Summer Night Market 2008 (Richmond Night Market)

Just did a quick search on Google about Night Market…

Here is an insert from the Vancouver Sun:

“RICHMOND - The popular summer night market in Richmond is one step closer to reopening under a new operator after months of uncertainty over its fate,

Richmond city council agreed Monday evening to send an application for a two-year land-use permit to a public hearing after grilling the new operator, Paul Cheung, about how he would tackle the problems of counterfeit goods and traffic congestion at the market.

Cheung, a Vancouver entrepreneur with years of experience planning events for the Plaza of Nations, said he’s confident he can get a better and safer market up and running by May 30, if his plan succeeds at the public hearing scheduled for May 20.”

Granville Island

For those who like tourist destinations… then Granville Island is a must-stop-at destination in Metro Vancouver. Located under the Granville Bridge, Granville Island is a tourist hot-spot for food, shopping, hanging-out, and much much more.

There are several restaurants in the area: Sammy J Pepper, The Keg, and etc.

In addition, there are stores and shops for all ages. It is a neat place with something for everyone. Here is a giant ball rolling machine just like the one in front of Science World.

In addition, it always amazes me with what people come up with title names; here we have Moose droppings.

Every so often you would find street performers at Granville Island. Some do a pretty good job and others not so good. Nonetheless, they are street artists performing what they love and do best. Regardless, it is always entertaining to see what some street performers have thought of.

When we were heading out of Granville Island we saw some goose with baby goose on top of a roof. It made us wonder why it built a nest up there in the first place.

Here is the rest of the photos I took:

Greater Vancouver Zoo

I hardly remember the last time that I have been to a zoo and I have always been interested to see the Greater Vancouver Zoo. It is rather sad to say that I have been here in Vancouver for almost 14 years and have never been to the Vancouver Zoo.

After my trip to the zoo recently, it didn’t surprise me that I did not go often - it is simply too far away.

Located in Aldergrove, the zoo is approximately 45 minutes from Vancouver. The 45 minutes refer to driving on Canada’s #1 highway at the speed limit of 100km/hr the entire way there. Of course, those who tend to “drive faster” will be there faster.

Never been to the Vancouver Zoo all my life.. I didn’t know what to expect.

Upon arrival, I found an empty parking lot, which meant there weren’t many people. The entire space is the parking lot and you see my lone car on the side.

Once inside, there was a vast amount of open space and land for animals to roam in their designated areas.

I am no animal expert but it appears that these animals are quite tamed and calm - unlike the wild ones we see on National Geographic or the Discovery Channel. Nonetheless, it was a learning experience to see all these different species in one place.

From top right clockwise: two camels, a lone bear, Arctic Wolf. and donkey from Shrek.

And here below…biggest rodents in the world. Literally, they’re huge!

Some other animals found in the zoo:

Obviously, this post is to give you an idea to visit the zoo and does not cover every aspect of the zoo.

There are other animals in the zoo like lions, tigers, and hippos that you just have to visit to see.

There are bike rentals, tour bus and mini-train rides available.

Admission for adults ( 16- 64 yrs) is $18 per person.
Admission for child (4 - 15 yrs) is $14 per person.

Greater Vancouver Zoo
5048 - 264th Street Aldergrove, BC V4W 1N7
604.856.6825

Summer hours are April 1 - Sept 30 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Winter hours are October 1 - March 31 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

For more information: www.gvzoo.com

Nightmarket in Vancouver 2008

During spring to fall seasons in Vancouver, metro Vancouverites and tourists often flock to the nightmarkets for food and entertainment. Held annually, nightmarket is a shopping experience that mimics that of the traditional Asian shopping culture experience. In other words, night market is set out in an open district where store booths are set up to sell handicrafts, DVDs, gifts, household items, food and etc.

At prime times, more than 30,000 show up on opening nights for this event. With over 400 booths set up, booth renters often find customers interested in their products. Many products at nightmarket are often sold below retail store prices. However, there have been controversial issues with the legitimacy of some items being sold.

According to this source, “Richmond Night Market” for 2008 will be canceled. The author wrote that “the landlord who has been leasing out the property, where it has been held every year since 2000, has decided not to renew the lease.” Raymond Cheung, founder of Richmond Night Market, was quoted as saying that the Richmond Night Market hopes to find an alternative location for 2009.

According to Wikipedia, another promotion group, Lions Communications, not affiliated with promoters of Richmond Night Market will be holding “Summer Night Market” in Richmond in 2008. Lions Communications has submitted documents to obtain the permit required to hold the event. Unfortunately, no further information can be found regarding Summer Night Market.

According to the Chinatown Nightmarket website, Chinatown in nightmarket will continue this year on the specified dates:

May 16 - Sept 7, every Fri. Sat. & Sun. 6:30 p.m. - 11 p.m

Giant Clock in Metro Vancouver

Here is something I found while I was cruising around with my friends a while back. It is safe to say that even most Metro Vancouverites do not know where or what this item is…
This giant clock with actual moving “hands” is an actual clock that tells the exact time. However, the “hands” are movable by external means and can be deceiving.

For those who don’t know where this landmark is… it is located in West Vancouver. When you are in West Vancouver, head south on 15th street towards the sea and you’ll see it at the very end.