Something I wrote in 1987. Unedited and unrevised (obviously.)

Each year as the summer approaches, many of us start to think about vacations. "What should we do this year?" "Where shall we go?" "What is new that we have not ever done before?" are all questions we have asked of spouse, child, and self. I would like to offer a suggestion.

Many times in my short life, I have had the opportunity to travel to British Columbia, Canada, and to witness the treasures available in that providence. I am particularly fond of Vancouver. My visits to Vancouver are always delightful and exciting because of the safe clean environment, the beautiful parks and recreation areas, the many different races of people and their friendly manner, and the rugged and ever changing terrain around the city.

Whenever I travel into southwestern British Columbia enroute to Vancouver, I am reminded once again how beautiful and green the landscape is. Rolling hills are covered with a velvet quilt of shimmering grass and the trees are adorned with translucent leaves. As I approach the city, this scene surrenders to a man made beauty. This is where man has worked in harmony with Mother Nature, rather than against her, and the one complements the other beautifully. Unlike any other city I have ever experienced, I have never felt unsafe or uncomfortable walking any of the city streets of Vancouver whether during the day or the evening. It is true that there are crimes committed in Vancouver and even an occasional mugging and murder, but these incidences are relatively few in number and are certainly lower than Los Angeles, Washington, Chicago or Montreal.

With each visit to this wondrous city, I try to visit one or two of the many parks. The Queen Elizabeth Park, one of my favorites, is found on the side of a hill. At the top of the hill is a large glass dome which stands about 75 feet high in the center. This large greenhouse oversees the wanderings of visitors throughout the park. Inside the dome is a paradise of rare tropical plants and birds. The Sunken Garden, which is next to the dome, is a popular attraction for many first time visitors. At one end of the garden a small waterfall cascades over the rocks into the garden floor and the pond below sustains the stream which divides the sunken Garden down the middle. Here the grass is always thick and green, the maples and the oaks always provide an abundance of shade. The flowers are always in full bloom whatever the season, a multitude of flowers are in full bloom in this little garden. Very often a music student from Fraser University will serenade the tourist as he practices his clarinet. Another park I anticipate seeing with each visit is Central Park. This park has been referred to as the back yard for a million people, for it is mostly tall maple and cedar trees and trails with a swimming pool and four or five ball diamonds so it is a natural for the family picnic and the afternoon stroll.

I would have to say without a doubt the largest and most famous park in Vancouver is Stanley Park, which covers an area of over thirty square miles. In 1958, a hurricane struck Vancouver and destroyed over three thousand trees in Stanley Park; the dead trees were hauled out and put to a good use, but so many trees remained that you would never guess such a thing had happened. Stanley Park boasts several restaurants, a zoo, a large aquarium with whale shows, four beaches, a host of statues and monuments, and thousands of visitors every day. This park is so large that it is not unusual to forget you're in the middle of a major city when you have been there for a few hours.

Cities are people and the people in the city are the human reflection of what the city is. Certainly Vancouver has many sides to reflect. Many of the English settled here and their influence is certainly very noticeable; the French, also, have a major influence on the culture. Perhaps you were not aware, but a number of the Chinese have also made their home in Vancouver; Chinatown is a city within a city and has its own economy and newspapers as well as a city government and some of the finest restaurants in the west. Other sub-cultures include ,Jews, Hispanics, and American Indians, yet as different as these people are they all seem to coexist in a peaceful, friendly way. Whenever I have lost my way, I never hesitate to seek help from a stranger, and soon a stranger has become a friend. During 1986, Vancouver was host for the world's Fair. As such they were very gracious and most helpful. I learned many things about New Westminster by talking to a bus driver late one night near the end of his shift. He took the time to tell me about the history of Vancouver's mass transit system and how it was designed as well as how it was working out. He also told me about some of the local industry.

And then there is the area surrounding the city. From the center of the city, I can travel ten miles and be in any climate I may desire. If I travel west, I will first be in the English Bay, and then the open sea or one of the many small islands; north will take me into the wilderness mountains, where I can hunt, ski, or explore. To the east I will find open grasslands where I can visit a farm and go horseback riding or fishing. Several riverboat trips start in Vancouver and travel inland to the east also. To the south I will find small resort towns along the coast. This is a city where I can go skiing in the morning, have an open air barbecue for lunch, go deep sea fishing in the afternoon, and visit the theater or ball game in the evening; there is something for everyone in Vancouver.

With its healthy atmosphere, beautiful parks, unique mix of people, and surrounding attractions, Vancouver is the only place for me when I want to be certain to have a good time on my vacation. Crossing the border into Canada is quick and easy and the highways to Vancouver are clearly marked and well constructed. With the current exchange rate in favor of the U.S. dollar, there hasn't been a better time in a long time to visit Vancouver.