Portland - tax free???

Chinatown gate.
the metro sys operate free during peak hrs so to ease the congestion n air population in city area. Its a gd idea.



- International Rose Test Garden has lots lots rose bushes planted, spectacular views of the city from here.


Henry Pittock, founder of Portland's newspaper, built this spectacular mansion in 1914. A turn of century at the historic Queen Anne-style Victorian home filled with period furnishings and elegant woodwork, featuring a three story octagon tower.

In fact, Oregon itself got lots of recreational activities, but too scattered. Excursion Train… Dinner Train… Brunch Train This century old railroad takes passengers on two and four hour tours through the beautiful Hood River Valley. Oregon Dunes, Oregon Coast Aquarium(2hrs ride from Portland) n Tillamook. This coastal town is most famous for its cheese. Sample the goods at the Tillamook Cheese Visitors Center and explore the nearby Tillamook Naval Air Station Museum, which houses World War II memorabilia.

Whole state, Oregon is taxfree, gd for shoppin wise. We hit most of the shopping malls much bigger than Boise Towne Sq; Washington Sq, Clackamas Town Center, Lloyd Centre etc. im stunned to c there is even a threading service in one of the malls.
u will know u r in oregon once there is ppl helping u to pump gas(petrol).

On our way... ...to last stop Portland, Oregon

On our way to Portland, we went to Museum of Glass. im still gushing abt the stamp of Canada on my passport.


Glass-blowing /making workshop demonstration. you could make a request if they could make a glass sculptors of yr own.


Many wonderful beautifully done glass pieces on the bridge.

Sightseeing @ vancouver

Today, we started off the new day to challenge the adventure nature sights of Vancouver, Canada. We go over the Lions Gate Bridge, head into the North Vancouver.
As we reached the foot of Grouse mountain n look up the Skyride to the top of Grouse Mountain, i decided to back off even though it said the views are travel-magazine worthy. i told my hubby i rather take another challenger instead. Next, we go Capilano Suspension Bridge. Another WOW..woww.. but this time, i just take out all my courage n went w it. Making my way across the swaying bridge, stretches 137m(450 ft) across a canyon and the Capilano River 70m(230 ft) below. Then explore the hiking experience in beautifully lush fir- and fern-carpeted forests via a series of elevated suspension bridges in the Treetops Adventure. All i could said, Once u completed u feel like u r top of world. The bridges is so long, sometime i feel like go back once i reach the middle as the bridge dip e lowest at center. But i cant since got ppl behind me too, least of all thankfully we start it early in morn. i cant imagine it if im to stuck at bridges w pesky kids n with all the swaying n frightening heights.


Next Stop, we go the Stanley Park for stroll, drop off the idea of goin VanDusen Botanical Garden. At there,a small rose garden n interesting sights make it worthwhile. Its certainly quite big, so u could drive around inside.

Lion Gate Bridge. other side of park where u can c the Canada Place.

Vancouver Aquarium located inside. the rare white dolphin. kawaii!!..
E Symbolism icon!!
near English Bay. Then we head off Gastown Vancouver’s historic neighbourhood. It had furniture stores, hippest boutiques, and of course many souvenir shops!

Famous Steam Clock in Gastown!! Further down is Chinatown's Millennium Gate.


There is West Han Dynasty Bell Canton Alley, Sam Kee Building, Century's Winds of Change Mural, Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden, China Gate, Chinese Cultural Centre Museum & Archives n Monument of Canadian Chinese. Populated by Hongkongers. We had our late lunch/dim sum at there, got standard.



Granville Island, Parking @ there is limited(a free 1-3hr parking in designated areas). For a self-guided tour, pick up a map from the red Information huts around the Island. things to do; Visit Public Market, Kids Mkt, Crystal Ark filled with gorgeous gems n treasures, Water Park /appreciate artistic works for show and for sale. Many galleries of all kinds can be found here, from the student shows to glassblowing, jewelry making, pottery, furniture making, and clothing design studios. There is Boat Ride or Visit Brewery BC's first "cottage" brewery, named Granville Island Brewing Co. Take a tour of the taste-test facilities here, check out the other ale flavours. Maritime Market; you'll find anything and everything to do with the sea, from museums to boating supplies n clothing, tours n fishing, not to mention a boat-builder.
Dinner @ this authentic noodle house in kitsalano, called Sha-lin. nice!!! crowded n cheap.

We skip Victoria island tour as the trip by ferry, takes approx 4hrs each way. heresay, the place is 'renaissance', totally culture. Since we staying in Vancouver onli for 2days so we make full use of itself. Once im here, i feel like im nt the onli asian walking on street. There is a mixed of ppl n races, pace of life is much compared to sg as we see ppl rushing to work n traffic is busy always. ppl also dress fashionably here.
Cautious: Chinatown is nt for tourists after 6pm, it became sleazy at dusk.

next stop - Vancouver, Canada

A casino near the Seattle outlets, i was attracted by these unique flowers.

Custom pt of Canada. Vancouver, British Columbia is only three hrs north of Seattle. Our first chkpt is Canada Place. Its recognizable by five white sails resembling a ship. there is a succession of sculptures n informative plaques along the promenade. Stop at Vancouver Visitor Centre to pick up free maps n brochures. Roads on Vancouver is like being Sg Orchard Rd. Shopping @ here is a treat!!!


Get a 360-degree view of Vancouver and unobstructed view of the city @ Vancouver Lookout.
Christ Church Cathedral. Go inside this beautiful Gothic Revival building to admire stained-glass windows.
Robson St


We had our pic taken in front of the iconic Vancouver 2010 Countdown Clock, which counts down the time until February 12, 2010, when the 2010 Winter Games kick off in Vancouver.
Vancouver Art Gallery
nite scene of Canada Place.
our dinner, we settled it @ Thai restaurant called Simply Thai in Yaletown. This area is an old warehouse district which has been converted into chic neighbourhood boutiques, clubs and restaurants. Essentially, the area takes up no more than 6/8 blocks.

This is the city map where u can get from yr hotel.