Summer in the City

Summer is upon us in Vangroovy, leaving many a Vancouverite feeling just that.....groovy baby. After suffering through another wet, at times demoralizing, winter we say farewell to the gray, the dark and the ugly. We’ve put our parkas in storage, said ta-ta to our toques and downsized that ever-growing pashmina population in our closets. Winter is over! Thank Buddha.

With summer, comes along several warm weather traditions specific to our fair city. I happened upon one of my faves over the weekend, and though it’s changed shape over the years, it still has the same Vancouver vibe. The Chinatown Night Market, reminiscent of the night markets of Kuala Lumpur or crazy Khao San Road in Bangkok, bring an ethnic flavor that makes you feel like you’re traipsing about South East Asia.

En route to the market I strolled past my favorite piece of street graffiti that looks a little like Gord Downey of the Tragically Hip...with a toupee hanging off the back of his head. Hmmmm, how arty.

When I arrived, the place was packed with revelers looking for some cheap street meat or a fake Fendi. As you do. I couldn’t help but snap a few pics of my favorite offerings, such as the plush stuffed animal phone charms. How does one maneuver their mobile with one of those things? Not to be outdone by the ghosts of Olympics past, there was a selection of memorabilia from the 2008 Beijing Summer Games. I couldn’t help but notice the close resemblance to Vancouver’s Olympic Mascots. Funny that.

After a well deserved bubble tea I made my way home, only to be stopped by one of our many homeless folk who wanted to test out a few jokes on me. And I quote “What’s horny and hums?” Needless to say, after the man started humming I made my way outta there. Charming.

With all this talk of summer, I feel obliged to share with you...

The Urban Cowgirl’s Poolside Playlist

Candy, Paolo Nutini
Magic, Ladyhawke
Lovegame, Lady Gaga 
107 degrees, Citizen Cope
Use Somebody, Kings of Leon
Boom Boom Pow, Black Eyed Peas
New in Town, Little Boots
Edge of Seventeen, Stevie Nicks 
Fame, Scott Weiland
Move For Me, Kaskade
I’m in Miami Bitch, LMFAO 
Suavementa, Elvis Crespo
Flashing Lights, Kanye West
Summertime, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (classic)

Party on possums.
xx

Photo credits - Urban Cowgirl