Category Archives: Waterloo

Woodside National Historic Site

Woodside National Historic Site

The house and the park located on 11.5 acre property covered with mature trees. The park offers perfect place for walks and picnincs, beautiful shaded lawns and paths during the summer. The house opens for visitors from October till Chrismas.

Woodside National Historic Site, Entrance
Woodside National Historic Site, Entrance

Mackenzie King House

The house dates back to Victorian period, was built by James Colquhoun. After his death in 1877 varuois tenants occupied the house. One of them was the Kings family. They lived in this house from 1886 till 1893. The house was a home for a boy who later became Canada’s tenth Prime Minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King. The family had four children, and while visiting the house we can see their rooms and well kept personal items. His father John King was  a lawyer, and he taught his kids English, French, math and science. There is a large collection of boks, many of them are rare originals…

Woodside National Historic SIte, house of William Lyon Mackenzie King
Woodside National Historic SIte, house of William Lyon Mackenzie King

The house has a spacious living room with piano. The room was filing up with various guests during many holidays…

Living room in William Lyon Mackenzie King House
Living room in William Lyon Mackenzie King House

Travel  at that time was a challenge, so the house has a nice guest bedroom with all the necessary items…

Guest bedroom in William Lyon Mackenzie King House, Kitchener
Guest bedroom in William Lyon Mackenzie King House, Kitchener

The sisters were sharing the bedroom, we can see some of the clothing and original furniture.

Girls' room in William Lyon Mackenzie King House, Kitchener

We had a chance to enter the room of William, quite small and with very modest furnishings. The bedrooms are all on the second floor and interestingly, there is no heating – only the first floor of the house is heated, so in the winter the heavy blanket and the hot water bottle did the job!

Woodside National Historic SIte, house of William Lyon Mackenzie KingWoodside National Historic SIte, house of William Lyon Mackenzie King

The most important item of the kitchen is the original wood-buning stove. It is fully operational and if you visit the place during Christmas Holidays you may be lucky to try fresh baked cookies or bread! They say tastes amazing!

Woodside National Historic SIte, house of William Lyon Mackenzie King
Woodside National Historic SIte, house of William Lyon Mackenzie King

The House is not just a museum, there are different events and workshops offered for students.

To learn more visit https://www.explorewaterlooregion.com/listing/woodside-national-historic-site-kitchener/     and      https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/woodside

Exploring Waterloo Region – Bingeman’s Big Splash

After lunch at the (nearby) Boston Pizza, we came in to the Bingeman’s Big Splash. After changing into our bathing suits we stepped out on to the deck exited about all of the slides that awaited us. They had many slides to choose from and better yet, the height restrictions are very reasonable so that everyone can go (most of the required heights are around forty inches). My personal favourite slide was the Cyclone.

Entertainment Area in Bingman’s Splash Park, 425 Bingeman’s Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario

Over all, the park quite fairly spread out which makes it feel like there is less of a crowd, there also is a big wave pool

Entertainment Area in Bingman’s Splash Park, 425 Bingeman’s Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario

which has a shallow end

Entertainment Area in Bingman’s Splash Park, 425 Bingeman’s Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario

and a deep end however the tubes have to be rented for five dollars each and Cabana rentals are also available, another thing to note is that most of the rides are one person at a time, however there are a couple that two people can ride on at the same time.

Entertainment Area in Bingman’s Splash Park, 425 Bingeman’s Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario

We highly recommend that you try it out especially if traveling with young ones.

Entertainment Area in Bingman’s Splash Park, 425 Bingeman’s Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario
Entertainment Area in Bingman’s Splash Park, 425 Bingeman’s Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario
Entertainment Area in Bingman’s Splash Park, 425 Bingeman’s Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario
Entertainment Area in Bingman’s Splash Park, 425 Bingeman’s Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario

Overall it is the most fun water park in the region.

By Jonathan K.

Family trip to African Lion Safari, Hamilton, Ontario

African Lion Safari, Hamilton, Ontario

African Lion Safari first opened its doors to the visitors in 1969 and since then went through a lot expansions and animal additions… About 6,000 visitors come here daily to see the exotic animals that are roaming free in the fields or just enjoying the warm summer day in their artfully created habitats on land and water.

