The bigger the undertaking, the trickier it is…
This week all I can say is, “please stop raining!!” And yes, the two exclamation marks were totally needed. I’m not usually a fan of doubling up on punctuation, but really, in this case… It has gotten to a point where I have taken to throwing coins into wishing wells and making this my wish. I’m also going to add, a day early, in the hope of tempting the fates and really praying they prove me wrong, it has rained every single day for the entire month of November. Go on, I dare you, stay dry tomorrow. I feel like I live in Cloud City, except Hans Solo has yet to show up in his Millennium Falcon.
Usually, or at least for the past four weeks I have tried to avoid the rain somewhat on a Saturday, I know, I’m not made of sugar, I won’t melt… but my hair will frizz, by finding indoor activities and adventures in which to partake. This week, I thought I had also found an indoor attraction, only to be proved wrong once I arrived. I headed out to Queen Elizabeth Park, yes I know a park is usually outdoor, and most of this one is no exception. However, I will pause briefly to say the fountains were very pretty, and would have been worth more attention if it wasn’t raining quite so hard, and the landscaping was gently enticing, and again with a sunny day would make for a very pleasant walk. It is not quite on the same scale as Stanley Park and it does not have the dramatic and enchanting appeal that I enjoy in Stanley Park, although I appreciate this may all be a matter of taste, however, it does have the Bloedel Conservatory.
From the initial description of the conservatory I was given to understand that is would be something like I imagine (never having been) the Eden Project in the UK is like. The guide books spoke very highly of it, and the literature produced by the parks authority describes it as Over 500 different plants from tropical and subtropical areas of the world are on display, and over 100 birds of various species call the Bloedel Conservatory home, free-flying within the spacious plexiglass dome. Take a stroll through a simulated tropical rainforest paradise, then explore the subtropic and desert climate zones. Unfortunately, due to funding cuts this is set to close, for good, in the New Year. I thought I would therefore, take this opportunity to visit before it finally closed. I have to say I was very disappointed. The dome which supposed has great views of the city was frosted and cloudy, and cracked in numerous places leading to a huge amount of leaks, so many in fact that a umbrella was necessary inside and the birds had been taken to seeking shelter under foliage and perches, and in one case, an umbrella! The dome was also much smaller than I had imagined, having a radius of just 40 meters, therefore leaving little scope for changes of habitat, and certainly not ending up in a dry desert like environment due to the roof issues. It is a shame that this is going to be closing, as it had the scope and potential to be a fantastic learning experience and really enjoyable place to visit, but I can see that the expense needed to maintain and correct it, from its current state would be extensive.
Queen Elizabeth Park, remains a nice place to visit, and possibly in the summer its attraction will be that is isn’t Stanley Park, it is certainly easier to get to, has much cheaper parking, and a couple of Henry Moore sculpture pieces that will be worth a second and closer look.
I feel a little like time has slipped away from me this week, I’ll see what next week has to bring…
This week all I can say is, “please stop raining!!” And yes, the two exclamation marks were totally needed. I’m not usually a fan of doubling up on punctuation, but really, in this case… It has gotten to a point where I have taken to throwing coins into wishing wells and making this my wish. I’m also going to add, a day early, in the hope of tempting the fates and really praying they prove me wrong, it has rained every single day for the entire month of November. Go on, I dare you, stay dry tomorrow. I feel like I live in Cloud City, except Hans Solo has yet to show up in his Millennium Falcon.
Usually, or at least for the past four weeks I have tried to avoid the rain somewhat on a Saturday, I know, I’m not made of sugar, I won’t melt… but my hair will frizz, by finding indoor activities and adventures in which to partake. This week, I thought I had also found an indoor attraction, only to be proved wrong once I arrived. I headed out to Queen Elizabeth Park, yes I know a park is usually outdoor, and most of this one is no exception. However, I will pause briefly to say the fountains were very pretty, and would have been worth more attention if it wasn’t raining quite so hard, and the landscaping was gently enticing, and again with a sunny day would make for a very pleasant walk. It is not quite on the same scale as Stanley Park and it does not have the dramatic and enchanting appeal that I enjoy in Stanley Park, although I appreciate this may all be a matter of taste, however, it does have the Bloedel Conservatory.
From the initial description of the conservatory I was given to understand that is would be something like I imagine (never having been) the Eden Project in the UK is like. The guide books spoke very highly of it, and the literature produced by the parks authority describes it as Over 500 different plants from tropical and subtropical areas of the world are on display, and over 100 birds of various species call the Bloedel Conservatory home, free-flying within the spacious plexiglass dome. Take a stroll through a simulated tropical rainforest paradise, then explore the subtropic and desert climate zones. Unfortunately, due to funding cuts this is set to close, for good, in the New Year. I thought I would therefore, take this opportunity to visit before it finally closed. I have to say I was very disappointed. The dome which supposed has great views of the city was frosted and cloudy, and cracked in numerous places leading to a huge amount of leaks, so many in fact that a umbrella was necessary inside and the birds had been taken to seeking shelter under foliage and perches, and in one case, an umbrella! The dome was also much smaller than I had imagined, having a radius of just 40 meters, therefore leaving little scope for changes of habitat, and certainly not ending up in a dry desert like environment due to the roof issues. It is a shame that this is going to be closing, as it had the scope and potential to be a fantastic learning experience and really enjoyable place to visit, but I can see that the expense needed to maintain and correct it, from its current state would be extensive.
Queen Elizabeth Park, remains a nice place to visit, and possibly in the summer its attraction will be that is isn’t Stanley Park, it is certainly easier to get to, has much cheaper parking, and a couple of Henry Moore sculpture pieces that will be worth a second and closer look.
I feel a little like time has slipped away from me this week, I’ll see what next week has to bring…
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