Revisiting Vancouver in attendance of the 27th Edition of the Vancouver Asian Film Festival was full of high notes.
On my previous trips to the Pacific Northwest's largest city on the unceded, ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, I was told of the popular local mountain trail - the Grouse Grind - a must for nature enthusiasts, locals, and fit tourists. Traveling back to Vancouver for the third time, it was time for me to finally conquer the landmark trail with the company of friends.
The intensity of the hike was warned as a precaution (hence the name "grind"). However, as someone who is healthy, albeit not in any top athletic shape, it was an extremely difficult trail going straight up the side of a mountain with thousands of steps, truly living up to the nickname of "nature's stairmaster." I felt grateful to be in the company of great friends and breathing in fresh alpine air in between a real test of endurance.
The reward of hot tea and poutine at the top with a grand view of treetops from the tram ride down made it all worth it.
Every visit to Vancouver is memorable.
