Just got back home from a weekend trip to Vancouver.
I love my quiet little home but there are a lot of things in Vancouver that I miss; mainly the culture, the food and that variety of people.
Victoria is somewhat, how do I say, ethnically steril. We just don't have as many immigrants bringing their culture here and I think we lack because of it.
Our night life has gone downhill and is geting more abysmal every year as the city gives way to the demands of the elite who can move into the newly created downtown condos, knowing full well they are moving into the entertainment district, then complain about the noise. What's next will be curfews.
I also miss the Cambie. Those who have been there know that it is a bar like no other. I'm sure every city has a pub that comes close, and I have been to some, but there is something special about that watering hole. Maybe its the history, maybe the long tables hewn from an old bowling alley or the Antique Tiffany Lamps that hang from the ceiling... or maybe it's because its the only bar where you while you can have your own table, it's always best to share with strangers. Cultures and ideas are exchanged and conversation flows like the beer from the taps; nonstop.
And the people are so varied. I have sat with construction workers and suits, travellers and regular locals, men and women from all walks of life and we have all marvelled or grumbled about the state of the world and everything in it.
I like to think most SG members would most likely feel right at home there, even if they don't drink.
Sure it's changed over the past century, more recently going from a smoking bar, to limited smoking, to none, but at it's heart, it still retains the same soul it has since I first stepped foot in it 14 years ago. It is a place to kick back, or kick up your heels, wet your whistle and forget your worries.
I love my quiet little home but there are a lot of things in Vancouver that I miss; mainly the culture, the food and that variety of people.
Victoria is somewhat, how do I say, ethnically steril. We just don't have as many immigrants bringing their culture here and I think we lack because of it.
Our night life has gone downhill and is geting more abysmal every year as the city gives way to the demands of the elite who can move into the newly created downtown condos, knowing full well they are moving into the entertainment district, then complain about the noise. What's next will be curfews.
I also miss the Cambie. Those who have been there know that it is a bar like no other. I'm sure every city has a pub that comes close, and I have been to some, but there is something special about that watering hole. Maybe its the history, maybe the long tables hewn from an old bowling alley or the Antique Tiffany Lamps that hang from the ceiling... or maybe it's because its the only bar where you while you can have your own table, it's always best to share with strangers. Cultures and ideas are exchanged and conversation flows like the beer from the taps; nonstop.
And the people are so varied. I have sat with construction workers and suits, travellers and regular locals, men and women from all walks of life and we have all marvelled or grumbled about the state of the world and everything in it.
I like to think most SG members would most likely feel right at home there, even if they don't drink.
Sure it's changed over the past century, more recently going from a smoking bar, to limited smoking, to none, but at it's heart, it still retains the same soul it has since I first stepped foot in it 14 years ago. It is a place to kick back, or kick up your heels, wet your whistle and forget your worries.