March 13, 2020: Day 12
We head home! We are traveling to all different parts of the United States, but are leaving Vancouver both safely and healthily. See you soon, Forman!
We head home! We are traveling to all different parts of the United States, but are leaving Vancouver both safely and healthily. See you soon, Forman!
March 12, 2020: Day 11
Today we visited the Vancouver Art Museum, which was unfortunately in the midst of changing exhibits. Following that, we visited another beautiful garden, Van Dusen, this one owned by the city of Vancouver. Students noticed that there is a significant amount of green space in the city, which is not always true for major metropolises. This, in combination with the temperate climate, seems to be part of the reason why this area is highly desirable for Canadian residents.
Photos at Van Dusen Botanical Garden (Vancouver) by Mr. Burkhart
Today we visited the Vancouver Art Museum, which was unfortunately in the midst of changing exhibits. Following that, we visited another beautiful garden, Van Dusen, this one owned by the city of Vancouver. Students noticed that there is a significant amount of green space in the city, which is not always true for major metropolises. This, in combination with the temperate climate, seems to be part of the reason why this area is highly desirable for Canadian residents.
Photos at Van Dusen Botanical Garden (Vancouver) by Mr. Burkhart
March 11, 2020: Day 10
We traveled to Whistler-Blackcomb and back, visiting Horseshoe Bay, Shannon Falls, Porteau Cove, Whistler, and Brandwine Falls. At Whistler we were able to see the Olympic rings, Olympic Park, and Whistler Village. Several of us had a blast tubing down Blackcomb Mountain at the Coca-Cola Tubing Park.
Over our travels we saw a copper mine, which was the biggest in the entire Commonwealth of Great Britain until its closure in the 1970s. We also learned that Lionsgate Bridge stays small in order to protect Stanley Park and that the route coming from Vancouver (99) was only two lanes prior to the announcement of the Vancouver Olympics (2010). The route remains fairly small, but was clearly much expanded to enable travel. The same is true for the village of Whistler. At Porteau Cove we learned that there are several man-made reefs in the water. They are used by scuba divers and those who need to practice diving such as search and rescue teams.
On our return we enjoyed a delicious meal at the Cactus Club Cafe, a Southern Canadian restaurant.
We traveled to Whistler-Blackcomb and back, visiting Horseshoe Bay, Shannon Falls, Porteau Cove, Whistler, and Brandwine Falls. At Whistler we were able to see the Olympic rings, Olympic Park, and Whistler Village. Several of us had a blast tubing down Blackcomb Mountain at the Coca-Cola Tubing Park.
Over our travels we saw a copper mine, which was the biggest in the entire Commonwealth of Great Britain until its closure in the 1970s. We also learned that Lionsgate Bridge stays small in order to protect Stanley Park and that the route coming from Vancouver (99) was only two lanes prior to the announcement of the Vancouver Olympics (2010). The route remains fairly small, but was clearly much expanded to enable travel. The same is true for the village of Whistler. At Porteau Cove we learned that there are several man-made reefs in the water. They are used by scuba divers and those who need to practice diving such as search and rescue teams.
On our return we enjoyed a delicious meal at the Cactus Club Cafe, a Southern Canadian restaurant.
March 10, 2020: Day 9
Today we started with a trip to the Aquarium in Stanley Park. This park is thousands of acres that is continually preserved as green space within the city limits. The aquarium is well known for its sea otter breeding program. Our group was lucky enough to see the adorable sea otters being fed.
After this we traveled to Prospect Point, where we saw Lionsgate Bridge earlier in the week. We lunched with a great view and then swam in the pool until our evening adventure--the hockey game! The Canucks vs. Islanders game was almost sold out and was extremely exciting. The Canucks won 5-4 in a shoot out! It was a favorite experience for Owen and Mr. Burkhart.
Today we started with a trip to the Aquarium in Stanley Park. This park is thousands of acres that is continually preserved as green space within the city limits. The aquarium is well known for its sea otter breeding program. Our group was lucky enough to see the adorable sea otters being fed.
