I’m currently on vacation in Europe and this month also marks my seventh year in Vancouver. To celebrate, I’m highlighting a few things I’d miss about Vancouver if I moved away:

I know as a local I’m not supposed to like Robson Street, but I’d still miss it if I were ever to move away.

It’s true; Robson Street and I have a love hate relationship.

I avoid it on most days when I’m busy, or need to get some place fast.

Robson Street is a great shopping destination with all the big name retailers and a few independent stores. Although for years I’ve seen these independent stores fold only to be replaced by big name retailers, I guess that’s the nature of the retail business these days. I love Robson Street for leisure days, it’s very close and an amazing shopping and dinning destination and everything is conveniently available.

But Robson Street isn’t all shops and restaurants, BC Place is at the very end towards the east, the library, UBC’s Robson Square and the Art Gallery somewhere in between, it ends in the West End at Lost Lagoon.

Lower Robson Street towards in the West End is still touristy but has more local stores and restaurants, the Robson Public Market between Cardero and Bidwell is a great indoor market with a wide selection of shops including a spice shop, a butcher, seafood, wine store etc.

Robson Street is also the place to go if you’re into people watching (who isn’t?), the stylish, the interesting and the plain weird can all be viewed from the comfort of any of the dozens of coffee shops that line street.