Vancouver Get Together
 

I was having a hard time finding the weekend info so I thought I would start a new site that says:

WEBSITE:
http://www.lava.net/~susanj/vancouver.html

just so I could find it. Hope to see a bunch of you this weekend. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

What type of "shopping and sightseeing" tours have been organized for Saturday? Are we to report to a hotel lobby at a certain time on Saturday to be part of a "shopping and sightseeing" group? Not knowing anything about Vancouver, I would really appreciate this!

I'm gonna sleep-in http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Not that I don't want to enjoy Vancouver, but I think I may need to recover from Village Idiot's "Pub Crawl" from Friday night!

[This message has been edited by Fisch (edited 05-15-2001).]

Meeting times again:

Dinner at Aquariva 7:00 pm (of course, you can show up earlier to start on the cocktails)

Brunch at Victoria Chinese Restaurant: Start at 10:30 (so people can catch flights) and people can keep trickling in after that.

A Dr friend of mine highly recommended the Cafe Medici. The website menus were very interesting. Perhaps I might try Lunch.

They also have several set menus for parties and a room for up to 35 people.
Maybe a local can critic it?
Compared to Dorian favorite the Allegro?

We'll definitely be hitting the IMAX Saturday or Sunday to see "Everest."

We'll also be at Aqua Riva early enjoying cocktails before dinner. I'll wear my FlyerTalk pin for identification purposes. We'd love to meet others before sitting down.

[This message has been edited by TravelWeary (edited 05-16-2001).]

I too will be at AquaRiva early for drinks... I'll see you there TravelWearly and TripicalFlyer http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Edited to hand over the reins....

[This message has been edited by Village Idiot (edited 05-16-2001).]

Excellent work Idiot!!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

I waited too long to book my flight from YYZ to YVR (just did it today), and all I could get at the student fare was a YYZ X/YYC YVR which arrives YVR at some ungodly hour like 2100. Well, I can fix that with a little "stand-by list" action. I expect to be into YVR at 16:57. I'll be standing-by for an oversold YYC-YVR flight, but hey, I'm AC Elite... I'm allowed bo be overly confident about it http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

BlondeBomber: I presume you are flying YYC-YVR on Friday? If so, what flight are you on?

I'll be around for earl drinks at the AquaRiva

Fisch: I got the same deal that you did at the Delta, so I may see you around there. I get into to YVR on Saturday at 2:06, then maybe some shopping. But after that I'll be around. I'm looking forward to meeting you. I have connections with Queen's that go way back.

Roxy, Shark Club and Cactus Club???? What is going on...is this some plan to hit all the tourist places...or show visitors a nicer side of Vangroovy? These are all severely lame places...

Why not: Babalu (atleast a closer age group), The Creek (people can take water taxis), Yaletown Brew Pub, Carderos, Bridges Lounge, Steamworks (personal fav)....not even getting into a list of good pubs.

Roxy is suburban drunks under 25.
Cactus Club is for tourists with terrible food.
Shark Club is for sports guys and their puck bunnies...and has too much ego.


Dorian

I might be able to swing a list at Babalus...

D

Well, sorry for being lame.

Noticed there wasn't a plan for Friday and thought that some people might like to do something that night. The floor is yours.....

Post removed as it was misconstrued as a flame. Sorry.

[This message has been edited by TravelWeary (edited 05-17-2001).]

I just saw "Everest" at an IMAX theatre
here in Houston last Saturday. Spectacular!
I'm sorry not to be able to be in Vancouver
with you all this week...looking forward to
seeing some of you in San Diego in July.

I can't believe that flame wars would flare up on a get together topic. <sigh>

Be assured that Canadian hospitality is still alive and well in Vancouver.

By the way, just arrived in YVR and the weather is very cool in the evening. Bring a sweater and/or coat.

See you all soon.

A TRANSPORTATION WARNING:

Due to the bus strike, getting taxis from the airport during rush hour times is extremely difficult. My friend waited for 2 hours starting at 4 pm today to get a cab at the airport. If you arrive on Friday during rush hour, it may be worse.

Sylvia

Flame war? Gosh...if this is a flame war the world has burnt down long ago.

I was just disappointed that we would show our out of town guests such mediocre places...that is all. I can't imagine how The Roxy represents Vancouver.
Village Idiot...who called you lame? I called those places lame.
Travelweary...why not tell us all what is lame? Why write such a reply if we don't all get to know...just to let us know you know how to email?

Dorian

LAST CALL!!!

If you need transport to/from the airport,or around town, e-mail me ASAP with your arrival times and flight numbers. I will have a mini-van, and will do my best to accomodate as many people as possible. But I need to know your arrival details. I can be e-mailed at: mailto:[email protected][email protected]</A>

If you are desperate, or we mis-connect, I can be reached on cel at 604 377 0757.

