This summer has been an extremely busy one (note the lack of posts), but fortunately I can say that I really was busy doing a lot of really cool stuff! I made it a goal this summer to see places that are so close to where I live, yet so far when I consider the gas prices or the effort it would take to transit. Since I unexpectedly happened to meet a new boyfriend this summer, one who is from Kamloops and has not yet discovered many of the great sites that Greater Vancouver has to offer, dating seemed to be the perfect excuse to hit up all of these awesome places in and around the lower mainland.
Granville Island: My favourite part of Vancouver. I have fond memories of the “kid’s market” growing up, as well as various family outings to see “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Art’s Club Theatre Company. Now, I enjoy the giant public market that offers a vast selection of the freshest, most delicious food I could imagine. After picking out my favourite gelato, cheese, fruit or ethnic cuisine from inside the market, it is great to be able to wander around outside on the docks, staring at one of the best views of the city, or watching various street performers do whatever it is they do best. It would also be a shame to miss the pond where all the geese and ducks can be found, as it provides great photo-ops. To finish off the day, there is a great selection of restaurants that can be found scattered all throughout the gem that is Granville Island.
Whistler Village: 
I had the opportunity to visit whistler twice this summer. Once during the day to go bungee jumping, (See previous post for details!) and once overnight with my girlfriends to hit the town. Both times were so much fun! Especially since my experiences were full of great deals. First, I got to go bungee jumping with a groupon, which saved me 50% and got me a free T-shirt! Second, my friend’s sister happened to get us a great deal at a hotel in town that offered 50% off dinner in their very fancy restaurant if you arrived before 6. On a budget, as always, my friends and I were thrilled to experience both the gorgeous sites of the day, and the bumpin’ night life that left us with quite the hangover for the drive home. Don’t miss out on Garfinkel’s or any of the bachelor/bachelorette parties you happen to come across during your visit.
Richmond Night Market: Although I would like to say this way my idea, my boyfriend was definitely the one who was pushing for us to go. Getting lost three times on the way there and back didn’t manage to ruin the experience for us, as the night market was not like anything we had expected. I was thinking that the stands were going to be full of homemade products that hippies or homebodies had made, but we found that cellphone skins, socks, cheap jewelry and electronics were the big hits at this market! The food choices there were also very unique. We only tried the candy apples because we had eaten dinner with friends before we came, but we will for sure be back to try the deep-fried cheesecake, and the variety of different Asian Cuisines that were offered! My advice for you: Come hungry, and bring a map!
Downtown Vancouver: 
I must admit that I frequent downtown Vancouver on a regular basis. This summer alone I have gone downtown to work, party, meet friends’ new boyfriends, see Live @ Stanley Park, shop, and believe me I could hardly wait to get down there and see the damage done from the Stanley Cup Riots when I got home from Australia. However, since my guy had never rally had the opportunity to explore downtown, it was fun to take him down there and show him the sites. There is nothing quite like being on Granville street at nighttime. The lights and the noise make the experience fun, even in the most sober of situations. Yaletown is a great place to get lost, the sea-wall is full of fascinating views, and Davie street has some of the nicest, and rudest people you will ever encounter working as a promotions representative. Shopping downtown does not even compare to most places in British Columbia (Downtown Victoria is slowly becoming an exception), and the unlimited list of places you can eat, cuisines you can try and unique places you can drink leaves you with no choice but to enjoy yourself. I love this city.
Kitsilano: 
Since an out of town guest from Australia was visiting, we decided to show him around Kits beach, in hopes that maybe it might compare to an Australian beach. Fortunately, the beach offers a great view of the city, and has the most amusing people rollerblading past as you take a stroll. I like this beach because of the sand it offers, compared to some of the beaches around here that are very rocky. Not too far away is yet another abundance of restaurants that will satisfy any appetite. The one that comes to mind is “The Eatery”, where hundreds of sushi types are offered, and one of the best restaurant atmospheres that I have experienced.
20somethingcollegelife 