Ottawa is a lot like Jennie: serious but friendly, proper yet informal, and dignified with a not-so-hidden crazy side.
The weekend began with a visit to the National Library and Archives Canada, where I was researching the oh-so glamourous topic of biological warfare (I am far too paranoid already to be writing a paper on the subject), and we discovered the matrix of security and information that lies inside those marble walls. Seriously, that place is intense.
Jennie also took us to a math society event, where we discovered secret math handshakes, saw genuine mullets (not the "trendy" euro versions), and debated the ultimate question: are female comedians funny?
The lights over the Rideau canal twinkled, as we realized that Jennie has to be the only person I know who had not yet heard (let alone heard to death) Fergie's "London Bridge"...gasp!
Caught a rain-soaked glimse of touristy Ottawa in the Byward Market, and crawled out of the rainstorm into an Irish pub to dry off beside a great big fireplace.
Pumpkins were everywhere, reminding me that time is running out for costume ideas for my 3rd favourite holiday.
Friday night we headed to a pizza party, played with cap guns, hooks, and toothpicks before going to the most Canadian bar I have ever been to, followed by an all-night diner.
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In other news, our building was on fire last night. I heard a strange voice coming from a loud speaker, and I am ashamed to admit I immediately thought only of Lost season 2 and the hatch. After snapping out of that, Brian and I grabbed our "what would you take in a fire?" items and ran down the stairs. By the time we reached the ground, there were already at least 4 fire trucks, and firefighters were entering the building. We still don't know what caused the fire, but apparently it was contained to one apartment, 2-3 floors above us, and was put out quickly by the looks of things. Thank goodness no one was hurt. Strange events have a way of happening in this city, I tell you.
We also went to see Marie Antoinette. Brian summed up his review by saying "I feel like I'm watching The Simple Life," and my opinion didn't differ greatly. Mind you, others have strongly and convincingly defended their love for the film. I'm not a huge fan of Sophia Coppola; I find her characters cloying, sticky, lethargic and nauseating...or maybe that's just Kirsten Dunst's characterization (in her entire filmography). The film is pastel-hued "cotton candy for the mind" as Edward Comor would put it, and good only for a guilty voyeuristic clothes-scoping indulgence. Then again, I can't think of a better actor to coax an audience reaction of distaste/indifference towards a character than Dunst. Alright Coppola, it's time to move on.
And on that note, on to another week
4 comments:
while my comment on the film is true, i also wanted to add that i feel the movie succeeds only if her intention was to map a familiar and contemporary display of excess (i.e. something along the lines of the simple life or one of those dumb much music shows on the "lifestyles of the rich and famous") and show that maybe its time to behead some of the people seen as leaders or role models in our society.
but based on some the press and stuff put out before the movie, im not sure this was the case, and therefore, it just plain sucks.
I'm so glad you enjoyed ottawa. i like those pics a lot, they made me homesick and hungry. congratulations on staying away from the textbook version parliament photos.
It rains everyday and everynight in london. This week should be fun though, we have McRae as a houseguest for the whole week! I've started sending you messages on here rather than facebook or msn.
your pictures are soooooo gooddddd....looks like you had so much fun in ottawa! wish i could be there to hang out with y'all( thats american slang for ya) hahahaha...misssssss ya hope montreal is treating you well!!
your blog looks soooo gooood ps :)
Jenn, I welcome your messages with open arms! Your hometown is really cool. You'll have to give me an official tour some day. Say hi to Alex for me.
Also, try to come visit soon :)
Sawatsky, the name of your group of gals down south made me laugh very, very hard. Good to see you are having fun
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