New York (August 4 - 9, 2013)

I'm having a little bit of New York withdrawl. Since moving back to Canada, New York has become my Paris of Europe. When I lived in Europe, I would go to Paris a couple times each year...just because it's awesome. I'm having serious Paris-withdrawl, but maybe it's just Europe-withdrawl in general. Hopefully I'll have a chance to go back for a visit soon...we'll see. Until then, New York usually works in a pinch but it's been over a year since I've been. Wow - that's even longer than I had originally thought! (Also, gosh, I live such a fortunate and awesome life.)

Anyway, here are some memories from my last trip there...
 

There's something about New York that just re-energizes me. It's not like I take a trip there and do nothing and it's relaxing by any means, but I happily fill my days. I had actually planned this trip because I there was a conference that I wanted to attend and I met with a colleague in the city to discuss a possible collaboration/project. I was feeling guilty about my trips to New York and not really being able to justify these frivolous trips (even if they were an actual much needed repose from a busy schedule), so combining 'work' and a vacation made it a lot easier to book.
Anyway, a trip to the Shake Shack to sit until the lights and enjoy a burger, fries, and frozen custard was definitely on the agenda.

I thought it might be nice to catch a movie under the stars, and of course New York had a couple options. the one that worked with my schedule and interests was Norma Rae, screened in Bryant Park. I didn't stay for the entire film, but enjoyed sitting out on the lovely evening, being among the masses and watching Sally Field do her thing. Naturally, many folks brought bevvies and snacks or packed a picnic dinner and I thought that it was nice that there was a the option of sitting on the grass or on the chairs. There were so many people there! And there were also people hanging out in the surrounding area just enjoying the evening. New York is such a lovely place. I'd be interested to know the ratio of tourists to locals in the area that night. How many tourists would be as zany as me and look up events like this to take in on their vacations? I mean, I'm sure there were people who just stumbled upon the event, but those who planned it into their evening, I wonder.
The next day, I walked by Bryant Park again and noticed that the field was cordoned off. Good on the NY parks folks to know that the grass would need a little bit of TLC and time to breathe after an eventful night.

Another event that was on my schedule was to attend a taping of America's Got Talent. I have to admit, I don't watch the show (and never have), but in my pre-trip research I was looking into tapings of TV shows that I could attend and given the time of year of my trip, the options were limited.
I figured it didn't really matter if I didn't follow the show regularly, because I was essentially attending a talent show and I would probably enjoy a talent show of any kind. I thought there would be some interesting banter from the judges and I'd be interested to know how my judgement of the acts compared to them. Also, the taping was at Radio City Music Hall, which is such a beautiful venue. And of course, it was fun to see the 'production' part of it all. To see how they tried to get the crowd going, taped bonus 'audience cheering and clapping' scenes, did strategic placement of specific audience members and handed out signs for audience members to hold so that they would be caught on camera.

Of course, I also attended a couple broadway shows. Taking a look at the most recent Tony winners, I decided that I would attend Kinky Boots and Pippin. Since it was pretty soon after the Tonys were handed out, I had the pleasure of watching those winners and nominees perform. Both shows were fantastic. Billy Porter and Andrea Martin, I have no idea how they compared to their fellow nominees and if there's some sort of criteria assessed to be given the award, but based on my own criteria, they definitely deserved the Tony. They were sooooooo awesome.

Shakespeare in the park

On this super freezing night, I'm clearly trying to catch up on my blogging (I wonder if I will ever post about my trip to Stockholm), and thinking about warmer days. I was thinking about the summer and outings to High Park to watch Shakespeare. This past summer, I watched As You Like It, a Canadian Stage production, of course. This was the first time that I saw actors warming up on stage before the show. Some were practicing their combat scenes, while others seemed to be doing yoga. It was a lovely outing and show, of course all the more better with good company and a picnic dinner!
With Into the Woods having just come out, I flashed back to The Public Theatre's production of the show in Central Park. I misrecalled that it was Anna Kendrick in The Public Theatre's production (when it was Amy Adams) and thought that maybe because of how well-received the show was, that they made it a movie. A good story in my mind. And I still regret not having tried to get a ticket for the show. I had opted to take the day to do other things on my list, as I probably would have had to forfeit an entire day sitting in line and not even being sure that I could get a ticket. Maybe next time?
I did a quick search to see if there are similar summertime outdoor theatre here in Montreal, and came up with Repercussion Theatre. Maybe I'll check them out!

