After receiving a song link from an ex-partner with lyrics about realizing love only after separation, Caitlyn Moony reflects on her experience transitioning to life in Vancouver. Moving from Johannesburg to Vancouver in 2018, Caitlyn had high hopes for the city, attracted by its reputation as one of the best places to live and the presence of her sister and her family.
Initially mesmerized by Vancouver’s natural beauty, Caitlyn soon faced challenges. Despite her research and professional background as a social researcher, she struggled to establish herself in a new environment. Working long hours in a startup job with barely enough income to cover expenses, she found herself in a basement suite with thin walls and noisy neighbors.
Her disappointment grew as she grappled with the lack of a supportive community and the elusive concept of “Canadian experience” in job applications. Feeling isolated and disheartened, Caitlyn longed for the vibrant connections she had experienced in other places she had lived.
As she sought answers from a friend about the absence of people around her, Caitlyn realized the disconnect she felt in Vancouver. The loneliness became suffocating, especially during the pandemic lockdowns. Eventually, she made the decision to return to London seeking the bustling energy and familiarity of the city where she had lived before.
However, Caitlyn discovered that her time in Vancouver had subtly transformed her, instilling a sense of calm and self-awareness. Despite the city’s imperfections and challenges, she found herself drawn back to Vancouver, yearning for a chance to reconnect and deepen her relationship with the city that had shaped her in unexpected ways.
Now back in Vancouver, Caitlyn hopes to reconcile with the city, embracing its flaws alongside its beauty and seeking a renewed sense of belonging and community.
