Intricately beautiful street mural downtown Vancouver. Please click to enlarge to soak up all the detail. I love the energy and richness of Vancouver’s multicultural experience.
Check out these street murals at the entrance to Chinatown for example.
They provide snapshot depictions of Chinese Canadian history in the city.
I appreciate the artists who contribute their time and talent.
It is such fun eating in restaurants here and exploring the antique shops,
the food markets,
and the herbalists and herb shops.
Check out these monster dried mushrooms! Don’t they make you want to dine out in Chinatown? The food is divine!
Cheers to from Vancouver’s fascinating Chinatown~
All the murals are gorgeous but that first one the eyes are perfect.
Yes! I was blown away by this mural, the stories it tells, the beauty and you are right, the eyes!! Wonderful!
I’m having so much fun on this trip! The murals are beautiful, Cindy, I especially like the first one and it is indeed intricate.
It is a stunner isn’t it! The talent of the artist in mixing history into two faces…..just beautiful!
Brilliant post,fabulous photo series,dear Cindy ! All of them are great,but the first one is a superb street mural with dazzling patterns and a wide range of vibrand colours !!!
Love and hugs , Doda 🙂
I agree with you about the first mural and I am so glad you see what I see! I have no idea how the artist made all these little historical stories fade in the face of the strong faces. A stunning work of art!
In Canada, I met this gentleman on a plane with whom I struck up friendly conversation. I said to him that the distance between the East and West coasts of Canada is almost equal to that between Canada and Japan, and he said,
“WOW! Is Japan that far…?”
Oh that is perfect! Laughing~
While I believe everyone has the right to enjoy & celebrate their heritage. I also believe the demand for, and embrace of, multiculturalism is a stake in the heart of the country itself. I believe I am watching the slow demise of the US. The multiculturalism divides the nation.
ah you visited my city 🙂
Awesome place…..
Truly is especially where you went to, Chinatown with so much culture all within a few blocks 🙂
It is the most remarkable Chinatown I have seen. We are spending a couple days browsing and eating!! 😛
Cindy, the detail in the murals is extraordinary – and I thought the mushrooms were clams until I read that you were saying they’re mushrooms! Giants! 🙂
I could be wrong, they could be clams. I did photograph some things I knew were clams but they were rather unpleasant looking so I didn’t post. Someone will surely tell us if these are not clams! 😉
Hi Cindy you’re visiting Vancouver now, wow.
Hi Ranu! Yep. Moving around but going home soon~
OK, now you’re in my favorite city in the whole world! Been there many times, and each time is a wonderful experience. Enjoy!!!
Yes!! Laughing….the neatest thing is there is always something new to explore. Clean wonderful Vancouver~
This murals tell so much stories and history of the Chinese immigrants, and how they tried to preserve their culture in a new world… very moving. These are traditional Chinese grocery stores.
According to the green and red Chinese signs, they are special mushrooms. That can only be found in mountain by the cliff. The sign also say $3 and $4 per oz.
You know I suspected you would answer this and I am not at all disappointed! You rock Amy! Mushrooms that grow on cliffs. How wonderful! The fish markets were incredible. They had live eels from China and all these varieties of clams. You are impressive ma deah!
I’m flattered, Cindy. This kind of mushrooms is like Gensen, they have been used to enhance health, no scientific prove though. Not sure people still hunt for these mushrooms on cliffs.
Wow. Fascinating. Travel broadens one’s mind and perspective doesn’t it?
It’s a great city, isn’t it, Cindy? Cher xo
Yes it is and I keep going back to it because of this!
I don’t blame you! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Lovely photos – Vancouver looks absolutely lovely.
It is a special city & thank you!
The paintings are wonderful and very nice of them to do that.
Yes! It adds so much to the experience of the city~
Fabulous post! You gotta know I love the murals! Thanks for all the fab shots!
Yep! Thought of you when I did this post Resa. I knew you’d like it~
These street murals are amazing. I was in Vancouver during Expo 86…but your post shows me a Vancouver i missed. Thanks for sharing such wonderful photos.
Well thank you for the appreciation and yes, I keep discovering new parts of the city every time I visit~
It has been awhile since I visited Vancouver, Cindy, but I have always thought of it as a highly civilized city. As you know, I love murals. The multi-cultural approach is a plus. Have you been to Victoria? It too, is one of my favorite cities. –Curt
Oh yes! Victoria is charming. On our last trip there we went from there to Telegraph Cove to hang out with the orcas and then up the Knight Inlet to hang with the grizzlies. One of the best experiences of my life…..
Been there many times and will be passing through again in August on my way to kayak with the Orcas. BTW, two other places up the coast that are definitely worth the stop: Chemainus for its murals (the whole town id devoted to murals) and Campbell River for its totem Poles (one of the best collections anywhere.) –Curt
Basically excellent places to explore all over this gorgeous part of the world. We’re heading to Waterton, Glacier and Yellowstone for our next Canada trip. But the places you mention sound perfect for a return trip we’d like to make to the Knight Inlet next! Thanks for the tips Curt~
Enjoyed the murals very much.
