CLC Zine! – September 2024

Written by: Oishi Bhattacharya

Exploring Vancouver is one of the most enjoyable things you can do while staying in this beautiful city. However, as a student, your budget might be a bit limited. Fear not! Although Vancouver presents itself as an expensive city, there are a number of exciting, relaxing activities to do that don’t break the bank. All you need is an open-mind and an adventurer’s spirit. Here are 5 budget-friendly activities that locals love:

A day at the Capilano Salmon Hatchery

The Capilano Salmon Hatchery is a fun place to visit for both tourists and locals. Salmon is a staple in the Vancouverite’s life, and what better way to learn more about these majestic fish than through the Hatchery’s self-guided tour and the chance to see fish develop from eggs to juveniles! Visitors are shown the importance of this fish to B.C. and its people. There are also hiking trails and picnic spots around the hatchery for you to enjoy.

Paint ceramic at U-Paint-I-Fire

It’s a rainy day, and outdoorsy activities don’t sound like your cuppa tea? At U-Paint-I-Fire, nestled in the Kitsilano community, you can select the piece of ceramic you would like and paint to your heart’s content. Much like the studio’s name, you paint, and they fire! It is the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon. They will glaze and fire your chosen piece after you are done painting. Once it is ready, you can show off your new hand-painted piece with pride.

Hike the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge

Want to experience the Capilano Suspension Bridge you keep seeing on all the brochures but don’t want to pay the entry fees? The Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is a free alternative! The main trail is two kilometers long, and is manageable for all ability levels. The trail takes you through picturesque views of the Lynn Canyon and surrounding rainforest and waterfalls. During the summer, you can also take the chance to cool off in one of the large natural swimming holes.

Watch a show at The Improv Centre

Love shows? Love comedy? Spend an evening at The Improv Center where each show is unique, as it unfolds before your eyes. Enjoy an evening of totally unscripted drama. However, there may be some audience participation, so try to look as non-chalant as you can if that makes you nervous (like me)! Their regular ticket prices start from $14.50, but if you are a student, it is $11.50.

Eat your way around Richmond Public Market

The Richmond Public Market is an indoor market filled with a variety of shops selling baked goods, fresh meat and seafood, kitchenware, and even some vintage items. The second level is where most of the restaurants are, serving a grand selection of food such as deep fried squid and whole crab, steamed buns, dumplings, rice noodles, bubble waffles, and so much more. I would recommend the rice rolls at Hei Hei Rice Roll, and while you wait for your order, why not get yourself a drink from Peanut’s?

Tip: Make sure to bring cash as most shops don’t accept credit/debit cards!

Bonus activity: There are outdoor movie nights in North Vancouver which are free to attend during the summer. They begin at sundown and also have $1 concessions stands. Check out their website for more details. Missed the screening? Why not have your own? Borrow our projector and screen kit and host your own outdoor movie night!

Written by: Dixie Santo

Meet the Chapman Learning Commons Blu-Ray & DVD Player

Have a movie you’ve been meaning to watch? What about portable entertainment without wi-fi? Look no further, our DVD Player is excited to help you!

Features:

• An immersive media experience through excellent video and sound quality
• The nostalgic noises of a whirring CD
• The lingering warmth of a freshly spun disc

Recommended DVD’s:

• Your Name (2016) – Asian Library
• Polar Express (2004) – Koerner Library
• La La Land (2017) – Koerner Library
• Spirited Away (2001) – Asian Library
• Interstellar (2014) – Koerner Library

Written by: Yanya Bhatia

Let’s talk about something we all need but often feel guilty about—resting and relaxing. Life gets busy, and sometimes it feels like there’s no time to hit the pause button. But guess what? Resting is just as important as hustling. So, let’s dive into some guilt-free ways to unwind and take care of yourself.

