On Sunday, July 14 organizations of the Japanese Community teamed up and presented “The Boat Cruise”. As the temperature heated up with the onset of the heat wave, members of JETAA, JAVA, Japanada, JCSA, and CJS were all present for this epic voyage around the Toronto Islands. Future JETs were also present and surprisingly many were flashing their fashionable Yukata’s or Ginbei’s.
There was drinking, there was dancing, there were hot dogs. The DJ was on fire and pumping hot hits for the duration of the 4-hour Pioneer Queen Boat Cruise.
Not only was it a party boat arousing envy from nearby pedestrians watching from the shorelines, but also it was a great opportunity to schmooze around and socialize with the different counter parts of the Japanese Community in Toronto.
We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day, and our hopes were realized with the perfect ending of a picturesque sun setting over the CN Tower, emblazoning the city and skyline.
At the end of the cruise we were all a little closer and a lot sweatier. There may have been a slight breeze that evening, but if there was one downfall to the evening, it was that all who emerged from the vessel were soaked head to toe as if we had jumped into the disease-infested water that is Lake Ontario. We did survive though, which is more than can be said of the ship’s toilets, which were literally falling apart. Other than these two not so appealing accounts, it was an awesome night with amazing people.
For those who missed the boat cruise, too bad, as it could easily have been the highlight of the year. That being said, plan for next summer and come out to one of the greatest night in the JETAA event itinerary.
Story by Judy Cerovski
Photos by Nicholas Jones, Bokeh Photography