Always on the lookout for a cultural event, R and I planned a trip to Toronto to see the King Tut exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario. With timed tickets in hand, we set out yesterday and what a day we had. The obligatory first stop was Nicholas Hoare, where I picked up a copy of Nancy Mitford's, Love in a Cold Climate and The Pursuit of Love along with Elizabeth Bowen's, The Heat of the Day. Thereby making Three Men in a Boat NOT my last book purchase of 2009 (you just really never know do you?). Then we strolled through St Lawrence Market to liven our senses with all the delicious aromas and displays. Can you believe that I bought two large gingerbread men? How many times does one have to say 'I will NOT eat too many cookies this Christmas' before she means it? I digress. Winding our way through the art gallery we came upon the most beautiful photography by Edward Steichen. The exhibit was called In High Fashion: The Conde Nast Years 1923 - 1937 and was such an unexpected pleasure in that we had no idea it was showing. There were so many things to admire in his photographs such as the lighting, the pose, the clothes (tailored and dreamy) and the art deco jewelry. I have officially become an admirer of this man's work. Our tickets were for 5 pm and my blood sugar was dropping. Being much too practical to pay $16 for two cello-wrapped sandwiches we stepped outside and found a small pizzeria. I found heaven in the best slice of primavera pizza ever...and I mean ever, it was to die for! The tiny establishment was decorated with personal photographs of the owner's family on various outings which was an exhibit in itself. Oh yes, and a Scarface movie poster...this place was the real deal, no franchise here. R and I walked back to the gallery and were amazed by the Tut exhibit, there was such reverence from the crowd. The ornate gold jewelry, the intricate carving on statues, the sandals he wore, all the things you've only ever seen in books or on television. It didn't seem real to be standing a foot away from artifacts dating back to over 1,000 years before Christ. I do confess to hearing Steve Martin sing 'King Tut, funky Tut...' ever so quietly in my head for just a moment though. We drove the long way home, admiring the festive lights decorating so many homes. Part way, R stopped at a Tim Horton's and bought me a tea, I pulled a gingerbread man out of the bag and munched away. It was a lovely day and such a nice way to see out the year. And now on to new beginnings...Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
A Day Out
Always on the lookout for a cultural event, R and I planned a trip to Toronto to see the King Tut exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario. With timed tickets in hand, we set out yesterday and what a day we had. The obligatory first stop was Nicholas Hoare, where I picked up a copy of Nancy Mitford's, Love in a Cold Climate and The Pursuit of Love along with Elizabeth Bowen's, The Heat of the Day. Thereby making Three Men in a Boat NOT my last book purchase of 2009 (you just really never know do you?). Then we strolled through St Lawrence Market to liven our senses with all the delicious aromas and displays. Can you believe that I bought two large gingerbread men? How many times does one have to say 'I will NOT eat too many cookies this Christmas' before she means it? I digress. Winding our way through the art gallery we came upon the most beautiful photography by Edward Steichen. The exhibit was called In High Fashion: The Conde Nast Years 1923 - 1937 and was such an unexpected pleasure in that we had no idea it was showing. There were so many things to admire in his photographs such as the lighting, the pose, the clothes (tailored and dreamy) and the art deco jewelry. I have officially become an admirer of this man's work. Our tickets were for 5 pm and my blood sugar was dropping. Being much too practical to pay $16 for two cello-wrapped sandwiches we stepped outside and found a small pizzeria. I found heaven in the best slice of primavera pizza ever...and I mean ever, it was to die for! The tiny establishment was decorated with personal photographs of the owner's family on various outings which was an exhibit in itself. Oh yes, and a Scarface movie poster...this place was the real deal, no franchise here. R and I walked back to the gallery and were amazed by the Tut exhibit, there was such reverence from the crowd. The ornate gold jewelry, the intricate carving on statues, the sandals he wore, all the things you've only ever seen in books or on television. It didn't seem real to be standing a foot away from artifacts dating back to over 1,000 years before Christ. I do confess to hearing Steve Martin sing 'King Tut, funky Tut...' ever so quietly in my head for just a moment though. We drove the long way home, admiring the festive lights decorating so many homes. Part way, R stopped at a Tim Horton's and bought me a tea, I pulled a gingerbread man out of the bag and munched away. It was a lovely day and such a nice way to see out the year. And now on to new beginnings...Happy New Year!
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I love driving past festive lights o nthe way home - it's one of the best parts of this time of year. Sounds like a great day out, and I think you will love both the Mitfords and Bowen books.
ReplyDeleteYou have the best days out! The Steichen exhibit sounds divine! And you can never have too many holiday cookies... K x
ReplyDeleteA perfect day! Will look forward to your thoughts on Bowen's book - have only read The House in Paris. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteLucky you - it sounds like a wonderful day :)
ReplyDeleteYour days out always sound so wonderful, I am perfectly jealous! Those book purchases sound marvellous, as does the pizza, and I'm glad you enjoyed the King Tut exhibition!
ReplyDeleteverity, I've had my eye on both for a long time so I figured why not!
ReplyDeleteKristina, I think you have the best days out. You would have loved the Steichen exhibit! x
JoAnn, Here's to reading from my shelves this year.
A Bookish Space, It was such a wonderful day that I want to do it all again!
Rachel, Days like that are special...and oh, that pizza! We really must go back and soon.
Isn't that photo great? I love Steichen's work though have never seen any in person! It sounds like a perfect way to end the year. I wouldn't have been able to pass up Gingerbread men either. Thankfully my Christmas cookies are gone! I couldn't even face buying anything resembling a cookie at the store this weekend! :) Enjoy your new books! And a Very Happy and Bookish 2010!!
ReplyDeleteDanielle, Too funny! I would love to bake something but can't bring myself to eat anything other than healthy fare at the moment.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you as well!
That sounds like an absolutely splendid day out. I saw the King Tut exhibit when it came to the Dallas Museum of Art earlier this year and was bowled over.
ReplyDeleteI'm so looking forward to hearing what you think about the two Mitford books, and Bowen's 'The Heat of the Day.' Those are three books I love, and I'm almost envious that you get to experience them for the first time.
Happy New Year to you!
makedoandread, Oh! Thanks for the very exciting endorsement of my book purchases. And Happy New Year to you as well!
ReplyDeleteThat photo is beautiful! Fab blog - thankyou x
ReplyDelete