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Trick-or-Treating With… Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (?!)

I always brainstorm Halloween with the best of intentions and little foresight. Typically, it’s September when monsters and treats invade supermarkets. I consider a cool costume, accessories, and makeup as if a jacket, a hat and gloves won’t be needed by late October. Then, over the weeks, as the weather inevitably gets colder, rainier and windier, I take my expectations down a notch—okay, Mark may need a sweater… And on October 30, I wish I could buy a winter coat and snow pants with skeleton prints, which I’m sure I can find for a five-year-old at… huh… the… Gothic store for kids?

Turned out the H&M skeleton costume I bought last year still fit. Phew. This was the warmest and more practical choice, even if it’s not Pinterest-worthy.

On October 30, I add an extra touch to the outfit—I painted Mark’s nails black. He had been begging me to paint his nails forever so this was the perfect opportunity. Yes Mark, it takes a long time to dry. Yes, Mark, now it’s dry, you don’t have to keep your hands up all night.

It was cold on Halloween. At 4:30 p.m., I was freezing my butt off in front of Rideau Hall—home to the Governor General—waiting for Mark and Feng. I had read on Twitter that the grounds of Rideau Hall would be transformed into a haunted Victorian cemetery and everyone was invited to enjoy the spooky experience. “I hope it’s worth it” I typed on my phone, chatting with a client who had just sent an assignment. “It’s bloody cold!” “What’s your costume?” she asked. “Myself, frozen,” I replied.

As I waited, I noticed photographers and TV crews going inside the park but I didn’t think much of it. This is Ottawa, top local news revolve around the weather and community events.

Mark and Feng arrived. The light was perfect and it wasn’t raining. Maybe it would be fun.

And then, ten minutes into playing tricks with zombies and werewolves, we noticed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family trick-or-treating as well. Ah, it explained the photographers!

This is Canada and this is Trudeau, so no SWAT teams around the head of the country, just a dude dressed as Clark Kent/Superman and his family. “Only in Canada,” I laughed, taking a picture of Mark playing with his sword with the Prime Minister just feet away.

After some fun at Rideau Hall, we headed to my in-laws’ suburb where people are really into Halloween. Fewer houses than usual were decorated but there were still several masterpieces with giant monsters, sounds and lights.

I think we have enough candies for a month or two.

Mark “decorating” the house
The night before Halloween: a fresh coat of black nail polish
The night before Halloween: a fresh coat of black nail polish
The night before Halloween: a fresh coat of black nail polish
My coffee cup on Halloween day
Halloween decorations in Parkdale neighbourhood
House with Halloween decorations around Rideau Hall
House with Halloween decorations around Rideau Hall
Trick-or-treating at Rideau Hall
Trick-or-treating at Rideau Hall
Trick-or-treating at Rideau Hall
Trick-or-treating at Rideau Hall
Trick-or-treating at Rideau Hall
Trick-or-treating at Rideau Hall
Trick-or-treating at Rideau Hall
Trick-or-treating at Rideau Hall
Trick-or-Treating at Rideau Hall
Prime Minister Trudeau/Superman trick-or-treating at Rideau Hall
Prime Minister Trudeau/Superman trick-or-Treating at Rideau Hall
Prime Minister Trudeau/Superman trick-or-Treating at Rideau Hall
Prime Minister Trudeau/Superman trick-or-Treating at Rideau Hall
Prime Minister Trudeau/Superman trick-or-Treating at Rideau Hall
Trick-or-Treating at Rideau Hall
Trick-or-Treating at Rideau Hall
Trick-or-Treating at Rideau Hall
Mark fighting invisible zombies with his sword, never mind the Prime Minister in the background…
Trick-or-Treating at Rideau Hall
Trick-or-Treating at Rideau Hall
Trick-or-Treating at Rideau Hall
Trick-or-Treating at Rideau Hall
Trick-or-Treating at Rideau Hall
Trick-or-Treating at Rideau Hall
Trick-or-treating in one of Ottawa’s southwestern suburbs
Trick-or-treating in one of Ottawa’s southwestern suburbs
Trick-or-treating in one of Ottawa’s southwestern suburbs
Trick-or-treating in one of Ottawa’s southwestern suburbs
Trick-or-treating in one of Ottawa’s southwestern suburbs
Trick-or-treating in one of Ottawa’s southwestern suburbs
Trick-or-treating in one of Ottawa’s southwestern suburbs
Trick-or-treating in one of Ottawa’s southwestern suburbs
Mark’s stash (and my lens is foggy because it’s cold!!!)
Mark’s stash (and my lens is foggy because it’s cold!!!)
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Zhu

French woman in English Canada.

Exploring the world with my camera since 1999, translating sentences for a living, writing stories that may or may not get attention.

Firm believer that nobody is normal... and it’s better this way.

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