I think for me Vancouver held none of the comforts of Toronto. It felt cold - literally and figuratively. The torrential weather (mudslides near Whistler). The Asian gang murder plot. The decapitation of a human being on a bus headed to Vancouver. It was not what I went looking for. I did, however, find kinship with Jeff my First Nations tour guide/driver from Vancouver to Victoria (Vancouver Island). We chatted a bit about the indigenous of America and those of BC. I was disturbed to find that their oppression existed well into the 1960's and 1970's and their struggles to move up from what can essentially be described as "reservation land" still rages on today. It seems that the Imperialist vision, like the capitalist one, is difficult to shake.The sun never sets on the British Empire, it was once said, apparently that includes modern day British Columbia as well.
Saturday, Aug 2, 2008
I'm finally going home! This has been the longest week ever! The summer has been eventful and nice; although, I do admit that it feels/felt incomplete without my annual trip to Ontario. Better luck next summer I guess.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Vancouver with J & J...
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Entering Canada from the west coast of the United States means encountering this arched pedestal in what's called the Peace Park. The ridiculous part is that the customs line is so long that folks have time to get out, go to the restroom, take pictures around the park and then, get back in the car to pass inspection - Why are you entering Canada? How long are you staying? Blah, blah, blah. Passports are given back to you and then, you're on your way - goodbye Vancouver, WA and hello Vancouver, BC! The drive from Seattle area was about 3 hours, I think and getting from the border to downtown Vancouver was like 40 minutes.
Our spot, the Rosedale on Robson Street was nice. It took a minute to find it - cause one side of the street said "Hamilton" (the street we were looking for) and the other side said something else. It was a 2bdr condo with a pullout queen sofa, 2 tvs, cable, a dvd (good for Johari to watch "Happy Feet" every night) and a kitchenette area. The view from my bedroom was awesome - floor to ceiling windows revealed the great architecture of the public library. Johari and I quickly broke the place in - jumping up and down on the bed!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
We grabbed some groceries adn then headed to Stanley Park. Stanley Park was amazing. I was a little loopy though cause I wasn't feeling well, but I took a tylenol and held out like a trooper. There's something therapeutic about nature....being surrounded by plants, birds and trees...walking the grounds that First Nations (indigenous Canadians) first tread upon. I don't think I've ever seen trees as big as those in real life. As a child I'd read about the redwoods in California or as an adult saw the fictional trees of Lord of the Rings, but I was never up close and personal. They almost looked prehistoric...maybe some of them were. Along one path there were some exposed stumps where trees had decayed and been cut down...I ran my fingers across the rings and remembered that scene in Roots: The Next Generation where they used a tree stump to mark the generations of their family back to slavery. It was moving.
Later, we came upon a clearing that led to the famous totem poles of Stanley Park. It was like the opening to paradise! These majestic structures told of native struggles and experiences to worldwide visitors! The walk along the water (covering the perimeter of the park) offered wonderful views of the mountains and the city, but also called to mind the San Francisco Bay area, but also reminded me of the moutain top views in Montreal or the views from the elevations along the Niagara River. It left me with a distinct impression that Vancouver is like a cross between California, Seattle and England. It is a diverse city with what appeared to be an Asian and European dominated population. The rainy cloudy days were a throwback to Washington and parts of Europe. The Aussie and British accents and restaurant offerings made it clear why this is called BRITISH Columbia.
Entering Canada from the west coast of the United States means encountering this arched pedestal in what's called the Peace Park. The ridiculous part is that the customs line is so long that folks have time to get out, go to the restroom, take pictures around the park and then, get back in the car to pass inspection - Why are you entering Canada? How long are you staying? Blah, blah, blah. Passports are given back to you and then, you're on your way - goodbye Vancouver, WA and hello Vancouver, BC! The drive from Seattle area was about 3 hours, I think and getting from the border to downtown Vancouver was like 40 minutes.
