i tried to make it fit
and so tomorrow, we are off! the vistas of vancouver and adjacent whistler mountain beckon. someone at work was asking me if i was excited, and i have to admit, i’ve been downplaying this all in my head – mostly, i think because we have so many future plans pinned on loving vancouver that if i don’t, i’ll be devastated. i’ve wanted to go for so long, that i can’t stand to be disillusioned. so instead, i am pretending i don’t care, as a way of staving off a failure of hope.
in telling my colleague this, she said, “but jen! that’s so sad! you’re talking yourself out of being excited when the anticipation is one of the best parts!”
and she’s right, of course. i’m cheating myself out of the full experience. as they say: expect the worst and you’ll never be disappointed.
but the rub in that, is that it’s also a self-fulfilling prophecy.
so from tonight, i am officially excited. i’m cramming ski clothes into an overstuffed suitcase, finally reading the guidebook, and loading up the ipod.
vancouver, here we come! blogging may be light for the next fortnight.
the main drag – a jagged gorgeous winter
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Like this post
Comment by Thomas Foolery
29.01.2008 @ 22:11 pm
Jen,
Vancouver is just a city. It has its problems and generic/mundane aspects, and well, East Hastings, just don’t go there.
However, as cities go, Vancouver rocks. Pretty, relaxed, cheap by London standards, and the people are really nice. Besides, it’s Canada – ’nuff said – but even so it’s my favourite Canadian city. You will totally like it, if not love it, so don’t worry. Enjoy your holiday.
Comment by Abigail
29.01.2008 @ 22:15 pm
I hope you have a blast! If you do decide you like it, a guy I know just moved there (from Seattle) and is really loving it. I am sure he would have some new-transplant advice for you if you’re interested.
Enjoy the trip, good luck with the flights and the drive up (check out the construction on the road to Whistler – it’s really incredible what they are doing).
We’re getting thoroughly DUMPED on so hopefully some of the snow will find it’s way up north. Our friends just got back from a week in Whistler this past weekend and they said it was excellent conditions.
Comment by Jen
29.01.2008 @ 22:57 pm
@tf – yes, it’s just a city… but it’s also the basket into which we’ve put all our eggs. and the thought of having to readjust my expectations to fit a new set of plans if either j or i don’t like it (oh god, what if j doesn’t like it?!), is just too hard to think about.
@abigail – excellent news about the snow! if things go well, i’ll let you know!
Comment by Thomas Foolery
29.01.2008 @ 23:12 pm
But Jen, making plans is what it’s all about! You of all people know that I’m sure — you’re all about big plans
. That’s what keeps life interesting. So if you guys both like Van, you can make plans around that, and if not, you’ll make other plans.
But anyway don’t worry, Whistler will be a blast and I’m pretty confident you’ll both like/love Vancouver. Imagine a Canadian version of Sydney (so I’ve heard). My parents say one difference is that in Sydney you’re more aware of the sea being all around you. In Vancouver there are just so darn many big trees right down to the beaches that you don’t see it as easily.
BTW check out Wreck Beach on the UBC campus. Not the time of year for skinny dipping probably
but it’s still a cool beach and fairly secluded. You’ll just have to imagine all the tomfoolery that goes on there in the warmer months.
Comment by vanessa
30.01.2008 @ 03:03 am
have fun. I hear they have snow. If you move there I know a few ppl there.
Comment by noble savage
30.01.2008 @ 11:27 am
Have a great trip!
Comment by nikoline
30.01.2008 @ 14:57 pm
echoing the wishes for a safe, fun-filled and happy journey…