May 25, 2007
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Pacific Northwest 2007
Pacific Northwest 2007
3/24/07 – SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE
My father dropped me, my brother Van, his girlfriend Konie, and her friend Aom at LAX at 3:40 AM. I felt crappy with only two hours of sleep. Van and Konie were trying to land standby tickets. They succeeded with Alaska Airlines and took off at 6:15 AM. Aom and I took off via Southwest at 7 AM.
On the flight, I had a cold sweat and felt nauseous. I thought I was going to have a relapse of my flight to Thailand back in late October 2006. However I managed to relax and all was well for what it’s worth.
Aom and I arrived at Seattle at 10:50 AM. We rendezvoused with Van and Konie and rented a Mitsubishi Endeavor. We drove through the rain from the airport to the home of Delma and Danny Cueto. They’re parents of one of Konie’s friends. We dropped off our baggage there. Delma was expecting our arrival as she made pork chops, rice, and lumpia. It was good.
First place we went to was the original REI. Van is an outdoors enthusiast so he is a regular at REI. It is bigger than any REI I had ever been to. The building was three stories high with a waterfall flowing off the side. I purchased some waterproof shoes by North Face.
Inside REI in Seattle Van and I near waterfall outside REI in Seattle.
I got to test it out while admiring the famed Space Needle. The rain and wind persisted. The Space Needle, as I discovered, is located within a plaza or something like that called the Seattle Center. Around it are some carnival rides (e.g. Ferris wheel, roller coaster), Key Arena (home of the NBA’s Supersonics), monorail, and something called the Experience Music Project. The architecture of this building is like a multicolored version of downtown LA’s Walt Disney Concert Hall or the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain.
Space Needle from below and on the observation deck
The Space Needle is 605 feet high. The ride up the elevator is pretty neat and yet freaky. As you go up, you see Seattle shrinking downwards. It’s like you are soaring up into the sky. From the observation level, one gets a terrific view of Seattle. We saw Qwest Field and Safeco Field in the distance (respective home stadiums of the NFL’s Seahawks and MLB’s Mariners). We also saw downtown Seattle from another angle. One gets a great view of Seattle and Puget Sound. It was very blustery up there.
View of downtown Seattle from the Space NeedleWe had dinner in Chinatown at a place called Homemade Hong Kong Cuisine. I had a shrimp won ton soup. Afterwards, we drove around sightseeing. We went to Qwest Field, Safeco Field, Krispy Kreme and stopped by Wal-Mart for snacks and toiletries. Due to current airline security restrictions on liquids, we did not bring things like toothpaste, shampoo, soap, or hair gel so we had to purchase them here.
Safeco Field. Home of the Seattle Mariners.
Qwest Field. Home of the Seattle Seahawks.
We returned to the Cueto residence. I was happy to learn that UCLA had advanced to the Final Four.
3/25/07 – THE VANCOUVER WALKING TOUR
We woke up to cooked hot dog wieners, eggs, and leftover pork chops for breakfast. Around 9 AM we took off en route for Vancouver, Canada.
It was raining until we crossed the Skagit River. Suddenly there was blue sky and sunshine. It was still cool but the sun was a welcome sight.
We stopped at REI in Bellingham, WA. Van got himself some waterproof shoes. Not long afterwards, we arrived at the US/Canada border. It looks very nice with nice green grass, a park called Peace Park, and the Pacific Ocean to our left. The line going to Canada was significantly shorter than the line coming to the US. We had to stop for a short while. Canadian border officials wanted to make sure that Aom is here strictly to visit and will not defect.
After all is clear, we proceeded. This is my first time in Canada. I’m always excited to go somewhere I haven’t been before. There are trees everywhere. The surroundings are lush and green.
We arrived at Vancouver at 1:30 PM. We checked into the Marriott Pinnacle. It is a very nice hotel as we stayed on the 30th floor. We had a decent view.
Pan Pacific Hotel Convention and Exhibition Center
Aom and the Pan Pacific Hotel and Convention and Exhibition Center from afar
After a little rest, the four of us began on a walking tour of downtown Vancouver. Van and I each exchanged $100 US dollars and got $110 Canadian dollars. First we walked to Canada Place. This place consists of a convention and exhibition center and the Pan Pacific Hotel. The distinctive architectural feature of this structure is the roof that resembles five white sails.
