There’s an old bridge downtown that’s long overdue for an upgrade, and after months of construction, said updates have been completed, so I decided to see whether the tax payer's dime had been well spent.
Granville Bridge in spring
Let us first discuss what a pedestrian nightmare this bridge was prior to the updates. While the impressive structure that spans the body of water called False Creek looks cool from below, crossing it on foot was a death-defying leap. Vehicles of all types roared nearby, crisscrossing on either end of the bridge in organized chaos, which at times made me feel like I was playing a game of frogger, and was in general a very unpleasant experience, so I usually avoided it.
The city decided to upgrade the bridge with a new philosophy in mind, partly driven by architectural trends, the fact that we have a tourism-based economy, and the additional fact that everyone is high around here (but this is all conjecture, of course 😉). What if the bridge wasn’t just a functional space, I imagine they asked themselves while passing a vape around in a glass tower; what if we turn the bridge into a communal experience? No need to hurry across it, afraid for your life. The bridge itself is the journey. Take the time to enjoy the sights in peace. Sit down and have a snack. Tease your girl. Take a nap (or maybe not). Catch your breath and laugh at getting old or being late for work. Contemplate the awe-full panoramas that extend around the curvature of the Pacific and majestic tectonic protrusions beyond the city.
Maybe not in those words, but you catch my drift.
I was pleasantly surprised to see newly installed crosswalks and connectors when I started my journey that day. It was a beautiful sight. I didn't feel claustrophobic. It looked very clean and civilized.
Crosswalk on the north side of the bridge
Facing north
Facing southBeginning the ascent on the north side of the bridge, I noticed the wider pedestrian walkways and bike lanes. Vehicles have been pushed further away, so one feels separated from the traffic. It's great not having the roar of vehicles right next to your ear. It actually feels calm and as if one can better enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Nice touch!
I saw three benches placed along the way. I tried all three benches, and in my opinion, the one located in the middle of the bridge is the best one because it provides beautiful views and an opportunity to learn more about this magnificent structure.
From up above, you can see another bridge in the distance, English Bay, the ferries, paddlers, and pirates. I even saw a tiki hut floating around the other day, but anyway, that’s another matter altogether.
Continuing the journey across the bridge, I saw that a section still needed completion. This is the part that I used to dislike the most because of how traffic converged there. It was a nightmare. I was about to take a picture of the newly installed crosswalk when a lady came up and stood beside me while waiting for the light to change.
"Ah, this is much better!" she said. "It used to be hair-raising crossing this part. Now it's easier and safer.”
I agreed.
Unfortunately, I forgot all about taking the picture of the crosswalk.
I enjoyed the experience of the bridge with its wide and relatively empty lanes. I think it transforms the space and makes it more approachable for visitors and locals. The updates make it a more relaxed, pleasant, and pedestrian-friendly oasis.
Thank you for crossing with me!
Looking back facing the north shore mountains
Given that I was already on the other side of the bridge, I went to the market and got ingredients for a fettuccine Alfredo recipe that I had seen on youtube. The ingredients included the following:
- Unsalted butter
- Real Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
- Flat noodles
- Scallops (optional)
- Baguette (Optional)
- Olives (optional)
The secret is in the timing and the stirring. After placing the cooked fettuccini noodles into a glass bowl with butter and cheese, stir it vigorously then immediately put on a plate and serve. Everything must be ready to eat. Otherwise, the cheese will get cold and become lumpy. It has to be creamy and melting in your mouth. Heavenly. Delicious. I’m even thinking of trying a new technique that I call bowl-to-mouth, though the name doesn’t sound appetizing now that I think about it, it bypasses the plating stage for direct and immediate fettucine contact. Heh!
Here are some pictures that I took of the steamy cooking session. Enjoy!
Fettucine alfredo pasta with scallops
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