Comparing Montreal with BC

I honestly didn't think the two places were that different. Probably because I've gradually grown used to how things are here in Montreal that I kind of forgot what living in BC was actually like. But I was definitely re-reminded when I came back to visit for Thanksgiving.

Firstly, people's personalities are different. People in BC are much more laid-back, friendly, and easy-going. I was actually surprised at how friendly people were being to me the first day I arrived back. Examples. I arrived into the Vancouver airport and was waiting at the bus stop for my bus, which, little did I know was not going to come, now that there was the new Canada Line skytrain. It felt so easy to approach and talk to the people waiting at the bus stop, who then informed me I needed to take the Canada Line instead.

Then, I was in line getting my ticket for the Canada Line. A girl I had been talking to at the bus stop noticed I was paying the measly $2 with my Debit card, and offered to give me a toonie to pay for my fare, since she "got out way too much change and didn't need it all." A stranger offering me free money? What?

Then, I was eating in the cafeteria on the ferry, and struggling trying to maneuver my giant suitcase and juggle my garbage and purse in both hands, and the guy sitting beside me offered to help me out, to which I said thanks, but I was okay. But noticing I was still struggling, he offered at least to take my garbage for me to throw out after he was finished eating. Wow. So I gave it to him, thanking him profusely.

Does this kind of nice stuff happen all the time? Have I just become a little hard and jaded living in a bigger city? Or are people in BC just friendlier than those in the East? Or maybe it was all karma. Who knows.

And then there's the way people in BC dress. It's definitely more casual and laid-back. I guess it just goes along with the whole easy-going, outdoorsy lifestyle. And it's so weird that I was never really conscious of it before. So many guys in BC wear hoodies and toques and skate shoes, with brands like DC, Etnies, Element, and of course my favourite West coast brand, Sitka. And of course girls wear their LuLu pants and hoodies too.

That kind of style just doesn't exist in Montreal. I have worn my LuLu pants outside when I haven't been going to the gym once and it felt so wrong. People here are definitely more fashion-conscious - no one steps out of the house in schleppy clothing. Not to say that hoodies and toques are dumpy, because they're not, they're just a part of West coast fashion that does not translate to the East.

And these are only two of the differences I discovered upon returning home to BC. What an eye-opening experience... and I've only been gone for 6 months.

Labels: BC, montreal, thoughts

posted by Maresa @ 3:41 PM