We then walked past historic Gastown towards Chinatown. That’s when we realized that West Hastings Avenue and East Hastings Avenue are very different. Our hotel is on West Hastings. It’s a terrific place to be. East Hastings is dreary, more run down, and has potheads lingering about. There are several hemp stores here selling “medicinal” marijuana. One surly character was verbally abusing Konie for a stretch. We just kept walking and ignored him. I think he had been sucking on the weed for a while.
East Hastings.
In Chinatown, we had lunch at 4 PM at a place called New Town. We had some siu mai, beef fried rice, fried noodles, fish congee, and rice noodles stuffed with beef.
That was fuel for the walking to come. We went to the nearby Dr. Sun Yat Sen Garden but it was closed. We then walked to the China Gate. You can say it’s the doorway leading into (or out of) Chinatown. Chinatown is definitely not the best part of town here in Vancouver. However, it is big. I believe it’s the second biggest Chinatown in North America behind San Francisco.
Snapshot of Dr. Sun Yat Sen Garden.
We then walked from Chinatown to BC Place Stadium (home of CFL’s BC Lions) and GM Place (home of the NHL’s Canucks). We then walked to a section called Yaletown. Despite the old-looking buildings, there are many trendy shops and stores. I had me a black forest gelato. People here dressed really trendy and chic. It appears to be the trendy part of town. Case and point, I had to relieve myself so I used the washroom (that’s what they call restrooms in this country) inside the club Opus. Above each urinal is a small video screen with a view of the lounge, the bar, or some other section of the club. I was like “Whoa!” Then again, some may say I’m just not with it.
BC Place Stadium. Home of the BC Lions General Motors Place. Home of the Vancouver Canucks.
We walked on and onto a street called Davie. First of all, upon approaching Davie, I saw an advertisement for Odyssey. It calls itself the hottest gay bar in Vancouver. Then all over Davie Street were lots of rainbow-colored banners. I guess I’m in a different part of town.
At 7 PM, we returned to our hotel. After an hour’s rest, we walked to nearby Robson Street. This street is a walking street filled with eateries, clubs, and shops. We stopped by at a pharmacy called London Drugs. Aom bought postcards. Konie got some medicine for her back pain. We then walked around looking for a place to eat. We settled on Bento Express.
We then returned to our hotel for a well-deserved night of sleep. I learned via the boob tube that Ohio State and Georgetown had made the Final Four thus ending any hope I had at the NCAA Pool at work.
Buildings in downtown Vancouver
Observations: the buildings look nice. Most seem to have similar architecture with square or equal-sized rectangular windows with black or white borders.
3/26/07 – OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS
On this cool sunny day, we had some breakfast at a Café Crépe. As expected, they made French crepes. I had mine with Swiss cheese, Europa ham, and egg.
We went to Stanley Park which borders downtown Vancouver to the northwest. First thing we visited within the park was the Vancouver Aquarium. Besides fish, the aquarium also had sea lions, harbor seals, dolphins, and belugas. The tropical area was hot and humid. In there were caimans, amphibians, birds, and a couple of arapaima. They were very big.
Konie and I. Caiman. I think I’ll name him Chris.
Beluga Blue frog
Arapaima Piranhas
Next, we went to Prospect Point. From here one had a terrific view of North Vancouver, the Lions Gate Bridge (links North Vancouver and downtown), and the Burrard Inlet. In the distance, some mountains still had snow atop.
Lions Gate Bridge
Then, we went to the totem poles. From here one has a good view of downtown across the water. We also saw our hotel. All in all, my take on Stanley Park is that it is like LA’s Griffith Park surrounded by water and full of sequoias.
Me and the Stanley Park totem poles.
We then crossed the Lions Gate Bridge to Capilano. The main attraction is the suspension bridge that spans the Capilano canyon. 70 meters below is the Capilano river. Konie and Aom had their apprehensions about crossing it. Van and I were stoked. I tried to take Van’s picture while on the bridge but it was hard since there are always people crossing it and it shakes ever so. The bridge is only wide enough for two people to walk pass one another.
View of Capilano River from suspension bridge. View of suspension bridge from elsewhere.
Capilano suspension bridge
Once across, we walked along the treetop adventure. In this forest of Douglas firs and giant hemlocks, they made walkways near the forest canopy from tree to tree to tree. I don’t recall how many trees we walked to and from. It reminds me of the Ewok village in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. It gave us an interesting vantage point of the forest. Konie and Aom were still uncomfortable with how high above the ground we were.
My brother Van on the treetop adventure walkway.
