Downtown Night Lights

I don't know about you but I prefer the rural laidback life over the fast-paced city living. However, the city lights that lit up every night always gets me thinking twice about my previous statement. I just love it! To me, it's probably the next best thing to a beach view... or not. I don't know. I am indecisive when it comes to spectacular scenes. 

Anyway, enough of the rural VS urban babble, summer day yesterday was spent with a couple of good friends from school. Andrew was nice enough to treat us out after receiving his first legit pay cheque as a health professional. How can Shannen and I pass on the opportunity of free and good-tasting Japanese BBQ and like I said, the view of the downtown night lights? Plus, Shannen is going to be traveling to Portland and Las Vegas (which I am super envious about) this August so this night out was both wanted and needed. 

We strolled inside Chapters as we waited for our dinner reservation.

Look at these dolls! Their hair-do's are perf!

How adorable is this mini bicycle? This American Girl corner in the store is too cute!
I automatically channeled my inner 5-year-old self in the store.

To all the book lovers like me, heyo for this piece of heaven for us! I am currently reading Paper Towns by John Green. What book are you binge reading right now?

Vancouver BC Downtown

It may come as a surprise but I love Vancouver downtown better than The Big Apple. Yes, I have been to Midtown Manhattan in New York City a couple of times. I might have some bias because Vancouver is my city but I really have to say V is a tad bit cleaner than NYC and a lot less crowded, which may be the reason for it having lesser trash everywhere. 

How cool is this street art of Mona Lisa just casually chilling there?

Finally, we arrived at Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Restaurant right by Nelson Street.

I like the cozy ambience and the fact that it is not wall-enclosed. I just wish all the other BBQ restaurants were open too.

Some sake cocktails to start off dinner. I had Kyoto Sunrise and I have to say I was not a fan but I don't hate it.

So the grilling began... we had different types of meat, some scallops and my personal favorites out of the bunch, bacon asparagus and duck breast. 

I am a big fan of anything grilled and I always find barbecuing enjoyable. Having said that, I'd give this BBQ place a 3.5-4 out of 5 (me being indecisive again). The meats were not overly seasoned and perfectly marinated especially the duck breast. The pork thick cuts were extremely soft and just melted in my mouth which completely sold me. Most importantly, the staff were really friendly. The speed was average (not fast but not too slow) which was understandable considering they were packed.

Here's our oh-so-satisfied faces! Big thanks to Andrew for the treat!

Here's a little OOTN.

We, then, went for a little walk along downtown streets and decided we wanted to see a movie. Unluckily, Guardians of the Galaxy isn't playing yet and I have already watched Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (which is absolutely amazing) so we had to make a detour to CAVO Bar + Kitchen to spontaneously enjoy the night, and chat over a couple more drinks. 

Enjoyed the cosmo as per usual, and the mojito mint + lime choice was definitely refreshing
and apt for the bbq after taste in my mouth. 

Here goes my weird fondness for street and hotel signs shown through these photos.

I just think they look really pretty.

We opted to walk towards Granville and enjoyed the busy streets and the cool summer night breeze to cap off a night well-spent with good company. Little things like that are truly life's simple pleasures.

To you, my wonderful reader in the western part of the world, how have you been spending your summer? However way you do, I hope you are enjoying every bit of it!

'Til the next,

Macy