Read Part 2 HERE !
I lead the way to the upper level of Waterfront station, which exist onto a rooftop park. We are amongst many to have gathered at the space, for it serves as the next best scenic lookout point beyond Miku (if you ask me).
The skies are positively gorgeous, a gradient of cerulean with dollops of chunky clouds here and there. As always (on non-rain days), the snow-capped mountains prevail in the distance.
The Thai ahgase expresses desire to stop by Granville Island. "My friend told me this nuts place is good." she tells me, evidently persuaded by the suggestion. We first opt to find a bathroom, though seeing none, we trek over to Bay 3 in wait of the next westbound bus.
I had taken Lyft last time, so the transit route wasn't entirely familiar to me. Due to my failure in keeping watch, we end up missing the stop and walking back. Thankfully, my partner-in-crime wasn't too annoyed, and, thankfully, it wasn't too hot either.
We cross into the marketplace and continue our search for bathrooms.
The Granville Island Toy Company serves our needs well. We traverse through the standard door, observing the adorable addition of a smaller, child-sized one next to it, then make a beeline for the bathroom.
View the full album HERE !
Across the street is Granville Island Brewery. The taproom is open, as is the retail store. In contrast to the full selection witnessed in my last visit, the shelves offer limited merchandise now, with single cans no longer available for purchase. The Mocha Porter has also disappeared from the lineup.
At 6:16 PM, we arrive at the Public Market. A security guard is positioned by one of the double doors, and halts our attempted entry. "It's closed." we are informed. "The vendors are packing up and making their way out." We had missed them by 16 minutes.
Most of the area's other shops had also shuttered by this time, which meant browsing was limited to storefront displays and bars/restaurants by the marina.
Most of the area's other shops had also shuttered by this time, which meant browsing was limited to storefront displays and bars/restaurants by the marina.
I turn to the Thai ahgase, and seek her input on next steps. Aching feet are alleviated of weight by pausing at the benches by A Bread Affair. As we begin contemplating supper options, I unveil my leftover pancake from Jam Cafe. Upon realizing an absence of utensils, I dive into the bakery and emerge with two plastic knives, the only cutlery remaining at the end of the day. The pancake is now mushy, but nonetheless delicious. Across me, the Thai ahgase munches on the remainder of her Almond Cherry Muffin.
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Reminded I am of her outstanding Japadog cravings, so I quickly resort to Google Maps for the nearest outpost. Across the city, the franchises are noted to close at either 7 PM or 8 PM. By this point, we would barely make the Richmond stall at Lansdowne. I propose heading to Olympic Village station and catching the SkyTrain to McArthur Glen Outlets.
The 50 bus is boarded, and we transfer onto the Canada Line and exit at Templeton. Despite my unwillingness to continue walking for the day, I had forgotten about the grand expedition from the station exit to the entrance of the outlets. I persevered, for there was not much that could be done about early shuttering shops in Vancouver.
The mission at hand is accomplished. The Thai ahgase procures her primary item of interest, along with a side of takoyaki.
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While she rests beneath one of the patio's many red umbrellas, I take to washroom-finding and retail adventures. More walking ensues, naturally; my arches began to cramp and ankles shudder in pain.
I pass by BM en route to Kate Spade, informing his biggest fan in California as soon as the promotional poster is spotted.
The outlets' proximity to YVR offers convenience for visitors looking to engage in last-minute shopping. A flight departure board by the entrance confirms the frequency of this act.
For semi-locals such as myself though, I'm unlikely to roam the quarters without purpose (or physical partage).
For semi-locals such as myself though, I'm unlikely to roam the quarters without purpose (or physical partage).
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Second and third rounds are conducted after re-joining the Thai ahgase. By this point, my feet are aching to the point of torment. We agree to call an Uber home to ease the suffering.
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