Canada Day @ Canada Place 2009

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As mentioned in yesterday’s post, it was Canada Day. And, as expected, there were events related to this celebration across Metro Vancouver. In my case, I went to the “main” celebration location: Canada Place.

However… Instead going to Canada Place directly, I chose to go to Granville Island first. I have written about this place before (check here) and have an idea of what to expect. But why go to Granville Island first? No actual reason! ^_^;;;

One event that has been running this week is the International Jazz Festival. Oddly, it is “running” also in Downtown Vancouver, which I could go after work. But, alas, I haven’t had the chance…

While I was walking around, I noticed a small queue for sample fish. Since the queue was short… (It seems certain blogger’s impatience is starting to influence me), I managed to get a piece pretty soon.

The fish was halibut which, in my mind is a bland fish. The salsa was quite good, though.

However, that small piece was no lunch so, soon after, I went to the Granville Market to find something. In the end, I settled for fish and chips, specifically the one with the longest line. In this case, Celine’s Fish & Chip

My order: the sample platter, described as cod, fried oysters, breaded prawns & calamari with fries and onion rings. However, I found it disappointing: several items were listed as plural but it had only a piece (prawn and oyster). Oddly, I was given two pieces of fish… It wasn’t that good; however, what “killed” it was that thickness of the batter and everything being excessively oily. I guess because it was really busy took its toll.

Some busking (?) activities.

After that, I went to Canada Place. However, I had a small “accident”: on my way out, I stumbled and felt down. Nothing serious, just a small scratch on the knee. Ouch… Anyway, after waiting for over 10 minutes for the bus, I arrived at Canada Place.

This is the display from the Department of National Defence. The plushies are from the families of the DND members.

One thing you have to admit is that members of the military and enforcement, in this case, the RCMP, are quite “cheerful”, compared to my experience with the military forces from certain other countries south of Canada…

One of the several stages, this one in particular with Stanley Park in the background.

If there is something that describes Canada quite well is multi-culturalism. How about a band on stage with Indian and Irish dancers, somebody playing the fiddle? This is from a band called Delhi 2 Dublin.

Somebody will have to explain this to me: Why are these lemonades leave the lemon whole and use a syrup to prepare the “freshly squeezed” lemonade instead?

Hmmmmmm…. Corn on the cob!

I was still full from my lunch and, instead, went for something more “unique”. Here, maple taffee. Maple syrup never tasted soooo goooood! ^_^;;;

As mentioned yesterday, I am proud to be Canadian. However, I will deny almost anything when it comes to people like this…

I left way before the end of festivities, including a parade and the fireworks later that night. I was quite tired, specially considering I kept bumping into people (did I say it was packed?). But, regardless, it was fun! And tomorrow, back to the “normal” schedule. ^_^

Tagged under: Downtown • Events • Fish • Seafood • Snacks • Vancouver