Six Frugal Things -- Day Four in Vancouver

1) My husband and I have been spending entirely too much time in the car, so we decided to spend a day going to "things we can walk to." Luckily our hotel is centrally located and we're able bodied enough to hoof it throughout Vancouver.

Our first stop was the Gastown district, where we happened upon the their famous steam clock at the hour, where it tooted and whistled to the delight of the assembled crowd.

Not crowded was this photo booth, which we had no choice but to visit. I joked that an easy way to lure me to my death would be this precise sign.

It was modern, but I appreciate the vintage style graphics. I try to dedicate my vacation dollars to experiences instead of Stuff but photo booths are the exception.

We splurged on donuts -- I picked a "maple crunch," because when in Canada you're legally required to choose maple flavored treats. At least that's what they told us at the border crossing.

You can see a cruise ship in the background of the donut photo, which likely explains the clock's adoring crowd.

Chose not to take a "Self guided walking tour to hell."

2) I read online that the Vancouver Central Library branch had a ninth floor patio with excellent views. Umm . . . say less!

This was the view.

The library itself was pretty great -- lots of work/study stations, as well as artwork and even a board game section.

I stopped into their gift shop after my explorations to pick out a souvenir. Used books are also an exception to the Stuff rule.

I suppose that a "Good Morning America" book isn't the most traditional Canadian souvenir, but I did pay for it with a pair of "toonies," so . . . yes?

The cashier had to help me identify which coins to use.

3) We happened upon these community ping-pong tables on our walk back to the hotel and had to stop. It's been years since I played, but muscle memory quickly kicked in. My high school best friend had a table in her basement and she taught me to play.

Actually super fun, although my husband eventually dragged me away. I would've been happy to play for an hour or more!

4) Dinner was udon bowls at Marukame, which was also a walkable distance from the hotel. I chose a $14 bowl of Tan Tan Udon, with a side of $1.99 zucchini tempura. (My husband ordered curry.) It was as delicious as it looks in this photo.

5) Our final plan for the day was to go on an evening cycle through Stanley Park, we even rented a pair of bikes! Unfortunately my husband's bike was glitchy and by the time we fixed the issue, both of us were frustrated, sweaty and no longer had the energy for an hour long bike ride. (Yesterday was humid, as it has rained in the morning.) The styrofoam helmet didn't help.

We spent $14 to go two blocks. Oh well, at least my phone showed that we got 14,556 steps.

6) I invented a croissant lox sandwich from the random items in our breakfast buffet. I'd complained to my husband about the lack of bagels and finally had an ah hah moment that a croissant would make an ideal swap.

I may have gone heavy on the capers, but it was still spectacular. Kind of bummed that it took until my last day in Vancouver to configure this breakfast sandwich. Might have to recreate it in the future.

Now your turn, what frugal things have you been up to?

Katy Wolk-Stanley 

"Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without."

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