Vancity Vibes | DAY 2: (Pt .1) Jet Lag + Jam Cafe

Sheathed in my cow print hoodie for protection against the hotel's inconsistent gusts of A/C, I had quickly fallen into a slumber on the first evening. I blinked open my eyes around 3 AM (6 AM EST), closed them once more, then eventually peeled away the sheets and readied myself for activity just before 6 AM (PST). The Thai ahgase was still sleeping soundly at this point, so into athletic attire I changed, gymbound.

The Fitness Centre was located in a different tower than our room. After receiving guidance from the front desk, I trodded to the other end of lobby and alighted the elevator. Upon exiting, the designated room was identified by posted signage. I didn't have high expectations to start, though the scene was overall more dismal than expected. Equipment variety was limited to a treadmill, treadmill with incline, elliptical, cycling machine, and one weight machine. Free weights and tarnished exercise mats were situated by the door, across from a water dispenser and landing area with cubbies. I stayed clear of the free weights, for a lady was occupying the space for an intense circuit while panting heavily. A few warmup movements were executed before I maneuvered to the treadmill. It wasn't long before I hopped off though, for I was certain that I'd be achieving - and exceeding - my step count in the upcoming hours. (Spoiler: I did.)

In the absence of headphones, I opted not to stay and headed towards the hotel's prized "Skyview" Rooftop Garden instead.

​It gave a decent view of the nearby area, but not much of a scenic view. The skies were initially dreary, though gazing into the distance, one could perceive streaks of sunlight piercing through the cloud cover from behind the mountains.

​The leisurely walk became not so enjoyable when the sprinkler system turned on. I had escaped dampness on my upper body by way of rain jacket, though succumbed to sprayed leggings and runners.

I headed outdoors, marching over to the neighbouring Sheraton. Between these two buildings lay a series of condos; in contrast to the compact gym of the Executive Hotel, their gym was situated on the main floor, street-facing, and encased in glass. A pool could even be seen adjacent to the space. I brushed past with feelings of envy and awe.

At the Sheraton, I found solace in a breakfast of Starbucks - the unhurried breakfast I hadn't had the opportunity to enjoy on the previous day A fabulously creamy Chocolate Cold Foam Cold Brew and gratifying Sausage, Cheddar & Egg Sandwich were devoured as morning salutations were exchanged with the sleepy polar bear.​

​Even after breakfast, there was still no virtual acknowledgement of the Thai ahgase. I took to exploring the main floor of the hotel. Clientele spanned Para Athletes, most notably Japanese, and businesspeople attending conferences. Interior furnishing seemed drastically altered upon navigating away from the front desks, as if the hotel had undergone partial renovations at some point. Near one of the ballrooms was a bathroom, as pristine and illuminated as that of the Union Station UP Express Terminal in its opening days.

Around 8:15 AM, I came back to find the Thai ahgase still in deep slumber.

"I thought we were going to wake up when we wake up?" She groggily commented.
"Well, it's like 8 now. I thought we were going for brunch." I responded, senses now sharpened with caffeine.
"I thought you were still sleeping since I saw the cow." She chuckled. "I thought you just weren't moving!"
"Oh, my cow" A grin escaped the corners of my mouth.

Donning our getups for the day, we crossed diagonally to catch the next bus to Richmond-Brighouse. One of the primary reasons for hotel choice had been its location on a main street and proximity to transit connections. Though, the only downside would be Translink's relatively infrequent service. Oftentimes, it would be faster to walk than wait, contradicting the purpose for selection.

​We transferred onto the SkyTrain and headed downtown. The trip between terminus stations enabled various perspectives along both the elevated and underground sections of Canada Line. It was, admittedly, a personal highlight for me. The Thai ahgase marveled less at the scene, as she likened it to her commutes on the TTC. I tend to differentiate clearly between Translink and TTC, for the cars on the West Coast are cleaner, views better, and cellular/data services unwavering. If conducted without a schedule, transiting can be quite enjoyable on the SkyTrain, misaligned transfer periods aside.

We popped into the city's sole Starbucks Reserve Bar upon alighting the escalator to ground level. Their drink assortment differed slightly from ours, boasting a Ginger Cold Brew and Pistachio Praline Latte in addition to the standard Nitro Cold Brew Float and Clover pourovers.

