Visiting Vancouver
Visiting Vancouver is something I’ve been meaning to do for a long time now. So, despite promising to focus on staycations, I recently took a flight to Vancouver and stayed there for a long weekend.
Yes, I hate flying, but the flight to Vancouver was uneventful, and I loved the views from the airplane so much, that I had to snap the above photos.
I always thought about Vancouver, which is a short 2-hour flight from San Francisco, as beautiful, diverse, just as laid back as my beloved San Francisco, but different enough to make the travel worth the hassle.
I wasn’t disappointed.
Our Vancouver vacation was simple and relaxing. We stayed in downtown Vancouver, at the Four Seasons Hotel. Yes, it’s not exactly a cheap hotel, but we got a great discount, and the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Vancouver is a lot cheaper than Four Seasons Hotels in the US. I’m not sure why – it was great in every way. Obviously, there are many excellent hotels in Vancouver that are far more affordable.
We went to many of the Vancouver tourist attractions, including the gorgeous totem poles in Stanley Park:
We also visited Granville Island (which we thought was too touristy), Canada Place, Gastown, the Vancouver Art Gallery, and the UBC Museum of Anthropology, which we found boring to the point of tears.
Weather cooperated beautifully – we were lucky. We enjoyed the typical Vancouver mild temperatures without paying the price of enduring bucket loads of rain. We were dressed in short sleeves and tank tops most of the time.
Vancouver is very gay-friendly, which was apparent from these ads. The fact that there are two (possibly three – I haven’t seen a lesbian version) versions of the same ad seems to demonstrate a natural, healthy approach towards sexual orientation:
An older local lady that stood next to me as I was taking one of these photos (the ads were placed on a bus station) commented that she doesn’t feel comfortable when her grandchildren visit and are exposed to such explicit sexual messages, whether gay or straight.
I’m not sure how I feel about this. What do you think? Would you feel uncomfortable seeing these ads? Would it make a difference if your kids were with you?
Visiting Vancouver reminded me that sometimes, enduring a flight is absolutely worth it. I can’t wait for our next trip.
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Cabo San Lucas responds:
Posted: August 23rd, 2009 at 7:27 pm →
[...] Related Reading: Visiting Vancouver [...]
Barbara Swafford responds:
Posted: August 23rd, 2009 at 8:49 pm →
Hi Vered,
It sounds like you had a wonderful time in Vancouver, and you photo shows you looking relaxed (and pretty, too
)
Re: the ads. They are a little too explicit for my liking, but the message they’re trying to get across is important.
Davina responds:
Posted: August 23rd, 2009 at 10:27 pm →
Hi Vered. Vancouver… my city! I’m glad you had a great time here. We’ve had an unusually warm and dry summer so you were lucky. Granville Island is very touristy, and especially busy on the weekend. Next time you come you might consider visiting Cloud Nine on Robson Street. It is a revolving restaurant on the 42nd floor of the Empire Landmark. If you time it right, you can have a fantastic view of the sunset over dinner.
I’m not keen on those ads but they do get the point across. Could be awkward if seen with kids… more so if the kids start asking questions and you having to explain in public.
Mike Goad responds:
Posted: August 23rd, 2009 at 10:40 pm →
Vancouver is a great city! — though it’s been far too long since we visited there.
And, I’m not really a city person any more, having lived over half my life in rural Arkansas and less than 10% of my life in an urban area.
I don’t have a problem with my kids seeing those ads. Of course, my are in their mid to late thirties.
The ads are not any worse than some of the ads for sexual dysfunction that are aired nearly every evening during the evening news.
Carla responds:
Posted: August 23rd, 2009 at 11:13 pm →
I don’t consider myself a “prude” by any stretch of the imagination, but I don’t like sex in my face when I don’t want it to be. Public is worse. I would have to give these photos (not the message) a thumbs down.