To start our visit we boarded the “African Queen” boat that took us around the island where we saw monkeys jumping in the ropes and multiple birds such as vultures and pelicans.  One of the spots was taken by two lemur families. The boat operators told us about animals routine and some funny life stories…

A day with Family in African Lion Safari, Ontario, Canada

The boat came back to the pierce and we decided to take a bus that goes to African savanna . We had to enter through the specially designed gate system that allows buses and cars to safely go in and out of that area. “Keep your arms and heads inside, no windows opening”…. The bus tour goes through multiple enclosures  each housing different wild animals.  We are surrounded by lions,  then  we pass by cheetahs… We got to see many mountain goats as well as rhinos and many giraffes…

A day with Family in African Lion Safari, Ontario, Canada

The best part of the bus tour was visiting the giraffes, they came up very closely so we had around four of them circling around the bus, one of them even licked the bus mirrors. It is quite a spectacular view  – one of them gracefully approaching our window, the other is in the front of the bus… oh, one more is in the front!

A day with Family in African Lion Safari, Ontario, Canada

Following the bus tour we went on the ”Nature Boy” scenic railway, the tour lasts around fifteen minutes. On the way we got to see the elephants habitat, a donkey and many turtles that came out of the pond for summer sun. It was a nice way to give our feet some rest and enjoy the fresh air coming from the lake and trees…

A day with Family in African Lion Safari, Ontario, Canada

Elephants Bath time was now up, so we headed to the lake to see them coming gracefully – leading was a large male elephant and then smaller ones – females and young siblings. Elephants got in the water, it looked like they are walking on the bottom of the lake – but no, some places are deep and they do have to swim, sometimes we could only see the very top of the head and the trunk… they had some fun time splashing and spraying each other; later rangers came and started throwing apples to the elephants – which was a lot of fun for all!!

Elephant swim
A day with Family in African Lion Safari, Ontario, Canada
A day with Family in African Lion Safari, Ontario, Canada

It was a hot day – we would not mind to go for a plunge too – and we could at the Safari’s water park area – however, we were quite hungry and went to the café to have lunch…. We had to say goodbye to all the animals big and small before heading of to our next destination.

African Lion Safari – more info here: https://lionsafari.com/

By Jonathan K.

Add Some Light to Your Holiday

KITCHENER, Ont. — Get ready to pack the whole family into the car and drive through a Christmas
wonderland this season as Bingemans gears up to bring some spark and light to the holidays by hosting
the very first Gift of Lights exhibit in Southwestern Ontario.
Gift of Lights is a drive-thru holiday light display that has attracted many people to several cities across
the United States. This year for the first time, Gifts of Lights is coming to Southwestern Ontario and
Bingemans is proud to be the first to present and bring the luminous spectacle to Waterloo Region.
“Christmas is one of the best times of the year, and we are excited to bring this spectacular holiday
experience to the people of Waterloo Region and surrounding area. We’re excited to be hosting Gift of
Lights first-ever appearance in Southwestern Ontario,” says Mark Bingeman, President of Bingemans.
“We’re looking at this as the kick-off to many more new and exciting holiday experiences in future years.”
The display will stretch two kilometers through the Bingemans campground, featuring a combination of
30 static and animated displays and close to one million sparkling lights. Another prominent component
of the light extravaganza will be a 200-foot twinkling light tunnel.
“This will be a display of holiday lights unlike any other,” says Bingeman. “Best of all, you enjoy the lights
without ever having to leave the warmth and comfort of your car.”
Admission prices are $20 for cars, $40 for limos and $100 for buses and limo buses.
The grand opening of Bingemans’ Gift of Lights will be the weekend of November 18th from 5-10 pm. Preholiday
opening dates will include November 24th-27th and November 1st – December 4th. Regular holiday
hours begin December 8th.
For more information, please visit bingemans.com/gift-of-lights.php. Join the conversation on social
media; follow Bingemans on Instagram and Twitter @Bingemans, Like it on Facebook and watch exclusive
video on YouTube.
About Bingemans:
Waterloo Region’s leader in entertainment and hospitality, Bingemans is a multi-use amusement park and
campground located in Kitchener, Ont.,that provides the very best in family fun, recreation and family
camping. Explore FunworX all year long, a three-level indoor playground for children of all ages, boasting
an arcade, climbing wall, ropes course and more. Bingemans is also home to Canada’s largest Boston
Pizza, 28 lanes of 10-pin bowling at Kingpin Bowling, billiards, ping pong, outdoor beach volleyball and
outstanding banquet and catering facilities. And don’t miss Bingemans this winter season at their Annual
Holiday Gala, Christmas Day Buffet, Kids New Year’s Eve at FunworX and Gift of Lights – an absolute must-
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see this holiday. The camping resort features sites for tents, trailers and RVs, seasonal camping, yurts and
cabins. With a heated wave pool, Spray “n” Play for kids and huge waterslides, Big Splash Waterpark is a
great spot to cool down in summer’s heat.

