Aftermath

Aftermath - June 16, 2011


This entry today is not about gardening, although usually my blog is focused on things of a more plant-like nature.

It's not even about hockey, although the violent passion that sport conjures in many Canadians was in part responsible for what happened last night.

No, this is about the tragedy that occurred in my city on June 15, 2011, following the Canucks loss to the Boston Bruins in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final. My beautiful, unique, amazing city became the scene of senseless violence and looting. It was heartbreaking to watch. The plumes of smoke rising over the majestic cityscape of downtown made my stomach turn.

I just want to let people know that the real Vancouver is not the small number of people causing destruction last night, but really the thousands of people that turned out this morning to clean up the mess that had been made by those hooligans! Many thousands more are banding together to find the people that committed these crimes to ensure that they will be brought to justice.

I don't live here for the hockey team, the mild weather, or even the beautiful scenery. I live here because it is the most amazing place on earth in every sense imaginable. That includes the people.

The funny thing about Van is that it really isn't the most friendly city. The people are generally polite and less pretentious than a lot of other large cities (probably due to the fact that Vancouver really isn't very large at all) but they are slow to open their hearts to new comers. At first I thought that was because the people here were cold and indifferent. After four years in this city I see it is quite the opposite.

People in Vancouver love their city deeply. They are proud to call this their home, and they develop deep roots that remain unshaken through public spectacles (good or bad). They welcome visitors but are wary of transients. Vancouver, beautiful though it may be, is not the easiest place to live. Many people commute 2-3 hours a day to work, if they can find work at all. Pay is low and housing prices are high. Those that end up staying stay because it is their home, but many leave because the sacrifice is too great.

Those that got up this morning and headed down to the urine soaked downtown to sweep up the broken glass from last night's travesty represent the true spirit of Vancouver. As deeply shamed as I felt last night, I feel just as proud today. THIS is Vancouver and no one, no matter how much destruction they cause, can change that.