I’ve spent the last four days on a trip to Vancouver B.C. for a meeting of our fledging research network.
Several colleagues from the U.S. independently mentioned how well things worked in Canada, how multicultural the society is, and how courteous and friendly the people are. I’m typing this at the end of the concourse in Vancouver’s gleaming airport, watching the sunset over the Canadian Rockies. I’m plugged into a convenient outlet and connected with free wireless, available throughout the airport. I’m in a spot with a better view, and more quiet than the airline club, albeit without the free drinks and food buffet.
Vancouver looks as if it is trying to figure out how to promote a less intensive energy expenditure. About 90% of the taxis are Priuses.. The rest are a mix of mostly other Toyota models. The city has gone a long way to promote and accommodate bicycles, with easy rentals, storage lockers, dedicated bike lanes, etc. My hotel, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver offers two hour bike rentals for free, with helmet and bike lock included.
For all this, the city is expensive.. more than Washington D.C. Eight dollars for a beer!
I have the nagging feeling that the U.S. used to be a lot more like this… and, in many respects, I wish we could be more like Canada., with it’s examples of beautiful new public infrastructure, socialized healthcare, and a more equitable society all around.
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