Local Expert
W. Ruth Kozak
Ruth is a historical fiction writer and travel journalist who has lived in Vancouver, British Columbia, on the West Coast of Canada most of her life. She has traveled to many places…
Ruth is a historical fiction writer and travel journalist who has lived in Vancouver, British Columbia, on the West Coast of Canada most of her life. She has traveled to many places including Mexico, Central America, South America, Europe, Morocco and Malaysia and made her home in Greece for several years. Where ever she has been, she still considers her home, Vancouver B.C., one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Ruth teaches writing classes including novel and travel writing for the Vancouver School Board; she also instructs Memoir classes and is the editor/publisher of a travel website Travel Thru History
www.travelthruhistory.com
where she mentors new travel writers and receives contributions from all over the world. She is a member of the B.C. Association of Travel Writers and the Federation of B.C. Writers. Besides publications in many newspapers and on-line 'zines, Ruth wrote the "Trips & Tours" for the 1993 edition of the APA Insight Guide: Vancouver and Surroundings. She looks forward to sharing the beautiful sights and exciting events of her city with Planet Eye readers.
Born with a gypsy soul, Ruth is happiest when on the road going somewhere. "The great affair is to move."
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EXPERIENCE THE ORIENT AT ABERDEEN CENTRE
ABERDEEN CENTRE
4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond B.C.
Have you always wanted to go to Hong Kong but can’t afford the trip? Do you like shopping in an exotic atmosphere? Pay a visit to the Aberdeen Centre in Richmond B.C. Built in the early 1990’s as an alternative to Chinatown, the Aberdeen Centre was a totally new concept in shopping for Canada. The Asian themed mall was designed for one-stop shopping, catering to the rapidly growing Asian communities of the Lower Mainland. The mall was named after Hong Kong’s harbour -- Aberdeen, and at the time was the largest retail centre in North America.
The Centre is an architectural masterpiece, built on three curved tiers around a gracefully curved central galleria and an amphitheatre-style Court where special events are held every weekend. The musical fountain in the centre court is the only one of its kind in North America. It plays music every hour. Various translucent and opaque tinted panes of glass create a stunning display of lighting and colourful reflections creating a peaceful ambience that makes the mall a pleasant shopping experience.
I’d heard about Aberdeen Centre, but like so many of my fellow Vancouverites, I’d never visited until recently. I was amazed at not only the upscale design and the relaxed atmosphere, but the many different shops and retail outlets, all Asian owned, that occupy the Centre.
The mall offers numerous selections including chic fashion wear for women, men and children; a beauty court; art and home decor; bakery and speciality foods; toys, jewellery and accessories and electronics. You can even purchase a car there at the Ferrari Masearati show room. Free wireless internet connections are available the the musical fountain and food court.
My favorite store is Daiso the best dollar store ever! Pick up gifts and housewares here, all top quality. And everything in the store is only $2.00! Daiso is popular in Japan and ranks second to Tokyo Disneyland.
Aberdeen Centre welcomes visitors to Vancouver. Before shopping, pick up your passport to the Centre which will allow you loads of discounts and special offers. If you spend $100 or more you’ll receive a complimentary gift. (Visitors must reside outside the Greater Vancouver Regional District and show valid travel documents/driver’s license)
When you’ve finished shopping, stop at the Food Court, or dine at the Fisherman’s Terrace Seafood Restaurant upstairs in the mall, while enjoying a panoramic view of the distant North Shore Mountains.
TO GET THERE:
B.C. Transit buses run from downtown Vancouver including the 98-B-line express bus. New expansion for the Mall by 2010 will include a link to the Skytrain.
OPENING HOURS
Monday - Wednesday 11 a.m - 7 p.m.
Thursday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday and holidays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.