Doing the Kooza with Pride

This past BC day long weekend was the first one I managed to stay in town (that being Vancouver) in the last five years. Usually at this time, I am traveling for work or just trying to get some peace and quiet from the craziness that happens on the lovely west coast of Canada.

The annual Celebration of Lights have now come and gone with the final show finishing up this past Saturday, July 31st. I haven't seen one of these in years. I think it's more to do with the fact that I am finding myself not all that patient dealing with massive crowds, public drunkenness or having to deal with the aftermath of extensive littering throughout the downtown core. I'm a little sad because I truly do enjoy a great show of fireworks, but it's being going on for about 20 years or so and I've done my share. Maybe next year.

However, the Cirque du Soleil has made their way to town with their latest production of Kooza. A brilliant array of colours, stunts and stage presentation.   A first class company putting together a first class show. This year we managed to get ticket to the Cirque VIP tent (Tapis Rouge) and received complimentary drinks, appetizers and some great shade from the hot sun.

Being in the big tent was a wonderful experience bringing me back to what it felt like to be a child and heading to the circus or carnival during the summer months. The show itself was just purely amazing. I would highly recommend it to those who have yet to experience a Cirque du Soleil production.

But the biggest event of them all is definitely Pride. With the crowds gathering throughout the downtown core, mainly on Davie Street, Vancouver has one of the biggest Pride Festivals in North America and this year was no exception. Colourful, decadent, bright and fabulous!  A fantastic way to end the Provincial holiday with a bang.

I forgot how fun it was to stay in town during this long weekend. I've been away so much it was like discovering the city all over again. Heck it even rained a little to make sure we're still in the realm of reality. Vancouver sharing its best with the world and their native sons and daughters, can you ask for more?

Justine Galo