Konie walking on treetop adventure. Walkways between trees.
Once we returned to the ground, we then walked along what’s called the Cliffhanger Boardwalk. It is a walkway along the cliffs of the canyon. Finally, it ended at a platform that overhangs over the river. From there we got a good view of the suspension bridge and the river gushing below.
Van, Konie, and Aom with the Capilano suspension bridge in background.
Konie’s new friend Van and Konie getting a brief rest
After a stop at the store in the park, we then took off for the nearby salmon hatchery. We saw countless little salmon. However, there weren’t any grown ones we could see. Perhaps it’s not the season for it. From there was a wonderful view of the Capilano River. In the distance, it flowed between two cliffs. For me, the cliffs are reminiscent of the Argonath in Lord of the Rings: the Fellowship of the Ring.
Little salmon. Aom just chilling.
Van and Konie at Capilano River
We had lunch at The Cheshire Cheese Inn. This place serves English food. I had my first Shepard’s pie. It’s basically ground beef and gravy covered by mashed potatoes. It was not bad.
We then walked around a marketplace called Lonsdale Quay. We soon returned to the hotel. After a little break, we returned to Robson Street. For dinner, Van and I had Mexican food at Steamrollers. We didn’t like it. My burrito had carrots in it. Yuck!
3/27/07 – MALL, MARKET, AND RESTAURANT
I was awoken by a pillow thrown at my face. We had breakfast in Chinatown at the Park Lock Restaurant. It was so good to get inside. The weather was very chilly today with little sunshine (around 9˚C). There we had some dim sum. It was pretty good. Afterwards, we walked around Chinatown. Konie was very happy to find some longans and bought some. Van finally found the Sam Kee Building. In our earlier visit to Chinatown, we were trying to find this building because it once made the Guinness Book of World Records as the narrowest corporate office building in the world. We couldn’t see it. Now we found it. The reason we did not see it was because we thought it would be a building standing alone; not connected to another larger structure. Looking inside it, it is only two meters wide. It currently serves as the home of Jack Chow Insurance.
Next, we took the SkyTrain to MetroPark Mall. Van tells me that it’s Canada’s second largest mall. I must say, it was big. Konie and Aom went to some sort of Canadian superstore. Van and I checked out some outdoor store. As usual, I bought nothing.
Van at SkyTrain station.
We then ventured to a section of town called the Punjabi Market. It is a small section of town that contains many Indian stores. They sold things like sweets, spices, saris, music, and other goodies. We did not stay here long. We took a bus to Burrard Street.
Me at the Punjabi Market.
From here, we walked towards downtown Vancouver. We walked past the Molson brewery. We then crossed the Burrard Bridge. From here one had a fabulous view of the buildings of downtown Vancouver, Granville Island, Granville Bridge, and many boats in the marina below. We then caught a bus back to the hotel.
After watching “Goonies” on TV, we walked again back to Robson Street. Van knew that all the girls would do here is shop so he encouraged me to just go off on my own and see whatever I can. I took his advice and separated from the three.
View of downtown Vancouver, Granville Bridge, Granville Island, and Marina from Burrard Bridge
I walked to the Steam Clock. It claims to be the first clock in the world that is powered by steam. It’s not everyday one sees mist spewing out of the top of a clock. I figure that since it’s an attraction on the map, I’ll just check it out.
I then took a sea bus to Lonsdale Quay. It took 30 minutes to come here via the Lions Gate Bridge. The sea bus took only 10 minutes. It is such a convenient, quick, and scenic mode of public transportation. From there, as the light of day was about to disappear, downtown Vancouver was really pretty as the lights shone brightly against the darkened sky. The Shaw building was distinctive with a blue light streaking alongside the entire length of the building from top to bottom.
Vancouver at night. View from Lonsdale Quay.
After killing time reading Mad Magazine, I took the sea bus back to downtown and walked to the hotel. Van, Konie, and Aom had some Italian food for dinner. I haven’t eaten yet. I went to the concierge and asked them for a recommendation. The first place they mentioned was Cardero’s. I figure that I would check it out. It’s great that it’s casual since I didn’t bring any super-nice clothing.
