01
02
03
Vancouver P002-P022
Calgary P023-034
New York P035-054
Traffic System Public Places Residential Areas Yale Town Granville Island The Christmas Season West Vancouver & North Vancouver 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics
Electric Avenue Banff Lake Louise Drumheller
Wall Street Charging Bull Times Square Washington Square Park Bryant Park Soho Central Park Brooklyn Bridge New York City Metro
04
05
06
Boston P055-P062
Philadelphia P063-P070
San Francisco P071-P084
Harvard University Boston Common Park Public Library Quincy Market
University of Philadelphia Philadelphia City Hall
San Francisco Cable Car System Victorian Architecture Sausalito Palace of Fine Arts Theatre Bolden Gate Bridge Fisherman’s Wharf
07
08
Los Angeles P084-P094
Las Vegas P094-P106
Universal Studio Los Angeles Holly Wood
The Venetian Resort Casino New York-New York Hotel The Eiffel Tower in Vegas
CHAPTER1
VANCOUVER
British Columbia
VANCOUVER Vancouver has ranked highly in worldwide “livable city” rankings for more than a decade according to business magazine assessments.
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Vancouver is a coastal city located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is named for British Captain George Vancouver, who explored the area in the 1790s. The name Vancouver itself originates from the Dutch “van Coevorden”, denoting somebody from Coevorden, a city in the Netherlands. The largest metropolitan area in Western Canada, Vancouver ranks third largest in the country and the city proper ranks eighth. According to the 2006 census Vancouver had a population of 578,041 and its Census Metropolitan Area exceeded 2.1 million people. Its residents are ethnically and linguistically diverse; 52% do not speak English as their first language Logging sawmills established in 1867 in the area known as Gastown became the nucleus around which the townsite grew, and Vancouver was incorporated as a city in 1886. By 1887, the transcontinental railway was extended to the city to take advantage of its large natural seaport, which soon became a vital link in a trade route between the Ori-
ent, Eastern Canada, and London. The Port Metro Vancouver is now the busiest and largest in Canada, as well as the fourth largest port (by tonnage) in North America. While forestry remains its largest industry, Vancouver is well known as an urban centre surrounded by nature, making tourism its second largest industry. It also is the third largest film production centre in North America after Los Angeles and New York City, earning it the nickname Hollywood North. Vancouver has ranked highly in worldwide “livable city” rankings for more than a decade according to business magazine assessments. It has hosted many international conferences and events, including the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, the 1976 United Nations Conference on Human Settlements and the 1986 World Exposition on Transportation and Communication. The 2010 Winter Olympics and 2010 Winter Paralympics were held in Vancouver and nearby Whistler, a resort community 125 km north of the city.
Vancouver was the first city I ever lived abroad. I have to admit Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, even though there are a lot of social problems, which those of us from Korea don’t easily understand, such as the drug and homeless problems.
I was going to stay in Vancouver for a month to attend an architectural workshop. The second day in Vancouver I woke-up early and didn’t want to be late the first workshop meeting; I was unfamiliar with the Skytrain. I left the house in a short-sleeved t-shirt and short pants without checking the weather. It was so chilly I had to return to the house and get a long-sleeved shirt. My first accommodation was in a private Korean home in Burnaby. I had to take the Skytrain downtown and had to figure out how to take it. I studied the ticket machine carefully, figured out how to buy a ticket and purchased a ticket downtown. I was impressed to find there weren’t any ticket gates. I approached the train cautiously, because I wasn’t sure if it was the right train to take me downtown. I was able to get downtown without incident. I wandered around downtown and went over to Granville Island. I was really tried, from jet lag, adapting to a new environment and from the workshop, but I was still fine. I found my first impression of Vancouver a little disappointing, it was much smaller than I expected! It was one of those, “That’s it” feelings. Later, I realized Vancouver has many wonderful attractions.
Public Facilities in Canada Public facilities are well designed and convenient in Canada. I hadn’t even seen a parking meter before I came to Canada. We don’t have parking meters in Korea. I was really curious about them when I first arrived and now I find them very convenient for parking in the downtown area.
Vancouver Traffic System
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The Traffic Sign & Road System in Vancouver Canada’s road systems and traffic signs are different than Korea. Driving in Canada at first was very confusing. Driving in downtown Vancouver can be super confusing because there are so many one-way streets. If, you are not familiar with the system, it is easy to find yourself going the wrong way on a one-way. You have to be very careful, even native Canadian drivers often make the same mistake. The traffic lights are also tricky; they don’t give you sufficient time to make a left turn. And you have to pay special attention to the pedestrian crosswalks; in Canada the pedestrian always has the right-of-way.
