vancouver through the eyes of an Indian

Gear up for an adventure of lifetime with Manjeet Singh... He is going to take us on a ride to Vancouver, famous for its big-city lifestyle and outdoor fun in such cheek-by-jowl proximity. Skiing in the morning... sailing in the afternoon...and back to town in time for a cocktail at three.. man that's what you call enjoying every bit of it!
Mention the 'beach' and North Indians, like Manjeet, go nutty over it...He cannot help tittering, “Beaches are cool and happening in Vancouver. It's awesome to watch people playing football, volleyball and sunbathing.” Beyond rocky-n-sandy beaches of Vancouver, the clean and green gardens, systematic way of living, spic-n-span environment and disciplined citizens impressed Singh.
During his Canadian trip, he was accompanied by friend Vijay Mahajan to Victoria City. They stayed there for a week. Manjeet recalls, “Victoria is a small and thinly populated city in Vancouver Island, still its well-organised. It's world-renowned for its mannerism.”
Five-days sloughing, then two days die-hard party culture of Victoria fascinated the two friends. It's a city that loves to entertain. Sports and live music take precedence, with theatre very close behind and a healthy comedy scene to boot. "Natives on weekend are willing to doff the bike shorts, throw on their best t-shirt, and go out on the town," he admires.
The two friends had a blast exploring the best of Victoria, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast! Famous for green spaces, counter-cultural and cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, Vancouver is a tourist delight. "Gastown, the city's original settlement is another hotspot, now it's being transformed into a gussied-up historical quarter," Manjeet adds.
He was at home with two small cities that can be called mini-India - Sari and Delta -as they could smell Punjabi tint in the air with road signs mentioned in English and Punjabi. "There are temples and gurdwaras all over. Children are taught Punjabi and acknowledged about Punjabi culture in these temples and gurdwaras." The affinity in Indians outside India is amazing. "May be they are more to the soil while living away from it."
When Punjabi language has reached Vancouver, how can Punjabi food and Bhangra be left behind. “Punjabi delicacies are readily available at nook and corner. Not only Indians abroad but even Canadians are crazy for Indian cuisines. Mouthwatering Continental and Chinese foodstuff available there are also hard to resist.”
What Manjeet liked the most in Canada is cleanliness and environment awareness. That's what he wants to bring down to India. Manjeet is amazed that the place is actually dirt free. "You can wear a shirt for two consecutive days and the collars will still be neat," he exclaims.