Blueberry Picking Has Begun

Large bunches of ripe blueberries to pick

This morning we got up early to pick blueberries on a farm in Delta.

Emma Lea Farms announced that today was the start of blueberry season and we decided we'd be one of the first to pick these brilliant berries. The weather was perfect with some clouds and about 15 degrees.

The farm has many rows of blueberry bushes

Traffic was relatively light -- most people staying at home or going to watch World Cup parties to watch Canada play against Morocco in Houston, Texas.

We drove south for about 40 minutes and our journey just before reaching the farm included going across a wooden bridge that only had a single lane; it was manned by two people standing on either side to direct traffic.

The farm was started in 1885 by Joseph Tamboline, an immigrant from Italy. He and his wife Emma started by farming mostly grain and hay, and used heavy work horses instead of tractors.

By 1954, Tamboline's granddaughter and her husband bought the farm and had award-winning dairy cattle, and grew grain, hay, potatoes, peas, sugar beet, beans and corn. In 1994, the farm marked its 100th anniversary with recognition from the provincial government.

Conditions were perfect for picking this morning

In 1975, the fourth generation took over, and added new crops, like strawberries, rutabaga, and cabbage. Today the fifth generation grow strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, tayberries, boysenberries, and blackberries, as well as vegetables like beans, peas, rutabagas, beets and cabbage.

The farm also raises cattle, chicken, and three rescue miniature donkeys.

At the entrance, visitors are asked to choose which container they wish to purchase, from small cardboard boxes, to large buckets to put their berries in. For $48 I got an 8L bucket. It looks daunting to fill it up with blueberries, but in about an hour and a half we were able to fill it and have a large heaping mound on top.

Being the first batch of visitors to pick blueberries, we entered rows of blueberry bushes and there were lots of ripe berries ready to be picked. They were firm and easy to pick. Periodically we would move to another row, but in general most of them had medium to large-sized blueberries. 

Lots of berries to pick (and eat)!

The kids couldn't resist eating the blueberries as they picked them, while I focused on the task at hand! Yes I'm serious about my berries!

By the time we left just after 11am, many people were coming to pick the berries, but the temperatures were starting to rise, and mosquitoes were buzzing around looking for victims.

We left at a good time with a giant bucket filled with blueberries. At home I sifted through the berries, picking out the green stems and some unripe ones, and placed the unwashed blueberries in plastic bags that I later put in the freezer. 

Sadly we later found out at lunch that Morocco was winning 2-0, and then the final score was 3-0. Most fans are just thrilled to see Canada advance to the final 16! What an amazing run!

Canada Continues its Historic World Cup Run

The Canadian men's team celebrate Eustaquio's goal

I was too nervous to watch Canada play against South Africa today in the World Cup. But millions of others tuned in with excitement.

The game was even shown at Vancouver International Airport, where screens at the luggage carousel broadcast the game so that passengers were informed of the score (0-0) at the time.

The game on at YVR

And then at the 92nd minute Stephen Eustaquio scored the only goal of the match and Canadians were ecstatic.

Although Canada did not rank at the top of its group, the men's team have certainly made historic strides in this year's World Cup, and Canadians are not taking it for granted.

They are celebrating every win and relishing every moment. Some die-hard fans splashed thousands of dollars to be in Inglewood, California to witness Canada's first time in the knock-out stage.

And now Canada advances further to play against either Morocco or the Netherlands on July 4 in Texas.

Meanwhile coach Jesse Marsch publicly praised his players in a huddle on the pitch after the game.

"Canadian heroes for the future children of this country, who play this sport," he said. "This sport has a big future because of you guys. You should be so proud of who you are. You should be so proud of this game -- you never lost belief. You went after it, point after point, moment after moment. You are Canadian heroes."

Marsch (in grey) praising the team post-game

The American coach was criticised for doing the post-match pep talk out in the open, but Marsch is unapologetic. 

Perhaps it's a tactic, or showing off his leadership skills. Or he wants to show Canadians are too modest and he wanted to openly pat them on the back.

Whatever it is, it's working and the team seems fired up for the next match.

And so are we! O Canada!

Celebrating Chinese-Canadians in Sports

Table tennis anyone? That's the question!

