A-maze-ing Laughter!

Wir freuen uns riesig, denn mittlerweile haben sich mit Chip und Shannon Wilson zwei Mäzene gefunden, die die wunderbaren Statuen an der English Bay gekauft und der Stadt vermacht haben. Das Projekt, das zur Vancouver Biennale 2009 installiert worden war, stand zum Verkauf und drohte, die Stadt zu verlassen. Jetzt bleiben die Bronzemänner an ihrem (perfekten) Standort und werden noch viele weitere Jahre Touristen und Einheimische begeistern, verzücken und... zum lachen bringen!

Paolo's on the Road again

Paolo's front tire was giving me grief. Brand new, and already flat the very next day. I had pumped it up to check for punctures, and it hold its air until... it was flat again.

Richard was on the right track, a damaged valve core was the culprit. Hence, yesterday evening the Vespa dealer of my choice picked up the scooter, replaced the faulty valve, and today we are back on air and on the road again.

Located west of the Olympic Village at False Creek sits the Vancouver Mill Machinery Building. Hopefully the rusty reminiscence of a once busy industrial area will be restored and preserved similar to the Salt Building below because it makes for a beautiful contrast between old and new.

This district has been completely reshaped with condo developments and waterfront walkways.

Not the worst place to live if you ask me. There is still a lot of construction ongoing but once that's gone, it will be a prime area for those who can afford to pay the price.

It's Nice to have Options

 Honda Jazz spotted while going by.

Yesterday I had to chauffeur the better half to the airport, hence the use of the car was necessary. Paolo must have taken it the wrong way, and became all huffy and sported a flat front tire this morning, which is quite annoying because the rubber is brand new (<100 km)! I checked for punctures but couldn't detect anything. Maybe it's the valve. 

Eventually I had to get going. I wasn't even thinking of taking the car (or one of the other bikes for that matter). Without further ado I went upstairs, grabbed Bella's key and took her to work and back and around the block.

It surprises me every time how different the red Vespa is. One instantly feels the 50cc's extra when accelerating. Also, Bella speaks with a 'softer voice', and is a much smoother ride. Paolo's rough character reminds me more of a plumber (Super Mario comes to mind), while Bella would be Princess Peach.

Needless to say that I enjoyed riding the red beauty as much as my other two-wheeled companions. And the husband will be delighted to hear that Bella got some exercise during the week.