Our spot, the Rosedale on Robson Street was nice. It took a minute to find it - cause one side of the street said "Hamilton" (the street we were looking for) and the other side said something else. It was a 2bdr condo with a pullout queen sofa, 2 tvs, cable, a dvd (good for Johari to watch "Happy Feet" every night) and a kitchenette area. The view from my bedroom was awesome - floor to ceiling windows revealed the great architecture of the public library. Johari and I quickly broke the place in - jumping up and down on the bed!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
We grabbed some groceries adn then headed to Stanley Park. Stanley Park was amazing. I was a little loopy though cause I wasn't feeling well, but I took a tylenol and held out like a trooper. There's something therapeutic about nature....being surrounded by plants, birds and trees...walking the grounds that First Nations (indigenous Canadians) first tread upon. I don't think I've ever seen trees as big as those in real life. As a child I'd read about the redwoods in California or as an adult saw the fictional trees of Lord of the Rings, but I was never up close and personal. They almost looked prehistoric...maybe some of them were. Along one path there were some exposed stumps where trees had decayed and been cut down...I ran my fingers across the rings and remembered that scene in Roots: The Next Generation where they used a tree stump to mark the generations of their family back to slavery. It was moving.
Later, we came upon a clearing that led to the famous totem poles of Stanley Park. It was like the opening to paradise! These majestic structures told of native struggles and experiences to worldwide visitors! The walk along the water (covering the perimeter of the park) offered wonderful views of the mountains and the city, but also called to mind the San Francisco Bay area, but also reminded me of the moutain top views in Montreal or the views from the elevations along the Niagara River. It left me with a distinct impression that Vancouver is like a cross between California, Seattle and England. It is a diverse city with what appeared to be an Asian and European dominated population. The rainy cloudy days were a throwback to Washington and parts of Europe. The Aussie and British accents and restaurant offerings made it clear why this is called BRITISH Columbia.
I was a lazy bum tonight...content with watching "16" (the Canadian cartoon I'm addicted to...it plays on their version of the Cartoon Netwwork). Last year, I became addicted to that, Robot Chicken (American cartoon) and this other Canadian cartoon that no longer comes on. Johari and Jill had other plans. Johari was happy to model her new swimsuit she was about to try out downstairs. When she got back it was time for a bath, a little scaring game with me and then, Happy Feet.
Monday, July 28, 2008
I was a little homesick again today...a symptom I don't believe would occur in Ontario. Even when it was rainy there, I was disappointed but not ready to go home! The feel is different here...colder, less welcoming than Ontario. Idk if it's a colder, American feel or a cold European feel. It's not as cold as Montreal though...that might be impossible...you could cut the racism with a knife it was so thick out there! The weather is a downer...I am told that it was hot for 3 weeks before I got here and it's gonna be hot after I leave! Great! I hope the week gets better and that Victoria will offer relief from the humdrum of BC...although shopping may cheer me up, too.
July 24-26, 2008 - Seattle
St. Edwards Summer Concert in the Park/Bashyr University was really quaint. Jill warned that we would not be seeing a cool reggae band as her and her friend had seen before, but the rock band was okay. The park was filled with families and although I was obviously supposed to bring my own food (as there were only 2 food options), the kettle corn was worth fighting over...as toddlers did that evening! The playground here is amazing...as, apparently all their playgrounds are! It's kind of difficult to not have a great time with all the things to do and having a natural setting makes it aesthetically pleasing as well. Seattle's northern suburban surroundings are definitely for outsdoorsy families.
Pike's Place was like an overcrowded Navy Pier (Chicago), but with farmer's/seafood market flair. The were tons of fresh produce, fish and flower stands, as expected from the Food Network overview I saw, but to my surprise there were also fresh preserves (jams, jellies, honey and the most incredible blueberry syrup) stands. Johari liked the free samples almost as much as I did, but the book stores, clothing stands, ethnic novelty and candy shops were also a draw. Stopping at the roasted corn stand took me back to Partigras in Toronto's Distillery District.
Seattle Premium Outlets didn't disappoint. If you're an outlet mall enthusiast this is the place to shop in Seattle. There was another area we went to prior to that that was a lot more posh...out of my price range but it had a Jamba Juice and I was great with that.
All in all the best part of my Seattle time was bonding with Jill and Johari and their friends and family. They are delightful. Johari is a truly creative soul...her little jokes and antics made me feel better when the stresses of home were weighing down on my mind. Her joy brought me joy. Thanks, Lil Dawa! :-)
Pike's Place was like an overcrowded Navy Pier (Chicago), but with farmer's/seafood market flair. The were tons of fresh produce, fish and flower stands, as expected from the Food Network overview I saw, but to my surprise there were also fresh preserves (jams, jellies, honey and the most incredible blueberry syrup) stands. Johari liked the free samples almost as much as I did, but the book stores, clothing stands, ethnic novelty and candy shops were also a draw. Stopping at the roasted corn stand took me back to Partigras in Toronto's Distillery District.
