Going to a place that’s far, so far away and if that’s not enough

My summer roaming is done already, so a report is in order.

June 6 - flew to Toronto with Emily. We stayed in Oakville, a western suburb, away from the bustle of the city but close enough for an easy drive (with the assistance of our friendly GPS lady).

Saturday morning we got up and drove to Niagara Falls (Canadian side). The drive isn't especially attractive, it's pretty much industrialized stuff, and the town of Niagara Falls is totally commercialized tourist-trap stuff. They really couldn't ruin the falls themselves though. We parked in the overpriced lot ($20 if I remember correctly) and assumed the fee covered the "people-mover" bus, but no, that was another fee to pay. We bought tickets for the Maid of the Mist boat to the bottom of the falls. Em and I had agreed that this was the one thing we both really wanted to do while there.

Each of us was given a blue plastic poncho. I wish I had realized that the poncho hoods had drawstrings for a very good reason. Since we were near the first of the line to enter the boat, I scrambled up the steps and to the front of the boat. It seemed like a good idea at the time. At some point, Em said she had wondered how so many people had managed to already be wearing "Maid of the Mist" tshirts; then she realized the picture and lettering were on the poncho that we were all wearing. Seems like something I would think!

It was a hot day in Ontario, but as we neared the falls the spray from the water was cooling. the closer we got, the more the spray turned into something resembling a torrential downpour complete with gusty winds. Sort of like standing in a hurricane maybe. I was soon soaked. Because I hadn't drawn the drawstring, the hood was blown off and useless. Water ran down inside the sleeves of the poncho and down inside the front as well. My glasses were so wet I couldn't see through them, but if I took them off I couldn't open my eyes because of the blowing water.

It was wonderful. I was able to open my eyes and peek out enough to appreciate the power and beauty of the falls.

We drove back through Niagara-on-the-Lake, a charming and charmingly expensive little town of B&Bs and cute shops and wineries.

Saturday evening was the Leonard Cohen concert. We decided to go on into downtown Toronto and find dinner near the Sony Centre. Em was seriously wanting some Thai food so we found the name and address of a place and decided to go there. We parked in a garage near the Centre; as we emerged, we noticed that almost every pedestrian was accompanied by a dog. We were both thinking "gosh, Canadians sure love their dogs!" when we noticed tents and booths and blocked-off streets. We had emerged into Woofstock! No time to explore much that evening though.

We couldn't find the restaurant we had in mind but someone recommended another for us, so we went to Spring Rolls. We were able to get a table outside where we could watch the parade of dogs and interesting people. The food was great - they had Em's favorite soup. The other diners were very friendly and we enjoyed talking to Torontonians.

The Cohen concert was all I hoped it would be and then some. For 73, he's remarkably spry! His voice is amazing and his stage presence is mesmerizing. He just went through wonderful song after wonderful song for over two hours. The other musicians were excellent as well, and the backup singers too. A beautiful evening.

Sunday we drove downtown again, parked, and hiked around. We walked up to Chinatown and had a dim sum lunch. We went into almost every booth at Woofstock and both found new collars for our dogs. Even though the R.E.M. concert didn't begin until 6:30, we went on over to Ontario Place early - I was pooped from all that walking in the heat. We caught part of the soundcheck there, which was really cool, and engaged in entertaining people-watching and commenting ("Oh my god, look, he's wearing an REM shirt to an REM concert!!" "Oh, I know, how totally uncool is THAT?!?" *snort* *giggle*).

People began lining up early to enter the venue (why? there was no GA, all reserved seats except for lawn) and I spotted a virtual acquaintance in line so went over to meet her. We went ahead to our seats, then met up with some other acquaintances from The Community. I didn't especially enjoy either of the opening acts: The National and Modest Mouse. MM would have been okay sort of if the "singer" hadn't screamed instead of singing.

The R.E.M. concert was soooo much fun! Em and I (and everyone around us) stood for the entire show. I was surprised at how many people knew the words to the new songs as well as the old ones. I had brought my new camera along and was taking pictures. Our seats were great, close to the front and almost dead center, so I was getting good shots. Finally the guy behind me handed me his card and asked if I would email him the pictures. Then he started suggesting which things I should photograph! Too funny. The guy on my right eventually gave me his email address too, as he wanted to pictures as well.

This brief report has turned into a marathon. Next leg of Summer Tour 08 will be posted later.

Green green grass of home

One of my very favorite YA authors posted a video on Amazon, ostensibly about his new book which will come out in October. I love this video.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/m2LPBA0SKVWTR7