Winter Wonderland

Just an hour out of Toronto lies one of the seven wonders of the world - Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls in winter is a dramatic sight to behold. The water at the bottom of the falls freezes over, and the mist continually freezes on top to form billowing mushrooms that grow to almost the top of the falls. It makes me think of the movie The Day After Tomorrow, like the end of the world is nigh.

There are actually three falls there, the American Falls (in the first picture it's the first one on the left), the Bridal Veil Falls (smaller fall next to the American Falls) and the Horseshoe Falls that is the most dramatic and most recognisable (the furtherest one on the right of the first picture).

L: All three falls at Niagara in summer; R: Horseshoe Falls (close up) in winter.

L: Iced over - the two closer falls in the first pic; R: Horseshoe Fall.

Off Clifton Hill is the Skywheel. I've always had a thing for ferris wheels (I used to work on the one at Manly Wharf, which they've since taken down). Steve suggested we go for a ride and I was happy to oblige, even if it was $10 for 10 mins. I like being up in the air where it's quiet where the world is removed a brief moment. Or maybe I just like going round in circles.

Ever since I got here (Canada) I've wanted to make a snow angel. That dream came true when we spotted some lovely trackless snow by the sidewalk. Ah, the free things in life are often simple. Or was it simpletons like free things? I like free things. Wait a minute...

Top L: View of Skylon Tower from the Skywheel; Top M: The Wheel ; Top R: Steve being attacked by Rex.

Bottom L & M: The best things in life are free; Bottom R: Steve in knee-deep snow.

The Niagara region is also Ontario's reknown wine producing region. Particularly icewine, which Ontario is leading the world in. It is essentially dessert wine. They say to be aware of cheap imitations from Asia where the process corrupts the quality. Make sure your bottle label has "Icewine" as one word, not two. We made it to Inniskillin Winery before their tasting bar closed for the day and after a couple of samples we bought the cheapest bottle for $55. It yielded 4 small glasses. You work out the maths. I guess someone had to be paid for picking the grapes by hand, at temperatures betwen -8c and -14c, usually between 1am and 5am. Yawn.

If you're ever in Niagara-on-the-Lake and you're British and miss O' Blighty, you should seek out the British store on the main road. It's got all your favourites, right Steve? On this main road (Queen Street it's called) you'll also find some lovely shops, restaurants and two features of the town, the Clock Tower and the 1866 apothecary now a museum. We arrived around 4:30pm to have a late late lunch and by the time we got round to exploring it was growing dark. But I must say it was very nice just to stroll in the fading light with tiny perfect snow flakes drifting down on you.

We stopped by the edge of the lake (Lake Ontario) on our way back. An eerie silence prevailed as the water was still (it's a lake, not like the ocean waves at a beach like I'm used to) and staring ahead into the distance in that light was really mesmoring. I pretended we were in Antarctica. A footnote: the houses that were in that neighbourhood near the lake were just enormous. Think of the movie Home Alone, that kind of big house and that kind of suburbia.

L: We took this picture behind a block of ice at the winery; M: Clock Tower; R: Me in Antarctica.

Photos courtesy of Steve. Thanks for being the day's cameraman.

Good On 'Ya

It's great being an Australian, and being an Australian overseas gives you an even greater sense of pride and identity as you hold onto what is familiar and champion for it in the great big world that at times seem ready to lose sight of you. So when I saw an ad on a local website for "Volunteers for Australian Film Festival Weekend" I jumped at the chance to rejoin my herd, for I have missed that distinct Australian twang.

OzFlix was a three day film event and I helped with Front of House duties. Whilst I was the only Aussie volunteer (organisers were obviously Australian) it was nice to see a smattering of Aussies out of the woodworks and in the audience. Additionally the free Darrell Lea licorice on offer was a nice treat to have, eventhough I overdosed a little...

Here's your quick guide to my selected film reviews:

Film: Opal Dreams
Synopsis: Kids with imaginary friends
Review: Quirky yet belivable.

Film: 2:37
Synopsis: Teenage suicide
Review: Depressing and self-important.

Short Film: My Brother Vinnie
Synopsis: Water Rats actor shows off his special brother
Review: Heartwarming publicity stunt.

Short Film: Talkabout Walkabout
Synopsis: Mysterious and dream-like perspective dissemination
Review: Like you went on a Walkabout, an existential experience.

Film: Boytown
Synopsis: Over the hill boy band comes back
Review: Laugh out loud dance moves.

Some well known Aussie comedians star in this little beauty.

SUPPORT THE AUSTRALIAN FILM INDUSTRY! Thank you.

Love Overboard

I am a big fan of trying out traditional foods whenever I'm in a new country and being in Toronto is no different. It would seem chain restaurants are dominant here so our first stop was Red Lobster Seafood Restaurants. I love seafood and since I've been here I've yet had the pleasure of purchasing and cooking seafood at home so I looked forward to the event, yes even despite the fact that this was a restaurant chain.


