Old Spain, Segovia

It isn't hard to see how Segovia has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site. Ms. Foodie and I took a local train to this lovely little town in Castille region of Spain. We were greeted by a Roman Aqueduct which was built around the 1st century AD. Rising to about 28m, it is quite a site to behold as one enters the old city itself. The real surprise is the construction of the aqueduct was done with mortar.

Segovia is perched on a hill and the Cathedral of Nuestra Senora de la Ascuncion and of Frutos (no kidding) dominates the city's landscape. We wandered through the old Jewish quarter (which was abandoned when all the Jews were expelled from the city in 1492), Casa Del Sol (slaughter house), town square, several old family houses with their coat of arms emblazoned over the doorway, converted synagogues, medieval city walls and many gates.
Along the way, we did stop for some tasty tapas at Jose Maria bar, a favourite among the Segovians. After the pork mini-sandwiches and pickled sardines with onions (washed down with beer and red wine), it was off to the Alcazar.
The Alcazar of Segovia is believed to be one of the inspirations for Disney's castles. This is what the local tourist board would have you believe. Nevertheless the tall spires do evoke an air of fantasy. Whether Cinderella or Rapuzel inhabited these towers is subject to debate. The central crenallated tower of Juan II is definitely of Moorish influence though.
When we returned to Madrid, our long lost bags had arrived. To celebrate, Ms. Foodie and I went out for more tapas. In this case, the local house wine which was sweet accompanied with sweetbreads (or if you like pancreas fried up). Yum Yum. The Spanish do know how to live. Rising late, eating well and partying late into the night.

Bagless in Madrid

The day in Madrid started with the typical Spanish breakfast. Chocolate and Churros...basically salty fried dough you dip in chocolate. It wasn't even hot chocolate but the pure melted stuff.


This was the fuel we needed for our day's walking exploration of the Spanish capital. Walking through the old city from the El Rastro (old market) where we saw may strange foods including the below photograph of bull's testicles which is considered a delicacy to the Royal Palace. There was the Plaza Mayor (grand old civic centre), multiple churches, and even came along one of the homes of Cervantes too.

After a late lunch (everything is later in Madrid) at two o'clock, Ms. Foodie and I set off to take in some culture at the Prado. Las Meninas was a highlight along side other splendid works of Velasquez. There were plenty of Goyas (hopefully all real ones) and El Greco. For me the real surprise was Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights. The Flemish master must have doing some serious drugs when he painted that work.
After a brief rest at the hotel, and learning that our luggage was at Madrid Airport, we set off for delightful supper at 10pm (everything is later in Madrid) at Restaurant Platero. The host was very gracious and his recommended dessert of vanilla ice cream crusted with a sugar top and then flambe with Grappe was simply to die for. It confirms my opinion that Spain is a truely civilized country with Grappe flambe ice cream for dessert and chocolate and churros for breakfast.

Madrid Day 1

Well it had to happen sometime especially to seasoned travellers like Ms. Foodie and I. Our luggage never made it to Madrid. Actually, we're not sure where it it. After arriving, we waited awhile and when the bags stopped rolling out on the baggage claim belt, we knew we were in trouble.

After filing our lost luggage claim, we decided to embrace the lighter side of things. At least, we wouldn't have to lug the bags through the Metro to our hotel. In addition, this affords us the opportunity for getting an early start on our shopping. With a Zara at every corner and even a Camper store, Madrid should adequate cloth and shoe us.

However, this evening we have decided to obey our other hunger. So it was a late night of Sangria and Seafood Paella in Sol, the heart of Madrid. As we walked back to our hotel at midnight, we were amused by a museum of ham. Cured ham, hooves and all hanging in the windows of a tapas bar.

It will be a day of shopping, going to museums and site-seeing tomorrow as we await the arrival of our luggage.

That's President Peanuts to you

Well 5 films, 4 hours of sleep, 24 hours later and I'm finally blogging about TIFF this year. What a way to start this year's festival with a mini marathon. The TIFF organizations (or lack there of) is mostly to blame. I doubt they have fully planned for the larger numbers arriving each September. Last year 50 boxes of tickets were processed in advanced sales. This year, nearly 75 boxes were done. All this even before the regular tickets come on sale.

The mini-marathon started with Wayne Wang's double bill of Thousand years of Good Prayers and the Princess of Nebraska. Famous for directing the Joy Luck Club, this director has chosen another film to illustrate the communication (or miscommunication) between the old and new generations. In this story of East meets West, Henry O is particularly well casted in his role as the elderly father coming to America to visit his estranged divorced daughter. The second film was quite forgettable.