So happy you did & cheers to you~
Spectacular murals.
I think so too. Many thanks to the artists who created them!
Fascinating and fabulous. Vancouver through Cindy’s eyes; the very best experience.
Aww hugz to you my friend!
Those murals are just stunning. Can’t imagine the work and talent that goes into creating them.
Yes and they are left to weather on city streets but still look incredible after years. What talent!
Wow! The first one is amazing.
My thoughts exactly! Quite stunning isn’t it and one needs time to examine and appreciate it!
I love street murals and these are great works. Restaurant desigs are things that I also look for. Look like you had good funs.
Yes this is a fascinating city to explore. You would love it, great street murals and great restauraunts!
I love the art! All is beautiful! 🙂
Yes! We are in accord~ 😉
It must have been such a wonderful experience – all those sensory delights! Thanks for letting us share them too, Cindy 😄
So wonderful to hear from you!! I’ve been over poking around your blog. So glad you are back and cheers to you~
Great to be back in touch also 🙂
Once again – well captured… one can feel the atmosphere from just looking at the shots… thumbs up and thanks for sharing…
Awwww, love this comment! Thanks much~
The artists of the murals are brilliantly talented… love the photos…
I agree with you, thanks! Remarkable that they just paint them on concrete walls and they look this good!
Heavens, I’ve never seen such astonishing street art. I’m in love! I have to move there immediately!
Laughing….I wonder if Canada would pay me a finders fee….don’t think so darn it! 😉
Wow, these are some amazing street art & photographs! Thank you for sharing. I’ve never had the opportunity to visit Canada (yet) but hope to do so someday 🙂
By the way, my ‘baby geese’ photos/snapshots are finally up on my blog. Please feel free to stop by and take a look whenever you have time 😉
Have a lovely weekend!
Heading over to you blog right now & muchas gracias!!
The detail on the opening mural is unreal … and yes, much better when one takes a closer look. We’ve visited Vancouver twice … and it’s a wonderful city!
I was seriously impressed with that mural, so I am pleased you are too! The details are fascinating~
Cindy, I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to Taiwan and China several times. And the last time I was in Vancouver I remarked that this city actually feels like Taipei in places. Minus millions of scooters on the street. Great post and I think embracing multiculturalism is the secret to our survival!
I love your last sentence! Can you imagine a world without muticulural emphasis…. a dull white bread world! I would love to visit China. Cheers & thanks~
Monster dried mushrooms? I’m there, Cindy. 🙂 That first mural is outstanding.
Yes, the food is quite authentic and a real treat for the taste buds. I am sure you would love it my friend~
Street art can be so amazing. From chalk on the pavement it has evolved so much. Great shots. Regards ~ Graham 🙂
Yes!!! I hadn’t thought of the chalk art in Europe for a long time. It used to be incredible. I wonder if they do anymore?
I haven’t seen chalk on the pavement for a long time. People seem to choose more permanence these days. Can’t blame them considering the amount of work involved.
But there is still pavement art. Hold on to your socks, don’t believe your eyes and
try this
Been there and seen it, Cuz, and it’s exactly as beautiful and intoxicating as your pictures describe, and they are great !
Enjoy the rest of the trip. HUGs !
Cheers cuz and yep, always something new to explore in this neat city!
Love the murals. Oh, the antique shops–always wanted to get a pair of Fu Dogs. Someday. . .
I wanted those vases!!!! Laughing…….
Love the multiculturalism and the colourful wares on display! See you in Chinatown! HoooOOOooWW WLLLL 🙂
Wolfie would love all the interesting new smells and all the live sea creatures!!! 😉
The Wolfie nose is twitching and sniffing in eager anticipation even as you speak! 😉
Well, how cool is that?!
So glad you’re enjoying Vancouver’s multiculturalism, Cindy. It makes a city so much more interesting. Toronto, for example, is very multicultural. It’s made life in the city much more interesting.
Yes I agree wholeheartedly and must visit Toronto soon!!
Danke ein schönes Wochenende wünsche ich lieber Gruß Gislinde
Vielen danke Gislinde!! <3 <3
The murals are wonderful Chinatown looks so colorful. 🙂
It is such a fun, vibrant, city. Have a great weekend as well!
Vancouver is on my list – thanks for sharing! Lucky you – enjoy!
You will love it and I look forward to hearing about it!
I’m lovin’ the pictures of the city I grew up in. 🙂
and if those mushrooms are the same ones I’m thinking of, they’re used for making a medicinal tea that tastes medicinal (really bitter).
