February 2018
And some clever quip...
Chinatown Parade
We have watched the Chinatown Parade
several times in previous years (
2017,
2015,
2006). We have
learned a few things - arrive early, prepare for the cold and get
comfortable seats. We brought our camping chairs and set up
near the Chinese Cultural Center. The parade started on time
and the first people down the road were the politicians shaking
hands and giving out red packets.
After the first group of people pass, the parade is a mix of
performances and group walking by with banners. Some of the
show is corporate groups (VanCity or the CBC) and some are private
groups like Benevolent societies or the Chinese Cultural Center.
Early on in the parade
the route is better respected (lots of space for the performers) and
everyone has more energy. The kids like to get the red packets
so again being early on the route is good.
I have a soft spot for the performances - dragons, dancing lions and
various dance acts. Some performances go right up the middle
of the road but many of the lions and dragons run edge to edge,
especially if there are kids around.
While we have been to several parades, I don't think we have every
seen one to completion. I believe the whole parade is about
2.5 hours long, but the parade isn't always on time.
Gymnastics Week
Apparently it's national gymnastics
week. The gym our kids go to is participating and they want
to crowd source some images. Ten minutes before the usual
end of class, we were allowed to come in with our cameras and take
some snapshots. Being parents, we happily obliged.
Nara and Claira's classes basically overlap with Nara's class
finishing about 15 minutes after Claira's. Both classes
ended in the same part of the gym so I wound up taking very
similar pictures for both kids.
Skating At Robson Square
The skating rink at Robson square is
technically free, but we don't own skates so we rent every time we
visit. The rink closes at the of February (it is outdoor) so
this was our last weekend to get on the ice. Claira has come
a long way this year - she can now skate without a box or anyone
holding her hand!
Tags: Vancouver Chinatown(10), gymnastics(9), parade(9), skating(5), Robson Square Skating Rink(5), dragon(4)
People: Claira(10), Nara(8)
From: John Harvey Photo > Blogs for 2024 to 2005 > February 2018
Last Modified Sunday, January 22nd, 2023 at 00:00:38 Edit
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