, Culture, Famous Landmarks, Food, Funny Signs, Good Lighting For Pictures, Hiking, Historic Sites, Interesting Architecture, Language Learning, Photography, Postcards, Snowboarding
Travel Status:
Saving up to travel
Occupation:
Student
I travel because:
I like the person who I am when I'm away. Then again, I also like the person I am right now! I LOVE taking pictures and I find I do this more when I'm on vacation. I love my bed and I appreciate it more when I come back! I love snowboarding so I make mini trips to my ultimate happy place : Whistler, BC =)
Perfect meal:
has avocado in it! Avocado goes with everything: shrimp, chicken, sandwiches...your face
Never travel without:
snacks. I get motion sick unless I have something like gum or suckers. Call it an oral fixation.
Last thing I broke:
I think I've finally out grown my accident prone phase. So I am a good travel companion!
The thing I always forget:
On my last trip I forgot my glasses =p Although that wasn't as bad as forgetting my jacket for snowboarding! Lucky for me, Whistler does rentals! Unlucky for me, I'd rather spend the 20$ on a delicious splitz burger. See: my review on splitz!
Travel inconveniences I could do without:
Long bus rides.
When not traveling I'm:
At school, lamenting to my friends how badly I want to go somewhere!
PoOn Y.
Student trying to figure out her life. Last time I went on a big traveling adventure, it was to Asia for 6 weeks. Partly for work, partly for family and partly to do the whole "discouver myself" thing. When I came back I totally kicked ass in University so I wonder what will happen the next time I come back from such an endeavor!
A great place to stay! Checked out a lot of different hotels and guest homes in the area for comparison and this is definitely the best deal! Very comfy beds and hot showers (2 shower heads!) and the staff is super friendly! Mickey at the front counter was very helpful and speaks great English :) I wish I had found this place earlier and would definitely stay here again. They have another sister hotel further up on the street but this one is nicer.
Gorgeous example of nature! And you get so much closer to the actual falls from this American side!
Many fantastic view points of the different waterfalls; you can even take an elevator ($1US) to go closer to the base of the falls and walk along some staircases.
I found I wasn't covered in as much mist from these falls compared to the giant horseshoe one on the Canadian side - but in conclusion I say bring your passport and go to both the American side and Canadian side!
I like taking pictures of buildings (like churches) and apparently I wasn`t the only one because there was some professional photography going on! I don`t think it was a wedding, but I can see why this area (Nob Hill) makes for a good backdrop.
I just went to their website and I like the look of the interior but I never got to see that in person!
Great view of the city and I enjoyed taking a break from trekking up the hill by relaxing in a park bench watching playful dogs! There are a lot of old, famous hotels here that look expensive. I`ve heard the nob hill is referred to as snob hill because it`s an affluent area. Nice place to make a stop if you`re walking around and wanting to explore the city!
Largest Chinatown in North America so I had to check it out! And did I ever - I came here every single day of my 4 day stay! It`s busy and big, lot`s of nooks and crannies and I don`t know if it`s the hills or the painted lamp posts but it definitely has it`s own feel seperate from other Chinatowns.
There`s one shop famous for its egg tarts aka custard tarts. I`ve always seen a lineup and apparently they sell out if you go too late. I tried one and it was definitely very good! I think the name was Golden Gate Bakery.. I hope someone can correct me!
Another favourite was a place that had amazing pineapple buns and I think it had to do with their irregular shape! They had dough in the shape of animals in their window if that helps.
Either way there is so much to discouver here - everything (food wise) is so cheap anyway that you can try a few places out =)
Came here twice in row for breakfast/brunch. Tried 2 different omelets which were stuffed with delicious fillings. They were just starting to serve lunch on one of the days we went and the pasta dishes looked tasty!
Took one of their dinner menus and had planned to come back because the menu sounded equally good.
Located in the North Beach area so you can walk around after to hang out and sit at the park: Washington Square.
Very busy here which makes sense since it is a famous landmark! Mainly came here for more views of the city, bridge and you can see Alcatraz and take pictures. I thought the Sea Lions were so funny because they make lot`s of noise and look so content basking in the sun. Once in awhile one will push another one off! It feels like a carnival when you`re walking through because of all the candy and there`s a merry-go-round.
