New Baby Beluga

[Grog]

So we are hoping to get to Vancouver beginning of next week (as in 7/27 - 28). How is the baby beluga doing?

It is going GREAT! I am very impressed with its fast progress. It's spending quite a bit of time playing with its half-sister, which is a mesmerizing thing to watch.

For the moment, you can only visit on the upper deck at about 4-feet away from the glass (above water) or in the underwater viewing area from 10 to 5:15. There are "beluga shows" but they don't do anything special, they just talk, because the trainers don't want to interfere with the mothers' education of their youngsters.

For the underwater viewing area, you need to line up and wait a few minutes because they only take about 20 people at a time down there. You see a video of the birth for about 3-5 minutes, then you get 5 minutes at the first observation glass and another 5 minutes at the next observation glass. I recommend going in the morning, especially if it's a hot day, to see some action. There is always a risk that one or more belugas will be in the "med pool" (sort of their private apartment) where you can't see them from underwater, but during the day they don't stay there for long usually.

Make sure you check out the new 4D theatre (included in the ticket price). I was skeptical but it's totally worth it!

A list of gelato spots is welcome! My daughter would love that.

On Denman street (near Stanley Park) there is a place called Mondo Gelato (near David) that is really nice.

For an unbelievable array of choices (almost too much) check out La Casa Gelato. http://www.lacasagelato.com/ It's out of the way for tourists though.

On Commercial Street, there is Dolce Amore. http://www.gelateriadolceamore.com/ (1590 Commercial Drive at Grant). If you arrive on Sunday, you can also check out the car-free Sunday on Commercial Dr. http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/streets/...rcialDrive.htm

There is another place called Mario's Gelato but it's in the shadows of the construction at the Olympic Village. Good stuff though. 88 East 1st Avenue

Enjoy!

And by the way if you're at all interested in swimming, check out Kitsilano Pool (easy to google). It's nothing less than amazing: 135 meters long, half salt water, with the best view of any swimming pool. Nice beach there too.

[maillotpois]

Thanks, Grog!!

[salsabike]

Also, my all-time favorite restaurant in Vancouver--the Banana Leaf (Malaysian food, really different and really wonderful). I think it's also on Denman.

[maillotpois]

Wow! Sounds great.

[Grog]

Wow! Sounds great.

Yeah there is a Banana Leaf on Denman very close to Mondo Gelato (near Davie). Their roti canai is very good. I find the fish to be hit and miss but their Singapore Laksa is always fantastic.

[maillotpois]

Well, better late than never. . We are finally in Vancouver and today we rented bikes and cycled around Stanley park and went to the aquarium! It was fantastic. My pea brain remembered this thread from when we thought we'd make it here 2 years ago.

Our daughter is being trained to handle birds at the SF zoo right now and she loved the raptor exhibition from this conservation group on Vancouver island. They had some lovely hawks and a bald eagle who was really impressive.

And the belugas were wonderful. .

[salsabike]

Did you see the heron rookery? It's on the English Bay side of the park.

I love Vancouver. In case you can't tell. And on a clear day, the scenery is just spectacular.

[maillotpois]

We didn't see it. We definitely will be back. This is a great city and we did not have enough time. Next time Vancouver island, etc. For now, we head north.

[salsabike]

Have fun, safe travel!