I was surprised when I first arrived in Vancouver that I could see so many colourful murals and pieces of street art due to the fact that in India we also have some graffiti or pieces of walls art, but they are old, small, or political and no one really notices them, here young people walk through the neighbourhood, go through streets such as Main Street, Mount Pleasant, Commerce Drive, and even alleyways near the Downtown, and they notice that there are so many pieces of street art, they take photos, or post them online, and one day I realised there are not just decoration I have observed that the artwork is very colourful, playful, and even profound at times, as you can see abstract designs, portraits, cultural symbols, social messages, some fun cartoons, and all things serve as a small story to be discovered on the walk around the city, making it an interesting process of experiencing the work of culture without spending any money or going to a gallery, and I realised that to students and young people, street art becomes the way to experience the culture. The other aspect that surprised me is the fact that street art promotes photography and sharing on social media, since young people are fond of taking photos in the background of the paintings, make reels, and record Tik Toks that slowly make street art a way to express oneself and a way to connect socially, as well as teaches everyone the lesson of appreciating creativity in a very subtle way, since everyone is fond of admiring murals, taking photos of them, and sharing them on social media. Also, I noticed that the variety of the city influences the murals in the city since it is possible to observe the work inspired by Indigenous culture, Asian culture, Latin American culture, and modern pop culture, and such an approach to intercultural relations makes young people more conscious of multiculturalism, tolerance, and inclusion, and indicates that art in the city is not just decorative but also educative, informative, and communal. The street art also makes the youth creative as many of them end up sketching, painting or photographing the murals as a hobby too and in some cases they even attempt to create their own designs in legal areas, which serves them to practice the arts whilst also networking with other people who also aim the same, and in such a way, the creative aspect makes the students and new people confident and happy, which is quite important when you are away at home and adapting to a new city. The other significant information I discovered is that street art tends to make neighbourhoods more pleasant and secure, as a place with a mural would motivate people to walk, take pictures, and appreciate the surrounding, and empty, dark, or unsafe areas become fewer, and local youth feel safe spending time with friends, hidden spots, or examining nooks, and it has a way of silently enhancing social life and social interaction. Vancouver street art is also a great way to tell a story, since most of the murals are historical events, local myths, environmental messages, or personal narratives of the artists, and I was used to walking around and reading a story without words, and to students and young people it is a way to learn about the city and to feel connected and to admire other points of view and it gradually teaches people to be empathetic, conscious and curious about the world. The murals also serve as landmarks to the youths, since when one says, meet me at the mural outside the coffee shop, everyone knows where to go and it becomes an informal, inventive, and entertaining place to meet, unlike the official or formal one and I observed that this little use of art on the wall makes the city more vibrant. Weather also influences how individuals approach street art, in hot weather months you will see groups of friends walking, riding bikes or skateboarding past murals and in rainy months you will still see people standing under small roofs or taking snapshots and moving on as part of their routine, which is how significant street art is as an element of youth daily life, in that it draws attention, creates interest, and becomes habitual even in inclementary weather. Another thing I observed is that street art in Vancouver is highly inclusive, as everyone can look up and enjoy, photograph and share, which makes it accessible to all youths irrespective of their background, financial status, or their status at school and therefore, in a very subtle manner, it teaches the concepts of equality, freedom of expression, appreciation of creativity, all of which is very important to newcomers or students like me who were in the city having a first time experience. The other aspect is the relationship between street art and cafes, shops, and small business, since most of the murals are located in places surrounding well-known places, and this creates a mix of art and lifestyle, which encourages people to walk, find out new locations, and enjoy the city without the need to spend a lot of money, and students, in particular, love to walk, explore areas of the city, and enjoy the culture, which is why the city can be seen as a fun adventure to explore. Gradually, I have noticed that street art also allows young people to speak indirectly, since some of the murals depict social messages, environmental consciousness, or political statements, and although the messages are not obvious, they make any viewer think and discuss, which results in little, but meaningful conversations between students and young individuals, and teaches to think critically and observe the world. I also noticed that street art leaves imprints, as lots of people take photos with friends at the murals, visit old favourites, or even do little walking tours with friends through the murals and this becomes a part of their story of life in Vancouver, or to a newcomer to the city like myself, it makes me feel part of the culture, discovered, and connected with it. It, too, encourages youth to love the city, as when the street is lovely, colourful, and significant, people will tend to retain the area clean, safe and pretty and this indirectly teaches the youth to be responsible, proud and involved in the community, which is of paramount importance in the formation of social awareness among the students and newcomers. Eventually, I realised that Vancouver street art is not simply paintings on the walls; it is a social, cultural, and artistic lifeline among the youths, because it is inspirational, inter-relational, educative, entertaining, and unforgettable and it quietly shapes how students and young people explore the city, find friends, express and connect with their world and that is why I understand that the colourful walls, the hidden alleys, and the colourful murals of Vancouver are more than just a decorative element, they are a part of the social and cultural identity of youth in this city.

When I first arrived in Vancouver I found something that was very dissimilar to India and that is that youths in this part of the world are more concerned with the fitness than with anything I have ever seen before, that is to say that fitness is everywhere you look, that it is not only about how one looks, but is also about health, community, mental tranquility, and style of life since you can find students, workers, and even normal people in the city walking, running, hiking, biking, going to the gym, taking yoga classes, cold plunging or even trying outdoor calisthenics As an illustration, hiking is omnipresent in Vancouver, and the youths there treat it as a near ritual, because even in instances of rains or when it is cold, groups of students or friends will go out hiking to places such as Grouse Mountain, Cypress, Lynn Valley, or the numerous number of trails, all around the North Shore, and even though it may be exercise, it is also a way to unwind, enjoy the environment, take pictures, and even make new friends, and the ironic part is that each of them carries a small backpack of water, sn The other observation is that in Vancouver, gyms are quite frequent and available, and youths attend them not just to work on their muscles, but also to keep fit, relieve stress, or simply to have something to do after classes or work and the gyms are very welcoming and accepting, with trainers willing to help beginners so that it is very easy to get into without feeling judged and I believe this is very unlike in India, where gyms can be quite intimidating or very serious. This is more a lifestyle than a display of fitness. I also noticed that outdoor fitness parks such as calisthenics areas in which you can perform a pull-up, push-up, and dip among others using bars and benches are popular among people who come together in numbers in these places and therefore teach each other exercises, share tips or just chat in the process of exercising and this makes fitness to be a social and a community affair as opposed to it being a personal affair. A cold plunge or rather an ice bath is another interesting current that I heard with more youths, and it was interesting to see how many young people willingly get into a freezing pool in winter just to reap the mental and physical rewards and I was amazed that on the one hand, they can become so adventurous and disciplined that they willingly choose to do anything in order to experience the benefits and benefits of cold water, and on the other hand they are eager to share their experience on social media, which will motivate others to do the same. Mental health also relates well to the Vancouver culture of fitness, as young people freely discuss the issue of stress, anxiety, and the need to take care of their brains and bodies simultaneously, and I noticed that hiking in the forest, running by the Seawall, yoga in parks, or gym are equally about the number of calories, but rather about a relaxed, serene state and concentration in everyday life, which makes the lifestyle here very balanced. The other thing I observed is how food is linked to the fitness culture, as students and young people consume it in a manner that is complementary to their activity such as intake of more vegetables, proteins, fruits, and hydration and although some people still consume comfort food they balance with their workouts and this health practice is gradually developing into the norms of people living in this area. Social interaction also enhances during outdoor activities since in the process of running or hiking, people socialize, assist each other and in some cases even form running or hiking clubs and this brings about new friends, strengthens bonds, and gives them a sense of belonging, which is what international students or newcomers like me who are far away and need to associate themselves with others. I also observed that weather and geography of Vancouver contribute to this situation as well, since, with mountains, parks, trails, lakes, and beaches around, young people can always find a place to run, hike, walk, and bike and the rain or cold does not stop them; on the contrary, rainy or misty weather and forest smell can make running, hiking, or walking even more beautiful and all this little sensory experiences of nature makes their workouts feel like a rewarding part of their lives. Group activities, such as bootcamps, yoga, Zumba, and cycling groups, are also a part of fitness culture and I observed that people like to do it in groups since it makes workouts enjoyable, social and motivating unlike when it is exercised at home where people do it alone and most times it is only done during gym sessions. One more reason is that technology and applications are very helpful, as most youths trace their training, exchange results, locate courses locally, or join online events, and this enforces a routine, inspiration, and even rivalry among friends, which makes exercise enjoyable and communication-based. I also noticed that even the recreational things such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or skating are embraced in the culture of fitness, as they involve movement, energy, and even adventure, and they bring physical profits and adrenaline rush, which makes Vancouver youth start to enjoy the active lifestyle in many ways. With time I learnt that the culture of fitness is closely tied to how people in Vancouver use their free time, find new friends, see the outdoors, and take care of their minds, and it is not only about the physical appearance or slimness, but a life of full participation, enjoyment of the outdoors, physical well-being, friendship, and finding little things to love in everyday life, and due to such an approach I have found myself enjoying hiking even when it is pouring, going to gyms together, trying yoga outdoors, or trying out new fitness trends, and everyone around me seems to be I also observed that people here value the importance of balance, since they do not exhaust themselves inside gyms or overwork themselves but work on gradual progress, regularity and pleasure and thus, make fitness a habit and lifestyle that is not in a rush, very stressful, like in other places that I have observed. Fitness in Vancouver is not about life apart, it is a part of everyday life, a part of commuting, socializing, hobbies and nature and that is why it silently predetermines lifestyle, personality and even mental health of the young people since you are always on the move, explore, meet people, and enjoy beautiful nature when you are exercising. After months of seeing all this happening, I discovered that the fitness culture in Vancouver is not merely a trend, but rather a culture that permeates every aspect of the lives of the youth, trains them to be disciplined, trains them to be mentally healthy, trains them to make friends, gives them little daily pleasures to enjoy living in the city, and makes them feel healthy and happy in a way they have never been before, since the culture of fitness is not only the culture of a healthy lifestyle, but it also challenges them to grow, discover, and appreciate every single moment of their lives.

