Vancouver Visit in Review
Well, we had a great time visiting what we hope will be our future home. Pride was wonderful; you can see some photos on this post from our friends over at Moving to Vancouver. Highlights for us: The "standoff" between the firefighters and the supersoakers, Jack Layton of the NDP, the float with Stephen Harper as W's puppet.
Still not sure how I feel about the Conservative Party participating. On the one hand, would it be worse if they just ignored LGBT folks? On the other, don't they have some nerve to parade with us when they don't support equal rights?
I wasn't thrilled with the American (U.S.) flags present. I see enough of them here, South of the border. I don't need to see the Stars & Stripes when I'm in Canada. I'm sorry, when you're the 800-pound gorilla (no offense to gorillas) in town, announcing your presence is not friendly, it's creepy and boastful. At least, that's my take on it. I wonder what the motive was of the flag-flyers?
I've talked about the fireworks and our long walks about the city and in the park. My other major excursion (Alan mostly excused himself) was perusing HMV, which is like Tower Records. I have a weakness for DVDs. Their prices are kind of high, but they had some great sales going. Problem was, anything I was interested in on sale, I already have. So, I focused on things I can't find in the States. I discovered a series, Slings and Arrows, that looked interesting enough that I gave in to temptation. I bought a few other DVDs and I'll say more about them as I watch them. (Wouldn't want to embarrass myself.)
All in all, a good time. And extra special because we were able to meet and spend time with the guys from Moving to Vancouver. We talked about the possibility of participating in a future Vancouver Pride parade, under a banner that says "Americans by birth. Canadians by choice." (This is the tag line over at L-girl's blog, we move to canada.)
Today, I was browsing on the web looking at apartments. I don't think finding something in our price range will be a problem. The hard part will be finding a place that will take cats. (We have two.) I will do more searching to see if Vancouver has a pet-friendly housing web site, as exists for Seattle.
Six months have gone by fairly fast, but I think I'm getting more antsy with each trip North (to visit our legally-recognized marriage) and news of others' progress. I can't imagine that if you're reading this that you don't know that Nick & Mason have been officially accepted. We submitted our application almost exactly one year after they did. So, maybe this time next year it will be us?
We owe Nick a great debt of gratitude because at one point I was almost ready to call it quits. But he explained the realities of the application process and how to satisfy the CIC, even if we couldn't do exactly what was asked. He has also been incredibly emotionally supportive (one example). Alan and I are so very happy for Nick & Mason and wish them continued success and happiness! Canada is gaining two wonderful new residents!
Still not sure how I feel about the Conservative Party participating. On the one hand, would it be worse if they just ignored LGBT folks? On the other, don't they have some nerve to parade with us when they don't support equal rights?
I wasn't thrilled with the American (U.S.) flags present. I see enough of them here, South of the border. I don't need to see the Stars & Stripes when I'm in Canada. I'm sorry, when you're the 800-pound gorilla (no offense to gorillas) in town, announcing your presence is not friendly, it's creepy and boastful. At least, that's my take on it. I wonder what the motive was of the flag-flyers?
I've talked about the fireworks and our long walks about the city and in the park. My other major excursion (Alan mostly excused himself) was perusing HMV, which is like Tower Records. I have a weakness for DVDs. Their prices are kind of high, but they had some great sales going. Problem was, anything I was interested in on sale, I already have. So, I focused on things I can't find in the States. I discovered a series, Slings and Arrows, that looked interesting enough that I gave in to temptation. I bought a few other DVDs and I'll say more about them as I watch them. (Wouldn't want to embarrass myself.)
All in all, a good time. And extra special because we were able to meet and spend time with the guys from Moving to Vancouver. We talked about the possibility of participating in a future Vancouver Pride parade, under a banner that says "Americans by birth. Canadians by choice." (This is the tag line over at L-girl's blog, we move to canada.)
Today, I was browsing on the web looking at apartments. I don't think finding something in our price range will be a problem. The hard part will be finding a place that will take cats. (We have two.) I will do more searching to see if Vancouver has a pet-friendly housing web site, as exists for Seattle.
Six months have gone by fairly fast, but I think I'm getting more antsy with each trip North (to visit our legally-recognized marriage) and news of others' progress. I can't imagine that if you're reading this that you don't know that Nick & Mason have been officially accepted. We submitted our application almost exactly one year after they did. So, maybe this time next year it will be us?
We owe Nick a great debt of gratitude because at one point I was almost ready to call it quits. But he explained the realities of the application process and how to satisfy the CIC, even if we couldn't do exactly what was asked. He has also been incredibly emotionally supportive (one example). Alan and I are so very happy for Nick & Mason and wish them continued success and happiness! Canada is gaining two wonderful new residents!
posted by Daniel wbc at 2:55 PM
3 Comments:
Hey Guys,
We enjoyed spending time with you, also. Let's make a date for next year's Pride Parade to march under the "Americans by birth. Canadians by choice" banner, OK?
You're right about the dearth of pet-friendly apartments in the West End. We'll put a positive "frame" on the issue and hope for your success in finding one . . .
What a great post! I'm so glad you had a good visit to Vancouver.
My brother and sister-in-law just returned from a trip there, also scouting out possible emigration plans.
If I'm ever in Vancouver for Pride Week, I want to march under that banner, too! After all, I named it. ;-)
Much love to you guys.
Historically A&B Sound has been the place to go in Vancouver for CDs (once records) -- don't know if it still has the best prices as I haven't been in *way* too long.
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