photograph. The Photographer ahead had the same idea
There are a few marinas in this harbour and that is Fisherman's wharf near the top
You access "the Island" on a narrow causeway on the south. This used to be industrial area with warehouses but over the past 40 years has transformed itself into a busy tourist area with a Market, and numerous restaurants, like that yellow building "Bridges". Vancouver is nearly an island as it is surrounded on 3 sides by water and acessible by bridges. That is the Burrard Bridge near the top. The West End of Vancouver is one of the most densely populated areas in North America
This body of water is known as False Creek and we have an Aquabus ferry system which can take you anywhere in this inlet
There are many specialty shops within these buildings and some carry craft supplies. During the summer this place is very busy and you will have a hard time trying to find parking
On the other side of the Burrard Bridge you will find English Bay where you see freighters waiting for their turn to come into the Vancouver Harbour to load or unload, mainly grain from the Prairies
There are many Marinas all around False Creek. There is also dockage for boats visiting the Market, but they are mostly empty now as the boating season has not yet started.. You notice the Aquabus ferries busy going back and forth . . .
Not many people out and about today. It is still cold and the wind is blowing. I would guess that most of the people in the market are staying inside
This building has a mural of whales and is near the north end of the Granville Bridge
It is an older building and I couldn't help but notice the interesting pattern of the windows. The short distance from the Bridge to the main shopping area is an area you should keep away from at night. It is littered with "street people" and run down or vacant businesses
These are mostly younger people who have nothing better to do than hang around and have nothing better to do. You are frequently asked for "spare change" and many like to eye your valuables so I had to put my camera away
The Government has a low subsidized housing project around the corner and here you see a backpackers hotel . You pass a few pawn shops and tatoo parlours and all the time you sense that the people of the area are sizing you up as they know you don't belong
Here you have another "homeless" person who sleeps by day and stays awake by night
I suppose you could spend $0.25c if you had never seen a peep show
I'm not sure I would trust to use an ATM on this block and here is a Hotel which has seen better days
Only a block from the prestigious Robson Street shopping district we have the homeless with nothing better to do except to wait for a warmer summer day, or a handout . . . and shoeless too
There are many that really enjoy life in large cities. The excitement, night life and variety maybe. When I see images of a large city, I start to feel strangled and stressed. I'll take fields, mountains and lonely two lane meandering roads and small towns anytime. I don't know how you do it...
ReplyDeleteRichard:
DeleteWe like the shopping selection of a larger city but not the traffic, nor the amount of people. Now you know why I don't ride nor commute much as it isn't fun with all the gridlocked cars all rushing to go nowhere fast. It takes me an hour to get to the open road and most times I just don't like fighting the traffic. We have metered parking 7 days a week until 10pm every night including Saturday and Sundays. 24/7 that is why I walked downtown. Next time I may take the bus.
I like to meander on lonely two lane roads too but they are rare to find because of our mountainous terrain. Much better in Oregon or southern WA state
Great photo tour. The grey overcast does wonders for photo color. Are there lots of homeless in Vancouver like in Portland? We have our share in the Mid-Atlantic cities (Washington, DC; Baltimore; Philadelphia, etc.), but nowhere near the numbers seen in cities with milder climates. Too many heat and cold extremes here, I think.
ReplyDeleteKathy:
DeleteI would say that most of our young transients come from the East where they have harsh winters. Our climate is the best in Canada where it is generally mild all year round. This year may have been an exception. They come with no jobs and no money and apply for either welfare or other social services.
Bright overcast days are best for photography for the diffused light but it was threatening to rain all day with sprinkles, and later it started to rain.
Spectacular photos Bob ... I expect the homeless folks sleep during the day when the sun warms them enough to be able to sleep and they have to keep moving at night to keep from freezing. I am just so thankful that neither my sons or I is homeless - we are so fortunate, I have nothing to complain about and everything to be thankful for.
ReplyDeleteKaren:
DeleteIt was always my thought that these people sleep by day and awake by night. That's what I would do. During the summer you see them sleeping on the grass and they blend right in with the other beach goers. The younger people are here by choice, the older ones may have mental issues . . . The young ones either beg or try to get handouts from the Government. The older ones scrounge for bottles and other stuff in dumpsters or trash cans. They even have their own flea market on the weekends but I am not sure a camera would be welcomed. I am sure many have stories to tell
I know I commented previously, but I just re-visited this post and must say again how much I love the light in these pictures. The first one of the skyline from the bridge is stunning. And the window pattern is VERY interesting. Great captures, as always.
ReplyDeleteKathy:
DeleteIt was on the verge of raining, so I was helped with lots of diffused light
In the first photo, that is the West End of Vancouver, considered one of the most densely populated areas in North America. Lots of high rises and scarecity of parking.