Xeno Issue 01

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xeno V A N C O U V E R ’ S

S U P R E M ELIFESTYLEMAGAZINE FOR

CARS &E N T H U S I A S T S

SPECIAL PREMIER ISSUE [ JULY / AUGUST 2009 ]

VOLUME 1 Price $2.99 CAD $3.49 USD

www.xenovancouver.com

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NEWS09. Ferrari F450 New Rolls Royce Audi R8 Spyder Aston Martin Rapide10. Design News

LIFESTYLE GEAR 11. New Products

FEATURED DRIVER15. [ Tak Lun aka. Alan Ngan ] Aston Martin V8 Vantage Porsche Carrera 997 TT

FEATURED CAR19. [ Jay Kim ] Lamborghini LP560-4

EVENTS25. Vancouver Euros BBQ @ Spanish Banks

FEATURED SHOP27. Advance Motorsport

ON THE BLOCK31. Spotted on Streets

COLUMN33. You Can Never Go Home Again... Thankfully

Contents

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Copyright 2009 © by Veloce Media Productions Inc. All rights reserved. XENO Vancouver® is published 12 times a year by Veloce Media Productions Inc in Canada. Individual articles in this journal are copyrighted by VMP Inc., as indicated on each article. Reproduction, redistribution, or reselling any materials from this publication in either machine-readable form or any other form in whole or in part without permission of the VMP Inc or payment of the appropriate royalty for reuse. For subscriptions or copyright-related questions, please email your question to: [email protected] XENO Vancouver® is a registered trademark of Veloce Media Productions Inc.

Printed in Canada by Telodon Media Group.

CO-PUBLISHER / EDITOR IN CHIEFSung-Rok Cheong

CO-PUBLISHERYun Yung Kim

PROJECT MANAGERJay Nho

CREATIVE DIRECTORJames Hur

ASSOCIATE EDITORDavid Wan

SALES & MARKETINGDon Lee, Joon Yi, Skipp Johnson

FINANCIAL EXACUTIVEYoungjin Won

WEB COORDINATORJunho Ahn

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

For information regarding advertising opportunities please email [email protected] or call 604.639.2140

SUBSCRIPTIONS

To subscribe , call 604.639.2140 or email [email protected]

VELOCE MEDIA PRODUCTION INC.

1500-885 West georgia st. Vancouver B.CV6C 3E8

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Contributors

David Wan is a professional writer and a self-confessed car nut. He is currently the host of the AMG car club in Vancouver, and enjoys bringing car enthusiasts together to share in their passion.

Jim Park has been looking at life through a camera lens since his childhood. A graduate of Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Jim owns and operates a studio in Vancouver. His works have appeared in numerous books, magazines and websites.

Jongsun Park always exhibits passion for taking superb pictures and establishing a personal network. His obsession with exotic cars attracted himself to be a part of XENO. He is currently working in granite design industry as well as culinary industry.

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Audi R8 Spider Spied On The Nurburgring

Aston Martin Rapide Caught Undisguised In Parking Lot

Rolls-Royce Ghost Further Details Released

Ferrari F450 Yellow Prototype Spied Outside Of Fiorano Test Circuit

Source: www.worldcarfans.com

The new F450. Power will be provided by a new 4.5-liter V8 engine with at least 550 horsepower. Connected to the Californiaís new double-clutch gearbox, im-proved cooling system with larger air intakes as well as a possible regenera tive braking system inspired by Formula 1ís Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS).

Rolls-Royceís tease of the 2010 Ghost contin-ues as the company has released new details about the carís advanced air suspension. To give occupants a velvety ride, the Ghost features an intelligent four corner air suspen-sion system with multi-link aluminum front and rear axles. Ride comfort is further maximized by several advanced systems such as Active Roll Stabilization and Variable Damping Control.

