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Nov. 3, 2006
Keeping it really cosy
Winter comes with all kinds of warm opportunity.
VERONIKA STEWART
Winter is almost upon us and, while in Vancouver we may not have
the precipitation to allow for some of the more traditional backyard
snowman-building fun, there are still lots of winter activities
to ward off the blues cold weather often brings.
Something I really enjoy when it's cold, wet and miserable out is
being inside. To make staying home a little more exciting, however,
it's fun to invite a small group of friends over for a potluck dinner
party – formal or informal; you could even have a costume theme.
This is a great way of getting people together that you don't see
on a regular basis. It could be family, friends, co-workers or a
mix of all three. If your friends aren't talkative types, you can
break the ice a bit by organizing some games for the night. Charades
or Pictionary both have a tendency to bring out the competitor
in people.
Another way to pass those cold winter nights is with the traditional
movie rental and a big mug of piping hot chocolate. If you're feeling
especially traditional, stove-top popcorn is much less artificial
tasting than the microwaveable kind. To make sure the powdered hot
chocolate you're likely using comes out perfectly, use milk - and
if you use the microwave, set it for two minutes, but at the one
minute mark, pause the microwave and stir the hot chocolate. This
way, the lumpy chocolate powder-puffs won't float to the top and
stick around the rim of the mug. In any case, making sure your environment
is cosy, whether you have hot chocolate or not, is key to a perfect
movie-watching experience at home. Depending on your movie genre
of choice, cuddling may also be in order.
If you're not a house hobbit, but still aren't quite comfortable
with braving the winter weather, there are options for you, too.
The IMAX Theatre downtown gives an amazing 3D experience, and it's
a sneaky way of learning about things like the life cycles of the
coral reefs of Australia without having to watch the nature channel.
Plus, Vancouver is lucky enough to have an IMAX Theatre that's right
on the waterfront, so, after a relaxing film, a leisurely stroll
and a hot cup of coffee along the seawall are a perfect end to the
day.
Another way to get out of the house is by supporting local artists.
Some of the best music is often at open-mike night at your local
coffee shop. Café Deux Soleils on Commercial Drive has a
poetry slam competition the first and third Monday of every month.
The food is as good as the atmosphere – plus, it's supporting
home-bred talent.
If you happen to enjoy the outdoors, although the inner city generally
lacks the snow for a good day of sledding, Grouse Mountain is a
great place to which to bring the toboggans and crazy carpets. Grouse
also offers an ice rink for skating. If you've got balance like
mine, however, I'd pick up a helmet and some elbow pads. The mountain
also has opportunities for snowshoeing: a hands-on approach to viewing
what our province has to offer in terms of scenery.
For the days it doesn't rain, we musn't neglect the winding paths
of Stanley Park. It's a monument to the beauty of Vancouver for
a reason. If you really want to appreciate the beauty, bring a camera
and you can capture it and take it home with you.
Finally, I cannot forget, lest my male roommates oust me from my
home, the Canucks. Watching a game at a pub, or live if you can
handle the attack on your wallet, is a way to unify with your fellow
Vancouverites in a home team victory, and also – on hopefully
rare occasion – in a home team loss.
Veronika Stewart is a Vancouver freelance writer.
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