By Kerry Stanley (Residence Advisor-Dene House)
Each morning I wake up, I see an ocean vast and rich with color, I see the tall and demanding trees, almost minuscule to the far off snow capped mountains on the morning horizon and I ask myself, do I live in Hawaii? Some mornings, it almost seems so. It’s a tad colder, a bit rainier – ok, maybe a lot rainier – but it’s Vancouver, and every morning, as I stare out my window, I know that I live in the best place on earth! In a single day I have tanned my face – albeit only half – on the local slopes, shredded down the mountains and through the city on my bike, and gone for a jolting, yet refreshing dip in the ocean. The sea, the city, the mountains. That is all I need. Vancouver is all I need.
A seaplane rumbles overhead, and a salty air tickles the taste buds within. I am floating far out on my paddleboard, isolated, but hardly alone. The same fish that seem to “just keep swimming” below me provide that infamous Vancouver sushi for the best lunch breaks around, at BC sushi1 just down the road. Constantly cawing seagulls fly overhead, landing on the all too well known poop-infested corner of the sea wall2, just before Siwash rock, and on occasion, I am even joined out here by the slimy grey seal pod that absolutely freaks me out every time, as I rush for my life back to shore. From the sound of my own thoughts, to the cheerful shrieks of naked children running back on the beach, I can relax easy. Taking in the freshest breaths staring out at the ocean, boats, and city beyond, there is no view and feeling quite like it.
From paddling the ocean, to running out every thought on the seawall, I can go and relax, and eat, with the comforts of every single Savory Island Pie Company3 treat there is. Here, it’s normal to order a soy-milk extra hot latte with foam. I am happy. Happy people surround me. Maybe it’s just something in the brownies, but I know it’s something more. It’s knowing that with one quick bus ride I could be partying or hanging out with friends at the movies4. It’s the PNE, Christmas market5, or first sunny day after weeks of torrential rain that’s never too far off. And it’s the joy of a brand new pair of Lulu’s from the spot on West 4th6. The city has anything and everything, always waiting for you to take the next adventure into the glimmering lights. But, as tempting and rewarding as the eats and outings of the city are, it’s the proximity of the mountains that I live for.
That same offshore breeze on the beach in the summer is what brings in the heavy winter storms. Instant ski bum sickness. The feeling of shredding waist deep, marshmallow powder on the edges of thousand-year-old glaciers is unbeatable. Only closely matched is the exhilaration of charging down a classic North Shore Mountain Bike trail7. Both of which, are at my fingertips. Passing through the mountains from Sea to Sky Whistler8 Village comes into view, an endless mountain playground. I can smell a beaver tail frying and hear laughter at every restaurant corner. Good old Après-ski. A hard earned, ice-cold beer – root beer, that is – waiting there after a long and radical day of jumping through clouds. An absolute retreat from the moving, busy and gossiping life of the city, but never too far from home.
Most of all, deep on the outskirts of Vancouver is a city all on it’s own: The University of British Columbia. A place filled with some of the best people and opportunities anyone could ask for. I go to the best school on earth. Well, maybe it’s not as exciting as Legally Blonde Harvard level, but still, I manage to live in the best place on earth. The mountains, the city, the sea. That’s all I need. Never will I take where I live for granted, or let a single day go by without grabbing Vancouver life with every possible thread.
Now, it’s about Menchies time.
1 – BC Sushi, 2126 W Broadway – All you can eat and close bus drive away
2 – Stanley Park Seawall – Famous 10km loop to walk or run and enjoy the views
3 – Savory Island Pie Company, 1522 Marine Dr – A fair trek from UBC, but worth it for the incredible baked goods
4 – Scotiabank Movie Theater, 900 Burrard Street – Hop on the 14 or 4 bus heading downtown at the loop for a night of movies or adventure in the city
5 – Vancouver Christmas Market Nov.22nd – Dec. 24th, Queen Elizabeth Theater plaza – If you do anything for the holiday season in Vancouver, it’s this.
6 – Lululemon Athletica, 2114 W 4th Ave – Want to see what all the Vancouver Yoga scene hype is about?
7 – North Shore of Vancouver – Looking for some places to adventure and hike in Vancouver, this is the place to go. Check out Roma’s article for some of the best.
8 – Whistler, BC – World-renowned ski resort a 2 hour bus ride from Vancouver. Looking for some serious shred or a weekend getaway, book with a group of friends or go on an awesome day trip.
9 – Menchies Frozen Yogurt, 3358 Wesbrook Mall – Frozen Yogurt for the perfect weekend treat, fill your own cup and put on all your own toppings, just a short 15 minute walk from campus.
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