Art!

Thursday 5th September

Well my last full day of exploring Toronto is drawing to an end!

I had a slower start to the day today to plan what I would do.   The sun was shining and it looked beautiful outside but was actually quite cool so I decided it would be a good day to visit the AGO (Art Gallery of Toronto)

It reminded me a lot of London Tate Modern from the contemporary aspect.  The museum is deceptively large,  although 2 floors were closed as they were preparing for a new exhibition,  I still felt like I was in a labyrinth.  The main exhibit that everyone is flocking to see at the moment is the Ai Wei Wei one.   A Chinese artist who was behind the design for the birds nest stadium at the 2008 Beijing Olympics,  but is also very outspoken against the Chinese government to the extent to that he is now under house arrest and has had his passport revoked.

It was quite moving to see the video introducing him and his background and the small introduction as to his beliefs.  It also went into detail about how he came to be in the position  he is now after setting up a citizens investigation into the true number of casualties following the 2008 earthquake in the Schezuan province.

I was feeling pretty walked out after the last 12 days of Vancouver and Toronto so decided to head back to the place I'm staying and put my feet up for a few hours before going out for dinner, as I set off though,  I got a text from Patrick,  my host,  inviting me out for dinner and drinks with some of his friends.   I underestimated how far I had walked and realised the feet up option was out the window if I were to get to the bar on time!

I found the bar and settled down with some more great Canadian beer and meet Patricks friends,  one of which had just returned from Scotland, performing in his own show at the Edinburgh festival.   It was a fun evening but Canadians don't really drink like the British.... I know some may be thinking how come after all I've posted on Facebook and Instagram have been photos of beer and Breweries but they don't! You can only buy alcohol from bottle shops,  they close early and are incredibly expensive!

Am back now, an early night for a change and having that chance now to put my feet up.   Tomorrow will be my last full day in Canada and to finish the trip I am going on a day trip to Niagara falls.   Really excited to see them... I know it will be commercialised tourist hell but after seeing iguassu last year,  I'm looking good forward to seeing how these compare.  The trip is also an evening trip so I get to see the falls light up after dark!

Then on Saturday... boo hoo... It's time to come home :-(