𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧 2022 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙖 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙖 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙙𝙖. 

It's a new beginning for me as a newcomer to a place that offers opportunities for growth and success. As I leave the Philippines, I will have all the good memories, life lessons, and faith that will inspire me to move on to the next chapter. The excitement of exploring a new culture and the challenges of adapting to a different climate are all part of this journey. 

Travel from the Philippines to Canada 

I feel the love and support of my family as I bid farewell. It was an incredible journey, and I am thinking about what lies ahead in my dreams and desires. 

I carried the lessons learned from my parents and cherished those precious moments with them. My family inspires me to strive for the better, keep fighting, and live a good life. 

Even when I'm far away from home, we're always connected, and they are inspired by what I share about my new life. 

Spring has Sprung 

I arrived in Canada in February 2022, in the second half of Winter. Although I haven't experienced heavy snowfall, I still feel cold and am adjusting to the frigid weather. 

The Spring season began in March, with pleasant weather. That's when Cherry blossoms are everywhere, and romantic scenery makes people smile and feel loved. 

It feels good to have visited Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. It was a charming and laid-back city on Vancouver Island, full of history, unique places, and culture. Vancouver Island is just an hour-and-a-half ferry ride away from Vancouver's mainland. 

It was a fantastic trip as we celebrated Holy Week 2022 in Victoria. They have the mildest weather in British Columbia, so people enjoy strolling around while enjoying the scenic views. 

Spring reminds us of a beautiful new beginning. It's like a restart button after things become chaotic. This season, we travel more, explore places, taste various cuisines, and enjoy events. 

Summer Season in the Sun 

Summer is the time to be outdoors. The weather is temperate, and it's the best time for camping in the mountains, woods, and creeks. 

Summer can be sweltering, but it doesn't stop us from traveling to places for adventure and new experiences. 

It can be warm to hot just before the summer officially begins, so we can already feel the summer vibe. We traveled about five hours to Logan Lake, located Northeast of Vancouver. That's the most extended land travel I experienced in British Columbia. We had a great weekend camping and the best road trip ever. 

I celebrated my birthday in the summer on the Sunshine Coast, and it was a memorable experience to travel to the coastal towns with magnificent views. 

We had a creekside camping, a beach walk, a harbor stroll, and an excellent ferry ride. 

The summer season makes the lawn dry for several months of drought, but some farms can be so green, like the Richmond Country Farms, where we enjoyed the Sunflower Festival. 

Sunset is late during the summer, as the night starts between 9 and 10 p.m., and dawn is as early as 4:30 a.m. That means we may have shorter sleep and more Netflix time. 

Fall in Love 

The Fall season is magical as the leaves turn to different colors like yellow, red, orange, and brown. It makes the surroundings golden when the leaves do not fall from the trees. And when it falls to the ground, it's just incredible and lovely. 

During the fall season, farmers harvest their produce, so farms are busy with festivals and activities. I enjoyed the pumpkin patch experience, the pumpkin soup, and the pumpkin pie. 

During the fall, we celebrate Thanksgiving for the blessings and graces we received and the bountiful harvest the farmers shared with everyone. 

Winter Wonderland 

It's the season when winter storms can cause chaos in the city. Traveling may be challenging when the road is slushy, and there are several snow days. 

I experienced the first significant snowstorm of this year on November 29, when I was stranded on the road for almost 2 hours and suffered from shivering. 

During winter, the days become shorter, and the nights become longer. It can be dark as early as 4 p.m. and very cold when the temperatures hit below freezing. 

We live in the Pacific Northwest region of Canada, British Columbia, which has the mildest temperature in the country. It's not as harsh and frigid as Canada's central and eastern sides. So we're blessed with a favorable climate all year round. 

Winter season is fun when we experience snow activities in mountain resorts. We visited Mount Seymour in North Vancouver a week before Christmas Day and enjoyed activities like toboggan and tubing. There's no reason to be stuck at home when we can still enjoy the snow until it lasts. 

Four Seasons in Canada 

I've experienced Canada's four seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. Each season has its unique beauty and charm, from the serene snowfall of Winter to the vibrant colors of Fall. It's hard to pick the most beautiful season when each one brings its own wonders. 

We have made it this year, 2022. We have traveled great distances in British Columbia and had a meaningful journey. We discovered places, explored local cultures, and enjoyed the food, the wine, and the music. 

