There really is nowhere more beautiful than Vancouver in the summer, and that may be because of the stark contrast of the rainy, dreary autumn and winter. Each summer, weather permitting, thousands of people flock to our city, to take advantage of the beaches, parks, and tourist destinations. One of the highlights of the Vancouver summer is the Symphony of Fire. It's an event that stretches over two weeks, every Wednesday and Saturday night when a different country, such as Spain, China, Canada just to name this years competitors, does their best to impress the throngs of people on the beach, on their balconies, or even better on their boats, watching the fireworks displays that are being set off from a barge anchored in English Bay. The fireworks are choreographed to a musical montage that can be tuned into on the local radio staion.

I watched Spain's contribution to the competition from a friend's boat. We set off from Burrard Harbour and followed the shore line of Stanley Park until we came upon the mass of boats all moored in the evening light, waiting for the show to start. We had a BBQ on board and relaxed while dusk fell, and the first warning firework flare went up. The beach was absolutely rammed with people watching. The music started and for 30 minutes we watched an explosion of light and music.

As the last explosion sounded out over English Bay, the lingering smoke started to move toward Stanely Park and the once captive audience both on land and on the water started making a move. Knowing that it is absolute mayhem in the first half an hour after the fireworks ends, we just chilled out on the boat and waited until most of the traffic had left before pulling up anchor and starting the engines to head back home.