The first thing I noticed when I first arrived in Vancouver was that the mode of transport in this city is quite different than in India in the sense that most people back home use either these modes of transport, buses, auto rickshaws, taxis or drive their own vehicles but here, especially among those between 18 and 34 of age, the SkyTrain, buses and SeaBus are a huge part of their lives and they now seem to know how to use it as they can organize their time, socialize and even entertain themselves in the process of commuting. The first impression that I had of SkyTrain is that it makes everyone so independent since unlike India where parents or family usually drop you everywhere, here students and young people get to know what to plan their day around the schedule of the train, where to take which train, where to change, how many minutes it takes and even how long a walk takes to get to the station to the class or work and as a result you grow very fast when you have just arrived in the city. It is not merely a train but a moving social environment where you are likely to see every type of person sitting, standing, reading, listening to music, scrolling their phone, lightly chatting, and even making friends because in Vancouver it is incredibly natural to initiate a small talk with a person crammed next to you on the train, especially when you notice that he/she is holding a laptop or wearing a university hoodie and gently, gradually becoming aware that the transit culture here is one that promotes independence as well as small-scale social interactions. Another notable fact is how transportation impacts style and fashion since when everyone is walking to a train or bus station regardless of the weather, they will start to dress in similar ways, such as jackets that can withstand rain, walking shoes, a backpack to carry a laptop, headphones to play music or podcasts, and this uniform kind of look somehow begins to become the youth subculture, in which everyone around is dressed like someone can wear in the city and the weather. Then there is the culture of entertainment that builds around transit, since young people tend to spend much of their time commuting between home, school, work, and friends, and even though they are commuting, they are listening to music, watching YouTube videos, scrolling through Tik Tok, chatting with friends online, reading books and playing mobile games, and I discovered that this simple slice of time on the train or bus is actually really crucial in forming habits, trends and interests, because whatever you listen to, watch or read during this time of commuting becomes a part of your personality and you even begin to suggest music, shows I also observed how the SkyTrain pushes time, since you miss a train by two minutes then you might have to wait five or ten minutes till the next train, and a little waiting time can change your schedule, and people are much more careful with time than India where it may be unpredictable to wait till the next train comes and people are not always that careful with planning everything. The other large component is that SkyTrain and buses make friendships and the dating culture, as discussing with friends or classmates all in regular time in transit, it is often observed that you are snacking or sharing snacks, with people giving directions, or even planning a lunch or study session, and occasionally young people find someone appealing on the train and it becomes the beginning of a friendship or dating life, and I found out that transit here is where social life is silently taking place and not imposed. Vancouver public transport also influences the hobbies and creative expression in that most students are carrying cameras or sketch books or musical instruments and you find at times you see people quietly practicing or taking a photo of the urban life as they wait, or ride and the city seems like it is their classroom or their stage where young people watch and learn and share what they have experienced online or in person. Another interesting fact that I noticed is how the transit accessibility makes Vancouver seem smaller than its actual size because even when your university is 20 kilometers away or your part-time job is on the other end of the city, trains, buses, and the SeaBus can make everything reachable, and it makes students and young workers feel more confident in exploring various neighbourhoods such as Main Street, Commercial Drive, Kitsilano or Richmond, without having to travel by car, or even to park, which results not only in the lifestyle choices, but also in the choice of concerts, cafes, exploration It is also the SkyTrain that creates the language of everyday discussions and local knowledge, since we discuss which stations are crowded, which trains are quicker, which roads are safe at night, and minor details like that become a part of the shared culture of young Vancouverites, and even a newcomer like me begins to study and engage in these discourses as it makes us feel like we belong. I also observed how the use of public transportation makes people think about carrying small necessities, such as reusable bottles, snacks, headphones, books, or chargers, due to the fact that you never know how long your ride will last and whether there will be delays, and such a small habit of being prepared quietly develops the skills of life, patience, and planning, which is what is highly valued by students and young professionals trying to adapt to urban life. It also influences the way young people can venture into food and culture since stations are often located near cafes, restaurants, street food trucks, and small stores, the people tend to discover something new to eat, listen to, or do on their daily commute, and it gradually becomes a routine of trying something new each week just because the station is there. The other thing is that SkyTrain and buses have instilled a certain level of personal space sensitivity and courtesy since everyone must share small compartments and seats and young people have been taught to be polite, not to use loud phones, and to have small etiquette habits which does influence their behaviour in other walks of life such as at the university or at the workplace. I have also observed that when it rains, which is frequent in Vancouver, the transit system becomes even more significant, as walking a long distance is not comfortable, and the SkyTrain and buses give people an opportunity not to get wet and cold, which makes students and workers more thorough and dresses better and, moreover, enjoy seeing the rain through the window and being in a warm place, which gradually turns into a little everyday pleasure. Digital habits are also promoted by transit culture, as everyone is on apps to check schedules, maps, or updates on delays, and young people here are highly tech-oriented, planning their day through the phone, sharing their whereabouts with friends, or even booking rides together, and which I found incredibly fascinating as someone who comes to know the world in India. With time I began to understand that the transit system is not merely a machine designed to transport individuals between locations, but to some extent it is a part of the personality of the city, a part of youth culture, a part of learning and studying because it teaches us independence, responsibility, socialization, curiosity, punctuality and patience, and it does so to some extent which, when it comes to spending most of your everyday life in this city, quietly shapes your personality. To the youths, it is a little platform where life takes place, friendships, hobbies, ideas, routines are formed, and even little romantic ties are made. I have coined the name SkyTrain generation because this generation learns life lessons in the course of the daily trips, sees people, finds new places, and silently develops a culture of the city which is very unique. Several months later I realized that Vancouver transit is one of the things that make people here young and confident, social, aware, and connected to the city, since hopefully no matter where you are going, with the help of a train, bus, or SeaBus, you always meet someone, see something, or learn something new, and that little daily experience adds up over time to make a special lifestyle, and that is why I believe that young people here consider transit as a way to get to a certain place, but in the end, it is a classroom, a small social place, a cultural platform and a small hub of lifestyle at a same time.

