Chinese New Year Parade: the year of wooden horse

What is worth to enjoy in a parade? I will enjoy very much to see culture, characters of participants, people who watch the parade, formations, photographers for both hobbyist  and professional and definitely costumes worn by the people in the parade. Costumes always attract my attention.

On Sunday 2 February 2014, I dragged myself in the chilling morning to go to down town Vancouver with my husband and a friend to watch Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival 2014, an annual event to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Beating the brrrrrr of English Bay

Hundreds or maybe thousands of the bravest (or craziest) residents of Vancouver dipped into the chilly water of English Bay on 1 January 2014. The Polar Bear Swim is an annual event in Vancouver. The Polar Bear Swim began in 1920 organized by the Polar Bear Swim Club. The cold water did not dissuade people to jump to the water. In fact, they had fun and wore interesting costumes. The air temperature in Vancouver was maximum 6.5 and minimum 3 degree Celsius this year. For the water temperature? I guess only God and the brave know it. Perhaps, plunging to the water can be the best way to kick out the hang over after partying the whole night celebrating new years eve. As for me, I was not brave enough to jump to the water. The least I can do was to capture the moment with my camera. Thanks to my husband who lifted me to take some of the pictures.

Enjoy some pictures!

A new year’s eve trip: to love and to laugh

Happy New Years 2014!

I still have few hours to go to welcome 2014. Friends from Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Germany, UK, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Zambia and South Africa already in their first day of 2014 and perhaps they are on bed by now after partying last night.

This morning, I had a chat with a friend from Indonesia. While I was greeting her with Happy New Year 2014, I shared her our story about our incredible and memorable trip in our New Years Eve 2013. We were on our way to Vancouver from Seattle. I would say it was a long day for us but it is always sweet to remember that day.

Ready for Pumpkin Patch

Halloween comes to town!!!! Time to patch the pumpkin and time to dressed up with costume. Are you ready to be an artist to patch the pumpkin?

Halloween 2013 is my first Halloween Night for in Vancouver. Honestly, the first ever for me as I don’t really celebrate it. Here I am in the country where everyone celebrates the night and have fun with various costumes.

But still no pumpkin for me at home!!!!