It's a very nice little place, in the Kitslano neighbourhood just over the Burrard bridge. Not only does it tell the history of this fine city (which began even before British naval captain George Vancouver graciously gave it his name) but it also highlights notable Vancouverites. At the moment one of these is Foncie Pulice, a street photographer who, starting in the 1930s, snapped passers-by and then sold them the photos from his shop a few days later. He was very successful, and although I was tempted by this possible business opportunity I'm not sure it works in the digital age. $5 for me to post your picture on my blog?
Vancouver's history is similar to many of the West Coast cities, benefiting from being a transcontinental railroad terminus and riding the social ups-and-downs of the 60s and 70s. Greenpeace was started here! There was a re-creation of a hippy's bedroom, complete with psychedelic projector and bead curtains, and a 1950s Ford Fairlane car with a completely impractical drive-in dining tray across the back seat. One of the best displays was buildings that have been refused planning permission. The skyline would have looked a lot different - and a good bit crazier - had some of these passed.
After feeding the mind it was time to feed the body/soul. I mentioned a few weeks ago about finding the local gin palace, and on Friday afternoons they've started a gin and tonic bar, and a local food truck parks outside! Pete obliged by sleeping, and while it's illegal to take babies into bars here it seems alright to take them into a distillery. At least, we weren't arrested. Hannah and I munched on Filipino sliders and knocked back a gin with homemade tonic, looking at the copper still in which it had been made. This is sort of how I imagine heaven to be.
A fast moving Vancouverite who doesn't oblige in staying still for photos.
Off to look around with mummy.
The had a display of old neon signs, not held in high regard when the city decided to smarten itself up. The whole gallery had a pleasing electrical hum.
Ugly and rampant.
Here's a good pub quiz fact: neon glows bright red! All the other colours are usually made using argon.
Pete decides to do a little curating.
An early model of dalek.
Playing with architecture.
This is what Christ Church Cathedral was going to look like in the 70s, until people decided to slap a preservation order on the current, old building.
I know the city hasn't always been here, but I'm not sure I realised it used to look like this. This is now Thurlow Street.
More people come to Vancouver every day.
Here's a rather nice car...
...and here's the super-practical White Spot dining tray they give you at the drive-in! Three kids in the back? It's a good job those seats are made from vinyl.
Talking of sustenance.
The weekend officially starts..
If only every school day could end like this.