Parking Meters
Pedestrain Right-Of-Way Drivers are required to give the pedestrian the right-of-way everywhere in Canada. It is one of the reasons I enjoy living here. Of, course even a pedestrian should be careful crossing the street; because, there are careless drivers everywhere. Recently, it has become a common problem with drivers talking on the cell phone and hitting a pedestrian; because their minds are preoccupied. But this situation should now be under control; last month talking on a cell phone while driving in British Columbia became illegal.
Bench
The BC Transit System Skytrain Map
In my opinion almost all the services offered by the bus system in Canada are better than in Korea. You will understand what I mean from the pictures on these pages. Can you imagine getting on a bus with a bicycle or baby carriage in Korea? It is unheard of!
Bus Although, sometimes the trolley buses dislodge an electrical cable and the bus driver has to get off the bus and fix the problem; the inconvenience is minimal compared to the phenomenal impact green buses have on the environment. I was also surprised by the large number of female buses drivers. It doesn’t just stop there, women work in every area of Canadian business, bus drivers, mechanics, construction workers and even industrial welders.
Vancouver Sightseeing Bus
Another surprising feature of the BC Transit system is its dedication to the environment. Vancouver’s goal is the greenest city in the world, in line with this goal the transit system operates many electric buses in the downtown core and along busy urban corridors.
Public Places Wandering around Vancouver, I found many public places that contain natural land scape as part of their design. Vancouver has a modern, yet natural ambience, fusing these two characteristics makes Vancouver a city like no other.
Vancouver’s downtown is fusion of businesses and residential buildings.
Most of the business buildings have a modern style and atmosphere, with public rest-areas which often contain fountains or running water. There are many different types and styles of these public rest areas, which provide a relaxing, peaceful surrounding for business people and tourists alike. These fountains and running water sites are a natural addition to Vancouver’s architectural design; because Vancouver is surrounded be the sea.
The Canadian government has strict building codes which require that each new modern building contain public rest areas for the general public to relax and feel at peace.
Thanks to these regulations, people have places to go, relax and help themselves get into a better mood. They can take a break from their work and relax in these areas, or just stop off to relax for a moment while on there way somewhere else.
Residential Areas The predominately residential areas of downtown Vancouver are completely different from the modern business building with their built-in natural landscaping. There is a distinct difference between the moods of a residential area and the predominately business areas. The residential areas are a fusion of modern residential buildings and natural landscaping. You can see the fusion of nature and architecture from many of the pictures. I was especially impressed by the symmetrical round shape of the trees.
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Yale Town Yaletown got its name in the 19th century when the Canadian Pacific Railroad moved its rail yards and repair facilities from Yale, in the Fraser River canyon, to the new Yaletown on the north shore of False Creek.
Yaletown Known to many as Vancouver’s little Soho, Yaletown has experienced a revival in the past several years to emerge as downtown’s trendiest residential neighbourhood for urban professionals. Impeccably hip, Yaletown is brimming with quality restaurants,
boutiques, and galleries. It is a neighbourhood to see-andbe-seen. Yaletown retains the red brick charm of its history as a 19th century rail yard. Warehouses have been converted into lofts and railway loading docks now serve as patio space for martini bars.
Yaletown boasts a variety of home ware shops and galleries. To find upscale but unique pastoral accessories for the home, including vintage pieces, try The Cross DĂŠcor & Design. The Cross also offers homes consultations for design services, as well as fresh florals in the spring and summer seasons. The Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery is one of the best collections of Pacific Northwest Coast Native artwork in Vancouver
Granville Island I would definitely recommend anyone visiting Vancouver, visit Granville Island; it is one of my favorite places. When a friend of mine, Wendy was visiting from Calgary I took her there. She was so excited by Granville Island that she wanted to go there again, before returning to Calgary, even though her trip was very short. The Granville Island Public Market is especially famous; if you go there you will have the opportunity of experiencing the style and mood of a “real” Canadian Market. Its humble origins are philosophically far removed from what it has become, a sophisticated home to performing arts, art education, dining, artists’ studios and workshops, art galleries and a fabulous public market that offers the widest array of fresh food in the Lower Mainland as well as a favourite place for people to meet, eat and spend some time in a safe and relaxing environment. It is physically connected to the city by a causeway from the south that provides no hint of the treasures that await visitors.
Granville Island is a unique experience, on the island there are many different types of shops, galleries, the public market, Granville Island Brewery, even the world famous ‘Emily Carr Gallery and Art University. Just as unique as the island itself are th e modes of transportation for reaching the island. You can take the “Aqua Bus”, the bus, cycle, walk or even kayak there.