After this we traveled to Prospect Point, where we saw Lionsgate Bridge earlier in the week. We lunched with a great view and then swam in the pool until our evening adventure--the hockey game! The Canucks vs. Islanders game was almost sold out and was extremely exciting. The Canucks won 5-4 in a shoot out! It was a favorite experience for Owen and Mr. Burkhart.
March 9, 2020: Day 8
Fortunately we could sleep in a little today after two days of early rising. We took a tour of the entire city of Vancouver. We learned today that Vancouver is a sister city to San Francisco. This is due to their relationship during the Klondike Gold Rush, as frequent ports for cruise and cargo ships, the cities' relatively young ages, and finally, the Lionsgate Bridge, a smaller twin of the Golden Gate Bridge. We learned about the film industry in Vancouver, the fights of the First Nation for autonomous land ownership, the current barriers to immigration into Canada, and the Prime Minister's proposed oil pipeline. We had several nice stops along the way in Stanley Park, followed by lunch on and a tour of Granville Island Public Market, and finally dinner at an Italian restaurant.
Fortunately we could sleep in a little today after two days of early rising. We took a tour of the entire city of Vancouver. We learned today that Vancouver is a sister city to San Francisco. This is due to their relationship during the Klondike Gold Rush, as frequent ports for cruise and cargo ships, the cities' relatively young ages, and finally, the Lionsgate Bridge, a smaller twin of the Golden Gate Bridge. We learned about the film industry in Vancouver, the fights of the First Nation for autonomous land ownership, the current barriers to immigration into Canada, and the Prime Minister's proposed oil pipeline. We had several nice stops along the way in Stanley Park, followed by lunch on and a tour of Granville Island Public Market, and finally dinner at an Italian restaurant.
March 8, 2020: Day 7
Today was an early start. We were headed to a full day tour on Vancouver Island. We took a boat to the island and the city of Victoria, the capital of province of British Columbia. We also toured the beautiful Butchart Gardens, which even in this early spring weather was beautiful. This island is home to a number or artists, politicians, and local Canadians. We returned home at almost 11pm! Good thing we have a sleep in tomorrow.
Photo credits: On the ferry to Vancouver Island and back and students touring Butchart Gardens. All photos by Mr. Burkhart.
Today was an early start. We were headed to a full day tour on Vancouver Island. We took a boat to the island and the city of Victoria, the capital of province of British Columbia. We also toured the beautiful Butchart Gardens, which even in this early spring weather was beautiful. This island is home to a number or artists, politicians, and local Canadians. We returned home at almost 11pm! Good thing we have a sleep in tomorrow.
Photo credits: On the ferry to Vancouver Island and back and students touring Butchart Gardens. All photos by Mr. Burkhart.
March 7, 2020: Day 6
Today we left the Emerald City for the Great White North. We traveled early to King Street Station and then took Amtrak to Vancouver. The route, known as Amtrak Cascades, follows the Pacific Coast and Cascades mountains and its scenery is renowned. We arrived in Vancouver in time to check into our hotel, see a 3D/iMax portrayal of Canada in Fly Over Canada, and then headed to dinner at a steakhouse. We are happy to be in Canada and to see a very different approach to a similar economic culture.
All photos were shot by Mr. Burkhart on the pier for Fly Over Canada.
Today we left the Emerald City for the Great White North. We traveled early to King Street Station and then took Amtrak to Vancouver. The route, known as Amtrak Cascades, follows the Pacific Coast and Cascades mountains and its scenery is renowned. We arrived in Vancouver in time to check into our hotel, see a 3D/iMax portrayal of Canada in Fly Over Canada, and then headed to dinner at a steakhouse. We are happy to be in Canada and to see a very different approach to a similar economic culture.
All photos were shot by Mr. Burkhart on the pier for Fly Over Canada.
March 6, 2020: Day 5
On our last full day in Seattle started on the later side since we have been going nonstop and want to avoid getting run down or sick. First we went to The Museum of Flight in Tukwila, Washington, to see a variety of aeronautic feats in history. Because of Boeing (where our exploration began) the airplane industry is very important to the metro-Seattle region and Washington as a whole.
We then took a harbor cruise to get an overview of the port city of Seattle. The cruise was fairly smooth even though the day was gray. Olivia and Gabriella were particularly interested to learn where some scenes of Grey's Anatomy had been shot or set.
