After shutting down the computers at the office on Friday afternoon, the weekend could start. We decided to behave like real Canadians this night, which means only one thing: watch hockey! So, Nadine and I headed to the sports bar Malone’s to meet some of you. At the moment, the playoffs of the Stanley Cup are broadcasted literally every day and as you can imagine, the pub was crowded. Everyone was following the intense game of one of the two Canadian teams in the competition, the Winnipeg Jets. Some fights later, we as well as the Jets could celebrate. We took it easy and called it a night after a few drinks.
The view outside the window on Saturday morning did not seem that promising. Time to escape cloudy downtown and take a walk in a tropical forest. That is possible in Vancouver? Yes! The Bloedel Conservatory is located right at the Queen Elizabeth Park. It feels like entering another world, warm and colourful. While walking around, Nadine, Angy and I could spot many exotic birds and plants. All information about the beautiful parrots and trees are mentioned in a guide that you receive when entering. Outside of the conservatory, I could enjoy a beautiful view of Vancouver and a little park with many flowers that are starting to flourish now. At the other side of the park, the preparation for the night began.
We planned to visit the event that was happening later: the Spring Light Festival. As it was still too bright and early, we used the time to visit the Oakridge Mall, before heading back to the park. Lucky as we were, it started to rain the moment we walked out of the mall. However, we were happy to meet some of you hiding under your umbrellas. We followed the path that was guided by lights in all kinds of ways. It was nice to see the cherries and lanterns highlighted in colourful spotlights. After a while, the ground became all muddy and we were completely soaked, so we decided to warm up again. Famous place to do so is the pub Bourbon where we danced the night away.
I admit that it was quite tough to get out of bed on Sunday morning. But there was a good reason to leave the house again. Of course, I wanted to meet you for our tour in the Rogers Arena. A guide welcomed us in the empty hallway and we entered the heart of the stadium. But something was different than the last time I was there to see a game of the Canucks. There was no ice! Since the season is over, it already got removed so that the concert season can start. The tour continued to the media and press box, the hall of heroes and the luxurious suits. As a highlight of the tour, we could even enter the locker rooms of the guests (quite basic) and the Canucks (not basic at all), where we could still spot the gear of the famous Sedins. I was impressed by the diverse places you can see a game from and the huge organization behind the scenes. Since everyone was hungry after this exhausting tour, we visited Malone’s again for lunch and hockey, of course.
I had another great weekend with many of you! See you Wednesday at Steamworks Brewpub for our weekly PuB NiGHT!
– Kerstin
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Lake Louise and Emerald Lake are a huge highlight of the tour and which is where we went afterwards. Lake Louise is still partly frozen, but the scenery is amazing nonetheless. Highlight of the tour for many people was Emerald Lake. Most of us rented canoes here and got onto the lake and paddled around – absolutely fascinating. This lake has turquoise coloured water, which makes the lake very special. Plenty of selfies were made and a big wolf howl was done by all the baby wolves on and around the lake.
We started July with celebrating Canada Day by watching the parade and enjoying the fireworks in Stanley Park. On the 6th of July we went to Deep Cove. Even if it is rainy Deep Cove is a beautiful place to go to and you certainly have to try the famous honey doughnuts. On the 12th of July we went to the street festival in Kitsilano. There were many little markets and we walked from burrad to McDonald and ended up on the beach in Kits. The following weekend we went to a distillery in Granville island where we tasted their gin, whiskey and vodka. We also enjoyed some cocktails before and after the tasting. On the last weekend of July it was time for our monthly overnight trip to Victoria. 
Due to skytrain problems we missed our ferry and had to take a later one. Once we arrived in Victoria we went straight to the Canoe Pub for lunch, afterwards we walked to the empress hotel and parliament building. After taking pictures of the stunning harbor we went to Fisherman’s Warf were we enjoyed an ice-cream. We had dinner at spinnakers and afterwards went to a local pub. The next morning we went for typical american breakfast and rented bikes. We had lunch at the spaghetti factory and took the ferry at 6pm back to Vancouver. 
Now that July is over it is time to inform you about our activities in August. We already started August of this Sunday with the Pride Parade. From the 8th to the 11th we will join the Summer Rockies trip and visit Revelstoke, banff and Valemount before heading back to Vancouver. The next weekend we will explore Granville Island where you can rent a kayak or SUP board and paddle along the False Creek. On the 29th of August we will have another Pub & Club night. And of course we have our weekly pub nights on Wednesdays.
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