One of the greatest surprises of mine when I first came to Vancouver was the fact that actually the food culture was one of the things that surprised me the most since in India, food is not merely something that one eats but it is also a component of our feelings, our lives, our family, our traditions and even our mood, and when I got to Vancouver I knew in a second that food culture is the thing that this city takes very seriously and, consequently, it makes all people like myself really enjoy our time here. I could observe people everywhere around Vancouver, sitting together with friends and having a meal in a very comfortable manner, nothing in a hurry, nothing stressful, and this little detail helped me to realize that maybe this city is trying to say me that not every day in life should be so sudden, and you can sit down and have something good and enjoy those people being around. Another fact, which I noticed, is that Vancouver is very fond of fresh food, and there are moments when I think that this city is crazy about freshness, as even such a small thing as vegetables and fruits appear to be beautiful here, particularly in such places as Granville Island Market where it feels like I am walking in a picture. Whenever I visit it it smells of fresh bread, fresh fish, fresh fruits, everything, this makes me think that food is alive in this city, and I like this aspect since back home also we give much attention to fresh ingredients. The other large thing that strikes every single thing in Vancouver is the variety of food available, since in a single street you can stop at Indian food, Chinese food, Japanese food, Italian food, Korean food, Filipino food, Mexican food, Middle East food and many more types of food that I have never even thought of trying before, and that is so exciting when someone like me who likes to try something new treats it as a whole world at once but misses the home as well. Once I tried Japanese ramen here, it was the first the time in my life, that the soup can make you feel something, as it was so warm, tasty and simple and at that point I realised, why this soup is so popular among the people in Vancouver during the cold and rainy seasons. And then the Indian restaurants here, which leaves me feeling very much at home, as although the taste is not always the same as what we have in India, the spices, the aroma, and the entire atmosphere makes me feel like I am back at home and because even though the people here have many other backgrounds, the Indian food is being taken seriously by people. The other large section of the Vancouver food culture is the fact that people enjoy sitting in small cute cafes and taking pastries or coffee and even though I am not that into coffee, I like how I feel sitting in the cafes in Vancouver with my laptop or with a friend and I cannot easily describe the feeling of calmness that this place offers. Another observation I made is that here people are so health conscious about food, and at the initial stages, I found myself laughing at this since I was thinking that everybody is eating salad at all times. However, with a bit of time I realised the fact that the people of Vancouver have such a particular ratio between enjoying food and taking care of their bodies and gradually I started to even feel like enjoying a light food every now and then. The other thing which is always notable to me about Vancouver, is the politeness and friendliness of the people serving in food places, as in India, the service given is always good though not always warm but in Vancouver, almost everyone smiles at you, inquires about your day, thanks you in such a sweet manner that you feel like that particular person really wants you to have a good experience. This small human gesture welcomed me into the city in my early years when everything was new and baffling. The other aspect, that I find very interesting, is that most people here are vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free or plant-based, and in India it is not that common except that vegetarianism, but here in Vancouver it is so normal that everybody has choices to suit all types of people, which made me realise how food can be inclusive in a very simplistic way. I also enjoy that Vancouver has food trucks, as back home we do have street food, but the presentation is quite different, and here the food trucks are clean and colourful, and they are selling such different and varied food as fusion tacos, Korean fried chicken, ice cream sandwiches, and even Indian style wraps, and I feel like the food truck culture demonstrates how innovative Vancouver is regarding food. The entire food energy surrounding the city suffers a transformation of sorts since summer arrives, and people begin to go on picnics, purchase fresh fruits in the farmers markets and sell ice cream as they take walks close to beach, and occasionally it reminds me about Indian summers where we eat mangoes, juice and spend some time with friends and family outside. And in the winter time, food becomes closer and warmer, such as soups, hot chocolate, dumplings, curries, and any other comfort food that keeps you safe against the coldness of the outside world. This is also a habit of Vancouver combining flavours of different cultures, and I like that since it usually seems that food here is not dictated by rules and people like trying new combinations, such as Indian butter chicken on Italian pizza or Korean flavours in tacos or Japanese ingredients in burgers, and somehow they taste good, and demonstrate how open-minded Vancouver is. Grocery shopping is an enjoyable experience even here, as the grocery stores offer items that represent such a variety of regions of the world, hence when I am homesick, I will always find atta, rice, masalas, paneer, achar, and any other item that I am accustomed to. All these experiences helped me realize the fact that Vancouver food culture does not only revolve around eating, but also about connection, comfort, community, creativity and identity and now every time I go to eat in this city, I feel like I am discovering a little bit more about the people that live in this city. And at times when I sit alone in a restaurant or cafe, I see families chatting, friends laughing, couples eating and strangers savoring their moments together and I realise how food is one way of people here taking a step back and connecting with each other just as we Indians love sitting together and talking as we eat. The food culture in Vancouver has taught me that food can be a beautiful experience of being at home even though you are thousands of miles away and thanks to all this that I can now appreciate why so many people claim Vancouver is one of the best cities to be a food lover because it is kind of like sitting down to a plate and trying to find that the entire world is on it and because of all this; I can feel I am less alone and more a part of the city. That is why, Vancouver food culture is so dear to me because it provides me with the feeling of being comfortable, excited, happy, and having a bit of home with each bite.

I did not immediately realize how obsessed Vancouver is with bubble tea when I initially observed how ridiculous it seemed when the first thing I thought was that it was a joke, that bubble tea was just a frivolous little thing that youths do to have fun, something cute, but then I came to realize that bubble tea is not a drink as many people have treated it to be, but rather a complete personality of many young individuals, specifically those that fall under the age brackets of 18-34 and it is something they do to have fun as they treat it like the rest of their personalities, as Chai and coffee is everything in India and this place has it everywhere but here the bubble tea is the real star, and the thing is that, people do not simply go and drink tea, they go to experience the whole atmosphere that comes with it. What a bubble tea shop in Vancouver looks and feels like: soft lighting, pastel colours, large menu boards, cute cartoons, soothing music, the atmosphere is very relaxed and one would want to stay longer. I also noticed a great number of students sitting there, drinking their bubble tea, studying, talking with friends, taking pictures on an Instagram or Tik Tok, or just sitting and resting. Once you have a bubble tea cup in your hand it in some way helps to relieve as it is cold when you are holding the cup, it tastes good and you can easily drink it whilst you are walking or sitting. In this case, the youths in this part of the world consider bubble tea a life style accessory, just as in India some individuals carry a cup of chai as they stroll through a college campus. Although individuals do not have big plans, they say, let us go get boba and it is already an outing in itself. The drink becomes the plan. The stores are turned into social places. You do not have to have a reason to go; you just go because you want to have that kind of feeling of a small treat. And not in the manner in which coffee can be strong and serious, bubble tea is light, cute, and friendly, which is quite consistent with the atmosphere of youth in Vancouver. The other thing that outrageous shocked me was the degree of choice. In India, the tea is primarily: milk tea, black tea, ginger tea, masala tea. However in bubble tea shop in Vancouver, the menu is so large that it appears to be a regular restaurant. You have a variety of milk tea, fruit tea, slush, smoothie, brown sugar, matcha, taro, Thai tea, mango, strawberry and so many other flavours, which I have never ever heard of in my life. Then you personalise the sugar, ice content, toppings such as pearl, jelly, pudding, foam, cheese foam, grass jelly, lychee jelly, coffee jelly and so on and on. I would have considered that people will be confused, but the young generation here has a passion to select every minor detail as this personalizes the drink. They make it the Maggi or chai way that we make it back home. There is a person who does not want sugar, another wants more sugar, another does not want ice, another wants warm, another wants oat milk, another wants soy milk, and the employees of such shops are prepared to all this information. The drink turns into a means through which people are able to show minor preferences. The other observation I made is that bubble tea can make an identity of an individual. You can hear such things as I am a taro person, I only drink brown sugar boba, I like matcha with half ice. It turns into little miniature of themselves and friends even make fun of one another about their preferred flavours much like Indians how they mocked each other about the amount of sugar they add in their chai. There is a comical yet healthy connection between young people around Vancouver as they share bubble tea. To use an