Author Archives: Brian Smith

Unleash your imagination now!

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When you think back to the generations eons ago kick the can was a highlight of the day for a bunch of friends to do together, imagine that for a second, kick the can and countless other whatever was around us to stave boredom. Then Board games became the rage, have some fun one day and look at the weird, strange games that came out trying to entertain our family between the 60’s-80’s some of the ideas were crazy like how you thought this was a good idea, like no serious! This game is so messed up how did you get funding for it? Ah the time before the internet trolls shot down ideas faster than Billy Bishop flying his plane in the war.

In this era hanging out with friend is being done online. You and your friends are storming a dragons keep while conjuring spells of protection for your allies or saving the world from some horrible terrorist event by being a member of a tier 1 special operations unit with no name, that’s how need to know your team is, using gadgets and equipment to take the fight to the enemy. That is all fun, but what about taking those adventure into the real world?

Vancouver Mysteries is a company that offers a series of outdoor adventure games in downtown Vancouver where players work in teams and solve clues. Stop siting behind a screen and become a secret agent in Vancouver and delve into the world of espionage, where your spy craft skills will make all the difference.

Or is being a little more public about saving the world more up your alley? Then become a superhero and save the world from impending doom! Only you have the power to stop the villainous fiend, will you take up the responsibility with the unique powers you hold?

Or is the detective in you urning to get back on the trail of your biggest case? Well then you know what you must do, start investigating the clues and solve the case once and for all don’t let the murder get away!

So don’t get trapped inside playing games over the internet! Take your adventure into the heart of Vancouver’s streets, games last approximately two hours, most finish near Waterfront Station and cover around 2 km of downtown Vancouver rain or shine. Costumes are definitely encouraged but not required.

So set your imagination free soar to new heights of creativity!

 

Brian Smith

bsmith288@my.bcit.ca

I am like an onion.

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We have all been there, just wanting to be left alone and delight in some peaceful solitary distractions to pass the time before work, school or another commitment brings you back into the real world.

Kinda like a solitary ogre just wanting to relax in his swamp and be at peace. I totally get it! Just laying back and eating some new food creation you saw online that you though had the skill to recreate what a professional chef made in a fancy kitchen with all the gear and ingredients, and now you are going to eat that weird creation yeah you nailed it, get some Tums ready!

But exactly like Shrek real happiness for us doesn’t come from being alone. It comes from hanging out with friends, family, anyone that brings you joy, and unbridled excitement. Should you have that friend, you know the one let’s call them Squiggly Bottom-Nose.

A friend whose inadvertent intentions with oblivious manners constantly irritating those around them, but they look at you with those puppy dog eyes, and you can’t help but suffer those quirks because for every headache you suffer like that the overall happiness can’t be measured, and if you have and keep a friend like that then you have a heart of gold what a Saint. Come to think about it… I think I am that to some of my friends… Yeah, I’m Donkey.

So, get out of that swamp and brush those teeth because you have an adventure coming your way! Shrek The Musical a production from Fraser Valley Stage. Happening April 18 – 26, 2025 at the Abbotsford Arts Centre for 3 matinees and 5 evenings. That’s right you have the rare opportunity to watch in person the worlds greatest fairy tale ever told.

Shrek the loveable ogre who just want to be left alone and becomes angered when unlucky fairy tale creatures are evicted and sent to live in “HIS” swamp ordered by the pint-sized Lord Farquaad. After rough start Shrek befriends a talking donkey named Donkey, and they set off to meet with Farquaad to get to the bottom of Shrek’s problem, and the start of a friendship that proves no matter the rocky start, or bumpy journey true friendship can withstand anything the cosmos throw their way but its going to come with a few migraines.

So, dear reader message that group of friends who make you laugh and make your way out to Abbotsford and witness a production sure to excite!

 

Brian Smith

bsmith288@my.bcit.ca

Enjoy the views, delight in the vendors!

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I find nothing is truly better than getting local products. Hand-made in small batches in ensure a quality you can only get with loving hands-on care throughout the process. As the weather starts to warm and the beautiful mountains that surround us in the Vancouver and Fraser Valley feel like that hug from Canada itself, we start to embrace all that is around us and the bounties we can harvest to share with those in the community.

