Seven of the group walked from Britannia Seniors Centre and caught the Sky Train to Main Street Station, then walked the north shore of False Creek to Cambie. We wound our way through Yaletown to Helmcken & Seymour where the Gathering Place Community Centre was holding its Annual Block Party.
A band was playing, prizes were being drawn, hot food was being served for just $2.00. Judi and Emily browsed the sale tables and bought books and handmade pottery. Judi chatted briefly with Mayor Greg Robertson while I received a pleasant massage to my shoulders.
The young woman offering the massages is Caroline MacGillivray, Founder and President of "beauty night", a "non-profit volunteer-based organization that provides makeovers and wellness programs to marginalized women and youth." This program started in 2000 when Caroline became concerned with the plight of the sex-trade workers in the DTES, and offers fitness, heath and nutrition, literacy, personal development and job interview skills. In 2002 Caroline was awarded a Flare Volunteer of the Year for her tireless effort with Beauty Night.
As a continuing part of the Beauty Night program, Caroline is currently working with the SPCA and ICBC to set up a dog-walking program for seniors, and anyone interested in getting involved is invited to call her at 778-885-4526 or email her at carolinem@beautynight.org. Check out her website http://www.beautynight.org/.
In the same area as the Gathering Place are two apartment blocks sponsored by The 127 Housing Society at 508 Helmcken (near Seymour). If you know of anyone looking for affordable housing, pass this information along: applicants need to apply in person 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Sept 15, Oct 20 or Nov 17, 2009. Eligible renters must be pensioners, or on income assistance. Disability recipients age 45 plus are also eligible. Rent is based on income. The buildings, according to one tenant we spoke with, are clean, quiet and drug-free.
Our walking group is now in the process of separating into slow and fast walkers; I have asked interested members to take turns selecting the walking tour and leading it when I am not available. Also, the fast group will need to select a full time leader and notify the office so that both groups are represented and accountable for their routes and destinations. So far, Judi, Susan, Linda, Marilyn, Emily and Ken are in agreement. Flora's friend, Brian, met us at the Centre this morning and expressed interest in returning to the group now that we have expanded our routes and interests.
We are slowly growing in numbers and aim to keep our walks interesting and social as well as recreational. New members are always welcome.
Contributor Virginia
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Senior's Road Trip
While on a road trip, an elderly couple stopped at a roadside Restaurant for lunch. After finishing their meal, they left the Restaurant and resumed their trip.When leaving, the elderly woman unknowingly left her glasses on the table and she didn't miss them until they had been driving about twenty minutes.
By then, to add to the aggravation, they had to travel quite a distance before they could find a place to turn around inorder to return to the restaurant to retrieve her glasses.
All the way back, the husband became the classic grouchy old man. He fussed and complained and scolded his wife relentlessly during the entire return drive. The more he chided her the more agitated he became. He just wouldn't letup.
To her relief, they finally arrived at the restaurant. As the woman got out of the car and hurried inside to retrieve her glasses, the old geezer yelled to her:
'While you're in there, you might as well get my hat and the credit card!'
By then, to add to the aggravation, they had to travel quite a distance before they could find a place to turn around inorder to return to the restaurant to retrieve her glasses.
All the way back, the husband became the classic grouchy old man. He fussed and complained and scolded his wife relentlessly during the entire return drive. The more he chided her the more agitated he became. He just wouldn't letup.
To her relief, they finally arrived at the restaurant. As the woman got out of the car and hurried inside to retrieve her glasses, the old geezer yelled to her:
'While you're in there, you might as well get my hat and the credit card!'
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Sat 22 Aug Bustrip/Walking group
Sat Aug 22 Walking Group Last Saturday, August 15, before the group set out for the day, I reminded them that I would not be here on the 22ND, and that the regular walk could go ahead without me and they needed to report to the office as we are now officially part of the Vancouver Walking Program and as such come under the city's management and liability.
Five of our group had signed up to take the bus trip to Harrison Hot Springs on the 22ND -Susan, Judi, Linda, my friend Anna, and me Virginia. [Anna is retiring from her job at Kwantlen College in October and plans to continue with our Saturday walking group.
