Falling for Vancouver

It's 9:00 pm, and I'm thinking about the day that just passed. It turned out to be a near-spectacular day -- 20 degrees, pure blue skies, a calm breeze. It was so good that after school finished, I went walking all over the place just because I wanted to be outside.

Ultimately, I went to David Lam Park in Yaletown. There were families with young children playing on the swings and slides. Two teams enjoyed a game of frisbee football (or something like that). Cyclists and joggers passed by along the sea wall. As for myself, I was simply taking it all in while listening to my personal soundtrack on my iPod. Interestingly, the music provided the perfect background to my observations of the activities unfolding all around. At one point, Phil Collins' True Colors played while I was admiring the deep blue water, the light blue sky, and the fabulous green of the thick grass. Then I closed my eyes and smelled the salty water of False Creek, and I could feel the breeze bringing some relief from the sun. Then I re-opened my eyes to watch a sea bird glide just inches above the water.

As great as it was, I wanted to share the moment with my wife and daughters, who are still in Korea. They would have loved it, and they will love it when they finally arrive.

And that's the feeling I'm now getting about Vancouver. This place really is special. It makes you feel good to be here. Two weeks ago, I felt out of sorts, like I didn't belong. Now I walk down the street just like any Vancouverite, and I could see myself staying here for quite some time. Days like today can make you fall for Vancouver.

It's 9:24 pm, and the city's lights shimmer outside my window. Just another source of enjoyment in this wonderful place.