Cardero’s has a terrific view of the water with North Vancouver in the distance. I believe it’s the most attractive feature of the restaurant. I had salmon with rice and veggies. It was not bad. The salmon was sweet, lightly salty, and sour but not overpowering. This dish was $24. I finished my dinner with a pecan tart. It was beautifully presented with streaks of molasses and cream tattered about and finalized by a poof of powdered sugar. If I would have brought my camera, I would have photographed it. It was almost too pretty to eat. The operative word is “almost”. It was $7.95. What got my wallet complaining was the Coke. It was almost $3. I’m glad to have sunk my teeth into some salmon. It was one of my goals coming to the Pacific Northwest.
Tomorrow, we will be heading back to Seattle. My overall impression of Vancouver was a positive one. The weather was cool to chilly. We were fortunately it did not rain. Architecture is distinctive here. Demographically, everyone is either Caucasian or Asian. Main thing is also to avoid East Hastings. There are too many potheads and pot for sale for my liking. Next time I come back to Vancouver, perhaps I’ll check out Grouse Mountain and Victoria. I had a great time and highly recommend it.
3/28/07 – BACK IN THE USA
We went to the Granville Island Marketplace. Van bought an umbrella. Konie was very happy to find some good mangosteens. We had breakfast there. I had an apple cinnamon crepe. It’s not bad but all in all I prefer savory crepes over sweet ones. Character-wise, does that mean I’m savory but not sweet?
Under the Granville Bridge Granville Island Marketplace
Once we arrived at the USA/Canada border, it took an hour before we got through. As we waited in the line of cars, several cars let the kids out to play on the grassy island between the roads to and from the border. To our surprise, it was less hassle returning to the US as opposed to coming to Canada.
We went to Costco in Kirkland, WA. It’s the original Costco. I finally realized why Costco has so many products from Kirkland Signature. Is it just me or does Kirkland Signature make EVERYTHING? As usual, I bought nothing.
We had lunch at Konie’s favorite Mexican fast food place – Taco Time. We went to the one near Everett. She loves those crispy rolled tacos. They’re like big chimichangas. The side orders are what they call Mexi fries. Actually they’re just tater tots or home fries. Regardless, it’s still sustenance.
While driving on the freeways in Seattle, in the distance we saw Mt. Rainier. In the horizon it just dominates the scenery. The last time I saw a mountain dominate its surroundings as Rainier was Mount Fuji in Japan. Both peaks are similar in appearance.
Photos of Mt. Rainier from our vehicle.
We then went to an Asian market called Great Wall Shopping Mall. Van and I thought about going to Mount Rainier National Park since it is only 50 miles away. However, it was closed due to flood damage. Here, Konie picked up ingredients to make dinner for us all. She began putting it all together back at the Cuetos home.
While she was cooking, Danny Cueto told me I could go ahead and take advantage of their karaoke machine. I was tempted the first time around but didn’t want to infringe. Since he gave me the OK, here are the ditties I busted out:
Song Artist
Imagine John Lennon
Black Magic Woman Santana
Under the Boardwalk Drifters
Born to be Wild Steppenwolf
Take me Home Country Roads John Denver
Bridge Over Troubled Water Simon & Garfunkel
Killing Me Softly Roberta Flack
Abracadabra Steve Miller Band
Aom thought I sang well. I wasn’t at my best. Normally I need to warm up first. However the machine thought I was good enough by awarding good scores for my singing. I posted a 98 for Killing Me Softly (How? Beats me).
Konie made noodles smothered with gravy. It was delicious. Delma was impressed and asked her for the recipe. There’s nothing like a good meal before bedtime.
3/29/07 – SNOQUALMIE FALLS AND PIKE PLACE MARKET
Both Delma and my friend Taro Kusunose recommended that we visit Snoqualmie Falls. We took their advice and went to see it. The falls generate a lot of mist. The observation area was drenched by mist. It felt like a rainstorm. Van and I donned our raingear. All this mist also resulted in a nice visible rainbow.
Snoqualmie Falls. Me at Snoqualmie Falls observation area.
We returned to Seattle’s Chinatown for lunch. We ate at Hong Kong Noodle House. We then took a bus to the famed Pike Place Market. There was lots of fish, crab, oysters, lobsters, and clams on display as fish were being thrown around. I liked how one fish was thrown at onlookers startling them. It turned out to be a doll. Besides seafood, this market has plenty of shops that sold flowers, fresh produce, clothing, and knick knacks.
Seafood at Pike Place Market. Van and I at Pike Place Market.
Fresh fish! Produce
Van, Konie, and Aom went to Ross. Van told me that this could take a while so I should do whatever I want but keep the cell phone on. I went to Sharper Image and fiddled with Star Wars lightsabers and an educational game with a globe. It was fun trying to locate various cities around the world. I then went to Borders and read Entertainment Weekly’s article on the upcoming movie Grindhouse.
