REFLECTIONS OF GROUP HUGS
TULIP is embarking on a long train ride, from Maple Ridge to downtown Vancouver, with 15 other 55+ gal pals. It is a glorious day.
The early morning train ride on the Westcoast Express is quiet. The car is filled with the working class going downtown to help keep the economy strong. The gals are not used to waking up so early and have not yet found their comfort in conversing when nobody seemed to be. There are occasional whispering sounds, but not much else.
Downtown is always a busy place as the HUB of economic movement for the City and Province — plus, today, there are two new cruise ships moored close by.
“The streets will be a zoo.”
Once they arrive at the final train stop at the waterfront, they wait patiently for the working class to disembark, while other passengers have a downtown play day or a wild and crazy seniors’ day — Take your pick.
It is 9 a.m.; the sky is a clear blue, the water calm and the scenery beautiful and breathtaking.
“This is where we live—the glorious west coast of a quietly proud country called Canada! Let this journey begin.”
The group is led by their queen of walk organizers named Sandi. Sandi has clocked more walking steps and hours than anyone on earth, or at least on her section of the earth, and she has a plethora of stories to tell. Everyone loves to walk and talk with Sandi. Sandi Thiessen
The gang starts off full of joy and excitement, and everyone stops at the Canada Place Pier to take in what is before them: a people-happy place, a view to die for, two cruise ships, a tugboat in action, a few float planes, a yacht or two, a paved walking path and a separate cycling path, and only a few people moving along in either direction. With a small hop, skip and a jump they are on their way to Stanley Park.
The gals pair off and walk at a reasonable pace, not in a hurry; they are happy to be alive and well enough to embark on an outing to a place they had either often heard about or never explored on foot. Some never imagined themselves being so adventurous this late in life.
There is a notable extra jump in their step and a youthful enthusiasm that lifts their spirits and helps them leave whatever heavy thoughts on a shelf somewhere, determined to fully enjoy the day. This is THEIR day — their Qi (pronounced CHEE) day to be free of worries, obligations, issues, commitments and other pressures, demands or expectations! It is their free day to be free, self-energized, and just relax their minds to enjoy the moments as they roll out.
First stop along the multipurpose pathway, on the edge of the second phase of Canada Place, is a washroom break at a beautifully kept public washroom —where a happy attendant had just refreshed and cleaned eight stalls.
“How more lucky could we be!”
Continuing on along the clean, spacious harbour walkway, they arrive at the Stanley Park entrance, divert the trajectory from the seawall over a half-moon bridge to the pathway leading to the most glorious of rose gardens.
The gals disburse in every direction to take in the beauty and the scents of the various flora. They take photos and more photos and then even more photos. At every turn there is another ‘awe’ or ‘wow we live here’! The smiles and the stories of remembering that place decades ago to seeing it now, are heartwarming to themselves, each other and especially the first timers.
Eventually they carry on through a forested area leading to the infamous Lumberman’s Arch along the seawall. Someone mentions a memory of going there often, back in the day, for the delicious Fish n Chips served from the very same food pavilion, somewhat modernized, that is still there. Many in the group share the memory and share their stories. It becomes a group hug moment.
Amazingly, the outdoor public pool is also still there and the women see a reflection of themselves as they watch the happy children jump and play to their hearts content. It becomes another self-hug and group hug moment.
“Those were the days,” Tulip says aloud and others agree. Group hug.
After another bathroom break, the gals carry on, paired differently, engaging in more delightful conversations about memories and plans, smiling and laughing, and sometimes just quietly looking around at the bounty of all that was before them.
“These are our days!”
This section of the walk was quite long — but the ‘no need to hurry’ attitude, and the many shaded areas and benches along the way helped.
Several kilometres later the gals arrive without incident at Second Beach — another grand childhood memory of wonderful beach and outdoor pool time, as well as those delicious fish and chip lunches some of them often enjoyed.