Upcoming Local Food & Drink Events in Norfolk County

Upcoming Local Food & Drink Events

July 15-16: Port Dover Fish Fest, by the beach
July 23-24: Ice Cream Fest, Simcoe
July 24: Feng Shui, Whistling Gardens
July 29: Dinner in the Park, Lynn River Music & Arts Festival
Aug 18: Simcoe Farmers Market Farm to Table Fundraising Dinner, Norfolk County Fairgrounds
Aug 20: Pig Roast, Win Del Park
Aug 29: Travelling Kiln Series at Lago Trattoria, Port Dover
Aug 31: RCMP Musical Ride with Food & Fun Fest, Norfolk County Fairgrounds
Sept 12: Lakeside Soiree Collection with Matz Fruit Barn – David’s Restaurant
Nov 7: Lakeside Soiree Collection with Woolley Lamb – David’s Restaurant

Toyota Cambridge Assembly Plant Tour

Toyota Visitors Centre
Toyota Visitors Centre

Toyota Cambridge Assembly Plant Tour

It all started with the usual long, one-hour drive out of Toronto, but soon we were there. As we headed in to the visitor centre we discussed our first impressions. Inside the centre we found many exhibits of the Toyota history and models of the past and present. After a short safety video in the conference room we made our preparations to step in to the factory.

Toyota Plant Tours in Canada
Toyota Plant Tours in Canada

As we began the tour we immediately took note of the extreme cleanliness of the factory. Sadly though visitors and employees are not allowed to bring any of their beloved personal electronics into the factory (no selfies), we are not able to show you the amazing robots and technology that were within the factory. Shortly after we climbed in to the trams that would drive us around the plant. The first stop was the west stamping area where they would take massive sheets of steel and use a multi-ton weight to stamp them (these where not in action when we were there).

 

Informative Free Tours to Toyota Plant near Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
Informative Free Tours to Toyota Plant near Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

The stamper had to be supported by concrete to prevent a mini earthquake every time they where in action. After, we visited the main assembly where we saw cars hanging above us as they were coming fresh out of paint, soon we headed to the west weld where the 10 thousand pound “Godzilla” robot moved multi ton cars around. The welding section impressed us with 600 separate robots. After seeing the sparks fly, we headed down to the final assembly line where the cars are started up for the first time. This one-hour super informative trip felt too short as we headed through the final corridor and back to the visitor centre. We where impressed that the Toyoda family built up from being a automated sewing business.

You can arrange the Free tour only week in advance by visiting TMMC.ca webiste or by phone:(519) 653-1111 x 2270 Keep in mind no walk in tours. Printable map of TMMC

Downloadable Toyota Tours brochure

Fashion History Museum now is open in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

Fashion History MuseumThe FHM is located in the old post office of the former town of Hespeler at 74 Queen Street East, Cambridge, Ontario, and can be reached from the 401 via the Townline or Hespeler road exits.

Starting July 1, the museum will be open regular hours Wednesday – Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Tours can be booked by appointment.

Museum gallery phone 519 654-0009

 

Our opening exhibition in gallery one ‘Treasures from the Collection’ will feature some of the rarest and most interesting pieces from the collection including: what may be the oldest extant European-made shoe worn in North America, a paper corset, and a suit designed for Eva Peron.

In gallery two ‘Back to the Eighties’ looks at the fashions from that decade through specific themes such as glamour, power, shock, innovation, and romance. Both these exhibitions will remain until the end of the year.

Until August 2 gallery three will host ‘What to do with an Old Post Office’, a display of the winning boards from the Construction Specifications Canada student design competition this past winter. Our building was a case study for students to design projects repurposing the structure. The winning ideas ranged from a day spa to a museum for comics!

Opening August 5, Gallery Three will showcase ‘Punks and Posers: Portraits from New York and London’, a photographic exhibition of 1980s street photography. This exhibition will coincide with the launch of our Fashion Film Fridays on August 7. Every Friday evening at 7 p.m. from August 7 – November 20, the museum will host a fashion-essential film from the 1980s. The films will include: Pretty in Pink; Earth Girls are Easy; Flashdance; Slaves of New York; Ruthless People, and Desperately Seeking Susan.
Purple wool dress with black print, Vivienne Westwood ‘Witches’ collection, 1983
Westwood dress from Fashion History Museum
On display in ‘Back to the Eighties’

Welcome Jemma Cerson – Volunteer Coordinator

The FHM relies upon volunteers for its operation, especially at the reception desk once we open. Jemma is our official volunteer coordinator and is currently training and managing our first intake of recruits into the volunteer corps. If you would like the opportunity to volunteer with the FHM, please contact Jemma at: volunteer.FHM@gmail.com
Polka-dot silk dress by Christian Dior, spring 1948 ‘Envol’ collection

