4TheRcrd Mag.

The Illuminares Lantern Festival and Public Dreams are here at last, the sun goes down and flocks of Vancouverites are heading to Trout lake (above map) for a night of mystique, night-lights, and other intrigues. Some like to play the drums, some like to traverse the parade for great sights and pictures, and some like to take a bit of time to come up with some sexy games of their own. We at BR happen to be of the third persuasion and, of course, are encouraged to write about it!

Why is this a most romantic night? On this night, the Illuminares Lantern Procession fills the air with music, and thousands of paper lanterns come alive with fire. A brilliant spectacle of weaving serpents, birds in flight, planets in orbit, schools of fish, and all sorts of glowing and shimmering creatures of the imagination. It’s a night you want to hold on to your love and fantasize about how wonderful she is, and how she deserves the very best.

Where, When, How? And so, without further ado, here is another installment of the best places to get coy with your sweetie - whether it be a little innocent kissing, some heavy petting, or something a little more indecent. Because we know you’ve thought of the outdoors festivals as not just a microcosm for art and lanters, but also a macrocosm for your earthly whims and urges. We know - as publicists, writers, reporters, designers, fashionistas, alike - that sensual urges call on you whenever and, yes, wherever you may be. READ ON…

In this image we’ve marked out a few delightful locations all of which not only mark differring stops along the Lantern Procession but also represent three distinct locations to be intimate with your lover whilst not compromising your (coy) privacy.

Details on the Map: Starting from the top you will find a delightful pier overlooking the lake form our favorite point. Not only does it capture the music from a distance but also hovers wonderfully farthest away form all the action, so you can get your groove on without too much proximite to everyone else. Second to the right is the little bridge overpass which, while not so discrete during the festival, can offer spectacular thrill and risk afterwards, for those who are willing to get it whilst pretending to hug your love very very closely in the dark while the last few stragglers are collecting home. Third, and to the right is the great expanse of territory where the domes and tents are usually setup and where public spectacles usually take place, this is a wonderful place to hold on to your mate and take her from behind very very subtly, whilst watching the carnival everyone else is watching. And, last but not least, to the left of the map is the territory closest to the drum circles, where hoards of people wish they could participate but, well, are too shy to bring their djembes with them. My darling and I are planning to bring our three drums and, after all the frolicking in the dark, shall put around to the rhythms as a way to close a most wonderful evening.

Play it Safe: Just remember, be very very safe, and we don’t just mean contraception. Inspite of a flocks of people, many “Urban Coyotes” are getting increasingly bold and aggressive, not only with pets but sometimes with people. They are grabbing small dogs & cats from back-yards, parks, streets, and right out from under their owner’s eyes, even out of one owners arms. They can be seen casually laying around in many city parks. Take precautions and be intimate and coy with caution.

PICTURE CREDIT: Two young lovers at the festival.