Went on a clear sunny day and took lot`s of pictures because of the great view! Convenient location - walking distance to many other landmarks. We came from Chinatown, headed over to Pier 39, and then to the North Beach area all in a couple of hours.
I had never had a French style macaron until this place so I really enjoyed those!I tried the pistacio and while the lavender one was recommonded to me, they were sold out. The service was friendly and the guy behind the counter gave us a comlimentary macaron because he said it didn`t look right (ie. squished! it was a rasberry passionfruit flavour and still tasted good)
The tarts all looked good and there was a large selection including a pear and cheese one.Came back 2 days in a row for thei chocolate hazelnut croissant.
I was impressed that they had a jar of nutella sitting out by the condiments, I haven`t seen that done before!
I would have never found this place on my own even if I was from the city because it's tucked away and when I described it's unique location to my friend she exclaimed, "That sounds like Europe!"
So right away I was impressed (I like it when I'm reminded I'm in a different city!) and it felt like I had discouvered a hidden secret within the alley way. The service was very friendly and informative and the food was amazing!! I had the Porc au Miel described above which was made with a white balsamic and honey sauce. Oh my goodness, it was so decadent and I savoured every single bite. I tried my friends dishes which were just as flavourful but I definitely think the dish I chose was made for me.
We also had a sweet white wine that went really well with their cheese platter.
Definitely recommend this!
(There was also a mirror next to the table so my friend and I commented that we could sneakily reapply our lipgloss here..hehe)
An icon of San Francisco - I was so happy to go on because they look fun and it reminds of my childhood and watching Full House!
Took this to go up to Nob Hill. I'm amazed at how they go up the steep city hills and how long they've been doing this for! There was a line when we went and we got to watch the cable car come to the end and the people manually turn the car around to go back the other direction - very neat!
We weren't sure where to pay, as many people had tickets on them already but you can purchase them on the car.
I saw the interior decor from the outside so I went inside to look around more and get a better look at the glass dome. I didn't come here with the purpose of shopping but there is definitely an extensive selection of luxury brands.
There is also a restaurant at the very top called the Rotunda which has some great views of the street below and the park/square across the way.
Huge place that has it's own elevator! Came during Earth Hour so the whole place was in candlelight - very cool, I like the owners already! We were seated at the back with comfy cushions to rest against. Menu was broken up into 3 different sections representing different cuisine styles. Shared a pork dish that was so tender and beef tenderloin that was prettily presented and packed a lot of flavour. I put a picture up but you'll have to try it to taste the perfect combination of flaky pastry and meat (I've been told this is the best beef tenderloin ever). The 1st floor turns into a dance floor and tables are pushed aside to create this space after dinner. 2nd floor was super packed with a bar and so we went straight to the rooftop after dinner. You get a nice view of the city skyline and the Oakland bridge. They have a grill to serve food here and it smelled really appetizing. Sharing a capriana by the heat lamp was a perfect way to end an evening. As we were leaving, there was a line forming outside (for people to go dancing??). This seems like a great one-stop destination for a night out to do it all - be it with one other person or a group of friends.
Very cozy restaurant that constantly has a line! While waiting for a table I mentioned how excited I was to try the food and a patron immediatley told me it was amazing and that I would love it! We had the infamous pork with pomegranate and currant sauce dish (see picture *drool*) which we later recommended to the party next to us (along with the suggestion of mixing the sauce with the potato dish and then serving it with the pork). They had been here before so this place seems pretty popular and ordered it after seeing how much we were enjoying it. One of the specials of the day (and the specials list was pretty extensive with extremely delicious descriptions!) was a butter (??) fish with avocado crab roll on top (also see picture). I would definitely want to come back and highly recommend it. I'm hungry just writing this.
I had so much fun here! This was recommended to me by a colleague who had just come back from SF and by someone who was waiting in line with me at airport security! So - I was convinced to look into it. There is a ton to look at (5 floors) so I would suggest slotting in ~2 hours. I did an audio tour by myself first which covers a selection of their permanent collection on their 2nd floor (The urinal piece called Fountain is a 1917 work by Marcel Duchamp and was one of my favourites because of all the discussion it generated!). They also have frequent group tours so I listened in on one for awhile too =) There is so much variation and when I went they had an exhibit of the 1000 journals project which I had been interested in beforehand so I really enjoyed this, while my friend recognized a lot of his favourite art pieces so there is something for everyone!
