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 After
a fantastic experience two years ago for the festival of Light in Vancouver,
Canada, I figured it was time to go and see who would be the champ this year
by choosing to catch the day of the grand finale of the Celebration of Light
held in Canada. This year's competitors included
Canada
(of course!),
China
and
Sweden
. Let the games begin!
I made the trip with my good friend Nick and chose to stay this time in
New Westminster
about 40 minutes away from downtown by the SkyTrain. The trip up was good,
with a bit of a wait in line, (you still don't need a passport until 2007).
Finally crossing the border, we made our way to
New Westminster
and the hotel was very nice with views of the water and the cute market
nearby which made it feel like a relaxing home away from home. I was duly
impressed and this was for less than 100 dollars per night!
After getting in, I changed into my funky clothes for the trip downtown.
With video camera, camera and everything else in tow, we made our way to the
SkyTrain. On the way, we stopped at MetroTown in
Burnaby
for a snack and I had to make a trading card (disco, no less!) We made the
trek downtown and getting in, it was already a madhouse along the water. I
am surprised we found a spot! We got our little section tagged while I
grabbed snacks (hard to find, so was an available bathroom at this point).
As the countdown began, a firework would be let off from the barge. Once the
show began, we were treated to beautiful medleys from each country. I
especially liked
Sweden
's playfulness and
China
's haunting displays. Who won? It was
Sweden
, hands down! Now the hard part - getting out of
Vancouver
with over 300,000 people crowding the streets!
Nick and I did our best, but came back to
New Westminster
quite late (or early). We checked out the Riverboat casino there (with
regular slots!) then gave up the ghost.
The
next day, I checked out the market next to the hotel and it was so adorable!
Having breakfast and a peach cone, I enjoyed this cute little town in its
entire splendor. We went to Metrotown again for lunch and more trading cards
then headed downtown to meet up with my friend Sean Tataryn (see
his profile here). He showed me his dolls so far and gave me the new
calendar and a promo DVD - Thank you, Sean!
Nick made his way back to the hotel while I cruised on Robson and
Davie
a little, (a girl can't help but shop!) Soon, I headed back and after a trip
to the 'Ol Spaghetti Factory, we headed out. I loved the fireworks and had
the funnest time.
Thank you
,
Canada
!
Mariam
If you want to learn more about the Celebration of
Light, click
here for more information and make plans to see it in the future!
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