this, too, is toronto

many years ago, while on a weekend trip to prague, i stumbled upon a photography exhibit titled, "this, too, is prague." it showed the personalities of prague that are not on postcards. no jewish graveyards or charles bridge in this exhibit. only skateboarders hanging on to the backs of streetcars (this is the photo that drew me into the exhibit), male prostitues from romania, a man so devastated by the death of his wife, he married a new bottle of gin everyday. i was so impressed by this collection of photography that i bought the book, and since have always tried to see new cities through different eyes. yes, the tourist attractions are popular for a reason. they are usually interesting, but what i am more drawn to are back alleys, beautiful grafitti, and seemingly everyday chores made beautiful.

i have many photos of people from my last trip to toronto (also many years ago) of "queens" on queens, the squeegie kids, and the religious propaganda on sandwich boards worn by tired looking men.

i didn't take too many photos yesterday, partly so as not to hold up the other three people i was with (most of my good friends are used to me crouching in some corner trying to get the perfect shot, but these relatively new friends are not). but i took a few in the contemplative spirit of "what is canadian?" (as the Toronto Star newspaper is asking) as we celebrate this canada day.


which country are we in?
(the beauty of a multi-cultural society)



i have branched away from the dutch palate of meat,
potatoes and kale, and into the wonderful world of flavour.
the house of spice offers plenty to keep the taste buds working.
(and is in kensington, where i have decided i will live,
if i ever move to toronto)


breakdancers on the waterfront... mmmmmm:-)