FUSION FEST!

Deciding to brave the bad weather in search of good food, I walked over to Fusion Fest on Saturday afternoon. I was totally amazed! There were 36 country pavilions selling food, clothing, jewelry and everything under the sun.

Each country was also given the opportunity to present traditional dance and/or music on one of the main stages. These ladies were performing a Korean dance based on famous paintings... the name of the dance escapes me.

I bought food from 5 different country pavilions... only 3 were around long enough for a photo opportunity. We started off with a Nepalese "snack plate" that consisted of some spicy potato like dish and some deep fried patty something or other. I don't know what it was, but it was gone in 2 minutes.

After that we headed over to Kenya, to try their flat bread salsa (below). It was the first time I really enjoyed fresh tomatoes (I typically hate tomatoes), and the dish was amazing!

Then off to Tibet, were we tried dumpling like momas. Very mild compared to some of the other food. It too was consumed before a picture could be taken.

At this point I was so full, I thought a chai tea from the India pavilion would do me some good. Mmm, so much good.

And finally, on my way out, with 3 food tickets left the Mexican pavilion with their strawberry filled churros caught my eye...

But before we even started eating I met some lovely ladies at the Surrey heritage tent. I correctly guessed 4 of the 7 heritage barn locations (I had no idea there were heritage barns in Surrey) and they kindly gave me candy and a reusable bag.

I think Surrey has far more history than I have ever given it credit for, and I might pick the brains of these gals for another blog post.

Green Timbers Urban Forest

Yesterday was a lovely sunny day, and what better way to spend the morning then walking through the woods. Green Timbers Urban forest is a huge park in the middle of Surrey. It has many attractions, include a stocked lake! I don't know what it is stocked with... lake trout or something. Hopefully I can find the time to come here regularly.

This plumpy lady was begging bread crumbs off a 5 year old, I called her Beatrice.

More from interbention

Although I have been a slacker and not updated this blog, the people at interbenchion have not. Two new installations in the last few weeks.

The first, the bench as leftovers:


And the bench with a flock of paper cranes:

http://www.interbenchion.blogspot.com/

I've been really disappointed, both installations have been taken down before I got the chance to see them in person, I think translink or the skytrain people are not keen on the art. But I think it is awesome, MORE BENCH ART!

Interbenchion

I have noticed a poor imprisoned bench located beneath the Surrey Central skytrain station during my commute. When I asked around to find out, what crime this bench committed, in turns out in a misguided attempt to curb crime, the city of Surrey removed all public seating in the area. This bench, set in concrete, was too much of a challenge to remove (I presume), so translink put a 8 foot tall fence around it.

Seems that someone decided to take action, an "interbention", and used the space for some guerrilla art installation. They turned the fenced off bench into a cozy living room, fully equipped with plush pillows and slippers.

I really love the idea of non invasive guerrilla installation art, especially art like this that has a fun message. Checkout their website http://www.interbenchion.blogspot.com/, more interesting work to come!

The Big Move

I have moved from trendy Kits in the heart of Vancouver to Whalley, Surrey. I did it all for a boy, but though the gesture may have been romantic, the location, at first glance, is not. However, I'm determined to broaden my horizons and see what this city has to offer. I'm discovering Surrey, and here's where I'll share what I find.