I have to say that the week long in Vancouver was one of the most intense academic experiences I have ever had. It was a feast of ideas and at times overwhelming. Fortunately I did pace myself taking breaks from it all and wandering about Vancouver.
I really loved being in my old stomping grounds, seeing what has changed and what survives the mad dash to the Olympics. Unlike 2000 when the economy was hurting, things are booming these days and it is clearly evident from the old buildings being torn down and new bigger towers replacing them. Calgary's downtown skyline has been transformed in the past eight years but it feels like a small town compared to Vancouver which has twice the population. Another big difference is the beauty of lush and green Vancouver and the vibrancy of its inner city which does not empty at 5:30 PM. There are lots of small shops filled with people and there is a buzz that surpasses the simple dash for cash that dominates Alberta.
Certainly, being on the campus of UBC is enough to turn visitors green with envy. The beauty of that institution, situated in a massive parkland is amazing. The only really high towers are student residences. The other buildings are integrated into the forest that covers most of the campus.
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