We clambered aboard the Sunshine Coach with 17 other seniors from Britannia, including Barbara, Ed and Bonnie. Our driver was Alan, a Britannia staffer; he took East 1st Avenue off Commercial and followed the main route to Highway One, past Burnaby and New Westminster, over the Port Mann Bridge into North Surrey. The highway passes north of Langley and Fort Langley, then south of Abbotsford. At the town of Chilliwack we took Highway 9 through the peaceful little town of Agassiz under a warm sun with mild breezes and a few clouds. It was a perfect day for an outing. Beyond Agassiz is the road to Harrison Hot Springs.
We arrived at Harrison Lake around 11:45 (a 1.5 hour ride) and were dropped off at the public indoor pool which several people took advantage of. The rest of us went our separate ways, some in pairs, some in small groups, a few on their own, to walk the beach lagoon and check out the little shops and cafes. Susan, Anna, Linda and I ate our bag lunches on a viewing platform which offered a full panorama of beach, lake, island and mountains. After shopping for a jacket for Susan, we strolled around the lagoon where a few visitors were enjoying a swim. We stopped at a motel cafe where we enjoyed coffee and ice cream and met up with Judi who told us about a little market where we could get local cherries, nectarines and cob corn.
We then walked along the western shore of the lake, past restaurants and shops, past the Hot Springs Hotel and tennis courts, into the cool shade of the forest along the beach pathway. About a half kilometer from the hotel, we came upon the original source of the mineral water that supplies five pools in the hotel complex as well as the lagoon.
The hot springs were first discovered in the winter of 1858 by a couple of gold miners on their way back from the Caribou gold fields; the story goes that one of them fell into the lake and got the shock of his life - the water was not cold as he had expected; it was pleasantly warm. So they followed the heated water along the shore until they found the source, a natural mineral hot spring. Apparently, these springs were known to the local First Nations people as "Waum Chuck", a spiritual place of magic and healing. In 1873, Joseph Armstrong investigated and negotiated the purchase of the 40 acres surrounding the springs and, with the aid of a clever engineer, was able to separate the lake water from the naturally hot spring water to create a spa. The raw spring water was recorded at 145 degrees Fahrenheit and had to be blended with the lake water to create a comfortable temperature for the spa. In 1886, the St. Alice Hotel was built at the site and the new spa was a popular tourist destination until it burned down in 1905; it was never rebuilt.
Unfortunately, I did not get any history about the development of the Harrison Hotel and village but the website http://www.harrisonlakebc.com/ is a good source for more information.
We left at 3:00 pm and enjoyed a comfortable nap on the smooth ride back to Britannia Centre. Alan was commended for the ease with which he drove the van and he received gratitude and applause from all passengers.
The next out trip is Tuesday September 1st to White Rock with a stopover at the Buddhist Temple in Richmond. Saturday August 29Th, our regular walks will continue in the Vancouver area. Until then, enjoy the garden and farm harvests that are spilling into the local markets.
Contributor Virginia
Friday, August 21, 2009
ROSSANA MIRO
Hello, my name is Rossana Miro and I'm a “nutrition consultant”. I have a Diploma as “Registered Holistic Nutritionist” from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and I’m a “Registered Orthomolecular Health Practitioner”, member of the International Organisation of Nutritional Consultants. I have several years experience in “food preparation”, cooking and “special diets” and a real passion for herbs and spices...
Healthy Cooking Club
Rossana Miro
Friday's
Sep-11-to Dec 11
11:00am-12:00pm
Learn about healthy foods, prepare nutritious meals and learn to select the best quality food at an affordable price!
Come cook with us.
Come cook with us.
Weekly pre-registration required.
Must sign up by the Monday beforehand
$3.50 each Friday.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Tuesday Walking Group 18 Aug
Today we decided well I decided (Laurette) to take the new Canada Line from Broadway/City hall to Marine drive & walked over the pathway designated for bikes & pedestrians under the sky train over to Richmond. 
The first pic is the shortcut we took over the tracks to get to the pathway which was about 4 blocks away. The pictures following that were on the pathway crossing the river & what you saw both sides.
We walked all the way to River Rock Casino which is also the Brigeport skytrain stop in Richmond. This is where we went for a break for coffee, lunch & washroom break.
We then backtracked to the beginning & made our way home. BTW no one gambled. The nice is that three of us have never been to the casino.
Bridgeport will also be where quite a number of buses will be picking & dropping off passengers for the region of Richmond.
This is the the four of us who did it one way & then 1 person left us to continue on her own by skytrain to the airport from the Casino. I decided to go all the way to downtown Van to see what it looked like there. The trains are airy, lots of room for people, luggage & as well section for bikes.