The Christmas Season I was looking forward to a fantastic Christmas in Vancouver. I thought Christmas in Canada would be much different than in Korea. Christmas in Korea is not a really big important festival, like I expected to be here in the West. However, when Christmas Day arrived I realized, “Oh damn, Christmas here is the same as in Korea.” Except, Canadians spend Christmas Day celebrating at home with their friends and families, whereas in Korea families go out to dine. There weren’t even many restaurants open on Christmas Day. This is definitely a cultural difference.
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I spent time with some of my friends on Christmas Eve 2009; we went to Van Dusen Botanical Gardens on Oak Street. There were thousands of lights on the trees in the park. It was very beautiful. We had to purchase tickets to go into the gardens. Many families come to see the lights in the gardens; it is a popular spot for Canadian families to bring their children at Christmas. I felt luck to be able to go there; it was so great. Some of the
lights on the trees were very bright lighting up the gardens. It was really in interesting to see people standing together sing Christmas carols together. It was peaceful, serene and really put me in the mood for Christmas. I had been worried that I would be spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day alone; but thanks to my friends I was able to enjoy my first Christmas in Vancouver in the real sprit of Christmas.
My Diary These are picture of Vancouver. Vancouver is a beatiful city, especially now since it is Christmas season. The second picture is of Robson Street, which I walked down everyday. It is very impressive; even though i walked down it everyday it never gets boring. Although i never take the time to buy any clothes, there are many shops, which is why i said, if you wanna see this street, just come visit Vancouver. I only posted two pictures, but you can see it all if you come here to visit. I’m really happy to be living here.
2009.12.06
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Vancouver was the first city I ever lived abroad. I have to admit Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
West Vancouver & North Vancouver This is a true indication of how awesome the place really is. I have traveled to many places including San Francisco, which I thought was great city, but nothing compares to West and North Vancouver.
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West Vancouver is often used as the background for TV shows and movies. This is a true indication of how awesome the place really is. I have traveled to many places including San Francisco, which I thought was great city, but nothing compares to West and North Vancouver. They are truly awesome.
My friend, Wendy, came to Vancouver for sight seeing; she had been living in Calgary at the time. As soon as she arrived downtown Vancouver she shouted, “Wow, Vancouver is a real city, not like Calgary.” She realized immediately that Calgary is a countryside city… not a bustling, multi-cultural Mecca like Vancouver. I took her many of the popular tourist sites; she, especially, like Granville Island. We visited Granville Island twice while she was in Vancouver.
We rented a car so that we could tour other popular sites in North Vancouver, West Vancouver and other locations. At first we went to Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver; it was the first time there for me. It was great! It looked a little like Banff, but on the coast. Most of the houses in West Vancouver are located on the sides of mountains. It is home to the rich and famous. The views are phenomenal. It is everyone’s dream, including me, to live in such a place.
Deep Cove Deep Cove refers to both the community in the easternmost part of the District of North Vancouver, in British Columbia, Canada, and also the geographic name of the small bay beside the town. It is affectionately referred to as “The Cove� by local residents. Located at the foot of Mount Seymour, Deep Cove faces due east, fronting on to Indian Arm, a branch of the Burrard Inlet. The area is the traditional territory of the Tsleil-Waututh and the Indigenous, of the Coast Salish First Nations. Deep Cove is 13 kilometres (8 miles) from downtown Vancouver.
2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics I was super lucky to be living in Vancouver during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
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However, because of my parttime job I was unable to take full advantage of the experience. Nevertheless, many foreigners visited Vancouver during the Winter Olympics and I was able to meet them at my workplace.
The people visiting Vancouver for the Olympics spent time enjoying themselves, partying, attending events and basically just having a fantastic time. On the other hand, those of us working in the service industry were worked haft to death serving the hordes of people. Canadians behaved very much like Koreans do during major sporting events. I mean that whenever the Canadian Olympic hockey team won, the Canadian crowds went crazy… they came
out onto the streets yelling, shouting and blowing their car horns. It was crazy. It was exactly like scene from Korea after a major Korean soccer victory. Especially, when they won, gold, at the final game; it was just unbelievable! Vancouverites said, “Wow, we have never seen this kind of scene ever before in Canada”. I felt the same, even though I had been living here only five months. It is a memory I will never forget.
VANCOUVER Country: Canada Province: British Columbia Region: Lower Mainland Regional District: Metro Vancouver Incorporated: 1886 Named for: Captain George Vancouver
Vancouver is the best city I have ever visited. It has so much attractions with beautiful nature. I would recomand people to visit Vancouver one day. I feel Vancouver is the second city for me. Vancouver is special for me because every time I went to travel to US and Calgary, I always came back to Vancouver. Which is why I feel like Vancouver is the second home town.
