Key: * then a number means I will explain who the person is in a new paragraph matching the number.
Episode 2: Toronto:
I officially hate Toronto. It is dirty, for the most part ugly, and the people are not that nice either (but of course there are exceptions).
I almost have nothing to write about except the few people I met and will remember always. The three things that stick out to me other then those lovely individuals are Queen street West, Kensington Market, and The Cherry Bomb. Queen and Kensington both have their own charm and nifty shops. Queen has the Much Music headquarters where they shoot all their programming, tons of head shops selling the same paraphernalia and pipes and a million people not looking where they are walking. Kensington Market on the other hand, is very earthy and hippy like. The coffee is great, the people bike everywhere, and you can buy used clothes from 100 shops.
The Cherry Bomb is a cafe on roncesvalles in Toronto and has the best coffee that I have ever experiences to this day (November 8th 2009). The owners John and Sarah*1 are extremely friendly, and warmed our hearts with their coffee and hospitality. Their store is very minimalist and caters almost entirely to take out
customers who just want an amazing coffee on their way to work. They offer 8 different kinds of coffee for a too reasonable price.
*1 - John and Sarah are the owners of the Cherry Bomb, and where some of the most giving and loving people we found in Toronto.
The people I would like to share with you are not so much connected to adventures as the ones in Montreal were, I think this is because they were with us almost everyday for our daily routine.
Nathan Krahn - Nathan is from Niverville originally but I know him mainly from his time living in Winnipeg. He is a warmhearted free spirited musician who happened to land in Toronto looking for work during a time of backpacking. His lack of job finding was completely due I am sure to the fact that his love is still in his heart and not beamed away by the CN tower.
Darien - Darien is one of Darcy's friends from his past life as a Torontonian. They met in highschool and magically kept their connections through Darcy moving away. Darien is one of the most giving and warm people I met in Toronto or maybe of all time. He lived extremely close to our camping spot so we spent a lot of time with him.
I know there are millions more people to talk mention but Toronto was such a shit hole I don't want to write about it any longer.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Montreal: Emotional Revolution / Hitting The Ditch
~ So I have decided the best way for me to let everyone know about my adventures in the far off lands is to make an online journal of sorts. Each post will be about a particular adventure or a place of interest. ~
Key: * then a number means I will explain who the person is in a new paragraph matching the number.
Episode 1: Montreal :
First off I would like to ask you all to bare with me. It is 8 in the morning and I'm only on my second coffee. Thanks.
Darcy and I after much preparations left Winnipeg at about 6 pm to start our travels. With us we had a car full of supplies, enough cigarettes to last approximately a full day of driving, and another passenger. This extra passenger was named Althea (Alth-Aye-Ah). She is a friend of Liz (who is Darcy's neighbor) and she needed a ride to Montreal. Perfect! Company, less gas costs, and a warmer sleeping environment.
So off we went with 3 people and a shit load of baggage. Emotional and luggage. We / Darcy drove all night past the ever so beautiful Whiteshell and into the abyss commonly called Ontario. We stopped our nights endless highways at 7 in the morning, an hour outside of Thunder Bay at this beautiful lake and reserve town. We cracked our case of Manitoba's Standard Ale that was strapped to the roof of the Van during the driving. I realized once this case was empty I wouldn't taste that sweet Winnipeg flavor for along time to come. Once half the case was being digested we began to crawl into bed. I don't know how many of you have been in a VW Vanagon Camper, but with two 6'2" + guys and a shorter girl in between, sleeping is an aerobic activity, not a luxury.
We awoke the next morning at about 11 am. After coffee-ing up and getting some Diesel, we were off. Darcy soloed for 7 or so hours until it was dust and he needed a break. Seeing as Althea doesn't have a license or know how to drive I was selected to fill the drivers seat. Now driving isn't my least favourite thing to do, but I would rather have a bike in between my legs. I shifted into first and progressed in speed and gears until I was going 90-100 kmph. I drove for approximately an hour before the anxiety of Semi after Semi blowing me across the highway took hold. I asked Darcy if he could resume driving and he said pull over as soon as you have a chance. Minutes of tension and fighting the wind passed and a place to stop had still not been discovered. Suddenly the wind stopped its torrential battering of the van while I unknowingly continued to correct my steering for it. I began to drift towards the shoulder. This patch of northern highway was salted rather then plowed thus the highway was clear but this shoulder had 4-6 inches of snow along it. As soon as my front right wheel caressed this build-up control was ripped from me.
