How was the weekend?

This past weekend INTERNeX went to Art Vancouver and it didn’t disappoint. We started by gathering at the Convention Centre where the event took place. Inside we saw lots of exhibitors with their unique art pieces. It was amazing to see so many different styles and motives from nature, to neon and glitter, to portraits, places, photography, details, sculptures, simple structures, abstract art, to different textures. The artists were mostly sitting near their work which made it easy to ask questions about their process, journey and art. They were super open and loved to answer all of our questions, we even got invited to stay at one artists house in Zimbabwe. 😉 I enjoyed the diversity and the Programme the show offered. We listened to a very interesting Panel Talk about AI Art, found out that AI is actually over 20 years old, but now trending with things like chatgpt 4. The artists voiced some opportunities but also some concerns regarding the progress of AI technology. What’s your take on that? Do you find it rather helpful and interesting, or do you see some dangers with it as well? After the talk we grabbed some coffee and tea at their little bar and wandered along more fascinating art until the grand finale of the evening – a masters art competition! Eight artists were given a topic and a mystery box of supplies to create their painting within one hour, that’s pretty wild! We as the audience were allowed to then vote for our favourite painting. The topic just got revealed while they were on stage and it was ‘magic’. I loved how different and creative everyone interpreted and executed this theme. Some people just used their hands and a foam brush or spatula. One artist got really creative and hung a cut off prop foot out of silicone on her painting. 😀 It was definitely the highlight of our visit and I would recommend everyone to come watch the competition next time! 🙂

Another thing I’ve tried for the first time this weekend was forest bathing. Let me explain it a little bit. We went to Pacific Spirit Regional Park with a guide specialized in Forest Bathing and it was all about slowing down, de-stressing and spending some time in nature engaging all your senses. First we listened to our surroundings, we focused on what we can smell and then walked around paying attention to different movements in the forest as well as different shades of green before exploring nature’s textures through gently touching trees, plants, moss, rocks etc., without disrupting the environment of course. In the end we were told to find a spot off the trail close to a tree and just sit still for 10 minutes, trying to focus on our surroundings rather than on our thoughts. It was incredible what I noticed compared to when I just go for a walk with a friend. I heard lots of different birds chirping, including a woodpecker. I saw caterpillars and everything just seemed very peaceful. To top it up we had some herbal tea and snacks before ending our experience.

If I’m not wrong the concept comes from Japan where lots of people were so stressed out that some even collapsed at their desk at work. The minister of forestry had the idea to take them out into the forest for three days, no cell phones just connection to nature and the benefits were mind blowing. Now this concept is starting to gain more popularity in other parts of the world as well and I understand why. It felt truly good to reconnect with nature, to slow down, notice everything around in a different way than before. I think it’s very important to go back to the roots every now and then and escape the busy city life, so if you have been caught up in work lately or seek some peace, I recommend you try this out some time. 🙂

How was your weekend? What did you do? Let me know all about it next Pub Night!

Cheers,

Laura 🙂

How was the weekend?

Do you ever feel like the city life is getting too busy and you really seek some quiet time in nature? I do. This weekend, in alignment with Earth Day, I decided to spend my free time reconnecting to nature. Thankfully Vancouver is the perfect place for that. Only a short bus ride and you are surrounded by lush rain forests with big trees, streams, waterfalls and lakes.

I went to the North Shore where I explored a new area. I’ve been to Lynn Canyon many times before but never headed towards Rice Lake which is close by. It was very peaceful and quiet around the lake, I’d definitely recommend taking a hike through the forest and watch people fishing on the lake when you get a chance.

