A is for AIRPORT

Vancouver was recognized as the top city in Canada in Travel + Leisure magazine's 2014 World's Best Awards.  The city was also named the Top Destination in Canada in Trip Advisor's 2014 Travellers' Choice awards, and was chosen as the world's "Most Liveable City" in 2010 by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), a title it has been awarded eight times since 2002.
Vancouver offers travellers both outstanding opportunities for outdoor adventure and the sophisticated amenities of a world-class city. Take advantage of the city's ocean-side location, with plenty of green space and many recreation opportunities in the mountains 20 minutes north of downtown. After a busy day, linger over a glass of BC wine and a locally inspired meal, or unwind at one of Vancouver's unique spas.  While this sea-level port city is known for its temperate climate, the surrounding snow-covered slopes are perfect for winter sports and breathtaking views of the city twinkling below. Vancouver is one of the few places in the world where it's possible to ski in the morning and sail in the afternoon.  From here

As I was considering what to write for Round 15 of ABC Wednesday, I came upon an article in the Sunday Province newspaper (by Paul Luke) about some of the film sites that Hollywood crews use.  It gave me an idea for Round 15, so I'm going to do my best to create a sort of travel blog highlighting areas of the city of Vancouver with suggestions of what to see if you do indeed decide to visit this world-class city. 

First up, the Vancouver International AIRPORT, located about 7 1/2 miles south of the city of Vancouver in Richmond (where I grew up).  In 1927, Charles Lindburgh refused to include Vancouver in his North American tour because of the lack of a proper airport. Two years later, the city purchased land on Sea Island (in Richmond), which replaced the original grass airstrip at Minoru Park.  During WW2, the airport and its original terminal, now the South Terminal, were leased to the Federal government and operated by the Department of National Defence and the Department of Transport. The airport was a base for RCAF training and the crews and their families were housed in a new town site on the island, named Burkeville after Boeing president Stanley Burke.  The present main terminal was completed in 1968, and has since been expanded to include separate domestic and international terminals. A north runway was completed in 1996.  Since 2011, there has been an increase in flights between Vancouver and Asia. 

The airport has a uniquely British Columbian theme with artwork of Pacific Northwest Coast native art featuring blues and greens to reflect the colours of the land, sea, and sky.  There is a lot of glass, which reflects the natural light, and arriving passengers walk across a platform featuring a large waterfall.  The aboriginal art collections include totem poles, wooden sculptures, and Bill Reid's famous bronze sculpture called "The Spirit of Haida Gwaii, The Jade Canoe."

So, welcome to Vancouver International Airport where, for the next 26 weeks, you will be treated to an assortment of Vancouver highlights.  These are the welcoming totem poles and other aboriginal works of art, concluding with the famous Jade Canoe.

Be sure to tell your friends and families about ABC Wednesday and how much fun it is to participate.  Also, be sure to let Roger know if you're interested in helping out a bit on the team.  With thanks to the adorable and amiable Denise Nesbitt, creator of ABCW, and to the astonishingly amazing Roger, who is our admirable administrator.