Christian Dior Paris requested an image of this dress for their records and possible inclusion in a book being published by Dior in 2017 celebrating the 70th anniversary of Dior’s New Look

A New Look for the FHM

As you may have noticed, our website has not changed for a few months. We were hacked last year and lost our calendar update. However, we are endeavouring to launch a new website with a new look just in time for the opening.
In the meantime, don’t forget to check out the Fashion History Museum on Facebook. We post an artifact of the week every Monday as well as updates on the progress of the museum and any relevant information about FHM events. And don’t forget to ‘like’ us when you are on facebook!
Bone and paper fan, German, c. 1690

We are Looking for Fans

With our opening on June 27 we will also be launching our ‘Friends of the Fashion History Museum’ campaign. We invite individuals who wish to support and experience a closer relationship with the museum to become a Friend of the FHM. Join other fashion enthusiasts and friends at exclusive exhibition previews and enlightening talks from a variety of speakers. All levels of support are annually renewable but everyone who signs up before October 1 will have their benefits extended until October 1 2016. The levels of contribution are:

Fan
Anyone can become a fan by signing up for the quarterly newsletter – and it’s free! If you are reading this, you probably already are a fan – spread the word.

Garter supporter
For an annual contribution of $40.00 ($25.00 for students), you will receive the quarterly newsletter as well as one copy of the annual FHM journal (distributed in September), access to the FHM research library and archives (by appointment), advance notification of museum programs and events, invitation to all curator lead exhibition preview tours, and a 10% discount on all FHM gift shop and bookstore purchases.

Blue Stocking Club
For an annual contribution of $200.00, garter level benefits are expanded to include six passes to museum events, invitations to all exhibition previews, and priority ticketing for all events and programs. The Blue Stocking club is invited to meet guest speakers at receptions and attend an annual cocktail party every September. The Blue Stocking club level is also eligible to rent the museum for private events.

Couture Circle
Tailored for your level of support – along with all other benefit levels, couture donors will be invited to an annual curator’s dinner, as well as receive a tax receipt for their annual contribution for any amount that exceeds $250.00. Name is added on the annual donor recognition list unless donor wishes to remain anonymous.

