Our first full day of touring started with a bus ride around town with a guide to tell us all about the history and culture of the city. One thing we learned is that the reason they build so much with glass and steel is that it is more flexible during an earthquake than concrete or brick. We also learned that there is a serious housing crisis in the city as real estate prices keep spiraling upward. A tiny condominium in one of those high rises can go for upwards of a million dollars. People are being priced out of their own homes because the appraised value is so high they can’t afford the property taxes. Living in paradise has its price it seems.
Our first stop took us to Queen Elizabeth Park which as the highest point in 
the city has the best views. It also features gardens planted in old quarry beds and a geodesic domed conservatory. There is also a plaza with a huge fountain surrounded by spaces for Tai Chi clubs to practice.
Next, we went to lunch at a place called Brown’s Social House where we were served salads and burgers. Then it was off to meet up with our guide for a tour of the Nitobe Japanese Gardens on the campus of the University of British Columbia. Dr. Nitobe 
sounded like quite a guy, well ahead of his time in thinking globally and creating a culture of peace. Having just been to Japan I was a little underwhelmed with the garden, though I am sure it makes for a wonderful retreat from the hectic city. My photos all came out just looking green so I decided a black and white treatment was the way to go.
We finished the afternoon at the Museum of Anthropology which has an extensive collection of First Nations art, including many totem poles and potlatch serving dishes. There is also a vast collection of artifacts from indigenous peoples around the world.
We had about an hour to rest back at the hotel before walking around the block to a Brazilian steakhouse where roasted meats were brought to the table and sliced off for us.