This was my first destination ( McDonalds at the airport doesn't count) in Greece and the view of the city was incredible. I took a ton of panoramic shots because the buildings seemed to stretch on forever. I was taking a Comparative Civilazations course at the time so it was really fascinating to have been learning about the significance and architectural details and then actually seeing it in person! I don't think you need a lot of background knowledge to appreciate how perfect it looks but it definitely will enhance your experience!
I wasn't around at night but I bought some postcards that featured the Acropolis with really vibrant purple lighting and I think that would make for some amazing photos!
This park is huge and such a great place to go for walks!
I've come here all throughout the year and it's fun anytime! I usually start by walking on the perimeter (also known as the Sea Wall) and deviate into one of the many paths within the park. There's lot's of photo opportunities from the totem poles, beaches, giant trees, sculptures, view of the lions gate bridge..fat squirrels. These squirrels wer originally a gift from New York like, 100 years ago and now they're everywhere and huge because people keep feeding them.
There's a really good viewpoint called Prospect Point where a lot of tour buses stop because there's a restaurant and gift shop there, and you get a view of the North Shore mountains, the ocean, and the bridge over the Burrard inlet.
I`ve taken many walks along here, some long and some short. That`s the best part because anywhere along the sea wall you go has beautiful scenery of the water and the city.
I`ve never biked the sea wall but that`s what I would do if I wanted to see all of it in one day!
I would recommend starting in Coal Harbour where you can see all the pretty and expensive buildings along the waterfront. There are benches to take a break if you wanted. Once you enter Stanley Park there are a lot of different paths you can meander off to if you wanted to explore the park (see: Stanley Park). Otherwise, if you stay on the path you get a really good view of the water, North and West Vancouver, and the Lions Gate Bridge.
Summer is the most popular and busiest time, but I really like coming here in Autumn when all the leaves are changing colours.
See: English Bay and Kitsilano for more reviews of the other destinations on the sea wall route!
I haven't stayed here (in the hostel) but I've come here for to hang out and have drinks withs friends because of the super chill, laid back atmosphere.
Downtown Vancouver isn't very big so it's easy to get to this area. With that said, I don't wander over here very much.
There are these weird set of streets (well, maybe it's one long one) that are really narrow and lined with a ton of tiny/cute/expensive/pretentious shops and bars/restaurants. I think the crowd here is older, too.
With all that said, I wouldn't mind owning a place here because I bet the views are pretty nice! I added some pictures of the walks you can take in the area along the water where you pass by areas to sit. There is also an interesting gazebo-like concrete structure in the water that you pass by on the walk.
Great location and super easy to get to. There's a beach with really nice views of the ocean.
If you're going to be downtown anyway, you can easily get here and take walk along the beach or pathways above. There are lot's of park benches to take a break and talk. Denman street is close by has a good varitey of food options.
A lot of people bike/rollerblade by here on the popular Sea-wall route that passes through Stanley Park as well. Check that out too if you have time!
If you come at the end of July /begin of Aug you can watch the Celebration of Lights Firworks Display. Make a day out of it by going to Stanley Park first and ending up here early enough to scope out a prime location!
I want to give this 3.5 stars...but there are no half stars.
I hike for enjoyment and for scenery. At the top, the view is gorgeous, but until you get there it is really just trees, stairs and pain.
Do it if you want a really good workout. But there are better hikes in the area that have great scenery along the way and where the incline is spread out further distances!
There are marker points that say 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 of the way.
Be warned, the 1/4 mark is the longest! After that, they do appear quicker =)
Once you complete it though, you feel awesome. And you can compare times with your friends.
In the winter, great for skiing and snowboarding because it is the EASIEST mountain to get to via public transportation.
Snowboarding (or skiing!) down the moutain with its breathtaking views of the city is just amazing. I find the runs are kind of short but that's okay.
In the summer, try the challenging hike dubbed the Grouse Grind (see: reviews).
Once at the top, there are a lot of wooden sculptures, a lumber jack show in the summer, zip-lining, a bear park (there's a few of them) and more hiking/walking around.
This is a great place to stay for an overnight trip just to get away from the main city (Vancouver) both in the Summer and Winter.
If you're a snowboarder or skiier, the obvious option is to get a lift pass for the Whistler Blackcomb mountains. Preferably at least 2 days worth so you can try out both mountains. (See: reviews on Whistler or Blackcomb mountain).
