Biking Eastside - Holy!
So today was the first day of my bike-to-work resolution. Being lazy as I am (as you have all discovered yesterday), I do not exercise. I have a gym membership but I do not go. I do hikes but not very often, and that's about it. Shame on me, I know. And now, with Mexico and my great adventure coming up, I want to look good, be healthier and in shape. I don't want to suffer too much with my backpack on!
Instead of trying to go to the gym, which would be the logical thing to do since I pay for it, I have decided to bike to work. To force myself to stick with it and prevent "excuses" from getting in the way, I have not purchased a bus pass this month. Double bonus: I get to save money and feel better. But... I'm a little worried, since it's supposed to *rain* tomorrow...
I looked up bike maps and figured out my route. I left this morning at the same time as usual, not knowing how long it would take. And it went great! In 25 minutes I was at work, which is less time than it takes when I take the bus. I was really happy about it because it was an easy stroll.
[continues after the pictures]
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I also liked getting a better look at the area around my work. I work in Vancouver's Eastside, Vancouver's worst neighbourhood and probably also the worst in Canada. Plagued with poverty, homelessness, prostitution and drugs, the Eastside is not the happiest place around. Everyday I walk over used condoms and we chase away johns in the alley getting serviced. But through all of this, there is a lot of interesting things here. There are a lot of artists and eccentrics. There are old beautiful houses. I have to say that I am lucky because our specific area, overall, is pretty good. Maybe that's why this place has started to grow on me so much. Maybe it's all of the interesting colours, shapes, tackiness and such that I love because I look at them as I would through a camera. And so, here are some pictures taking on my block (taken in April).
The ice-cream shop
The building where I work
View of the Lions from the CN railroad
::::::::
And then came the return home. Holy! I nearly died. Now I know why the going to work was so easy: it was slightly downhill most of the way! So on top of having to work harder, the bike path is different for the return and I got confused... and nearly got hit by a car! I was also screamed at and called a "stupid Chinese head". What the hell kind of insult is that? I got home sweaty and tired and struggled up 2 floors to get the bike in my apartment. I felt pretty bad and gross until I realised: I get to watch Oprah! Somehow it seemed like a great reward at the time.
Now, if you will excuse me, I have to go shower.
Instead of trying to go to the gym, which would be the logical thing to do since I pay for it, I have decided to bike to work. To force myself to stick with it and prevent "excuses" from getting in the way, I have not purchased a bus pass this month. Double bonus: I get to save money and feel better. But... I'm a little worried, since it's supposed to *rain* tomorrow...
I looked up bike maps and figured out my route. I left this morning at the same time as usual, not knowing how long it would take. And it went great! In 25 minutes I was at work, which is less time than it takes when I take the bus. I was really happy about it because it was an easy stroll.
[continues after the pictures]
::::::::
I also liked getting a better look at the area around my work. I work in Vancouver's Eastside, Vancouver's worst neighbourhood and probably also the worst in Canada. Plagued with poverty, homelessness, prostitution and drugs, the Eastside is not the happiest place around. Everyday I walk over used condoms and we chase away johns in the alley getting serviced. But through all of this, there is a lot of interesting things here. There are a lot of artists and eccentrics. There are old beautiful houses. I have to say that I am lucky because our specific area, overall, is pretty good. Maybe that's why this place has started to grow on me so much. Maybe it's all of the interesting colours, shapes, tackiness and such that I love because I look at them as I would through a camera. And so, here are some pictures taking on my block (taken in April).
The ice-cream shop
The building where I work
View of the Lions from the CN railroad
::::::::
And then came the return home. Holy! I nearly died. Now I know why the going to work was so easy: it was slightly downhill most of the way! So on top of having to work harder, the bike path is different for the return and I got confused... and nearly got hit by a car! I was also screamed at and called a "stupid Chinese head". What the hell kind of insult is that? I got home sweaty and tired and struggled up 2 floors to get the bike in my apartment. I felt pretty bad and gross until I realised: I get to watch Oprah! Somehow it seemed like a great reward at the time.
Now, if you will excuse me, I have to go shower.
posted by Magalie at 4:55 p.m.
1 Comments:
Hey Magalie, you take such awesome photos!
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