Oh Canada

The rest area we had chosen to stop at was serene, beautiful and dark. No lights shining in our van window, surrounded by the monumental pines that are so well known in the Pacific Northwest. Albeit the traffic was only one hundred or so yards away, it was muffled by these viridian behemoth beauties and all we heard was the lovely night aria of the frogs and crickets nearby.

It was a peaceful sleep considering it was in a reclining but yet somewhat upright position of the front seat. Truth be told we were exhausted and slept through morning to be awakened at dawn by the sound of a torrential downpour. I would have preferred sun, but when I saw the lacy veil of rain breaking through the boughs, I could not help but think what a wondrous day this would be. And so the adventures begins.

I have loved Canada since I was a child. My parents took us through the cobble stoned streets of Quebec, the excitement of Montreal and to the rural wonders of Nova Scotia and now that I love on the west coast, I have had the pleasure of discovering Vancouver, Victoria and Mayne Island.
I discovered these treasures quite by accident when I sent away for a brochure on an Inn called Oceanwood in Maine, USA. What I got was a brochure from Oceanwood in Mayne Island British Columbia. It was the best mistake I had ever made and go back as often as I can to enjoy its delightful owner Jonathan, beautiful grounds, breathtaking views and the most scrumptious meals with freshly picked herbs and vegetables from the owners garden.

Springtime is a sight to behold. Lilacs and dogwoods beckoning a welcome to the dawn of the new season and the highway's surrounded by emerald lushness that lead to the bustle of the metropolitan Vancouver, where the excitement of a big city is not as overwhelming as some but still as fun filled as the Big Apple, or Windy City.

The night life is the same as every big city. There are night clubs, dance halls, even strip joints all open til the wee hours of the morning. You can enjoy Irish music, Disco dancing, hip hop, rap and even the big bands. Then you take a stroll with someone you love and walk hand in hand among the fountains and parks. You take in the sights and there amongst the wonders of the big city you will find a night life you never knew existed.

The homeless are not as prominent as in Portland, Seattle and L.A. but they are there. you need to look a little closer, but beneath the interurban waterfall you see a small tent city. It will be gone by morning, but for now, they can sleep where the cascading water drowns out the noise of the city. Under the fragrance of the lilac, comes the odor of one who has not showered in a week, maybe more. The stench of alcohol permeates the bouquet of spring in the park where your children played just that afternoon.

Homelessness is not only in America. It is around the world. Whether caused by a natural disaster, recession or even drugs and alcohol, as a world united, we can fight the battle together to prevent further homelessness and to help those who currently have no home. This calamity may in fact happen to anyone of us. No one is immune. To find out how you can help, please click here: http://www.change-for-life.org/

Special thanks to Courtney at H & M Video. Your hospitality was commendable and I wish you well in all your endeavors.