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I think Vancouver is the best city to live in the world. Of course it’s just my opinion but Vancouver has been selected the best city in 2010.
Moreover, I have traveled lots of cities such as New York, Boston, California, Shanghai, and Osaka. Since I traveled, I have been thinking that I Vancouver is the best city to live though they have much tax than other cities in Canada, I would still recomand to live in Vancouver.
disappointed when you arrived in Vancouver at first time. But, later you would be able to realize Vancouver is such a beautiful city in the world. You can get some experience that you have never had through the city.
One of the best things in Vancouver is surrounding of nature. If I compare to Seoul, Seoud is very hard to find parks, something like green area. But, you can easily find some green area If you walk down the street. They have even grass along the street. That’s one reason I like. Maybe some people would be
Britsh Columbia Canada
CHAPTER2
CALGARY BANFF DRUMHELLER ALBERTA
CALGARY Calgary is a city in the Province of Alberta, Canada. It is located in the south of the province, in an area of foothills and prairie, approximately 80 km (50 mi) east of the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies. The city is located in the Grassland region of Alberta.
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In 2006, the City of Calgary had a population of 988,193 making it the third-largest municipality in the country and largest in Alberta. The entire metropolitan area had a 2006 population of 1,079,310, making it the fifth-largest census metropolitan area (CMA) in Canada. In 2009, Calgary’s metropolitan population was estimated at 1,230,248, raising its rank to fourth-largest CMA in Canada. Located 294 kilometres (183 miles) south of Edmonton, statisticians define the narrowly populated area between these cities as the “Calgary–Edmonton Corridor.” Economic activity in Calgary is mostly centred on the petroleum industry, agriculture, and tourism. [citation needed] In 1988, Calgary became the first Canadian city to host the Olympic Winter Games. Oil was first discovered in Alberta in 1902, but it did not become a significant industry in the province
until 1947 when huge reserves of it were discovered. Calgary quickly found itself at the centre of the ensuing oil boom. The city’s economy grew when oil prices increased with the Arab Oil Embargo of 1973. The population increased by 272,000 in the eighteen years between 1971 (403,000) and 1989 (675,000) and another 345,000 in the next eighteen years (to 1,020,000 in 2007). During these boom years, skyscrapers were constructed and the relatively low-rise downtown quickly became dense with tall buildings, a trend that continues to this day. Calgary’s economy was so closely tied to the oil industry that the city’s boom peaked with the average annual price of oil in 1981.[16] The subsequent drop in oil prices were cited by industry as reasons for a collapse in the oil industry and consequently the overall Calgary economy. However, low oil prices prevented a full recovery until the 1990s.
Calgary the second city I visited and lived in since coming to Canada is the fourth largest city in Canada; but since I am from Korea it seemed really, really small to me. It is a laid back boring city in my opinion, there is absolutely nothing to do.
I arrived in Calgary the day after my 21st birthday. I felt like I was beginning an entirely new life. Someone from the ESL school I would be attending met me at the Calgary airport and took me to my home-stay. When I arrived in Calgary, it was a sunny beautiful day and I was in an excellent mood. The man from the ESL school drove me to my home-stay and introduced me to the Pilipino-Canadian family. I had a week to relax, take life easy and explore Calgary before school started. I took a long rest and slept for many hours recovering from lack of sleep due to the workshop I had attended when I first arrived in Vancouver. Then I went downtown in Calgary for the first time. I remember my first impression; it was so small, the buildings were not modern like in Vancouver; everything seemed dark and dull even when the weather was good. It was dismal compared to my first month in Vancouver.
Calgary the night life is dead, even on ‘Electric Avenue’. I tried hard to find something exciting to do, but it was impossible. To me Calgary is a dark, boring, lonely city. Nonetheless, it’s a prosperous business city, because Alberta is an oil rich province and most of the major oil
companies have their head offices in Calgary. There are many overhead walkways in downtown Calgary. At first I was totally amazed by them, but soon realized, they were built to protect the people from the freezing cold weather.
Electric Avenue in Calgary downtown
I really enjoyed going to cafes and spending time in the trendy areas; but Calgary frustrated me; even after searching the internet I could not find anywhere enticing to go in Calgary.