Last weekend we checked out the latest exhibition at the Chinese Canadian Museum in Chinatown that is coincidentally sort of tied to the World Cup in Vancouver.

Entitled Momentum: Power and Identity in Sports, the exhibition showcases Chinese-Canadian athletic talent in all kinds of disciplines, like ice hockey and basketball, Canadian football, figure skating, snowboarding and swimming.

Many cool items on display at the exhibition

It's a fantastic way to celebrate these people who have excelled in their sport at the highest level. There's Patrick Chan, who has medalled three times in the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics, Lori Fung, who won the first gold in rhythmic gymnastics in 1984, and Norman Kwong the first person of Chinese heritage who played football for the Calgary Stampeders and the Edmonton Eskimos, and was even the Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta.

On display are Chan's ice skates and one of his medals from Sochi that looks banged-up, Fung's gymnastic suit and ribbons, and a giant pair of sneakers that Zach Edey wore while playing for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA! Edey's mother is the daughter of Chinese immigrants in Toronto.

There's also some other Asian artists whose work are in the show. Visitors are first greeted by an indoor tennis table that has the words "Tomorrow Is The Question" in caps by Thai artist Rirkrit Tiravanija. I've seen his work over the years, with other tennis tables written with "Demain Est La Question".

Tiravanija's thought-provoking message

But most interesting are Tiravanija's works where he takes newspapers from a specific city and writes thought-provoking messages. 

The first and most memorable one I saw at Art Basel Hong Kong one year featured the message, "Freedom Cannot Be Simulated" written on the pages of the South China Morning Post newspaper.

There's also a funny animation called "Furry Ball" about what happens to a golf ball by Hong Kong artist Wong Ping, and photographs of young female field hockey players by Canadian-Malaysian artist Felicia Chang.

Momentum: Power and Identity in Sports is on until July 19, 2026.

Chinese Canadian Museum

51 East Pender Street

Vancouver

 

FIFA World Cup Mascots Revealed

Zayu, Maple and Clutch are the FIFA World Cup mascots

OK we all know the FIFA World Cup is about nine months away, and the football organisation has revealed not one, not two but three mascots for each of the host countries: Canada, the United States and Mexico.

The three mascots "have been thoughtfully developed to reflect the vibrant culture, heritage and spirit of their respective countries, coming together to symbolise unity, diversity and the shared passion for the beautiful game," FIFA said in a statement.

Ready for the reveal?

Maple the Moose is a goalkeeper

Canada's is Maple the Moose.

US' is Clutch the Bald Eagle

Mexico's is Zayu the Jaguar.

FIFA's description of the moose: "Maple the Moose was born to roam, journeying across all of Canada's provinces and territories while connecting with people and embracing the country's rich culture. A street style-loving artist, music enthusiast and dedicated goalkeeper, Maple found purpose through creativity, resilience and unapologetic individuality."

Meanwhile Clutch the Bald Eagle "possesses an unquenchable thirst for adventure, soaring across the United States and embracing every culture, game and moment with boundless curiosity and optimism. Clutch, like all great midfielders, unites people wherever they go, proving that true flight is about purpose, passion and play."

Are these animals representative of their countries?

Finally Zayu the Jaguar is from the jungles of southern Mexico. "With a name inspired by unity, strength and joy, Zayu transforms on the pitch as a striker, showcasing exceptional ingenuity and agility that intimidates defenders. Off the pitch, Zayu embraces Mexican culture through dance, food and tradition, uniting people across borders with passion. More than an athlete, Zayu is a symbol of cultural celebration and connection, carrying the heart of Mexico with pride."

Some how Maple the Moose doesn't seem conjure the image of being fierce, aggressive and courageous as the bald eagle or the jaguar...

HK Government Doesn't Entertain Benefits of Reusable Cups

So far, Kai Tak Sports Park will be using single-use cups

The Hong Kong government prefers using single-use cups at Kai Tak Sports Park, saying reusable plastic ones will "undermine" efforts to promote carbon reduction and resource recycling.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said that research by the park's operator compared local and overseas practices showed that using reusable plastic cups in Hong Kong would generate more carbon emissions and consume more resources.

But environmental NGO Greenpeace Hong Kong called on the authorities to consider using reusable plastic cups for sporting events like the upcoming Hong Kong Football Festival, and urged Law to look at other international sports organisations like the English Premier League, where 65 percent of clubs use reusable cups.

