Bogumil Pacak-Gamalski

In 1856 Major General Richard Moody founded the City as a Capital of the colony of British Columbia.  Actually he named it originally as a Queensborough.  It was no one other than Queen Victoria, who called it a Royal City, and because the Seat of the Power was in Parliament in London – it was formally called a New Westminster.

Hence, it retained that old charm and European – in the Island flavor, of course – style of streets and architecture. The two main streets are Columbia and above it, you guessed it – is naturally Royal Avenue leading to – again, of course – Queens Park.

Eventually much later, in the 1920, Vancouver overtook it by size and population. But the Royal City remained with its stiff upper lip, LOL.

I have not been here for almost a decade. But it feels and looks like nothing has changed.  Naturally, it did. But almost just superficially: it used to be that every second store was a wedding dresses, long tails and suits. There are still few of them very prominently displayed, but the majority was replaced with new, metro-style trendy cafes, little restaurants with excellent cuisine,  boulangeries –patisseries  (it will be the death of me, considering my weakness for a good cake and pastries, aj wej!), even an excellent exotic and elegant (with a very handsome perfumer, LOL) salon with perfumes called ‘Aromatica’ – that will be the death of my bank account. Did I mention that the ‘Aromatica’ salon is exactly next door to an entrance to the building I’m living in? Aj wej!!!

Enough of these ahs! and ohs!. Better turn to pictures and see for yourself. Why not start with the stately Queens Park. Loved it very much in my days here. The ‘better’ version not so much – too many spaces and land taken by activities other than strolling, perhaps jogging or even biking. All this big parcels cleared and gates for tennis courts, for dogs of leashes, huge parking spaces. Not my cup of tea. I liked better the old, majestic and a bit wild park. Still enjoyed the walk, the old trees, little art gallery.

Do not worry though about the mistake general Moody made in naming the city. Queensborough does exist next door, sort of another district of New West. A very modern, very European (Continental to the boot – no British Isle in architectural style, no sir).

Once I went on the Waterfront pass the famous River Market on the Esplanade, I had to stop for a moment and reminiscent. To look across my arm if … he is still walking behind me. Yes, my John. The last time I walked here was with him.  That was very long time ago. Probably about 2010, maybe even 2005? But it felt like yesterday. These special moments come to me suddenly, without conscious choice. Just a certain spot, street, maybe even store, a park, a street corner. Anywhere and anytime. That is, when my joy in rediscovering the city I love so much becomes dark and heavy. On this walk – it  was a sweet reminiscing. Sad – ye,  but in that sweet, sentimental sadness. Almost like a melancholy. Wanted to turn and place my arm around his neck and place a kiss on his cheek. I know how he hated public display of affection – but how he sort of secretly liked it, too.  Sometime we all do …