Car Free Days II

Here's some more information on the Car Free Day on June 19 on the Drive. First I am going to show you  photos of the main reason I don't bring money with me to these events.

Doesn't the sight of that luscious fruit just make your mouth water? It sure did mine as I was walking by.

The Portuguese Club pulled out their old style barbecues and were serving smoked fish.

An Indian restaurant on the Drive had tempting looking cuisine as well.

And there were some healthy snacks as well for those who like something salty.

And there was good old gelato too of course.

Rooted, a cafe on the Drive that is part of Commerical Drive's Only All Organic Grocer - Eternal Abundance - had samples of their vegan, organice cookies.

Just down the block, Drive Organics, also had samples outside. So a person doesn't need money to munch out at these things.

I also find some of the people that attend events such as this to be interesting.

And one thing I have discovered over the years is that the more unique a person looks, the friendlier they are.

I also had the opportunity to meet fellow writer Jak King. Mr. King has published a book entitled The Drive which tells some of the history of Commercial Drive.

I intend on ordering it in the next month and I hope that you might take a look at it as well. If you are interested but can't purchase it right now, then check the library.

I hope you find the beauty around you.

Karen Magill, Car Free Days, Vancouver,The Drive,Jak+King,History,music,food

Car Free Day

Although I do have more photos inspired by the mural I wanted to take a moment to tell you about an event that happened on Father's Day. Car Free Days from Car free Vancouver are a way to have a street festival without the hassle of cars driving through. And a lot of activities go on during this period.

This is for people that get tired during the day. LOL Actually it was an event for kids. Later on during the day I saw kids playing croquet with feathered croquet mallets on the grassing area in the front and people were dressed as storybook characters.

'What a beautiful plant' I thought when I saw this from across the street. I know it wasn't there a couple of days before. Then I walked across the street and got a closer look.

When I walked by the second time I saw children painting the flowers. What an original idea!

There were a few things for children on the Drive that day. Like balloon hats.

And other hats as well.

And this next display seemed to be a kid favorite as well.

One child I saw really liked this display before it was all put  together. He was busy pulling on the sticks that form the base.

This next fellow was an amusement for young and old alike.

And what festival would be complete without a parade?

And music filled the air -  both live and from sound systems.

So that was a look at the events on Sunday. Next time I will feature more images from that day.

Until then I hope you find the beauty around you.

Karen Magill, Car Free Days, Vancouver,The Drive,balloons,History,music,tee-pee

Mural Memories III

More from the mural! First we are going to look at the Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall.

The original building that was at this site was built in 1906. This building was built in 1928 and designed by architects Sharp and Thompson.

The building was force to close during World War II but reopened in 1952. It is the only property returned to its rightful owners, the Japanese.

This house is at 242 Princess. When the streets were levelled and sidewalks paved at the turn of the last century many homes ended up below street level - as you will see in a moment - the rear portion of this building is an example of this while the front piece was added later.

I don't have a lot of information on this house but I am giving you a good look at it anyway.

The next house I am going to showcase is one you may recognize. Last year I wrote about Vancouver's first coroner and how he lived, and practiced his craft, in this home. I also mentioned how during the Spanish Flu Epidemic he had so many dead bodies to deal with that he piled them in the alley and covered them with a tarp until he could get to them. That story got a reaction.

But on to the house.

This house was built before the street levelling and, as you can see, certain adjustments were made. There are many homes in Strathcona that are on street level at one angle yet have this deep yard.


I hope you find the beauty around you.

Karen Magill, street levelling, Vancouver,242 Princess,Pender and Heatley,History,Canada,Japanese Language School