Stanley Park

One of the things that amazes me about Vancouver is that amidst its steel and glass skyscrapers, you can discover nature's beauty - from the pristine waters of the English Bay to the snow-capped mountain ranges. No wonder Vancouver consistently ranks among the most livable cities in the world.

But one does not need to go far to appreciate its beauty. Stanley Park in itself is a showcase of Vancouver's flora and fauna. With 1000 acres, it is North America's third largest park on urban land. As we walked around, we knew that going to Canada was one of our best decisions yet. While in the Philippines, retail therapy is your only option when you're stressed and freaked out with the corporate life (as taking a walk in Luneta will surely make me break out or reduce my lung's working life to at least a year), a walk in a Canadian park will allow you to breathe fresh air and marvel at nature's sheer beauty. Breathing fresh air was a welcome treat as the burnt-plastic smell of the airplane still lingered on my nostrils.

As we kept on walking, we saw a big sign with the label Vancouver Aquarium. Boy, it was time to be a child again! I would remember how we would often watch dolphin and seal shows whenever we go abroad. This was no different except that we were closer and that I got my clothes wet with the beluga whale flapping its heavy fins on saltwater. It was fun!

After this, we kept on walking and arrived at the totem pole area. This area served as a monument for Canada's first settlers - the First Nations. Otherwise known as Native Canadians or Indians, a lot of them have integrated to modern society through education and work but have kept a lot of their indigenous practices. The government always allocates a considerable amount to provide them with scholarships and opportunities for livelihood. It's sad to say that back in the Philippines, our own Aetas don't get the same care and attention.

We took some snacks in a picnic grove nearby. A few tables away from us, droves of brown-skinned men and women started coming with pots and insulated coolers. As we guessed, they were Filipinos enjoying a breezy Saturday afternoon with adobo and rice.

As this blog may not make it appear, the park is humongous (yup, I remember talking about the size). So when our feet started to give up, we decided to take the bus that goes around the park. Just in front of our line was a paraplegic riding one of those fancy wheelchairs with the joystick. In a few minutes, the bus arrived. Then, I saw not only the coolest thing as the bus itself knelt to help the paraplegic get in, as I also saw the beauty of human nature - the willingness to help. The people, both in the line and those who were already comfortably seated in the bus, didn't mind waiting as the driver carefully helped the man to his spot. The stairs suddenly became a mini-elevator that raised the man up the bus. Everyone clapped as the man got to a comfortable and secure spot. Whoever said that the West was a utilitarian society such that once you can no longer function, you are deemed useless and left alone? This scene moved me and made me think about the disabled people back home. Here in Canada, I have seen a lot of disabled people working in good jobs. A lot of Canadian employers boast as being equal opportunity employers who hire on the basis of intellect and skill rather than physical abilities (or lack thereof), race, gender, etc.

Needless to say that what I saw was an "awww" moment. As the bus was moving, I told myself that it was a perfect way to end the day as I saw the beautiful sun set.

This entry was posted by jigs, on jeudi, septembre 27, 2007. You can leave your response.