Oh Canada, It's Been Real...

Despite the fact that the weatherman assured me a storm was a brewin' until after my departure back to the US of A, I woke to a quiet Wednesday in the Westend with clear skies and a fresh perspective.

Two steps forward and one step back - not just a catchy song with an infectious beastiality inspired music video by the illustrious Ms. Paula Abdul - but the way of life. I have been making concerted efforts to be more positive in my life. I have been fortunate enough to rely on some vintage loved ones and newly acquired friends for assistance in that category - but when those voices quiet and I am alone, I sometimes forget just how to do it. Today was going to be different.

As I pulled on my spandex lesbian Pacific Northwest workout gear for a morning bike ride I had fantasized about taking, I chose to take note of the things for which I was grateful - turn that frown upside down if you will. I am grateful that I have the perseverance to, even when in my darker hours, pick up and travel across this globe - as I have done many times now. I am grateful that I have people in my life who support my decision to do so, but most importantly I am grateful that I have a killer ass. No really, its amazing. Better than ever. I don't know if it is these rapidly decaying running tights or the glimmer of the morning light - but  it has NEVER looked better and I think we all know its what on the outside, or, more specifically, on the backside that really matters. Ah, it felt good to get that off of my chest. Moving on...

Making my way down to Robson to get a bike for the morning I saw a Xerox copy print out for bike rentals on a phone poll and decided to take the side street and see what there might be to rent. What there was was a kind young Asian man I can only imagine majored in hydroponics at Uni who, after a long conversation about my being a triathlete (yep, that's right!) and what sort of bike I might need, rented me a bright green hybrid, designed for both speed and comfort.

Before long I was off to circumnavigate Stanley Park alongside my boo for the morning, Donald Glover. Navigating my way around tourists teetering on their bikes built for two was the most precarious endeavor on this journey - with a paved path along the sea wall easy to follow and made for smooth sailing, or riding as it were.

Looped around and back into the city, I took the path downtown and circled back, realizing just how bike friendly Vancouver is, with wide, lime green paths designated on almost every major thoroughfare. Bonus - after a 2 hour ride to get my blood flowing and my Scarlett O'Hara cheeks flushed and I was only out 6 bucks - what a deal!

After a quick stop at a little known cafe called Starbucks for green tea and scones I made my way back to the hotel (beep beep).

While dressing I had an epiphany (I know, I seem to be having a lot of those) - I now see why old people always look like shit - it feels good.

After a long bike ride and a hotter than he'll shower I slipped on my brightly colored, geometric fleece lined leggings , buttoned up my chambray shirt and though both my boots and chucks had served me well, the Sauconys were calling. Dirty, beat to hell and covered with green gum on one side that never resided in my own mouth, they simply felt good. My legs ached from my two days of non-stop walking and my feet thanked me, as I chose function in conjunction with my own brand of fashion.

A left on Denmar as another on Davie and I was really getting my bearings, which is much easier when the land is surrounded by water on 3 sides. Though I was headed to Leo's Camera Supply on Granville, London Drug caught my eye and served the purpose of camera store, drug store and grocery store all in one. Essentially a suburban haven in the heart of the city!

The further I walked up Davie the pinker the trash cans got and I realized I was in gay country - certainly not the place to liberate your feet from canvas for leather functionality.

Needing to taste at least something native to this land, and not thinking this was the right part of town in which to find a date, I ducked into the local Tim Horton's and channeled my not so inner Robin Scherbatsky, when ordering a Vanilla Dipped. It was both fluffy and dense, smooth and crunchy. It was heaven, and I thanked my lucky maple leaves I'd taken the chance and gotten my mid-morning sugar rush.

Ducking into Wildlife Thrift Shop on ChampagnePapi, i.e. Drake, and Granville solidified two things for me a) I now actually enjoy the housewares section of places such as this and  b) I am past the point in my life where used footwear and previously pit stained t's appeal to me. My sister had said Vancouver was great for shopping - I'm just guessing she didn't mean overpriced and overly loved goods like these.

A quick left out the door brought me to the Granville Bridge, a long cement structure that brings you over the water and deposits you on Granville Island where a public market and brewery offer a charming and DIY vibe. Leather Lucha Libres, hand blown glass and artisanal beer can all be found on this strip of land. I procured one of the only hand made goods within my price range and made my way to Cat's Social House where I sat at the bar and eagerly consumed a Pink's Hot Dog inspired meal, replete with onion ring garnish.

Watching the perfect shot of Jameson poured right before me stirred something I've never experienced before - a longing to spend money with reckless abandon, drink too much and make unwise choices with alcohol as my alibi. Luckily hearing sooory and eh in real life snapped me out of it  and I turned back to my book. 

Another glass of what seems to be Canada's own interpretation of iced tea and some eaves dropping and reading left me properly recharged to make the journey back to the mainland. I thought about taking the ferry, or the bus - as I often like to take the public transportation in places I visit, but I felt with a burger and donut under my belt, or confined by my spandex, a few more kilometers on foot might do me some good.

I took the Burrad Bridge back over, giving me the perfect view of steel structures to my right and smokey topped mountains to my left. The dichotomy of Vancouver.

Another stop at a cafe, this time with Billy Joel melodically taking me to evening and, somewhere between "Tell Her About It" and "Lullaby," I felt a pang.

I ache for my father. There is not something I hear, read or experience that I don't want to share with him. I suppose that's the price you pay for being so close to someone when they are around - acutely aware of their absence in every moment when they are no longer. Its a daily battle and one I will never win, but will always endure.

A circuitous route home made sense as I knew this would be the last time I traverse these streets and I tried my best to enjoy them as the evening cold covered the city. 

A flight in the morning will take me back to LAX and straight away to work, so the chance of anything else noteworthy or culturally significant happening on this particular journey is slim, but with me, one never knows.

I found, unlike many of my more exotic travels, Canada did not offer me anything dangerous or sexy or unknown. What it did offer me was a safe place to be introspective and think for a moment - something I do domestically as well. Though I should be a black belt in reflection at this point, it never hurts to give your current situation some space and give yourself the opportunity to think about what really matters, what you really want, what feels good, and what is acceptable. 

Going to Vancouver, if only for a few days, gave me the opportunity to do something healthy and good for myself. That, coupled with a brand new stamp in my 2nd ever passport, and I am satiated by this trip.

Thanks Canada. Until next time, which will likely be never.