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Events

New Wave City New Years Eve 12/31/00
This year for New Years Karen and I went to New Wave City in the City. New Wave City is a roving dance club which plays 80's New Wave music. The location was out by Caesar Chavez and near enough to the Docks to have a view of tankers. This meant that it felt safe-ish, if deserted of all but partiers, and there was plenty of parking (always a plus for city venues). They played good danceable song after song. At midnight they played the 2001 signature score and we cheered in the New Year by dancing to "Don't You Forget About Me", which is a good 80s dance substitute for Auld Lang Syn. The only reason we left around 1ish is I knew my calves were going to regret it in the morning. Also I wanted desert. We went to Mel's Dinner by the Metreon. Which is happily located in a parking garage. I had bubbly and chocolate cake. Its best to bring in the New Year with desert. 

 

Bethlehem AD  12.22.00

Every year mom and I try to find something  new to do for Christmas. This year we went to a living nativity. Hmm...you know that doesn't quite cover it. This has to have been one of the most impressive Nativity displays that I have ever seen. They build a little Bethlehem on a bit of green grass across from the Peninsula Christian Center in Redwood City. There were potters, Roman tax collectors, villagers eating barbecue. They had Roman legionnaires marching by the extremely long line to get in. There were citizens of Bethlehem handing out coins to children. There were camels, sheep, chickens, and for some reason llamas (whatever). 

Then there was the actual nativity scene. About 12 angels on a half circle shaped platform dancing in place to modern Christmas music. And in the manger, Joseph, Mary, and a two month old Baby Jesus. The wise men wandered by periodically with gold, frankincense (it was burning in a censer) and myrrh.

Very cool.

There was singing and hot cider across the street at the church.

The little brochure says that there were about 250 characters in costume and about 85-100 animals. And all this coolness was free. Apparently they have been putting this display on for 17 years and it shows. 

Peninsula Christian Center
1305 Middlefield Rd (near Main St.)
Redwood City, CA
650.368.3821


Holiday Gaskells12.16.00

Ah, Holiday Gaskells, the home of mosh ballroom as everyone who goes to any of these events shows up and tries to dance. With more hoop skirts per square dance floor inch, the Holiday Gaskells is always fun.

Like the Halloween Gaskells, the Holiday Gaskells is an event where habitual costumers pull out the stops and wear their prettiest things.

Now I just want to say, I love my Victorian fan fronted ball gown. It took me three months to make the corset and another three months to put together the dress. It involves eight yards of gorgeous blue raw silk. However, I don't think I was made to dance in a hoop. I wanna polka dammit. This is why I only wear my beloved dress to the Holiday Gaskells. The floor is so packed I spend more time chatting with friends than dancing anyway. 

The music was solid, although not as lively as the Halloween Gaskells. Then again, our live band, Brassworks, had spent the day working Dicken's Faire (see below), so I can understand if they were a little tired. I particularly enjoyed the Waltz of the Snowflakes, which was quite dreamy.

As usual for the Holiday Gaskells, we sang traditional Christmas Carols at mid break and wrapped up the evening with a rousing chorus of Hallelujah and God Save the Queen. (One of these days I really must learn the words. Singing, "Blah, blah, blah, blah, God Save the Queen" just doesn't cut it.)

Gaskells Scottish Rite Temple Oakland


Dicken's Faire 12.10.00

The only thing wrong with Dicken's Faire is it comes around so infrequently. I went with Karen, Gina, and Ken. We had a good time.

This year the Dicken's Faire was held at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. The event organizers did a great job of creating the illusion of an eternal Christmas Eve in Victorian England.

The Ghosts of Christmas could be seen fraternizing with Mrs. Haversham and other Dicken's characters. There were a number of tiny winding streets within the building which were lined with Victoriana shops and live theater. There was a Victorian Officers Club, Dance Shows, Theater Readings, and Fezziwig's.

What's Fezziwig's, you say? Well, basically its just another excuse to go ballroom dancing. And because they had allot of gigolos (men and women who are professional dancers) it wasn't hard to find a partner. 

Dunsmuir House 12.3.00
Every year at Christmas, the Caretakers for the Dunsmuir Estate in Oakland decorate the Dunsmuir 1899 Neo-Classical mansion to the veritable gills. Every room has its own tree with thematic color scheme. The doors and walls are decorated with garlands, ribbon, and good cheer. A huge Christmas tree sits in the middle of the winding grand staircase and almost touches buildings Tiffany Glass dome.

Even without the Christmas trimmings, Dunsmuir is worth visiting at any time of year. It has 37 beautifully furnished rooms, intricate parquet floors, and a library that I covet.

The house is situated in the middle of a rolling estate equipped with horse drawn carriage, gazebo, reflecting pool, grotto, abandoned swimming pool and and a variety of gift shops. 

Dunsmuir House and Gardens, Inc.
2960 Peralta Oaks Court
Oakland, CA 94605
Telephone 5101615-5555
Fax 5101562-8294
 
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