Now I'm not sure if you have ever crashed a car, but the feeling is like no other. Most people talk of seeing life and death mesh, and flash before their eyes. I would say that time stops, then resumes at an extremely slow pace.
Anywho as I realized I couldn't do anything to fix this situation the back right wheel hit the snow slathered gravel and the back of the car spun around as if it was swinging for a home run. I still gripping the wheel pulled with all my 120 pounds of might to steer away from the impending doom. this furthered the backward spiral of the car. At this time all wheels were past the shoulder and we were in the ditch slowing down rapidly. I jammed on the breaks and stalled the car, halting us instantly and the front left lifted up and up and up and... set back down in place. The only thing I remember happening other then this was the sounds of gravel spitting up, Darcy repeating "Shit, Shit, Daniel, Shit" and the sound of everything in the van flying across the air and hitting the opposite wall.
Everyone was alright, the car was fine, and within seconds 4 cars pulled over to help. A big truck towed us out and we were on our way faster then a pit stop to Tim's for coffee and a washroom break. Needless to say, Darcy resumed driving and I sat in the back shaken and upset.
As the night set in, and the sky grew dark we neared the Quebec border. At about 10 pm Darcy noticed a grouping of red lights a little further up on the highway. Slowing down we approached them. As we closed the distance we realized these were cops. They asked us to pull over for some questions. Darcy unrolled his window, I buckled up, and we prepped for the worst. The cop asked questions and explained that this was a riot check to find illegal hunting. So his questions began as follows.
"Do you have any firearms in this vehicle?" "No"
"Do you have any wildlife or livestock?" "No"
"Open liquor?" "No"
"Is the guy in the back wearing a seatbelt?" "Yes"
As these questions were answered to the officer's liking he noticed the half case of beer on the roof. He asked Darcy to move it into the trunk because it was unsecured and in the reach of the driver. Little did he know that it didn't even shift during my accident. Darcy moved it and we looked around. Eight OPP officers were looking at the van with flashlights. We were given the alright, and we drove away again shaken. Hours later we entered Quebec and camped for the night. The beer was finished supper was made, and sleep ensued.
Halfway through the next day we were in Montreal. Now Montreal is one of my favourite places that I have discovered thus far in my life's journeys. I was glad to arrive. Dropping off Althea we found a place to park our Van / House outside her apartment in the parking-lot of a record label. We were introduced to Chris(*1) and Will(*2).
*1 - Chris is a very beautiful man from Newfoundland who was looking after Althea's place while she was away. He works 20 days on and 10 off in Fort McMurray driving truck for oil rigs. His accent is amazing! The whole three months Althea was away he didn't use one dish, they had dust on them. In 3 months of living there he was there 30 days, and he ate out every one... Different life style.
*2 - Will is amazing! I have never met anyone like him. He is extremely open with his diverse sexuality. He is a starving artist from Halifax, who lives in both cities. He writes and photographs for newspapers and such, but his passion is photography. We got to spend a lot of time together, exploring the village and our pasts. I feel I have a lot in common with him. His age is unknown to me, but I know he remembers things from the 60's. I actually got to do a model photo shoot with him on Halloween.
After meeting these people We slept off our travels. This time it was 2 people in the bed. Much more manageable. Including our arrival day we spent from Monday - Sunday in Montreal. During this time Darcy and I met a lot of amazing people and pets, and had some wicked adventures.
The first adventure was meeting Polish Peter*3 (Piotr) and Althea's dog Alaska*4 who was staying with Peter. It was a simple day of drinking but a wonderful time none the less. La Fin Du Monde, Éphémère, and Polish Vodka.
La Fin Du Monde (The End of the World) and Éphémère (apple beer meaning: lasting shortly) are a product of Unibroue. A micro-brewery in Montreal. Check there amazing products out at your Local LC if available or at (http://www.unibroue.com/english.cfm).
*3 - Peter. Peter is a carpenter from Poland who now lives in Montreal. He is in his 20s and loves to Party. He is also extremely romantic. My favourite! He took care of Alaska while Althea was away and was reluctant to return her. He does Drag for parties, has a spout of blonde long hair on top of his shaved head, and is a great listener. Like most people I met in Montreal he loves his drugs, but he is still a good person.
He taught me one word in Polish and that is "laska". Laska translated means walking cane, but its common usage is as slang to mean beautiful woman.
*4 - Alaska is Althea's beautiful golden dog. She is curb trained and extremely well behaved. Curb training consists of stopping at red lights, and all intersections off leash, following you closely off leash, and waiting outside stored sitting off leash. AMAZING.
Our next adventure was one of meeting Tobin*5 and and Epic*6, and getting coffee at his place. This was the second best espresso I have ever had! The best I will tell you all about later. His house is a top floor studio Apartment that is party central for Mile End People. Stuart*7 just bought the downstairs which used to be a chicken slaughtering plant, that has a walk in cold storage in it. He is going to turn it into a house / Piercing Salon.
*5 - Tobin is extremely beautiful. He is famous for his cafes in Halifax (his original home) called AND cafe. He is also famous for turning many lesbians straight with his great looks, beautiful soul, and listening ear. Tobin supplied us daily with coffee in Montreal as well as a place to party and do laundry.
Tobin is the my crush of Montreal.
*6 - Epic is Tobin's massive Great Dane. He is the most beautiful dog in the world. Weighing in at 160 pounds he towers over other dogs, and most furniture. He is also extremely well behaved but will not sit. He refuses to sit because he is not neutered and he would have to sit on his gargantuan nuts. This horse I mean dog was offered as a trade for the Van, but due to prior engagements (me needing to fly from Toronto) the offer was refused.
*7 - Stuart is a friend of the Mile End family and will soon live bellow Tobin. He loves kinky stuff, but is underneath it all a romantic lover kinda guy. He is getting over a huge relationship end, but is making it look easy. He is great to talk and drink with.
After meeting Tobin and Epic we spent quite a lot of time at their house including 2 parties (Halloween Prequel and Halloween) and tons of chatting over coffee.
The next adventure of note would be walking The Village with Will. Will and I got off the subway at O'QUAM and walked Saint Catherine's from there. We stopped in all the hot spots and famous destinations. Including costume shops, restaurants, and bars. We spent a lot of time in one Dungeon supply store, which was full of things I have never heard of in all my perverted life. After our long walk we had supper at the gay indian restaurant in the village. It was wonderful.
Adventure 3 and 4 are a little blurred at some points in my mind so I will talk about them as 1 until I feel the need to separate them for specific details. They both started with me doing laundry at Tobin's house in trade for helping him ready his space for a party. The readying consisted of carrying 11 or more 24s from his van to his house, sweeping, doing some dishes, minor carpentry, decorations, and dancing to music. I really enjoyed helping as I got to hang out with fantastic people.
Key: * then a number means I will explain who the person is in a new paragraph matching the number.
Episode 1: Montreal :
First off I would like to ask you all to bare with me. It is 8 in the morning and I'm only on my second coffee. Thanks.
Darcy and I after much preparations left Winnipeg at about 6 pm to start our travels. With us we had a car full of supplies, enough cigarettes to last approximately a full day of driving, and another passenger. This extra passenger was named Althea (Alth-Aye-Ah). She is a friend of Liz (who is Darcy's neighbor) and she needed a ride to Montreal. Perfect! Company, less gas costs, and a warmer sleeping environment.
So off we went with 3 people and a shit load of baggage. Emotional and luggage. We / Darcy drove all night past the ever so beautiful Whiteshell and into the abyss commonly called Ontario. We stopped our nights endless highways at 7 in the morning, an hour outside of Thunder Bay at this beautiful lake and reserve town. We cracked our case of Manitoba's Standard Ale that was strapped to the roof of the Van during the driving. I realized once this case was empty I wouldn't taste that sweet Winnipeg flavor for along time to come. Once half the case was being digested we began to crawl into bed. I don't know how many of you have been in a VW Vanagon Camper, but with two 6'2" + guys and a shorter girl in between, sleeping is an aerobic activity, not a luxury.
We awoke the next morning at about 11 am. After coffee-ing up and getting some Diesel, we were off. Darcy soloed for 7 or so hours until it was dust and he needed a break. Seeing as Althea doesn't have a license or know how to drive I was selected to fill the drivers seat. Now driving isn't my least favourite thing to do, but I would rather have a bike in between my legs. I shifted into first and progressed in speed and gears until I was going 90-100 kmph. I drove for approximately an hour before the anxiety of Semi after Semi blowing me across the highway took hold. I asked Darcy if he could resume driving and he said pull over as soon as you have a chance. Minutes of tension and fighting the wind passed and a place to stop had still not been discovered. Suddenly the wind stopped its torrential battering of the van while I unknowingly continued to correct my steering for it. I began to drift towards the shoulder. This patch of northern highway was salted rather then plowed thus the highway was clear but this shoulder had 4-6 inches of snow along it. As soon as my front right wheel caressed this build-up control was ripped from me.
Now I'm not sure if you have ever crashed a car, but the feeling is like no other. Most people talk of seeing life and death mesh, and flash before their eyes. I would say that time stops, then resumes at an extremely slow pace.
Anywho as I realized I couldn't do anything to fix this situation the back right wheel hit the snow slathered gravel and the back of the car spun around as if it was swinging for a home run. I still gripping the wheel pulled with all my 120 pounds of might to steer away from the impending doom. this furthered the backward spiral of the car. At this time all wheels were past the shoulder and we were in the ditch slowing down rapidly. I jammed on the breaks and stalled the car, halting us instantly and the front left lifted up and up and up and... set back down in place. The only thing I remember happening other then this was the sounds of gravel spitting up, Darcy repeating "Shit, Shit, Daniel, Shit" and the sound of everything in the van flying across the air and hitting the opposite wall.
Everyone was alright, the car was fine, and within seconds 4 cars pulled over to help. A big truck towed us out and we were on our way faster then a pit stop to Tim's for coffee and a washroom break. Needless to say, Darcy resumed driving and I sat in the back shaken and upset.
As the night set in, and the sky grew dark we neared the Quebec border. At about 10 pm Darcy noticed a grouping of red lights a little further up on the highway. Slowing down we approached them. As we closed the distance we realized these were cops. They asked us to pull over for some questions. Darcy unrolled his window, I buckled up, and we prepped for the worst. The cop asked questions and explained that this was a riot check to find illegal hunting. So his questions began as follows.
"Do you have any firearms in this vehicle?" "No"
"Do you have any wildlife or livestock?" "No"
"Open liquor?" "No"
"Is the guy in the back wearing a seatbelt?" "Yes"
As these questions were answered to the officer's liking he noticed the half case of beer on the roof. He asked Darcy to move it into the trunk because it was unsecured and in the reach of the driver. Little did he know that it didn't even shift during my accident. Darcy moved it and we looked around. Eight OPP officers were looking at the van with flashlights. We were given the alright, and we drove away again shaken. Hours later we entered Quebec and camped for the night. The beer was finished supper was made, and sleep ensued.
Halfway through the next day we were in Montreal. Now Montreal is one of my favourite places that I have discovered thus far in my life's journeys. I was glad to arrive. Dropping off Althea we found a place to park our Van / House outside her apartment in the parking-lot of a record label. We were introduced to Chris(*1) and Will(*2).
*1 - Chris is a very beautiful man from Newfoundland who was looking after Althea's place while she was away. He works 20 days on and 10 off in Fort McMurray driving truck for oil rigs. His accent is amazing! The whole three months Althea was away he didn't use one dish, they had dust on them. In 3 months of living there he was there 30 days, and he ate out every one... Different life style.
*2 - Will is amazing! I have never met anyone like him. He is extremely open with his diverse sexuality. He is a starving artist from Halifax, who lives in both cities. He writes and photographs for newspapers and such, but his passion is photography. We got to spend a lot of time together, exploring the village and our pasts. I feel I have a lot in common with him. His age is unknown to me, but I know he remembers things from the 60's. I actually got to do a model photo shoot with him on Halloween.
After meeting these people We slept off our travels. This time it was 2 people in the bed. Much more manageable. Including our arrival day we spent from Monday - Sunday in Montreal. During this time Darcy and I met a lot of amazing people and pets, and had some wicked adventures.
The first adventure was meeting Polish Peter*3 (Piotr) and Althea's dog Alaska*4 who was staying with Peter. It was a simple day of drinking but a wonderful time none the less. La Fin Du Monde, Éphémère, and Polish Vodka.
La Fin Du Monde (The End of the World) and Éphémère (apple beer meaning: lasting shortly) are a product of Unibroue. A micro-brewery in Montreal. Check there amazing products out at your Local LC if available or at (http://www.unibroue.com/english.cfm).
*3 - Peter. Peter is a carpenter from Poland who now lives in Montreal. He is in his 20s and loves to Party. He is also extremely romantic. My favourite! He took care of Alaska while Althea was away and was reluctant to return her. He does Drag for parties, has a spout of blonde long hair on top of his shaved head, and is a great listener. Like most people I met in Montreal he loves his drugs, but he is still a good person.
He taught me one word in Polish and that is "laska". Laska translated means walking cane, but its common usage is as slang to mean beautiful woman.
*4 - Alaska is Althea's beautiful golden dog. She is curb trained and extremely well behaved. Curb training consists of stopping at red lights, and all intersections off leash, following you closely off leash, and waiting outside stored sitting off leash. AMAZING.
Our next adventure was one of meeting Tobin*5 and and Epic*6, and getting coffee at his place. This was the second best espresso I have ever had! The best I will tell you all about later. His house is a top floor studio Apartment that is party central for Mile End People. Stuart*7 just bought the downstairs which used to be a chicken slaughtering plant, that has a walk in cold storage in it. He is going to turn it into a house / Piercing Salon.
*5 - Tobin is extremely beautiful. He is famous for his cafes in Halifax (his original home) called AND cafe. He is also famous for turning many lesbians straight with his great looks, beautiful soul, and listening ear. Tobin supplied us daily with coffee in Montreal as well as a place to party and do laundry.
Tobin is the my crush of Montreal.
*6 - Epic is Tobin's massive Great Dane. He is the most beautiful dog in the world. Weighing in at 160 pounds he towers over other dogs, and most furniture. He is also extremely well behaved but will not sit. He refuses to sit because he is not neutered and he would have to sit on his gargantuan nuts. This horse I mean dog was offered as a trade for the Van, but due to prior engagements (me needing to fly from Toronto) the offer was refused.
*7 - Stuart is a friend of the Mile End family and will soon live bellow Tobin. He loves kinky stuff, but is underneath it all a romantic lover kinda guy. He is getting over a huge relationship end, but is making it look easy. He is great to talk and drink with.
After meeting Tobin and Epic we spent quite a lot of time at their house including 2 parties (Halloween Prequel and Halloween) and tons of chatting over coffee.
The next adventure of note would be walking The Village with Will. Will and I got off the subway at O'QUAM and walked Saint Catherine's from there. We stopped in all the hot spots and famous destinations. Including costume shops, restaurants, and bars. We spent a lot of time in one Dungeon supply store, which was full of things I have never heard of in all my perverted life. After our long walk we had supper at the gay indian restaurant in the village. It was wonderful.
Adventure 3 and 4 are a little blurred at some points in my mind so I will talk about them as 1 until I feel the need to separate them for specific details. They both started with me doing laundry at Tobin's house in trade for helping him ready his space for a party. The readying consisted of carrying 11 or more 24s from his van to his house, sweeping, doing some dishes, minor carpentry, decorations, and dancing to music. I really enjoyed helping as I got to hang out with fantastic people.
The only thing in that time period that differs the two events in my mind is On the 31st of October / Halloween I was a living canvas for a local painter. With this came a modeling photo shoot and a free Halloween costume. These nights were less full of dancing then I expected due to a huge amount of people in one room, and just a general un-comfort being “alone” at a party. Also during one of these nights I had the opportunity to try a Willtini (1 shot of Gin to ½ shot of Sake), and hit up a “queer freaks” party at a club on John Talon.
This sums up my adventures in Wonderland / Montreal.
I miss you all,
Love,
Daniel Silverthorne
Residence: Winnipeg, Montreal, Vanagon, London (and more to come)
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