Noble Savage responds:
Posted: August 24th, 2009 at 12:22 am →
I don’t like the ads but not because of their ‘explicitness’. I actually have a problem with the message. I realise that it is promoting safe sex, which I think is very important, but it does so in a way that implies that only men have had many partners (“Each time you sleep with someone, you sleep with HIS past”) and it puts the onus on the more submissive partner (the woman in hetero relationships, or the more ‘feminine’ partner in a gay male relationship) to protect themselves from the consequences of that. To me, it just reiterates the “boys will be boys” mentality that excuses male (hetero) promiscuity but shames anyone else for having multiple partners.
Anyway, glad you had a good time in Vancouver. That’s on my list of places to visit in the next few years.
ElderGuru.com responds:
Posted: August 24th, 2009 at 4:33 am →
I would think they could convey the point in some type of creative marketing ad campaign that’s less explicit.
Don Mills Diva responds:
Posted: August 24th, 2009 at 6:35 am →
So glad you loved Vancouver! I love it too when the weather cooperates but honestly? That’s not that often. I don’t really have a problem with the ads – yes they are really explicit but at least in this case it’s for good reason. If they were selling beer it would piss me off…
Dot responds:
Posted: August 24th, 2009 at 6:46 am →
I’ve been interested in seeing Vancouver for a long time, so it’s nice to see a little bit in your photos. It’s also nice to spend a little time in luxury, being pampered. After all, you both work so hard. As for the ads, I’m not comfortable with explicit sexuality in public. And I have to take issue with Noble Savage saying women are the submissive ones in hetero relationships.
Marelisa responds:
Posted: August 24th, 2009 at 8:45 am →
Hi Vered: I’m glad you had a nice time in Vancouver. I guess if children see these ads they’re likely to ask what they are, and then there’s a whole lot of explaining to do. What are they doing? Why all the hands? I think there are ways to get the message across without being so explicit. Beautiful views from the plane.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: August 24th, 2009 at 9:35 am →
@ Barbara Swafford: I pretty much share your views about the ads.
@ Davina: I didn’t know you live in Vancouver! Next time we’re there I’ll email you before we get there – maybe we can meet in person.
@ Mike Goad: I love cities, although I am slowly learning to appreciate nature.
@ Carla: I agree that these ads are too “in your face.”
@ Noble Savage: Interesting point of view. I haven’t thought about the feminist aspect.
@ ElderGuru: Probably.
@ Don Mills Diva: “If they were selling beer it would piss me off” hehe I agree.
@ Dot: I think Noble Savage meant that culturally women are perceived as submissive, not that they are… she has a very strong feminist identity, even stronger – and definitely more eloquent – than mine.
@ Marelisa: “I think there are ways to get the message across without being so explicit.” I agree.
Dr. J responds:
Posted: August 24th, 2009 at 11:02 am →
Like you, I really like Vancouver! I like how cosmopolitan and friendly it is, and it’s not in every city that you can watch a Punjabi TV station
While there, I took a ferry to Victoria City. If you have never done that, I can’t recommend it enough!
By the way, I love, love, love the flying photos
The Stiletto Mom responds:
Posted: August 24th, 2009 at 11:22 am →
I adore Vancouver, haven’t been in years but it is an amazing place.
Those ads, hmmm. They are important to get the word out but I’m not sure I’d enjoy trying to explain them to my children. Those conversations will happen soon enough. So I guess that means I’m sitting on the fence for this one.
J.D. Meier responds:
Posted: August 24th, 2009 at 11:38 am →
Your pics from the flight look surreal.
I’m glad your flight was uneventful. That can make or break a trip.
The totem pole looks fun. I could imagine climbing to the top and doing my crane technique like Daniel-son.
Natural responds:
Posted: August 24th, 2009 at 12:21 pm →
uh i would have felt very uncomfortable, with both photos. the message is true, but i don’t think they needed to go that route to get their message across, but sex sells and gets people’s attention. unfortunately it doesn’t change the way people behave.
Lovelyn responds:
Posted: August 24th, 2009 at 1:02 pm →
I’ve always wanted to go to Vancouver, but I haven’t made to that part of the country yet. The pictures you took from the airplane are lovely. I love taking pictures out of airplane window.