If that's not for you, there's a ton of shopping, dining, and nightlife oppourtunities.
Zip-lining and zip-trekking are other exciting options. Even if you take a day trip, try to check out the village anyway - you can rent a locker in the main village for about $5 CAN dollars to store your gear and walk around.
I like checking out the candy store and cows icecream and there are lot's of photo opportunities in the village because there is a river and the moutains in the background!
This has more advanced ski runs just based on the trail maps and the ratio of green/blue/black runs.
Blackcomb has some amazing bowls that you have to do a bit of hiking too (still in bounds) with incredible views! There's a LOT to explore so you could easily spend more than a couple of days, (some days at Whistler, some days at Blackcomb..) which I can't say the same about other resorts I've been too!
You must go to 7th Heaven - it takes about 3 chairlifts and a cattrack to get to but the powder is AMAZING. As long as you're not a complete beginner, there is a wide range of runs!
Gorgeous! Really beautiful surroundings, plenty of photo opportunities and lot`s of great hikes! There`s a lot of hiking nearby as well, and you don`t have to go far to get a view =)
As an avid scrapbooker, I notice that all the stickers and embellishments you buy to create your San Francisco memories ALWAYS feature the goldern gate bridge! So it's kind of a must see / must take pictures with landmark when you're into being a tourist! My pictures turned out amazing when they were taken from the other side of the bridge (opposite the main city centre) on a really high hill. When I get the name of said hill, I will update this review, although it was pretty much the road you're already on as you cross the bridge!
Everything on the menu looked delicious, I wanted to order it all!
I settled on the crab and avocado eggs benedict which was good, but I would have liked more avocado.The juice was really tasty, definitely order the bigger size. You can share with a friend.
The best part was that I was so satisfied with this meal that I didn't have to buy lunch!
This is the kind of place you come to more for the experience, although the food was good too!
You're given a bib to wear if you order the feasts because it can get pretty messy with all the seafood poured on the table in front of you. I thought that was both cute and practical!
We sat on table right on the edge of small pseudo cliff so that was pretty interesting! I never was worried about falling over into the water which was definitely a plus.
Food was well priced and I really liked these noodles smothered with peanut sauce.
I didn't have a problem with the saltiness, but that's probably because I didn't have too much curry.
Looking for designer goods - be it Gucci and Louis Vuitton handbags, Manolo Blahnik shoes, or NARS and Shu Umera cosmetics.. this is the place because of the large Holt Renfrew store.
It's recently been renovated and is absolutely huge. Your one stop destinations for luxury items.
Besides from that, I like the crowd at Pacific Center. I find there are less mall rats and generally less crowding.
H & M also just opened and is also huge. So if Holts is too expensive, here is a more cost efficient alternative!
There's a reason I keep buying a season's pass here!
7th Heaven Area on Blackcomb has great open areas with stunning views.
New Symphony express chair on Whistler opens up some amazing terrain with a new run that was made to be more 'forest friendly' and has runs that are wide enough for those who are too scared to venture into 'tree runs' but you still feel like you are going through the trees! At least.. more so than a standard groomed run.
Locals are very friendly, and you see a great mix of people! There's always a ton of visitors!
LODGING ADVICE: Stay in the village! Shuttle buses DO run on the half hour to most other places by the village (ie. village north) but they stop after a certain time (night) so this will impede your nightlife experience! Also, if you stay in the village, you don't have to lug around equipment for so long.
Being an Orientation Leader for this University has given me a lot of background history and new appreciation for this campus!
This is the first university to offer a tri-semester program allowing students to take courses all year around or choose which semesters to attend. There are three tall trees planted in the centre of the camps to represent this unique and leading system!
There is a strong history student life and passion as demonstrated by all the enthusiastic rallies in the early years (1960's) of the campus!
A large reflection pond with a jade rock sits in the middle of the campus in the Academic Quadrangle gardens. Very impressive architectural designs!
The design of the campus was laid out in a horizontal (rather than vertical manner) such the integrity of the mountain view from far away was not comprimised.
Someone once quoted: "concrete is the marble of the 20th century".. well viva SFU!
Amazing portions and prices! I've never seen such giant chunks of sashimi.
The Alaska roll (avocado with salmon sashimi and special dressing) and Awesome roll (baked salmon roll with lots of great stuff on top) are my personal picks.