R8 roadster will be offered with a choice of either the standard 4.2 liter V8 engine boasting 420hp or the more potent 5.2-liter V10 engine with 525 hp and 530 Nm (391 lb-ft) of torque. On this ocassion, our spy photographer has caught the latter of these two options. Considering that the R8 V10 coupe runs from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 196 mph (315 km/h), we can assume the R8 V10 Spider will offer a 0-100 km/h time of about 4.1 seconds and a top speed in excess of 185 mph (297 km/h). Like the coupe, the R8 V10 Spider boasts unique styling cues which help to dif-ferentiate it from the more plebian V8 powered R8 Spider. Key design elements of this exclusive model include LED headlights, a more aggressive rear diffuser, larger exhaust tips, and a chromed grille.

Aston Martin Design Director Marek Reichman once said, “We wanted to make the most beautiful four-door sports car in the world.” The British automaker seems to have come very close to achieving their goal.

Although the car is not expected to be introduced to the public until Septemberís Frankfurt Motor Show, these photos show a car that will be stiff competition with rival Porsche. Rapide, it will come with a 6.0-liter V12 generating 470 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque paired with a responsive Touchtronic gearbox. Performance figures have not been released, but we expect the Rapide to post numbers that are in between the two Porsche Panamera V8 models. Those cars go 0-60 mph in either 4 seconds or 4.8 seconds, depending on which engine is chosen.

Automotive News


Created by Russian Igor Krasnov, Marussia is a rear-engined supercar which mixes design cues fom various contemporary supercars, from the Ferrari F430 to the Lamborghini Reventon.

To showcase its technological capabilities, Switzerland-based GreenGT has created a prototype of an electric racing car that could com-pete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2011. The sportscar has a fibergass body mounted on a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis. The power-train - which adopts two 100-kw electric motors - features a 350 to 400 hp power output and a torque of about 2,000 Nm. Estimated performances are a 0-60 mph time under 4 seconds and a top speed lim-ited to 171 mph (275 km/h).

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Source: www.carbodydesign.com

Marussia Supercar Concept by designer Krasnov Igor

Devon GTX by Devon Motor Work

GreenGT the Electric Supercar Concept

The GTX is the first vehicle by Californian Industrial Design House Devon Motor Works. The official debut of the car will take place at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 15, 2009. The GTX was designed by Swedish Daniel Paulin, and is based on the designer’s VR Concept, presented by Car Body Design on June 2007.

The Devon GTX features a carbon-fiber bodywork with clean, uninterrupted chrome appointments. Distinctive styling features include “up and forward” articulating doors, two-tone wheel surrounds, minimal front/rear overhangs, and dual center rear exit chrome exhaust ports.

Inside, the minimalistic design is characterized by carbon fiber-structure racing seats with dual-grained leather surfacing, and chrome trims.

Car Design News


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Champagne house Veuve Clicquot today launched Vertical Limit by Porsche Design Studio, a stainless steel cellar tower of superb design (at right, click on image for enlarged view). Measuring over six feet tall, it holds 12 magnums of Clicquot's most prized vintages and only 15 were made worldwide. In celebration of this special release Cool Hunting is giving away your choice of two potential prizes. What do you want? A pair of rare vintage Veuve Clicquot champagnes encased in the Pablo Reinoso Cellar Box (below left) OR Veuve Clicquot's lim-ited edition La Grande Dame 1996 vintage with special Emilio Pucci casing (below right). La Grande Dame is Veuve Clicquot's Haute Couture Vintage Champagne.

ideal for tasting and the same climate as the Veuve Clicquot cellars in Reims, France. Of the 15 produced world-wide only two will make it stateside and they will be showcased at the Porsche Design Stores in New York and Los Angeles during the month of November. Each cellar containing the 12 vintages is approximately $70,000.

