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October 23, 2006

vancouver today (and yesterday, and the day before...)


Having flown from Paris, my all-time favorite city, did I find myself in a new land of the new world... well at least to me. This was my first time being in Canada, although I had always wanted to; don't know why it took me so long, but I finally made it!

My first place of stay was the town called Victoria, in Vancouver Island, which should not be confused with the city of Vancouver, which isn't in Vancouver Island (confusing...). I experienced Canadian Thanksgiving, checked out local markets, tasted some local food and drinks, generally being fed well before heading to Vancouver (city), where I charged in and had a quick run to try some of the best restaurants the city has to offer.

Overall, my impression of Canada - or of Victoria and Vancouver, to be precise - was a very positive one. People were nice, food was good. Other than that, there is something I couldn't help but notice - rather an unexpected one. Somehow, the place gave me a striking sense of familiarness. There was something that reminded me of Japan. Can't nail down, but it was definitely there. I should go back to figure it out, sometime, hopefully in the near future. Hopefully.

Like anywhere I have traveled recently, I took a bunch of pictures, food and non-food. It would have been fantastic if I had been able to put them all up here, but as it happens, I haven't. Too little time, too much to do. For now I've got just a fraction of what I saw and had in Vancouver in the past few days, online: here (slideshow, as always). I do intend to detail it on my blog, but for the time being, please stay tuned to my flickr photo albums - chances are that there will be more photos, coming up sooner, although without much detailed explanations.

For now, I said farewell to Vancouver and Canada - thanks folks!

14 comments:

Tongue in Cheek Antiques said...

Your photos stole my heart! Fantastic angles and lightening! 

Posted by tongue in cheek

santos. said...

canada, japan: sanitary. 

Posted by santos.

Anonymous said...

It might be because Vancouver and Victoria are on the coast (oh, and the huge Asian population there). Be sure to check out the rest of Canada! 

Posted by Saori

So FL Gal said...

You beat me to Vancouver! 

Posted by Lynne

Anonymous said...

Hi Chika,

I always come to your blog when I want to be inspired and you didn't disappoint. I love the shot of the fork and napkin, beautiful light and wonderful composition.You seem to be a true epicurian, with a joyfulness and appreciation of life that is so nice.

Thanks 

Posted by Dione

Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) said...

As always, your photos are breathtaking! 

Posted by Lydia

sooishi said...

C'est magnifique Chika! 

Posted by sooishi

Anonymous said...

it will look much better without a city, just sky and leaves. try it. 

Posted by alexey

Pendullum said...

Breathtaking shots...
Vancouver Island is a beautiful place to start...
and glad that you brought me back... as it has been twently years since I was last there)
Canada is where I live...
But I live all the way towards the east and each province has its own unique 'take' on Canada...
Glad to see you got your feet wet and hope that you will be back in my fair country again soon... 

Posted by Pendullum

Anonymous said...

What beautiful pictures, I have to visit sometime. 

Posted by Dianka

Anonymous said...

Glad you liked Vancouver. I'm from Seattle and miss the two cities quite a lot. 

Posted by maryeats

Anonymous said...

Wow, what great photos. I have never been able to get the knack of photographing food. It seems so easy-point and shoot, but somehow, I never end up with anything useable. Yours make everything look better than life. Congrats. Thanks for a great blog. 

Posted by Diane

Anonymous said...

I live in France but am from Vancouver (born and raised). Your pictures are beautiful. Thanks for taking me home for a few minutes. I see you had nice weather, lucky you! Why you feel like it's Asian? Because it IS, ha ha! At least 40 % asian pop. and some of the best darn asian restaurants in the world! 

Posted by Jane

The Overworked Barista said...

I lived in Vancouver over a year ago, and I understand that sense you get. Not just the Asian Population, but the way people present themselves...the way the restaurants set up and the stands are run. The transportation system and the late night food.

I miss that city. Argh.

Maybe I'll just move now, I would love to know where you ate and what you thought of it if you remember. Just so I could try the places I haven't. If you do go back there are some great places I would suggest, especially coffee and gelato and cake. and burritos.