yeah. it turned into rain.
But that didn’t stop your intrepid Vancouverites from hitting Bright Nights and the Christmas Train at Stanley Park.
Even if we got completely soaking wet and I had to wear my old-school GoreTex and BRRR…
It’s worth it.
December 2, 2007
December 1, 2007
“why doesn’t lululemon sell boots?” and other vancouver reactions to snow.
It SNOWED.
Okay, well, it snowed other nearby places earlier this week, but finally?
I SAW SNOW.
ON MY OWN DECK.
ON MY OWN STREET.
And a lot of other places, really. Which is nothing short of AWESOME.
I’m not sure the rest of my fellow Vancouverites feel the same way, after witnessing a few grim looks (and vehicular near-fatalities) while out and about today.
Vancouver has a complex relationship with snow.
We don’t get it too often, because our temperatures don’t generally drop below 0 C. I mean, yes… we’ve had our freak storms and bizarre drops and icy outflows and blizzards, but they are infrequent, to say the least.
So infrequent, in fact, that we speak of snowfalls by YEAR, not by date or season.
That’s why, when it actually happens, we’re either totally excited… or totally beside ourselves.
I’ve put together a little “Who’s Who” of snowed-upon West Coasters to illustrate my point further:
The Lifelong Vancouverite Who Will Never Leave
Wearing: Raincoat, in firm belief the snow will turn into rain soon. Sketchy gloves from 1987. Shoes made to hold out water, not gain traction. Confused expression.
Driving: Erratically. Refused to get all-weather (read: snow) tires on SUV, because WHEN DOES IT SNOW HERE? Experiences radical road rage at everything from child on sidewalk to bus driver to own family in car. Listening to all-news station waiting for reports that the rain has started SOMEWHERE, FOR THE LOVE.
Heard remarking: “Is it raining yet?”
***
The Lifelong Vancouverite Who Pines For Seasons
Wearing: Giant parka purchased during cruise to Alaska in 1988. Expression of complete joy.
Driving: With expression of false confidence. Does donut to avoid hitting squirrel. Pulls out ice scraper with glee every time he gets back in car, though there never was any ice on his car.
Heard remarking: “Man, this is nothing. I don’t know what those folks on the Prairies are talking about. This is a piece of cake!” (shortly before falling on ass in entryway to Whole Foods)
***
Vancouverite Who Moved from the Prairies or Ontario ON PURPOSE
Wearing: Hooded sweatshirt, flip flops, expression of feigned ignorance. What? This won’t last. This is nothing. Seriously, it won’t last, will it?
Driving: Just fine. It’s like riding a bike. Sigh. Deftly avoiding actual Vancouverites.
Heard remarking: “Honestly. It won’t last. It never does. I’m from Swift Current. You don’t KNOW snow.”
***
Vancouverite Prairie/Ontario Transplant Missing Home
Wearing: Down coat, scarf knitted by Grandma Penner, cellphone stuck to ear calling mom in Winnipeg, starry-eyed expression skyward.
Driving: On very expensive, very optimistic snow tires. Just in case. Dad said he’d pay for them.
Heard remarking:“I don’t know. Maybe I COULD find the money to come home at Christmas…”
***
Vancouverite Child
Wearing: Giant puffy jacket just purchased at Old Navy, ridiculous fleece hat sewed by quirky Aunt (never previously worn), rainboots and three pairs of socks.
Driving: … their parents insane.
Heard remarking: “When can we go out? Is there enough for a snowman? I can’t use a baby carrot for the nose! Is school canceled yet? Can I go outside before bed?”
Heard remarking tearfully, two hours later: “Mommy, why is it raaaaaining?”
***
Vancouver Tourist From Much Warmer Place
Wearing: Coat purchased from hotel boutique, umbrella, inappropriately heeled shoes, camera around neck to document that YES, I KNEW IT, THERE WOULD BE IGLOOS!
Driving: No driving. Tour bus.
Heard remarking: “When do the penguins come out?”
***
Meg
Wearing: Puffy coat, pashmina, Uggs, aura of total joy.
Driving: … her stomach into oblivion with Gingerbread Lattes on endless snowy walks.
Heard remarking: ‘AAAAAUGH! #$%@!” (while falling down steps) Then: “No! I’m okay! Seriously!”
***
I have to tell you… we don’t do snow like anywhere else on earth.
But here’s to the white stuff until Monday, when the forecast calls for “Rain, heavy at times.”
Sigh.
