Ep 29: Quest for Daylight☀️
Walking 10K for a Meetup
Introduction
My Sunday began with a simple plan: attend the Daylight Computer meetup to learn about their new tablet focused on ‘calm focus and wellbeing’. Little did I know this outing would lead me through unfamiliar Vancouver neighbourhoods, turning a tech-focused day into an unexpected urban adventure.
The meetup venue was near Prince of Wales Secondary School, in an area I hadn’t explored before. Curious, I opened Gogomi, my go-to app for urban exploration, only to find the area largely uncharted. This blank space on my digital map piqued my interest – a chance to chart new territory while heading to the tech meetup.
Gearing up for the day, I donned my Hakuna Matata hat (a recent birthday gift from my Kenyan friend), grabbed my shades, and opted for a long-sleeved shirt for the changeable weather.
The Walk begins
Stepping off the bus near Vancouver General Hospital, I was immediately struck by the unexplored paths Gogomi was showing me. As I went further south, the scenery changed dramatically. The air felt clearer, and cooler under expanding tree canopies. I realized I had entered Shaughnessy, and the change was palpable.
The urban hubbub of Fairview faded away, replaced by an almost eerie quiet. The streets, lined with towering trees, seemed to absorb sound, creating a cocoon of serenity.
What struck me most was the sheer scale of the properties. Houses grew in size as I walked, some resembling mansions hidden behind imposing gates. A quick online search confirmed that this was indeed one of Vancouver’s wealthiest neighbourhoods.
The serenity was both captivating and unsettling. A few cars passed, and I noticed an absence of bus stops. It felt almost like a ghost town, with only the occasional dog walker or jogger reminding me that this space was indeed inhabited.
I couldn’t shake a subtle feeling of not belonging. Was it my showy outfit drawing attention, or simply the rarity of seeing a West African man casually strolling these streets? I pondered the invisible boundaries separating neighbourhoods - not just geographically, but socially and economically.
Transition to Arbutus
As Shaughnessy’s quiet faded, I encountered an unexpected sight: a couple protesting for Falun Gong. This snapshot of global issues stood in contrast to the insulated tranquillity I’d just left, marking my transition into Arbutus.
Arbutus
Arbutus felt more open and alive, yet still distinctly residential. Passing Prince of Wales Secondary School highlighted the neighborhood’s family-friendly nature. The streets buzzed with a familiar urban energy, lacking Shaughnessy’s closed-in atmosphere.
As I neared my destination, I reflected on the distinct character of each area I’d passed through – from the bustling streets near the hospital, through Shaughnessy’s manicured tranquillity, to Arbutus’s lively streets. Each contributed to Vancouver’s rich urban tapestry.
The Meetup
Arriving at the meetup, I was greeted by a buzz of activity. I grabbed some vegan samosas, grateful for the snack after my long walk. The star of the show was the Daylight tablet, with attendees huddled around demo units, some playing chess on it, others testing the stylus.
Despite my late arrival (blame Shaughnessy’s mesmerizing canopy), I caught the founder’s talk about the tablet’s journey. What struck me most was the device’s readability in bright sunlight – the very feature that had initially piqued my interest.
As an introvert, I gravitated towards a particularly interesting attendee – a man meticulously analyzing the stylus latency. Learning he’d driven from Seattle for the event spoke volumes about his passion. Our conversation took an exciting turn when he mentioned his indie game project, sparking a deep discussion about game development and technology.
Reflection
As I headed home, I felt a sense of accomplishment. I’d satisfied my curiosity about the Daylight tablet and charted new territory in Vancouver. The day had been a perfect blend of technology, exploration, and community.
My simple plan to attend a tech meetup had transformed into an urban adventure, reminding me that in a city like Vancouver, every outing has the potential to become an unexpected journey of discovery.
