The Demise of a View

 

Last year on my birthday, and again this year, it seemed like we dined at the top of the world overlooking the breadth of Vancouver in a full 360-degree circle from atop the Empire Landmark Hotel in its revolving Cloud 9 Restaurant.  Next year, it will not exist.  At the end of September-the hotel, the restaurant, and the view will be gone.  The building is being demolished.  It will be replaced with condominiums.  Then, only a few will enjoy the spectacular vista this site afforded.

In just a year since our first visit, it seems that much of older Vancouver is being demolished for high-rise, high-priced buildings.  At $500 per square foot (as best as we can determine the going rate to be currently)-only the well endowed will enjoy the pleasure of downtown living in Vancouver.

Nevertheless,  is a lovely place.  The city streets are pleasant to walk.  The restaurants are plentiful and varied.  The cultural options, like museums and plays, are enticing.  As I said earlier, the trees and parks, such as Stanley Park, are divine.  If I won the lottery, I'd be first in line for the next new condominium.

In spite of the restaurant's impending final curtain, dinner was delicious.  Resigned to their ultimate fate, the staff were attentive.  Some will retire.  Others said they plan to move elsewhere.  Night after night, some have been there enjoying their clientele and the view for more than twenty years.  Like them, I will miss what I have enjoyed, if only for two.

There is another revolving restaurant in Vancouver.  This may prove to be yet another adventure if we continue the tradition of traveling to Vancouver in July.  It may be even dreamier than this and with the same magnificent sunset.  Only time will tell.

If it is, I'll share the experience with you.