We have made it this year, 2022. We have traveled great distances in British Columbia and had a meaningful journey. We discovered places, explored local cultures, and enjoyed the food, the wine, and the music. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my family and friends, for which I am truly grateful. Their encouragement and understanding have been a constant source of strength for me. 

There are so many things to enjoy and experience, so we eagerly look forward to more travel in 2023. Life is a journey on the road. It gives a new perspective on something. 

Once in a while, we need to unwind, recharge, and rejuvenate, and this is made possible through traveling, exploring places, and experiencing new things. I'm excited to share these experiences with you, my dear readers, and make you feel part of my journey. 

This year is also about developing new skills as I venture into YouTube vlogging. The prospect of sharing my experiences more dynamically is not just fascinating, but also thrilling. I've been a blogger since 2011, but I need to upgrade my skills to integrate the world of vlogs into creating meaningful travel journals. I've named my YouTube channel, Del Make it Happen, as a reflection of my goals and aspirations.

The year 2022 has been a roller coaster of emotions. I've learned many things in Canada and hope to continue living my best life while achieving my most cherished hopes and dreams. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay 

Related Posts: 

👉 2021 Year in Review: Reunited in Love 

👉 2020 Year in Review: Overcoming Great Odds 

👉 2019 Year in Review: The Greatest Love

Christmas in Our Hearts 2022: 𝗠𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮

𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧. 𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙛𝙪𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝙃𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧, 𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙖𝙧 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚. 𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙖 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙙𝙖. 

Family is forever, and yes, they are in the Philippines. I felt a little despondent on my first Christmas in Canada. It was not something I expected or wanted. 

There's no 'Noche Buena' culture here, a tradition in the Philippines where families gather for a festive meal on Christmas Eve. It's quiet, and people prefer to be at home for some reason. 

Is Christ present during our darkest times, when we feel down and don't feel good about ourselves? 

There's more love in the Philippines during Christmas, so we dwell on our home country's most meaningful and memorable moments. 

We feel good and brighten the darkness whenever we reminisce about the good Christmas moments. 

Our family, no matter where they are, is a source of understanding and comfort. Christmas is the most special day of the year when we remember and talk to them. It's a time to share our joys and sorrows, our thoughts and feelings. Our family is our anchor, and their love and support make the distance feel a little less. 

All I want this Christmas is to feel the presence of Christ. His love and the Holy Spirit to guide and lift me. Others may have forgotten and been blinded by their priorities, but we can't follow their path. They always have the choice to make beyond our control. 

I still want to feel the bright side of Christmas, the joy and love that it brings. The ups and downs, the challenges and the loneliness, will always be there, but Christ will be in our hearts, guiding us through. 

In his message this year, the Pope reminded us, "Even in dark times, never lose hope in God's love." It's a powerful reminder that there is always light, even in our darkest hour. This Christmas, let's hold on to this hope and let it guide us through the challenges we face. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay 

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗲

𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙣, 𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙖𝙮. 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙠𝙞𝙙, 𝙄 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝘿𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨.

Christmas is the most beautiful time of the year. We sing Christmas carols, receive gifts from our loved ones, and eagerly anticipate the magical gifts from Santa Claus. 

Back then, on Christmas Eve in my home country, the Philippines, we celebrated mass together as a family and shared a meal for "Noche Buena." The joyous celebration, the warmth of family, and the shared love made it a truly special time. 

As a grown-up adult, I still find meaning and joy in celebrating Christmas. This year, however, will be a different experience. It will be my first Christmas away from my family in the Philippines, my first Christmas in Canada. 

Here at Lumagica in Surrey, Canada, it brings back wonderful memories of when I was a kid. The fascination with Christmas trees and lights, the joyful spirit of hearing Christmas carols, and the excitement of seeing Santa Claus are joyous celebrations that I'm thrilled to share with you all. 

Lumagica is a magical light festival with a North Pole winter wonderland theme. It aims to attract families and give them a spectacular white Christmas.

Christmas is fun for the whole family, the

adults, and the little ones. But for the grown-ups, there's always that kid in us. We shout for joy; we genuinely enjoy! 

Let this Christmas season bring back that glow in our faces and sparkle in our eyes like a child. Find the magical experience that Christmas brings. Find happiness and joy in our hearts.

 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay 

𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗮 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗸𝘆 𝗚𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗮 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗵

𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙖 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙮 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩'𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙎𝙚𝙖 𝙩𝙤 𝙎𝙠𝙮 𝙂𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙡𝙖 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙟𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝙪𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙠𝙮. 

This outdoor destination, located in Squamish, is one of the best places to visit in British Columbia. The breathtaking sea view from the sky and on top of the mountain is worth the experience. It's exhilarating and truly spectacular. 