Fashion Art Toronto (April 23, 2014)

I've always wanted to attend a fashion show and this past year, I had the opportunity to attend Fashion Art Toronto. I didn't really know what to expect other than what you see through media outlets. I knew that FAT was more the 'alternative' fashion week, but what that really meant, I wasn't sure. I figured I probably wouldn't have heard of any of the designers, but that didn't really matter too much to me. Sure, I think it would be cool to attend a show for a fashion house/label that was more established or in the mainstream, but that would have to wait for another day.
I attended the show entitled Grit/Glamour (line-up here) which of course I also had no idea what that would entail. Looking back, I guess the designers showing that night did fall into one of the two descriptors, but I could argue that many (if not all) of them could have also shown at the other nights. But what do I know.
I had such a fun time. It was exactly what I expected. Cool music, interesting outfits, models strutting their stuff. Lots of flashes, phones, and people dressing to impress. It was a spectacle both on and off the runway.
I loved the bright lights, white catwalk, upbeat music. I loved seeing the hoard of photographers at the end. I was intrigued at how many people in the audience were taking notes, and of course multitasked watching the runway and watching their phones. I know that people were snapping pictures (myself included, but I did it old school with a camera), live-tweeting, messaging, and/or blogging.
Most of the fashion on the runway didn't appeal to me. I would say my favourite of the night was Zoff, by Michael Zoffranieri. His collection (and show) seemed more polished compared to the rest.
I was a little surprised by the models. Many of the shows didn't have the traditional, super-skinny model. I learned that this was more of a FAT thing, using models who were of course beautiful, but not just fitting one body type and appearance. A second point that I noticed was that many of the models didn't seem to have that traditional, stomperella, catwalk-walk. In fact, there were quite a few models who walked quite awkwardly. I'm not sure if it was a lack of experience, uncomfortable footwear, or perhaps some weird intentional sauntering...but whatever it was, I wasn't feeling it.
I spent a lot of the night people-watching. It was so amusing. I quickly realized that many people in the audience were in fact there to be watched. People were there to attract press/publicity. There were models hoping to get their names further out there, folks hoping to appear on street-style blogs, and social-scenesters who needed to make an appearance for whatever reason. I was happily and naively seated in the front row, loving my unobstructed view but at first, not fully realizing just how great of a seat I had. That not only my row placement, but the seat placement in said row was an indicator of status or something like that. Oh, to be a +1 of someone important. It was interesting watching people get shuffled around in their seats between shows depending who was showing, who left partway through the night, or who arrived late. It was so fun learning about the who's who in the 'scene'.
It was "Absolutely Fabulous" (get it?) and I hope I get to attend another show in the future!

It's a sign

Work is closed for a couple of weeks, but I still have access to the building. I came in to work today because, well, I have work to do.
So they turned the heating off. Even my bonus sweater and woollen socks that I keep at the office aren't doing anything for me. My fingers and toes are so cold that they hurt. And I think I'm getting a headache from the cold too.
I was planning to come in all this week. I'm not sure what I should do - pack a blanket, and wear my Moon Boots and parka?
Of course the logical thing would be to stay home and if I really need to work, do it at home, but I've tried really hard to separate the two. And work needs to be done.

Brise des vignerons

It's been a busy month or so, and only just this weekend was I able to head back to my cheese shop to make my next purchase. FYI, the 'outdoor' part of the market has been transformed to a Christmas tree, wreath and other lovely holidays-decor-items market.

Anyway, back to cheese. I told the young man who offered to help me out of my two previous purchases. I guess it means that I'm going through the store's bries first. In fact, I was thinking about how I might be able to transition into a different type of cheese, and when I will make that transition. For now, I'll still go with the, "This is what I had last time, and I liked it, so tell me what else I might like."