The next film was by far the best I have seen this year at TIFF: Vexille. Anime comes to Midnight Madness. High octane chase sequences, sweeping paranoramic scenes of a post apocalyptic Tokyo, and intriguing mysteries in the plot orchestrated to a bone shaking heavy metal soundtrack. The movie audience here was very different from the usual TIFF crowd. Comic book fans and college geeks shrieked with delight at the visual fest before them and long after the closing credits were done.

Then came the most surprising event of TIFF, a conversation with Jimmy Carter and his wife. I came to Canada after his presidency had ended or he likes to say, "his forced retirement". I must confess that I did not know much about his term in office nor his policies. He is often characterized as the gentleman peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia.

However, after seeing Johnathan Demme's documentary, Man from Plains and after listening to the hour long interview at Ryerson's theatre, a new picture has emerged from of this (oldest) ex-president. He and his wife both profess to having lots of unfinished business after the end of his presidency. In the years since, he has worked for Habitat for Humanity, founded the Carter Centre (which serves to address treating neglected diseases, working for peace and building hope) and won the Nobel Prize. His passion for this activism was inspiring.

The documentary was not as thrilling as the interview. Covering the days of his book tour for the controversially named Palestine: Peace not Apartheid, it chronicles his mounting disappointment and bewilderment at being labelled a liar, bigot and an anti-semite. In an age where politicians are all about image and media spin, President Carter's strength has always been that he had no such fascade. And in this film, his decency, courage and honesty all shine through inspite of all the efforts to discredit him. The man from Plains remains one of the true and real people.

Another old school family portrait

Another old school family portrait
Originally uploaded by divinemissladybird

So it has been a busy end of the summer weekend. My mother's youngest brother and his wife arrived for a few days after spending a week on a cruise in Alaska. After spending many conversations reminiscing on their family's past, I finally remembered these old family pictures taken during the time of a younger Singapore.

Heroes in Town

Definitely my favourite new TV show of last year was Heroes. So when I heard that part of the crew were coming to TO to promote the launch of the Season one DVD, I thought I would head down with Ms. Darcy to check out the scene. Okay so my favourite characters Hiro, Peter and Mohinder weren't in attendance but that didn't dampen the sunny smiles of Ando, Micah, Maya and Sylar (oooo that villian you so love to hate).

Zachary Quinto, aka Sylar, is to play Mr. Spock in the new series Star Trek movie.
Ms. Darcy and I first dropped off the application forms for our TIFF tickets then check out the scene at Yonge and Dundas square before heading down to Kii to meet her husband for a lovely 2.5 hour Japanese lunch. The highlight of the meal was the maple marinade Albacore Tuna with wasabi creme fraiche followed closely by the Toro tower. Just a simply splendid way to spend an afternoon.

Time to retire

It is a little know fact that physicians fail to recognize the signs that they should retire or at least get out of acute care medicine. They cling onto their jobs like leeches. Blame it on an identity crisis. Can you live without the "doctor" title? Some feel that one else can do their job (in the exact manner that they do). Regardless, it is dangerous occupation hazard. See if you can recognize the signs in this real life phone conversation:

"Hello, is this Dr. A?"
"Yes, this is Dr. A. Hello Dr. B."

"I have this patient here in the emerg who came in because she thought she was pregnant?"
"Yes, I see."

"Her last period was 4 weeks ago and she started having some bleeding today. She was worried and came into the emerg."
"What did her pregnant test show?"

"Oh, her serum bHCG (blood test for pregnancy) was negative."
"And how often does she have her periods?"

"About once a month and she has regular periods."
"I see...four weeks ago, eh?"

.....LONG PAUSE

"So Dr. A, what should I do?
"Don't you think she might be starting her period?

......MORE SILENCE

"Good night Dr. A."
"Good night Dr. B."

Don't Dream it's over

When last I hear this song, it was during Crowded House's Farewell to the World Tour. It was 1996 and they were hosting their last show at Sydney Opera House. The song was a dare to the world. Was this to be the last of Crowded. As the decade passed, a reunion seemed unlikely. This was made more improbable but the suicide of Paul Hester, their first drummer in 2005.

But last night, the remaining band members reunited with the addition of a new drummer Matt Sherrod, and took to the stage at Massey Hall, that hallowed Toronto Musical Hall. This part of a new tour in support of a new album. With a combination of new songs along old standards, they weaved their unique brand of pop music. Liam Finn, one of Neil's son provided an opening act as well as backup vocals.

