Home. A term that is often interpreted in different ways. For some it is where their parents are, their spouses or for some travel blogger it changes between month to month as they make their way around the world. I have always thought of Bournemouth as home, for me. I was born there, I grew up there and my parents are still there. However, I don’t think it is the case anymore, I feel like I have slowly adapted London to be my home over the past 3 years.
When the topic of home came up for this months travel link-up, I made the decision to write about my transition of moving between Bournemouth and London, until I dug deeper. There has always been one place in my heart that I would love to call home one day, so in a sense it is my home away from home. Vancouver, B.C.
As soon as I hear someone mention Canada or Vancouver, I get a sudden rush of excitement, almost like a sense of protection and shock that someone has found out ‘my’ hidden gem of a country.
I first flew out to Vancouver back in 2009 for the first time, visiting my immediate family. I had not seen them in a while and my sister and I had never seen Canada, so it was a no brainer really. My 15 year old self, so naive and young, I wasn’t expecting to feel so in touch with a city. So free, so welcome… so at home. We visited for around 4 weeks, which was labelled the best summer of my life. My family lived right near the most beautiful boat dock with sky line buildings in the distance and not far from the beach either.
Days were spent basking in the sun and watching fireworks by night, trying the restaurant scene and shopping, Canadian style. We even rented out a hotel room for a party and got busted, but that’s another story to tell. Friends were made, memories were formed, a summer that was so rewarding and uplighting for my teen self. It’s almost like I forgot about my insecurities about being a brace face as the city just welcomed me with open arms.
This summer memory definitely stuck with me and I had a clear, open love for Vancouver. However, I needed to go back to confirm it was exactly how I felt about Vancouver. Luckily back in 2015, 6 years after my last visit, my cousin got married so it was the perfect opportunity to visit again.
I was home. Memories came flooding back, a little overwhelming if anything. The same house we stayed at before, the same beautiful dockside having aged so well in its natural beauty. The little 7 eleven on the corner was still going and serving the best slurpees at a steal.
I couldn’t be happier. I was in my element and nobody but I knew about it.
I would say Canada is a cross of England and America, which why it makes it so special. I had always wanted to live in America but still have some of our British ways and it was exactly that. The even have T.K. Maxx (which they called T.J. Maxx)!
Canada was sporting its beautiful hot weather, not forgetting the heavy snow that comes in the winter, exactly like seasons are perceived to be.
The people are so friendly and community based. Everyone knows most of their surrounding neighbours, who tend to be the most kind hearted sort of people. Even doing 3am airport trips for you without even needing to be asked. People exchanged greetings when passing each other, even the youngsters.
The beautiful tall buildings are met with the serene mountains, forests and water. How could this all exist in harmony in one place? It was utterly breathtaking. Also, taking a break from the city has never been easier, just take a trip to the Rockies. It’s simply on your doorstep. I must say I went on one of the best trail hikes at Buntzen Lake, even though I wore loafers (I didn’t bring trainers) it was such a fun and relaxing experience. Nothing but forest, lakes, wilderness and grizzly bears. 😉
My home away from home is definitely Vancouver, B.C…With love, from a fellow Londoner.
Until next time…
OK WOW. Get me to Vancouver now!! I love how friendly and welcoming it sounds, and that there is beautiful landscapes and countryside on the doorstep. Can definitely see why you’d feel at home there 🙂
Polly xx
Wow! Vancouver is just breath-taking!!
Lovely post! It’s so nice to have a ‘home away from home’… especially one that looks this beautiful, wow!!
If I moved anywhere in the world I think it would be Vancouver!! So, I’ve never actually been, ha. But, A few friends have been recently and as I can also see from your post, it’s just breathtaking! I love the mix between city and nature. And like you say I’ve heard the people are lovely. I really need to visit soon! Fab post. x
I’ve not been to Vancouver in yonks, but my friends who live there are having such amazing lives.
I love that photo of you and your sister. 😉
Honey The Girl Next Shore
Oh gosh I loved Vancouver! The parks and hikes, the waterfront, the craft beer culture and just the whole vibe of the city. Would love to live there!
Hehe baby Aftab hair – love it! I’ve never visited but you have certainly sold me – Vancouver sounds amazing 🙂
Home Sweet Home…
Vancouver is such a wonderful city – definitely has a bit of everything which makes it oh so liveable!
Hi Aftab, sounds like our journeys are quite similar… I moved from my home town to London, and then to Vancouver – I love how well you describe this beautiful city! Cool post and I hope you make it back out here again soon 🙂
Vancouver sounds fab, I can kind of see why it beats Bournemouth 😉
I loooooove Vancouver. I can totally see why you do too.
This is making me want to visit Vancouver so much more – I’m not surprised you fell in love!
I’ve not been to Canada yet but I will definitely visit Vancouver one day seeing as you make it sound like such a lovely city 🙂
I loved Toronto but I really want to visit Vancouver especially as I have a friend who lives there x
I had no idea about your connection with Vancouver! I only visited once, as a child, so I have very hazy memories of it. And I’m LOVING the 2009 hair, so cute!
Posh, Broke, & Bored
How lucky to have found somewhere you have such a connection with! And to have family there as well is lucky. I visited Vancouver once, also when I was an awkward 15 year old, and I absolutely loved it! I’m so keen to go back, hopefully I make it back one day.