| Wanderful is an ongoing feature where each week I throw a hypothetical dart at the Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»map and travel there – by foot or by transit, and attempt to capture some of the cool and interesting small details that make that particular neighborhood unique and special. From sidewalks to back alleys, gardens to graffiti, I’ll become a wandering tourist in my own backyard. Armed with only a camera and very little natural sense of direction, it’s an journey of modest proportions, and an opportunity to see more of what makes this city AWESOME! |
My initial first impressions of Dunbar are hampered somewhat by the sheer amount of construction everywhere. I imagine that businesses in the area have suffered from this, although on the two days that I went, Dunbar Village seemed like a pretty lively little community; a lot of people running errands with kids and dogs in tow, visiting the library and stores in the area, getting around despite the numerous traffic pylons. Everywhere you look signs remind you: Dunbar is open for business.
Hands-down, the most kick-ass thing I saw on my trip to Dunbar? A person who had constructed a train set in their front yard. How awesome can someone be who not only sets up a working model train set in their yard, but then wires a push button trigger to their front fence with a sign instructing people on how to make it run?? Round and round, I watch the heads of two delighted kids, following the miniature train circle the bend and disappear through the mountainside. Admittedly, my head does the same thing. Seriously. GREAT. This person alone makes Dunbar irresistible.
There are some really beautiful houses in this area, with big yards and lovely gardens, many of which have huge, manicured hedges, giving them a Secret Garden type feel as I walked by. Similar to the Westside, there are gigantic trees that canopy high above the streets; providing some much needed shade on a day where I was apparently incapable of anticipating the weather and dressing myself properly. Such is Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»life, these days.
Another rarity I spotted on my adventure to Dunbar... a window filled with kittens! (and by filled with I mostly mean two, but who’s counting? KITTENS!) The thought crosses my mind as I stand peering through the glass, how much better a place the world would be if every note ever written was signed “Love, Kittens”? Answer: about a gazillion.
Another gem of the area is the single screen Dunbar Theatre. I caught a film at the cinema fairly recently, and without a word exaggeration, I have never sat in more comfortable movie seats. Added bonus: it is one of the few movie theatres left in the city that has a genuine balcony, which (in this girl’s humble opinion), is the best seat in the house. The independent movie peddling industry is sorely hurtin’ in Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»these days, so if you can try your best to get out and rent a film at a local store, or take in a show on the big-screen, it's certainly appreciated. These independent businesses make our communities and neighbourhoods unique, and if we lose them, there isn't much likelihood that they will ever be replaced. (Or rather they will, but probably just with highrises). Dunbar has a ton of charm, and quite a few interesting shops worth investigating.
As I made my way up the street to catch my bus, fallen leaves swirled around my sandals. How is it that in a matter of a week all of a sudden it feels as though autumn is right around the corner? I’m still in summer-longing mode. I’m not quite ready to admit defeat and bust out my sweaters yet, but these leaves on the ground are not helping my denial. In the meantime, while the sun is still out, I’m going to imagine this season will last forever, and keep on wandering.
Love,
Kittens