January-February 2015 activities on the Bloor Str., Toronto

ON THE BLOOR ST. CULTURE CORRIDOR

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TORONTO, Canada (January 7, 2015): The 14 arts and culture destinations of the Bloor
St. Culture Corridor – Toronto’s most diverse arts and culture district – offer
a wide variety of events in January and February, from museum experiences to films,
art exhibitions to music concerts, and opportunities to experience some of Toronto’s
cultural diversity, including French, Jewish, Italian, Japanese and Aboriginal arts
and culture.
The Bloor St. Culture Corridor free mobile app provides access to special offers
exclusive to app users, and a convenient way to easily see the richness of cultural
destinations and events on offer in the Bloor St. area of central Toronto, within
an easily-walkable 1.5kms between Bathurst and Bay, from The Annex through to Yorkville.
More information about the Bloor St. Culture Corridor and upcoming events can be
found at: www.bloorstculturecorridor.com
The Bloor St. Culture Corridor is on Twitter @bloorstculture and on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/bloorstculturecorridor
Highlights of arts and culture events on the Bloor St Culture Corridor in January
and February include:
Special Events:
The public is invited to attend the Big Drum Social at the Native Canadian Centre
of Toronto every Thursday evening at 6:30pm.
Friday Night Live Encore: on February 6, the Royal Ontario Museum thaws the winter
freeze with a special Carnival-themed FNL, with more of the unique mix of live music,
dancing, eclectic eats and drinks, gallery activities and unexpected experiences
which have made FNL one of Toronto’s most unique social destinations.
Film:
Movie Thursday at Alliance Française Toronto features Versailles rive gauche on
January 8; La Haine on January 15; The Triplets of Belleville on January 22; Rosetta
on January 29; Age of Panic on February 5; Under the Starry Sky on February 12;
Tanguy on February 19; and Hélène Berr, une jeune fille dans Paris occupé on February
26. A special NFB Short Movies Selection for kids (2 to 4 years old), will be on
screen January 10.
The Bloor Hot Docs Cinema starts 2015 with a fantastic selection of documentary
films. Highlights include Monk with a Camera, the story of Buddhist monk Nicholas
Vreeland, grandson of legendary Vogue editor Diana Vreeland, opening January 9.
Award-winning director Rory Kennedy takes a stunning look at the chaotic final days
of the Vietnam War in Last Days in Vietnam, opening on January 16. And two new series
launch in January, Composers on Screen with In Search of Mozart, co-presented with
The Royal Conservatory of Music, and Ballet on Screen with The Royal Ballet’s production
of Manon. The Music on Film series continues on January 27 with Let’s Get Lost,
the life story of legendary jazz artist Chet Baker, presented in partnership with
The Royal Conservatory.
Jewish film events on the big screen of the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre’s
Al Green Theatre includes Cupcakes with guest speaker Jamie Levin, co-presented
with Kulanu Toronto and Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film Festival on January 18; and
The Matchmaker with guest speaker Professor Kalman Weiser, part of Spotlight on
Israeli Culture, on February 15. Both films screen at 4pm and 7:30pm each day.
Tickets: 416.924.6211 x606
Music:
Alliance Française Toronto presents Paris 1900 on January 9 at 8pm, where Jacques
Israelievitch (violin), Benjamin Smith (piano) and Jihyun Ahn (cello) explore the
music of Paris at the time of the Belle Époque; at Europe et Opéra on January 23
at 8pm, singers from the COC Ensemble Studio offer extracts from operas in four
Europeans languages; on January 16 at 8pm jazz singer Samantha Clayton will offer
her vision of Paris and sing her fondness for the City of lights; Japanese/Canadian
jazz trio The Japan Project: Memoires et improvisations offers a new vision of traditional
Japanese music on February 20 at 8pm; and at L’Europe au diapason on February 27
at 8pm French virtuoso pianist Olivier Chauzu will perform works by Listz, Shuman,
Debussy. Also part of Opera/Ballet series broadcast from the Paris National Opera
House, Celebrate Dance with the Paris Opera Ballet featuring the Étoiles, Premiers
danseurs, Corps de Ballet and pupils of the School of Dance in an important ritual,
the Défilé that brings together 154 dancers and Nutcracker experts on January 30
at 1:30pm; The Abduction from the Seraglio – Mozart, a new production from Zabou
Breitman with Philippe Jordan conducting takes place on February 21 at 1:30pm. Tickets:
416.922.2014 ext. 37.
The Talisker Players kick off 2015 with Puttin’ On The Ritz, a celebration of Irving
Berlin’s music, from “Top Hat” to “Anything You Can Do,” at Trinity St. Paul’s Centre,
Jeanne Lamon Hall, January 11, 3:30pm and January 13, 8pm. There will be pre-concert
talks at 3pm Sunday and 7:15pm Tuesday. Tickets: 416.978.8849
The University of Toronto Faculty of Music presents Canadian string stars New Orford
String Quartet on January 6, at 7pm. The Monday Evening Concerts series continues
January 19, 2015 with Susan Hoeppner (flute), Teng Li (viola), Shauna Rolston (cello),
and Lydia Wong (piano), perform works by George Crumb, Eduardo Angelo, and Christos
Hatzis, on January 19, at 7pm; and Russell Braun (baritone), Monica Whicher (soprano),
and Carolyn Maule & Steven Philcox (pianists) performing Wolf: Italienisches Liederbuch
on February 9. February concerts continue with Lorand Fenyves Resident Artist, Atar
Arad, performing a recital of original compositions for viola on February 12. All
concerts take place at Walter Hall. Tickets: 416.408.0208