I ended trying two cheese and the second one was the definite winner. As written on the label, La brise des vignerons is a cheese made of lait pasteurise de vache. Coming from the Fromagerie des Cantons (Farnham, QC), it's a:"Fromage a pate molle et croute fleurie type coulommier. Affinage de 30-45 jours. Penicillium Camemberti. 1er service." (Translated by Google for those who need it.) And wine recommendations are: blanc ou rouge jeune et fruite.

My completely uneducated review? Nice and creamy...spreads well on bread. It's kind of like I'm eating butter on my bread. I'm still not completely sold on the taste of the rind of these cheeses though. The cheese guy said that this cheese was a little bit more acide, and I think I can kind of taste that. The funny thing about living your life in multiple languages (and maybe especially if you're not able to seamlessly transition between the two - I'd be interested to read more about it) is that now that I'm thinking and writing in English, I'm not sure that I'm able to capture was we discussed in the shop (which was in French). I did understand everything was going on at the time, but my fragile understanding gets lost if I need to recount later on. But I digress.

Just having a pre-bedtime snack right now. Cheese and baguette. Ah, the life. A good end to a relaxing day. It's been exactly one month since I've spent a day in Montreal without going in to work. But I've logged lots of hours, and earned a lot of air miles, and I probably wouldn't change a thing. Although, being able to not set an alarm clock and to sleep in my own bed sure was nice.

St. Hubert

I spent the day in St. Hubert. And for lunch, I had St. Hubert! I was excited about that. And then, someone told me that it's this St. Hubert. Oh.

So it begins

I guess this would count as the first big snowstorm of the season. It snowed a couple times before, but not too much. This one seems significant. It started snowing yesterday afternoon, and it's still snowing now. I need to get a pair of boots. And a hat too. I also need to find time to purchase said things.

Phew

I finally have internet installed at home. Back to living in the 21st century. I really hope this will lessen the hours that I spend at work.
Oh, I also have a land line again. Back to living in the 20th century. Actually, that's not entirely true, I went for VOIP (I know, I'm so "now").

Kurios

About a month ago, I watched Kurios, the newest production by Cirque du Soleil. It was AWESOME. There weren't any acts that I didn't enjoy.
I think my favourite act was the Acro Net. I'm a sucker for flips, tricks and light hearted acts. I really appreciated the comedic touches in it too!
The Rola Bola reminded me of my time in Switzerland when the team I was skating with did off-ice training with these things. I remember falling off a couple times!
The clown act(s) in Cirque shows is/are always good. This one did not disappoint.
The opening act got the audience into the mood of the show. The costumes, music...amazing. The first part of this opening with the percussive piece reminded me of the Irish hand dancing video that went viral a couple years ago. I have no idea if that was the inspiration, but that's all I could think about. In fact, speaking of inspirations, the show seemed like it was inspired by Micmacs. The colours, the costumes, the music.

Anyway - if you ever have a chance to see the show, you HAVE to go.

- picture courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

Barber of Seville

Last night, I attend the extra night of the Opera de Montreal's production of the Barber of Seville.

It was the first opera buffa that I've seen. And that made a big difference. You see, operas are supposed to end in tragedy. If the curtain doesn't close on a body sprawled on the floor (or imaginarily off-stage in a lake or something) it's not quite right. This whole comedic thing is not what I'm used to.

I mean, it was...different. Sure, it was nice to laugh, but because I have never seen a staging of an opera buffa (or even a video of one), I wasn't sure how over the top they're typically supposed to be.

Three things that I spent more time questioning rather than just enjoying the production:
1. Basilio - Too flamboyant of an interpretation? I was distracted by him!
2. Figaro - Owns a battery powered flashlight?
3. Characters wearing black unitards and oversized balloons attached to their heads - HUH?!?!?! This was to be some sort of staging choice during Basilio's aria. Imagine dark lighting, smoke machines, and 10-20 of these 'characters' crawling around the stage. So confused.

That being said, it was fun. I thought Figaro (Etienne Dupuis) and Rosina (Carol Garcia) were fantastic. And the star of the show (for me, at least) was Bartolo (Carlo Lepore). Lots of funny moments, nice character details and interpretations, and of course great singing.

