Articles in Snapshots
Wheat Kings and Bees
Note to self: when exploring crop fields, even if it’s at the Experimental Farm just a few minutes’ walk from home, do not wear shorts and sandals. Especially if you notice hundreds of bees gathering …
Ottawa's Gay Pride
The world apparently needs Gay Pride to remember that homosexuality is neither a disease nor a choice. It just… is. And yet, members of the LGTB community are regularly victim of discrimination. Why? What can possibly justify it? Homosexuality is as old as the history of the world. Nothing to be ashamed of, nothing to hide.
Small Towns, U.S.A
Every time we go to the U.S, we drive through dozens of small towns. Some have a main street (usually aptly named Main Street) others are just a cluster of houses. The cost of living is usually fairly low and small businesses are busy.
Whiteface, NY State
We were the only car on the road. The silence was deafening. And then I spotted the sign, on the side of the road. “No Kill Area”. “Great” I thought. “We are in a horror movie”. You know these low-budget Hollywood movies where a couple—or even better, a group of cute but dumb college students— decide to take a road trip and their car breaks down in the middle of nowhere.
Lake Placid, NY State
On Civic Holiday weekend, we suddenly realized we needed a break, a quick change of scenery (I only had one day off) to see something new. We picked Lake Placid, a three-hour drive from Ottawa, in New York State.
The small village in the Adirondack Mountains was twice the site of the Winter Olympic Games, in 1932 and in 1980. I didn’t know that but I have an excuse—I wasn’t born.
Classic Americana in Ogdensburg
I admit it, I don’t know anything about cars. I can barely tell a convertible from a Hummer and I tend to forget where I park in the parking lot—I wish our car was painted yellow or pink because it would be easier to spot.
Yet I can’t resist a good photo opportunity.
Billy Talent, Live
A few days earlier, after seeing The Tragically Hip, I was at the Billy Talent concert. I fell in love with the Toronto band when I first came to Canada and took the opportunity to see them live. I wasn’t disappointed—they rocked it!
The Tragically Hip, Live
Finally. Finally, I’m a real Canadian, a little bit over two years after taking my citizenship oath.
I survived many winters, I took my driving license in the snow, ate beavertails, went to hockey games… but I had never seen The Tragically Hip live until last week. And everybody knows that seeing Canada’s favourite band live is a must-do for all Canadians. The Hip are one of the stuff Canadians like. When I learned the band played at the Bluesfest in Ottawa, I decided I simply had to go to complete my Canadian education.
