My current city has kind of a bad rep. It's been called the "Armpit of Ontario" and a number of other disparaging names. You see, its main economy was/is steel. I think we're like the Canadian Pittsburgh (or as Sienna Miller called it, Shittsburgh).
However, if you've read that Wikipedia entry (which I know you have...) you'll note that the industry is changing to a healthcare based one.
There is a part of this city (that I won't name) that could benefit from a good, old-fashioned natural disaster. Raze it all to the ground, and then start from scratch. While I wait for God in his infinite wisdom to start raining fire on that part of town though, people are starting to fix up the rest of it.
I live near a very cool street. The paranoid center of my brain is telling me not to give out too many details, so I won't, butlet me tell you, its a very up-and-coming street, with tons of antique shops, galleries, we just got a Starbucks, a "Floral Atelier" which I think just means "Beautiful, modern, but super overpriced floral design" a Spice Emporium (no shit, its all spices, all the time; and the street mentioned in the article is his old location, so anyone planning to stalk and kill me, you'll have to work a bit harder than that). Let's see, what else... there's a really great housewares store that I think takes in overs and stuff, so the prices are really great. A fantastic little Jewelry boutique, called Kohana (again, old location), a clothing boutique, a bar (can't forget that), an absolutely deee-vine shop call Pure Home Couture (ok, I can't keep the secret any longer, stalkers, here's your chance). I love the things in Pure, but they are just too expensive for me. I am kinda ... well, let's just say it. Cheap. I won't spend money on something that I think isn't worth just its raw materials and a little more for workmanship and shipping/warehousing costs.
OK, so I've sung the praises of this street. I love living here. Its like the best of both worlds, urban, but I like in a house, instead of an apt.
And for those of you who are more interested in nature, Hamilton is home to over 60 waterfalls, a lovely Bayfront with trails and all that jazz. The slideshow isn't mine, so big thank you to H707, whoever you are, for taking these shots:
Bayfront Park Hamilton Ont.
So, here's a big "you should know better" to everyone who slags on Hamilton. It's actually pretty awesome, and its getting better every day.
(that's not the post that's been percolating, that ones still coming)
I've talked about this before, but I love my neighborhood. It's got a Starbucks, Locke Street Bakery (bagels and Seattles Best) antique shops, pubs, a Créperie, and now, it has a DELI.
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