The Life Chronicler
Project

My visit to Vancouver represents a milestone for the project. It will be the final Canadian city I visit. I spent a night in Kamloops on my way from Calgary as the drive to Vancouver was more than I was willing to do. From Kamloops, I took a scenic detour via Lillooet. It was worth the time. I got to drive on the edge of some mountains that, at times, instilled a slight sense of anxiety in me. But the vistas were incredible.

After arriving in Vancouver, my first call was on a high school buddy who lived on Vancouver Island. It was great to see Pete who spent most of his adult life in the west as a geologist and later a productivity consultant to many industries. And the city of Victoria is still a mostly undiscovered gem. It is best known for its flowers.

I met another high school buddy who took me out to Stanley Park for a bike/scooter ride. I had never been on one of those scooters that you stand on and that seem to be ubiquitous in the cities these days. It was a blast. Stanley Park was great and reminded me of Central Park but with an Ocean.

However, I would be remiss in my blogging if I did not mention the surreal scene of homeless people on East Hastings Street. I have never seen anything like it in any city except Chennai, India. There was about one half of a mile of tents and other “shelters” on both sides of the street. I knew the west coast of the continent had some of this but nothing prepared me for what I witnessed. Shocking!

It was with a bit of sadness that I bid adieu to Canada. I had several interviews and have a few more lined up for later. I just need to find the time to work them into my schedule. Onto the United States!