The One With Lots of Lights

Hand-down-bra as effective warmer.

Different countries have different ways of celebrating different things; the start of the Christmas season is celebrated in Canada with the impressive illumination of landmarks across the country, with celebrations taking place in the capitals of each province and territory. Being in the capital of all capitals, Canada, the illumination ceremony at Parliament Hill is a massive deal, and is utterly spectaculour. On reflection, I probably should have dressed better for the occasion.! I think may knees were in danger of frostbite. Furthermore, at one point I needed to stick my hands down my bra for an emergency heat up because my special Canada mittens weren't doing their job properly. At least it was still dark, so no-one really saw!

Sickly sweet choir.

The atmosphere was like that at a UK Bonfire Night celebration, except sans-extortionate prices and antisocial behaviour. I'm talking free hot chocolate, free beaver tails and free candles. Although the pesky winter wind made the candle situation somewhat unsuccessful. It was such a lovely family atmosphere, although you could tell there was Anglophone/Francophone tension. But there is nothing more adorable than a small child in a full on thermal onesie, forced to toddle like an obese starfish.

Canada has the potential to be somewhat...kitsch. I mean that in a loving way, but it really is rather kitsch! The emcees for the evening had this nauseating quality, and the (bronze-medal winning) show choir brought a whole new meaning to saccarine. Remember when the Glee choir was awful in the Pilot? This choir was a hundred times worse. But kudos for the switching in and out of English to French in the middle of lines. But did you really have to sing a carol slowed to an unbearable pace when we were all freezing?

Never say no to a free beaver tail.

Considering this is Ottawa, there could have been more effort made with the guests of honour. Instead we got some politicians and the vice-president of the sponsors, and those Canadians didn't give a hoot. I think one person in the entire crowd applauded. One of the lovely moments was when they broadcast messages from each of the provinces and territories, with messages of happy Christmas/holidays/Hannakah/new year etc, and the territories all wished it in their native languages - nice touch. I have to say though, the emcees talked a lot about unity within Canada, and I couldn't help but think of George Sioui, my prof and the stories from his life as First Nations in Canada. I don't think there's unity in Canada, sorry.

Lights, camera - action!

The lights are fantastic! The ones in Confederation Park are the most beautiful ones in the entire city. They're so colourful and warm and they've been arranged so magnificently. There is this magical feel to it. Plus, late night walks with snow falling and it's like you're caught in a rainstorm of stars.

Other exciting things this week have been a poetry reading evening from a class on undergrad creative writers. Some were pretentious, some were just awful and one or two were great. Such is creative writing! Prof Mayne gave a reading of the Blue Couch and it was as hilarious as the first time I heard it. And today I went to the library and played throw and catch with Gabby across the computers. Because we are childish.

And now, for exams.