British Columbia Why I Love Vancouver
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Why I love Vancouver
By Contributing Writer Cord Heine
Local media representative for the biggest German news agency "Deutsche Presse Agentur (dpa)" in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games
I have visited many cities around the globe, Prague, Vienna, Venice, Paris, London, New York, San Francisco, to name a few. Each of them has its own beauty. But ever since I first came to Vancouver, which was in 2001, the competition for the coveted yet unofficial title of the "most beautiful one" is over. Vancouver tops my list. The modern metropolis on Canada’s West Coast is my personal favourite. I love Vancouver.
Situated between the shores of the Pacific Ocean and the peaks of the Coast Mountains, Vancouver boasts the opportunity to go surfing in the morning and skiing in the afternoon. Or vice versa. And expectations are met. This city has so much to offer in terms of leisure and sporting activities that I am overwhelmed every time I come to visit. I once cycled Stanley Park, one of North America’s biggest urban green retreats, on a sunny August morning and hiked the both infamous and famous "Grouse Grind" trail that same afternoon. I could have easily alternated my personal fitness program and gone kayaking and skating instead. The possibilities seem endless. They are, in fact, so vast that a conscious decision is required on what to do when you come here: sports or culture? Or rather a visit to Mother Nature plus indulging in one of the many fabulous restaurants this city has to offer afterwards? I love Vancouver.
While I am sure that other cities have to offer a similar array of activities to enjoy, Vancouver combines its huge selection with its breathtaking landscape. I like walking from the sandy beaches of English Bay through the West End district and via Robson Street – Vancouver’s main shopping area - to Burrard Inlet where the Pacific Ocean reaches right into the heart of Downtown. Here the sea walk promenade invites the visitor to a relaxing walk along the waterfront as the mountain peaks of North and West Vancouver greet in the distance. I love Vancouver.
Yes, it's true, it rains quite a bit in Vancouver, especially from autumn through to winter. But the city’s advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages of a wet day. As my mother once said on a visit to Vancouver “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” A heavy downpour does not affect the fact: I love Vancouver.
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Scenery, sports, culture - Vancouver has it all. I enjoyed the Rolling Stones and Kiss concerts, the Vancouver Canucks' NHL team and other events. Not to mention its people! The Vancouverites are very easy going, open and tolerant. Since my first visit I never felt like a stranger in Vancouver . On the contrary, this city has welcomed me with open arms and made me feel home away from home (which, by the way, is far away: Germany). No other city in the world matches up. Wow, I love Vancouver.
I immigrated to Canada five years ago. Why did I choose to settle in the smaller city of Victoria on Vancouver Island instead of "Van City"? It's simple: I knew someone in Victoria, I had an anchor there when I arrived in my "New World". The capital of British Columbia undoubtedly is a quaint, liveable city, but I love Vancouver. And goals and challenges in life. I also need something to look forward to. So, where will my next move take me? I guess you guessed it!