Reusable cups used at HK Sevens since 2019

However Law was not to be persuaded.

"As reusable plastic containers are not biodegradable, they do not support the plastic-free initiative and undermine Kai Tak Sports Park's efforts in promoting carbon reduction and resource circulation," she said.

"In contrast, the use of biodegradable paper cups aligns well with and makes good use of the above-mentioned waste decomposition system at Kai Tak Sports Park, leading to a better overall carbon reduction outcome."

May we point out that single-use paper cups would not decompose because they have a plastic lining on the paper so that liquids don't soak through it? Not to mention how much garbage it creates after each event?

It has been demonstrated that reusable cups at sporting events make much more sense.

A marathoner named Kristina Smithe took part in a marathon in California in 2019 and was horrified thinking about how much waste paper cups generated in one race. She calculated with 9,000 runners, some 150,000 paper cups were used once and then thrown away.

Smithe with her reusable silicon cups at a race

She went about designing a lightweight, pliable silicone cup that could be reused many times. In 2021 she launched Hiccup Earth, where she rents out 70,000 silicone cups to race organisers. 

Smithe drops off the cups by the thousand, collects them after and then washes them in her proprietary dishwasher that uses less water than a household dishwasher. 

While it's a bit more expensive to rent these cups, there is much less garbage accumulated and wouldn't people feel better using these reusable cups?

It was a proven concept at the Hong Kong Sevens in March. Greenpeace noted the sporting event used reusable cups from 2019 to 2024 and saw a 90 percent return rate of the containers.

Surely it's not too hard to implement at sporting events and concerts?

World Cup Tickets Sky High

Vancouver and Toronto are the two Canadian host cities

The news about the World Cup in Vancouver is garnering less and less excitement.

As a host city, Vancouver taxpayers are not thrilled about the $600 million bill to have seven games -- and we don't even know which teams. If they are not the big contenders who is going to buy the exorbitant tickets?

The first ticket packages that Canadians can buy are out now, and they aren't cheap. Organised by On Location, FIFA's official tournament hospitality partner, the packages start at $2,500 for one game, which includes access to the so-called FIFA Pavilion which is outside the stadium. 

Vancouver games will be played at BC Place

Packages also include access to the lounge three hours before kickoff, during half-time and two hours after the game ends with all you can eat and drink...

And of course the more money you're willing to spend, the more benefits you can have, like private suites and flying in by helicopter.  

During next year's World Cup there will be 104 games played in 16 venues in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Toronto and Vancouver are the Canadian hosts.

On Location has started selling packages for games in the US.

"And I've got to tell you, they are already flying off the shelf," said Leah Linke, senior vice-president of event production for On Location.

The hype is real.

Whitecaps Stop Messi and Miami in Home Game

Messi actually showed up to play this evening in BC Place

Will he or won't he?

That was the question on everyone's minds when some 53,000 football fans descended on BC Place this evening wondering if superstar Lionel Messi of Inter Miami FC would actually play in tonight's game against the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal.

And while Messi did play -- nearly a year after he was a no-show -- the Argentine's talents weren't enough and the Whitecaps beat Inter Miami 2-0.

He was stopped by goalkeeper Takaoka

Although there were many people in the stands wearing Messi jerseys, he was booed every time he had possession of the ball.

Messi even had a free kick from a distance, but Whitecaps goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka stopped him.

The Whitecaps are having a stellar season, playing very well as a team. 

Longtime fan Tony Gabriel admitted he was thrilled to see Messi play, but was more excited at the prospect of the Whitecaps advancing to the final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, which features the best teams from North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

"How could you not be a fan of the Whitecaps? How could you not want to go out and come to the games and watch the Whitecaps play? It doesn't matter who they're playing. Lionel Messi is a bonus, yes, but the team is doing amazing," Gabriel said.

After the game, the Whitecaps' new head coach Jesper Sorensen said he was happy with how the team responded to the challenge of facing a star-studded Miami team.

"I know that a lot of people came to see some of the Miami players, I fully understand it... We're happy to play for Vancouver and I think today was a game where everybody could be happy for the way we did it."