instance, as two individuals have their first date the safest bet is always a bubble tea store since the place is quiet, the light is gentle, you do not need to eat sloppy food and you can easily talk as you suck your drink. Most of the couples living in this area tell us that they had their first date in a bubble tea shop and some people even joke that they cannot date a person who does not like bubble tea. It is a fun bonding exercise. You also notice a high number of groups of friends who are out at night and find themselves in bubble tea shops. Many of the places in Vancouver are closed early and the city goes to bed early hence bubble tea stores are open later than many cafes and this makes them one of the best places to hangout in the evenings and at night. You can sit and spend long hours without haste and the atmosphere is not that hot, it suits students who are too tired after classes or work and want to relax, not paying too much money on it. Another thing I discovered is that bubble tea is a massive component of the Asian culture, and since there is a large population of Asians in Vancouver, particularly Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean, Filipino, and Japanese, the bubble tea market remains highly dynamic. A lot of international students feel that they are at home since bubble tea reminds them of their countries. This makes bubble tea a cultural comfort beverage, something that one knows back home, in an unfamiliar city. In India, we have the chai shops and lassi shops wherein they feel at home whereas many Asian students in Vancouver have bubble tea shops where they feel at home. And due to such mixing of cultures in this place, bubble tea will become a common thing that all people will have together, regardless of their origin, whether Asian, Indian, Canadian, Middle East, or any other. The other huge factor that makes bubble tea popular is that it is pretty to capture photos. Youths are fond of posting bubble tea on their Instagram, Tik Tok, and Snapchat. The beverages are vibrant, the cups are adorable, the toppings appear whimsical, and even the shops are fashionable, thus making a photograph with the bubble tea a minor aesthetic experience. You will find it easy to scroll through the social media in Vancouver and see a lot of posts with words such as boba date, late night boba run or matcha mood. I even watched the people listing bubble tea stores on Tik Tok, conducting taste tests, reviewing, and suggesting new flavours. Bubble tea is then a drink and a social media content. The other thing that struck me was the fact that bubble tea is now a means of combating stress. The assignments are long; the students here are working part time, and there is a lot of pressure, so many of them claim that bubble tea helps them to relax. It is like a small reward. They tell, I am done with my homework, boba, and I had long day, boba. It brings a bit of happiness, such as we have a cup of chai in India when we are feeling fatigued. Even when walking the rainy evening in Vancouver, having a warm bubble tea in hand is very peaceful, particularly with the drizzling rain and the cool air. There are also some bubble tea stores in Vancouver which is so iconic that students use them as a landmark. When you say to your friends, “Meet me at Chatime” or Let us go to Coco or Bubble World everybody understands what you are talking about. These areas act as protection areas to the youths. You have got students with laptops, friends laughing, couples sharing a drink with two straws and workers taking large orders on behalf of groups. The mood is never bad, hostile, or unpleasant. And, I believe that is the greatest reason why bubble tea was such a huge culture in Vancouver: it is comfortable. It gives a sense of community. It grants you a little joy you can feel in your hand. It provides you with a sitting place even when it is cold and wet in the city. It provides you a little reprieve of stress. It provides you with an activity to participate in with your friends without having a grand plan. In this case, bubble tea is not only a drink. It is an emotion, a habit, a fad, a comfort, a culture and to most youths in Vancouver, it is an identity. I have lived here now, and I now know why they are so intoxicated with it, and at times I too feel the need to drive in and get myself a bubble tea at night to partake in the peaceful Vancouver atmosphere that comes along with a bubble tea.

When I first came to Vancouver, people keep telling me that this city is all about rain, and honestly I did not understand how rain can become such a big part of life until I actually lived here for some time, and slowly I realised that Vancouver rain is not like the rain we see back home in India where it comes suddenly, pours heavily, floods some roads, then goes away after some time. Here the rain is keep raining, almost like someone slowly dropping water from a spoon instead of a bucket, and because it rains for so many months, the entire lifestyle of young people in Vancouver changes around it without them even noticing. The clothes people wear, the places they visit, the food they enjoy, their mood, their friendships, their hangout spots, everything has a small connection to the rainy weather. When you walk anywhere in Vancouver, especially Downtown, UBC, Commercial Drive or near the SeaWall, you will see one thing very common: everyone looks ready for rain all the time. People wear waterproof jackets, simple hoodies, dark layers, caps, and waterproof shoes because even if the weather app says sunny, the sky can suddenly start dripping. I noticed that people here dress more for comfort than style because they know the rain can come at any moment. Even the backpacks look similar, almost every student has a waterproof backpack, because nobody wants their laptop to get wet while walking to class or work. Vancouver fashion is basically rain-friendly fashion, and after some time even I started wearing the same type of clothes without thinking. Another thing that Vancouver rain changes is the café culture. I had seen cafés before, but I never saw people treat cafés like second homes until I lived in this city. Because of the rain, people naturally want to sit somewhere warm and comfortable, and cafés give that exact feeling. The moment you step inside, you feel safe from the cold and the wetness outside. You smell coffee, you hear soft music, and you see people working on laptops, reading books, chatting with friends, going on first dates, attending online classes, or simply staring outside the window watching the rain fall. Many young people here say they feel more productive in cafés because the rain outside makes everything feel slow and calm. If Vancouver did not have so much rain, I don’t think the café culture would be this strong. The rain basically pushes people indoors, and cafés become social hubs where friendships start and memories form. Another thing about Vancouver is that people walk everywhere, even in the rain. In India, rain usually stops everything. Autos refuse to go, buses get delayed, and everyone runs for shelter. But in Vancouver, people just pull up the hood on their jacket or open an umbrella and keep walking like nothing is happening. The rain here is gentle, so walking in it actually feels peaceful. The air becomes very fresh, the trees smell nice, and everything looks clean. On the SeaWall you will see people jogging even in the drizzle, and it looks very normal because Vancouverites are used to it. The rain is not a disturbance here, it is just a normal part of daily life. But with all this rain, the mood of people also changes. Vancouver winters are long and dark, and some people feel a bit low or slow during long rainy weeks. Some days you wake up and everything looks grey, and it becomes harder to feel energetic. Young people talk about this openly, and I think the rain teaches them to understand their feelings better. At the same time, rainy days also bring a special comfort. Sitting in your room with a hot drink, listening to soft music, and hearing the gentle rain outside gives a peaceful feeling that is hard to explain. Even though the rain can feel heavy on the mind sometimes, it also gives small joys like warm food and cozy evenings. Speaking of food, rainy weather in Vancouver makes everyone love warm comfort meals. Ramen is extremely popular here, and on a cold rainy day you will see long lines outside small ramen shops. People also love hot chocolate, soups, chai, pho, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Warm food tastes better when the weather is cold, and Vancouver’s young crowd enjoys this simple pleasure a lot. Another big thing the rain helps is the nature of the city. Vancouver is full of green parks and forests, and they stay green because of the rain. When you go to Stanley Park or Lynn Valley on a rainy day, everything looks shiny and fresh. The forest smells amazing, and the trees drop small drops of water that make the whole place look magical. Young people here love hiking even when it is raining lightly, and many say it feels like therapy because the forest becomes quieter during rain. Vancouver’s connection to nature is very strong, and rain is the reason behind this deep green beauty. Living in this city also changes your habits. Without noticing, you start carrying an umbrella everywhere. You start checking the sky every few minutes. You know which side of the sidewalk has more cover so you walk there. You avoid puddles like a pro. Slowly you start behaving like a Vancouver local, always prepared for rain even if the sun is shining. The rain also creates many small joys that only people living here understand. For example, the sound of the rain hitting your window at night, the way the city lights shine on the wet roads, the smell of wet trees in the parks, the view of the mountains hiding behind clouds, and the peaceful feeling of riding a bus while watching raindrops slide down the window. These simple moments make Vancouver feel cozy and calm. If the city was sunny all year, these little magical moments would not exist. After living here long enough, I started to understand that the rain is not something negative. It actually gives the city its personality. It makes people dress differently, behave differently, feel differently, and spend time differently. It brings strangers together in cafés, it makes people enjoy nature more deeply, it encourages warm food and slow days, and it teaches everyone to find comfort in small things. So now I truly believe that Vancouver’s rain is special. It is like the quiet storyteller of the whole city, shaping lifestyles without saying a single word, influencing young people in a soft, gentle way, and giving the city a unique charm that you can only understand when you live here long enough to feel it.

