Many are familiar with Vancouver’s historic Chinatown – as one of North America’s oldest Chinatowns.

It is a living museum of many city blocks, and should be at the top of every tourist’s destination list.

With so many new visitors to our city for the 2010 Winter Olympics, our blog, the UGLY Chinese Canadian will attempt to share some of the lesser known stories. Tales of stories we long time Vancouverites may have heard of, and probably, not too proud of.

Stories of Opium dens, prostitution, crime and other intrigues.

For a quick history of Vancouver’s Chinatown, and where it started, have a look at the Chinatown Heritage Alley website (click here).

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We will also share stories on what visitors may come across in Chinatown – the many Herbal stores and secret places.

To start off, we’ll introduce an old friend of ours, Bob Sung.

Bob is the founder of “A Wok Around Chinatown”, as he explores Vancouver’s Chinatown.  Here is a video of Bob introducing Vancouver’s Chinatown for a Canadian Tourism piece:

Bob will also appear on NBC’S “TODAY SHOW” on Saturday, February 13th, 2010 (Chinese New Year’s), and will be aired locally,  KING-TV (Seattle affiliate) @ 8:00am.

Bob writes:

… because of Chinese New Year’s, I will be showcasing some New Year’s traditions & customs, showcasing a Chinese Hot Pot Dinner, talking proudly about my Chinese Heritage & Culture through a food medium, hopefully talking about the dynamic Vancouver Chinese community, and finally,
Talking about my Chinatown Walking Tour.

I have to be at their studio atop Grouse Mountain @ 2:30am, as broadcast will be for 5:00am (8:00am in New York)

So wake up early on that Saturday and watch me @ 8:00am. If I know that there’s people out there who I know, then I will get a sense of support. Please forward this email to others who may be interested. Thanks in advance