It’s not often on a trip to somewhere faraway that you have the opportunity for a do-over, but luckily for us we got the chance. Nicole loves Chinese gardens and there is a famous one in Vancouver, but unfortunately it’s been under repair during our visit. Because of that we passed on a visit earlier in the trip but today we got a second chance to check it out.

Episode 18: https://youtu.be/Iaa8sO5z9WU

During our visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden was undergoing major repairs. The entire pond had been drained and certain sections were off limits. This was why a few weeks prior we had decided to give it a pass.

But for whatever reason, this day, we were drawn in. We took a gamble, a big part of the beauty of the garden seemed to be in the pond which was currently drained. Tree branches overhanging the water. Reflections in the pond. How could we possibly overlook a massive empty hole.

As we started to stroll the garden paths we were struck by the beauty all around us. The white walls protecting the garden from the hustle and bustle of Chinatown. The tile roof lines of the buildings instantly taking me back to a past trip to China. The ornate pavilion perched on it’s raised mound overlooking the whole of the garden. Despite the pond there was beauty in every direction we looked.

What struck me the most was the sense of calm and tranquility that overcame me despite the city noises invading the space. As we explored the garden I could feel myself relaxing and starting to recharge. That always surprises me, that while still in a major city we’re able to find quiet little places that can give you an escape.

We were both glad we took the gamble, having a hard time imagining how much more amazing this place would be once construction work was completed. We hope to one day make a return visit to be able to take in it’s full beauty.

I’m sure that by the time you read this everything will be done and you’d never know what they were up to while we were there. If you do go checkout the garden be sure to keep your eyes open for some of the history of the garden and how it got started. We touch upon it a little bit in this episode.

After exploring the garden we were hungry, and couldn’t make a visit to Chinatown without a stop at New Town Bakery. We still reminisce about this restaurant, looking forward to a return trip to Vancouver in part to make a pilgrimage to this eatery. I made a newbie mistake on our first visit to New Town, one I did not repeat this time around. Check out the episode for that New Town Bakery pro tip!

Locations

There were several locations featured in this episode

• Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden – Opening in time for the 1986 Expo, this is the first Chinese “scholars” garden to have been built outside of China.
• New Town Bakery – An amazing find in Chinatown, although hard to miss with it’s giant steamer basket and buns over it’s entrance.

Thanks for watching/reading!