As we depart from Seattle, our group noticed the following:
Seattle is a fairly young city, so the large amount of construction makes sense.
This construction is compounded when you consider the extensive employee bases of large companies in the area, including Amazon, Expedia, Microsoft, and Boeing. Due to the economic boom, many individuals have been priced out of Seattle and its environs. On January 1, 2020, the minimum wage in Seattle was raised to $16.36. The city's sales tax is 10.1%. The state is without an income tax, but many residents have found it hard to make ends meet. The population of those who are homeless in the United States of America grew significantly from 2010-2019. Good news for Washington, though, since while homelessness is on the rise overall, this state saw a decrease of 3.3% of those who are without a residence. This is due in part to huge humanitarian efforts by the very same companies who have caused price increases. The state has also made a huge push towards helping those who are homeless.
To sum up our adventures: Much like Dorothy's visit to a different Emerald City, we leave Seattle somewhat confused. This week, Seattle was struggling to balance people and economics while it handled a major health crisis. At no time did we feel concerned for our health or safety, but there were much lower numbers of people around than there normally would be. Our perception of Seattle and its success is intrinsically tied to the COVID-19. It will be see what has happened after a few months of perspective.
Next stop: Vancouver, Canada!
On our last full day in Seattle started on the later side since we have been going nonstop and want to avoid getting run down or sick. First we went to The Museum of Flight in Tukwila, Washington, to see a variety of aeronautic feats in history. Because of Boeing (where our exploration began) the airplane industry is very important to the metro-Seattle region and Washington as a whole.
We then took a harbor cruise to get an overview of the port city of Seattle. The cruise was fairly smooth even though the day was gray. Olivia and Gabriella were particularly interested to learn where some scenes of Grey's Anatomy had been shot or set.
As we depart from Seattle, our group noticed the following:
Seattle is a fairly young city, so the large amount of construction makes sense.
This construction is compounded when you consider the extensive employee bases of large companies in the area, including Amazon, Expedia, Microsoft, and Boeing. Due to the economic boom, many individuals have been priced out of Seattle and its environs. On January 1, 2020, the minimum wage in Seattle was raised to $16.36. The city's sales tax is 10.1%. The state is without an income tax, but many residents have found it hard to make ends meet. The population of those who are homeless in the United States of America grew significantly from 2010-2019. Good news for Washington, though, since while homelessness is on the rise overall, this state saw a decrease of 3.3% of those who are without a residence. This is due in part to huge humanitarian efforts by the very same companies who have caused price increases. The state has also made a huge push towards helping those who are homeless.
To sum up our adventures: Much like Dorothy's visit to a different Emerald City, we leave Seattle somewhat confused. This week, Seattle was struggling to balance people and economics while it handled a major health crisis. At no time did we feel concerned for our health or safety, but there were much lower numbers of people around than there normally would be. Our perception of Seattle and its success is intrinsically tied to the COVID-19. It will be see what has happened after a few months of perspective.
Next stop: Vancouver, Canada!
March 5, 2020: Day 4
Today we began walking to Seattle Center on our way to a few venues. We passed AmazonHQ and The Spheres, though we were not able to with The Museum of Popular Culture, a twenty-year old Seattle museum that investigates the everyday. Among their exhibits this year was a Minecraft experience, a big favorite with our group. They also learned a great deal about Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, the growth of tattoos in the general population, and independent "indie" video games.
We then tackled a Seattle landmark--the Space Needle! This icon is 605 feet and all of our students were brave enough to head to the top, even visiting the rotating glass floor on the lower observation level.
We then visited another well-known venue in Seattle, Chihuly Garden and Glass. There are very few tourists around Seattle this week, and so we had some priceless photo opportunities. Olivia said the glass seems "unreal," while Clay and Owen were in awe of the sizes of the exhibits.
Unfortunately, the basketball game we were going to attend was cancelled in order to prevent the spreading of disease. So instead we went to Bellevue, Washington, to bowl and then dined at Earl's. We are scheduled for a late start tomorrow in order to catch up on some of our sleep!