The L.A.-based label’s dress and casual shoes under the Generic Man and Generic Surplus labels are elegant, stylish and the focus of the temporary bou-tique. Throughout the past few seasons, The Generic Man have evolved their designs consistently with a focus on simple mature silhouettes for the average individual. This year doesn’t see much of a dramatic shift design wise but the brand continues a steady flow within their minimalistic philosophy. For Spring/Summer 2009, various models receive tonal hues with contrasting white midsoles and premium material choices.http://www.thegenericman.comThe Block350 Cordova Street WestVancouver, (604) 685-8885www.theblock.ca

Breguet 5197BA/15/986 - $22,400 - Creator of the tourbillion, Breguet is now using cutting-edge silicon pieces to lower resistance and lengthen life. This watch sports the classic Breguet hands. The 18K yellow or white gold case with exhibition back is self-winding. The face is silvered gold and hand-engraved. A small date rests in the six o’clock position. This is one of the classiest watches made with a modern angle on the signature Breguet look.MONTECRISTO852 West Hastings St, Vancouver

Toshiba has just released its 3rd generation mini notebook known as Mini NB 200, two-tone design, featuring metallic silver and brilliant brown. You get an isolated keyboard alongside an interesting combination of dual-side LED back lights to enhance its looks. It will be powered by Intel’s Atom N280 1.66GHz processor, aided by 1GB RAM and a 160GB hard drive. You can also transfer data to it wirelessly via Bluetooth, while TruBrite CSV tech-nology and Sleep & Charge function are among the other features on offer. Looks lightweight enough to be toted around without breaking your back (and bank). Starts from $419.00. www.toshiba.ca

Gears


TISANA RAZBERI

STOLICHNAYA RAZBERI 1 PARTPEACH PUREE 2 PARTSRASPBERRIESGINGER SYRUP 1 TSPSPARKLING WINE 2 PARTS

www.stoli.com

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36 year old watch designer Lionel Ladoire has introduced his first collection fea-turing the Timepiece Roller Guardian Time. A limited edition series of 40 watches are planned for their first year of production.Time is displayed by revolving indicators that turn on ball bearings. There is one single hand displaying a second time zone. A deep recess in the middle of the hour-indicator shows some of the entrails of the custom- made movement by ASXP-Engineering, an enterprise that also works for Hautlence and MCT. The large pusher on the right adjusts the second time-zone.The back of the watch reveals some further interesting details of the movement. http://www.ladoire.ch

After Work SippingStolichnaya is a Russian vodka produced from wheat and rye grains in Tambov a town located in the Black Earth Region of Russia. This region has long been known as the bread-basket of Russia and has a long history of growing grain and vodka production. It’s this blend of grain that gives Stolichnaya its spicy finish, something particular to Russian vodkas.Stoli Razz is no cheap raspberry beverage. As Stolichnaya’s reputa-tion, the vodka is top quality with clear and smooth natural taste. Stolichnaya Razberi is the authentic natural rasberry-flavoured Rus-sian vodka. Starting with the finest spirits, distilled from wheat and clear glacial water, it is then married to the aromatic essence of fresh raspberries to achieve its distinctive taste.

Grilling ReinventedDesigned by Robert Brunner from Ammunition for Fuego North America, Element is an award-winning high-end outdoor grill that combines a sleek design with unsurpassed functionality. An affordable solution for those looking to add style to the art of the barbecue, the gas powered grill comes with large wheels with locking casters for easy mo-bility. Quite unlike the bulky grills we’ve seen, the Element comes in powder-coated red, white or gray for as little as $299. The options are interesting, too – like a $79 pizza stone.www.elementbyfuego.com

Gears

TITLEIST 909D2/909D3

Classic pear profile, deep face, and 440cc titanium construction, the Titleist 909 D3 is a high performance driver delivering mid launch with low spin. A Tour proven, modern profile creates a low and deep centre of gravity for reduced spin, higher MOI, and longer, straighter drives. An inte-grated titanium blind bore hosel design saves weight, provides solid feel, and allows for more shaft options. www.golftown.ca

White Gold ‘First Serial RGT’