Let's explore this stunningly beautiful destination in Squamish, an hour's drive from North Vancouver, passing through the scenic sea-to-sky highway. 

From the base station, The Sea to Sky Gondola is a 10-minute/ 2 km ride to the summit. You'll see the forested mountain and the beautiful turquoise waters of the sea (Howe Sound) as you ascend to a higher elevation until reaching the summit lodge, which offers the most spectacular view of the surrounding mountain, the valley, and the sea. 

The summit lodge has restaurants and cafes for refreshments, which extend to the outdoor patio and viewing deck, offering a view of the magnificent snow-capped mountains. 

The adventure never stops as you experience the surrounding trail network, passing through the 100-meter Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. We walked through the most accessible trail (Spirit) and the best trail (Panorama), leading to the Chief Overlook Viewing Platform, where you can capture the best shots of the snow-capped mountain as a backdrop. 

While some trails may take longer to explore, you'll always be aware of your surroundings, as all trails lead and end at the summit lodge viewing deck. The courses are designed for beginners and intermediates, ensuring a family-friendly hiking experience. With viewing areas and platforms for picture-taking, you can capture memorable moments without any difficulty. 

The Sea to Sky Gondola is an adventure that never ends, with its appeal stretching across all seasons. Whether it's the hot, dry summer or the snowy, chilly winter, the nature trail and the viewing platforms are always alluring. Each season offers a unique perspective, making it worth revisiting throughout the year. 

The land of the Squamish First Nation is home to the Sea to Sky Gondola. The Squamish protect and preserve the beauty of their heritage and share it with everyone. It's not just about fun and adventure but also about the rich culture, early beginnings, and evolution as a First Nation. Visitors can learn about their traditions, art, and history during their visit. 

Sea to Sky Gondola is one of the most incredible adventures of a lifetime in British Columbia. It's a place to go and chill, an adventure by nature with a thrill. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

𝗔 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗼 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸

𝘼 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡-𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙉𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙑𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙨 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙤 𝙎𝙪𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙜𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮 𝙖 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩.

This park offers a magnificent view of North Shore mountains and the Capilano River at the foothill of the canyon. It's breathtaking and another adrenaline-rush adventure we're defying. 

It's officially Fall season in Canada, so this is the best time to see the changing color of the leaves from above the cliff. Seeing how nature paints a color like a surreal masterpiece is fantastic. It's a beautiful and naturally colorful piece of heart. 

A Cliffwalk to Remember 

What's it like to hang on a cliff? It's an adrenaline-pumping experience and a valuable source of knowledge about the importance of water elements and our role in their conservation. 

The Cliffwalk is a series of narrow bridges, stairs, and boardwalks that follow the curve of a granite canyon cliff. Breathing in the crisp, clean air and relaxing to the sound of the water gushing from the river below is truly rejuvenating. 

The Treetops Adventures 

A series of 7 suspension bridges attached to centuries-old Douglas-fir trees offer a breathtaking view of the surrounding forest. It's beautiful how they used a tree collar instead of penetrating with nails to protect and not harm trees.  

The Suspension Bridge 

The main attraction is the 137-meter suspension bridge, which connects both sides of the park and is 130 feet above the Capilano River. 

It's one of the most visited attractions in British Columbia and one of the most thrilling sights to behold. 

It's one of the most visited attractions in British Columbia and one of the most thrilling sights to behold. 

The Capilano Suspension Bridge may have given us a scary and thrilling experience, but we made it to feel the fear and crossed the other side without hesitation. 

That was indeed a live-action adventure in a fun-filled nature. Like the suspension bridge, no matter how high or shaky we've been, we continue to be fearless, go with the flow, and be unshakable.   

©️  2022 Del Cusay

𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝘁 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘀

𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙣 𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙞𝙩 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙪𝙨 𝙪𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙮. 𝙄𝙩 𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙤𝙙, 𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙜𝙡𝙤𝙬, 𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙪𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮. 

We offer that glow to the world, the people around us, and everyone with whom we share our lives. 

But we may stumble and fall at the darkest moment when the light moves away. We kneel, we crawl, and we can hardly stand tall. 

In Richmond, British Columbia, 

we've found the brightest place to remind us 

to unleash our inner glow and become someone's dose of sunshine no matter what we can show. Before the summer ends, we travel to Richmond Country Farms, where the sunflower grows and truly glows. 

