Vivacious Vancouver

(Daphne in Stanley Park checking out the Mounties' Totem Poles.)

Forgive me for taking so long to get back to telling you all about the trip that DJ and I took to Vancouver. I've been frantically preparing to compete in Ziggy's Big Fat Talent Extraordinaire Extravaganza this Friday at The Armory. However, it really was a fantastic trip, so I would be remiss if I didn't share my experiences while they're still fresh in my vodka-addled mind.

DJ and I stayed at The Nelson House, a delightfully quaint little B&B in Vancouver's West End (aka Marytown). Each of the rooms is decorated in different themes such as Hollywood glamour, and maritime mirth. Just steps from Davie Street and Prospect Park, DJ and I were in the perfect location to soak in all the sights and sounds of Vancouver.

Davie Street is Vancouver's answer to the Castro District. Lined with bars, dance clubs and adult novelty stores, this is the place to go to experience gay nightlife in Vancouver. However, the fun is not relegated strictly to the post-sunset hours. Happily, our visit coincided with Davie Day, a festive block party to celebrate the diverse community of Davie Village. In other words, it was a great excuse to get a good afternoon drunk on and watch some fabulous drag performances in the streets.

Which isn't to say that our trip was all about booze and debauchery. DJ and I did enjoy a lovely bike ride around scenic Stanley Park. The totem poles are a site to see. As are the endless trails and paths through this mammoth outdoor playground. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that some major cruising goes on in those woods.

We also spent some time communing with nature at Wreck Beach, the clothing-optional oasis at the University of British Columbia. The beach is accessed by an Escher-like wooden stairway that seems to descend forever. High heels are not advised! However, once you get to the beach you feel like you've entered another reality. Unbelievably hot surfer boys sun their naked fannies next to middle-aged parents in their altogether. If you get too hot staring at all that naked manflesh, then simply buy an ice-cold beer from one of the many convenient entrepreneur's roaming the beach. While lounging in the sun, you're likely to be offered a variety of refreshments including hash brownies, mushrooms and even cold cut sandwiches. The only thing missing was an escalator to carry my drunk, horny, hallucinating butt back up to the road at the end of the day.

As if all this wasn't enough, Vancouver also offered stellar arts and entertainment. We hopped over to Granville Island to experience the Vancouver Fringe Festival. The worst part about this terrific theater event was that there were so many choices, it was hard to decide which shows to take in. Our favorite presentation was The Wet Spots' Big Ass Show. This kinky husband and wife cabaret act delighted with crowd with songs such as "Wherever You're Going (I'd Like to Come)" about the elusive female orgasm and the self-explanatory "Bi-Curious Guy". Sexy and thought-provoking, this duo will have you humming the chorus from "Do You Take It (In The Ass?)" as you dance out of the theater.

All in all, DJ and I both fell deeply in love with Vancouver, the city of glass. It will be interesting to see what happens to this beautiful metropolis as the Winter Olympics of 2010 approaches. Hopefully, it will retain it's unique character as it grows in world-prominence.

Smooches,
Daph