It never ceases to amaze me how much bloggers know and how much I learn from them…….and how many come fron Vancouver!!! Laughing & cheers to you~
You certainly know how to capture the beauty in your visits. Wonderful photos, Cindy! An amazing trip indeed! 🙂
Thanks much Linda.
I am wondering though what your total rescued pet census is now and how do you go about taking a vacation??? Hopefully a family member who loves animals will give you a break??
P.S. Just booked Yellowstone for ’15. Lake Lodge was almost sold out more than 16 months ahead!!!
Taking a what? Oh, I almost remember those! It has been a long time. Currently, no family to take care of them and no money to board them (they would never stand for that anyway). I used to have a little college gal who would come and stay with them but she’s moved on. So, for now anyway (unless some rich person decides to take pity on me!), my vacations are vicarious with my blogging friends! 😉 Ooo, I can’t wait to see that post on your Yellowstone trip. I bet you remembered my post about my Dad working there in the 30s! 😀
Oh course I remember your posts on Yellowstone and it is my favorite park due to all the wildlife. Your posts on your dad were fascinating. I have booked Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone Lake Hotel, and Mammoth Springs. I can’t wait to watch the wolves again! The prices are CHEEEEEP in the shoulder season and I think you can find some sweet person to care for your creatures more than a year in advance. I want you to go on a vacay!!! You can watch the wolves in the Lamar Valley…..
I suddenly have the “travel bug” and it’s all your fault. 🙂 Beautiful fascinating places!
Yay!! Travel is so good for your sould and psyche. I hope you GO!!!
The mural reflecting indigenous culture is really detailed. I big-a-fied, but I think you could look at it a long while and always see something new. One thing I enjoy about living in Canada and being canadian is that cultures retain their heritage. That is the essence of being Canadian I think, you can’t really but your finger on it, it’s one big melting pot. We enjoy celebrating a rich tapestry of multi-culture every summer at our annual heritage days, but more importantly every day. It’s not unusual to hear many languages in a que at the cinema. There’s so many festivals in Edmonton because of the diverse demographic. No matter what you feel like eating, if dining out, you’re sure to find a number of great options in any ethnicity around town. Life would be boring if we were all the same.
Yes! I have definitely noticed this multi-cultural aspect of Canada as I have traveled on both coasts. The blend of cultures adds to the experience of Canada immensely.
And the restauraunts, so wonderful! I have been to Canada many times the fusions Asian French food in Quebec and Montreal, the English influences in BC, and the rich Indigenenous Cultures everywhere, just adds to the natural wonders and makes Canada a place I keep going back to. We have a trip planned for next year!
Viva la difference!
Thank you for visiting and all your kind words too. Happy travels.
I love your post Cindy,your pics are beautiful
Happy you do & cheers too!
Such great artwork. Every time I enter into those Chinese medicine places, there’s one dried animal I always feel sorry for to see inside of the glass jars – the little seahorses. So sad! :o(
I didn’t see that but happy you like the artwork!!
Thanks for sharing. Gorgeous art!
Lots of talented people in this world~
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
I have spent quite a bit of time over on the East Coast of Canada for work and pleasure but have yet to go over to Vancouver, although on the list. This is a wonderful post and has made me want to visit even more.
Awwww, thank you so much! Very kind too. The east coast is wonderful too, both for mavelous cities and beautiful nature. I know you will love the west as well. Highly recommend you include a visit to the Sunshine Coast when you visit Vancouver. Hope you do & thank you!!
Will do, we have friends at both ends and family in the middle… On the wish list. Have a great week.
Oh yes I can relate! We started to send the end of our bucket list, but then we just kept adding more and repeats!!
I love street art Cindy, it tells us so much about the people and the character of a city.
Yes, I certainly agree with you Pauline. Speaks of values and priorities~
Good old Chinatown. I haven’t been there for years even though we are practically neighbours. Must visit again. Great photos as ever.
Check out some restaurants. Word is they are some of them most genuine this side of Beijiing!
Hey there,
Pictures speaks louder than words, and some of them remain in our mind for a lifetime, These are wonderful pictures and they have so much life in them.Have you created these by yourself ?
please tell me about these pictures origin.
May Allah bless you and your loved ones. ameen
I am so glad you see what I see in these murals. No I did not create them, only photographed them. Thank you and blessings to you my friend~
wonderful work, who ever did it.
May Allah bless you and your loved ones Cindy.
Thank you for reply.
Thank you my friend & cheers to you too!
I have nominated you for the Influential Blogger Award http://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2014/05/25/most-influential-blogger-award-courtesy-of-the-ever-gracious-don-charisma/ I hope it will draw more readers to your site.
You are so kind! I am honored and grateful. Congratulations on your well deserved awards~
Hello! Wish you have a fantastic day.
Congratulations. I nominated you for The Versatile Blogger and The Sunshine awards..
