Eric: I was 13 years old during the time of my first visit to Vancouver. Having lived in a small town my entire life, I fell immediately in love with this beautiful and slightly European city. I was a fan at the time of James Bond, and was enthralled with everything British.
When I first entered the city, someone pointed out the "Lions" to the north, and I was transfixed by them, whenever the clouds cleared away enough to get a good look. I took many rides on the roller coaster, although I was devout enough to wait until the lunch breaks.
I was recently in Vancouver - just two weeks ago. I stayed at a hotel on Renfrew Street, just to the west of the park. I decided it would be fun to go back and take a ride on that same roller coaster, for old time's sake. Much to my dismay, the park closed (on a warm Saturday evening) at 7pm. What are these people thinking? Hundreds of people were streaming out of the park, money yet to be spent. Why on earth would it close so early on a long, summer night?
As I walked around the area, I remembered doing "rooming work" at some of those same houses. Do you remember when we would ask homeowners to rent out a room for convention delegates? Can you imagine doing such a thing today?
Vancouver still holds a fascination for me, a romantic first-love sort of feeling. I was sad to see such a long stretch of slum-like area surrounding the city proper. It's like running into your first boyfriend and trying not to notice he hasn't taken care of himself. :)
Thanks for sharing your good memories of this place.
Wasa