​Arriving at Waterfront, our next plan of action was to board R5 East Hastings, one of Metro Vancouver's express bus lines. The RapidBus ("R" bus) series had been rolled out slowly since my last visit in 2020. There was distinct lack of familiarity with it, for it was a new venture for both of us. Locating the stop was no easy feat amidst construction and sidewalk closures. Its one-directional loop was another point of confusion, for most routes in the GTA are bi-directional and travel along an arterial without twisting and turning.

​Deciphering our way with signage, we eventually headed in the correct direction. East Hastings, the ill-advised area for exploration, came as a shock to the Thai ahgase. Despite having been warned of the neighbourhood's reputation, the campgrounds coming into view was nonetheless horrifying.

Our stop was just east of East Hastings and Main Street, where garbage and questionable souls filled every inch of sidewalk. Google Maps instructed us to head in the direction of the goons, but I ignored such leads and gestured towards a nearby alleyway instead.

The Thai ahgase glanced over at me, a look of fear creeping up her face. "Are you sure??" Her voice quivered slightly.
I nodded and grabbed her arm. "Just keep walking and don't look back."

East Hastings Street, E of Main Street facing south (49.281132, -123.098927); Source: Google Maps

East Pender Street, E of Main Street facing north (49.280455, -123.098952); Source: Google Maps

The alleyway was empty besides a man in his pickup truck. With quick footsteps, we made it to the other side unscathed.

​Nancy Go Yaya, our anticipated brunch pick, was just a few steps to the east. With pep in our steps, we continued onwards. A black metal gate welcomed us - it was closed.

With the original destination closed and one of two stomachs rumbling, a detour in search of sustenance was made on E Pender instead of going through the campgrounds on Main St. Heading south on Gore Street, we passed by fixtures reflective of the Chinatown identity and a quaint spot by the name of Larry's Market.

At the northwest corner of Gore and Union was Hunnybee Bruncheonette, a brunch spot made known to us by Google. It was a small spot, reeking tremendously of grease. I waited outside while in wait of the Thai ahgase to acquire an Almond Cherry Muffin with soft streusel topping and Iced Latte. Upon further investigation, it came to my attention that the heavily popularized Jam Cafe wasn't that far away, and that the bus would arrive in under ten minutes.

As departed the zone of fear, the Thai ahgase heaved a sigh of relief. East Hastings was not to her liking, and reasonably so.

We found Jam Cafe on Beatty Street, just steps away from Keefer Place and Stadium-Chinatown station. The wait was minimal for a spot on the streetside patio, and we were seated underneath a slanted patio umbrella in a matter of minutes.

The brunch destination was consistently buzzing with traffic even on a weekday. Internal quarters were clattery and crowded, leading us to seek space outdoors even amidst breezy temperatures. Hot water was requested to soothe our souls.

​The Thai ahgase took a Pork Belly Benny, while I the unconventional Pulled Pork Pancakes in a half portion. Gargantuan were these servings, with the "half" portion comprising of one monstrous pancake slathered in maple bourbon BBQ glaze.

​The single pancake was fluffy and uniformly browned. Contrasting with the sweet barbecue glaze was an ample portion of fatty pulled pork, vibrant pickled cabbage, and cilantro for a dose of colour and freshness. Over time, the glaze would become absorbed by the pancake, causing successive bites to be rather one-dimensional. That said, the accompanying jalapeno sour cream provided a lightly creamy essence, neutralizing flavours and reinstating a hint of savouriness.

I ultimately could not finish the plate, and opted to take it to go.

​Surprisingly balanced was the Pork Belly Benny, as it consisted of carbs (English muffin and crispy hash brown), fruits and veggies (charred tomato and citrus slices), and wondrously indulgent slabs of pork belly. The surface had been rendered ridiculously crunchy, while the inside buttery and, truthfully, quite satiating. It met the Thai ahgase's objective of "only eating good food", and it wasn't difficult to comprehend why.

​Our server had been exceptionally friendly, although having little knowledge of menu specifics due to not having sampled the dishes personally.

​Bathrooms were located within the restaurant, adopting the form of two unisex stalls. Within the dim stalls were tall ceilings, a plethora of mirrors (all positioned too high for my use), and a wall of empty cubbies.
It was an interesting space, though one that offered little privacy from the happenings on the other side of the door.

Read Part 2 HERE !