𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙙𝙖 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧 2023 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙨𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨. 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙖 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮.
The westernmost province of Canada, British Columbia is truly fascinating and I've seen some of its most breathtaking places worth visiting. I enjoyed the journey to places and being inspired by nature and the people.
The year 2023 wasn't all about travel. It's been a roller coaster of events and a swing of emotions. Things happen swiftly and suddenly. We had joy on cloud nine, but also had seasons in the sun.
Chinese New Year in Vancouver
We had a simple New Year's Eve celebration in Vancouver. A countdown and some selfies on our hotel room's balcony overlooking the Vancouver skyline. That was a cheerful way of welcoming the New Year with the greatest hopes and aspirations.
We also welcomed the Chinese New Year in Vancouver Chinatown in late January 2023. It was a surprise to have met Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau waving and greeting people on a parade.
I've been celebrating the Chinese New Year for years and it never fails to give me and my family some luck and prosperity. In 2023, I feel abundance coming in and it ignites optimism for greater hopes.
A Spirited Spring
I love Spring. It's the most loved season when everyone seems smiling and happy being outdoors after a long winter.
We traveled about two hours from home to spend our first Spring holiday in Harrison Hot Springs in the Fraser Valley. It's a healing place and highly revered by the local indigenous people. I felt the healing power of nature on its hot springs and probably the famous "Sasquatch" urban legend which is a spiritual creature that made several sightings documented.
Spring isn't complete without experiencing the Cherry Blossom Festival. This year, we celebrated it in Garry Point Park in Richmond and walked on a canopy of cherry trees.
It's nice to see couples, children, and families enjoying the colors and smell of the Cherry blossoms. It's one of the most beautiful gifts the Asian people gave to North America. And in Garry Point Park hundreds of Cherry trees blossom magically.
There are more in Spring other than the Cherry blossoms. On May 22, 2023, in celebration of Victoria Day, I had my first Rodeo experience at the Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair.
The best and award-winning Cowboys and cowgirls in North America showcased their Rodeo skills to the thousands of spectators from British Columbia and places in North America.
The Rodeo event teaches us about the livelihood and lifestyle of the great Cowboys and Ranchers. What we see in the game is what happens in the real world of Cattle and any livestock industry. Rodeo is not only fun, but it teaches us about patience, endurance, and perseverance.
When the Summer Comes
Summer is full of fun under the sun. It's a great time for outdoor activities anywhere. The first event we attended was the Pinoy Festival in Burnaby at the beginning of summer on June 25, 2023.
Pinoy Festival was the first ever and the biggest Filipino cultural event in British Columbia and we had the opportunity to meet and greet fellow Filipinos and watch their cultural performances.
That was also memorable to meet and hear the message of British Columbia Premier, David Eby who recognized the Filipino communities' great contribution to the Province and the country.
Summer is best enjoyed when we travel a little bit far from home. On July 2, 2023, we had an hour's drive to Chilliwack to visit Minter Country Garden. It's where we found the largest selection and display of trees, flowers, and ornamental plants. We had lunch in their café and bought the finest tea in their shop.
The garden has a relaxing ambiance and it's worth the visit. I hope to come back in the future to buy some plants and bring a piece of nature at home.
In the middle of Summer, on August 6, 2023, we discovered a lake in Coquitlam after we failed to secure a parking spot on the beach that we wished to visit. After almost 2 hours of searching for an alternative spot, we had finally settled and had a pleasant picnic day on Como Lake.
The place was surprisingly cooler than the rest of the metro and the early fall foliage was evident. I like the healthy lifestyle of the residents where they do fitness walks, fishing, and outdoor games.
The best of Summer happened on my birthday when we had a trip to Bowen Island which is a 20-minute ferry ride from Vancouver. It's a romantic Island getaway that anyone can enjoy even on a day trip.
We had a great time on a rocky shore in a marina just below the mountain and overlooking an Islet where small boats, jet skis, and ferries pass through.
It's a great feeling to unwind once in a while and our Bowen Island trip was one of the most memorable birthday celebrations I had. It's the best moment of contemplation and a heartfelt expression of gratitude for another year.
Fall in Love
The colors of the fall season are truly magical. It gives a lovely vibe when you see the plants and trees change their colors and fall to the ground.
At the beginning of the fall on September 30, 2023, we traveled to Lynn Canyon Park in North Vancouver to simply have some time in nature.
The sound of the waterfalls was soothing to the senses as we crossed a suspension bridge leading to the trails. That was the clearest water I've seen up close on the stream. Several teens enjoy jumping off the cliff and splashing in an emerald pool of water. We simply enjoy the moment to take a deep breath and appreciate the breeze of nature.
A Sparkling Winter
British Columbia is known for its mild winter. But this year's season is warmer and we're not having snowfall in the metro for the holidays and before the year ends.
Although we're not having a mountain resort adventure this holiday, we have enjoyed the sparkling lights of Christmas in the city.
Our Christmas shopping in Richmond was special as we took a picture with a massive Christmas tree while hearing a festive melody.
Our trip to the Vancouver Christmas Market was a wonderful experience. It feels like a real Christmas to be with happy and jolly people.
The most meaningful moment is Christmas day and we celebrate it with joyful hope. We celebrated the mass and shared some fun and laughter at a family gathering.
Back in my home country, the Philippines, my family had the Merriest Christmas celebrations. I may not be present, but they're always in my heart every Christmas.
The year 2023 has been a great year against all odds. We continue to hope and dream about beautiful things and meaningful life. And we continue to be grateful for all the blessings and graces we received. We end the year with love shared with our loved ones. We end the year with peace and joy in our hearts.
©️ 2023 Del Cusay