Today we began walking to Seattle Center on our way to a few venues. We passed AmazonHQ and The Spheres, though we were not able to with The Museum of Popular Culture, a twenty-year old Seattle museum that investigates the everyday. Among their exhibits this year was a Minecraft experience, a big favorite with our group. They also learned a great deal about Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, the growth of tattoos in the general population, and independent "indie" video games.
We then tackled a Seattle landmark--the Space Needle! This icon is 605 feet and all of our students were brave enough to head to the top, even visiting the rotating glass floor on the lower observation level.
We then visited another well-known venue in Seattle, Chihuly Garden and Glass. There are very few tourists around Seattle this week, and so we had some priceless photo opportunities. Olivia said the glass seems "unreal," while Clay and Owen were in awe of the sizes of the exhibits.
Unfortunately, the basketball game we were going to attend was cancelled in order to prevent the spreading of disease. So instead we went to Bellevue, Washington, to bowl and then dined at Earl's. We are scheduled for a late start tomorrow in order to catch up on some of our sleep!
March 4, 2020: Day 3
We began the day at the Woodland Park Zoo, an amazing experience. The zoo does a lot of work with conservation and its habitats were very authentic. Spring has arrived in Seattle; flowers and trees are starting to bud, although it was definitely cold for some of the warmer climate mammals. Each member of the group had a different favorite exhibit, which says a lot of about the zoo's size and diversity.
After lunch at El Legendario, an authentic Mexican restaurant near the zoo (Thanks to Gabriella's dad), we visited Pike Place Market, including the gum wall and "original" Starbucks at First and Pike, and the group found it to be an eclectic and unexpected mix of people and things. We finished our Pike Place experience with a ride on Seattle's Great Wheel.
For dinner we dined at Tribeca Kitchen and Bar, and at least half of the group nearly nodded off at the table. The walking and mental exercise of the winterim requires much sleep!
Photos and quotes to be added in the morning.
We began the day at the Woodland Park Zoo, an amazing experience. The zoo does a lot of work with conservation and its habitats were very authentic. Spring has arrived in Seattle; flowers and trees are starting to bud, although it was definitely cold for some of the warmer climate mammals. Each member of the group had a different favorite exhibit, which says a lot of about the zoo's size and diversity.
After lunch at El Legendario, an authentic Mexican restaurant near the zoo (Thanks to Gabriella's dad), we visited Pike Place Market, including the gum wall and "original" Starbucks at First and Pike, and the group found it to be an eclectic and unexpected mix of people and things. We finished our Pike Place experience with a ride on Seattle's Great Wheel.
For dinner we dined at Tribeca Kitchen and Bar, and at least half of the group nearly nodded off at the table. The walking and mental exercise of the winterim requires much sleep!
Photos and quotes to be added in the morning.
March 3, 2020: Day 2
We were all tired but we rallied and headed out to Everett, Washington, for a tour of Boeing's factory and their Future of Flight museum. This enormous factory is the original, but now is one of several across the world. Alex said that it was very "interesting" and Mr. Burkhart said it made him think about money and plans in a way that he never had before. Maxx noted that "The size of Boeing is so big that it made the airplanes look small."
After lunch we went to Pioneer Square to tour the Seattle Underground, a labyrinth of underground sidewalks and buildings frozen in time from 1907. Owen's view was that the tour guide was "enthusiastic" about an interesting and unique part of Seattle history. Maxx explained that the Underground "looks so real it seems fake."
We finished our day with a walk around the Pioneer Square/lower end of Pike Place Market, dinner, and a light swim.
We were all tired but we rallied and headed out to Everett, Washington, for a tour of Boeing's factory and their Future of Flight museum. This enormous factory is the original, but now is one of several across the world. Alex said that it was very "interesting" and Mr. Burkhart said it made him think about money and plans in a way that he never had before. Maxx noted that "The size of Boeing is so big that it made the airplanes look small."
After lunch we went to Pioneer Square to tour the Seattle Underground, a labyrinth of underground sidewalks and buildings frozen in time from 1907. Owen's view was that the tour guide was "enthusiastic" about an interesting and unique part of Seattle history. Maxx explained that the Underground "looks so real it seems fake."
We finished our day with a walk around the Pioneer Square/lower end of Pike Place Market, dinner, and a light swim.