The Royal Conservatory of Music presents eleven different concerts, ranging from
classical to blues, on the Koerner Hall stage in January and February. Swedish
mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter with pianist Angela Hewitt on January 9; Danny
Marks hosts the 18th Maple Blues Awards on January 19; and powerhouse duo violinist
Gidon Kremer and pianist Daniil Trifonov perform on January 20. In February, Pavlo
returns home to Toronto for an evening of Mediterranean guitar music on February
6; Afrobeat band Antibalas joins forces with Zap Mama on February 7; the Koerner
Hall stage will become a Pianopalooza on February 8, a free afternoon of mini performances
from classical through jazz and pop, by Emanuel Ax, Robi Botos, Anagnoson & Kinton,
and many more. Violinist Sarah Chang and pianist Julio Elizalde make their Koerner
Hall debuts on February 20; February 26 marks the return of German baritone Christian
Gerhaher, accompanied by pianist Gerold Huber; and Hugh Masekala and Vusi Mahlasela
come together to honour 20 years of democracy in South Africa and the official end
of apartheid on February 28. Tickets: 416.408.0208
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra & Chamber Choir presents Beethoven Symphony no. 5 with
Guest Conductor Kent Nagano January 22 – 25 at Koerner Hall. Tickets: 416.408.0208
Then, in February, don’t miss House of Dreams directed by Jeanne Lamon, a magical
journey to the meeting places of baroque art and music where exquisite works by
Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, and Marais are played against a backdrop of paintings by
Vermeer, Canaletto, and Watteau. House of Dreams takes place at Trinity-St. Paul’s
Centre, Jeanne Lamon Hall, February 11-15. Tickets: 416.964.6337.
The Toronto Consort will present Splendours of the Emperor’s Chapel, a lavish concert
of rarely-heard music from the Viennese court and chapel of Holy Roman Emperor Leopold
I, February 6 and 7 at 8pm, Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre, Jeanne Lamon Hall. Tickets:
416-964-6337
Exhibitions:
Ryoji Ikeda and Walter Jule: Threshold, an exhibition featuring the artwork of two
pioneers in the field of printmaking and photography, co-presented by University
of Alberta and The Japan Foundation, continues at The Japan Foundation, Toronto,
until January 29. Admission is free.
Alliance Française de Toronto presents Peter Sramek : Piercing Time Paris after
Marville and Atget – 1865 – 2012, in the gallery January 7 – January 31. By juxtaposing
Peter Sramek’s contemporary photographs to those made by Charles Marville or Eugène
Atget, this exhibition tells Paris’ urban change from the 19th century to now. An
opening reception will take place January 7 at 7pm. Admission is free. In Toronto
versus New York, two North American cities become the playing field of French photographer
Antoine Bruneau, disciple of street photography. An opening reception will take
place on February 4 at 6:30pm.
The Gallery at the J at the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre is showing the work
of Aba Bayefsky, including pieces from his Tattoo Series, Legends, and Kensington
Market, until January 26. An exhibition reception takes place on January 6, 7-9
pm. The Second Floor Exhibit at the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre is Toronto’s
First Synagogues, Photographs by Robert Burley; and the Third Floor Exhibit on view
currently is The Ontario Jewish Archives at 40: Four Decades of Collecting and Sharing
our Community’s History. Admission is free.
Five exhibitions are on display at the Bata Shoe Museum, including Fashion Victims:
The Pleasures and Perils of Dress in the 19th Century; Collected in the Field: Shoemaking
Traditions From Around the World; Beauty, Identity, Pride: Native North American
Footwear; and All About Shoes with Footprints on the World Stage, a special feature
exhibition of extraordinary footwear worn in moments of triumph on the world’s stage,
worn by icons like Pierre Trudeau, Madonna, Roger Federer, Napoleon and Marilyn
Monroe.
At the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), Douglas Coupland: everywhere is anywhere is anything
is everything opens on January 31, wherein one of Canada’s most provocative artists
and cultural thinkers questions what our future holds. Through diverse media ranging
from Lego to found materials, painting to installation, he explores issues which
affect us all: the 21st-century condition, Canadian cultural identity, the power
of language and the pervasive presence of technology in modern life. Organized and
circulated by the Vancouver Art Gallery, the 6-part exhibition is presented in Toronto
concurrently across two venues; the Royal Ontario Museum and the Museum of Contemporary
Canadian Art .Continuing exhibitions also on view at the ROM include Wildlife Photographer
of the Year, an internationally renowned photography competition from Natural History
Museum in London celebrating nature and wildlife through 100 breathtaking photos
by photographers of all ages around the world. Other exhibits include Maps, Borders
& Mobility in Africa, Cairo Under Wraps: Early Islamic Textiles, Genizot: Repositories
of Memory as well as Toronto Underfoot and many more fascinating thematic exhibitions!
The Istituto Italiano di Cultura presents Milan, a Place to Read, an exhibition
revealing the wonders of Milan. The undisputed capital of publishing in Italy, an
undiscovered Milan, made up of authors, publishers and above all readers, a city
to be read and for the reader. The exhibition, presented in collaboration with
Fondazione Arnoldo e Alberto Mondadori, will be on view February 5 through April
23, 2015. Opening reception: February 5, 2015, 6:30-8:30pm.