Therese, Violet, Laurette & Virginia
This monuement was halfway across the bridge deicated to the person who died accidently. The floweres were signed "Miss you ", Mum.
This monuement was halfway across the bridge deicated to the person who died accidently. The floweres were signed "Miss you ", Mum.
Andrew Slobodian, 22, died Jan. 21 while operating a nine-tonne crane about midway along the bridge deck that spans the Fraser River from Vancouver to Richmond. He was working on the Canada Line rapid transit expansion project in Vancouver, which includes construction over the North Arm of the Fraser River
This last one is the first skytrain station that is above ground in Vancouver at Marine Drive where we got off & back on. Aftwards it is all above ground in Richmond, Every 2nd one goes to the Airport & the other to Brighouse which is across from Richmond Centre.
This last one is the first skytrain station that is above ground in Vancouver at Marine Drive where we got off & back on. Aftwards it is all above ground in Richmond, Every 2nd one goes to the Airport & the other to Brighouse which is across from Richmond Centre.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
One of our Senior Artists
I went to the courtyard in front of the Centre today "Artful Sundays" to see her work on display.
She is standing in front of just a small part of her work. This is her Irish roots she says.
For more info on her go to www.theresemilisart.com
Again this summer Britannia Community Centre will host an outdoor, mixed media, visual arts market in Napier Square (Napier at Commercial Drive, Noon - 5:00 pm) featuring the work of local artists, live music, artist workshops, demonstrations and more! For more information contact Coordinator Katherine Polgrain at: courage@vcn.bc.ca or leave a message at 604-718-5800.Info Poster and Artist List.5 Sundays 12:00-5:00 pm Aug 9-Sep 6
Contributor Laurette
Saturday, August 15, 2009
15 Aug Walking Group
Linda arrived at Britannia Centre with a new walking companion, Emily, a petite lady who swears she is a senior but looks only 20. On today's walk, she told us she had recently completed the Grouse Grind!! Susan came in soon after, followed by Marilyn and Ken carrying their usual take-out coffees.
We walked to Broadway, caught the #9 bus to Granville, headed downhill to the path leading off to the left along the south shore of False Creek. The path wound around the shoreline between a boat-filled marina on our right and lovely condos surrounded by even lovelier gardens on our left. We followed a short detour along a brick-lined sidewalk, then sidestepped onto a plaza where a stairway led down to Vanier Park walkway. We passed a 15 foot carved wood statue of a Salish figure facing the inlet with arms outstretched in welcome greeting.
Filling Vanier Park were the striking white tents of Bard on the Beach summer theatre. Beyond the tents we passed the Science Centre and Maritime Museum. While the others rested on a bench, Emily and I took a stone pathway to a large rectangular copper coloured frame, about 10 feet square, settled on a mound of grass and surrounded by small shrubs. A plaque at the base dedicated this monument to Captain George Vancouver whose illustrious life lasted only forty years (1758-1798) - perhaps an average lifetime 200 years ago. As an officer in the Royal Navy, he was commissioned to claim the northwest coast as British territory and to find the northwest passage. Between 1792 and 1794 he charted the coastline north of the 30Th parallel as well as the perimeter of Vancouver Island. This monument was a gift of the Canadian Historic Sites & Monuments Board.
Our walk continued south to West 4Th Avenue where a street festival was in full swing; it was primarily a collector car display and, as we were running out of time and energy, we caught buses back to Britannia. I gave Emily a number of pamphlets of various city walks and maps to give her an idea of how much territory we have charted for our walking group.
Next Saturday is the bus trip to Harrison Hot Springs. Several of our group are going on this outing, so I encouraged the members who would be here that day to organize a walk. Our regular walks will continue August 29Th. Into the Fall, we plan to do a couple of walks at Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake Park.
Contributor Virginia
We walked to Broadway, caught the #9 bus to Granville, headed downhill to the path leading off to the left along the south shore of False Creek. The path wound around the shoreline between a boat-filled marina on our right and lovely condos surrounded by even lovelier gardens on our left. We followed a short detour along a brick-lined sidewalk, then sidestepped onto a plaza where a stairway led down to Vanier Park walkway. We passed a 15 foot carved wood statue of a Salish figure facing the inlet with arms outstretched in welcome greeting.
