Fireworks

Every year Vancouver hosts the Celebration of Light, a 4 night "international pyro-musical fireworks competition". My arrival here on Wednesday coincided with the first night and tonight was another viewing. This performance was put on by South Africa while the one before was done by Canada. It's a big show and a lot of people go see it. The fireworks are shot from barges on the English Bay so the entire area around there is great for viewing. It doesn't get dark enough until about 9:30 here so the shows start at 10 but everyone is out. Most people bring picnics/chairs/blankets to the various public beaches and parks and make a jolly night of it. I'm no fireworks expert but I'd say these are some of the most intricate shows I've seen. And the music being simulcast is a lovely touch. I'd love to be on a boat for this thing next summer. It was pouring rain tonight but still the show went on. Mother Nature put on a competing show of thunder and lighting which may have been more interesting. A friendly guy from Orange County shared his umbrella with me and we had a nice chat. He had moved to Vancouver for a year so he could snowboard and go to Whistler a lot. Yep, ok. Anyway, it was nice to talk with someone. After the show I soggily made my way home so I could get in a nap before waking up at 4 to fly to Orange County for Sarina's bridal shower. Naturally, I'm not too sleepy so I figured I get this out before forcing myself to go to bed.