The ads are a bit too racy for my taste.
Lance responds:
Posted: August 24th, 2009 at 2:07 pm →
Vered,
Looks like a wonderful vacation! I love the shots from the airplane – so filled with the magnificence of our world! Vancouver is a place I would love to visit someday…
Patricia responds:
Posted: August 24th, 2009 at 3:13 pm →
Lovely pictures and lovely Vered – how can one miss when it is about one of my all time favorite spots in the world – Thank you for sharing and I am glad it was a sunny weekend.
I know the ads are tough and they make parents either ignore them or have to teach their children sooner rather than later – but maybe the dialogue or conversation is more important. Hope the conversations are good – I still think even as explicit as they are that the folks who need to understand them will not
…then again I think of all the AIDs orphans in parts of Africa and all the young girls who get fistulas from too early pregnancies and all the men who think having sex with virgins will rid their bodies of AIDS….when will we figure these things out?
At least they have health care in Vancouver!!!
Thank you for another great post Vered – and glad you got a bit of a vacation.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: August 24th, 2009 at 3:39 pm →
@ Dr. J: “I love, love, love the flying photos” I had a feeling you might enjoy them.
@ The Stiletto Mom: “I’m not sure I’d enjoy trying to explain them to my children” – exactly.
@ J.D. Meier: You made me laugh with that idea of climbing up a totem pole!
@ Natural: “sex sells and gets people’s attention.” I agree they were probably trying to get people’s attention.
@ Lovelyn: I feel the same.
@ Lance: You should! It’s a lovely city.
@ Patricia: “At least they have health care in Vancouver!” True. Although a cousin who lived in Canada for a few years told me that the Canadian health care isn’t perfect – they have issues too.
Stephanie responds:
Posted: August 24th, 2009 at 6:38 pm →
Good message, but I’m NOT a fan of the ads. I would feel very uncomfortable with my children seeing those pictures and I think that most of the people I know would feel the same way.
They’ve sure got people talking, though, which I’m sure was the point.
Kelly@SHE-POWER responds:
Posted: August 24th, 2009 at 6:40 pm →
I have had a couple of friends live in Vancouver for a spell and both loved it. I would definitely like to visit. I love long weekends away and this sounds like it was a nice one. Did you eat any good food?
Re, the ads the message is important and I don’t find them offensive, though I do wonder if they need to be on bus shelters or out in public so much. They remind me of ads we have inside bathrooms here – cinemas, clubs, bars etc – and I think that venue is very appropriate. I definitely wouldn’t want them on massive billboards everywhere. Too in your face when you might just be trying to get your kids to school, not have an in depth discussion about sexuality!
Kelly
Evelyn Lim responds:
Posted: August 24th, 2009 at 9:54 pm →
I have been wanting to visit Vancouver recently. I notice that I have a great connection with people from there. I am glad that you had a wonderful time.
I have to say that I am mildly shocked that such ads are on public display. I have not noticed similar “gay” ones in any other countries I have visited. I am also not sure about how to reply to my kids if they should ask.
Raag responds:
Posted: August 24th, 2009 at 10:25 pm →
You look ravishing in red.
Vancouver is of course a lovely city. We had the best Indian buffet ever when we were visiting there 4 years ago.
Well, message across or no message across, the ad is too much for my sensibilities. I am sure there are other civil ways, than mere basic instincts, to convey so important a message. It would not be an exaggeration to say, it draws more amusement value rather than conveying the intended message.
Youngsters are sure to get suggestive signals seeing it. Sorry, call me primitive, but is too much of permissive behaviour is promoted in the guise of such message promotion.
Vered, I may go on and on…but this is your platform.
Thanks for reading.
Chanel responds:
Posted: August 24th, 2009 at 10:27 pm →
You visited my city! I adore Vancouver, but I might be a bit biased.
I’m glad you enjoyed your time here though – had you come a week earlier, you would have been met with a week of rain. 
(Just one of the things you grow to love, living in Vancouver.)
