Friday, January 11

a second day in Vancouver

Christopher and I got a late start on yet another rainy day in the Pacific Northwest. After eating breakfast and buying transit tickets, we hopped on a bus to British Columbia University, where the Museum of Anthropology is. The museum is full of wonderful objects from this area, but we found it lacking in explanation of the culture that created them. We browsed the bookstore for a book that could put these objects into context, but came up empty handed. One thing we did learn: the story a totem pole tells is only known by the family it represents, so for an outsider you can only interpret what is on it, not its meaning. Aren't they wonderful? I just wish I knew how this bird-cart was used...

Christopher seems concerned that I hate Vancouver. I don't, but I have to confess that I'm not sure why I'm supposed to fall in love with it. The weather probably has something to do with it; it's been misty and wet since we got here and the incredible mountains that supposedly surround the city have not appeared. Tomorrow, our last day here, there is a chance that the sun will actually come out. I'm crossing my fingers.

4 comments:

Ami said...

The mountains I think do make a difference. They are quite impressive. I hope the sun comes out for you!w

mary jane said...

Ami, is right, the mountains meeting the sea are everything! Still, your pictures make me homesick. I hope you get to see Mt.Ranier and the Olympics when you return to Seattle.

JenniferB said...

I hope you're having a nice vacation. You're certainly seeing some very interesting things! Buying any souvenir yarn?

Eliza said...

No souvenir yarn yet! I saw some beautiful (very expensive) silk fiber and yarn in Vancouver and passed on it. I'm still hoping to track down a yarn store in Seattle... suggestions anyone?