First time in nearly two years. The Refinery, on Granville. Speaking of Granville, how is it possible that it got even scummier? It used to be pretty dingy looking, but now it actually looks like a slum. Way to go, Vancouver city planning.

So, Refinery. The first thing you see as you go up the stairs is a side of meat hanging in a glass front cooler. This excited me, as you don't see a lot of bars so proudly displaying their pork. Wife goes off to see her former BFFs who she hasn't seen in forever, I take a walk to the bathrooms.

As a former connoisseur, let me say that the facilities at Refinery are a coke user's dream. Three doors to choose from, all unisex, each it's own self contained unit. Toilet, sink, a tasteful flower arrangement, and a wood block countertop perfect for chalking up fat lines. Best of all, a beefy deadbolt for the door, not one of those flimsy slide latches. I inspect the counter for residue, sure enough there is some dust left behind. I resist the temptation to scrape it into a pinner.

Back out to the common area, I notice that everyone is drinking out of sissy looking flute style glasses. There's a hipster dude wearing a sweater vest and a bow tie, with a scruffy half beard. He's talking to some Bohemian looking chick, no doubt about French cheese or Russian literature or the problem with giving aid to the third world.

Flashes from digital cameras go off so often it would have an epileptic on the floor foaming. The girls group for pictures nonstop, forming pairs, trios, group shots, every possible combination. The guys who aren't engaged in deep conversation are texting on their iphones. I come to realize a fundamental shift has happened in how people behave while out drinking.

I order an overpriced cocktail with more ingredients than I put in my chicken masala. The guy sitting across from me tells me he just turned 19 and is starting to discover the bar scene. I wish him luck and wistfully remember my own formative years. He's also going to Australia for nine months, because the party scene there is "off the hook". I am amazed that expression is still being used.

Every possible combination of people in the room having successfully been photographed, an announcment is made to proceed to Republik. A vocal minority (Japanese, by the look of him) made a power play for Ginger, but was outvoted. Wife and I took it as our chance to make an escape, went for some Fresh Slice pizza, and home. I'll go out again in another two years, when no doubt still pictures will be phased out and the entire night will be recorded in HD video.

heh... nice post

I miss the old sugar refinery

regards,
requiem

good thread +1

or the problem with giving aid to the third world.

haha i had this conversation at dinner.

Truly, A Requiem for CV.

Granville Street. There isn't a single tree between Drake and Georgia.

Oh. It sounded like a movie quote. Like something Walken would say in The Deer Hunter.

new trees are being planted

at least granville street is getting a street face lift..... it has been due for only 20 years

Thanks Mr. and Mrs Vancouver.