About the ads – to be honest, I think they’re a little too explicit. They have a good message (although like one commenter mentioned, they should have a female version of it too – “each time you sleep with someone, you also sleep with her past”) but I think they could have toned it down a bit. Perhaps it’s just my personal feeling, but I don’t having sex shoved in my face (nudity in advertising, making out/groping in public, etc etc.) The advertising industry is already saturated with it.
Daphne @ Joyful Days responds:
Posted: August 25th, 2009 at 7:53 am →
Vered,
The photos are beautiful, and I’m glad you went too! Not sure about the ads – OK if I’m by myself I guess, or with adult friends. It’s always harder with kids isn’t it? I’m not sure how I would explain it to my young nephews.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: August 25th, 2009 at 8:42 am →
@ Stephanie: I feel the same.
@ Kelly: Food was pretty good, but we’re spoiled – San Francisco has better food I think, so I can’t say that the food was the highlight of this trip, although it definitely wasn’t bad. Coffee was great!
@ Evelyn Lim: “I am mildly shocked that such ads are on public display” – this was my first reaction too, which is why I just had to snap a photo of these ads and show them to you guys!
@ Raag: “the ad is too much for my sensibilities” – I think most of us are in agreement on this!
@ Chanel: I LOVED Vancouver. I guess we were lucky to have such dry, sunny weather.
@ Daphne: Yes, I was glad I wasn’t there with my kids. I’m sure I would have found a way to explain, but I don’t like the idea of being forced into this discussion.
Noble Savage responds:
Posted: August 25th, 2009 at 9:05 am →
I have to wonder if everyone would be so uncomfortable with these if it did’nt show two men in an embrace. Is this what you guys are referring to when you say they’re “explicit?” ‘Cause I don’t see how a shot of a female’s back whle she’s kissing a guy is so “explicit.” It’s nothing more than you could see on a billboard advertising beer. In fact, arguably less so. I think it’s the first picture that people have a problem with and don’t want to have to explain to their kids.
As far as not wanting to have “uncomfortable conversations” with your kids, well, I think that’s just part of life. If your kid asks a question, no matter how uncomfortable, you should just answer it as best you know how. If you really don’t want to do in-depth at that moment then give a vague answer to satisfy their curiosity and if they’re really still wondering about it they’ll ask again, at which time you can have a more serious conversation.
I really, really don’t like it when people express disapproval for things based solely on how many questions their children might ask, even if they supposedly support the message. I’ve heard the same argument used by people who think women shouldn’t breastfeed in public…because they don’t want to have to explain that breasts are for milk, not pumping full of silicon and pouring into low-cut tops. Give me a break. Part of parenting is explaining how the universe works.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: August 25th, 2009 at 9:59 am →
@ Noble Savage: Interesting question. I’m pretty sure I would feel the same even if it was “just” the hetero ad – but maybe I’m lying to myself because I have this image of myself as liberal and pro-gay-rights and I hate to admit that seeing two men making love to each other makes me uncomfortable. I’m staring at the two pictures right now in an attempt to see how I really feel, and I really do feel that both ads are equally inappropriate for public display.
As for the kids issue, I don’t know about others, but for me it’s not about having to explain “life” – it’s about having to explain sex. I do think that sexual acts are just not appropriate for such public display. Why are we not allowing people to have sex in public? After all, it’s a completely natural act, totally part of life. Breastfeeding a child is not a sexual act, so I don’t think the two can be compared.
Bonnie Gray | FaithBarista responds:
Posted: August 25th, 2009 at 11:13 am →
I enjoy Vancouver as well, Vered. I always make sure my visit there is matched with a ferry boat ride to nearby Victoria Island (so beautiful) and I book an evening stay there. It’s very quiet and lush getaway. Have you been there?
As for the ads — ack! It made me cringe. Definitely powerful. But, way to explicit, dude! I would be TOTALLY horrified to have my preschool TJ see it. Impressions are VERY strong at this age & OMG, I don’t want this one in his little pocket of memories he’d carry of our vacation there. Yikes!!!
