Our Canadian Adventures: Ballet and Booze

Friday July 29th.

It's a lazy grey start to the day. The clouds begin to blow away as I swim this morning but they took their time going. The rest of the morning and afternoon was an electronic day with computers and iPads taking up most of the time.

After a ligh,t early supper we 'posh up' to go out. The Boys aka John, Dave, Joe, Ralph and Daniel are off the the Yaletown Brewery Co. to sample the Ales. This Brewery company is the first of Vancouver's micro breweries founded in 1994. They're dining there as well.

The Girls aka Nancy, Nancylee and myself are getting some culture at the Ballet at the theater in 'The Centre' a venue for the Performing Arts.

Driving downtown the sun is out, the sky clear of clouds and the traffic fairly light. Driving over Cambie bridge the Science Word dome sparkles in the evening sun. Later tonight once darkness falls it will be lit up with lights at every corner of the geometric structure.

False Creek and Science World dome

Surprisingly, parking is easy Downtown. The 'Boys' walk off to their Yaletown destination and to meet their booze session confederates. Oh sorry, ale tasting! We cross the road to the theater.

The Theater is called 'The Centre' and is the venue for Performing Arts in Vancouver. Last time we were here n 2007 it was to see a performance of 'Jesus Christ Super star',

Tonight we are going to the Ballet, courtesy of Ralph. I must admit to some apprehension. I haven't seen a 'live' ballet performance since I was at school and then it was fascinating (possibly for the wrong reason for a teenage girl! men in tights!?) but incomprehensible. Sensibly I read the synopsis of the performance online and in the pamphlet we were given at the entrance to the theater.

We are seeing a Ballet called Shim Chang or 'The Blindman's Daughter. It's performed by an internationally famous award winning Korean Ballet Company.

Good Seats.

The theater is light airy and modern. It wasn't full maybe just over three quarters full.

A light modern theater.

The feelings of apprehension of sitting through a ballet and a Korean ballet as well, was soon dispelled. It was truly a magical, adsorbing performance. The dancing, the costumes, the scenery and the story telling in dance was wonderful. At the end the company got a well deserved Standing Ovation from an appreciative audience. All the dancers were classically trained Korean dancers. The music distinctly Western with Oriental overtones.

We came out of the Theater just at the right time to meet up with the Boys and Joe. Ralph and Daniel had decided to go home. A trip to Chambar was muted and agreed. The Boys walked the short distance.We drove and slipped the car, once again, into a convenient parking spot.

dressed in coordinating colour!

At Chambar a night time eating and drinking spot. we order a Tapas appetizer with a portion of fries. Then after seeing all the scummy looking desserts going out to other punters we give in and ask for the dessert menu.