How to Celebrate National Day: In the Streets

Take cover.

For those of us not attending posh or official National Day parties, the place to celebrate is in the streets.

Here’s how it works.

#1: If you have a car, deck it out. If not, skip to #2.

#2: Head on down to the Corniche. The Corniche is where the street party culminates and refers to both the actual road and the waterfront.

#3: Avoid gangs of men equipped with silly string and snow spray.

#4: Spray and be sprayed!

Photo by Molly

Photo by Molly

While I’d like to say it’s all fun and games, this year the silly stringing felt a bit obnoxious. It’s fun to engage in combat with strangers, but when you’re surrounded by a circle of men who are all aiming for your face and you can’t see or find your friends… it’s a little unsettling.

The bottom line is if you decide to celebrate on the Corniche, be prepared to be a target.

Mike and I also walked along the Corniche the night before and I’m glad we did. We were able to enjoy the displays, watch the fireworks, and dance in the snow [spray] in a much calmer but still festive atmosphere. If you’re not up for a good silly string/snow spray dousing, I’d recommend visiting the Corniche the night before to avoid the chaos.

xo, jill

Special thanks to Molly and Mike for bravely capturing these photos.