Twinkle Lights

Tonight I went to see The Grand Illumination in downtown Richmond. As a Canadian, it's really bizarre to be in a place so warm in December. It's usually either freezing rain every other day, or at least below zero, but today I was outside in a short-sleeve t-shirt, while I watched neighbours walk by wearing winter hats. I guess their idea of cold and mine is quite different. Anyhow, the city of Richmond has this Grand Illumination where the high-rise buildings downtown are outlined in white lights and there's a small park in the center of this area full of trees, reindeer, and wreaths all done up in white lights. It's really beautiful but I felt like I should have at least been wearing mittens or a scarf. I've got a closet full of winter gear just itching to get out. Fingers crossed I can leave it where it lays. The only other thing I've seen recently that comes close to this is the City Hall light display in Osaka, Japan. It's next to a river and looked quite beautiful with the lights bouncing off the water. I was brought back to earth though by the stalls of hot dogs, takoyaki (balls of fried octopus), and noodles all calling out for customers. I had a hot dog on a stick and then watched the same vendor who sold me the dog pick his ears with one of the sticks used to sell his delicious treat on. I pray to God that was the only stick he stuck in his mangy ear and that it didn't come anywhere near the food. And they talk about people getting weird parasites and infections from third world countries!