I didn’t just go for a stroll though. I as on a mission – a mission to restore a natural BC rainforests environment on grounds that were fruitless from too many footsteps walking over it. Why restore the environment? Because it’s healthy for the forest and its habitants like birds or frogs for example. We recreated the natural vegetation by planting over 200 local plants in hopes they will grow and nourish the environment around. This initiative was lead by professionals of course that guided us volunteers through the do’s and dont’s, explained what’s important and made sure we had some well deserved coffee breaks in between. It was a lot of fun volunteering for the environment, I felt like a kid again, playing in the mud. 😀 There was nothing else that mattered in this moment and it really gave me a felling of being connected to nature and myself. I can only recommend you try it for yourself some time, there’s probably a bunch of programs online that you could volunteer for. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it just as much and in the end you’ve done something great for the Earth. 😉

Sunday INTERNeX went to explore yet another beautiful area in the forests of BC. Our adventure in Capilano River Regional Park was definitely worth the visit. Right upon arrival we were blessed with misty mountains views reflecting on the lake. We saw the impressive Cleveland Dam and then headed straight into the woods. Everything around was covered in green moss and decorated with a variety of other wild plants. It’s almost like walking through a fairy tale forest with all its magic. The path lead across wooden bridges with streams passing by and along the powerful bursting river with its turquoise-green colour. There were a lot of pretty viewpoints and the hike itself was not too hard either, so even if you’re not that experienced I believe you could enjoy this little walk in nature with a hiking buddy. Take in the fresh air, meet lots of doggies on the trails and do a little picnic break on one of the benches along the river, you’ll thank yourself after for this refreshing experience. We all enjoyed it for sure. Before going home we made a quick stop at the Londsdale Quay Market in North Vancouver to grab a little snack as a reward for getting out of the house on a rainy Sunday. 🙂

How about you? Did you make it outside this weekend? Did you do anything for Earth Day, or did you enjoy it from the comfort of your bed? 😉

Let me know all about it at the next Pub Night!

See you then,

Laura 🙂

How was the weekend? – On Sasquatch Mountain

I’m not sure if it was more relaxing, or more exciting!

The weekend started with our bumpy ride up the mountain, with probably 20 minutes on ‘the milkshake road’ how one of my friends calls it. 😀 Once at our cabin we realized how there was not much around us, just a few other cabins, the lifts, a mountain lodge and a whole lot of snow! Good thing we brought plenty of food with us, since there was no option for us to get anything up there! I loved how quiet and peaceful it was, until we started drinking of course. 😀 That’s when it got exciting. We explored our beautiful cabin with its fireplace and the highlight: the hot tub right outside the door in the basement with views over the snowy landscape. We made good use of it! Other than that we had a great time playing games, and taking Salsa lessons by our personal dance teacher Tim. We all left as better dancers for sure. 😉

The second day was all about food, we had a great breakfast – a little later in the day, so our bodies could rest from the night before – went for a walk to explore the mountain and ended up at the lodge where the big wooden Sasquatch is located. The restaurants’ and cafes’ systems were down, so they gave out free hot chocolate and coffee which we couldn’t say no to! While slurping our beverages and warming up we got mentally ready for our next point on the program: A build a snowman contest! We all gave points to each other and in the end we were not really contentious with our decision of who actually won. 😀 They were all great in my opinion, decide for yourself and let me know which one you like most:

After the day in the snow we went back to our cabin, warming up in the hot tub (of course) and treating ourselves to a chocolate fondue that Stelle brought with her for us! She also made a cheese dip inside a loaf of bread, it was AMAZING! We all needed some down time and later on had pasta for dinner. Some discovered the Wii the place was equipped with and it was a pretty chill night compared to the first one. Everyone went to bed a little earlier to be fit for our way back into the city with one last stop along the road: Cascade Falls. It’s a very short walk that leads to a Suspension Bridge next to a powerful waterfall with its beautiful clear turquoise colour, surrounded by big trees and green moss. Breathing in the fresh air, listening to the water clash on the rocks and seeing the different shades of green was really calming and a great way to end our Canadian nature adventure. 🙂

Allover we enjoyed our time in the snowy mountains with a great mix of relaxation and activities.