L: Ultimate...; R: Deeple and Zanaida.

I had a little chuckle at the decor as I entered the restaurant. Wood panelling, lots of fishing motifs like nets and anchors. Was almost expecting to hear the gentle gawking sounds of gulls in the distance and low bellowing fog horns in the middle of downtown... Doooo doooooo...

I had my fill of seafood as I ordered the "Ultimate Feast" consisting of lobster tail, garlic shrimp, crab legs and salad. But it couldn't help itself being a chain. The food was average but at least, the company was top shelf. We did joke throughout the night that alcohol seems to be profuse when we're in each other's company, as if our friendships are only perpetuated by our states of intoxication. But this was only a joke. Love you girls...

Let's Talk About S.A.D.

Man it was hard getting out of bed this morning. The light walk to work didn't envigorate me either like it usually does when I breathe in the sharp fresh air and seeing the snowy whiteness of the world. Got some Timbits* in the afternoon to try and cheer myself up. Nothing seemed to do the trick.

I think I might be suffering from a mild case of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Light therapy (in essence, sitting in front of a light box) seems to do the trick with 85% success rate (so says Wikipeadia). Or of course there's medication like Prozac.

Apparently Prozac is marketed under a different name in Australia - Lovan. Um... is it just me or does Lovan sound suspiciously like a combination of love and van? Or even a derivative of lovin'? I'm seeing an ocker bloke in an ill-fitting suit using the phrase "Don't come-a knockin' when it's-a rockin' " as his inspiration for this stroke of marketing genius, a throw back to his haydays as a young stud with his panel van.


*Sweet doughy goodness.

People Gone Home

It's winter and signs of life? Rare.

L: Spadina Station, Saturday 27th around 7.30am; R: OCAD, Saturday 27th around 1.30pm.
OCAD is the Ontario College of Art & Design and the floating shoebox building at the top of the frame supported by various coloured columns is part of the "Sharp Centre for Design". Critically acclaimed and awarded, it is designed by Will Alsop.


L: Spadina Ave, Sunday 28th around 12 noon; R: Queen's Park (a), Friday 26th around 5.30pm.
The snow reminds me of dandruff...


Queen's Park (b)

Tag Me? Tag You!

Right, a game of tag is being played electronically and I have been tagged by Clare. Now I'm suppose to tell you 5 things you didn't already know about me:

1. One of my favourite films is Working Girl with Melanie Griffith in the title role, Joan Cusack as her best friend and Harrison Ford the object of her affections. Big hair, big make up, big ambitions. I think that's why as I kid I dreamt of growing up and having a corner office. No idea what I would do as a job just an office would suffice.
2. I'm bow-legged.
3. When I was in 5th grade the whole school went away to camp. At the limbo competition I was the last one standing out of 100 or so kids - winner!
4. If I was to become an actor I would never agree to: (a) wear a wedding dress or (b) lie in a coffin. Everything else is negotiable.
5. On his death bed, my grandfather cried to me "I want to live to see you get married." That was 10 years ago and he's still alive. Talk about pressure!

Let the game continue and I'm tagging Corrinne and Roland. Over to you two!

There Must Be a Titan In the Atmosphere

"Brrrr, it's cold in here. There must be a Titan in the aaaat-mosphere."

It's a quote from one of my favourite movies. Yes it's from "Bring It On", a funny high school cheerleading film starring Kirsten Dunst. It's one of the more intelligent teen movies out in recent years, perhaps that is why it was never as big as those stupid Scary Movies et al.

It was pretty darn cold on Saturday night. It was in fact -13c. But that didn't deter me and Flatmate from going ice skating the next evening.

Outdoor ice skating is one of those quintessential winter things to do in Toronto. A rink has been set up at Nathan Phillip Square and is adorned by wonderful christmas lights against the backdrop of the the Town Hall. But insiders know that for an even better rink one must head to the Harbourfront and skate on frozen lake (see pic of me with CN Tower in background). What was once a rowing pool becomes a great rink with bits of fallen leaves frozen in it around the edges. The atmosphere was fun and carefree. With only a small amount of people skating on the free rink (free if you had your own skates, which most people did) it was a really nice evening out. Boys speeding around the rink, groups of friends laughing whilst helping their non-skating friends, lone skaters who looked like they just popped down for a quick skate, mums taking their unsteady little ones for a learner's spin. In this happy arena I noticed people would leave their shoes, bags and whatever belonging they had just lying around the rink in no particular attempt to keep their possessions "safe". Unheard of in any other city I would claim! It gave me such a positive feeling towards this country, that people here are decent and trustworthy.

