3 Days In (Personal)
One of my goals is to write more. To make this blog just as much about words and my life as it is about photos. I read an article last night about Reese Withersppon in Elle magazine. I love her. She’s got an effortless beauty and likability about her that is so attractive. One of her directors, James L. Brooks, commented about her that she has,over the years, become less self aware. He goes on to say: “…self-consciousness is the enemy of being creative.” It’s so true. I want to write in a more stream of consciousness way because I think the more I delete and back space and perfect everything, the less real it is.
Day 3 in Vancouver and it is still raining. And it’s supposed to keep on raining all week long. It’s not so bad, it’s not non-stop rain and the sun does peek out every now and again. I actually don’t mind the cloudy skies so much. Not sure how I will feel after 3 weeks or 3 months of this weather, but I think the location makes up for it. As I said in my last post, I love the energy of this city. And I think Evelyn does, too. She seems to thrive off of it. Which is only natural since she is nothing short of an energetic child. We took a walk this morning down to the waterfront and she seemed in her element. She darted ahead of me numerous times, causing me to panic when she got too close to the road, but still seemed aware of what was around her. It was a game for her to wait for the light to turn green so we could walk. I forgot her gloves, so she strolled down Burrard street hands in pockets and her feet in wellies. The noises and people and buildings and activity don’t seem to scare her, or Theo for that matter. They both just seem content to take in all that is around them. I think this will be so good for them.
Further first impressions of the city as we get a little more acclimated each day…
1. If I have one complaint about not even this city, but this country, it’s the lack of the presence of Target. Apparently there is a similar store called Zeller’s, but I’m skeptical.
2. It rains a lot!
3. Tim Horton’s. When I asked what this was the bellhop seemed shocked (and maybe even a little insulted) that I didn’t know what this was. It’s a fast food chain, but they sell a pretty darn good cup of chicken noodle soup.
4. It feels very European. Or I should say British. Which makes sense since the Queen is on their colored money. But I just wasn’t expecting it to feel so close to how England felt. Fashion wise especially.
5. A lot of things feel smaller. For example, the deodorant I bought was definitely half the size of deodorants in the US (yet, ironically, twice the price).
6. There are a lot of Asian (middle eastern and eastern) people living here, and so far, they are the ones I’ve noticed who dress the best.
7. Lastly, I haven’t had a very good cup of coffee since I’ve been here. Tim Horton’s should just stick to chicken noodle soup, the hotel’s brew leaves something to be desired, and I swear the barista at Starbucks spiked my white chocolate mocha with vodka. I’m sticking to tea for now.
Until next time! Off to catch a few zzz’s with the kiddies…
carpe diem
Cat, keep it coming, so enjoying reading what you have written. I cannot wait to come visit. Hope all goes well the next few weeks while you are learning the city and Matt is off Spring training. You will have to introduce Britney and Olivia to all the cool things you encounter when they get there. Wish you all the best.
That is so crazy I was just talking to Nick and his friends about this I’m so anxious to visit!!
their style is amazing you will fit in perfectly!
And their coffee is probably instant I’m thinking? I felt the same way in Australia but they have amazing espresso!
Ahhhh…living vicariously through you! Not sure how I feel about the Target situation. I may have to send you an Up and Up gift package
Cat,
I’m a lifetime Vancouver resident (live in the house I was born in) and a long time Whitecaps fan and seasons ticket holder … even back to the USL days. We’re thrilled to have your hubby, and subsequently you and your kids here in town.
As a native Vancouverite I believe I can help you out with some of your dilemna:
1) Target is coming. Zellers was bought out by Target last year and the stores are slowly being converted. I think the first one in BC will be in Abbotsford (about 45 minutes east of Vancouver) but others will follow. Doesn’t help you NOW, but patience is a virtue(?)
2) Yeah it rains. Embrace it. It’s not changing. But wait until Spring and Summer. It gets really pretty. Because of all the rain, everything remains green. Worth the wait, I promise.
3) Timmy Ho’s (Tim Hortons) is more of a big deal in eastern Canada than here, but it is an institution. It makes really lousy coffee (more on that later) but the soups and stuff (like chili) are actually okay. They were once known for their donuts, but I think they make more on the sandwiches and stuff. There are much better donuts in the city. If you’re into that sort of thing, let me know. I know places.
4) Wait until you get to Victoria (capital of the province). Tea and crumpets at the Empress Hotel are about as British as we get. If you travel with the team to Montreal you’ll experience an even more European atmosphere. But yes, we’re kinda Euro here.
5) Can’t help you with small deodorant. Canadians don’t use as much?
6) Our Chinatown is the 3rd largest in North America, and the Indian community is very large as well. Lots of the Bollywood stars come here.
7) We have some of the best coffee shops anywhere in Vancouver. You’re downtown for a while, so I’d look out for Cafe Artigiano (Hornby b/w Georgia and Robson) and JJ Bean. Both are local and serve excellent coffee.
A god source of what’s going on in town is http://www.miss604.com Rebecca writes a lot about the city’s history and goings on.
Welcome!