It’s why my girlfriend and I love to check out the local markets are our Spring and Summer adventures take us on, coming back home to make a mouth-watering pie with a vast selection local fruit from B.C., taking in the delights of pastures from our diverse cultures that call Canada home. We are lucky enough to taste a Canadian spin on famous international classics. As we all start to feel the impact of international relations, and the Tariff wars it feels even more important to support and celebrate local businesses. So, elbows up you glorious Canadian’s and visitors to our country!

Can you believe the Squamish Farmers Market has been running for more than 20 years? In 2025 the market takes place April 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th. The Squamish Farmers Market is a medium-sized farmers market in the Sea to Sky region. The market takes place at the corner of Victoria Street and Cleveland Avenue in Squamish. Look at the various vendor, typically features close to 50 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to homemade preserves, baked goods and art.

Hours of operation are from 10:00 am until 2:00 or 3:00 pm every Saturday between April and mid-December. It’s also open every other week on Saturdays during the months of February and March.

The market like most Lower Mainland farmers markets, the Saturday markets in Squamish usually feature a musician providing background entertainment each week. After your done at the market there are a ton of great activities to visit nearby like Porteau Cove on the water, Shannon Falls, rugged Stawamus Chief and picturesque Alice Lake. All are beautiful and impeccable places for a stroll, hike or picnic. Other tourist attractions in the area include Britannia Mine a historic copper mine museum, the Sea to Sky Gondola for sightseeing and rides up the mountain and the West Coast Railway Heritage Park with its historic trains and artifacts.

So do yourself an absolute favor and look up the market and surrounding area and take in the beauty that Canada and our fellow citizens has to offer with a trip there today!

 

Brian Smith

bsmith288@my.bcit.ca

 

 

The Golden Egg hunt!

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I have found that I have been getting even more interested in history, a few more months and I will be getting deep into Roman roads. I am slowly becoming my grandfather’s, I already build models but it’s not replica ships and planes so I think I am still good, the pants will stay at their normal level but that hiking up them up IS in my future. But more than just any history, learning about what local people whose names mark our mountains, roads, and buildings. The companies that created the items that put Canada on the map, we have always been a nation rich in natural resources that will shape the future markets and technology we can’t even comprehend.

And much like today, there were those in the past, with barely any safety gear extracting the minerals and ore from the earth the Britannia Mine Museum is a National Historic Site a former copper mine located halfway between Vancouver and Squamish, that’s well worth visiting to take in our history.

In 2025 the museum celebrates its 50th anniversary!

On the Easter Long Weekend of April 18th to 21st the museum hosts its Golden Egg-Venture event. On those four dates you can venture underground on the Mine Train where, just as miners had to search for gold in years long ago, kids can hunt for hidden golden eggs which they can then trade in at the end for a piece of real golden chalcopyrite (which is a copper iron sulfide mineral which makes for a fun souvenir).

There is a self-guided scavenger hunt for a chance to win a prize. The extra Easter-themed activities are included with general admission to the museum. There is the Mineral Gallery, a gold-panning pavilion, the Britannia A to Z Historical Exhibits and a kids’ play area. There is also a film about mining, Mill No. 3, other historical buildings and a visitor centre with interactive displays. The attraction features a 45-minute underground tour where you get to wear a miner’s hard hat and ride the mining train into the side of the mountain.

The Britannia Mine Museum site at what used to be the largest copper mine in the British Empire. At its peak the mine produced 7,000 tons of ore per day and over 60,000 people lived and worked on-site.

The Britannia Mine Museum Society has preserved the mine facility. As a result, today, visitors can explore some of the mine’s original buildings. Each year over 70,000 people visit the attraction.

The mine’s tunnels extended over 200 km and as deep as 650 m below sea level. Sadly, close to 100 people died over the years while working underground at the mine. The mine over those 70 years more than 50 million tons of ore were extracted including some 650,000 tons of copper, 137,000 tons of zinc, 188 tons of silver and over 15 tons of gold, among other valuable minerals.

Take the kids to do an unforgettable Easter Egg Hunt, while you take in the history that makes Canada so great!

 

Brian Smith

bsmith288@my.bcit.ca

Elementary my dear reader!

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You know one of my favorite fictional detectives is Sherlock Holmes, come to think of it I don’t have a favorite non-fiction detective. I have read the books not just watched the movies or TV’s show so I’m a big fan, and in this way when I must find my next story, I feel like a detective combing the web for an event or something that catches my attention like a bloodhound when it picks up the scent. But what I love about this is the weird turns a story takes as you research and your idea changes. I love when I find something awesome about a Canadian from around the area and that they did so much awesome stuff that helped us in so many ways because it paved the way for more knowledge and exploration to happen that becomes a chain-reaction to furthering research.

