Jazz Jerky Sesh

There’s something quite relaxing about taking public transport when I’m overseas, something about the complete lack of time constraints I’ve felt so far on this trip means nothing is really late or on time. Everything is done at a gentle meandering pace similar to sloths on Prozac. My trip to downtown Vancouver was certainly no different, with a leisurely walk through the ‘ghetto’ to the local sky train station followed by a half hour long 30 ft tall moving view of the city.

My ‘goal’ for the day was to wander a bit and check out the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, oh and get Starbucks (Holy mother of god how have I missed the frappuccinos from starbucks).  Naturally in keeping with the general demeanour of the trip I had no idea where the jazz festival was being held so I decided I’d get off at any stop that sounded downtowny. I somehow ended up here…

Turns out it was Canada Day and in response to its national festivities a bunch of young activists decided to hold a pro marijuana rally/sesh. Our backpacked MC got everyone riled up with anti government rhetoric and then decided to mellow everyone out by acting as self appointed ‘Green Santa Claus’ with sack and all.

Dishing out the Kush like a charity worker with Tourette syndrome he slid his way through the crowd screaming wait for 4.20, and that they did. Slowly coming upon 4.19pm everyone grabbed their local fire provider and finally after the countdown everyone lit up. It took about 30 seconds for the people in the centre of this mass sit in to realise what 2000 people smoking up in close quarters would mean… A mad rush for fresh air ensued. Thank goodness they provided a safe spot to rest.

After escaping the haze I finally stumbled upon the Jazz Festival which happened to be set on the banks of Vancouver bay. With sunlight dwindling I was set upon by some of the most ridiculous Jazz I've ever heard. Now while I enjoyed the fast beat and killer lead saxophone, I feel the reason the "Shuffle Demons" have never been commercially successful is for the fact they can't write lyrics to save themselves. For about 50% of one song they sung about cheese on bread, while in the other 50% of the song they just sung the words 'cheese on bread'. So disappointed and hungry I left the music area and found this gem of a food truck. 

Now if you've never tried Jamaican food before your in for a surprise, their chicken 'jerky' looks deceptively like roast chicken, but tastes like an itching volcanic rash on your tongue. I was seriously crying for a good 2 minutes before the Jamaican truck lady started laughing at me and said "I'm sorry love I thought you knew it was medium"

For now I am forever scarred and apprehensive when I see jerky on the menu, I should of stuck with what I knew, I guess its back to the orange juice for me...

P.S. Just a quick video bonus for you all
My uncle is a little obsessed with Indian reality television, and while eating one night I bore witness to one of the more ridiculous sights of hindi tv. I hope you enjoy, its fairly adorable.