The second leg of the semifinal will be next Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Canada Narrowly Misses Third Place at Copa

Canada played against Uruguay for third place in Copa

Earlier today Canada played against Uruguay for third place in the Copa America tournament and it was so close, but in the end Canada lost 4-3 in the shoot out after a 2-2 draw.

In the shoot out, Canada lost out on two tries, one was saved by the Uruguayan goalkeeper, the other ball hit the crossbar and bounced out.

Nevertheless both teams were pretty evenly matched up and head coach Jesse Marsch was pleased with how the Canadians played tonight.

Marsch gave the team a positive post-game talk

"The players are disappointed in the way that we gave the match away," Marsch said. "But I was very positive with them. We have been together for about six weeks and to play against one of the best teams in the world and dominate the match -- we were too much for them for most of the match -- is pretty good."

He said the team simply gave the ball away too often in the final minutes.

"We should have been able to shut the game down," Marsch said. "But that savviness of how to handle those situations, we need to develop that -- and we will."

After the match Marsch gave an encouraging pep talk to the Canadian team as they huddled on the pitch in a circle.

While the Copa final will see Argentina playing against Colombia tomorrow, Canadian football fans are already looking forward to what their team can do two years from now at the World Cup in North America.

We are all thrilled at how well Canada did at Copa -- our debut and we made it to the semifinals! 

Canada's Historic Ride at Copa America

Canada has come so far in first appearance in Copa America!

Canada put up a good fight this evening, but it wasn't enough to beat world number one Argentina -- and Lionel Messi -- at the Copa America semifinal losing 2-0.

But when you think about it, Canada was the complete outlier, the underdog, the long shot in 48th place. And we made it into the semifinals!

Canada did quite well in the match, only allowing two goals, and here are some other stats from the game:

Pretty impressive stats against Argentina

In the post-game interviews, the players are gutted. One explained they had let Messi have the ball too much, and when you do, "he punishes you". Canada will learn from this match, regroup and refocus for Saturday's match for third place. 

The team is coached by American Jesse Marsch, and the players have only been playing together for the last five, six weeks. Captain Alphonso Davies has been exceptional, as well as goalie Max Crepeau, who was grace under pressure in the shoot out to beat Venezuela to get into the semifinal.

Canadians have jumped on the football bandwagon and hopefully the momentum will carry into the next two years when Canada, the United States and Mexico host the 2026 World Cup!

 

Messi a No Show in Vancouver

The promotional poster for the game this Saturday

Well, looks like superstar footballer Lionel Messi isn't coming to Vancouver either.

Following the debacle in Hong Kong in early February, at least host Vancouver Whitecaps FC are managing people's expectations by releasing a statement two days before the game against Inter Miami CF on May 26.

Messi and two other players are a no show

"While we haven't received an official update on the availability of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets for this weekend, we understand they will not make this trip. Unfortunately, we have no control over who plays for our opponent, and it was important for us to communicate to our fans as soon as possible," said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC CEO.

"We always want our best players going up against our opponent's best players, and facing players of the highest pedigree was especially exciting for our team. We know that there will also be a lot of disappointed fans. We remain committed to making this a special experience for everyone. It is still going to be an incredible atmosphere and celebration of soccer for our city. We have amazing fans, we have a good team, and Saturday's match is a very important home game for us."

So there's going to be a lot of disappointed fans come Saturday, because as soon as the game was announced, tickets were immediately sold out, with some being resold for up to C$10,000 several months ago.

Some tickets as high as C$10K were resold

But there is a bit of compensation for ticket holders, as the Whitecaps FC said in the same statement that the club will sell all in-stadium food and beverages for this match at 50 percent off, and youth 18 and under will get a free kids meal combo.

Given the circumstances the Whitecaps FC probably learned from the Tatler Asia disaster and tried to be as transparent as possible about Messi's status. So cheer up! If you have tickets to the game, at least you can nurse your disappointment in half price food and drinks...

Messi's Explanation Fails to Sway Fans

Messi's video failed to change opinions

This morning my social media feed had a video of Argentine football star Lionel Messi trying to explain what happened in Hong Kong in his own words.

In the two-minute grainy video posted on Weibo, Messi explained in Spanish with English and Chinese subtitles he had an inflamed adductor [groin] muscle that prevented him from playing, and added that he did take part in a training session before the match.

