Gorging on culture

Leisure, Museums & galleries, , ,

Another cultural feast – art and theatre to nourish the soul!

Taking in an opening at the AGO last Wednesday, we particularly responded to Anselm Kiefer’s Palmsonntag (Palm Sunday)

“a monumental installation consisting of a 30-foot-long palm tree cast in fiberglass and resin, its roots clotted with mud, surrounded by a cycle of 44 large paintings encased in glass and framed in lead. Overwhelming in scale and sweeping in content, Palmsonntag conveys the operatic scope of Kiefer’s creative enterprise that crosses through spiritual, religious and mythical cultural territory.”

There was something very beautiful about both the individual panels and the whole and the sense of spirit shone through even before one read the background!

I’ve been reading Robertson Davies, one of Canada’s literary icons, for years, but happened to be reaching the end of the Deptford Trilogy when I spotted a poster at our local library for a three night run of this one man show. It was being staged at Hart House , a beautiful old theatre at the heart of the university, just round the corner from Massey College where Davies reigned as Master. It seemed silly not to check if there were still tickets . . .

Davies’ speaks with a voice that is both acerbic and wise, as well as very witty.  As the Times put it in his obituary, he ‘encompassed all the great elements of life…His novels combined deep seriousness and psychological inquiry with fantasy and exuberant mirth.’ This one man show, put together entirely from his writing and lectures,  was both stimulating and entertaining!

There is no nonsense so gross that society will not, at some time, make a doctrine of it and defend it with every weapon of communal stupidity. Roberton Davies

The Briars

Sightseeing, ,

The Briars

I don’t think we could have made a better choice for our first weekend break out of Toronto than The Briars on Lake Simcoe – a beautiful, historical home in a glorious setting, offering fab food, memorable massages and the opportunity to do as much or as little as you feel like.

Lovely to stay somewhere that has belonged to a single family, the Sibbalds, since the nineteenth century.  It has also long been a resort in the classic North American tradition, with cottages and golf course.

Watching Canada win the Olympic hockey alongside staff and family members on a big screen in the great hall (and, on Sunday afternoon, we were the only remaining guests!) felt very personal and special. We were even treated to celebratory champagne alongside yet another excellent meal that evening.

Redolent with the family’s history, the Briars also has literary links. Both Stephen Leacock and Mazo de la Roche had cottages locally and both are buried at St George’s Anglican Church at Sibbald point – apparently the Briars is recognisable in some of de la Roche’s descriptions.

Stephen Leacock Leacock Cottage Mazo de la Roche - gravestone

For us, arriving after heavy snow on Friday, it was truly wonder-full to walk (wade) along the woodland trails, finally experiencing a real taste of Canadian winter.

On the sleigh Winter woods Snow angel

You can see the full collection of photos from out trip to Lake Simcoe and the Briars in the Sightseeing section of this site.

Georgina – walking on water

Sightseeing, ,

In the UK I used to to get excited when the puddles froze solid – usually there was little more than a thin layer of ice on the surface. I’m once again stunned by how alien our own planet can seem within the context of previous experience.

Ice (Lake Simcoe)

We have just returned from a much needed long-weekend away. We chose to head an hour or so north of Toronto, to Jackson Point on Lake Simcoe. In the township of Georgina, this area lays claim to being the ice-fishing capital of the world. Although not a ‘Great Lake’, Lake Simcoe is an expanse of water so huge that you cannot see the far shore. And at this time of year, it is not water, but a vast, blinding whiteness of ice. Not only can you walk on water, you can drive on it (though this is not covered by your insurance, so we didn’t!).  Peppered across the ice are clusters of ice-fishing huts. A constant traffic of skidoos and the strange vehicles that offer transport to the fishermen traverse the lake. But, in a couple of weeks or so, there will begin to be air patrols to ensure that everyone leaves the ice before it starts to break up.

Ice (Lake Simcoe)

Out on the ice Ice fishing bus Lake Simcoe Ice Road

There are ice roads out to the Chippewa territories on Georgina Island. A few years ago some people strayed off the road in a whiteout and were lost. An ice-breaking ferry was brought in, but Simcoe’s ice was too deep for it and the ice roads remain the only viable form of winter access.

Georgina Island Ferry

“The next ferry leaves in April . . . “

You can see the full collection of photos from out trip to Lake Simcoe and the Briars in the Sightseeing section of this site.

Red mittens (Olympic fever)

sport, Why Canada?, , , ,

Red mittens are a Canadian ‘must-have’, no matter where in the world you live! Apparently people are queuing for hours in Vancouver outside the Bay for their pair. They have become a symbol of the huge upsurge of national pride that these second Canadian Winter Olympics have generated – by wearing them, you both signal your support and contribute (as official Canadian Olympic Committee merchandise, they help generate funding). As you can see, we splashed out on scarves and hats as well!

Olympic clobber
Olympic Red Mittens

Canada has taken a lot of flak from the British press about the Olympics. I can’t help feeling this is misguided with London looming – talk about setting yourself up! We have felt considerable pride in our adopted nation, despite the glitches that are an inevitable element of any such event. I love that the Olympic torch travelled the country – the aim was that no Canadian citizen should have to travel more than an hour to witness its journey. What a wonderful commitment to the inclusive spirit of the Olympics! There is no doubt that this has contributed to the Canadian response to these games. It has also boosted national spirits in the wake of the 2009 recession. I am not alone in thinking that the ‘own the podium’ slogan got it wrong; I suspect it ultimately increased the pressure on Canadian athletes. More importantly, it seems to me to run counter to the Olympic ideal that what is important is participation. Perhaps ‘better than best’ might have captured this spirit better. Certainly we have cheered as so many young Canadians have exceeded personal ‘bests’, regardless of whether these have secured them medals. But we have also been moved by the spectacular performances the Olympics have drawn out of men and women of all nations. What does amaze me, though, is the level of aspiration. I know Canada is a ‘winter’ nation. But its population is less than that of California, just over half that of the UK and 11% of that of its neighbour (USA). As I write this, Canada stands third in the medal tables, with 15 medals, 7 of which are gold. Awesome! PS If any of our friends and family want their own pair of Red Mittens, we’ll do our best to acquire them – just let us know what size!