I migrated to Vancouver in India. My impression was that I was familiar with the city due to Instagram and YouTube videos. The Granville Island, Stanley park, capilano suspension bridge all were pretty. But I believed there was more than the average tourist attractions in the city. When the person is in the age group of 18 to 34, the issue of finding hidden places is not only about sights. It is about getting to know your city, getting to know how to hang out cheaply, create memories without massive crowds. Vancouver is not about big landmarks only but about its little nooks, local market and quaint cafes. On a rainy afternoon I was walking around East Vancouver with an umbrella and came across a little bookstore cafe which is called Paper Trail. It was not on any guidebook. The visitor had left books, journals and handwritten notes in large numbers inside. The coffee and the old books smell made me feel like I was home. Such locations are very good where young adults can study, socialize or have individual time. The area that I like best as an off beat area is Commercial Drive, also known as The Drive by the locals. It is a varied place of many cultures, music, and food unlike the polished streets on downtown. Strolling down the Drive is like the brief journey to various nations without leaving Vancouver. Italian bakeries are positioned next to Ethiopian cafes, small pubs with live music. Being a person who misses the food diversity in the native country, India, visiting The Drive is a small food journey every weekend. It is one of the locations where young adults are able to hang out, sample inexpensive food, and immerse themselves in local culture. The other jewel is the Queen Elizabeth Park. Stanley Park is the home to many tourists, yet this park has less busy trails, beautiful gardens, and expansive panoramic visions of the city. The Bloedel Conservatory within the park is a tropical homeland of green plants, exotic birds, and a very peaceful atmosphere close to magic. I came to see a friend in a photo project; there were no people around and the environment was very tranquil and ideal to concentrate on nature and enjoy it in calmness. In the case of young adults who are students or work part-time, this type of park is one of the best options to go to have time to relax, meditate, or even spend a peaceful afternoon. Another secret place of interest is Trout Lake and John Hendry Park in East Vancouver. Contrary to busy lakes, Trout Lake has running tracks, community centre and picnic areas where people gathered together. I tend to attend soccer matches or yoga lessons there on weekends. The atmosphere is welcoming and also a wonderful place to interact with other young adults. In India, the parks are often congested and noisy but the feeling of community and serenity makes it a unique encounter in India. You can go out there, socialise or read a book by the water. Vancouver is lacking in micro-cafes and co-working cafes, which tourists can find in other regions of the state, especially among coffee lovers and digital nomads. Coffee shops such as 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters or The Birds and The Beets are not only selling coffee. They are comfortable with Wi-Fi, and the students or young professionals can feel at home. One of the cafes kept me busy all afternoon as I worked on my assignments and watched the drawings of local artists on the walls. These secluded locations are perfect in young adults who desire a work-leisure combination. Another street art that is a secret treasure in Vancouver is its street art. Other neighborhoods such as the Mount Pleasant and Main Street have murals and graffiti narrating the culture, history and diversity of the city. I usually conduct street art hunts on the weekend with friends and then capture pictures to post them in social media. The soul of Vancouver has a gritty, no-frills appearance accompanied by street art. Among the young adults who are artistic, these places are the inspirations towards photography, sketching or even trying out new styles. The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at UBC is usually overlooked by unintended visitors; however, there are people who enjoy history and culture. It possesses numerous artefacts, art, and tales of the First Nation of Canada. As I strolled along the shows, I was able to identify with the history of the city in a manner that would not be possible in other tourist destinations. To students, MOA provides learning experiences that are interesting, thought provoking, yet counterintuitive to say the least. In the North Vancouver, nature lovers may visit the Lynn Canyon Park. Lynn Canyon is free and less hectic as opposed to the popular Capilano Suspension Bridge. It is equipped with hiking trails, suspension bridges and waterfalls. My friends discovered it on an impulsive trip on a Saturday and it soon became one of the favorite weekend outings. The park can be used as a place to go hiking, picnic, or take photographs. In the quest of adventure that young adults wish to make without spending their money, places such as Lynn Canyon are invaluable. Adventures in food do not end in Commercial Drive. Richmond Night Market is one of the places which must be visited to have off-beat food. It is not as congested as Granville Island as it has locals. The market is full of inexpensive food, including bubble tea, dumplings, sushi burritos, etc. It is a social and delicious experience as I usually get the company of friends after work or classes. Among the youths, night markets provide an avenue of having meals together, trying new foods, and getting a taste of the multicultural atmosphere of city. Another secret is Steveston Village in Richmond, which is a great place to visit, particularly when one is interested in history and taking walks beside the water. It is a quaint village of old time fishing with seafood stores, cobblestone walkways, and lonely marina. I went one foggy morning and the atmosphere there was quite different when compared to downtown. Among young adults, Steveston is ideal as a place where one can enjoy a bike ride over the weekend, shoot, or simply spend a relaxing time out of the city. It allows you to experience the history of Vancouver and at the same time have the comfort of the present time. Uniqueness of occurrences is also present in Vancouver that tourists usually fail to capture. The Vancouver Mural Festival or small indie music nights in such places as Biltmore Cabaret are a good example of local entertainment. By going to such events, young adults will get to enjoy the arts scene of the city, expose him or herself to like-minded people, and have a good time without necessarily spending a lot. These experiences are real and leave a permanent impression bigger than an Instagram post unlike the generic tourist spots. Vintage stores and boutiques that can be found on the Main Street are a treasure to people who enjoy curious shopping. These stores are perfect when it comes to young adults that love fashion and want to have something special; whether it is handmade jewelry or retro clothes. One of the things that I found that I liked as my daily bag is an old leather backpack. Shopping at these places is not only purchasing but discovering secret nooks, encountering the shop owners of this city, and experiencing the spirit of creativity in Vancouver. Even minor beaches such as the Second Beach or the Wreck Beach of Vancouver contain some beauty within them. These small beaches provide some serene space to enjoy sunsets, volleyball or hang with friends whereas English Bay is overcrowded. Wreck Beach is characterized by a special counterculture that attracts the attention of many young adults. These are weekend chill out beaches, photography beaches or beaches to get back to touch with nature. It is also an adventure to travel to remote locations. Young adults have the chance to visit locations that are difficult to access by car with the help of buses, SkyTrain, or cycle paths. I frequently organize weekend travels that involve using transit and walking, exploring such neighbourhoods as Commercial Drive, Mount Pleasant, or Steveston. Public transport is additionally an activity that provides the journey with fun and uncertainty and therefore makes the journey experience. To sum up, the secret spots of Vancouver do not limit themselves to the usual tourist places. To individuals between the ages of 18 and 34, the places are not just sightseeing places. It is community, culture, low end, and self development. The city has lots to offer in terms of cozy cafes and street art routes, quiet parks, markets and even quirky neighborhoods. These off-beat locations allow young adults to have an experience with the city unlike the common tourist attractions which are always full of people. They provide opportunities to socialise, create, to explore, to relax all that should be a part of the balanced city life. You will find your quiet spot in a park, sample new street food, local shows and art that you never knew existed, there is something to do in Vancouver provided one is curious and willing to seek it. As a student, young professional, or a newcomer to India and all other countries, these secret spots allow you to know the city, find friends, and avoid making memories that are mundane. It is not only about the well-known places in Vancouver, it is about discovering your own favourite one corner after another. Then take your umbrella, bike or transit card and go around the city like a true local. The city of Vancouver is callling to be visited and the new experiences that you will acquire in the city will make your experience in the city something that a tourist guide can never give.