HKers still bitter about his lack of enthusiasm

"I tried to train and made an effort for all those who'd come to watch training," he said. "I did all I could. I also went along to the football clinic with all the kids. But I really couldn't play. I felt discomfort and there was a risk it'd get worse."

But then a few days later he felt well enough to play in Japan, and Messi claimed there was no politics involved in the decision.

Finally he went on to express his affection for China and hoped to see his fans there again.

"Since the start of my career, I've had a very close and special relationship with China. I've done a lot of things in China -- interviews, games and events," he said.

"As always, I send good wishes to everyone in China who I've always had and continue to have special affection for. I hope to see you again soon. A big hug and take care. Ciao!"

The video message did not placate anyone.

Some commenters observed Messi didn't even apologise, and reiterated he could have done more interaction with the fans if he wasn't able to play on the pitch.

Messi has been shut out of games in China

Hongkongers were particularly irked the video was on Weibo, making it aimed towards a mainland Chinese audience. Did he not care about his Hong Kong fans... or are they just chopped liver?

Regardless, the damage is done. He and the Argentine national squad were scheduled to tour China March 18-26, but on February 10 the Beijing Football Association said it had "no plans at the moment to host any matches involving Messi".

Game over.

Conspiracy Theories of Messi Missing the Match

More than 1,000 complaints made to the Consumer Council

The Messi mess continues to fuel the headlines and now some believe there is a conspiracy theory that "black hands" were involved in making Hong Kong look bad.

A lawmaker is threatening to take event organiser Tatler Asia to court if it doesn't give a proper explanation as to why football superstar Lionel Messi did not play on Sunday in Hong Kong.

Bill Tang Ka-piu gave the ultimatum outside the Small Claims Tribunal in West Kowloon, adding more than a dozen people were ready to file their claims and issue refunds to those who paid more than HK$3,000 (US$384) for each of the tickets.

A lawmaker threatening to sue Tatler Asia

In addition, the Consumer Council has now logged 1,004 complaints (up from the 629 the day earlier) with claims totalling HK$6.9 million.

Tang hopes that by taking Tatler Asia to court, it will force the lifestyle platform to reveal the contract that it signed with Inter Miami with regards to Messi playing.

Chinese state media are now saying Messi not playing in Hong Kong was a foreign plot to embarrass the city. Ta Kung Pao says it's because the father of Inter Miami's owners was apparently a former anti-Castro CIA operative.

The Global Times questioned why Messi had no problem playing in Tokyo but sat out the game in Hong Kong and said Inter Miami gave an explanation that was "unconvincing for the public".

"One of the theories was that there were political motives behind his behaviour," it said in an opinion piece. "Hong Kong has intended to promote a mega-event economy and there might have been foreign forces that deliberately wanted Hong Kong to look bad.

"Judging from the development of the matter, one cannot rule out such a possibility."

So why should Hong Kong even bother to try to entice foreign performers, athletes, musicians and artists if there is a fear of "black hands" meddling in the city's affairs?

Back to square one... 

Consumer Watchdog Logs Over 600 Messi Complaints

Messi (pink hoodie) sits out the exhibition game in Hong Kong

The Lionel Messi debacle continues as the Hong Kong Consumer Council has received over 600 complaints about the Argentine footballer sitting out of the game over the weekend.

Of the 629 complaints, the total claims is about HK4.15 million. While the average claim was around HK$6,599, the highest amount was HK$24,224, and 527 complaints were from local residents.

Wong says council received 629 complaints

"Locals also tended to spend more than tourists on average, probably because the entire family went together," Gilly Wong Fung-han, the council's chief executive, told a radio program on Wednesday Hong Kong time.

"By looking at the amount for each case... you can really tell consumers were quite willing to spend for this football match."

The council was also waiting for organiser Tatler Asia to respond to mediation requests from ticket holders, and that the consumer watchdog had contacted the lifestyle platform.

In the run-up to the game, Messi was heavily promoted, leading fans to believe he would play, but he sat out the entire game, much to the frustration and anger of fans who are demanding a refund.

On Tuesday Messi broke his silence in Tokyo and said it was "a shame" that a thigh-muscle injury prevented him from playing in Hong Kong, and that he hoped to return "whenever he can".

