Sunrises and sunsets
During winter, life in Vancouver may feel like being stuck in a rainy, grey painting. Yes, snowy top mountains may occasionally cheer you up by saying hello behind the moody clouds, but most likely you’ll be finding yourself walking in the rain, pulling the hood of your jacket tighter over your head. Because who needs an umbrella, when you have a hood and it rains most of the days anyway?
Not carrying an umbrella with you was one of the things that surprised me the most after I moved to Vancouver. In Finland I used to carry umbrella with me if there was even a small chance of rain. Because usually if you had the umbrella, it wouldn’t rain at all… But here I’ve noted that more often I just leave the umbrella back at home and wear some extremely functional jacket instead of choosing the fancier coat, which I might have worn before.
Yes, I’m on my way turning into true Vancouverite.
Or maybe Vancouverites just want to hide their tears behind the raindrops and that’s the reason why they are not using umbrellas…. Just kidding, I bet they are just so used to the rain that umbrellas feel unnecessary. There is a reason why Vancouver has a nickname “Raincouver”.
Anyhow, during January we’ve been blessed with so many beautiful sunrises and sunsets, that the darker days are starting turn into blurry memories. And you know what the best part is? Sunrise is usually around 8 am and sunset at 5 pm! You don’t actually need to wake up super early OR stay up way over the bedtime to be able to experience the vivid colors of the sky! Woohoo.
Last weekend we went over to Stanley Park and admired how the gorgeous landscape was being painted with dreamy shades of blue, yellow, pink and orange. When the colors slowly turned into a deep blue canvas, revealing the shimmering stars in the sky, I felt it. You know, the little feeling that tickles your stomach, that turns the corners of your mouth upwards.
The happiness. The happiness of being here.
I know it’s a cliché to say this, especially on the post that’s about sunrises and sunsets, but I’ll say it anyway.
We live in such a beautiful world.
Sometimes we just need to open our eyes to see our surroundings vividly. Even during the grey days there most likely is a hint of different colors - they may just be harder to find. Especially when you are hiding under the hood, focusing commuting from place A to B. Under the hood you are easily hiding from the world. In the beginning, it might feel like a warm hug over your head. Pleasant escape from reality. But eventually the hood will only block your sight. Your capability to see and feel the world to the fullest.
To these words - have a dazzling week.
x Krista
