Vancouver Spring 2006

I had visited Vancouver the year before and upon on returning home asked myself “what rain?”

Well the “real” Vancouver made its appearance this year. It did not rain two out of the ten days. On one day in particular I awoke early in the morning to overcast and drizzle and fell asleep that night with the pattering of rain on the windows. The aspect that really sticks out for that day was that it must have not drizzled or rained for only an hour throughout the entire day with sunshine making no appearance.

I still find that there is a beauty about the city, even with the rain, but I think it is more due to the people and the amazing views that the city has to offer. With that said I would like to say that the condo that Paul had rented for the week really had a true million dollar view, both in aesthetics and price. The condo, its location, and its view had to be one of the highpoints of the visit.

Another highpoint that really stands out as special was being around Lee and Mike. To hear their stories and to be a part of their history really meant a lot to me. Trying to understand and visualize their training and the experiences they had really highlights the differences in how things are done today. It gave me a better understanding and a greater sense of history from where our art comes from.

The final highpoint would have to be seeing Danny, Lee’s older son, do a couple of sets. Even though he was still getting over a nasty illness, the way he did the forms really showed what years of correct training and dedication can accomplish. His movements were incredibly fast and crisp. His stances were all solid and the intent and strength at the end of each move was evident and awe inspiring. For me it meant a great deal since his body type is closer to mine and my eyes opened to what I have to yet accomplish.

Overall this trip differed from the previous. Not only in time of season but in the positives taken away. This trip was more about the people and discovery of where “we” as a club have our roots and history. To some they may be stories that have been told several times over, but for me it is a reaffirmation of all that has come and gone and will be made into our future.