I migrated to Vancouver in India. My impression was that I was familiar with the city due to Instagram and YouTube videos. The Granville Island, Stanley park, capilano suspension bridge all were pretty. But I believed there was more than the average tourist attractions in the city. When the person is in the age group of 18 to 34, the issue of finding hidden places is not only about sights. It is about getting to know your city, getting to know how to hang out cheaply, create memories without massive crowds. Vancouver is not about big landmarks only but about its little nooks, local market and quaint cafes. On a rainy afternoon I was walking around East Vancouver with an umbrella and came across a little bookstore cafe which is called Paper Trail. It was not on any guidebook. The visitor had left books, journals and handwritten notes in large numbers inside. The coffee and the old books smell made me feel like I was home. Such locations are very good where young adults can study, socialize or have individual time. The area that I like best as an off beat area is Commercial Drive, also known as The Drive by the locals. It is a varied place of many cultures, music, and food unlike the polished streets on downtown. Strolling down the Drive is like the brief journey to various nations without leaving Vancouver. Italian bakeries are positioned next to Ethiopian cafes, small pubs with live music. Being a person who misses the food diversity in the native country, India, visiting The Drive is a small food journey every weekend. It is one of the locations where young adults are able to hang out, sample inexpensive food, and immerse themselves in local culture. The other jewel is the Queen Elizabeth Park. Stanley Park is the home to many tourists, yet this park has less busy trails, beautiful gardens, and expansive panoramic visions of the city. The Bloedel Conservatory within the park is a tropical homeland of green plants, exotic birds, and a very peaceful atmosphere close to magic. I came to see a friend in a photo project; there were no people around and the environment was very tranquil and ideal to concentrate on nature and enjoy it in calmness. In the case of young adults who are students or work part-time, this type of park is one of the best options to go to have time to relax, meditate, or even spend a peaceful afternoon. Another secret place of interest is Trout Lake and John Hendry Park in East Vancouver. Contrary to busy lakes, Trout Lake has running tracks, community centre and picnic areas where people gathered together. I tend to attend soccer matches or yoga lessons there on weekends. The atmosphere is welcoming and also a wonderful place to interact with other young adults. In India, the parks are often congested and noisy but the feeling of community and serenity makes it a unique encounter in India. You can go out there, socialise or read a book by the water. Vancouver is lacking in micro-cafes and co-working cafes, which tourists can find in other regions of the state, especially among coffee lovers and digital nomads. Coffee shops such as 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters or The Birds and The Beets are not only selling coffee. They are comfortable with Wi-Fi, and the students or young professionals can feel at home. One of the cafes kept me busy all afternoon as I worked on my assignments and watched the drawings of local artists on the walls. These secluded locations are perfect in young adults who desire a work-leisure combination. Another street art that is a secret treasure in Vancouver is its street art. Other neighborhoods such as the Mount Pleasant and Main Street have murals and graffiti narrating the culture, history and diversity of the city. I usually conduct street art hunts on the weekend with friends and then capture pictures to post them in social media. The soul of Vancouver has a gritty, no-frills appearance accompanied by street art. Among the young adults who are artistic, these places are the inspirations towards photography, sketching or even trying out new styles. The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at UBC is usually overlooked by unintended visitors; however, there are people who enjoy history and culture. It possesses numerous artefacts, art, and tales of the First Nation of Canada. As I strolled along the shows, I was able to identify with the history of the city in a manner that would not be possible in other tourist destinations. To students, MOA provides learning experiences that are interesting, thought provoking, yet counterintuitive to say the least. In the North Vancouver, nature lovers may visit the Lynn Canyon Park. Lynn Canyon is free and less hectic as opposed to the popular Capilano Suspension Bridge. It is equipped with hiking trails, suspension bridges and waterfalls. My friends discovered it on an impulsive trip on a Saturday and it soon became one of the favorite weekend outings. The park can be used as a place to go hiking, picnic, or take photographs. In the quest of adventure that young adults wish to make without spending their money, places such as Lynn Canyon are invaluable. Adventures in food do not end in Commercial Drive. Richmond Night Market is one of the places which must be visited to have off-beat food. It is not as congested as Granville Island as it has locals. The market is full of inexpensive food, including bubble tea, dumplings, sushi burritos, etc. It is a social and delicious experience as I usually get the company of friends after work or classes. Among the youths, night markets provide an avenue of having meals together, trying new foods, and getting a taste of the multicultural atmosphere of city. Another secret is Steveston Village in Richmond, which is a great place to visit, particularly when one is interested in history and taking walks beside the water. It is a quaint village of old time fishing with seafood stores, cobblestone walkways, and lonely marina. I went one foggy morning and the atmosphere there was quite different when compared to downtown. Among young adults, Steveston is ideal as a place where one can enjoy a bike ride over the weekend, shoot, or simply spend a relaxing time out of the city. It allows you to experience the history of Vancouver and at the same time have the comfort of the present time. Uniqueness of occurrences is also present in Vancouver that tourists usually fail to capture. The Vancouver Mural Festival or small indie music nights in such places as Biltmore Cabaret are a good example of local entertainment. By going to such events, young adults will get to enjoy the arts scene of the city, expose him or herself to like-minded people, and have a good time without necessarily spending a lot. These experiences are real and leave a permanent impression bigger than an Instagram post unlike the generic tourist spots. Vintage stores and boutiques that can be found on the Main Street are a treasure to people who enjoy curious shopping. These stores are perfect when it comes to young adults that love fashion and want to have something special; whether it is handmade jewelry or retro clothes. One of the things that I found that I liked as my daily bag is an old leather backpack. Shopping at these places is not only purchasing but discovering secret nooks, encountering the shop owners of this city, and experiencing the spirit of creativity in Vancouver. Even minor beaches such as the Second Beach or the Wreck Beach of Vancouver contain some beauty within them. These small beaches provide some serene space to enjoy sunsets, volleyball or hang with friends whereas English Bay is overcrowded. Wreck Beach is characterized by a special counterculture that attracts the attention of many young adults. These are weekend chill out beaches, photography beaches or beaches to get back to touch with nature. It is also an adventure to travel to remote locations. Young adults have the chance to visit locations that are difficult to access by car with the help of buses, SkyTrain, or cycle paths. I frequently organize weekend travels that involve using transit and walking, exploring such neighbourhoods as Commercial Drive, Mount Pleasant, or Steveston. Public transport is additionally an activity that provides the journey with fun and uncertainty and therefore makes the journey experience. To sum up, the secret spots of Vancouver do not limit themselves to the usual tourist places. To individuals between the ages of 18 and 34, the places are not just sightseeing places. It is community, culture, low end, and self development. The city has lots to offer in terms of cozy cafes and street art routes, quiet parks, markets and even quirky neighborhoods. These off-beat locations allow young adults to have an experience with the city unlike the common tourist attractions which are always full of people. They provide opportunities to socialise, create, to explore, to relax all that should be a part of the balanced city life. You will find your quiet spot in a park, sample new street food, local shows and art that you never knew existed, there is something to do in Vancouver provided one is curious and willing to seek it. As a student, young professional, or a newcomer to India and all other countries, these secret spots allow you to know the city, find friends, and avoid making memories that are mundane. It is not only about the well-known places in Vancouver, it is about discovering your own favourite one corner after another. Then take your umbrella, bike or transit card and go around the city like a true local. The city of Vancouver is callling to be visited and the new experiences that you will acquire in the city will make your experience in the city something that a tourist guide can never give.

I am a 22 years old Indian student with my place of residence being Vancouver and I soon discovered that the transportation around the city is a huge component of the daily routine. I do not leave my hometown in India without traffic jams. The city of Vancouver has a well-organized public transit, although it is not without its issues. To young adults such as me, knowing what the transit future will hold is not just about convenience but also how affordable it will be, how it will contribute to the planet and how many more freedoms we will have. The transit system of Vancouver offers numerous choices. There are buses, the SkyTrain, SeaBus, and the West Coast Express which serve various sections of the city and its suburbs. During the first week I was able to use maps, schedules and apps to make my way to BCIT out of my apartment. It was disorienting, yet thrilling, too – it turned out that the public transportation does work, provided that you know how. To individuals who do not own cars it is a literal life saver. The Lower Mainland is currently undertaking massive improvements since there is a larger influx of people and we cannot afford to pollute the environment. The future plans are to facilitate the traffic, simplify the movement, and propel trains and buses through the city in a quicker fashion. I am also enthusiastic about the Broadway Subway expansion. Currently the electric buses on Broadway are never empty particularly during the rush hour. The extension of the SkyTrain will shorten the commuting duration and make it predictable. It is everything different to students, young workers and part time workers. There is no longer a need to wait in the rain until a bus comes and to skip classes due to traffic jams. New transit plans have a primary objective of sustainability. Vancouver is interested in reducing carbon emissions, and one of the components of it is public transit. The city is challenging electric buses and a target of zero emissions of the public transport within the next decade. This appeals to me as a green young individual. The issue of air quality in India is huge. This is where I envisage how green transit can clean the air, traffic and make the city healthier. The