At the Richmond Sunflower Festival, you'll discover a diverse array of Sunflowers on a sprawling 20-acre property of this family-owned country farm. This unique summer attraction boasts a maze that guarantees a fun challenge and a U-pick area where you can select and take home freshly handpicked Sunflowers. 

Despite the challenges, the Richmond Sunflower Festival has continued to bloom, now in its fourth year since its inception just before the pandemic in 2019. This annual event has been a beacon of joy, bringing smiles to the faces of visitors during dark times. 

Summer is a time for fun and outdoor enjoyment under the sun. Like the sunflowers on the farm, we too can rise and shine again, grow and glow up again, and find joy and love in life once more. The sunflowers serve as a powerful symbol of resilience and growth, inspiring us to keep moving forward. 

©️  2022 Del Cusay

𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲-𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗚𝗲𝘁𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁

 

𝙎𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙙𝙖 𝙞𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙮𝙚𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙖, 𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙙, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙣 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙠𝙚𝙣𝙙. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙞𝙖'𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩-𝙠𝙚𝙥𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩— 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙨𝙩. 

This regional district, a unique part of mainland British Columbia, is accessible only by ferry and seaplane. It exudes an enchanting island vibe, with several small towns offering many activities to enjoy and hidden gems to explore. 

After a 40-minute BC ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in Vancouver, the road trip starts from the southern coast of Gibsons until we reach the heart of the Sunshine Coast— the district municipality of Sechelt. 

It's lovely weather to start the three-day birthday holiday. A warm sunny day that brightens up everyone's day. And our first stop is the sandy shore of Davis Bay in Sechelt. Its coastline offers a respite from a warm and dry summer. The sea breeze, the horizon, and the island views are perfect for a day of unwinding. We're beachin' and watching people surfin'.

As I reach another milestone, the beach is an ideal place to rejuvenate and plan for another year of discovery and adventure. The previous year may have been full of challenges, but I was able to surpass the trials along the way. And for this birthday celebration, all I want is a fresh start, to breathe in and out in front of the sea and release the obstacles behind. 

If the sea is a powerful extractor of what's pulling us from getting what we want, I must release all the unwanted and feel a more revitalized and renewed being. It's a profound feeling of healing and connection. And if that heals, then I must make it a birthday tradition to go to the sea, walk on the sand, and bathe in the sun. 

The Sunshine Coast may have a laid-back culture, but it's a vibrant community and a paradise to many, especially among outdoor enthusiasts. The array of activities, from water sports like paddle boarding, kayaking, boating, fishing, scuba diving, and kite surfing to inland activities like hiking, camping, golfing, and mountain climbing, promises an endless adventure.  

Three days on the Sunshine Coast for a birthday holiday are not enough to experience all the exciting activities this place has to offer. But I'm already looking forward to coming back to explore and discover more of this paradise worth revisiting.

A road trip on a coastal highway, hiking on a forested trail, camping on a creekside, and a scenic walk in a waterfront park made my day. It was the best birthday on holiday. Sunshine Coast adventure all the way. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

Summer Camping in Logan Lake

 
What makes me appreciate life most is finding time to travel long distances and create beautiful memories. It's when I learn new things, gain new perspectives about a place, and ponder on things that add value to living. 

It was my first long trip to British Columbia, Canada, at the beginning of summer. This new season is full of fun under the sun, discovery, and adventure as we transition from excellent to warm.

Embarking on a 3-hour journey from Vancouver, we found ourselves in the heart of the Highland Valley, in the charming town of Logan Lake. The anticipation of what we would discover in this once quiet town, now bustling with life, added an element of intrigue to our trip.

Once a quiet town reserved for miners and their families, Logan Lake has transformed into a serene haven for thousands of residents and visitors alike. The tranquility of nature here offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, inviting you to relax and unwind.

Logan Lake offers many activities during the summer season. Visitors may enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, biking, and hiking. It's an ideal time to unwind, take a deep breath, and appreciate the lake's natural beauty and nature. 

Camping at Mile High Resort in Logan Lake was an awe-inspiring experience. Surrounded by lush forests and with breathtaking views of the lake, it was a perfect escape from reality and a source of inspiration.  

The deluxe log cabin offers a comfortable and relaxing vibe while you hear the sound of nature and watch the galaxies and bright stars. Stargazing is just mesmerizing. It's an incredible experience to look up into the night sky and wish upon a star. 

What makes this summer season memorable are the stories, smiles, and laughter shared in a pristine setting. This romantic destination is perfect for a weekend getaway, where imagination sparks and ideas are born.