Authorized Dealer for B.C. and Alberta

Lamborghini Vancouver1711 West 2nd AvenueVancouver, B.C. V6K 1H7604-738-3911www.lamborghinivancouver.com

2010 LAMBORGHINI MURCIELAGO LP 670-4 SVLIMITED EDITION

Lamborghini Vancouver


2010 LAMBORGHINI MURCIELAGO LP 670-4 SVLIMITED EDITION


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Now before any of you start thinking this is Robin Leach’s “Life-styles of the Rich and Famous”, Vancouver-style, it’s imperative to keep in mind that Alan Ngan is an intelligent, level-headed, and ambitious young man who does not take any of his good

fortune for granted. Who is Alan Ngan, you say? He’s the guy many of us wish we were.

Born into a family which built its success on the jewelry trade in the Far East, Ngan was sent to Vancouver by his parents to be groomed to one day take over the family business. Along with his younger brother and sister, the 21-year-old Ngan, who happens to be an avid golfer, has spent the past 6 years in Canada preparing for his eventual return to Hong Kong where a large responsibility will undoubtedly fall on his young shoulders, as is typically the case for the first-born son in an Asian family. But until that time comes, Ngan, a psychology major, is not about to forego having a bit of fun.

“I’ve been a car nut for as long as I can remember,” says Ngan with a big grin. “When I was only 4 or 5 years old, I recall being able to

recognize the make and model of cars I’d see on the road even from a block away,” he continues. I jokingly suggest he should consider a career in law enforcement, but somehow I can’t imagine riding in a police cruiser (in the front or, especially, in the back) would be nearly as enjoyable for an automotive enthusiast to do than to drive around in the cars that Ngan has assembled in his arsenal.

As a self-confessed car fanatic, it’s only fitting that Ngan’s roster of cars past and present reads like the proverbial automotive dream team. Cars such as an E60 M5 with HREs and a custom Eisenmann exhaust, a Porsche Cayenne S, a heavily-modded Nissan 350Z, and a 996 Car-rera have all graced his garage at one point or another. However, Ngan insists, “my favourite car was my first car,” a B6 Audi A4 1.8T. The sen-timental value he places on the Audi is sincere, as he makes that claim without reservation. “I went on my first date in that car,” he beams, and while that could well be why it remains his favourite, I’ll spare you the details. As a curious side note, although the car is no longer with him, the girl still is.

Featured Driver

Alan NganLiving the DREAM


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Alan Ngan As he prepares for a future of running his family business, Alan Ngan is enjoying his time in Vancouver as any privileged car enthusiast would: by amassing a stockpile of dream cars many people could only aspire to.

Words David WanPhotos Jim Park


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“I’ve been a car nut for as long as I can remember” – Alan Ngan

Currently, Ngan’s attentions have fallen on his new rides, an Aston Martin V8 Vantage, and a 997 Twin Turbo Porsche. Like all of his previous cars, the Aston and the Porsche are either black (997) or white (Vantage). “Actually,” admits Ngan, “the Aston isn’t white. It’s grey, but I had it wrapped in white vinyl.” That goes to explain why in the sun-drenched afternoon, the Vantage isn’t glimmering in the background as we have our smoothies and talk about cars. It’s more aglow with the type of white hot effect that metal takes on when heated to extreme temperatures. It’s a perfect contrast to the black menace of the 997, which has the venom and brutishness that’s intrinsic to many turbocharged cars, but is toned down somewhat in this iteration of the Porsche classic.

Featured Driver

Alan with his Aston Martin V8 Vantage and Porsche 997 Carrera Twin Turbo

HRE P40 19” with Pilot Sport CupTechart steering wheelTechart tail pipeTubi race exhaustTinted tail light

Body wrapped in matte white vinylBlack out grills


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Ngan’s plans for the 997 are not yet clear, but for the Aston, 20” wheels and a lower suspension are in the works. So into the world of tuning and customizing his cars is Ngan that he doesn’t rule out the possibility of one day starting up his own tuning shop in Asia. In his own words, “it’d be great to turn a hobby into a business, right?”