Embrace the Art of Doing Nothing

First things first—it’s okay to do nothing. Seriously, give yourself permission to just chill. You don’t always have to be productive. In fact, doing nothing can be incredibly refreshing. It’s like giving your brain a mini-vacation. I know it can be hard to shake off the feeling that you should be doing something “useful,” but remember, rest is useful too! It helps you recharge and I find it makes me more productive in the long run

Engage in your Favourite Hobby

Immerse yourself in an activity you love, whether it’s something you enjoy weekly or make time for daily. Prioritise what brings you joy and rejuvenation, be it painting, knitting, playing a sport, baking, watching a movie, or curling up with a good book. Making space for your passions not only brings happiness but also helps you unwind and recharge. For me, spending time on my hobbies always feels like a mini-retreat, a way to step away from everyday stress and reconnect with myself.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation are fantastic ways to center yourself and calm your mind. Apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided meditations that are perfect for beginners. Just a few minutes a day can make a big difference. Personally, I’ve found starting my day with a short meditation session helps me stay focused and less stressed. It’s a simple practice that brings a lot of peace and clarity to your mind

Get Moving

Exercise isn’t just good for the body—it’s great for the mind too. Whether it’s a gentle yoga session, a brisk walk in the park, or dancing around your living room, moving your body can help release tension and boost your mood. Check out YouTube for free workout videos that fit your style and fitness level. I’ve found that even a quick 10-minute workout can completely change my mood and energy levels for the day.

Dive into a Good Book or Podcast

Sometimes, escaping into a different world is the best way to relax. Grab a good book or listen to an engaging podcast (personal fave: Crime Junkie). Spotify or Apple Podcasts have so many genres to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that captures your interest. For book lovers, Goodreads and your local library has a treasure trove of recommendations!

Finally, the most important tip: remind yourself that you deserve to rest. You work hard, and it’s okay to take a break. Resting is a vital part of taking care of yourself. It may take a while to unlearn the notion that “relaxing is not productive,” but you can learn to embrace it

Written by: Oishi Bhattacharya

With the amount of time we spend on our devices, it can get easy to become holed up in our rooms, wistfully gazing at the clouds from behind the window. Having a picnic is one of my favourite ways to savour the good weather, get some fresh air, enjoy good food, and wile away the time people-watching, reading, or cackling with my friends. So, grab a blanket, find a spot under a shady tree, and let’s go have a feast! Here are 3 quick, easy, scrumptious, and tupperware friendly recipes to elevate your picnic.

Note: all recipes serve 2.

Prosciutto-wrapped Melon slices

This is the ideal fresh, salty, and sweet appetiser, and it comes together in minutes!

Ingredients:

6 slices of Prosciutto

6 slices of Cantaloupe melon

Optional: Balsamic dressing

Simply take a slice of prosciutto and wrap it around the slice of melon. Optionally, drizzle with balsamic dressing. I often leave it out, as it is delicious on its own!

Roasted Chicken Pasta Salad

This versatile salad works with whatever you have in your fridge, so go wild! I use leftover roast chicken, but feel free to substitute with sausages, any deli meats you like, or chickpeas.

Ingredients:

Shredded roasted chicken

Romaine lettuce or Arugula

10 halved cherry tomatoes

1 avocado diced

1 cup of your favourite pasta (I would recommend fusilli or casarecce)

For the dressing:

4 tbsp olive oil

2 tsp balsamic vinegar

2 tsp mustard

1 clove minced garlic

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp honey

Salt and pepper

Start by mixing the ingredients for the dressing in a bowl. Taste as you go. Then transfer into a small container. Keeping the dressing separate and mixing it in right before you are about to eat will help keep the salad leaves from wilting. In a bigger bowl, put together the rest of the ingredients and toss together. Transfer to a tupperware container. And there you go, your main course is ready!

Coffee Jelly

Ending the feast on a light, refreshing, and sweet note is a must. The jelly is best when left to set in the fridge overnight. Though the wait is long, it is so worth it. Enjoy it with a bit of condensed milk, or whipped cream, or coconut cream/milk. You really can’t go wrong with this!

Ingredients:

2 cups strong brewed coffee

1 packet of unflavoured gelatin or agar agar powder

¼ cup of sugar

In a saucepan, heat up the coffee, and add in the gelatin powder. Whisk thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to low and cook for 2 minutes, continuously whisking to make sure that it is smooth. Turn off the heat, and add the sugar. Ensure that it has dissolved. Transfer the mixture into small mason jars, and leave it in the fridge overnight. Use a spoon to break up the jelly before eating, and top with some coconut cream, or condensed milk.

There you have it, a three course feast for the perfect picnic. I hope you enjoy these recipes, and make them your own!