Looks like the planets are aligning in very strange ways this weekend. For that reason, the possibility exists that I may well be able to join the Vancouver gathering afterall. AC Weekend Webspecial availability willing [and it looks very positive this morning], I will make a final decision later this afternoon.

Looks like the planets are aligning in very strange ways this weekend. For that reason, the possibility exists that I may well be able to join the Vancouver gathering afterall. AC Weekend Webspecial availability willing [and it looks very positive this morning], I will make a final decision later this afternoon.

Hope you can make it Shareholder!

doorman-

two mucho ego - sey wat?

or mebe puck bunny jus tel yu two git "the puck outta hear".

doorman, ther wuz kno kneed two slam viledge idiocentrics efort two git peeple twogathr. yu kuld hav sed, "thos ar ok plases, an hear ar sum moar thet we mite konsiter.

1) viledge idiocentric's tube stake pub
2) arturo's habanero & cerveces ice casa
3) punki's hi-heel tennis shu & skarf pub


------------------
Loving, Caring, Honest, Intelligent, Empathetic, Creative, and Giving.

[This message has been edited by arturo (edited 05-17-2001).]

I apologize if it looked like I was fanning flames. That was my first instinct, but I have never been involved in a flame war and wanted to keep my record intact even if it meant biting off my lower lip. I had e-mailed VillageIdiot, and I (dumbly maybe) thought if he was keeping up with this board, he would be more likely to read his e-mail. Why Dorian took that so personally I don't know. Again, sorry.

Well...personally is pushing it...but I'm sure anyone reading would believe you were referring to my post. No big deal though...'bout to head downstairs to the club to do some dancing here in BKK....

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Dorian

I juess I should have gotten up eariler today and checked this thread. I do not take things personally. I'm not mad or affended. I just though, if someone wants to organize an actual plan, great, lets go(there was very little planning involved in my ideas). I can have fun locked in a wet paper bag with a stick a leaf and a peice of gum.

Although I may lack the physical strenght to punch my way out of the bag, I'll still try to have fun with the remaining items.

I edited my posts so there wouldn't be confusion over where we were going. As I said before... The floor is yours, I have become a follower.

Edited because I spelled guess with a "j" instead of a "g". Aw hell, I'll gust leave it the way it is...



[This message has been edited by Village Idiot (edited 05-17-2001).]

On the subject of shopping, where can I go in Vancouver to shop for a Compaq iPAQ 3670 PDA ? So far I've only checked Radio Shack and Staples, they don't carry this model http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif.

Just in case another plan doesn't come together, myself and a few friends will be having dinner around 7-8pm downtown, then heading out to local clubs that we won't have to wait in line at.

If anyone wants something to do something, you are more than welcome to join up with us the Friday night, my cell # is (Edited at the advise of someone way way smarter than I am... The Chexfan) (He might be smarter, but at least I still have my appendix!!!) Email me at
excuseme_haveyouseenmyvillageanywherearoundhere@ho tmail.com
, and I'll give you my Cell #

If another plan does come together, let me know, and I'll meet where ever the group wants to go.

As I've said before, I'm easy...again, I don't want that "I'm easy" written on bathroom walls with, "For a ggod time call..." well, not unless it is in the ladies washroom. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Village Idiot (edited 05-17-2001).]

And where's a good place to shop for (and/or taste) Canadian wine?

And...where to get a well-drawn Guinness?

[This message has been edited by TravelWeary (edited 05-17-2001).]

I'm e-mailing everyone (at least the ones that I have e-mail addresses for) with my local cell phone # just in case you get lost or need info. If you don't receive it and really want the number, e-mail me.

TF

Unfortunately, all wine sales are handled through BC government liquor stores, and thus your tasting opportunities in the city are extremely limited or non-existent. Most major stores will have a good selection of local wines, and generally a knowledgeable sales person to help you out. There will likely also be some brochures from the local industry to give a bit of a guide.

For those staying in the city centre, I find the best liquor store is on the main floor of a parking garage, a blockup between Georgia and Robson,on Alberni at the corner of Thurlow. That's a block from both the Hyatt and the Hotel Vancouver. They sometimes have tastings, but don't count on it. There is a small fine wine room, and the staff will certainly be able to help navigate you through the local choices. Being good public servants, they cannot recommend specific wineries per se.

Smaller liquor stores will have an adequate selection.