Seattle Premium Outlets didn't disappoint. If you're an outlet mall enthusiast this is the place to shop in Seattle. There was another area we went to prior to that that was a lot more posh...out of my price range but it had a Jamba Juice and I was great with that.
All in all the best part of my Seattle time was bonding with Jill and Johari and their friends and family. They are delightful. Johari is a truly creative soul...her little jokes and antics made me feel better when the stresses of home were weighing down on my mind. Her joy brought me joy. Thanks, Lil Dawa! :-)
Witnessing History & Facing History - August 28, 2008
53 years ago today, Emmett Till was kidnapped and lynched in Money, Mississippi for allegedly flirting with a white woman. Till served as "a final straw", as an impetus for the Civil Rights Movement. It was time for a change - 145 years after the Emancipation. It was time for the masses to rise up.
45 years ago today, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood on the mall professed his dream to America and the world. His dream was for a society in which people of all nationalities, ethnic groups and classes could work together towards the building of a non-violent, productive democracy.
40 years ago today, Rev. Channing Phillips was the first African American to be placed in nomination for the Presidency of the United States by a major political party. Channing was a Civil Rights leader from Brooklyn.
3 years ago today, the world watched in horror as Mother Nature wreaked havoc on Louisiana and Mississippi. We wept at the way in which human beings were left to rot like animals in blazing heat and poisonous waters. Hope and faith is what brings the disenfranchised back into the American fold.
Tonight, a multi-racial/multi-ethnic, a truly African American man accepted his nomination as the Democratic nominee for the office of President of the United States. Here, on Chicago's south side, where the Obamas have spent years in community service, a warmth and glow has swept over the faces of the people.
This week, I've watched South Siders greet each other with smiles and joy...a new sense of hope and pride that is instilled in us because of the likelihood that one of our own will occupy the Oval Office. There is a silent longing in the eyes of my people. There is a burning desire for revolution, for change.
Some years ago, hope was put in the late Mayor Harold Washington on a local level and with Jesse Jackson on a national level. We didn't see then that the foundations were being laid for greatness to come.
No matter what the results of the November election, history has been made this year. People of varying backgrounds danced and rejoiced in Denver all week. As the fireworks lit up the Invesco stadium, as Democrats cheered, an African American family is embraced by a White family and they are all embraced by the world. It is truly a moment Dr. King would be proud of. In a political sense, "The Dream" has been reached!
45 years ago today, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood on the mall professed his dream to America and the world. His dream was for a society in which people of all nationalities, ethnic groups and classes could work together towards the building of a non-violent, productive democracy.
40 years ago today, Rev. Channing Phillips was the first African American to be placed in nomination for the Presidency of the United States by a major political party. Channing was a Civil Rights leader from Brooklyn.
3 years ago today, the world watched in horror as Mother Nature wreaked havoc on Louisiana and Mississippi. We wept at the way in which human beings were left to rot like animals in blazing heat and poisonous waters. Hope and faith is what brings the disenfranchised back into the American fold.
Tonight, a multi-racial/multi-ethnic, a truly African American man accepted his nomination as the Democratic nominee for the office of President of the United States. Here, on Chicago's south side, where the Obamas have spent years in community service, a warmth and glow has swept over the faces of the people.
This week, I've watched South Siders greet each other with smiles and joy...a new sense of hope and pride that is instilled in us because of the likelihood that one of our own will occupy the Oval Office. There is a silent longing in the eyes of my people. There is a burning desire for revolution, for change.
Some years ago, hope was put in the late Mayor Harold Washington on a local level and with Jesse Jackson on a national level. We didn't see then that the foundations were being laid for greatness to come.
No matter what the results of the November election, history has been made this year. People of varying backgrounds danced and rejoiced in Denver all week. As the fireworks lit up the Invesco stadium, as Democrats cheered, an African American family is embraced by a White family and they are all embraced by the world. It is truly a moment Dr. King would be proud of. In a political sense, "The Dream" has been reached!
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