This past weekend, Vancouver was a throbbing feast of colour, fireworks, feathers, and all things wild, whacky and outrageously playful. I had forgotten that it was Gay Pride weekend but as soon as I hit Robson street, there were reminders all around. Shop windows were adorned with colourful displays, from jars of neon candies, to balloons, bunting, feathers, leather and naughty stuff that would make a nun turn the other way. The sun was shining and Vancouver was ready to parteeeeee - all weekend long! Dogs were wearing hawaiian leis around their necks and dicky bows on their tails. On Davie Street, crosswalks are now permanently painted in the colours of the rainbow, which symbolise gay pride and freedom to be...
By direct contrast, Victoria was hosting the annual ultra-conservative, 'Symphony Splash' in the inner harbour - a celebration of elegance and refinement. It was all very Downton Abbey-ish, with folks packing their picnics in wicker baskets, and enjoying the Victoria Symphony from the grounds of the Empress Hotel; donning bonnets and dapper boater hats. All very genteel and reminiscent of a bygone era. The thought struck me what if they had the Gay Pride Parade in front of the Empress Hotel, instead of the Victoria Symphony and didn't tell them?...there would have been consternation!! If they saw what I saw on Robson for two and a half hours yesterday...actually it was so steamy, the auld fellows with their handlebar moustaches would probably have enjoyed it better! Ladies prancing around in bikinis and frilly short skirts, and some wearing nothing more than a smile..."By Golly!" and "Good grief! Get the Police!"
Vive la difference!
The fireworks on Saturday night were spectacular and we had a great view from our balcony. For about half an hour the sky was a thundering riot of colour - crimson, cobalt blue, golden, green and purple. It held 400,000 or so spectators spellbound. After they finished people began streaming past our condo carrying rainbow flags. It took at least an hour for the crowds to clear. Excitement and laughter filled the balmy summer air.
It was a good warm up for the parade on Sunday. We were at the starting point when it began at 12.00 noon precisely. They were led by the 'Dykes on Bikes' and for a full two and a half hours hundreds of gayly dressed boys and girls, and men and women on stilts, and seniors, and dogs and children, and bicycles and floats covered with flowers, and 'strange' musical groups, led a mind boggling procession like I have never seen before - Ever! Unlike the Dublin parade, there were no men with microphones defiantly displaying a giant picture of Jesus and praying the rosary. The only mention of God was a man wearing a t-shirt with the words "Reality is better than Jesus" written all over the front.
We girls wanted to go shopping on South Granville, so we missed what Kevin described as the 'Best performance' which was the 'Spice Girls' a group of about ten girls of dubious gender, singing all the Spice Girls hits. They thrilled the screaming, clapping onlookers.
I think the heat and the colour and the glitz got to me. I felt dizzy from it all so took shelter in a nice Starbucks on South Granville where we went to look at sofa beds for the condo.
Now the weekend is all over, and tomorrow God willing, we will wake up to the sound of roofers and painters and carpenters, etc. Business as usual!
Choo Choo for now!
Love,
Patricia xxx
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