A nice touch, the production was sponsored by Movember. And fun mustaches made their appearances in the production as well.

Not that I would say that it wasn't deserved, but the show ended in a standing ovation. So, is this just a cultural norm or in fact a brilliant performance?

It was a nice night out. My first time in the Place des Arts which is a lovely, well, place for the arts. The main theatre was really large (I wanted to make my way up to the top balcony to see what the view is like up there, but I kid you not, the escalators - I couldn't actually find the stairs - were only going up pre-show and down at the beginning of the intermission and post-show) but more modern instead of the red velvet and gold gilding of old-school theatres. I walked by some nice restaurants that I'll have to try out at some point and interesting galleries that I'll need to visit. There was a photo exhibition of Dancers Among Us (which was lovely, of course). I'm looking forward to getting out more often and enjoying everything that this city has to offer!

- picture courtesy of Opera de Montreal

Les Étoiles du Métro

On my way to the opera last night (post to come), I stumbled across the auditions for Les Etoiles du Metro. It such a wonderful idea, and there was a small crowd gathered to listen to the musicians. The musicians that you see/hear in the metro they're not just 'whoever'. There are many talent artists who add to your soundtrack of your commute.

A city that loves its sports teams

Now, I'm not saying that Toronto doesn't love its sports teams, but when you are new to a city, you tend to notice things. And this is what I notice about Montreal.
The buses are cheering on the local teams, the bus drivers are listening to the games.
There are people tailgating outside of the stadium today before the football game starts. Cops line the streets to direct traffic and pedestrians. Buses have been commissioned to act as shuttles. People are not only wearing Alouette's paraphernalia, but they're also well prepared for the reality of the elements and stadium seating. Parkas, snowpants, an assortment of bum pads and cushions, and blankets to keep warm.I haven't ventured downtown for when a Canadiens play, but I'm sure it's just as crazy (if not crazier).

Karma?

It's snowing.

Holding out

For the past couple of years, I would wait until (at least) December 1st to switch to my sorta winter coat. And then wait until (at least) January 1st to switch to my actual winter coat.
I'm wondering if I'll have to make the switch a little earlier this year. So far so good. I mean, there's no snow on the ground (which is kinda nice seeing as how I know lots of other people in different cities and provinces who already have had to deal with snow this year) sauf a random day here and there we're hovering around 0 degrees.
I've been going back and forth between two fall coats that I own, always ensuring that I have a mega warm scarf. The scarf makes all the difference. I probably should pull out my mittens (I need to buy a new pair of leather gloves...freak accident last year where something leaked in my bag and I'm not sure if I can revive my gloves) because my hands are always in my pockets.
Some nights I am feeling a little chilly, but I just walk faster and think of the warmth that's waiting for me at home. Do I dare switch to a different coat. We'll see.
Oh, and for some warm thoughts, the picture is from the first weekend after I moved into my place. I was having a snack on my front balcony (I have a side and rear one as well!), writing some cards, and being serenaded by Rush or Bowie (I forget) and the many folks who were out and about and hanging out across the street in/by
the pool (which was the last weekend it was open).

Le parfum de Montreal

So for a couple of days (at least since I've been here) the city smells. Maybe not the entire city, but near where I work. And even gets into the ducts and my office stinks. Like manure.
The first time it happened I got really self conscious. I wasn't sure what was going on and I have to admit that I did a self-check to make sure I didn't step in something or have some sort of accident that I wasn't aware of. I mean, the smell was bad and very apparent.
I finally asked a colleague the most recent time that I smelled it if he noticed anything and he let me know that across the river, the farms are taking care of their fields and it just wafts into the city.
So I'm not going crazy!

Marche Jean-Talon

As you know, I've been making Jean-Talon my market of choice when I have time to go. It's close to where I live and it's awesome. Most recently when I went, I noticed that they winterfied it.
In nice weather there are so many outdoor stalls in the market, but with the colder weather approaching (or here, depending on how you look at it) they've erected gazebo/tent/covered areas so that the 'outdoor' vendors are in fact 'indoors'. I'm not sure if this will mean that there are less vendors in the cold weather seasons than in the warm-weather seasons (I'm suspecting so)but it's still a nice place to pick up produce and grab a snack.