For more details, please check http://createthissimple.wordpress.com/2014/05/25/3rd-versatile-award-sunshine-award/
Regards,
Risty
Awwww, so thoughtful! Thank you so much. Much appreciated & cheers and congrats for your well deserved awards!
So lovely and colorful. Happy, happy, happy.
Happy is GOOD!!! 😛
HI Cindy!
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
I love that mural – it’s wild how someone can see that to be able to pain it.
I suppose they see their work inside – I do…
You are a terrific photo blogger. Thanks.
Blessings…
~ Eric
Basically I am in awe of this art work, on the streets for all to enjoy every time they walk by. You are most kind Eric, thank you and cheers to you~
Wonderful murals!
They are aren’t they!! Glad you enjoyed~
The food looks amazing. I”d love to explore it! 🙂
The food was incredible!! I hope you do & cheers to you~
those pictures are superb and an illustration of multiculturalism at its very best.
I am so happy you agree! Cheers to you Sarah~
Fabulous shots! I love murals – I once did an art history paper on wall art and “graffiti”. There is such a story behind much of it. Great imagery!
Much have been an interesting paper and yes there much history and incredible art going on as these pics demonstrate. Cheers to you Cindy~
Very cool. We went through a moment of panic a few years ago when our son considered school there. The more I found out about the city the more appealing it seemed. I dreaded him going there – I was afraid if he did, he’d never come back. Thank God he picked a school in the East. The street murals are great–and I’d be willing to bet you can find Asian ingredients there the rest of us can only dream about. Ken
Yes!!! You would love the restauraunts and markets. Some it the restauraunts are so authentic it takes some getting used to!!! But it was fascinating! Cheers & thanks for stopping by~
I was wondering if the murals or your photos were better. Tough call, Cindy. Another lovely post.
Laughing, so kind of you even though I think the murals clearly win! I can’t imagine dreaming up and executing this kind of art.
It is fantastic and beautiful.
🙂
Amazing murals… sometimes proportions can be difficult to get right, but these are lovely! Still, you have such an eye for unique and beautiful shots with your camera! Thanks for posting what I’ll probably never see. 😀
Awww, such a thoughtful comment like this keeps me motivated to click and blog. Thank you so much Keli~
😀
Woah!
The lingzhi mushrooms in the last photo are HUGE!
By the way, CIndy, do you notice that there is a “different” statue in the 5th photo?
There’s a terracotta soldier among the deities! L-o-L!
Of course Hari, I noticed none of these things, which is why I am so glad you look at my blog. I went back and saw what you saw. How cool is that! Thank you Hari~
Amazing street art! I especially like the painted faces at the top of your post – wish I could paint such things!! 😀
Wish I could too!!!!! 😉
Thanks for the memories! 🙂
Merci beaucoup mon ami!
Quite the renditions of people and settings.
Oscar
Talented artist n’est pas!! Cheers to you, was just over at your blog……
These are really stunning photos and show such divers and vibrant ways of life. VIve la difference!
been there twice… I do miss Vancouver… pronounced à la française, of course! 🙂
musical bonus: 🙂
Oh I love this! Merci beaucoup mon ami~ <3
Wow, this is all quite impressive! Love the foods in jars and the lovely mushrooms, paintings! Thanks for sharing! I also want to thank you for visiting and liking my blog. I appreciate your support and friendship. Stay well, my friend!
Visa versa 2 U X 2 !! <3
Hi Cindy. It sounds and look a great city to visit. Thank you for liking ‘Camp Fire!’ The Foureyed Poet.
🙂
This is my favorite city in Canada, thanks for posting.
Thank you for appreciating!!!
cool photo post, very cool! the jars and the statues look interesting : )
Any chance you can share the location of the first photograph? I live in Vancouver and would love to go and see it. Thanks 🙂
It is a striking work isn’t it! It is called “The Belonging Action,” and can be found at
Harbour Center between Homer and Cordova Streets. Let me know when you find it!
Cindy,
We recently came across your blog and the photos are spectacular. We would like to use part of one on the new home page of our website that we are now designing. It is the street mural of the two faces looking out. Our idea is to use the face of the woman on the right. I cannot tell if these photos are copyrighted, so I am requesting permission to use this, or if you license them in any way, can you please send me the information? We are a non-profit legal services organization that provides free legal assistance to low-income New Yorkers in the areas of housing, benefits, immigration, consumer, employment, civil & disability rights and family law. Thank you very much!
Thank you very much for asking. As a clinical social worker, I am particularly honored to support a non-profit legal firm that assists low income clients with their compelling legal concerns. Please use my photos in any manner you choose to support your organization and clients and have a wonderful day. Thank you for the important work do!
Thank you!!!! In about a month our new website will go live, featuring your photo on our home page. The new url is http://www.mobilizationforjustice.org.
How wonderful! Best of luck with such a worthwhile organization and endeavor~