And while Guiness is nice -- the NAmerican bottled version is still brewed in the city, but you can also get the real thing from Dublin in pubs as draft, or buy the nitrogen laden cans -- I suggest you check out some of the local craft brews. This was, afterall, where the microbrew industry in Canada had its origins. GRANVILLE ISLAND makes a good line of lagers and lighter style ales. SHAFTEBURY is one of my favourites, and again it specializes in lighter style ales. Check out their seaonal, the just released Summer Solstice Ale. There is also OKANAGAN SPRINGS, one of the larger craft breweries from the interior. You will find most specialize in ales over lagers, given the British heritage out here and the lack until the past decade of any decent ales from the Molson and Labatt national labels. But none of the local ales get into the heavier and darker style of most British ones. For that, you have to try neighbouring Alberta's BIG ROCK Traditional Ale, a western classic.

Hope this helps. In the spirit of full discloser, and as my username implies, I am a shareholder in SHAFTEBURY and OKANAGAN SPRINGS, but don't take this post as an ad for their brews. Give 'em a try and judge for yourself. Let me know your impressions when we meet on Saturday.

Safe travelling.

Shareholder: Thank you for taking the time to make such a considerate and useful response. Although I am a stout and porter fan myself, I will take your suggestion and try some of the local brews. Being from a semi-small town, we have one pub with inconvenient hours in town that draws a good Guinness (by US standards), so always look for it on tap elsewhere. Thanks again, and Michael and I will see if we can have something to report tomorrow on local beers/wines.

I'll be looking for the Okanagan Springs beer. I was out in Penticton 2 weeks ago in the Okanagan Valley, but that was a trip to visit wineries and friends.

Just about ready to board my 1305 UA SEA flight at SFO, then on to YVR from there on Air B.C. Look forward to seeing everyone this weekend.

(edited for spelling)

[This message has been edited by tom911 (edited 05-18-2001).]

We got in late last night. Is anything happening today?

I haven't heard of anything planned for the day. I'm about to move over to the Delta Vancouver Suites hotel

I don't have the number there yet, but the room is under "Chris Rauenbusch" if anyone wants to grab a drink or something this afternoon.

Its now about 12:50PM on Saturday and I just flew in from PDX and am now at the Sheraton Wall Centre, waiting to hook up with WaterGirl, who I think has been meandering around Chinatown this morning. My room isn't ready yet so I am in the exec lounge, where I found a computer with a high speed internet connection! Anyway, I guess we'll do some site seeing for a while and then hook up with everyone at Aquariva this evening.

We walked about 6 miles today and jst got back to our room to relax a while before dinner. We are at the Westin Grand which is very close to Aquariva. Stop by and ask for Punki! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Whoops. Dupe http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Punki (edited 05-19-2001).]

Well we did have a little pre-party in our room. Blonde Bomber, Ken Hammer, shareholder, Ozstamps and Joh all dropped by to visit, Hunki, Peregrine and I for a pleasant drink before dinner. Thanks to Oz and Joh for providing the champagne.

Somehow we all magically squeezed into Ken Hammer's van and went dow to the harbor front where Ken's amazing parking fairy found us a parking place on the street very nearby. We then joined up with the rest of the gang for another round of drinks and dinner.

It was grand indeed to see some folks I hadn't seen for quite some time and exciting, as always, to meet new Flyer Talkers from around the world, especially young Goldlust who came all the way from Copenhagen just for dinner. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif (I think we have a junior Rudi in the making there.)

I am also thrilled to report that Village Idiot is not an idiot at all, bt instead a very delightful and clever young man. It was a grand evening and now I must run off and get ready for brunch. I am sure you will hear much more later. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I'm at SEA-TAC in the 1K room (Hi Trish!) on my way home. United Express flight from Vancouver was 100% full, and left a ton of luggage behind (making me greatful I was not one of the passengers continuing on to Atlanta, Jacksonville, or Chicago, as they were continuing on minus their luggage). Alas, no bump here.

Wanted to thank Tropical Flyer (Sylvia) for all the hard work putting this together. I had a great time! Dinner last night was the highlight, but the whole weekend was fun.

Was nice meeting some new Flyer Talk friends that I have not had the occasion to meet before (Captain Mike, Village Idiot, Ken Hammer, Shadow, TravelWeary, Cocoanut and EPS immediately come to mind, and others who I can't recall as I quickly type), and equally as nice catching up with those of you I have met at the NYC or SF get togethers recently.

Special thanks to the Saturday morning chauffers, Shadow and Ken Hammer, for safely driving some of us on a wonderful tour around the Vancouver area.

Looking forward to the San Diego get together in July.

1:45 update: just was bumped off the 1:30 SFO flight, and have another $200 voucher http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Fly out in another hour. Thankyou, UA.

2:55 update: just bumped off the 2:34 flight, too.....another $200 voucher. Now I am flying out at 3:55.

Might have to do more get togethers in the Northwest so I can get bumped some more http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by tom911 (edited 05-20-2001).]