RC - Rambling Along... responds:
Posted: August 25th, 2009 at 2:09 pm →
I’ve always wanted to visit Vancouver. Maybe someday…
As for the ads, as other have mentioned, the message is important, but I do get uncomfortable explaining the subject of the ads to really young kids. It isn’t that there is a lot showing in either ad, but it is the obvious intimacy and direction of each ad. Granted, most small children will see that ad and without reading the text, may just laugh at the funny pictures of “extra arms.” However, for those in-between kids – the ones that are reading everything, I would be a bit uncomfortable. My feeling? The ads would be great for a bar, adult clothing store, internet, etc… I think a bus station is pushing it, but I’ve seen worse.
Michelle @ Find Your Balance responds:
Posted: August 25th, 2009 at 2:57 pm →
Well they are a little explicit. Two men holding hands is one thing, but these are a bit much for kids regardless of if they show hetero or homosexual couples. Anyway, I’ve never been to Vancouver but love the look of those totem poles!
The Lawyer Mom responds:
Posted: August 25th, 2009 at 3:23 pm →
It would make a huge difference if I had my son with me. He once asked me what “gay” meant and I gave him an age appropriate answer on a need-to-know basis. If he’d seen these pictures first, I would have had to give him an explanation too advanced for what he can grasp at his age — unless I was awfully quick on my feet, which I’m not.
John Hoff - WpBlogHost responds:
Posted: August 25th, 2009 at 3:55 pm →
You seem to be like me and have the travel bug. I love traveling. Those images from the plane are awesome.
As for the ads, yeah I have to agree with that woman, I wouldn’t want my young children seeing that at every bus station. I mean, is that really necessary?
But then again I live in Vegas, so I can’t say much. LOL
Tess The Bold Life responds:
Posted: August 25th, 2009 at 7:41 pm →
I want to go! The photos are beautiful. You’re so photogenic. The sex stuff. Well heck they have the write message anyway. I once saw a poster that showed a pregnant teen and it said, “It’s like being grounded for 18 years.” I never forgot it. I think it’s an understatement!
emsxiety responds:
Posted: August 25th, 2009 at 8:00 pm →
I agree, they are too explicit. It’s not the gay or not, it’s the too much is too much. I actually think the hetero one is the worse of the two.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: August 25th, 2009 at 9:19 pm →
@ Bonnie Gray: We haven’t been to Victoria Island – decided the ferry ride was too long.
@ RC: “The ads would be great for a bar, adult clothing store, internet, etc… I think a bus station is pushing it” – I agree.
@ Michelle: The totem poles are gorgeous.
@ The Lawyer Mom: I feel that explicit sexual material shouldn’t be displayed on bus stops, whether straight or gay.
@ John Hoff: I do love to travel. But I hate to fly.
@ Tess: Bold messages can be appropriate. I just wish these weren’t displayed on bus stops. Maybe in bars?
@ emsxiety: “It’s not the gay or not, it’s the too much is too much” I agree, and again, especially because of where these were posted. In a bar or a nightclub would have been far more appropriate.
John W. Zimmer responds:
Posted: August 25th, 2009 at 10:57 pm →
I’m from San Diego so this is not so over the top for me. My kids are older but when they were young I was protective of them for any inappropriate behavior for their age.
Case in point when we were visiting children’s pool (before the seals took over) there was this model in a thong but all I noticed walking down the stairs was her butt! I rapidly shielded my boy’s eyes until I noticed she was a model on a photo shoot and actually was wearing a bathing suit of sorts! Better safe than sorry.
Robin responds:
Posted: August 26th, 2009 at 4:56 am →
Hi Vered – I love your photos – the ones out the plane window are gorgeous! I’ve been hearing Vancouver come up so many times since I started blogging – now I know a little bit about it. I don’t know what I think about the ads – I do think many are too explicit for kids.
Avani Mehta responds:
Posted: August 26th, 2009 at 10:00 am →
Vered, seems like you had a good time in Vancouver. I would not be comfortable with these kind of ads. But then most Indians might not. Seeing them with parents or with children – both would be extremely uncomfortable.