Like many of you, I had to ask Ngan THE question: “what next?” How does one top such a fantastic list of cars? After a moment’s pondering, “I can see myself in something a bit more exotic in the future. I don’t mind Lamborghinis and Ferraris,” says Ngan. Don’t mind?? Most of us would be willing to do all kinds of things to obtain such objects of de-sire, much of it illegal, and all of them immoral. For Ngan, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. “My dream car, to be honest, would be a Pagani Zonda,” says Ngan. While all of us can have dreams, it’s inspiring to know that some are truly living theirs.

Porsche Carrera 997 Twin Turbo

Aston Martin V8 Vantage


LAMBORGHINI LP560-4Stiffened chasis, modified rear suspension inspired by its parent company, Audi, provide benefits to its cornering ability.

Featured Ride


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Driven by Jay Kim

Photos byJong Sun Park

Jim Park


Enlarged cooling intakes, trimmed headlamps, smoothened sides and rear, skinnier taillights and new grill work allowed successful evolution from original Gallardo.

Chops half a second from the previous Gallardo in 0-60mile sprint (from 4.0-second to 3.5-second) with better fuel economy.

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Shifter: A well-known automated 6-speed sequential shift a.k.a. e-gear.

The Ultimate Weekender


Chops half a second from the previous Gallardo in 0-60mile sprint (from 4.0-second to 3.5-second) with better fuel economy.

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Heart: Mid-mounted 5.0-liter V10 engine with army of 552 horses and 398 torque at four wheels.

The Ultimate Weekender


designo


designo


On a lovely Sunday afternoon, rows of Vancouver’s sickest rides came out to greet the sun.

Vancouver Euros BBQ@ Spanish Banks Mar. 31, 2009


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See more pics of VanEuros Meetingwww.xenovancouver.com


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ADVANCE

MOTORSPORTFeature SHOP

Known for unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, Advance Motorsport has become one of

the most respected car tuning companies in British Columbia.

words David Wan

pictures Jim Park & Jongsun Kim

Advancing Automotive Couture

When you first meet Jay Kim, you’re likely to be surprised that this unassuming young man is the premier purveyor of the art of automotive enhancement in Vancouver. But as the founder

and owner of Advance Motorsport, Kim is precisely that…the man responsible for beautifying many a European sports and

luxury car for the increasingly demanding car enthusiasts of British Columbia.

It’s a story that’s not without its twists and turns: Kim me-andered his way to Vancouver via California, Connecticut, and Toronto, deciding that the West Coast was the place he wanted to settle, and settle he has. In the four and a half years since founding Advance Motorsport, the company has gone from strength to strength, moving into a 3,200 square foot facil-ity in Coquitlam two years ago to cater to its army of devoted clientele. What started out as a childhood passion has turned into a successful business where word of mouth and customer satisfaction are paramount.

But as important as maintaining a spotless reputation is, according to Kim, it’s also vital to remain current with ever-changing tastes and trends. Kim admits, “the industry has changed. Car tuning companies like ours used to do more work on customer cars to make them go faster. But cars today are so good, and so capable straight out of the box, that the focus has shifted to cosmetic enhancement and individualization.” One look at the customer parking lot outside his office tells you his customers are very particular, and certainly have the means to realize their dreams. On my visit to Advance, I witnessed enough automotive hedonism to make me turn green with envy: Lamborghinis, Porsche Turbos, Mercedes-Benz AMGs, and a host of BMWs waiting for work to be completed send a very clear signal – wealthy customers trust Kim.


