Tag Archives: Fireworks

I’ve got a bad habit of leaving a lot of time between posts, then posting tonnes of photos in a day or two, then forgetting about my blog again for a while. Just over three weeks ago, when I was still in Vancouver, I went to the 2008 HSBC Celebration of Light with a bunch of friends. I only managed to go to the first and third performances, Canada and China (July 23 and 30). I later heard bad things about the American show, and the finale (which is really just a recap with a short show from each country) is never the best to watch, so I wasn’t too bothered that I missed those. Besides, I missed the American show to go to my friend Nelson’s bachelor party, and I missed the finale to go camping with two dozen amazing people on a beach in the middle of nowhere.

I always enjoy going to the fireworks with my good buddy Stash and whoever else will join us. It’s a busy event, with over 1.4 million people attending each year (I’m guessing this is spread over the 4 nights) so we always get there early to get a good spot in English Bay for a head-on view.

I took a few photos of friends who were there, but other people also played around with my camera so I can’t be 100% certain that I took each of these portrait shots, I only distinctly remember some of them.

Ricardo:

Kristen:

Helaine:

Jack Hind Smith:

Alex:

Sean and Ashley:

Margarita:

Stash:

Jason:

Vitali:

Me:

Of course, I took photos of the flying explosives too! As usual I didn’t bother bringing a tripod, too much hassle and it’s not like I’m going to sell any of these photos, so they don’t need to be perfect. So only a few came out clear enough and nice enough to post. Partly cuz I accidentally had the aperture set at f/4.0… oh well! These four are from Canada’s show on Wednesday, July 23:

After fireworks, we went to eat Phở on Broadway just West of Cambie at our 24 hr Phở hangout, Phở Kim Penh Xe Lua. In Vancouver this summer I ate Phở 2-4 times a week. Delicious.

The following week, on Wednesday, July 30, we watched China’s show. I’ve always liked China’s shows the most because, although their music and fireworks are not usually very well-synchronized, they always seem to have the biggest bangs and brightest colours and whatnot. Canada’s show had been a little disappointing. Amazingly well-timed with the music, but no real build-up or peak, it just sort of went on and then ended not with a bang but a whimper.

While waiting for the show to start, more portrait shots!

Stash, making one of his child-eating ogre faces:

Lesley-Ann and Sarina:

The Le-Todd-Bob-3000:

?

Fireworks! Made in China.

Yes, this IS a smiley face. Never seen these ones before, they were terrific:

Afterward, we went to Phở of course, and all slept contentedly, knowing we had got our fill of fireworks and Phở for the evening.

Vancouver is host to the largest offshore fireworks festival in the world. Formerly known as the Benson & Hedges Symphony of Fire, it had to be renamed after anti-tobacco industry legislation came in a few years ago. Now it’s called the HSBC Celebration of Light and it’s amazing. The last show was August 5th, so this post is a wee bit late.

I had a final exam during the first show (Italy), but I made it out to the last three shows – China, Czech Republic and Mexico. As always we all had tons of fun. Here are a couple of pics, which of course do no justice to the awe-inspiring fireworks displays or the crazy musical selections chosen by each country.