Nelson is calling...

So after quite a challenging ride from Crawford Bay, I have been in Nelson now for a day. It is the town that I have heard such a great deal about - from the hippie eco culture to the weather and geographical surroundings, it has met all it's anticipated qualities. It's an extremely hilly town, on the side of a mountainous hill that dives into the west arm of Lake Kootenay. Focused largely on cooperative lifestyles there are a ton of co-operative business structures. From the Kootenay Co-op radio station (that three of my fellow tour members were interviewed with earlier today!) to the Co-op health food store, to the Community Forestry Management Co-operative that we learned about yesterday, the area seems to pick up on the community lifestyle, where all members have an equally important say in operations and proceedings. The group of ten of us are staying in the Katimavik house here in Nelson, (for those of you who haven't heard of this uber cool program, check out the website www.gokatimavik.com - it's basically a year long volunteering experience for young Canadians in Canada). They have been ever so welcoming and generous.

Today we had the pleasure of preforming three times. Two at the local high school and one to the Katimavik group and friends that we are staying with. We were soo well received in the school presentations, and could not get over how much energy and fun we had preforming. The students were so receptive, and although they were already aware of many of the issues we put forth to them, when we challenged them to suggest changes that they could make outside of those we suggested, they rose to that challenge suggesting innovative ways that they could make their school community more liveable (but to me - Nelson doesn't have a problem with this - it seems amazingly liveable in my thoughts, there's always room for improvement though right?!).

I wish I could more easily describe the vibe of this city to you. It's just amazing, fresh, progressive, yet totally down to earth. Every cafe is locally owned, and provides sustainable coffee options, they have two year round markets, they label everything as to it's whereabouts, and has some stellar hemp clothing shops, used clothes shops, and unique restaurants, spots to hear live music, and places to browse and buy art. They have a beach, a mountain, and a waterfall. The community of Nelson has normal people who have chose to live a little differently, and everyone just seems so, so very happy. It's so nice to know that cities like this exist. It's just too bad the rest of Canada knows it exists as well, and there are no jobs to be had...but lot's of volunteering opportunities.

After another performance tomorrow at a different school we have some time off - we are a talking about climbing a mountain, and exploring the town, maybe going farther afield to some hot springs. It's sounding like tonight we will go to take in some local talent at an open mic night at a pub around the corner, and tomorrow, there is a bloc party - where streets are filled with people who just dance! I'm excited to dance - like no one's watchin'!