I stepped out of the elevator and through the door into P4. Ahead, the Escape, loaded with belongings that had sustained me over the past 3 months. Behind, the life I quickly grew to love. Though my heart fully disagreed, money and time required that it come to an end. My original plan was to load the car and enjoy a quiet dinner alone, to be followed by a walk to English Bay to soak up my final downtown sunset. Luckily the clouds didn’t seem to agree, and a dinner invitation was given by roomie and his friend. At the time, I knew this to be a better plan, so we hit one of the local Yaletown eateries and enjoyed each other’s company and conversation. By 9pm it was obvious the sun decided to silently make its exit below the horizon.
Once I made it to the car, I wasn’t ready to leave. Not yet. Key in the ignition, sun roof open, I winded my way up through the depths of the parkade and onto the street above. I called up Norbert, suggested gelato, picked him up, and found a spot to park up the hill from Denman. The girl at Mondo seemed happy for the business, suggesting I try some raspberry cheesecake. We then headed to the beach I missed out on earlier in the day, to sit and savour the moment. The sky, half painted black by clouds from the west, glowed the shade of dark ocean turquoise I have always loved. It is that time of day, no longer evening, not yet night, and something past twilight. The city lights, contrasted to the deepness of the colour in the sky, with dark shadows of trees and unlit condos, and reflections of all on the water’s surface…. I’ll remember it. I’ll remember it as I walk along the Tiber. I’ll think of it when the overwhelming pace and complexity of Milano makes me yearn for tranquility. I’ll miss it, gazing out my suburban bedroom window at the fence 6 feet away, and the wall of the neighbouring house beyond that. I’ll relive it when I move back in a future that has yet to be decided.
****
Wandering the streets of the city snapping photos.
Walking the sea wall with gruppo5, then half of downtown and the burrard st bridge; all 16km of it.
Blading the sea wall and false creek, and then doing it again. 13km each.
Cherishing a final coffee at the park at 9am under the glowing spring sun.
Watching the sun set in a glorious show of colours, reflecting off the glass towers all around.
Singing and playing my best in a competition of Rockband and American Idol (and reaching a tie at 100% on expert) with a handful of great friends.
and Smiling every chance I could.
****
Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – Your Guardian Angel
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