Council waiting for Tatler Asia to respond

But the damage has been done, the star player not even making an effort to interact with fans, let alone shake hands with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu.

This insane mess will never end until everyone lays their cards on the table and reveals all. In the meantime the blame game continues and it's hardly assuaging fans' indignation. Even if Messi returns, he won't be welcome in Hong Kong...

Hong Kong's Footie Fiasco

Messi (in pink hoodie) didn't even bother to suit up for game

Hong Kong has a lot of egg on its face after superstar football player Lionel Messi didn't even bother to play in a friendly match of Inter Miami against Hong Kong XI. It was so bad that 40,000 fans who had paid a lot of money to see their idol were booing and jeering, and some demanding refunds.

The event was organised by Tatler Asia and in a contract with the government there was a stipulation that Messi would play for 45 minutes on the pitch. But 10 minutes before the game officials were told he was sidelined because of an injury.

However, he seemed to be fine walking on and off the field, which angered fans, some of whom flew in from China and around Asia for the chance to see Messi play. The event was supposed to be one of several mega events to entice visitors to Hong Kong.

The match was organised by Tatler Asia

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung claimed the government did not know about Messi's injury or that he would be benched for the game.

"We immediately requested them to explore other remedies, such as Messi appearing in the field to interact with his fans and receiving the trophy," he said. "Unfortunately, as you all see, this did not work out."

What makes the debacle even bigger is that the government gave it "M mark status", meaning it was considered a major sporting event that deserved more official funding and official backing.

Tatler Asia received HK$15 million (US$1.92 million) for the event and another HK$1 million venue subsidy. Well Yeung says the government hasn't paid Tatler Asia yet, so the authorities will be grilling the company about who knew what when.

Inter Miami even cancelled its tour of the Kai Tak Sports Park on Monday. 

Beckham's rep has plunged since the debacle

It looks like Inter Miami pulled the wool over Hong Kong's eyes, and while the government blames Tatler Asia, officials didn't escape scathing criticism, and neither did the football club's co-owner and president David Beckham, who was booed in the stadium. 

Him plugging The Venetian and egg tarts was bad enough, but his reputation won't recover after this public relations mess.

Lawmaker Michael Tien Puk-sun described Sunday's incident as "outrageous" and that it hurt Hong Kong's reputation as a mega-events hub.

So... how's the pitch to Taylor Swift going?

Food Review: Portuguese Club of Vancouver

Clams cooked with slices of chorizo Portuguese style

My friend here who recently traveled to Portugal wanted to recreate the dining experience and found ONE Portuguese restaurant in Vancouver so we checked it out.

It's called Portuguese Club of Vancouver on Commercial Drive and we went there today for lunch.

Inside the decor is rundown, but none of the customers seems to mind -- their attention is totally focused on the giant screens showing the football match. People were glued to the football while drinking beers, wine and eating lunch.

Large buns like those at Fernando's

The staff shortage is acutely felt as we stood there for several minutes before being shown to a table, and then to take our order, but the young waitresses are nice enough.

The menu looked pretty limited with only a few starters and mains. It was mostly seafood, two soups -- no caldo verde! and some sandwiches.

My friend is a picky eater and didn't seem interested in sharing several dishes, so we ended up ordering the same main dish -- sardines with potato and salad (CAD$20), and a plate of clams with chorizo (CAD$24) to share as a starter.

We tried to order the deep-fried cod cakes called bacalhau, but they were sold out! So our waitress suggested clams with chorizo.

As we waited, she gave us giant buns, reminiscent of Fernando's in Macau, but not as good -- they were served cold and had a hard exterior, though they were soft and fluffy inside. 

They were perfect to mop up the delicious savoury sauce in the clams and chorizo, though it was very salty. The clams were plump and a touch briny, cooked in a white wine sauce with the slices of chorizo and some parsley. 

Then our mains arrived and the portion was quite large! Four medium-sized whole sardines cooked on a grill, with a salad made of iceberg lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber doused with Italian dressing, and three chunks of boiled potatoes.

Hearty serving of sardines with potatoes, salad

At first I wondered if I could finish all of this, but plugged along, methodically one side of the sardine, removing the bone in the middle, and then finishing the other side before moving onto the next one. Eating at a steady pace I managed to polish off all the sardines! 