How about you? What did you do on your weekend? Did you enjoy the city, or escaped into nature as well?

Let me know at next Pub Night! 🙂

See you then,

Laura

What to do on the weekend?

INTERNeX is going to Sasquatch Mountain this weekend for a real Canadian nature adventure, away from the city, snuggled up in a cozy log cabin in the snow with a nice fireplace, a hot tub, games and more. Make sure to bring your survival kit. 😉 Joking, there’s a ski lodge and pub nearby that could come to our rescue which is another reason to go on this trip, the slopes are great I heard, plus the passes are very affordable. There’s the option for action on ski and snowboard, or relaxation in the cabin. This weekend can be whatever you want it to be. I know we’ll have a great time together. 🙂

Fun Fact: The word Sasquatch is believed to be an Anglicization of the Salish word Sasq’ets, meaning “wild man” or “hairy man”, you might know it better as Bigfoot. 😉

If you’re staying in Vancouver this weekend, I gotta tell you about the pop up latin dance class with Dance in Transit at the Annex. I know there’s a lot of dancers between you guys, so why not try something new? Or maybe you’re not a dancer but you always wanted to learn how to dance? This is a great chance to move your hips and socialize, no matter what level you’re at. This Friday you have the chance to learn about Argentine Tango. The doors open at 7 and it only costs $12 for an hour lesson plus social dancing afterwards. What a way to spend your Friday night! Just make sure to register in advance for this event.

Since the weather is slowly getting better in Vancouver, how about a little hike? I went to Deep Cove last weekend and it was beautiful. Not only can you stop by for coffee and doughnuts on your way, but you can finally access the trail up to Quarry Rock again which is a popular viewpoint in North Vancouver. The hike is easy to moderate with some ups and downs, lots of bridges and streams along the way. The lush green forest is a great one-day escape from the city and gives you the chance to explore a different area. I’m sure even if you’re a beginner you can master this hike together with a hiking buddy. 🙂 Remember to wear suitable shoes and bring a rain jacket (just in case).

I’m positive that you’ll find something great to do this weekend to get the most out of your time here. Tell me about it next Pub Night!

See you then,

Laura 🙂

How was the weekend?

I don’t know about your weekend, but mine was a blast!

On Friday we celebrated St. Patricks Day from early afternoon till late at night! Our first stop was an Irish bar on Granville Street where most of the action happened. We dressed up in green with lots of accessories like tattoos, stickers, head bands, hats and shiny necklaces, just like it’s supposed to be. 🙂 We enjoyed some drinks like a classic Guinness, Irish music and good pub food before we were eager to swing our legs. With every sip deeper into the cup, we wanted to dance more. What better place to let out that St. Patrick’s Day energy than at a club? With a mix of DJ and Live Music we celebrated till late at night, made new friends and some lost their voices over singing too loud. Overall I think it was a success. 🙂 Did you celebrate St. Patricks Day? What else did you do?

Saturday was definitely a day to recover for me since I’m not used to going out that much anymore. 😀 Sunday though we went on a little hike at Deep Cove which is in North Vancouver. I still felt the consequences of Friday night, so we took it slow and only went on an easy to moderate trail that led up to a nice viewpoint over the inlet and some lush areas around. The exercise was definitely worth it and we rewarded ourselves with some doughnuts after. They were still nice and warm when we ate them, and I gotta say it was one of the best doughnuts I’ve ever had (wanting one while I’m typing this). I highly recommend checking out the area with its cute local cafes and shops, and don’t worry you won’t miss the doughnut place, it’s the one with a long queue in front of it. 😀 In summer Deep Cove is also a great place to go kayaking or stand up paddling, can’t wait! 🙂

Sorry if you’re craving doughnuts now, but that’s another reason to go out and explore this week. 🙂 I hope you had an amazing weekend!

Let me know all about it next Pub Night!

See you then,

Laura 🙂