We had dinner at a place Delma recommended called Bahama Breeze. It’s a Caribbean eatery. I had seafood paella. It’s my first paella ever. It was yellow rice with peas, tomatoes, fish, scallops, mussels, shrimp, and chicken. Aom treated.
I learned this day that while it was dry here, it rained in Vancouver. Our timing could not be more immaculate.
3/30/07 – OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
With Mt. Rainier out of commission, we decided to instead visit Olympic National Park. To get there, we took a ferry to Bainbridge Island. It’s my first time on a ferry.
Aboard the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island.
Van inside our rented Mitsubishi Endeavor aboard the ferry en route to Bainbridge Island.
Once across, we had breakfast at Big Star Diner. It’s like those old-fashioned diners that somewhat resembles a train car. The young woman who is cooking is working very hard. I think she might be the dishwasher, too. Either she needs to find a way to be more efficient or she needs some help.
We arrived at Olympic National Park visitor center at 11 AM. Due to time constraints, we decided to drive up to Hurricane Ridge. Hurricane Ridge is 5198 m in elevation. It still has 10 feet snow. As we got close, we started to see the ground become more snow-covered. It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Once there, it was a winter wonderland. In the distance were the Olympic Mountains. It is a majestic view from here. Among the peaks is Mt. Olympus.
Hurricane Ridge.
The Olympic Mountains. View from Hurricane Ridge.
Van and Konie
The Olympic Mountains
After lunch at Taco Time, we headed back to Seattle. Luckily we were able to drive onto the ferry upon arrival. Once the ferry docked at Seattle, it finally rained since our arrival.
Back at the Cueto residence, both Danny and Delma had things to do away from home. Van, Konie, and Aom went shopping. I was at home waiting for my friend Taro to pick me up. I killed time with more karaoke. Just for kicks, I tried various, different songs I ordinarily wouldn’t do (scored 95 for Stand by Your Man!). However I could not match Danny’s 99 for his rendition of My Heart Will Go On.
Sweet Dreams by Eurythmics. I Just Called to Say I Love You by Stevie Wonder.
Finally Taro came. Taro and I met while we were students at UC San Diego. I had not seen him since we graduated. That was eleven years ago. However he does send pictures of him and his family every Christmas so I do know what he looks like. At least he got to see me on TV when I was on Who Wants to be a Millionaire? There are also pictures of me on my blog site at xanga.com. We caught up on old times and we had a lot of catching up to do. We had dinner at Burger Master. It’s one of those old-style joints where you eat in your car and they’ll hang the tray of food on your window a la The Flintstones. I like the nostalgia. Burger wasn’t bad either.
My friend Taro Kusunose, wife Nami, son Miki, and daughter Emi
Taro took me to his home. It’s a cabin with tall trees in the background. It has a nice, rustic feel to it. The home is also very comfy and suitable for his wife and kids. I am very happy to see Taro after all these years.
He dropped me off at the Cueto residence. The others had already returned. They had dinner at Ivar’s. I believe it’s a fish and chips chain. I know they advertise about their oysters. They bought luggage for the stuff that was purchased on this trip.
3/31/07 – PLANES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES
We bade Delma and Danny farewell and thanked them for having us and being such gracious hosts. They told Konie that I should come back so we all can have more karaoke fun some day. If I get a chance to come back to Seattle, I must pay them a visit.
Aom and I took off on Southwest at 8 AM and arrived at LAX at 12 PM. We then took the shuttle to the Metro Green Line, connected onto the Blue Line, bused from one station to the next due to track maintenance, and the Red Line to Sunset and Vermont from where we hoofed it home. It took a lot longer than I expected to get home via this method.
After some rest, Aom and I got dinner as we waited and prayed that Van and Konie would be successful in finding a flight back to LA. I dropped Aom off at Wat Thai of Los Angeles where she would be staying.
Van and Konie managed to catch a flight at 7 PM. They landed in Long Beach International Airport. My mother and I picked them up. Finally everybody is home.
I want to thank Van and Konie for inviting me to come along for this Pacific Northwest excursion. I had a terrific time. This is my first time to the Emerald City and Canada. What can I say? I had a ball.
From left to right: Aom, (me), Danny Cueto, Delma Cueto, Konie
From left to right: Aom, Van, Danny Cueto, Delma Cueto, Konie
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