The zoo that is Vancouver

There has been something growing in me ever since i moved to Langley over 2 months ago. Something restless... something that, if given the right opportunity, will burst forth and consume me in a glorious act of savagery and basic instinct.

Now this may sound rather absurd, but let me tell you as story that sort of expands on the idea.

Last week a few of us (fellow school people) decided to take the skytrain into downtown Vancouver. It was interesting to hear the different comments from my friends as we moved along the track closer and closer to the enormous buildings and large crowds of people. We would pass through a more industrial area of the city and the comments of how ugly the city was would be announced. But then we would cross over a river and a completely different mindset would overcome them and they couldn't help but voice how beautiful it was. This was further shown as we mingled with the joggers, dog-walkers and couples that were strolling down the walkway at the edge of the harbor.

Hundreds of people trying to get out of the city... and yet only making it a block or two from home.

Look around you. People everywhere are simulating nature through the use of potted plants, photos of peaceful meadows or interior decoration made up of soft browns, greens, florals or even wood paneling that is the barest hint of what everyone is trying to imitate.

We continued down the walkway and came upon the most blatant example while walking beside the metal giants that make up the high rise apartments of the Vancouver elite. On the very top of one such giant was place an unusually large tree. Now I've heard of bushes or hedges adorning penthouses... but this was a full grown tree.

This phenomenon is everywhere. Watch TV for an hour and count the number of commercials where companies are trying to sell their product through the use of nature as a stimulant. The vehicle that can climb mountains, the woman swimming with the alligator that is trying to sell lotions or the soft drink that helps people surf or outrace some dangerous animal.

I continually see people searching for something that they don't have. Sure you can quench that thirst with a potted plant or a picture of a setting sun... but you know it's not enough. Even if they get the umph to get out of the city and try to indulge themselves with a little camping... they bring their home with them in the form of campers, EZ-bake food, renting a cottage or even bringing a TV along with them.

Everyone has this animal inside them. It may be hidden to some, but it's still there... stuffed under the hurry of society, the need for things and the comfort of comfort.

It's most likely the prairie in me and the fact that i lived the majority of my life with the outdoors right outside my door, but i honestly don't see how anyone can live in a city for any long period of time. It just doesn't feel right not being able to let loose every once in a while.

We originated in the garden... it's only natural to want to return to it.