The Stokke Xplory 2013, Summer Kit – Photo credit: Stokke
Don’t get too excited. This isn’t a casting call announcement for another reality TV show. Reality it is, however, when it comes to the snobs of Kitsilano.
Walking along 4th Avenue, my smiles are not often reciprocated by fellow walkers. Most people appear too self-absorbed to notice others, whether this is due to being completely blissed out from their morning yoga class or perhaps they are deeply contemplating why they just spent $85 on one small paper bag of groceries (I know I do). Then there are those people who practically go out of their way to avoid making eye-contact with me – a stranger to them I suppose, baby in obvious tow.
Fine enough, Vancouver’s inhabitants aren’t exactly known for their warm, welcoming demeanors. Surely though, mums, whether new or experienced, should have some sort of camaraderie amongst each other? After all, many of us are going through or have been through months of sleepless nights, public diaper-blowouts, and shark-teething tots. Why not cast a thoughtful smile to each other as in to say, “I get why you look so haggard, I’ve been there, but don’t worry, it too shall pass and you are not alone”. Just as motorcyclists give a cordial nod to each other on the road (warning: severe stereotyping ahead – even a burly hog riding outlaw will acknowledge the ironically mustached hipster on his pale pink scooter), why can’t Kits mums silently salute one another for a job well done?
It’s not that Kits mums aren’t paying any attention to each other. In fact, sometimes it suspiciously looks as though they are checking out the type of wheels or cloth I’m sporting for my baby, with their line of scrutinizing sight directly aimed at the brand label. Are they wondering whether I’m pushing forth the latest UPPAbaby Vista, Stokke Xplory, or Bugaboo Buffalo? Am I wearing my baby in that new organic-fair-trade-sustainable-vegan carrier?
Maybe these mums are just wondering what I’m using to make life easier, and whether that option would work for them too. In any case, it’s not a friendly glance at my goods, though I wish it was. Please, do all of us mums a favour next time you see a (likely struggling) neighbour on the street – look up from beyond your shiny aviators and kindly smile!
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Lisa is a Kitsilano-based travel writer/photographer and mum to a teeny tot. She launched her travel writing career while working in West Africa. In 2010, she came back to Vancouver where she’s still enjoying the spectacular coastal scenery, the plentiful diverse foods, and the fresh, clean air. Read more about her travel adventures on her website Viascribe.com.
