North Van

The rain killed my plan to go to Bowen Island. Instead, I hopped on the sea bus and sat in a café in Lonsdale Quaye reading a book. North Van is a wonderful place ten minutes from downtown Vancouver. I like the empty streets and the small cluster of restaurants close to the harbour. I like the way the streets are not lined with panhandlers. I understand the sociological reasons behind people living on the street. Just sometimes, I wish I can wait for the bus on Broadway and Commercial and not be asked if I have change. I foresee some of the emails I will receive tomorrow regarding my lack of compassion. But sometimes, I need to escape from reality and pretend that the sidewalks are filled with petunias and dahlias.

I walked around the old pier, watched the sunset and was reminded of my childhood fascination with rust. One day I’ll tell you about my third once removed cousin and his near death experience with tetanus.

Last Thursday was my only day off for the next 21 days. It also marked my one month of being single. So, I put on my rain coat, inhaled the ocean breeze and embraced the old familiar feeling of oneness.