Good Morning 2007

by Beni Spieler, Tofino

I awoke today to the discovery that BC Ferries has a policy against sleeping on the ferry terminal floors. Clad in clothing that had experienced the ferocity of champagne showers the night prior, I dragged myself to my feet to the lovely sight of the Tofino Bus.

Three hours later, I was trudging through a different kind of shower in the village I had called home for eight years, enjoying some much needed End of the Road culture.

As I sat down with a warm cup of coffee in hand, I couldn't help but appreciate the quiet street, and the darkened shop windows on this New Years Day.

Along with most of my friends, I moved away to a faster life the moment opportunity knocked. Laughing at anyone who remarked "You'll be back."

After spending five months in Vancouver, "enjoying" a pre-Christmas rush and the madness that is Boxing Day, I can truly say, that I miss Tofino.

What is 'Life in the Fast Lane'? Is it crossing the street while keeping an eye on the road raged maniacs who glare at us to pick up the pace? Is it working forty hours a week to keep a roof over your head? Yes, the big city has clubs. Yes, the big city has no end of parties. Yes, you can bruise and get bruised in a mosh pit in the big city.

But Tuff City has something those cities of sky scrapers don't have: sanity. (Well... as sane as a small village full of unique and interesting people can be.)

I sit here now, enjoying the sounds of nature around me for the first time in what seems like forever. It's a change of pace, it's a piece of mind; it's Tofino.