Why On Earth...

...do I feel something akin to longing or homesickness for a place that is my exes hometown that even she despised when growing up that I was in for perhaps two hours of my life, but that I went looking for online and found this, as part of a real estate website...

'Just an easy half hour drive from Parksville or Qualicum Beach and about an hour from the ferry terminals in Nanaimo, nestled in the beautiful Alberni Valley is the "newest town to be discovered" on Vancouver Island - Port Alberni. Port Alberni, long known as a mill town, is an energetic community with plenty to offer. The forest industry is still the economic mainstay, and the community is also becoming an attractive place for retirees.

Recreational activities abound in the valley: fishing, hiking, gardening and golf to mention just a few. Port Alberni boasts the most active "Sunshine Club" in Canada, with excellent activities and services for seniors. Activities include: crafts, bridge, cribbage, lawn and 5 pin bowling, exercise, swimming, travel and many clubs.

The area population is about 30,000. Port Alberni is known as the "City with a Heart". A friendly, caring community known for active, friendly citizens, Port Alberni has services second to non for a community of similar size. There's North Island College, which offers both academic and vocational courses, as well as the popular Elder College. There's a world-class running track at Bob Dailey Stadium, a new double sheet arena/convention complex, lawn bowling, curling, skating, library, swimming pool, a new full service hospital, transit services and churches of all denominations. There are an abundance of parks, an 18 hole and an executive golf course, and of course the best fishing in Canada!

A temperate west coast climate, and a small town character with all the amenities, make Port Alberni an attractive place to live. Yet the best secret is the varied and affordable housing. A full range of housing is available at perhaps the most reasonable prices of any British Columbia community that offers such an array of excellent services. Acreage is available, so are single family houses, apartments, mobile homes and new patio homes. A moderate climate, small town character, backed up by almost unlimited recreational opportunities, all add up to make Port Alberni a choice place to call home.

Our branch in Port Alberni has the largest local real estate inventory. We serve all of the Alberni Valley, as well as the West Coast communities of Bamfield, Tofino, and Ucluelet.'



I guess Canada got to me or something - or maybe it's the Vancouver Island connection or whatever - whatever it is, I do not feel anything like the same feelings I have for either Ottawa or Vancouver Island when I think of my current location...