Neal Marshall Carter Born in Vancouver on December 14, 1902. Carter was a marine biologist in his professional life, having worked in fisheries research from 1930 to 1962. He started climbing in 1920 and spent the next thirty-five years mapping the Coast Mountains of British Columbia.

The beautifully eye captivating Coast Mountains of British Columbia were Carter’s first favorite place for climbing mountains. He explored new peaks having 16 first ascent with several of his first ascents in what is now called Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Carter was a skilled surveyor, photographer and cartographer, having created the first topographic maps of Garibaldi Provincial Park and of the Tantalus Range in the 1920s. He has been recognized as an honorary member of the Varsity Outdoor Club at UBC, the Alpine Club of Canada and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

If you are a history buff of the local area and want to learn something about our past, and you want to look at the glorious work of Neal then I have a clue for what you can do to learn something new the next day you are free. The Museum & Archives of North Vancouver (MONOVA)

“In 2014, MONOVA received three photography albums created by Dr. Neal Carter. The albums are beautifully illustrated and meticulously annotated with locations, names and dates. These unique archival albums are valued as historical evidence of early mountaineering activities in Western Canada, as well as personal keepsakes that embody a space between memory and imagination. Most of the photographs included in the albums were taken by Neal Carter and reveal his dual interest in visual documentation for scientific purposes, as well as celebrating the grandeur of the Coast Mountains.”

So put on your deer stalker cap and get ready! For the game is afoot to your next history adventure.

 

Brian Smith

bsmith288@my.bcit.ca

Eggs as colorful as my childhood vocabulary!

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So many great memories looking for Easter treats, the best was a long trip to my Grandfather’s place with the whole family, those crazy ones where all 10 plus cousins are just crammed inside a room at night for bedtime, and constantly one of the parents comes in and tells everyone to go to sleep, I mean we are all excited and the parents were super loud anyways reminiscing. The older ones corrupting the younger ones with swear words. Come one say it, its cool, we won’t tell your parents, yeah until they get caught doing something else and “Well Brian was swearing!” takes centre stage. I had then a colourful vocabulary, still do!

Then getting up with dew still one the ground and all the kids fanning out like chicken looking for candy. Slowly filling up the basket, some eggs here and there, oh a bigger one, holy mother of, it is huge egg deposit, so much candy my younger self felt a millionaire of candy goodness, then the absolute devastation, what this? It’s all getting split evenly, I found way more than Sally, ah the candy tax man has comeith.

Make your Easter memories and plans extra specials with their annual Easter Egg Hunt April 12th, 13th & April 18th – 20th, that’s right two weekends in a row to give you plenty of chances. This rain-or-shine event is packed with family-friendly activities, enhancing your springtime fun on the farm.

Easter egg hunt, Easter scavenger hunt, face painting, pictures with the Easter Bunny, Lily’s barnyard, baby animal displays, Easter food specials and more!

One of the favorites for children is the giant jumping pillow which works like a trampoline. It brough so much joy they recently added a second jumping pillow! In addition to those, there’s the chance to go around a track on pedal carts, tackle a ropes course and tire mountain.

Rent your own private fire pit during their Easter Egg Hunt. A great option for birthday parties, family or group gatherings.

At the farm there are animals to see including chickens, goats, turkeys, pigs, rabbits, sheep you might also see an alpaca. Some of the farm animals are outside and others are indoors.

There is also an indoor hay bale maze and various rustic, country-style midway games. Greendale Acres also offers tractor rides that go out into the fields sometimes, and when it’s blooming season there are a couple of smaller fields full of beautiful flowers to enjoy.

In the summer and early autumn, the farm sells freshly grown corn. When open to the public for family-friendly activities, there’s a concession stand with snacks and drinks including pizza, hot dogs and ice cream.

Greendale Acres is a very magical place with lots to see and do, so add some cute animals to your Easter memories!

 

Brian Smith

bsmith288@my.bcit.ca

Enjoy your Cinco de Mayo shell-ebrations with Señor Cinco!

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Señor Cinco, resident Steller sea lion who was rescued on Cinco de Mayo 2017, and to celebrate that rescue and Cinco de Mayo an annual celebration of Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza.