Noble Savage responds:
Posted: August 26th, 2009 at 10:01 am →
Denying that these kinds of messages need to reach pre-teen and teenage children is exactly why we’re always so dumbfounded at the teen sex and pregnancy rate. If you think this ad belongs in a bar (where only those over 21 years of age will see it) but not a bus stop (where teens tend to hang out and take public transport) then I have to say, I think you’re a bit naive (general ‘you’ not Vered specifically).
Still not getting the whole “But I don’t want to have to explain it to little Johnny” complaint either. There are age-appropriate responses for nearly every question a kid could ask, or simple redirection if you really can’t think of anything to say. It’s not like you have to say, “Well, Johnny, sometimes men like to have sex with lots of other men or women might have sex with lots of men but this makes them get horrible diseases so it’s important to use condoms.” Come on. I’m sure something vague about the importance of knowing the people you hug and taking responsibility for your health would suffice for a young child.
But to prevent older kids from getting these kinds of important messages because of what a PRE-SCHOOLER might think or say? I just think that’s silly, and wrong. It’s a picture of two men embracing and another of a hetero couple kissing. Really? That’s “explicit?” I’ve seen more explicit stuff in the pages of women’s magazines and on ads for soup.
At any rate, I won’t comment anymore on the subject as I think I’m talking to myself here!
Mark responds:
Posted: August 26th, 2009 at 10:11 am →
In regards to the ads. I have no problem with them and would have no problem with children seeing these ads. When we are comfortable with our bodies and we teach our children to be comfortable with their bodies and sexuality then there is not an issue.
John Hoff - WpBlogHost responds:
Posted: August 26th, 2009 at 2:33 pm →
Ok, that sounds a little bit weird.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: August 26th, 2009 at 4:57 pm →
I know what you mean.
BunnygotBlog responds:
Posted: August 27th, 2009 at 4:24 pm →
I have never been there but it looks like a great place to visit. I have been to Montreal and liked it very much.
Great post and photos.
BunnygotBlog responds:
Posted: August 27th, 2009 at 4:35 pm →
And about the ads. Sorry I got distracted with a call.
I think these ads are ridiculous in a public place. Better off used in educating then plastered in public places where small children see them.
To me, I could care less who sleeps with who or what sex. That is just something I find too personal and nobody’s business. I do not judge and do not think one’s sexual preference has a significance on their character.
Jannie Funster responds:
Posted: August 27th, 2009 at 8:53 pm →
If my child asked questions about those, I’d answer as honestly as I could. I would not feel as uncomfortable as I would’ve even 6 months ago having her see them, as we’ve had some birds and the bees chats since then, and those could help reinforce some of what we’ve talked about, STDs specifically.
P.S. Lose a little weight, will ya!
Kathy | Virtual Impax responds:
Posted: August 28th, 2009 at 6:41 am →
I think the ads are over the top. I used to show dogs in conformation and there are a LOT of “alternative lifestyle” people engaged in that activity. As a result, my kids not only knew about “gay” vs “”straight” – they also KNEW and conversed with gay men and women. That made the subject not so scary or even weird.
“What’s up with Brett and Gary, Mom?”
“Brett and Gary are life partners baby doll. That means that they love each other the way Mommy and Daddy love each other. We don’t know WHY – but I suspect it’s like how you don’t like chicken but your sister does. It’s just the way God made them. The Bible says it’s wrong – but the Bible also tells us it’s not our job to judge them – only to love them.”
As a result – being “gay” isn’t a big deal in my house. We are friends with gay couples – and one of my best friends in the world is a lesbian. NO BIG DEAL!
With that said – I think if my children were exposed to EITHER of those ads in a public place- especially at a young age – the whole conversation wouldn’t have been NEARLY as comfortable or natural. I’d hate to have ANY sex talk with a young child in front of either of those ads.
“What’s going on in the picture, Mommy?”
“Um… nothing natural OR beautiful baby!”
UGH!
What a shame – such beautiful scenery – the shot from the plane is SPECTACULAR!