transit is being transformed by technology and Lower Mainland is not an exception. Mobile applications allow keeping track of real-time schedules, route planning, and electronic payments. This assists such students as I to balance the classes, part-time employment, and social life. Even more integration is awaited in the future: smart tickets, artificial route assistants, and in time predict-buses, which inform you of the precise arrival time. Imagine that you get out of your door, open an application and you know when the next SkyTrain or bus will arrive in the minute. Those kinds of preciseness are life-saving to the busy young adults. Transit is concerned about safety. Security cameras, emergency buttons, enhanced lighting make the commutes safer and the walks of women alone especially those who walk late. My friends who stay out to take night classes or work are confident that transit has safety in mind. The new stations will be better lit, with broad platforms, and secure waiting space that benefit the people with disabilities as well. Students and young workers are concerned with affordability. Transit should be affordable to an extent that it is not wallet-straining. The authorities are experimenting with flexible prices, monthly tickets, and regular rider discounts. In India buses are also cheap but extremely crowded. They are more expensive and comfortable in Vancouver. It is intended to provide quality service without being too costly. Reduction of new fares can also make students, young adults, and low-income residents experience more value and motivate more individuals to drive rather than drive. Transit is being connected with cycling and walking to form last-mile connections. Biking and the public transport are combined because bus bike racks, SkyTrain station lockers, and pedestrian-friendly routes allow people to have two modes of transportation. In my case, where I use bikes to go to school, I find this exciting. It creates a healthy life, traffic jam is minimized, and emissions are reduced – a win to the commuters and the planet. Transit plans are influenced by community. The young adults, students and residents are requested by the local governments to give feedback so that service is improved. Town halls, Internet questionnaires and surveys allow citizens to raise their voices regarding overcrowding, frequency, and accessibility. I have conducted some surveys and it is a good feeling to know that our views can transform our everyday life. Transit planning goes beyond buildings, it is the lifestyle of people, their place of work and movement. Access to adjacent suburbs is also of a huge concern. Burnaby, Surrey or Richmond have lots of young people who require good transportation to school or work. The extension of SkyTrains and bus rapid transit will help these regions to get more connected to the core of Vancouver. This reduces the time of traveling and offers more employment and educational opportunities- critical to young adults that aim at balancing between work, education and social activities. Digital videos ensure enhanced experience of passengers. Rides become easier and convenient with the Wi-Fi buses, smart tickets, and interactive screens. Imagine that you are on the SkyTrain doing your homework or reading rather than worrying about the traffic. Technology enhances ease and increases the standard of everyday life of commuters. Inclusivity is a priority. Transit is strategizing among the seniors, the people with disabilities, and families with children. Transit is accessible to all with the use of elevators, ramps, tactile guides and audio announcements. This is important to students or young professionals who have families. People should have safe and just commuting, and the Lower Mainland is headed towards it. The transit hubs are turning into a community place and not a waiting area. Most stations are currently being filled with shops, cafes, and co-working areas. The youth will be able to pick up coffee, have friends or complete a project as they wait to board the train. These hubs make commuting more convenient, comfortable and communal. Transit also is getting connected with other transport modes. In connection with the public transit, car-sharing, ride-hailing, and electric scooters are being linked. This multi-mod can also enable young adults to plan their trips efficiently, reduce expenses and, instead, not own a car. It is a new lifestyle that the younger generation appreciates and is a sustainable way of life. The future transit depends on resilience. Service disruption can happen due to floods, hefty snow and other climatic occurrences. Authorities have more aggressive infrastructure, standby power, and emergency plans to continue transit operations. In the case of an individual miles away, a good transport system is very crucial. Being aware that the system will be able to deal with surprises will alleviate stress on a daily basis. Education and awareness programs allow the population to make good use of transit. Teaching on efficient travels, safety and eco practices, workshops, campaigns and apps are used to teach. These programs made me manage my way into the system, comprehend fares, and ride transit in a responsible manner as an international student. They accept first time youths to the city. Lastly, transit determines community identity. Vancouver has been concerned with public transport due to its values: sustainability, inclusivity, innovation, and quality of life. To young adults, transit equates to having a city that is more people-friendly than automobiles, more orderly than anarchy, and long-term oriented. Commuting is not just about moving between point A to point B, but it is also a means of assisting in shaping the future of the city. Concisely, the transit future of the Lower Mainland is bright, dynamic, and inclusive. Convenience, sustainability, affordability and safety make it convenient, sustainable, cheap and safe to 18-to-34 year olds. The daily commuting is going to alter with the projects such as the Broadway Subway, bus rapid transit, bicycle connections and multi-modal transport. Transit is maintained in tune with an increasingly diverse population because of technology, community input and inclusivity. To students, young employees and new hires, it is crucial to be aware of such changes. It is important in daily life and the long-term choices concerning the environment and lifestyle. Transit is not simply a mode of transportation, but it is a reflection of the values of Vancouver, a means to a sustainable lifestyle, to be able to acquire independence and opportunity. The transit on the Lower Mainland will be getting smart, more convenient, and greener among youths studying, working, and socializing. Young adults can make the process of commuting smooth and rewarding through changes by adopting them, educating themselves on the technology, and assisting in the planning process. The future of transit in Vancouver is not only a question of infrastructure, it is an assurance of ease, sustainability and community to the future generation.

Stanley Park was the first place I loved as I was a 22 years old Indian in the city of Vancouver. I was astonished that a city could boast of a large green area that one can feel like he or she has been transported to another world of traffic, deadlines, and student anarchy. In India we have parks, but none as large and serene as Stanley Park. It is not a park here, it is a place of refuge where you can relax and life takes its time and every minute detail counts. The Stanley park is massive- 1,000 acres of forest, trails and waterfront. It is not just a walking or jogging place to people like myself. It is a place to relax, mediate and even get inspired. On weekends I usually cycle the seawall, which covers more than nine kilometers. On one side I have ocean and on the other side there is the city skyline. The perspective is unrealistic, mountains in the background, soft waves, and the scent of fresh rain after some light drizzle. Each bend of the path is another postcard. It is not only exercise as people walk or cycle there, but also a way of being one with nature and the urban environment at the same time. The wooded roads within the park are also enchanted. My favorite place is lost lagoon. I sit and silently observe swans, duck and even raccoons. The sea is still and the birds go about their business. At that point my fears dissolve. I have spent hours there watching ripples, contemplating assignments, life and future plans. This is invaluable to a person who lives alone in a small apartment or has to contend with the stress of studying. Parks in India tend to be overcrowded and noisy whereas Stanley Park leaves space and privacy which I quite appreciate. I would say Stanley Park is fascinating in its ability to connect culture to nature. Brockton Point also has Totem Poles enclosing the stories of the Indigenous people. I recall that I used to go with my friends and be astonished by the art and history in every pole. It was like a lesson in history with people living there, with natural beauty to be learned about the Indigenous heritage of Vancouver. As a student, an Indian, I feel that it is a reminder of how culture can be used to create a place and how nature and art can live harmoniously. Another attraction is the beaches in Stanley park. The young adults like Second Beach and Third Beach. The nights in the summer are particularly quite active, people swim, sun bathe or simply hang out with friends. I have spent nights with chai in my hand as I was watching the sunset and sensing a cool breeze. It is easy and you feel that you can still manage the life despite your exams or deadline. Third Beach is even more casual and here you will get to meet musicians, artists or you will get to have a bonfire with strangers. You feel belonging to a larger community regardless of might be a new arrival in the city. Surprisingly, Stanley Park is a lively place with regard to mental and physical health. I observe young adults running, yoga or working out in groups. Cycling facilities have clubs and there are occasions when you have people performing tai chi in the morning mist. It is encouraging to observe that so many of them are utilizing the park to exercise and get the view. I have also developed the habit of jogging there as well, not only to gain physical fitness, but a breath of air. The rain is very unpredictable and the city of Vancouver is also so fast, so the park provides some rhythm that balances the day-to-day life. The park is even livelier due to the cultural events. There are regular outdoor concerts, seasonal festivals and art exhibitions. After I had attended a local music event in the Stanley Park Pavilion. It was remarkable that young adults, families, and tourists spent their time together listening to music. The park turns into a combination of art and rest, combining the social life with cultural education. It is an opportunity to experience the life of Vancouver and learn new art and entertainment, which are the goals of international students such as me. One can’t ignore the wildlife. I have spotted deer in the inner trails with the exception of the birds and raccoons. That is surprising and makes you wonder that the green heart of the city is still alive. I am a big photo taker and sometimes I take a photo to share in social media and sometimes I just share with myself. The thought of my ability to observe such scenes of nature in a city is unbelievable. It is like a privilege that every city should possess. Another strength is accessibility. It is easily accessible by means of public transport, bicycles, and walking paths. You do not have to have a car, and this is imperative among a student or young employee. It gives one the freedom to go on impulsive outdoor tours- a 30 minutes in between classes can be a full cycle round the park, lunch in a local cafe and daydream by the water. India does