Waking up in Vancouver in December is the strangest thing I’ve gone through in years. At 8 A.M. I looked out the window and saw black, the only light in the sky being the skyscrapers that surrounded the Marriott. Being as I usually get out of bed at 5:30 in the morning, I was amazed that for two days in a row I didn’t get out of bed until almost 10. Three blocks from the hotel there’s a great café called Caffé Artigiano that far exceeded my expectations. Besides the extraordinarily kind staff, the coffee and food were perfect. Smooth coffees always gets me, but top it off with a superb Uova Napolitano and I was quite happy. If you’re in Vancouver stop by, it’s at 740 W. Hastings, (604) 915-7200 or www.caffeartigiano.com .

From there we continued down Hastings to The Lookout Tower. It’s nothing really special, just a good way to get your bearings when you first get to Vancouver. In that regards, I highly recommend it to people who feel it helps to know which way north, south, East and West are. Check their site for information at www.vancouverlookout.com.

So from the lookout tower it was over to the science world to see the body worlds 3 exhibit. We walked through a small corner of china town and east Vancouver towards the BC Place Stadium. It started to sleet a little which to my son’s pleasure started to become a light snow. Science World was sold out so we decided to get our tickets online for another time this week. I suggest you do the same; you can do so here www.scienceworld.ca.

From there we made our way south towards False Creek and over the Cambie St. Bridge. We crossed the bridge and back towards the BC Place Stadium. Just east of the stadium is where you will find Yaletown. Yaletown was previously an area that was a bit rundown, but unlike most redevelopment areas, it’s actually become an outstanding destination. From a Mini Cooper retail store, to the Opus Hotel which housed the Elixir (www.elixir-opushotel.com). The elixir was a beautiful little spot in the outstanding hotel, The Opus Hotel. Besides the beautiful design and great bar, the people were outstanding and very helpful. This bar, or hotel are a must see.

As we made our way back up to the Marriot, we came across a store called the Market Place IGA. This store has got to be about my favorite grocery experience to date. Everything was fresh, organic seemed to be about the norm, and the service was exquisite. From the massive selection of fruits and vegetables, to the massive bakery on site, I was blown away. So we stocked up on necessities for the hotel and had them grill a fresh Panini for the walk home. Stop by this market, it’s at 909 Burrard street, www.marketplaceiga.com .

After naps apparently induced by the humidity and temperature, it was another walk around town. This time there was no purpose and no destination. A few drinks at what seems to be Vancouver’s version of Starbucks, Blenz, and we were on our way. I couldn’t help but feel that Blenz is just as much a corporate demon as Starbucks, but seeing as how Canada comes across like they care a little more about their environment, I opted for Blenz. For a list of locations go to www.blenz.ca

It was dark at about five P.M. and we were getting hungry. So we found this little set of stairs on Thurlow Street, but Samba really is at 1122 Alberni St. in downtown Vancouver. Samba wins me over where most Churascaria’s lose me….they have real Brazilian food served by real Brazilians. Everything here, like most places and services I have come across in Canada was above par. The food was fresh and the servers outstanding. This is another must stop location while in Vancouver. Their number is (604) 696-9888, and the site is www.thaihouse.com/samba