two tales in one city

After some exciting volunteering the other night at the Pivot office (and a little wine), I waited patiently at the Princess and Hastings bus stop at about 9:30pm. As much as I’m around the Downtown Eastside, there are moments where I genuinely fear for my personal safety (especially at night). After I hopped on the 20 and grabbed a seat, I watched the scenery pass by…the darkness of the alleys, bodies huddled in doorstops, the usual retro signage dimmed by the night sky…

And then the lights turned on.

A Blenz and Waves, both filled to the brim with students…couples, holding hands after a night out, Chanel, Cartier…closed but still bright – ready to show you the season’s fashions whenever you glance over.

The changes in landscape were so great that my 7-minute bus ride felt more like a trip between two worlds – two tales in one city, I suppose. One is characterized by poverty, abandonment, and need…while the other is characterized by wealth, attention, and surplus. Now what can we do to bridge to gap? That is the question.