Since we’ve moved, a lot of people have been asking me if I enjoyed being in the city. It seems strange to some that we chose concrete versus gardens. I grew up in Montréal. Granted it was a very different neighbourhood than this one, but still, I was in the city. I never really considered myself a suburbanite. I am a city girl. I do love nature and being out in the woods, but I do enjoy the busy life of town. I also thing that I could adjust pretty much anywhere. As long as I feel safe, and it doesn’t stink!Last night while driving to my meditation class I saw a couple walking hand in hand. They looked in love, beaming on this fine summer day. As I drove past them I realised that they were actually two men. ( oh! Did I tell you that I’m living very close to “the Village” ? Nope? Well I do; walking distance from it actually).
I started thinking of a comment I heard the other day from someone on Big Brother 8 (yeah, yeah, I watch it… shoot me!) and it made me think that we are pretty weird creatures. I don’t know how many people I’ve heard say things like “Oh I’m fine with this” or “I don’t care about that”, etc. and it’s all fine and dandy but as soon as it (whatever “it” may be) gets close to them, then it’s a whole different story. But I digress. I'll keep this for another post at some point.
I think I’m an open mind person (Those of you who actually do know me, correct me if I'm wrong). As long as I don't get hurt, I don’t care. I will say that I am curious, and at times I will ask questions. I want to get a better understanding but there’s not much that can really disturb me.
It has been one month since we left the suburbs to move in the heart of our city. Last week I had to go pick up some documents at the travel agent for my FIL, and while walking to their office I had a moment where I felt like Dorothy in the "Wizard of Oz": while waiting on the corner of St-Denis & René-Lévesque for the light to turn green, I saw on the opposite corner two hobos, one girl talking to herself and one guy in a really nice suit. I wasn’t in suburbia anymore, but right smack downtown! There is no way in hell I would have seen anything remotely near to that scene in the West Island. And to think of seeing two guys holding hands… unimaginable!
I guess I’m going to love living here! Hee.
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5 comments:
it certainly is different living in a big city...
I remember hanging out downtown Ottawa during my college years and feeling at home with all the freaks and weirdos down there. Now when we drive through downtown we lock our doors...because of all the freaks and weirdos.
I guess perspective is everything.
...glad you're enjoying living in the city again!
Did you pick Dorothy and Oz on purpose? hee hee
I'm glad you are so happy! It sounds like a great city where people can be themselves and not be afraid. That is so hard to find!!!
My SIL has a serious girlfriend and sometimes I get nervous for them when we are in public because they show so much affection. My town can be kind of "right wing" and they aren't from here.
AND IT DOESN'T STINK! WHEE
kim: Thanks! I know what you mean about the "weirdos"... I sort of feel the same way. I do lock my doors!
paisley: I'd say Montreal is quite open - at least I think so... or I like to think so... and it doesn't really stink here either. Yay for that!
oooh im very suburbian, possibly verging on country bumpkin, and big cities scare me a bit. Though Im not a fan of crowds of people, or indeed, people in general, so thats probably why. Though freak spotting is the best thing to do in town, especially the people that bumble along talking to themselves.
I suppose even the nearest city to me isnt really a city by your standards. If you drive out from the city centre, within 15 mins you are in deep countryside. I've only been to london a couple of times, and it really didnt appeal.
too big, too crowded, too loud, too dirty, too many crazed bombers (of late, anyway) and oh my god i've turned into a 70 year old woman called mabel. Oh dear.
pigeon: Mabel, how British, LOL - Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying the city and I'm sure I would love the country, it's the "in-between" I'm not crazy about, that and the commute!
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