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With a slight grin, the almost shy Kim is quick to point out that not all his clients are driving around in $100,000 sports cars. “We have a lot of customers with more modest modes of transportation. Not everyone drives up in a Ferrari.” He continues, “but that’s the beauty of this hobby. We start off with the cars we can afford, and as we improve ourselves, we improve our car.” I would contend that if any aspiring car enthusiast needed motivation for earning more money, a visit to Advance Motorsport would almost certainly do the trick.

Interestingly, a large number of Kim’s clientele are indeed young enthusiasts, some even in high-school. The wave upon wave of new arrivals to these friendly shores, many of whom are arriving with unprecedented affluence, is directly benefitting outfits like Advance, which has developed a loyal following amongst its diverse customer base. “We even have a contingent of female customers!” adds Kim, much to my surprise.

As I tour the facility with Kim, I see a small team of hard-working technicians going about their business, only lifting their heads to acknowledge Kim and me as we stop to gaze at the various workstations. “Our staff numbers have grown a little, but each of them has a different specialization,” says Kim. Stacks of extreme performance tires line one wall, and confirm Kim’s assertion that the bulk of their business now rests with the “cosmetic enhancement” of customer cars. But

there was also a 997 Turbo that was being retrofitted to OEM specs as its owner prepares to trade in his Porsche. For what, the crew wouldn’t say.

What’s certain, however, is that the Porsche customer will be back with his new ride for Kim and his team to give it the Advance treatment.

For information on Advance Motorsport, visit

www.advmotors.com

“Not everyone drives up in a Ferrari.” – Jay Kim


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New: Ventross Nissan GTR Skyline R35 Aerodynamics

Active autowerke 335i IntercoolerA forward thinking solution for charge cooling.

Vorsteiner V-RT Edition 997 Turbo:

Advance Motorsport’s Exclusive Partners

Vorsteiner

Active Autowerke

I FORGED

Forgestar

Vorsteiner’s brand and root foundation is built upon building nothing but the absolute highest quality parts for the most discerning clientele. Our relentless pursuit of advancement and perfection can be clearly seen through our parts and our staff. Our brand is the embodiment of Vorteiner and its cars, reflecting the aesthetic beauty of technically advanced solutions and the very soul that comes from hands that create purely sensational parts.

BMW Performance Tuner offering BMW Performance upgrades.


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Shop Products

Tubi Style

I FORGED

Forgestar Forgestar wheels offers unique styled lightweight 2 piece and 3 piece modular forged wheels and 1 piece flow formed wheels for hard-to-fit vehicles

Forgestar F14

iForged is a custom wheel design facility producing custom forged lightweight 2 piece and 3 piece forged modular wheels.

Tubi Style Srl quality is a strategic issue. Excellence in design, development, production with cutting-edge materials (derived, in part, from the aeronautics industry).


Aston Martin DB9

Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Ferrari F430 Spyder Bentley GT Wald Tune

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Lancer Evolution Civic Si Turbo Interior Zerosports Subaru STI& Civic Si Turbo @ RG Racing Customer’s Vehicle

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMGGroup shot Mercedes S65 AMGMercedes SLK55 AMG

@ Queensbrough Landing Cars & Coffee meeting

@ Hornby St. in front of Xeno office

Cadillac La Salle


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more spotted rides around Vancouverwww.xenovancouver.com


You know you’ve come full circle when you drive around the city and you stumble upon one neighbourhood after the next, all seeming strangely familiar and yet not quite as you remember it. Hey, this store wasn’t here before, it was over there! And wait

a minute: didn’t you use to work over at that restaurant down on West 4th? What are you doing here? It’s that feeling of being away for a long time, only to return to a home town where even though you recognize the names of places, and can put names to faces, they’re just not as they were when you left.

In the world of science fiction, it would be akin to traveling to a parallel universe. Only in this case, Mr. Spock does not sport a goatee, and Uhura doesn’t have a dagger stashed in her leather boot. All the usual suspects are there, doing what suspects usually do, but they’re doing it in a different language, and somehow you don’t feel as though you’re able to connect.