Banff
Banff Hotel
Banff is a beautiful small city surrounded by nature, mountains, lakes and a waterfall. The downtown area is small and European in style. The buildings are completely different than Calgary or Vancouver. It was like visiting a
fairly tale, and imagine living in Banff would be like living a fairy tale life or at least being the main character in a fairy tale. The Banff Springs Hotel looked like a fairy palace in the scenic snow. Even, the
waterfall was completely different with the snow. Everything was picturesque with the snow and it was a good trip, except the weather. It was too cold to even get out of the car. Nevertheless, we all had a good time.
I want to begin by telling you, the Banff – Jasper trip was a fantastic experience and gave me great memories of my life in Calgary. I was in an incredibly good mood the whole trip. There were eight of us, four girls and four boys, all Korea. We rented a van, bought food and something to drink. The weather was excellent, which help to buoy our feelings. We had booked a condo in Banff and after putting our luggage in; we went to downtown in Banff and took many pictures. The first night in Banff we partied, some of us roasted meat and other prepared different dishes. We got along very well together. Everyone smiled and laughed a lot while playing the game. It was a great time in our condo. The next morning we woke up early and headed out to Lake Louise on our way to Jasper, Lake Louise was awesome; we were all impressed by the scenic views and took a lot of pictures. I wasn’t able to describe how marvels it was. Then we continued on our way to Jasper.
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We arrived in Jasper and immediately took the gondola to the top of the mountain. The view was amazing, it was just tremendous; we could see all of Jasper. Jasper is a small town, but picturesque like a movie scene.
Unfortunately, we hadn’t prebooked accommodations in Jasper and had to wander around looking for a place to stay. Some of the group started to worry, but it didn’t change my mood. I was really enjoying myself. We wandered around for about two hours before we finally found accommodations. We were so tried that we just went in and fell asleep. The next day we returned to Calgary, without incident, other than taking tow hours to find accommodation in Jasper. It was an incredible trip with eight people, I will never forget it.
Banff is the largest town in Banff National Park, in Alberta’s Rockies, Canada. It is the first incorporated municipality located within a Canadian national park, Banff is a resort town and one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its mountainous surroundings and hot springs.
Lake Louise Lake Louise was awesome; it is so picturesque, with mountains, and lakes. One lake is emerald in color; how can a lake’s water turn emerald? I was overwhelmingly impressed by Emerald Lake and the fantastic scenery of the lake surrounded by snow capped mountains. The natural ambience of the mountains and lake left me speechless. Everyone coming to Canada should visit Lake Louise, I am sure they will be astounded by the beautiful scenery. It is definitely a “Wow” experience; truly and unforgettable memory for anyone.
Drumheller Drumheller is located about on hour drive from Calgary. It is the world’s most famous dinosaur area, with a large dinosaur museum. The museum was used as background material for the movie Jurassic Park. The ambience of Drumheller is absolutely different than Banff or Jasper; I could easily understand why it was background for a dinosaur movie. I felt as if I had stepped back in time to the age of the dinosaur.
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There is not much in Drumheller, not even many houses and when we arrived there weren’t many tourists. I understand there never is, but thought there would, because of the dinosaurs.
It is the world’s most famous dinosaur area, with a large dinosaur museum. The museum was used as background material for the movie Jurassic Park.
The smallest church in the world
When we arrived Drumheller was calm, dark, with balck soil and rocks everywhere, I felt like I had stepped on to scene for a horror movie. Even the weather was creepy, cloudy and morose lending a sinister feel to the whole area. I felt fear, I don’t like to look at dinosaurs, not even imitation dinosaurs or watch ghost or horror movies. Drumheller was like being in a real horror movie for me; but on the other had it was a fantastic experience. When would I ever be able to visit such a place in my whole life?
CALGARY Country: Canada Province: Alberta Region: Calgary Region Regional District: Metro Vancouver Established: 1875 Elevation: 1,048 m (3,438 ft)
Calgary is the fourth biggest city in Canada. This city is famous for oil. They have lots of company related in oil. I used to think my life in Calgary was just a bad, boring experience, but now I realize as I write this book it wasn’t all that bad. I would recommend someone who likes to live in quite small town to travel or live in Calgary.
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Actually I was quite amazed while living in Calgary at the first time. After 5 pm, there are not many people left in downtown because most of people go to
home as soon as they get out of work. The pubs in Korea are open even after midnight; we can see lots of cars on the road even at 2am. As I had been living in Seoul, Calgary’s culture was not that familiar at the first time.
I look the pictures and I realize that although I had some problems in Calgary there where a lot of fun times and great experiences; especially traveling around Calgary on these trips.
But later, I realize most of Canadians tend to have time with their family after they finished the work, instead of going out to have drinks. The culture was able to change my thought about the life. I always consider the successful life is to get a professional career. Through the Canadian’s culture, I was able to change my mind.
ALBERTA Canada