Tulip feels like she is in a reminiscent trance. Her mind is full of healthy energy, gratitude and transcendental bliss, as she looks at the majestic mountains, deep blue ocean and a sky spotted with small patches of cirrus clouds. Her arms are high and palms facing the sky. She is so very happy.
“Ah, yes, those were the days. A lot has happened since, but it’s great to just sit here to rest, reflect and remember.”
Self-hug time, while others are in line for the washrooms at Second Beach.
At this point of the journey, the grand historic Sylvia Hotel restaurant —where they have lunch reservations, has to be contacted because the anticipated arrival time has to be adjusted. Thankfully the half hour time change will not be a problem giving them a stress-free final couple of kilometres to count their blessings, commend themselves and each other for making it this far, and look forward to a delicious lunch in the city’s oldest free standing hotel where millions of people have slept or eaten or stood outside to take photos over many decades.
“If only the walls could talk!”
The gals arrive at the side entrance. They are greeted by very courteous staff and escorted to their especially reserved section of the restaurant, where ice cold water awaited. Congratulations are expressed as menus were handed out, and specials announced. Drinks are ordered and meals selected, and service is smooth and quick. The table eventually becomes adorned with Fish n Chips, Pulled Pork dip, Fish Tacos, Sylvia Burgers, Salmon Burgers, Crab cakes, Salads, and All Day Breakfast plates. More photos are taken and more memories shared. Smiles burst from hearts and quiet Qi (energy) radiates the room. Group hug.
“Ah yes, this is our day!” Group hug.
With their rest completed, the gals regain their footing and walk a short distance across the way to the now world famous street art dubbed ‘Laughing People” but officially called A-Maz-ing Laughter — an artistic masterpiece created by a first time visitor named Yue Minjun. It is a wonderful funny collection of 14 larger than life statues expressing various emotions with their arms, hands, facial expressions and stances. It is now a permanent landmark that radiates Qi (energy) inwardly and outwardly in people of all ages, all nationalities and all abilities. Nobody can leave that place without a smile, grin, giggle or burst of laughter — or a group hug.
“Set your troubles and worries aside, and just enjoy the moment. Smiles and laughter do our bodies, minds and soul a lot of good.”
Refreshed and ready to move forward, the wandering women start the return to the beginning of an amazing day. They walk single file like a snake navigating its way around obstacles, down Denman Street, once known for shopping and dining but now predominantly a multicultural dining haven.
Suddenly something catches Tulip’s eye — a sale on blackberries at a small corner grocery store. The first sign said $2 a pint and another said 3 for $5. She loves blackberries and although the others seem to be uninterested in obliging, they wait, perhaps reluctantly, but patiently, for the transaction to complete. It is a very busy street corner and moving away from there seems to be preferred. Tulip is happy they waited, but wonders why nobody else shared her excitement of a steal of a deal! No group hug there.
“Oh well, moving on.”
The street walk ends and the group is back at Coal Harbour seaplane terminal where one and two engine Cessnas are taking off or landing on the deep blue, calm waters of the inlet. The gals follow the recently revitalized walkway along the shore leading them back to Canada Place, the train station and a private room in the Rogue Restaurant where they each enjoy a wonderful, refreshing and cold drink, raising their glasses to express gratitude, congratulations and thanks to each other and themselves.
The spirit of the entire day carries on during the train ride home. After completing 18.5 kilometres on foot, everyone is tired; but, not too tired to keep the conversations going, the laughter rolling, and the camaraderie growing. The regular train passengers do not know what hit them, but the gals no doubt give everyone, including themselves, a reason to smile and a story to tell others once they get home.
Self-hugs, group hugs and high fives all around for a most energizing, enjoyable and successful daytime outing in the lives of 16 55+ gals — who now feel more enriched, enlightened and informed than they did just days ago.
“Life is for living: living is a forward motion, not stationary, so let’s keep the train rolling for as long as we can!”
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