Moving out West

So I've just survived the first week of life on the west coast. Deciding to come out here has been great so far. Just taking the Skytrain from the airport was awesome to see such a beautiful city surrounded by ocean and mountains. It is a pollution free city with a a very clean feeling to it. Although I have no comparison, I can tell that the improvements made for the Olympics have no doubt increased the value of this place. New buses, fresh paint jobs and major construction are evident as I get my first real glimpse. With a population of just over 2 million people in Vancouver and the surrounding area it really doesn't feel that compact. Most people use public transportation or ride bikes to get around which really helps not only the pollution factor but the crammed feeling of thousands of cars around anywhere. If Toronto could develop this type of mindset and public transportation system, it would really benefit. Toronto Olympics 2030?

The area we are currently residing in is Kitsilano. A short bike ride south west of downtown on the south part of the English Bay.We are staying with a friend for the time being and has been great as its a perfect location to live. Right on the Kitsilano Beach we have an amazing view of the English Bay, Downtown Vancouver and the Rocky Mountains to the north. The area is vibrant with many different types of people, mostly young, coffee shops, sushi bars, restaurants and new age stores. The area is all slanted downhill with a San Francisco feeling and being at the bottom makes for quite the hike up to the main streets of 4th ave and Broadway (worth it though!)

So far I have been all around the city with a guided tour by our new friend Ben and have been shown all the different areas in Vancouver. In a small area, there are drastically different parts with their own unique feeling to them. I have climbed 2 mountains in the surrounding area and biked around Stanley Park. Although its been a beautiful and active week, the stress with looking for a job and a permanent place is still there. Can't wait to finally settle in, fully unpack and enjoy this place even more.