The Gardiner Museum presents the Smithsonian exhibition Women, Art, & Social Change:
The Newcomb Pottery Enterprise, opening February 5 and running through May 18. The
exhibition tells the story of how the arts and crafts movement empowered the lives
of a group of women in the Deep South, and how they created one of America’s premiere
art pottery enterprises of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Set against a
backdrop of social change and women’s rights, the show features the largest, most
comprehensive Newcomb Pottery collection to tour North America in nearly three decades.
Theatre/Storytelling:
Alliance Française de Toronto presents Kabaret Karaibe on February 6 at 8pm where
Franck Sylvestre, French Canadian storyteller of Caribbean tradition, conveys his
passion for arts and culture through his adventure tales; Fear and Trembling (English
Subtitles) on February 11 at 8pm is the superb theatrical adaptation of the eponymous
novel by Amelie Nothomb, 1999 Grand Prix du Roman from Académie Française. For kids,
Le Retour d’Etienne Brûlé takes a fantastical journey from 17th century Wendake
in Huronia to 21st century Toronto on January 17 at 4pm; on February 7 at 4pm, Pirates
des Caraibes is a journey among pirates; and on February 28 at 4pm L’Apprenti Sorcier
– Paul Dukas features Olivier Chauzu playing and providing commentary on the masterwork
adapted for film in famous Walt Disney’s Fantasia. Tickets: 416.922.2014 ext. 37.
Culture Talks/Lectures:
The Istituto Italiano di Cultura presents Greek Inspiration in Roman Naples, a talk
by writer Jordan Lancaster, on February 11 at 6:30pm. This talk will examine the
Greek way of life in Naples and Pompei in order to understand the fascination it
exerted in Roman times. Free admission.
ROM 100 Speaks, the Royal Ontario Museum’s Centennial Lecture Series, continues
on February 24 with Cocktails & Helvetica with Douglas Coupland. Join writer, designer
and artist, Douglas Coupland in a studio setting and create your own slogan posters
using the Helevtica font. Lounge reception adjacent to and during event.
The Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre presents two fascinating film lecture series.
The Film Studies series includes 2 Winter Pop-Up Film Lectures in Nayman’s Terms
featuring Adam Nayman in discussion of movies, illustrated with film clips: on
January 19 Nayman discusses David Fincher’s Zodiac, and on January 26 the focus
is on Paul Thomas Anderson’s The Master. Registration: 416.924.6211 ext. 0. Forbidden
Desires: The Films of Alfred Hitchcock, a 5-part lecture series with popular film
critic Kevin Courrier examines how master filmmaker Hitchcock took the taboo subject
of voyeurism and made it into an acceptable dramatic strategy. Includes film clips
from such classics as Shadow of a Doubt, Rear Window and Psycho. Mondays: January
26, February 2, and February 9, 1-3pm. Drop-in.
Alliance Française de Toronto presents Les perspectives littéraires de la Grande
Guerre on January 14 at 7pm where Pierre Schoentjes revisits WWI through French
and international novels written about the conflict; Discussion avec Champlain
sur l’Ontario d’aujourd’hui on January 21 at 7pm with lecturer François Boileau,
French Language Services Commissioner; and at Akhénaton et le culte du dieu solaire
Aton on January 28 at 7pm, Egyptologist Jean Révez tells the story of Akhenaten’s
reign, a one-of-a-kind Pharaoh who revolutionized religious beliefs and art during
his time.
The Bloor St. Culture Corridor arts and culture destinations include:
Alliance Française de Toronto: 24 Spadina Road www.alliance-francaise.ca
Bata Shoe Museum: 327 Bloor Street West www.batashoemuseum.ca
Bloor Hot Docs Cinema: 506 Bloor Street West www.bloorcinema.com
Gardiner Museum: 111 Queen’s Park www.gardinermuseum.on.ca
Istituto Italiano di Cultura: 496 Huron Street www.iictoronto.esteri.it/IIC_Toronto
The Japan Foundation, Toronto: 131 Bloor Street West www.jftor.org
Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre: 750 Spadina Ave. www.mnjcc.org
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): 100 Queen’s Park (Entrance on Bloor Street W.) www.rom.on.ca
The Royal Conservatory of Music / Koerner Hall: 273 Bloor Street West www.performance.rcmusic.ca
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra & Chamber Choir: 427 Bloor Street West www.tafelmusik.org
Talisker Players: 427 Bloor Street West www.taliskerplayers.ca
The Toronto Consort: 427 Bloor Street West www.torontoconsort.org
University of Toronto Faculty of Music: 80 Queen’s Park www.music.utoronto.ca
Bloor St. Culture Corridor: Arts and culture organizations along Bloor St. West
have come together in partnership to create the Bloor St. Culture Corridor, a uniquely
Torontonian arts and culture district. The Bloor St. Culture Corridor’s 14 partnering
arts and culture destinations are all located in almost exactly one mile (1.6 kms),
along a vibrant stretch of Bloor Street, from Bathurst to Bay, connecting three
major Toronto neighbourhoods: the Annex, University of Toronto, and Bloor-Yorkville.
The Bloor St. Culture Corridor offers a wide variety of arts genres, from museum
experiences to films, art exhibitions to music concerts, and it offers opportunities
to experience some of Toronto’s cultural diversity, including French, Jewish, Italian,
Japanese and Aboriginal arts and culture. Torontonians and visitors to the City
can easily take public transit to get to the Bloor St. Culture Corridor – there
are 5 major subway stations along the Corridor – and walk from a museum to an afternoon
art talk or exhibition, shop, have lunch or dinner, and enjoy an inspiring concert
or film — all within just a few blocks along Toronto’s most diverse arts and culture
corridor.

