Among the top 10 list of stressful things to do in life, moving house, moving country and changing jobs rank right up there.
We do that every three years and its our choice, says Alex Budden, the outgoing British Consul General.
After three years of enjoying all things Vancouver, the affable career diplomat and his family wife Diane, daughter Rebecca and son Robert are saying goodbye to all the friends theyve made here as they head off to a new adventure.
But dont feel sorry for him just yet.
Its not just that his layover in London is conveniently timed to allow him catch a few of the sporting activities about to take place there. As the representative of the country that is home to the 2012 Summer Olympics, it was Buddens job to have a front-row seat at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. He helped to host the 150 British officials who came here to see what to do when the world comes to your city to celebrate athletic accomplishments.
Like Vancouver, London is welcoming the world to a hugely expensive celebration as it struggles out of a recession. Vancouver, and the province of British Columbia, used the opportunity to invest in much needed infrastructure that would have a long-term benefits, such as the Canada Line and Sea to Sky Highway. London is rejuvenating its East End, pouring millions of dollars into a part of the city where tourists rarely venture. Roughly 36,000 labourers spent every day in the area hardest hit by Second World War bombing raids. East London never fully recovered from the Battle of the Blitz but now, after this summer, its going to be known around the world as Tech City.
And as much as there are fears of terrorist attacks during the Olympics, few other cities are as prepared as London for such an influx of visitors, Budden says. Think of the recent jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth. Or the rowdy football championships and revolving door of heads of state at No. 10 Downing Street. The difference with the Olympics, however, is its two weeks, every day, of being like the Premier League [soccer] playoffs.
As part of Londons regeneration, Budden invited Vancouver businesspeople, the media and politicians to a GREAT Britain breakfast that showcased all the things that have made Great Britain live up to such a moniker. It coincided with Sir Richard Bransons visit to launch direct Vancouver-London flights on Virgin Atlantic. No one was more surprised than Budden (and Sir Richards handlers) when the British entrepreneur walked into the ballroom at the Fairmont Pacific Rim and joined the queue at the buffet table.
Budden revels in moments like this but one of the things hell miss about Vancouver apart from the stunning views and family friends is being able to feel part of the city as a somewhat nondescript resident. (When hes serving in countries such as Nepal and Kenya, hes clearly identifiable as a come-from-away, as Newfoundlanders would say, and not just because hes 64.) It gave him an anonymity he reveled in.
But his most profound memory is of the Paralympics. These athletes were in such prime physical shape, able to achieve more than most other people (including Olympians), because they set their mind on reaching a seemingly impossible goal. It suddenly clicked showing what we are like as a society.
He was also impressed by how well Vancouvers organizations, such as the Board of Trade, and associations work so hard for this city, showing a deep commitment to the best interests of this citys inhabitants.
But now its his time to clear his desk and leave a note of welcome for the new Consul General, Rupert Potter. (What a quintessential British name! Go ahead and ask him if hes related to Harry...)
Sure the Buddens will have some keepsakes and mementoes of their wonderful years in Vancouver, but as corny as it sounds, Budden says its the memories theyll carry with them that will be most treasured. No one will be able to mention Vancouver without us beaming and coming out with a rush of stories.
