Festival of Lights ~ too many lights

The night before snow fell in Vancouver, we went to the Festival of Lights. Along with thousands of other people. It was cold, crisp, dry and crowded.














Every year, more and more are attracted to what seems to be becoming an increasingly commercialised event. Not that there's anything terribly wrong with that, though it isn't quite what I have in mind when I think of VanDusen Garden.

The lights are a spectacle and if a person can get away from the crowd, it can be quite breathtaking, though sometimes the brightest lights are reserved for the merchants of donuts, hot chocolate and more.















Hand warming devices are provided throughout the venue as this friendly visitor discovered. That would be the visitor on the left.

The spectacle that is the Festival of Lights has ventured into a tacky, tawdry kind of place. It doesn't reflect the peace and natural beauty the Garden offers throughout the rest of the year, the tranquillity that exists in simply spending time in quiet reflection. At this time of year, with crowds and noise everywhere, with the frantic hum of consumer spending imposed upon us at every turn, we could all use a little bit more of what the Garden really represents.

Photos by Jim Murray. Copyright 2013.

Let it snow... in Vancouver?

Almost one year ago to the day, we left Dawson City after three months in Yukon. The day we left it was colder than minus forty and there were snow crystals in the air.

Today, we awoke to snow, here in Vancouver. It happens once or twice a winter, creating chaos throughout the metro region, with traffic and confusion alike. Is this school open, or closed? Is the bus running on time ? Will my commute be one hour or two?

The rest of Canada laughs at us on the left coast. A few centimetres of snow and we don't know how to drive, or walk, or get anywhere. We have enough trouble in the rain, and you would think we would know how to do that...

Photos by Jim Murray

Copyright 2013

Just before... The Festival of Lights at VanDusen Gardens

It's an annual tradition in Vancouver: The Festival of Lights at VanDusen Gardens. What seems to involve millions of lights and just about as many visitors, the light show is a major winter attraction.

In the month leading up to opening day, this year on December 11, there is much activity within the grounds as the gardens take on a festive appearance. We missed last year's event, spending time on the Ninth Avenue Trail and in El Rosedal instead.

On the day of the Festival's opening, workers were finishing various displays, grooming the gardens and readying for the crowds. The rains will likely start soon enough, but for now it is dry with a touch of snow and the ponds are frozen over here and throughout the city.






I don't know what I make of the continued commercialisation of the Gardens and its special events, like the Festival of Lights. It seems harmless enough, but where does this hunger for revenue end?





As well, many of the Touch Wood sculptures that we enjoyed through the summer and autumn have been "decorated" with lights or uniforms. Doesn't this detract from the integrity of the art? Is it right to put a halo on a piece of art, or dress up another group as toy soldiers?











And what about this drilling rig in the middle of the pond? I know our provincial government has promised us trillions in receipts from LNG, but really, in VanDusen Gardens? What's next, a pipeline?

Still, there is something magical about this thing, and as we approach the darkest night of the year, there is beauty in these lights.

Photos by Jim Murray

Copyright 2013