After receiving a song link from an ex-partner quoting, “Only know you love her when you let her go,” Caitlyn Moony contemplated the irony of wanting someone back post-separation. Upon relocating to Vancouver from Johannesburg in 2018, Moony had high hopes fueled by Vancouver’s reputation as one of the top cities to live in. However, her initial excitement waned as reality set in.
Struggling to find her footing in the city, Moony faced challenges due to the lack of a support network and the ubiquitous requirement for “Canadian experience” in job postings. Working long hours in a startup, she barely scraped by, living in a cramped basement apartment. The city’s slower pace, limited public transport options, and perpetual rain further dampened her spirits.
The absence of a ready-made community left Moony feeling isolated, yearning for the bustling social life she had experienced in other places. Eventually, the loneliness became suffocating, exacerbated by the onset of the pandemic. Two years of waiting for a change led her to return to London, seeking the vibrancy and chaos she craved.
Yet, London’s energy felt foreign this time around. Reflecting on her time in Vancouver, Moony realized a subtle transformation within herself, adapting to the calmness and introspection the West Coast offered. Despite its imperfections, she found solace in Vancouver’s familiarity and resilience, prompting her to return with a newfound appreciation for the city’s unique charm and the space it provided for self-discovery.
Now, Moony eagerly awaits a fresh start in Vancouver, acknowledging its flaws while embracing the opportunity to reconnect and possibly forge a deeper bond with the city that has become a part of her journey.
