Rooms and Views: Toronto

When I was very young, I wanted to live in a high-rise with a view of the big city. I wasn't sure which big city it would be, but I certainly didn't think it would be Toronto. I'm perfectly happy in my low-rise, non-view home in medium-sized Seattle, but for the next five days, this view of Toronto is mine.

It was 22 degrees when I landed and part of me seriously considered cozying up and just staring out the windows for the rest of the evening, but I knew if this November foray into the great frozen north was going to work, I had to bundle up and head out, which I did. Only one thing on the agenda for today, visit the highest spot in North America, the CN Tower. It was about a 20 minute walk, and my face - the only exposed part of my body, was numb when I arrived, but it was worth it. When you live in a medium-sized city, it's good to be reminded what a BIG CITY looks like.

from 1,136 feet up

 

from 1,465 up

view on the walk from my apartment to the tower

daytime view from my apartment

The National Zoo

I know that zoos are important institutions for research and conservation and I'm not going to say much about the National Zoo which is three blocks up Connecticut Avenue from Nilan's apartment. I went there twice in the time I was in D.C., and while I enjoyed seeing the animals and believe the zoo serves the greater good for education of the public and the preservation of species, in my anthropomortification (is that a word?) of the zoo's inhabitants, I left feeling that they were either very bored or very sad.

this might be the saddest thing I've ever seen. 

The Hirshhorn and Lincoln

I had a nice morning at the Hirshhorn Museum then started walking to the Lincoln Memorial. It was a mile and a half away - an easy walk but it has finally stopped raining making it hot and muggy out, and I was pressed for time, so when I came across one of those scooters everyone loves to hate, I quickly signed up for an account, hopped on, and scooted on over to Lincoln. #scootersarerad.

Yayoi Kusama's "Pumpkin"

from Barbara Kruger's "Belief+Doubt"

Good advice but I don't see myself taking it. 

Olafur Eliasson - a favorite artist

from Sean Scully's "Landline" exhibition

this poor guy...

from Mark Bradford's: "Pickets Charge"

no doubt spinning in his grave

Another damp day in D.C.

At the Renwick Gallery -- "No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man"

I've always kind of wanted to go to Burning Man, this exhibit made me really want to go. As soon as I acquire a portable shower.

this is as close as I was willing to get

Back in the States: Our Nation's Capital

After driving over 1,100 miles through two of Canada's eastern provinces (PEI being its own province, the smallest of the 12), I am back in the U.S. from Nova Scotia, and in Washington, D.C. for the first time in 20 years. I'm crashing at Nilan's apartment while he's out of town. He'll be back in a couple of days and I'll be moving... to his couch.

And in more important news, Peter and Gregory got married today and since I wasn't there to witness the event, this is the message I sent them:

"These two people, via their pictures at the National Portrait Gallery...

"...plus most of the people who work here:"

"...and I, wish you the best today!"

As for the people who work here:

Let's just hope for change.

Also at the National Portrait Gallery:

Little Narrows

From Pleasant Bay to Little Narrows today - a leisurely drive starting at around 9am and finishing at 1pm at a very cute waterfront cottage off a dirt road in the middle of nowhere.

The Periwinkle Cafe - breakfast in Ingonish.

Home for the night in Little Narrows

view from the cottage