With the coloured lights, retro music and falling snow it was a happy Canadian outing.

A Couple of $1 Coins (read: looneys)

Saturday I went over to Dave and Sachi's house late, to meet up with the group and head on out to Rockwood. Free entry for us as Dave's friend is the promoter there. Big ups to you Dave.

Dave had on a Puma jacket and Puma shoes.

This pic we like'd to call it "Dave. Brought to you by Puma."





So we got rugged up and headed out. Here's Miki looking particularly enthused for the night's entertainment.






Here's Miki again. On our way to Rockwood Dave popped into convenience store and Miki felt a little left behind?

Stella!!!!!!!!

Faces and Places

I was watching an interesting program on tv over the weekend, about religion and spirituality and that there was a rise in numbers of Canadian youths attending church regularly, a first in 50 years. It resonated with my own sense of spirituality, or rather, the lack of that sense and feeling like I've had a void in my life for a number of months.

Work used to give me a sense of self. It is a common framework to which one defined oneself. Against this background, it didn't surprise me that as a receptionist in too quiet an office I was feeling unfulfilled, not only with my career path but more significantly as a person. There is so much more I could accomplish with the hours I have in a day. This need to be more productive finally pushed me to act. I went looking for volunteer opportunities where I can actually contribute and do some good. I needed intrinsic satisfaction.

I've put my hand up for little projects here and there; being an eco-friendly gift wrapper, information runner for Alzheimer's Walk-a-Thon, helping launch a community arts magazine, Front of House duties at an Australian film festival weekend coming up in February. All fun projects raising money for good causes or giving support to things of interest to me. However last Sunday morning I helped serve breakfast to homeless people for the first time. For one brief, unexpected moment I was struck with a great sense of grief.

The Lawyers Feed the Hungry Program serves breakfast three times a week to the homeless. Sunday's service is the only one I can attend and I was happy to cut short my Saturday partying to get to the cafeteria at 8.30am. We prepped until 10am when the guests come in for their meal. As each person finished their meal, they leave with a food package and the next person is seated to be served their meal. The prep work proior to the service was very simple and easy. The volunteer team was well oiled and each person was assigned a specific task. But I was nervous at the start of the service, not knowing what to expect.

The guests were understandably eager to be seated. They were provided with unlimited tea, coffee, juice and milk, cereal, bread, a full lunch (ham, veg, potatoes, salad) and ice cream for dessert. The waiting displeased one guest and verbalised it to one of the volunteers, a girl in her teens. I saw her trying to appease him but he didn't want to be appeased and she was becoming upset. I tried to comfort her very quickly and we moved away from this person who wanted nothing but an argument.

That was the only thing that morning that wasn't pleasant. The guests were all polite people, mostly men, but a handful of women as well. Some didn't look as if they belonged there, while some from the withdrawn look of their faces you know this is a life they've become acclimatised to. They flit from one shelter to another, constantly regrouping with the same people and becoming a community onto themselves.

I didn't expect to get upset. For one brief moment I had to fight the urge for tears and carried on with my tasks. I became relaxed about the work and enjoyed the banter and service itself. It got me thinking afterwards: is it right to help these people by coddling them? Should we withdraw this crutch and offer more productive solutions? But what of those legitimate cases where a chat over a meal is all someone needs to get back on their feet? We shouldn't penalise those who need this service for the majority who'll never leave it. There will always be homeless people for whatever reason. Taking away shelters and food services will not stop people being homeless.

The service only lasts an hour, the last of the guests leave by 11.10am. There were cheery goodbyes and promises of meeting again next week. By 11.20am I disperse with the rest of volunteers to make our own, private, anomynous way home.

It is snowing for the first time this winter.

Coutdown Update

I have exactly 24 weeks left (out of 52) in Canada till my visa runs out.

My Furry Friend

Is this guy not the coolest?

I got him for Christmas.

He's an Ugly Doll and his name is Ox.

My baby's so UGLY!

5,6,7,8...Who Do We Appreciate?

I wasn't quite sure what new years was to be like, as on Friday plans for big night were still not confirmed. Everything just seemed a little out of sorts - the warmest December on record with rain predicted for the 31st; being home alone for two weeks with slight cabin fever symptons(as Flatmate is away on holidays); christmas presents still unopened under the tree (as dictated by the return of Flatmate); the office being suicidally quiet throwing my already lax work rhythm off.

After work on Friday my good friend Deeple and I decided a spot of retail therapy was needed for the both of us, followed by easy-to-drink wine accompanied by a fine dining experience. We both felt so much better afterwards.

To combat the lethargy of the next day, I thought it was high time to make use of the metro pass Flatmate had left me. I should've gone as far as the outskirts of the GTA to make absolute use of the pass, but I was happy to take the subway to the nearest shopping mall. Saturday AND Sunday. I was invigorated by my shopping expeditions. My spirits were high and I was ready for New Year's Eve 2006 - TO style.