This summer getaway is genuinely unforgettable. Logan Lake is a great camping destination, and the Mile High Resort experience is worth reminiscing about during your holiday vacation.

©️ Del Cusay

Surrey Fusion Festival Returns at Holland Park

The largest and most diverse festival in Western Canada returns in its 15th year. We celebrated and enjoyed a weekend of multicultural understanding and experiencing diversity in food, culture, live music, and entertainment.

British Columbians and Surrey residents once again gathered at Holland Park, a symbol of our resilience and the return to normalcy, two years after the pandemic. It had the largest crowd since it started in 2008, a hopeful sign of a more lively scene where everyone could enjoy various cultural offerings from different countries worldwide.

This year's Surrey Fusion Festival theme is COMMUNITY. A single word that describes how the world must be in difficult times where global health threats have affected us to live, interact, and socialize. The theme of 'COMMUNITY' was chosen to emphasize the importance of coming together and supporting each other during these challenging times, and to celebrate the strength and resilience of our diverse community.

The 40 pavilions, a vibrant tapestry of cultures, included the Latin countries of Bolivia, Argentina, and Columbia; Asian countries like India, Vietnam, and Indonesia; African countries like Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria; European countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands; Southwestern Pacific countries like Tonga and Fiji, and Caribbean countries like Barbados and the Cayman Islands. Each pavilion was a unique window into their food, culture, arts, music, and dance.

The pandemic seems over as the crowd cheers for fun and a manic vibe. The delicious authentic food, arts, dance, and music draw people to taste and experience world cultures in one venue.

Other features include a wellness garden, a serene space where people can learn and experience yoga and meditation, and an Indigenous Village where visitors can learn about Indigenous culture through traditional cultural sharing. Global beer and wine tasting offers the chance to sip some cold beverages from around the world, and a cultural cooking arena hosts a cooking competition. Also, there are stages where world-class performers share their talents with the crowd.

It was a great experience to have celebrated the Surrey Fusion Festival for the first time, and I would be glad to make it a yearly event to celebrate and have fun. Community is about the spirit of camaraderie that builds bridges for multicultural understanding and inclusivity. We unite to bring peace, love, and compassion to make our world a better place to live in and for the next generations to preserve and enrich their own culture for the world to see and embrace.

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

White Rock Gallery: Beyond the Frame

To appreciate art, one must understand the most profound emotion, its meaningful realization, and the validation of purpose and intention.

That's the uplifting lesson I learned from a visit to an art gallery in White Rock, British Columbia. It's a city by the sea where arts, history, and culture thrive amidst the test of time and where I discovered the joy of art appreciation.

An art gallery may be different from the usual place to visit today. It may not be welcoming but intimidating to others interested in or appreciating fine arts.

Since 2012, I've learned to admire and appreciate works of art and masterpieces in the Cultural Center in my home country, the Philippines. I've carried the same passion and admiration whenever I visit another country or place with a high regard for culture and the arts.

In Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, every city has a public art gallery open to everyone, and the White Rock Gallery is one of the most beautiful places to be. It was my first Art Gallery experience in Canada and was a profound realization of the value of art galleries.

Nowadays, people choose modern forms of entertainment and have yet to discover and learn about the joys of visiting an art gallery or exhibit. However, fine artists and art enthusiasts have devoted their time, resources, and money to making art more relevant in today's generation.

What makes art galleries intimidating to others is that we need to appreciate and decode their meaning from the artists' perspective or point of view. We couldn't interpret abstract paintings or even find meaning in realistic images.

With our smartphones, we can take a raw picture of a place, edit it, and call it art. It's the most accessible form of art we can do. However, fine art demands time, energy, emotion, and soul to create a more valuable masterpiece, so paintings and sculptures are expensive. 

We tend to ignore or snub expensive things because we can't afford them. Like fine arts, some wouldn't appreciate its value because they can't relate to and find meaning in a painting. But to afford it isn't just about owning it. It's also about enriching our life experience and worth as human beings just by visiting an art gallery, even once in a lifetime.

Art is part of our culture, and a deep appreciation and admiration give us a particular connection with our community. Art evokes various emotions, from joy to sorrow, awe to puzzlement. It moves us, touches our souls, and makes us love at first sight, creating a deep sense of empathy and connection.

As I viewed the gallery, some paintings attracted my attention, drew me closer to scrutinizing, and finally gave meaning to them. It gave me happiness and a sense of belonging to a community of artistic people who have the desire for understanding, passion, and motivation for self-expression.

©️  2022 Del Cusay