Filling Vanier Park were the striking white tents of Bard on the Beach summer theatre. Beyond the tents we passed the Science Centre and Maritime Museum. While the others rested on a bench, Emily and I took a stone pathway to a large rectangular copper coloured frame, about 10 feet square, settled on a mound of grass and surrounded by small shrubs. A plaque at the base dedicated this monument to Captain George Vancouver whose illustrious life lasted only forty years (1758-1798) - perhaps an average lifetime 200 years ago. As an officer in the Royal Navy, he was commissioned to claim the northwest coast as British territory and to find the northwest passage. Between 1792 and 1794 he charted the coastline north of the 30Th parallel as well as the perimeter of Vancouver Island. This monument was a gift of the Canadian Historic Sites & Monuments Board.
Our walk continued south to West 4Th Avenue where a street festival was in full swing; it was primarily a collector car display and, as we were running out of time and energy, we caught buses back to Britannia. I gave Emily a number of pamphlets of various city walks and maps to give her an idea of how much territory we have charted for our walking group.
Next Saturday is the bus trip to Harrison Hot Springs. Several of our group are going on this outing, so I encouraged the members who would be here that day to organize a walk. Our regular walks will continue August 29Th. Into the Fall, we plan to do a couple of walks at Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake Park.
Contributor Virginia
Friday, August 14, 2009
Rossana Miro
Rossana Miro will be doing the Friday lunch workshop starting 11 Sep 09 at the Al Mattison Lounge. Below is her introduction.
Hello, my name is Rossana Miro and I'm a “nutrition consultant”. I have a Diploma as “Registered Holistic Nutritionist” from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and I’m a “Registered Orthomolecular Health Practitioner”, member of the International Organisation of Nutritional Consultants. I have several years experience in “food preparation”, cooking and “special diets” and
a real passion for herbs and spices...
Nutrition is a very intricate subject, not only in terms of the complex way in which the human body process nutrients, but also in terms of how difficult it can be to find accurate information on the subject.
There is a strict relation between diseases, lifestyle and nutrition: there is not diet that is right for everyone, each person is unique & different and it is important to take in consideration individual needs, food preferences, genetic, psychological factors, stress levels and so on....a person health depends not only on diet, but on emotions, feelings, social & economic conditions.
All organs and body systems work together: any imbalance in one part affects all the rest, chemicals substances, nutrients, compounds interact and depend on each others. My role as “Holistic Nutritionist” is to give people information they need to enable them to choose between “good and bad quality”, “healthy and harmful”, teach to understand body' signals and personal needs...all important steps to achieve wellness
why Holistic? Holism comes from the Greek word “holos” meaning “entire”: it is the idea that a human being is more than the sum of his physical body' part but the whole of body-mind-spirit. A holistic nutritionist deals with the root cause of an imbalance and focus on client education and participation.
If you believe in “real food”, homemade/simple recipes, nutritious-fresh ingredients, local supplier, common sense, cultural traditions, sustainable farming, ethical fair workers compensation, animal welfare, biodiversity ,food security...we share the same values.
a real passion for herbs and spices...
Nutrition is a very intricate subject, not only in terms of the complex way in which the human body process nutrients, but also in terms of how difficult it can be to find accurate information on the subject.
There is a strict relation between diseases, lifestyle and nutrition: there is not diet that is right for everyone, each person is unique & different and it is important to take in consideration individual needs, food preferences, genetic, psychological factors, stress levels and so on....a person health depends not only on diet, but on emotions, feelings, social & economic conditions.
All organs and body systems work together: any imbalance in one part affects all the rest, chemicals substances, nutrients, compounds interact and depend on each others. My role as “Holistic Nutritionist” is to give people information they need to enable them to choose between “good and bad quality”, “healthy and harmful”, teach to understand body' signals and personal needs...all important steps to achieve wellness
why Holistic? Holism comes from the Greek word “holos” meaning “entire”: it is the idea that a human being is more than the sum of his physical body' part but the whole of body-mind-spirit. A holistic nutritionist deals with the root cause of an imbalance and focus on client education and participation.
If you believe in “real food”, homemade/simple recipes, nutritious-fresh ingredients, local supplier, common sense, cultural traditions, sustainable farming, ethical fair workers compensation, animal welfare, biodiversity ,food security...we share the same values.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
VOLUNTEER FOR PATHWAYS AT BRITANNIA!
BE A PATHWAYS RECREATIONAL INSTRUCTOR!