L: Ai, Ken, Dave, Sachi, Dom and me pre-party; R: This was taken before 12...

L: What's up?; R: Urrr..

Group photo with random guy. He just came and sat for a photo with us.

New Year's 2006 was a successful ending to a slightly less than coherant week, and certainly a nice kick to the end of the year.

Canada, thank you for the last 6 months. There were times where I didn't think we'd make it. But I think we've come to know each other a little better now, and maybe, hopefully, I'll get to see more of you in 2007. Let us never fight again. Goodbye past and hello future!

Jolly Ho

Another Christmas has come and gone, but my stomach certainly has not forgotten the bounty that we had. In fact there is still half a bounty left in my fridge, namely a delicious turkey cooked by Neil and Ai which unfortunately the more I look at it the sicker I feel. I even made a turkey stir fry to take to work for lunch today. Any way to get rid of the damn thing.

Our merry party of 11 devoured the turkey, sushi and bulgogi. There was also the munching of chips, candy cane, donuts, crazy wasabi crackers, cake. Basically goodies galore. We entertained ourselves with lots of drawing, courtesy of a big pad of paper, whiteboard and markers I had supplied. I currently display those artworks on my living room walls with pride.

Christmas 2006 in TO has been and gone, but it will not be forgotten!


L: Eat Drink Man Woman; R: Turkey with all the trimmings.

L: Santa Toshi! "Come on Toshi, come on. You're SO good."; R; Kaori, or was it Rudolf?
L: Awwww...Emi and Ai; R: Artists at work.

L: Gay Santa; R: Fugly Geisha.

Merry Christmas (or more PC, Happy Holidays - barf) and have a Happy New Year!

Christmas Parties

My work Christmas party last week sucked. Working for the government meant no spending tax payers' money frivolously (errr, I know there are SO many things wrong with that sentance) that we had to pay for our own Christmas party. We got one drink included in the ticket price. One drink.

Last night's party didn't suck. A house full of nice Canadians. One had inherited $200,000 and wore a Hugh Hefner robe. Another when asked what he did he said "Gambling. Online Poker." I said "So you're up?" He said "Yeah." I laughed with a girl about the gourmet pretzels that were out on the table. It was a Seinfeld episode. Then a guy pointed out we were standing under a mistletoe. Someone turned to me and said "I didn't mean to molest that dog." I looked and it was an actual dog he was referring to and it scampered under a chair.

I drank way too much last night.

I was still drunk when I walked to work this morning. I know this because the ground kept changing its mind about its position relative to me. I am still drunk now and I know this because I am trying to picture its movement using X, Y and Z axis.

It's 11.53am and the hangover and I are having a conflict of interest. I wish it was a death ray and that it wins. And why did I have that egg sandwich for breakfast? Oh that's right, poor judgements presides when you are not sober. That's why you don't drink and drive. Shoot.

One drink doesn't sound too bad an idea after all.

Fragile

This is a confession. Treat me with care.

I am strangely attracted to ******* and I knew from day one that this was to become a thorn in my side. He had shown interest in me first and I tried to shield away, but when you **** with someone it's impossible to diffuse that tension. We began sleeping together. Over the last few months I have been battling with myself, over my actions, over my feelings, against the obstacle that he is emotionally unavailable. He is arrogant and self-focused. So why do I like him so?

Our relationship is a volatile one. At times we act as first loves, giggles and stolen glances. At other times we behave as strangers, the chill in the air concrete and tangible. I don't know why we are like this. I've never met anyone like him before. I despise him and adore him at the same time.
This is the unhealthiest, mental and emotional place I've ever been and I hate to attribute this to him. I'm beginning to question myself and my whole being ("It's all his fault, isn't it? Or was it me? It's me isn't it? Oh my god it was me. But it couldn't have? Could it? Oh god it could."). How did I, a carefree 28 year old woman, who has travelled the world, who had always been sure of herself in matters of the heart, who always ruled with her head, become a stereotypical neurotic mess?

It's beginning to look a lot like christmas

It snowed for the first time on Monday and I took a pic from my bedroom window on Tuesday morning when I woke up. It was only a light dusting of snow but already looks so different than when I first moved in:

L: October; R: December

We also bought and decorated our tree on Friday. It's my first tree would you believe? Two years ago I made my tree out of cardboard like a right poor Martha Stewart (you'll never see those last three words in succession anywhere!).

Not the Best Pics, But It's Food.

The usual Saturday night gang plus the odd extra one or two made Saturday dinner another success.


L: My tuna potato cakes, photo by Dave, receipe by Kate; Neil's home-made cheese cake.

L: In the wake of hungry people...; R: Yumiko's teriyaki chicken.