Oh, Canada!

I am currently in Vancouver for a work conference (riveting, I know.) Having grown up in MN, I've been to Canada many times, but it's been years since my last visit to our northern neighbors. This is my first time in Vancouver to boot--and even better that it is on my work's dime!

I've only heard good things about Vancouver. It's my second full day here and I don't have any major complaints about the city except that the damp chill can be a bit miserable at times. Also, my extremely overpriced hotel does not include breakfast--for $167 a night, the least they could do is buy a girl breakfast, no?

Although Canada is very similar to the U.S., there is still the excitement of exploring an unfamiliar city. I'm never certain what proper protocol is--for example, as a New Yorker, I don't even think twice about about jay-walking. But in Vancouver, is this sort of behavior acceptable or will the Mounties come after me on horseback? I don't want to experience some sort of Canadian version of Brokedown Palace...

I haven't had a chance to see much of the sights yet, but I did find the Whole Foods, Dairy Queen and nearest two 7-Elevens. I also took a long stroll along the sea wall which follows along the harbour and Stanley Park, one of the largest urban public parks in North America. Running through the park is a stream that empties into the harbor. Various types of salmon take this stream into the harbor to reach the Pacific (freedom!), as well as to come back when it's time to spawn. Salmon return to their home stream based on the scent of the water. Becasue of this, at the time of the great salmon exodus into the Pacific and the subsequent return to spawn in the fall, the park puts some chemical into the water to add additional scent. This gives an extra boost to ensure the salmon can find their way back. It makes sense, but I can't help but being a little saddened for all that work to get the salmon back only to end up on my dinner plate.