The audience even got to participate with a few sing-a-longs for Fall at your Feet, Don't Dream it's over and Better be Home soon. I must confess that I had only listened to their new album, Time on Earth, just twice. However, the songs themselves seem to fit right along side the classics confirming once more Neil Finn's reputation as one of pop music's best songwriters. His voice were certainly in fine form last night. I certainly hope it won't be another decade before I see them perform again.

6am Mass Ascension

I rarely rise before 9am on a weekend day but for this one exception and at the great persuasion of Mr. Hippo, I managed to rise at 4am. The occasion was the Hot Air Balloon Festival at Harris Park in London. The morning air was cool and the sky clear as the dawn broke. A perfect blue canvas for the balloonists to paint upon with their astounding inflatable giants. I looked up with the wonder of a child as the mass ascension of nearly 30 hot air balloons took place over the span of an hour.

There was a concurrent Ribfest which Mr. Hippo and I enjoyed as a bonus as well as visiting a friend of mine from residency who was now doing her fellowship in London. She had just had her second child, a boy and was settling into motherhood again. An outsider to London medical society, she was still able to fill me in on the gossip of the department of which there was much (too much?). Mr. Hippo commented that the tales of the department could rival any Grey's Anatomy Plot. Now is that art imitating life or life imitating art?

These are the people who live in my neighbourhood

The word about the Kingdom of Garnet seems to be spreading. Those who were at the last BBQ in July were touched to hear that the neighbourhood spirit was appreciated by a stranger in our annual summer feast. The stranger came from another part of Milton and was a little envious of the closeness of this street's community. Actually, this community spirit is quite a novelty compared to other places I have lived before.

Last Friday, the signs designating the various royalty were hoisted. There was one new addition this year...a single queen. My consort, Mr. Hippo, did not mind but dutifully participated in a installation celebration (witness the beer). Long live the Queens and Kings of Garnet.

Manitoulin

A little shade in the bright (and hot) Manitoulin sun!

Ribosome doing his best impression of an outback adventurer.


Although it has been over a year since I last saw Mr. Ribosome and his current squeeze, there is something very familiar about meeting up with them. This is perhaps the best time about friendship. Each time you see each other again, it seems like the years between have never really passed. The same jokes and recollection of memories and same joy in the time spent together.

Often, I recognize that this is an illusion, your friends do change. In fact, Ribosome and his girlfriend are moving to Montreal with her daughter (who is going to start at a new school there in the fall). This is naturally a big step in their relationship as he was "taking a break" about a year ago. However, after purchasing a new house near his parents, he'll soon be looking for work in neighbouring Ontario towns. The renumberation for medical services in Quebec is significantlly lower than in Ontario.

It was alas a farewell weekend in Little Current. By the time I was done hiking all over the rocks of Lousia for nearly two hours, I felt I was done for the day. However, this was followed by a birthday party for the eight year old girl and then a wine tasting event in the heart of town. And that was just Saturday.

Thanksfully, it was a peaceful Sunday on the beach at Carter's Bay. With sand dunes, warm summer sun and cool waters, this was certainly the perfect way to laze away the day. With its fine sand beach, remote location, and scarcely another person (or development) in sight, you could almost believe you were on your own private tropical island instead of the true North of Canada.

The pleasures of sleep

Wow, 11 days since I was last on call. 11 days of uninterrupted sleep. I had forgotten the feeling of wellness from such a simple pleasure.

My father the gardener

Well my father has many talents but he has one true calling...a gardener. Each year he patiently manages to coax life back to the garden, to pull out the chocking weeds and to await the arrival of the new saplings. Witness the annual ritual of rose pruning, planning of new herbs (many from seed) and vegetables (also from seed) and the daily watering of green acres. Now retired, he really has come into his hobby which also affords great pleasure to both friends and family. Can't wait to taste those beets, cucumbers, zucchini, peppers and cherry tomatoes!

Summer and BBQ's

Well the temperature is rising and in Canada, we wait the whole winter through for this glorious season called summer. And nothing is more Canadian than a BBQ to celebrate the start of hot season. So be it in my own backyard for the annual office staff BBQ or for Canada Day celebration or at the backyard of my friend's Mr. Urogyn in Ottawa, the pleasure of juicy beef/salmon/lamb/turkey or soy burgers, cesar/seaweed/tabule/garden/spinach salad with beer/grape sode/mineral water/wine/cooler was enjoyed by all.

Sesquicentennial Celebration

What is Milton famous for? Well first and foremost, it is home to the best screw in Canada....and best screwdriver too. Peter Lymburner Robertson, inventor of the Robertson screwdriver, crafted the first of the slightly tapered, squared-shaped tip tool back in 1908. The first factory for the screws and screwdrivers went into production in Milton around this time as well. Robertson screws and screwdrivers are used primarily in Canada and to a lesser extent, in the USA.