Pathways is a program implemented by the Britannia Elementary school and Britannia Recreation Dept. It's in its second year and we are excited to be able to offer this again! The program offers recreational activities for the Britannia Elememtary School children in the first week and a half of school. That's in September! School administration staff work on class registration, professional development etc., while students engage in physical and recreational activities to start off their school year!
SPORTFIT is a series of activities offered during PATHWAYS at Britannia. It gives students the chance to explore summer and winter sports and activities, and find out where their interests lie. SPORTFIT connects children and youth to the activities that are right for them through eight easy and fun physical activity stations. To learn more, check out: http://www.sportfitcanada.com/
VOLUNTEER ASSISTANTS are wanted to help out at each of these stations on Wednesday, Sept 16 and Thursday Sept 17. Volunteers will need to:
Be interested in recreational activities
Be fitness oriented and have a genuine desire to encourage activity in the lives of children
Be able to speak English in public confidently
Be available to assist at 1 of 8 activity stations from 8:30am-2:30pm (with a break from 12pm-12:45pm)
Attend training before Sept 16, provided by two recreational staff
Volunteers will receive:
A statement of hours if requested
Lunch on the day they volunteer
If you're interested in this opportunity or know anyone that does, please contact me directly. Thanks! :) Regards,
Charlene Wee Coordinator,
Volunteer Program Britannia Community Services Centre
1661 Napier St. Vancouver BC V5L 4X4
Tel: 604-718-5860 Fax: 604-718-5858
Email: charlene.wee@vancouver.ca
Pathways is a program implemented by the Britannia Elementary school and Britannia Recreation Dept. It's in its second year and we are excited to be able to offer this again! The program offers recreational activities for the Britannia Elememtary School children in the first week and a half of school. That's in September! School administration staff work on class registration, professional development etc., while students engage in physical and recreational activities to start off their school year!
SPORTFIT is a series of activities offered during PATHWAYS at Britannia. It gives students the chance to explore summer and winter sports and activities, and find out where their interests lie. SPORTFIT connects children and youth to the activities that are right for them through eight easy and fun physical activity stations. To learn more, check out: http://www.sportfitcanada.com/
VOLUNTEER ASSISTANTS are wanted to help out at each of these stations on Wednesday, Sept 16 and Thursday Sept 17. Volunteers will need to:
Be interested in recreational activities
Be fitness oriented and have a genuine desire to encourage activity in the lives of children
Be able to speak English in public confidently
Be available to assist at 1 of 8 activity stations from 8:30am-2:30pm (with a break from 12pm-12:45pm)
Attend training before Sept 16, provided by two recreational staff
Volunteers will receive:
A statement of hours if requested
Lunch on the day they volunteer
If you're interested in this opportunity or know anyone that does, please contact me directly. Thanks! :) Regards,
Charlene Wee Coordinator,
Volunteer Program Britannia Community Services Centre
1661 Napier St. Vancouver BC V5L 4X4
Tel: 604-718-5860 Fax: 604-718-5858
Email: charlene.wee@vancouver.ca
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Walking Club 08 Aug '09
I arrived shortly after 10 am to read the training material provided and reminded the members who showed up - Judi, Susan, Linda, Marilyn and Ken - to be here at 10:15 so I have time to report to the office on who is going on the walk, where we plan to go, how we plan to get there and back.
We took the #20 bus to Broadway, transferred to the #9 going west, got off at Pine Street where we met Lorna who came out from the West End to join us. From there we walked down to 6Th Avenue and toured the three community gardens that I wrote about a few weeks ago: Cypress, Maplewood and Kitsilano gardens. For a list go to http://vancouver.ca/parks/parks/comgardn.htm.
From there we walked down to 2ND Avenue and stopped at Bean Around the World for a lunch break and very strong delicious coffee.
Our walk continued across the Burrard Bridge, during which time Lorna and I (Virginia) yelled at three separate cyclists who were using the sidewalk instead of the new cycling lane which is safely barricaded from vehicle traffic. One rider sarcastically remarked "Thanks! You made my day." Goody for him. Next time maybe he'll keep to the cycling lane and leave the sidewalk for pedestrians.
At the north end of Burrard, Lorna, Susan, Judi and Linda caught a bus on Burrard to return home while Marilyn, Ken and I took the stairway under the bridge and walked along the north shore of False Creek to Beatty Street where they caught the #15 community bus to Main Street to catch the skytrain to Broadway and Commercial on their way home. I caught the #15 Cambie at the nearest bus stop and transferred to the #20 Victoria at Robson & Seymour to get back to Britannia Centre.