Has cordially invited you to celebrate a fiesta happening under the sea at the Vancouver Aquarium Canada’s largest aquarium! On May 3, 7-10pm, dive into Cinco de Mayo shell-ebrations early at Fish + Sips: Fin-tastic Fiesta Edition.

Enjoy live entertainment featuring a deep-sea DJ and mariachi band to keep the good times flowing all night long and if your worry about getting to excited and crazy on the dance floor see slow-motion superstars like sloths and armadillos in their new limited-time exhibit, Survival of the Slowest. That kinds sounds like my group come to think about it. Hopefully they have some room for me, I don’t take up much space, but I have been known to have a voracious appetite.

Or are you seeking little thrill and edge of your seat excitement for the evening? Then take that experience up 15 levels as you immerse yourself with heart-pounding survival stories unfold as you watch on the big screen Wild Survivors 4-D, their all-new feature 4-D film! But be careful you might think you are part of the harrowing tales yourself.

But you’re asking me Brian I love seeing these amazing, majestic creatures but I would love to touch and experience that tactile feel of those wondrous under-sea creatures, well luckily for you I have some great news. Whoo I just felt that excitement. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get ready in their Wet Lab and get hands-on experience with the spineless wonders of the deep that no documentary will ever come close to the same memories and experience and what you will get to experience. Let’s face it, this experience is going to fill your reels with great memories years for come.

Let your taste buds go to a nirvana with their award-winning, sustainably sourced fish tacos and other crave-worthy menu items. Quench your thirst with a variety of ice-cold margaritas, BC wines, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Vancouver Aquarium members receive line bypass privileges for all Fish + Sips events, plus a tide pool of other perks like unlimited year-round access and bonus guest tickets.

Give yourself a night of entertainment and memories you will never forget this Cinco de Mayo with Señor Cinco booking your tickets today!

Brian Smith

bsmith288@my.bcit.ca

I’m not kidding about the Yoga!

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I am not going to lie when I saw an ad for something that might be interesting in writing about, I was excited but soon as I got to the website, everything changed literally and yes in that way stop. I went from having a quick idea that flashed into my mind hmm I could go that way, 1 second later as the page loaded that thought disappeared because this place has so much more to offer then I first thought. I had in my mind oh talk about a spring event happening I can get an article out of that, now that is but a short paragraph to what you can do on this farm. But first a little history about this place.

Maan Farms has a long and proud history of providing quality local produce to the citizens of Abbotsford, the Fraser Valley and Greater BC. Started in 1977 by Jawahar and Gurbachan (Maan with the help of their three children. Maan Farms began by producing cole crops, but shifted to growing the delicious strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for which they became famous.

What had caught my eye originally was the SPRING AT THE FARM. Girlfriend and I love to go to local markets and get something that can only be described as truly special. Not mass produced and shipped all over the world but made in your own backyard with that same sun you enjoyed.

When you head to Mann Farm you can visit their baby animals throughout the spring. Whether your family is looking for a wholesome experience filled with cute animals and prizes at Baby Animal Easter.

Or maybe you’re looking to try some delicious wine in their tasting room. Maan Farms’ wines are solely produced in house using their own berries. From their tasting room to their exclusive Wine Club, they offer a unique and memorable experience for both casual drinkers and wine enthusiasts alike using 2 pounds of berries per bottle!

Maan Farms wine is proudly sold at over 200 private liquor stores across BC and Alberta, as well as all BC Save On Foods wine stores and select Canadian Superstore wine locations. So, keep your eye out when at the store to support this local business.

But wait I know your telling me Brian I am totally stressed out and need to align my chakras and really get into some mindfulness in my life. Are you ready? Because get your outfit and grab your mat you can do Yoga with goats. Yeah, let me write that again, WITH GOATS!

Goat Yoga is an event to remember, a perfect girl’s night out or date night! You begin with a 1-hour Hatha Goat Yoga experience followed by Goat Happy Hour where you can partake in delicious treats. Dinner is also included in certain events check for details.

Perhaps you’re needing a venue for your wedding? Maan’s antique barn has been beautifully restored to create the perfect reception venue with a stunning view of Mt. Baker.

And in October they will scare the hell outta ya with their haunted corn maze, so make sure you plan any number of activities to do this year. I know I will.

Brian Smith

bsmith288@my.bcit.ca

You’ll never believe your lying eye.