Milton also has its very own astronaut, Colonel Chris Hadfield. He was born in Sarnia and raised in Milton where he resides today with his wife and three children. He has flown on the Shuttle Atlantis in 1995 and was the first Canadian mission specialist, the first Canadian to operate the Canadarm in orbit, and the only Canadian to ever board Mir. His second shuttle mission was on the shuttle Endeavour in 2001. During the 11-day flight, Hadfield performed two spacewalks, which made him the first Canadian to ever leave a spacecraft and float freely in space. Not bad for a Miltonian.

In the most recent Canadian census, Milton was reported to the fastest growing town in all of Canada. Faster than some towns in Alberta! Milton has grown by 70% in the last five years. The town's population ballooned from 30, 000 to nearly 55,000 in the same time frame and expected to reach 90, 000 in another five years.
And least we forget, the Steam Era. Held each year around Labour Day and drawing from tractor steam engines from across North America is this festival dedicated to both the farm machines and the folks from these rural communities. Can't wait for the threshing and tractor pull competitions.
Happy 150th birthday Milton!

Oh what a beautiful day!

After last year's fiasco, where I inadvertently put myself on call on the day that I was suppose to take Mr. Hippo and my parents to Stratford, I was doubly cautious about booking this year's performance. Thankfully, the theatre folks at Stratford provided me a refund for our Twelfth Night tickets which I put toward the musical Oklahoma.

It was truly a beautiful morning and yes, a beautiful day. The gardens at Stratford were in full bloom. Although thundershowers threatened in the late afternoon, the sun prevailed. The performance was lively and energetic. Many in the audience were singing along. The voice of "Curly", the male lead was simply gorgeous. Rich, melodious and so soothing. He could probably charm snakes with it.

Mr. Hippo had not seen a musical in nearly 20 years. The last one being Jesus Christ Superstar. Although not quite his taste, he found the experience entertaining. I suspect the scenes of dancing cowboys (including a ballet performance) echoed too closely to Brokeback Mountain imagery. After the performance, it was dinner at Carter's on Downie followed by a lovely river walk back to the car before heading home.

Shacked up

How did my Honey Hippo spend his vacation? Moving in to the old homestead. The hustle and bustle is yet to settle with pieces of Hippo slowly assimilating into the collective house. Much like the end product from the movie Prestige, duplication seems to be everywhere...two vaccum cleaners, two toasters, two DVD players, two irons (exact models) and ironing boards, two black Jettas in the garage, two desktop computers. He even had another surprise for me....the installation of Satellite TV with a decoded multiple channel receiver. I don't think I could ever watch that much TV.

Did you know?

Here are a few pieces of trivia I picked up on my vacation through Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Did you know....

...there were no coopers in Williamsburg. The town people led a very modern (i.e. consumeristic) lifestyle. Everything was brought to the town but nothing was shipped out. Coopers were in business elsewhere in Virginia. Most notably on the tobacco farms.

...only 60 of the 500 colonists in Jamestown survived the bitter and diastrous winter of 1610.

...the state memorial for Pennsylvania is the largest one at Gettysburg.

...it was possible to open a bottle of wine with a piece of string. There will be more wilderness survival tips to follow from Mr. Hippo soon.

Virginia Vacation

A little summary of my vacation in Pennsylvannia and Virginia.

First on our many stops was the site of the Civil War's defining battle: Gettysburg. This is the view from the Union side at "Pickett's Charge." For here was set the high watermark of the Confederacy. After this last stand, the grays were fighting a long retreat.

Gettysburg's cemetery is the first national cemetery in America. It is also the site of Lincoln's most famous address.

Then it was off to Colonial Williamsburg. A fantastic recreation of 18th century america. The Rockfellers literally spent millions on renovating and recreating nearly every aspect of Virginia's original capital: The Capitol (seat of the lower and upper houses), the Gaol (jail in mordern day English), several houses belonging to prominent Virginians including signers of the Declaration of Independence), the Governor's Palace, and the Courthouse.

There was plenty of discussion about the queen's impending visit to Williamsburg. The town was much a buzz with preparations. Several passes were made by helicopters throughout our visit. Men in three piece black suits with sunglasses and walk-talkies casually surveyed the grounds.

There was unfortunately some misunderstanding regarding my views on the monarchy and some took offence to my views on self-government. Hippo clarified that my official charge that of being a "wanton woman."

Fortunately, her majesty herself came in person at my request (thankfully, she was in town celebrating the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown) to ordered my immediate release. I wasted no time and made a hasty departure to that other Dominion.

Now, I'm back home safe and sound. Happy Mother's Day!