The weather was overcast with a soft cool breeze, very comfortable for today's longer than usual walk. Ken particularly enjoyed the walk; he is a lover of gardens and dogs and we saw a lot of both today. He told me he walks dogs from the city pound two days a week, that the dogs like him and respond to his serene nature. He is a kind hearted person who says very little but appreciates the chats we have during our walks.
So, here's to dog and garden lovers everywhere. May you thrive and flourish and spread beauty and peace everywhere.
Contributor Virginia
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Confirmed Bus Trip
White Rock trip postponed from the 29 July is now confirmed for Tuesday, 01 Sep. See you all onboard for a great time.
Chuckle for the day
A sweet grandmother telephoned Memorial Hospital.
She timidly asked, 'Is it possible to speak to someone who can tell me how a patient is doing?
'The operator said, 'I'll be glad to help, dear. What's the name and room number?
'The grandmother in her weak, tremulous voice said, 'Norma Findlay Room 302.
'The operator replied, 'Let me place you on hold while I check with her nurse. After a few minutes, the operator returned to the phone and said, 'Oh, I have good news. Her nurse just told me that Norma is doing very well. Her blood pressure is fine; her blood work just came back as normal, and her physician, Dr. Colon, has scheduled her to be discharged on Tuesday.'
The grandmother said, 'Thank you. That's wonderful! I was so worried! God bless you for the good news.'
The operator replied, 'You're more than welcome. Is Norma your daughter?'
The grandmother said, 'No, I'm Norma Findlay in 302.
No one tells me sweet shag all.
'Based on a True Story.
She timidly asked, 'Is it possible to speak to someone who can tell me how a patient is doing?
'The operator said, 'I'll be glad to help, dear. What's the name and room number?
'The grandmother in her weak, tremulous voice said, 'Norma Findlay Room 302.
'The operator replied, 'Let me place you on hold while I check with her nurse. After a few minutes, the operator returned to the phone and said, 'Oh, I have good news. Her nurse just told me that Norma is doing very well. Her blood pressure is fine; her blood work just came back as normal, and her physician, Dr. Colon, has scheduled her to be discharged on Tuesday.'
The grandmother said, 'Thank you. That's wonderful! I was so worried! God bless you for the good news.'
The operator replied, 'You're more than welcome. Is Norma your daughter?'
The grandmother said, 'No, I'm Norma Findlay in 302.
No one tells me sweet shag all.
'Based on a True Story.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
01Aug Walking Club
The heat spell having settled in for a few more days, I chose to take our walking group on a skytrain ride to the three malls: Brentwood, Lougheed and MetroTown. Flora joined Susan, Judi, Linda, Deborah and me (Virginia) for the bus trip to Broadway Millenium Skytrain station.
We spent a short time in Brentwood, then hopped the train to Lougheed where Judi said her goodbyes so she could concentrate on some serious shopping and Linda picked up some photo prints while the rest of us walked. We met Linda's daughter, Margaret, who works in the florist shop at Safeway where we stopped for a light lunch. Deborah didn't bring any food, thinking she could make do with breakfast. She soon disappeared into the bakery and returned with a big sweet bun covered in pecans. Denying oneself nourishing food when everyone else is enjoying just doesn't work. We joined an Aboriginal concert with a drumming instructor who demonstrated the use of a ceremonial drum and explained how a drum is made. Then two young women entertained us with a rap tune in one of the Musqueum dialects.
As we approached the Skytrain for MetroTown I called a fellow walker, Maurice, who had moved away from the Drive last year and who wanted to be included in any walks out his way near Edmunds Station. On our arrival, Linda, Flora and Deborah decided they were ready to go back to the Drive. Susan and I met Maurice just inside MetroTown off the Skytrain level and he acted as our guide through the Mall.
It's excitement of prehistoric proportions. With roaring, life-size animatronic creatures in 2 indoor atriums, dinosaurs have taken over BC's largest shopping destination. This spectacular experience is as educational as it is entertaining. Metropolis at Metrotown, located in Burnaby, is home to 450 stores, a movie theatre & a variety of restaurants.
