I saw very little in Vancouver, but I liked what I saw. I liked the look and feel. I liked the bike lanes and the number of people biking to work early in the morning. I like that the traffic lights have a very short duration – that makes you less likely to try to cross on the red light. Somehow 60F which would feel chilly in Chicago, felt nice and warm in Vancouver. I would never dream to be outside in a t-shirt when it was just a little bit over 60 F in Chicago, but here it seemed fine. Moreover, I caught myself thinking that it felt more pleasan than 80F in Chicago on the day of my departure.
This half-day on Monday, when I wandered around, turned in different directions to explore the streets, and stopped at tiny coffee shops to sample desserts and gelato, was really magical. I felt it very clearly that being absolutely alone was the only way to completely relax, and that was a new feeling. I am OK attending events alone, and going placea alone, but in the past, I slways regretted when I visited a new place, and Boris was not with me to share these discoveries. This week in Vancouver, I felt differently; it felt increadibly good not needing to coordinate my moves with anybody. I saw an art gallery which was open; walked in, walked to the ticketing desk, read the current exhibits descriptions, changed my mind and walked out; all of this without checking on how a person next to me felt… and it was priceless.
Hettie's Reflections 