After raw oysters, lots of salmon, and a some kind of tentacle at Aoki Sushi, we made our way down to Kitsalano beach. About 6:45 it started to rain, and before long we were running for cover. None of us had even considered the possibility of getting wet, so we hunkered down under a tree while Mark schooled us at Skipbo. Then the thunder and lightning began, and before long the scientists in our group urged us to move away from the trees. The display that followed was an indescribable.
Lightning was blasting multiple times a minute, whether it be across the sky from cloud to cloud, bolts shot to the rods on top of the downtown buildings, or nothing more than an enormous flash behind the clouds. For the next 3 hours, the storm moved slowly over the top of us and out towards north Vancouver. We got soaked, but it didn't matter. When the lighning storm merged with the sunset, painting gold across the water, sky, andrain-soaked cement. I think it is safe to say it was the most beautiful weather I have ever seen.
The fireworks were incredible, but they could hardly compete with the storm, as it moved north across the mountains. We left Canada tired and drenched, but knowing it had most definitely been worth it.
The contest consisted of polite clapping and whoops from friends for the first few competitors, and when it came to my turn, the crowd burst anto an uproar for a good 10-15 seconds. During this time, I managed to give the theater guy another solid whomp or two, as well as the entire front row. By some jdging shenanigans, it was announced that there were three finalists, myself, a creepy guy dressed up as Severus Snape, and a genuine 10 year old Harry Potter. The movie theater manager kept saying it was a tie, and I had to win the overwhelming support of the audience 2 more times before he said "Unfortunately.... I think we have a winner..... The Tree." And there was much whomping among the people.
