Vancity Vibes | DAY 3: (Pt. 2) Stanley Park + Robson Street

6/1/2022

Read Part 1 HERE !

The 19 bus would somehow whisk us back to downtown west end in record time, allowing for a 3 PM arrival at Spokes.

We crossed to the southwest corner of Denman and joined the queue for bike rentals. I opted for a mountain bike, for I had grown accustomed to thicker tires and deeper treads with my own cycling trips back home. The Thai ahgase's cruiser included a basket for her crossbody pouch. Meanwhile, I proceeded with my backpack slung over my body.

Spokes operated in a most systematic manner: The desk attendants were speedy and precise, guiding visitors through the bike selection and deposit-placing process swiftly. Simultaneous was the filling of e-waivers on nearby tablets. Following pamyent, we were gestured outside of the shop, where other members of the team would assist us with the bikes, as well as any adjustments required. Folding locks were included as part of our rental fee, but being quite tricky to use, and the ride about Stanley Park not particularly long, we didn't end up having to deploy our learnings from the two-minute tutorial.

The loop about Stanley Park was quicker than I had recalled. My recollection insisted that I had commenced the paved pathway from a different point of entry - one that looped about the a few of the city's many mid-/high-rise residential complexes. But the route I had led the Thai ahgase to traverse was a perfect loop, one that would commence and conclude from the same point.

My last adventure had involved the Mobi Bikes provided by Shaw. They were similar to Toronto's Bike Share program, with various return locations throughout the city. That said, they were far less grimy albeit weighty and difficult to maneuver.

Majority of my observations still held true. Delineation between pedestrians and cyclists was a blessing, and sustained clear pathways for the enjoyment of all road users.

The attraction was also primarily flat, making it more suitable for recreational riding than intense training.

Many stops were proposed along the way, mainly my suggestions for photo-capturing points. Breaks were hardly needed, for both weather and minimal elevation made the journey effortless and enjoyable. We did, however, pause briefly by the bathrooms (and for the Thai ahgase to finish her Gong Cha Roasted Milk Tea with Grass Jelly).

I was able to loiter for longer underneath the Lions Gate Bridge this time around, snapping the shots I hadn't been able to previously. The journey had changed minimally, which meant adequate levels of maintenance and frequent visits from non-locals (or maybe locals too). Unaltered was my anxiety towards the narrow sections along the loop. The consistent flow of riders behind us and infringing shrubbery warranted concerns of collision and unintended stumbles.

Towards the end of our ride, we detoured in the direction of Lost Lagoon. While the Thai ahgase frantically called a friend to report lateness, I happily gazed about the lake I had enjoyed solo bingsoo before.

Climbing back towards Denman and Robson, a few droplets were felt overhead. The skies had turned grey, though sun had been forecast all day.

We rushed back to spokes to return the bikes. It was there that we parted ways for the evening. The Thai ahgase's dinner plans involved Korean fried chicken and more walking, neither of which I was particularly keen on. We agreed on meeting back at the hotel later that evening.

I bid her farewell, then pursued my own travel down Robson. The street has evolved since my last visit, but not to an unrecognizable extent.

My body was tired and my feet ached, but I continued to explore anyway.

My gaze met Bon Crepe, where a Matcha Vanilla Swirl cone was obtained for the exceptionally reasonable price of $3.99 plus tax.

Rounds were made into various clothing stores, where the return of smocked tops was announced for the season. The trend took form either cropped or with a flowy dress attachment; neither appealed to me.

The last of all Daisos was found when I least expected it. Needless to say, I headed inwards, then unashamedly procured as many Sulley-themed items as possible.

I then began to consider my dinner options: Unfinished omurice remained with me, and mixed greens in the hotel fridge. Missing was a source of protein - a small amount of meat.

Sourced along the street were vendors of Japanese street food: bento boxes, takoyaki, and donburis came into view as I neared Homer Street.

Karaage seemed most prevalent, therefore accessible. While originally having laid eyes on Bentoya, their 6-piece set was too pricey for my liking. Moreover, leftovers of cold, mushy fried chicken was an image I direly wished to avoid.

Further south on Robson was Ebi-Tan, where 3 enormous, piping hot pieces were purchased at $4.75 plus tax.

Nearby was Jenjudan, a bubble tea franchise that has yet to make it to my neck of the nation.

I had just missed the happy hour promotion, but proceeded with a Thai Tea Smoothie with Grass Jelly anyway. The drink, with all components fixed from sugar level to topping inclusion, set me back six dollars plus tax. It was, as I later learned, a supposedly fair price point given Vancouver's demand for sugar-laden specialty beverages.

Thankfully, my choice of chiller was not that sweet. Although icy and brainfreeze-inducing in its first sips, the composition was, overall, still very refreshing.
I caught the bus to Olympic Village shortly afterwards, then the Canada Line home - er, hotel-bound.