Photo by William Pitcher, Flickr

Hailing from the politically volatile region of the Middle East all the way to Vancouver has pushed some people to ask me, “do you ride camels to school?” Which leads me to respond, “do you have polar bears for pets?”

I’ve never been to a city where people have such a strong love affair with the place where they live. Just look at the license plates, “Beautiful British Columbia,” “The Best Place on Earth,” Now, that last one is quite a statement. Switzerland (where I attended high school) has a similar topography and natural beauty to Vancouver, however, they seem to take more pride in their cheese and chocolates than anything else.

When you’ve lived most of your life in a country such as Jordan – as I did – and your mother timed your baths due to the lack of renewable water – as mine did – you come to enjoy long hot showers. Thank you Canada! And let me add, it would take a lot more than a Brita filtering jug to make our water in Jordan drinkable.

On a political note, unlike the democratic and free society that exists here in Canada, in developing countries such as those in the Middle East, the lack of basic human rights is a very sad and troubling existence. Yet, I find it quite astonishing that a city like Vancouver – which has consistently been voted as one of the top three cities in the world – has an overwhelming homeless population that you cannot escape. And it begs the question of how a “world class city” such as Vancouver allows this to take place on its streets.

At the tender age of 18, I made the decision to move to Montreal in order to seek a better future and attain Canadian citizenship that will give me political and economic freedom. When you’ve been raised in a desert climate most of your life – like me – nothing prepares you for the harsh, cold and unforgiving winters of Montreal. I don’t think I’ve seen more snow in my life, and don’t forget, I lived in Switzerland for a while.

Moving to Vancouver from Montreal was like moving from Las Vegas to White Rock. Depending on your preference, that could be a good or bad thing. Montreal has a very hot and sizzling night life, whereas Vancouver is very chilled with an air of tranquility. I prefer Vancouver’s warmer weather and bleak party scene to Montreal’s cold weather and hotter party scene. So, I can’t complain.

Now, due to the very wet climate of the city and Vancouver itself being a major sea port, I assumed that since we’re on the Pacific Ocean that it would have a vibrant beach culture similar to California. Apparently I was wrong. But on the other hand, not too many places in the world can proudly proclaim that you can water ski and snow ski on the same day.

I find Vancouver’s abundant Asian population, to be exciting and riveting. I love being in North America while at the same time experiencing the exotic food, entertainment, and hospitality of the Asian culture. That’s a rare find.

Speaking of food – something that is very dear to my heart, or shall I say tummy – I must say, Vancouver, I am yet to be impressed. I agree that politics is not the Middle East’s forte, but one thing we’re good at is food. I love food, and I know good food.

Having lived part of my life in Switzerland where the Swiss pride themselves in their sophisticated taste buds and Montreal with its great, thriving French cuisine – Vancouver unfortunately falls behind. But don’t despair, I am still searching for your great cuisine in this beautiful, picturesque, city.

Until then, I shall feast on the beauty of your city and the many pleasures it offers because it truly is, “The Best Place on Earth.”