30 Jun 06 It’s (nearly) Canada Day!
But here in London the Canada Day celebrations are happening today from 2:00 til 7:00 in Trafalgar Square. A bit strange to hold festivities a day early, right? In past years on July 1st, Canadians in London have overtaken the Maple Leaf pub in Covent Garden and partied in the street throughout the day, I’m told. The change this year is apparently due to the conflicting Pride parade and police will be enforcing normalcy on Maiden Lane tomorrow. The Maple Leaf will still draw big crowds though I’m sure, as I think it’s the old standard pub where Canadians here gather (even though it’s authenticity as ‘Canadian’ and overall quality as a pub is much debated).
Moving the party to Trafalgar Square, though, has the upside of being higher profile and much larger in scope, considering the tens of thousands of tourists and local bodies that crowd the square on a daily basis. The downside, unfortunately, is people who work Friday won’t be able to attend. Ah well, now there’s two days of celebrations :O) Bonus is the weather is outstanding, sunny, with temps expected to hold above 30 for the next few days.
I wonder, what are the chances there will be a clash between the Canadians and protesters of the seal hunt who have been demonstrating in front of Canada House which is directly adjacent to Trafalgar Square? They have been spreading leaflets and chanting shame on Canada, boycott Canada….
I’m bringing my camera :)
7 Jun 06 No Parking
These are two of multiple graphics painted on the drive/sidewalk of a commercial building near Spitalfields Market:
If you park there I’m guessing your car will be cursed!
4 Jun 06 On Becoming a Londoner
I have my first official sunburn from the London sun! Yesterday we enjoyed an entire day of full sunshine with temperatures around 24 degrees Celcius… woot! We started out the day visiting the first part of an eight week art and design show called Free Range at The Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane. I’m looking forward to the Photography section starting June 15. Across the street was a designer fashions, samples and rejects sale that offered little more than a diversion - we didn’t leave with any purchases. Then we walked away the afternoon through Fitzrovia and around Regent’s Park and canal. The fields at the park were crowded with teams playing football (soccer), and following the canal presented an entirely different and stunning London experience. Who knew there was a ‘Little Venice’ in the center of London?
Today we’re headed to our first-ever boot sale, the Art Car Boot Fair, again on Brick Lane. I must reiterate how incredibly fun it is to live in this neighbourhood where cultural diversity is celebrated so well. We might even return with a piece or two of dandy local art :)
Some other indications I’m turning Londonese:
- Often when I say “a little bit” or “a lot” I omit the t’s
- When tourists stop me for directions I can guide them accurately
- I’ve considered responding to the question “Where are you from?” with “I’m from London (just speak with a Canadian accent by choice)”
- In my (sleeping) dreams I have two new boyfriends: this one and that one
GET FED: