Almost 20 years ago I pulled an all-nighter at what I fondly recall ‘The night to remember’ (a wedding of wild proportions of dear friends in Sydney). I slumbered on the 22 hour flight recounting the previous evenings events and as the plane touched down at Toronto Pearson there was a blizzard out the window. It was my first time ever seeing snow. I was mesmerized.
I collect my luggage in which was packed a few pairs of wool tights, long johns and spencers (this is an English term for warm underthings), but missing….hat, gloves, jacket, boots. I had some shopping to do.
This expedition to Toronto was to re connect with a curious friend I had met and made whilst backpacking in Europe in 2000. Whitby was his home turf but he had an apartment in Toronto….so off we go from the airport to Dupont and Avenue Road.
I remain transfixed on the snowfall and start to wonder what it is I’ve gotten myself into with this Canada business.
Dupont Subway Station, 2002
I don’t think that it was just my reptilian blood that made me feel so cold that first winter. It was really bloody cold.
I quickly acquired a wool peacoat which I wore over 3 or four layers and a pair of North Face boots. Should be good. I was ready to explore Toronto.
As a companion I had my trusty cameras which I took everywhere. At this point I was photographing a lot (all with film). Actually the inspiration for this post is the colour negatives I recently processed taken at this time. Unfortunately the pictures are not very good however I love that there’s a record on film.
Photo walk in peacoat!
berries in the cold
I walked around Queen Street a lot!
I struggled with understanding the city. It took forever to “get it” but I was enjoying time to myself with no distractions. The novelty of a new city in a new country with a season I’d never previously experienced, kept me in wonderland.
Christmas was approaching so we head to Whitby for the holidays……
driving between Toronto and Whitby
Upon arrival to my friends family home, I’m struck by the decorations not only outside, but inside too. Even the powder room had a seasonal theme. In Australia we would throw some tinsel on a house plant and put candles in brown paper bags to line the driveway. I’m not kidding.
So this was very cute and warm and cosy and my hosts….let’s call them “Peggy & Dave” were spoiling me from the moment I walked through the door. They would do a big pot of coffee each morning and a big glass of rum n’ eggnog each night (their usual cocktail was the G & T, but this was eggnog season).
This was going to be fun….
Let’s start with the basement.
I’d never been in one. This was the place. A proper den. Leather seated couch, dim lighting, hockey on television and a fridge full of nanaimo bars and custard tarts. Wowie.
Christmas in Whitby, 2002
Bon bons, what! Crystal stemware, what!
I had a lovely time that first Christmas and will recall it fondly.
I have come a long way since 2002 and have embraced winter and Christmas in Canada very much. I share some new traditions with my family here in The Junction (but that’s another blog post).
I have taken up knitting and crochet so there’s no shortage of warm scarves and hats (please, put your order in!!!) and just this year I am learning to skate (which as my 6 year old got better and better it made me want to join in).
A few weeks ago as we drove along Ellis Avenue on the way to an outdoor rink for skating, we saw that The Grenadier pond was full of skaters. Oh my word, I’ve been dreaming about this for years. Skating on a frozen pond. The conditions were near perfect with snow free smooth ice. It was a magical moment that I can refer to on an upcoming winter as one of those things to look forward to. The hot chocolate also helps.
Perfect conditions on the pond
Abraham enjoying hot chocolate after skating on Grenadier Pond. January, 2022
Last but not least in this story is about one photograph that was taken during my first Canadian winter which I really like and will be adding to my print launch coming soon.
It’s this one….
People’s Foods, 2002.
I shot this on a rainy evening with 35mm black and white film. I love the blurry car. (*note to self…pictures in the rain….that’s a great idea)!
This is now the home to Rose and Sons Restaurant by Chef Anthony Rose. So can somebody order this print for him please!