Happy Canuck Day

Happy belated Canada Day to all Canadians out there and a happy preemptive Independence Day to all of those from south of the border. So...how was my first Canada Day in Canada in 5 years. It was ok. Nothing really spectacular since I am currently hangin out in a rather small town and really don't know people aside from family. I spent Canada Day bombin around some local bike trails on my new set of wheels, eating bbq and winding up the evening by consuming beer at a cousin's house. Not bad at all, but not the debacle I experienced last year in Busan at a little establishement known as Starface...that was a scary, booze-fueled Canadian-expat mess if I ever did see one.

That is to be expected though. In Seoul there is the Canada Day in Seoul bash thrown by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Korea. That is a hoot if you're into playing tug-of-war and beer chugging relays with 2500 other Canadian English teachers. I did it in 2002 and have to admit that it was fun, but had no desire to go back in and do it again. In Busan, South Korea, things aren't quite so organized. Basically, everyone goes to an expat bar in Haeundae known as Starface...wearing their finest Canadian garb of course, and get absolutely smashed. I'm sure Canadians across the globe yesterday were crammed in expat pubs and clubs, waxing patriotic over the local suds...good for them! Happy Canada Day!

I just put together a video I took earlier this year while living in Korea. It's of Daeborum, which is the first full moon of the lunar year. It is traditionally a big event in Korea and often marked with huge bonfires. The one in Busan is held on haeundae Beach. It was a really rainy night, but the fire was still held. Check it out below.