One of the times that I was at the market, I decided to have a snack of sausages on a stick. I didn't have the list of sausage types with me as I was snacking so I'm not able to remember which type I preferred (I can definitely say it wasn't the lamb, though!) but it was neat to try the variety that was available. It's the "Super 8" that I got, bien sur!
Each time I'm there, I see people ordering different things off of the menu and I can't help but giggle when I see people gnawing at the meat off the bone. I should nab a picture of it the next time I'm there.

"Welcome to Quebec!"

I had a lovely phone conversation with a gentleman about exchanging my Driver's License. After figuring out the logistics of what I need to bring with me to my appointment (booking one-month in advance!) to get my new driver's license, he told me about how much it cost to keep said license. Turns out QC folks have to renew their license every year on their birthday. And pay a nice little sum of money to boot. "What a horrible birthday present!" I said to my fellow Quebecker. I told him about the differences in Ontario and we had a good laugh. To which he said, well, you can probably guess!
I'm kind of sad to be turning over my Ontario card. I like it. And it'll be an reminder of this big change in my life...and my identity. One that I'm still grappling with.

Amelie

I watched one of my favorite films (if not THE favorite) again last night for the first time in a couple of years. It was perfect.
There's so much about that film that resonates with me, and with how things have been going for me recently (emotionally and otherwise), I'm glad I watched the film again.

Scorched

I recently attended a performance of Scorched by the graduating class of the National Theatre School (NTS).

It was incredible. But brace yourself.

I didn't have a chance to do any research or look into the premise of the play. Of course there are pros and cons to this strategy for seeing productions, but for me, at the end of the play, I was in a little bit of shock. I just wasn't sure how to process what I had watched, and wasn't able to go beyond the surface of what happened.

Content aside, the production was awesome. The acting seemed really good (although, I wonder if I would be able to tell if the acting wasn't good?), but I was most impressed with the staging of the production (which, students of the NTS took care of as well). It was a "theatre in the round" set up, and there was clearly a lot of care that went into the staging and choreography of it all. I liked the use of props in the production. The lighting and special effects were also great.

Well, the run of the production is over, so it's not like you can go out and see it for yourself. I guess the take away is that the National Theatre School has some great productions that I will continue to look into (and you can/should too) and that Scorched is a great play. I've only clued in, after the fact, that it's Incendies which I remember reading about when it made the rounds (during TIFF and otherwise).

Cendre des Pres

I went back to the cheese shop yesterday. I told them about the cheese that we'd gotten the last time and that I wanted to get something similar. I told the salesperson that I liked the creaminess. She asked is there was assez de gout, and yes, the taste was strong enough for me. I'm still a little shy when it comes to pungent cheese.
She offered me a couple cheeses to try. One left too much of a plastic and rubbery taste in my mouth and the other was too salty.

In the end, I decided to go for the Cendre des Pres from the Fromagerie Domaine Feodal.
A description: "Pâte molle à croûte fleurie cendrée au centre comme le morbier. Tres cremeux et leger. 1er service." (Translated by Google for those who need it)
I like that the label from the cheese shop also comes with recommendations for the type of wine that pairs best. It's not specific enough to suggest a specific wine, but to say blanc ou rouge fruite.

I have to admit, the ash throws me off. I think I like everything around the ash the best...which probably defeats the whole point of the cheese. (I'm a work in progress, ok?) But it's not like I'm eating around it. I'm a big girl and eating the whole thing and it's quite good. I like the creaminess of it and (again) the mild flavour. I think I like the Saint-Honore better, but it's good to try different things.

I'm wondering if I should keep trying similar types of cheese or go with something completely different next time. Or maybe try out a different cheese shop too? There seem to be many to choose from here. All of the grocery stores have a better selection than what I'm used to. But I think the specialty shops would be better for me as they will be able to help me select cheeses and I can try them out before committing to a purchase.