In the 16 years that I’ve been absent, Vancouver has become, finally, a bit less of the small town that I left behind. Yes, the popu-lation has grown tremendously, with the contin-ued influx of new immigrants and new money, all working together to fuel an economic powerhouse that seems to have, fortunately, sheltered Vancouver and British Columbia from the worst of the financial storms touching down in other North American centres.

I remember a recent seminar where the speaker, a well-known local real estate guru, put forth the notion that the best thing about Vancouver is that the people here don’t rely on 9-to-5 jobs, that the wealth and the gluttony is not affected by whether unemployment rates have risen from 3% to 5%. Mr. Real Estate Guru might be right, but looking past the commercial effects of a burgeoning population that wields considerable economic might, there’s a whole other human side to this growth that it’s unclear how many of us have stopped to ponder.

Maybe younger readers don’t recall, but Canada has always been known as the cultural mosaic, as opposed to the all-encompassing melt-ing pot just south of the 49th parallel. We stitched together the fabric of our society, made up of different coloured materials and created a unique collage of people, languages, and beliefs. Although it may be a social faux pas to suggest that Vancouver was once a city where borders existed, separating the different ethnicities, reinforcing the cultural divide as it were, it would be naïve to think that those invisible boundaries never existed.

But here is where spending close to two decades in another country helps to put a different perspective on things. On the one hand, there appears to be, to me anyway, not so subtle signs that our society has become better integrated: Asians working well with Caucasians, Persians industriously coexisting with Koreans, unions getting on with manage-ment….well, okay, maybe not that last one. But you get my point.

Gone are the days where newcomers to these shores kept entirely to themselves and their own kind, remaining in their insular pockets of neighbourhoods that would look strangely upon any trespasser who didn’t belong. Yes, Richmond is still largely Asian, and certainly more so than when I departed from our beloved city all those years ago. And I do believe there remains a patent predominance of East Indians residing in

Surrey. But something has changed. It’s that whole parallel universe effect all over again.

Even though the geographical clustering of ethnicities in certain parts of the city have not entirely broken down; indeed, some of those clusters have only been reinforced over time, the propensity for our diverse population to cross those invisible boundaries has never been stronger, never been more evident. One only needs to pay close atten-tion when visiting your local shopping mall, or when attending class at one of our hallowed post-secondary schools, or when participat-ing in one of those fanatical car meets or-ganized by the many sportscar clubs around the city, to see that there is unprecedented success in the way diversity is no longer a

catchphrase to be paired with tolerance, but indeed indulgence.

We no longer live in a world where glass ceilings and unspoken limita-tions hold back the potential that’s inherent in the best of what Vancouver has to offer, regardless of where that potential might be harboured. We no longer dwell in that mindset where “I cannot do this” prevents us from “doing this” even though no law tells us we can’t. And I see examples of this all around me, in a city that no longer shuns those who are different, but rather celebrates uniqueness with a verve that seems foreign to me. I do believe Roddenberry would have quite liked living here. Is this what I’ve been missing these past 16 years?

Maybe I’ve been away for too long. NO, I have indubitably been away too long, for this is like no Vancouver I can remember. And while the sen-timentalists amongst us might harken the days of old and resist change for fear of change itself, I would argue that it’s great to be home again, even though this isn’t quite the home I knew before, and gratefully so.

YOU CAN NEVER GO HOME AGAIN... THANKFULLY.

photo courtesy of Evan Leeson http://www.flickr.com/ecstaticist

w w w . a j - r a c i n g . c o m

155 - 1991 Savage RoadRichmond, British ColumbiaCanada V6V 0A4

tel: 604.279.0329fax: 604.279.0839

[email protected]

by David Wan – The Native Foreigner


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w w w . a j - r a c i n g . c o m

155 - 1991 Savage RoadRichmond, British ColumbiaCanada V6V 0A4

tel: 604.279.0329fax: 604.279.0839

[email protected]


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