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There is something magical about being a child. Everything is so full of wonder because you don’t know anything, a blank canvas to use your imagination to put explanation to the unexplainable. Or how to quickly explain how the lamp fell and the wild story to get yourself out of trouble, for me purple goblins were always trying to get me in trouble and the elaborate plans they would concoct just so I couldn’t go outside and play. Now the simplest wonders to a small child don’t even register to a typical adult either due to daily stresses or their phones stealing from the imagination that come from looking at the world with curious eyes.

Be prepared to look at the world again with wonder and amazement as Champions of Magic pique your curiosity on just what happened between the performer and your lying eyes.

Sit back as the performers bend reality, distort the laws of physics fusing their dynamic skills in grand scale magic, an elegance for spectacle and undeniable mastery of showmanship.

This interactive, high-energy show is sure to entertain the entire family. Combining their signature humor with groundbreaking magic, the world’s only team of illusionists present a brand-new production unlike anything that has come before.

YOUNG & STRANGE (UK)

Young & Strange started their journey together at 8 years old when their childhood friendship was cemented with a common interest in all things magic. They spent their teenage years attempting, and failing, to make Las Vegas style illusions with cardboard and tape. With little money, they were forced to innovate, creating original illusions and magic tricks.

LIBERTY LARSEN (USA)

Liberty Larsen is a fourth-generation magician of the Larsen family, the creators of the Magic Castle™. Liberty grew up fully immersed in the world of magic, with the privilege of watching the best magicians in the world share their love for the craft. Over the years she carved out her own distinct style, with performances ranging from the poetic and enchanted to the mischievously absurd.

FERNANDO VELASCO (MEXICO/USA)

Fernando was 11 years old when his father’s job in the restaurant of the Magic Castle gave him an inside look into the world of illusion. Fernando is pushing the boundaries of what a young escapologist can do, and in 2017 became the youngest performer in the world to present his version of ‘Houdini’s Water Torture Cell’ which saw him handcuffed and padlocked upside-down in a sealed 6ft tank of water.

As a child and even now, nothing can make me wonder for longer than trying to figure out what did I just witness? If you like to push your brain’s CPU and like a challenge, why don’t you watch a show and witness their innovatively spectacular illusions and see if you can figure out just exactly, how did they do it?

Luckily for them we don’t believe in witchcraft and sorcery anymore just entertainment!

 

Brian Smith

bsmith288@my.bcit.ca

Come join the celebration!

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I know what you’re thinking! Brian I really want to experience other cultures food and take a walk on the wild side to ignite my taste buds in an exciting new way and make my nose act like the pie in the window trope. But I don’t have the money to experience different culinary delights by traveling all over the world. Well then, I am going to give you the key to unlock all that and more with a few words.

Richmond Night Market 202. Their turning 25, and it’s all thanks to amazing people like you!

Experience the refreshing stimulation of something exhilarating and electric every weekend at the Richmond Night Market. Once you’ve finished shopping at over 100+ retail booths, choices of dining at 500 global food options, and exploring the enchanting decorations, sit back, relax, and enjoy the incredible live performances on the main stage that feature talented musicians, energetic dance troupes, captivating martial arts demonstrations, and much more!

Are you one of those people who love to eat then go on rides? Not me, rides and food just don’t like to hang out together if I’m at the party. But YOU can soar higher with all-new fun as you can now soar through the skies in Richmond!

They’re launching the world’s FIRST Night Market Zipline! Take a bold 600-foot soaring flight like an aerial wonder above the lights, energy. It’s the ultimate approach to take in the market from a whole new unique perspective! With FOUR edge of you seat side-by-side ziplines. Experience elation as you race through the illuminated night sky and take in breathtaking views as you zip over thousands of visitors. Whether you’re a first timer or after a next-level adventure, this exclusive attraction delivers heart-pounding excitement exactly how you want! Limited spots available each night—book early at the Night Market to secure your ride.

Celebrate Big, Save Bigger! They’re also saying thank you with full-season Happy Hour deals, happening every opening day during full operating hours. Every food booth will feature at least one item under $10, and drinks for just $7—no time limits, just nonstop flavor and value.

The night might wind down but never the excitement, the energy stays high with their AFTER-PARTY DISCOUNT! It will be your chance to enter for less and still soak in all the fun!

Happening between April 25- October 12, 2025, at 8351 River rd. in Richmond, B.C

Enjoy your Summer fun!

Brian Smith

bsmith288@mybcit.ca