We're off to Vancouver in less than twelve hours. It's been far too long since I last visited the coastal city, but a family wedding has given my girlfriend and I the perfect opportunity to have an extended vacation before school begins in September. I'm especially eager to flee Calgary, as the recent oil boom has soured my desire to live here. It's disheartening to see a city's soul sucked away all in the name of money: heritage buildings torn down, numerous apartment-style condo towers popping up everywhere, unique shops and restaurants chased out of the Beltline because of escalating rents, a lack of affordable housing ("Hey honey, let's buy a hovel for $400, 000!") or social services...oh, I really didn't mean to rant. I'm going on vacation!!

I'm looking forward to seeing the Pacific Ocean again--rocky mountains and prairie landscapes just don't cut it.

And smoke-free pubs!