not offer such spontaneous outdoor escapes and, therefore, I like Stanley Park even more. Stanley Park is also a creative center. The young adults, photographers, digital creators, and painters usually pay a visit to get inspired. The unusual moods are produced by sunrises, sunsets, fog or rain. I have seen photographers attempting to take a shot of the reflection of the water, artists drawing the totem poles, and some musicians playing acoustic songs by the seawall. It is a creative ecosystem of nature and art that are merged. It is priceless to students or young adults who seek jobs with a creative nature. Here also, history lovers take pleasure. The city development is depicted in the Seawall, Prospect Point Lighthouse and Stanley Park Pavilion. As you pass these landmarks in the midst of nature, it puts the city that you are living in perspective. You come to understand that Vancouver is not a city of towers and shopping centers, it is a city with its history, stories and a strong relation to nature. Stanley Park is community and social friendly. Open spaces promote picnics and sports and informal meetings. I have been with friends on afternoons playing frisbee, having snacks, and just relaxing and letting life pass by. The park is not restrictive, you can be outgoing or secluded. The fact that freedom is imperative is because young adults have hectic schedules, social issues, or even in need of serenity. The park is also lively due to changes in seasons. The spring has flower, summer has beach, autumn has colored leaves and winter has cold misty trails. I enjoy visiting all seasons. The experience is different every time and it does not seem monotonous. This makes the city fresh and exciting to young adults like myself. The value of mental health is immense. The presence of trees, water, wildlife and open areas helps to overcome stress and be mindful. I spend a lot of time sitting on a bench on the Lost Lagoon with headphones on and watching swans go over the water. It is like counseling without the counselor. It is where one can refresh themselves emotionally, particularly when they live alone or away back home. There are also volunteer opportunities. Clean-ups, site visits, and educational activities enable community participation where young adults contribute to the community in the process of their education. The experience of being part of a weekend clean-up was rewarding since little contributions will cause the park to be even more beautiful. The park has water activities that contribute to its attractiveness. Paddleboarding or kayaking along the ocean is adventurous and relaxing. Learning and gaining personal satisfaction come through watching birds and wildlife. All visits are a combination of recreation, learning, and reflection. Stanley Park promotes informal investigation. Going without a specific route allows you to find out some secret paths, ponds, art galleries, and little gems of beauty. The experience of visiting the park is always special, and this unpredictability is one of the factors contributing to the charm of the park. Finally, the park mediates individual and interpersonal experiences. You may have friends to go cycling, jogging or have picnics or spend some quiet times reflecting or reading. It has this flexibility, thus allowing each young adult regardless of his mood to find something worthwhile there. To sum up Stanley Park is not just a park but it is the heart and soul of Vancouver. It provides them with recreation, culture, community, and mental release particularly to young adults who are 18-34 and international students. It is a mixture of the beauty of nature, ancient places, culture, artistic inspiration and social opportunities such as few city areas. It is somewhere to work out, to discover, to interact, to study, to think and to replenish. When one visits Stanley Park, they get the sense that they have entered into a world where nature, culture and community merge to create the ideal world and that is why Vancouver is not only a city, but also a home away from home to the students and young professionals.

As a 22-year-old Indian student living in Vancouver, I have seen the impact of social media, and Tik Tok,  on music. The first thing that I liked to do when I arrived in Canada was to attend local music festivals to discover new artists. Tik Tok is now the primary use of youth and students and new  artists. The local, tiny scene of indie music in BC is no longer the same. The app has the power to make a good musician become viral within a few days. TikTok is not a source of entertainment; it is a glimpse into culture to people like me. One night, I managed to scroll after a hard working day of classes and discovered a 17 seconds clip of a singer in a small apartment. Thousands of views were received on the video within hours. The following morning the singer had Canadian, US, and even Indian followers. That demonstrated to me the strength of social media in the music industry in the present day. One of the best features of Tik Tok is its algorithm. Conventional music compounds require a label, contacts or cash to be listened to. Tik Tok displays the videos according to the likes, sharing, or comments. And even a musician that only has ten followers can get to thousands as long as his video is clicked. Being an Indian student, that is like coming across an unspotted star in my home city, a street singer who can astonish people should he get an opportunity. Tik Tok is allowing music to thrive due to talent, rather than fame or fortune. Vancouver has been already a melting pot of various cultures, and Tik Tok demonstrates that. The indie rock, hip-hop, electronic and acoustic singer-songwriters give out their music. Most blends are Punjabi beats, electronic and western pop. One of my friends had uploaded a video of a local musician playing with Bhangra and guitar in Gastown, and it immediately went viral. It is a thrilling experience to watch the city with various backgrounds establish music trends. The youth are very practical in the way they engage in these video. They comment, share, duet and like. I frequently collaborate with musicians in the area, whether as a duo, where I just sing to their performance, or as a remix of their pieces. This is what makes the fans feel connected to the process of creating the music. In the old media, fans would view what was being done but with the use of Tik Tok, you can work even when on the other side of the world. This feeling of belongingness is significant to Indian students who are miles away. It introduces us to the city, people and culture of the city. Tik Tok will influence musicians to experiment. The brief videos allow artists to share snippets, unplugged performances, covers or even amusing behind-the-scenes. Artists do not lose followers when trying out new genres, images, or narratives. After I saw a jazz, rap, and visual art mix by a Vancouver artist in a 30-second video, and it went viral. It teaches students and aspiring musicians that you can shine without being the one to take the same route of doing things, simply be yourself, be creative, and get a large number of people to listen. Vancouver local venues are also the beneficiaries of Tik Tok. When a song becomes viral, the fans desire to watch it performed. More people appear suddenly in cafes, small concert halls and festivals. Painters make additional sales and partnerships are quicker. It is an online-real life connection. I attended a small gig in Kitsilano following a viral video of the song on Tik Tok. The atmosphere in the room was also very energetic, the students, music fans and young adults united through one of the songs that they found online. Musicians representing other cultures are more likely to be discovered with the help of Tik Tok. There are numerous South Asian, East Asian and European population in Vancouver. Musicians tend to publish songs in two or more languages, combining local and international music. Personally, it seems relatable and exciting to me that Hindi lyrics are accompanied by western beats. It demonstrates that my culture is able to blend with contemporary indie music. The other crucial component is storytelling. Musicians do not only use Tik Tok to share songs, but also their experiences, hardships, funny experiences in the studio, or advice to fellow artists. This creates strong relationship between the audience and the performer. My favorite local artists address the topic of mental health, college life, and balancing part-time employment and music production. It is inspiring that a person of my age has the same problem and makes passion come true. There is also the motivational aspect of collaboration in different arts by Tik Tok. Filmmakers, visual artists, musicians and dancers collaborate in creative clips. I have also watched a video in which an indie band collaborated with a graphic designer to create some cool animation of a 15-second song. Such experiments are uncommon in real life, except on digital platforms thereby providing the youth with a learning and participation opportunity. The platform assists the musicians in the brand development and digital proficiency. Artists get to know about the content strategy, when it is better to post, hashtags, the video editing and how to engage viewers. These can be seen in the other people, demonstrating the combination of creativity and practical digital capabilities. These are skills that are important at the moment because the existence of a music career depends on the presence of a social media. Professional growth is also brought by Tik Tok. Viral videos have the potential to result in a sponsorship, collaboration, or deal with labels. Live performances have better sales and online popularity is transferred to reality. This loop of the online exposure and the subsequent real possibilities is exciting to any one who desires to make it in the creative industry.

As a student, Tik Tok not only allows me to discover new music but also tends to motivate my creativity. I have composed short songs which I have been inspired by the app. TikTok reminds me of a classroom and a concert at the same time. It is encouraging to see the local artists experimenting but at the same time remaining connected to the Vancouver culture. The geography and community of Vancouver is relevant. The city is a blend of city life, nature, and numerous various cultures. Some of the locations where musicians film are Stanley Park, Granville Island, or Commercial Drive. These places are pretty and create a local impression, hence the music belonging to the city. This is something that allows Indian students like me to experience the culture of the city in an imaginative manner when we are on the internet. The indie music has taken a new perception because of Tik Tok. It is no longer a little niche, it is the mainstream and readily accessible and highly interactive. Young adults are not merely listeners, but they contribute, communicate and encourage each other. Music has become more than a sound it is a common culture and a community. Simply put, the TikTok has transformed the indie music industry in BC by providing artists with a larger audience, allowing them to experiment, and allowing fans to interact. The young adults, particularly international students are given a place where they can connect with local culture, participate in creative groups, and get inspired. The platform also allows musicians to experiment, collaborate and develop and reach listeners across the world. It also assists local music bars, promotes different cultures and story telling. Due to this digital revolution, Vancouver has an expanding indie music scene both on the web and in the real world. Tik Tok is not only a funny application to students and young adults: it is an opportunity to get acquainted with music, culture, and creativity, creating bonds that will make the life in a new city exciting, friendly and inspiring.