The potatoes were delicious when dipped in the clam and chorizo sauce that we kept at the table. 

We were too full for anything else. My friend had wanted to try the rice pudding for dessert, but she packed up two sardines, salad and the rest of her bun to take home.

The selection of food was hardly impressive, but perhaps you need to be a regular to dine there to have off-menu items prepared. We heard from one waitress that it can be so packed in the restaurant for other football matches. Luckily the patrons left table by table once the footie match was over, though by that point we were almost finished our lunch.

Portuguese Club of Vancouver

1144 Commercial Drive

604 251 2042

Football Action Under the Dome

The view from our box had a great view of the pitch

Last night I had a chance to watch some footie action -- the local Vancouver Whitecaps against the Chicago Fire in BC Place.

A family friend had scored a corporate box for the game after having the winning bid in a charity auction. So he invited 14 other friends and family to come.

There's no more paper tickets -- you have to download the ticket from an email into your Apple wallet on your phone or on Ticketmaster. We had some issues with my ticket and had to wait in line to get this sorted. No wonder each customer took forever because it was all technical issues in learning how to download the ticket.

Once that was sorted the next issue was security checks. Luckily I had brought a small handbag because people are only allowed to bring small bags or clutches into the stadium. They even measured it and looked inside my bag for security reasons -- twice.

Finally we made it through the metal detector -- I had to walk through without my handbag -- and then we were inside the corporate box area. 

Each room can accommodate up to 15 people, where there are some seats inside the stadium facing the pitch, and they are pretty close, and open. Inside each room is a bar table with some seats around it, some bar seats facing the pitch. The rest of the people have to stand. 

It's a great way for people to socialise and have comfortable seating and access to drinks and snacks, and a dedicated server comes in and out to bring food and clear plates and glasses. 

Whitecaps ambassador Valentine visits fans

Interestingly hosts are encouraged to order food in advance and the family friend was told the portions were enough for 15 people. But in reality it was enough for only a fraction of that which was misleading. Also if you over order, you can't take the leftover food home! It's quite the dilemma.

And if you're special, a former Whitecaps player will visit your VIP box, shake hands, chit chat and take pictures, which is what Carl Valentine did for us. He's now a staff coach and ambassador for the Whitecaps.

Oh and the game? Sadly the Whitecaps were not in top form and were outrun by the more organised Chicago who won 3-1.

The highlight was watching the dance section in the half time, where the camera focused on people around the stadium. As soon as they realised they were on the big screen they made sure they danced even harder. One guy with long hair kept twirling his head like a clothes dryer on high spin.

Nevertheless it was fun being in the box. Who knows the next time I'll have an opportunity like that!

CY Leung Wants to Cultivate Young Patriots

Leung wants to instil patriotism in university students, media

Former chief executive Leung Chun-ying continues to make himself newsworthy, this time saying patriotic groups need to be stronger in universities and the media.

He said even though Hong Kong has the national security law, and what he says is an improved electoral system, patriots need to continue working hard and suggested patriotism needed to be instilled among young people.

"We have to build up the ideological and organising powers of patriotic groups, those who govern have to break barriers with these groups, make them stronger. This includes the grooming of such political groups in universities," said Leung, who is vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

2015 football match HKers booed China anthem

"In education, in media, we have to raise the ability of patriotic groups in these important aspects in society. Of course we also need to form a consensus and widely promote the One Country, Two Systems principle."

He added it was a basic requirement that Hong Kong students become proud Chinese patriots.

To prove his point, he cited the example in 2015 when some Hong Kong students booed the Chinese national anthem during a football World Cup qualifying group match between China and Hong Kong at Chinese University.

Leung said he met with the university's management over the matter, but nothing was done.

Perhaps it was after that incident that he made sure every other vice chancellor was replaced with someone with a pro-Beijing bent?

Sounds like someone is still sore about the incident, or has been told to bring it up.

Leung Chai-yan has openly rebelled her parents

Either way demanding that young people become proud Chinese will be harder these days if he hasn't noticed what has happened in the last few years. 

Perhaps his fixation on indoctrinating young people comes from his inability to control his children, in particular daughter Leung Chai-yan who has had public spats with him?

Doesn't he know by now that the more you force kids to do something, the more they want to do the opposite?