To our surprise, as we approached the small atrium on the lower level, we noticed an archaeological display entitled "Dinosaurs Unearthed". On display were skeletons of several small dinosaurs (up to five feet tall), with information panels about their origins and ages. Later, in the main atrium, which is open from main floor to skylight roof, was a full size replica of an adult Tyrannosaurus Rex, its roar echoing loudly through the mall; a sign beneath stated "I haven't eaten in 30 million years, so stay behind the fence!"
Beneath the raised tail of the adult Rex was a baby Rex covered in its infantile feathery coat. It was electronically connected to a podium containing seven buttons; each one operated a different section of the the baby's body - the tail swung side to side, the head moved up, down and sideways, it's jaw opened to reveal a trembling tongue with throaty growls, and it's tiny front paws jiggled threateningly. Children were fascinated by the seemingly magical power of those buttons and even Susan couldn't resist trying out a few.
Our walk done, Susan caught her bus home, Maurice hopped his eastbound train and I took the westbound train to Broadway Station. As a #20 bus was at the northbound stop, I rode to Britannia Centre to sit in this sweltering computer room and write this journal entry.
WAYS TO STAY COOL IN THIS HEAT WAVE :
(advice from medical doctors): dress in light, loose clothing, preferably cottons; stay hydrated by drinking a half cup of water or cool beverage every 15 minutes (we lose vital minerals through perspiration); keep activities to a minimum to maintain our core body temperature at normal; take several cooling showers each day and sleep with fans running as moving air makes for more restful sleep.
Until next week ... Contributor Virginia
We spent a short time in Brentwood, then hopped the train to Lougheed where Judi said her goodbyes so she could concentrate on some serious shopping and Linda picked up some photo prints while the rest of us walked. We met Linda's daughter, Margaret, who works in the florist shop at Safeway where we stopped for a light lunch. Deborah didn't bring any food, thinking she could make do with breakfast. She soon disappeared into the bakery and returned with a big sweet bun covered in pecans. Denying oneself nourishing food when everyone else is enjoying just doesn't work. We joined an Aboriginal concert with a drumming instructor who demonstrated the use of a ceremonial drum and explained how a drum is made. Then two young women entertained us with a rap tune in one of the Musqueum dialects.
As we approached the Skytrain for MetroTown I called a fellow walker, Maurice, who had moved away from the Drive last year and who wanted to be included in any walks out his way near Edmunds Station. On our arrival, Linda, Flora and Deborah decided they were ready to go back to the Drive. Susan and I met Maurice just inside MetroTown off the Skytrain level and he acted as our guide through the Mall.
It's excitement of prehistoric proportions. With roaring, life-size animatronic creatures in 2 indoor atriums, dinosaurs have taken over BC's largest shopping destination. This spectacular experience is as educational as it is entertaining. Metropolis at Metrotown, located in Burnaby, is home to 450 stores, a movie theatre & a variety of restaurants.
To our surprise, as we approached the small atrium on the lower level, we noticed an archaeological display entitled "Dinosaurs Unearthed". On display were skeletons of several small dinosaurs (up to five feet tall), with information panels about their origins and ages. Later, in the main atrium, which is open from main floor to skylight roof, was a full size replica of an adult Tyrannosaurus Rex, its roar echoing loudly through the mall; a sign beneath stated "I haven't eaten in 30 million years, so stay behind the fence!"
Beneath the raised tail of the adult Rex was a baby Rex covered in its infantile feathery coat. It was electronically connected to a podium containing seven buttons; each one operated a different section of the the baby's body - the tail swung side to side, the head moved up, down and sideways, it's jaw opened to reveal a trembling tongue with throaty growls, and it's tiny front paws jiggled threateningly. Children were fascinated by the seemingly magical power of those buttons and even Susan couldn't resist trying out a few.
Our walk done, Susan caught her bus home, Maurice hopped his eastbound train and I took the westbound train to Broadway Station. As a #20 bus was at the northbound stop, I rode to Britannia Centre to sit in this sweltering computer room and write this journal entry.
WAYS TO STAY COOL IN THIS HEAT WAVE :
(advice from medical doctors): dress in light, loose clothing, preferably cottons; stay hydrated by drinking a half cup of water or cool beverage every 15 minutes (we lose vital minerals through perspiration); keep activities to a minimum to maintain our core body temperature at normal; take several cooling showers each day and sleep with fans running as moving air makes for more restful sleep.
Until next week ... Contributor Virginia
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