Ever wondered what it鈥檚 like to sail the seven seas aboard a massive ship? Well, this weekend in North Vancouver you can get a taste of that nautical life for free.
The BAP Uni贸n Peruvian tall ship dropped anchor at Burrard Dry Dock Pier Wednesday evening, and will be open for tours to the public.
The ship doubles as a training vessel for the Peruvian Naval Academy, while also acting as a cultural ambassador for its home country.
鈥淭his is a training ship, but at the same time it鈥檚 like an embassy,鈥� said Roberto Rodriguez Arnillas, the Ambassador of Peru in Canada. 鈥淭his is a total promotion of the culture and biodiversity of Peru.鈥�
The ship鈥檚 arrival celebrates the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Canada and Peru. At a press conference held aboard the vessel Thursday morning, Arnillas stressed the importance of the relationship.
鈥淲e are like-minded countries that share values and principles,鈥� said Arnillas. 鈥淲e believe in multilateralism, the protection and defence of human rights and free trade. You can tell here in Canada when you see the Peruvian community, how they have been able to be part of the Canadian society. That鈥檚 very telling.鈥�
Something tells me that none of these sailors have a fear of heights
鈥� Josh Kilner (@JoshuaKilner)
Of the 250 mariners on board the ship, 115 are trainees or cadets.聽聽
鈥淧art of the education of a professional officer is to have an open mind and understanding of how things work,鈥� explained Kurt Ludwig B枚ttger Garfias, the ship鈥檚 captain. 鈥淔or us, it鈥檚 important to mix in with the cultures, and to visit places like Vancouver that has that unique perspective and diversity, with the navy close by. I think it鈥檚 a visit that will be very valuable to what we do.鈥�
Buque Escuela arrib贸 al puerto de Vancouver en Canad谩 como parte del itinerario del Viaje de Instrucci贸n al Extranjero
鈥� Marina de Guerra (@naval_peru)
As part of their visit to Vancouver, the crew will be honouring Captain Bodega Quadra, a Peruvian-born mariner who explored the regions that we now call British Columbia.
鈥淭here are several locations here that are named after him,鈥� explained B枚ttger. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a way of recognizing that even though our official diplomatic relations were established 75 years ago, our interaction predates that, and it鈥檚 been fruitful and meaningful for at least 200 years.鈥�
During the press conference, Captain B枚ttger spoke highly of the crews admittedly short, but excited impression of the city.
鈥淛ust judging by the marvelous skyline that received us yesterday, I think it鈥檚 a very beautiful city. I think it鈥檚 a promising visit. So far, from what we鈥檝e seen, it鈥檚 lovely and we very much look forward to go out and enjoy the city.鈥�
Those eager to find their sea legs aboard this spectacular vessel can do so May 10 to 11, from 11 a.m - 6 p.m. daily. But make sure to get there quick, the ship leaves for Hawaii on May 12.
鈥淭he ship will be open for visits starting tomorrow, completely free of charge. Anyone can walk in, bring their families and enjoy the ship. They can look at this exhibition of Peruvian products and culture,鈥� said B枚ttger.
鈥淎s with any human interaction, we give you a sample of our culture, but we hope to receive a lot from Vancouver and Canadian culture as well.鈥澛�
For more information, check out the webpage聽
Visit the BAP UNI脫N
奥丑别苍:听Friday, May 10 - 聽Saturday, May 11
奥丑别谤别:听Burrard Dry Dock Pier, North Vancouver
罢颈尘别:听11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
础诲尘颈蝉蝉颈辞苍:听Free to public