Wake up the wild…”Steak and Carrot for breakfast”

Wake up the wild … “Steak and Carrot for breakfast”

“Africa Lion Safari” said the road sign… At 7:45 am the place was empty – no-one around… in a couple minutes a friendly fellow came up and gave us directions.
We had to fill some forms and sign it – so just in case if we are eaten by the lions the park is not responsible (no kidding!).

The bus was very comfortable with large windows and choice of seats!
We are going to feed the animals! Well, we will first see the cheetahs and lions, so we can’t really feed them – just watch! Thus the forms and the bus – all to make sure we behave and well protected.
Cheetahs are living in groups usually formed by siblings – we saw four brothers playing and enjoying the morning. Their neighbour was the single male cheetah, in the next area we saw couple others… They live in a fenced area, so that the groups do not interfere. Cheetahs are territorial and will fight for their area. They are the fastest runners and can develop the speed up to 76 kph. They got nice spotty coats that help them hide and strong lean bodies with long legs. Very gracious animals!
We are driving to the lion’s area! The keepers put pieces of good (AAA!) meat in different spots around large area. Lion can eat about 7 lbs of meat once a day, usually in the morning. They will play and nap during the day… morning is the most active time of the day. So here is the signal – all ready, lions are coming! First we see two of them… they come at a slow pace knowing that the food is waiting for them… here is a large male lion – his mane makes him look really big and powerful. It takes five years for the mane to grow to its full size. Females also look really strong – large paws, strong neck and gracious body. They quickly found the meat and picked each a good piece… not without a fight for same piece of meat. Their canines are about two inches and the tongues are really rough – they can clean the meat off the bone like sandpaper!

In wild, males do not hunt – they protect the group while lionesses are hunting; they can kill an animal three times their size.
Next we saw the white lions – they are very rare. The colour of their fur is not really white, they are not albino, they do have some beige in the fur, just light; and their eyes have nice light yellowish colour. Strong and gracious –
We leave the lions and go to the next area, but before we change the vehicle – now we are in the open trailer and we got two buckets – one filled with carrots and the other with fresh lettuce – we are going to feed giraffes! It was a chilly day with periods of rain and some wind… may be the cooler weather made animals more active? Giraffes were wandering around and slowly approached the truck as soon as we stopped. “Take a carrot in your hand and stretch the hand out… do not pat them, they get scared and can go away” – we were told by one of our guides.
FFeeding Giraffes
Baby giraffes can only eat lettuce – their teeth are not strong enough… That was a lot of fun! Feeding carrots to giraffes! And that is what we did for the next hour or so until our buckets got empty! Their tongues are purple and can reach 20 cm. Giraffes like to eat juicy leaves from the trees and for this their tongues can twist around the branch and strip off the leaves. They did it with carrots twisting their tongues around if we hold it a bit away sort-of teasing.
Next to giraffes area we saw rhinos and antelopes: some grazing and some wandering around. Rhinos eat really fast – they are constantly chewing, the grass there is so short… they look fat, but is their skin that makes folds on their backs, not fat. Rhinos like to lay in a mud, it helps them to keep the insects away. Their spine is very fragile, so have to lay on one side then another. Their friend is a small bird that usually follows rhino picking bugs from its skin. The bird alarms rhino in case of any danger – rhinos got weak small eyes and can’t see well so if the birds fly up it alarms rhino.
Antelopes were grazing peacefully… some had very long twisted horns. The antelopes got a very interesting body system allowing them to adjust to the high Africa temperatures. The body temperature can rise up to 40C, which allows them to control perspiration and avoid dehydration.
We also saw some zebras walking around; they nicely get along with antelopes, giraffes and rhinos sharing a large pasture. We saw pile of rocks in a middle of the field – artificially created to reflect the natural habitat.
Giraffes saw our truck and came again for more carrots and lettuce!
It was time to go back! We were ready for our breakfast – it was waiting for us in the restaurant. Nice pastries, fruit, juice and warm waffles with whipped cream – all was beautifully served to us.
Later on we went to explore the rest of the park. We saw elephants swim in the pond, took a tour on the boat around the islands with various types of monkeys, saw parrots and bats.
I never saw a bat so close! It was hanging from the keepers arm and eating some fruit. Their digestive system allows swallowing food while handing. Their wings have a unique ability to repair it if they get a small damage quite fast.
Next we saw a show where parrots could sort out colours, say some words and one by the name Fernando could sing “O’Canada!”.

After a long day we were finally back to Hamilton Sheraton.. It was nice to relax in the swimming pool after the rainy day filled with fun and full of unexpected.
Hamilton Sheraton swimming pool
Hamilton Sheraton room interior
Loby Hamilton Sheraton Hotel