Comparing Apples to Oranges

As predicted at #ABATECHSHOW this year, Canadians asked why I left such a great city, and Americans asked how I’m enjoying Vancouver.

Last year I sorely missed Chicago. Being back was heart wrenching. All that I was leaving behind smacked me in the face. Hard. I had left it all for what? Hard question to answer. At the time, all I could say was a new experience, but I thought I had made a mistake. Things had happened before leaving that fueled the sentiment I had made a mistake, and being back in Chicago made a compelling argument for agreement.

Except I hadn’t spent much time in country. I hadn’t given Vancouver a fair shake so as hard as it was to leave everything behind, all that was familiar and all that I realized now that I had actually left, I sucked it up and went.

As I’ve said, I’m a big believer in things happening for a reason. There was a reason this opportunity had presented itself, and I had not figured that out.

This year, very different mentality. And very different conversations.

You simply cannot compare Chicago and Vancouver. Yes, Chicago is a great city. I love it. I miss it. It has fantastic architecture, sports teams, excellent museums, great music and a variety of music. Public transit with character (to put it nicely), friendly people and a beautiful skyline. Head and shoulders above Vancouver.

Vancouver, however, is an excellent city in its own right. Beautiful scenery, fresh air, mild temperatures, outdoor activity year round, best seafood fresh and prepared, unbelievable sushi, friendly laid back people, strong Asian cultural vibe and, of course, my favorite: #mountains.

Now that I’m over the culture shock and chaos of moving countries, I can appreciate the differences.

The other thing that has struck me on this trip back is my perception, and the reflection of others. I don’t quite know what to make of it yet, but the conversations this year were deeper, and more meaningful. Some are in similar situations, professionally and personally. It was useful to compare notes. And they were open, honest conversations. Rather enlightening.

So comparing Chicago and Vancouver is comparing apples to oranges. It goes deeper than that, too. Vancouver serves a purpose, what I’m starting to see as a deeper journey of self discovery. Part of me thinks every day is a journey of self discovery, I could’ve stayed and just taken vacation somewhere. Part me though, is also realizing that for deeper change to happen, significant change is needed.

At the moment, I’m hard pressed to think of a more significant, jarring change than moving countries.

Time to head to the airport, and back to what I have caught myself referring to as home: Vancouver.