Vancouver....

Vancouver BC is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world and well, I will have to agree. Nothing compares to the view you see while driving up Highway #1 towards horseshoe bay.... at sunset, I would even say breathtaking.

I myself, live in Yaletown. It's a "newer" residential area of the downtown core that has been developed since Expo 86. (check out this link to see http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/commsvcs/fade/fade.htm )

However, as beautiful as Vancouver is and becomes, I'm always brought back down to earth when I'm walking down Seymor street and see a lovely woman hike up her skirt and scratch her ass while her smoke dangles from her ever craggly, wrinkly mouth...... direct eye contact is NOT an option.

K... Seymor & Richards street used to be quite the delight for many as it was hooker stroll but as the old buildings have been torn down & apartment buildings are put up, the hookers have had to relocate. However, a few blocks east on Hamilton, you can still find "boys town"

Enough for the social commentary (or whatever that was) but yes Vancouver is not only home to beautiful scenes but some "beautiful" scenes...

Case in point. The other night while walking down Robson street (the shopping mecca of vancouver.. I personally hate it as it's a crowded strip mall) two guys cruised past in a mini van while singing over a loud speaker.. you see.. it's those moments that made me remember all the fun people I've seen over the past few years.

You have
The one armed push-up guy (although, I heard there's one in every city)
The homeless, shoeless guy that sits and cries (people, it's an act... I've seen him fight w/ his gf)

The crazy lady who, for five bucks, lets you pet her goose that rides in the basket of her buggy

I heard that the guy that rollerblades sans shirt whilst playing the violin moved... I will miss him. Did I mention I saw that on a bright March Morning

The duck head guy... yes, a man walks around pushing a shopping cart while wearing a duck head..... um???? ya.

There is Harmonica man... carries a tune but as you walk by always has time to give a quick hello

The man who claims I'm lovely like a flamengo

The man who punches me when I walk past him (not a favourite)

The man who thinks I follow him (also not a favourite & actually scares me a little)

You have the man that plays guitar & screams at the top of his lungs "BARBIE! is that you?? " when I walk past....

Yes, Vancouver is a variable mecca of oddities.... and making this list just make me realize I have not delved into my smorgabord of psychos that I come across on a daily basis...

My friends are convinced that yes, it's only me.

I'm sure I forgot a few.... feel free to add on.