The Search for Christmas... Lights

On Sunday after church and lunch I went on a search for Christmas lights. The night before they had the opening for Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Philips Square. I was actually down in the area, but skipped it because it was drizzly.

After seeing my friend Gabe's shots I got the idea of going to Brookfield Place to take photos as well as at Nathan Philips Square and the Eaton Centre.

Brookfield Place had a snowflake theme going on. There was one large snowflake on the floor in the middle of the atrium as well smaller different coloured ones hanging from the ceiling in the surrounding buildings. In front of Marché they had this large, white tree sculpture hanging from the roof.

Next I went to the Eaton Centre. I was saving Nathan Philips Square for last because when I walked through earlier they were still dismantling the Cavalcade of Lights stage and things from the night before.

Except for the Christmas tree at the north end, the decorations at the Eaton Centre don't change much. I guess it's expensive to make new ones all the time. For the past few years they've had these large metallic deer set up around the mall.

This year the Christmas tree was an enormous one that sat on the lowest level (in the basement) and rose almost all the way up to the very top of the glass ceiling. You could barely see the green through the red and white lights that covered almost every single inch of it.

I walked the top level of the mall taking shots as well as some of the catwalks above and up the stairs to the parking garage in the middle of the mall. That gave me a few unusual vantage points to shoot from.

Lastly I went to Nathan Philips Square. For the opening of the Cavalcade of Lights they opened the skating rink at City Hall too. Unfortunately the upper level surrounding the square was blocked off. They offer you the best view of the whole square for shots. That was really annoying. I had to make do walking around at ground level.

I think I managed to get some okay shots there with the skaters and Christmas lights and Christmas tree. If I had a tripod it would have been better though.

Black Friday

Black Friday, the day after American Thanksgiving, is known for massive discounts at cash registers of many stores south of the border. Though, in recent times, it's become popular here in Canada too.

Now, normally, I'd be off on Fridays, but I actually had to work Black Friday this year. Truth be told, I wasn't really very interested in going out to shop even if I was free.

Still, after church on Sunday, I walked over to the Eaton Centre to check out the action. Even though it's called "Black Friday" sales normally continue over a number of days (similar to Boxing Day/Week here).

To my surprise it wasn't overly crowded at the mall. I was happy about that. I checked out my usual favorites - Club Monaco, Zara and Banana Republic. As well I ventured into the GAP, Aldo and Mexx which had $15 ties and belts. If I actually wore ties or belts I would have considered picking up a couple.

Just before heading home I walked into Old Navy. I have to say I rarely shop there. Even though the prices are reasonable, I just don't think the style or quality is that great. Still, when I saw the $7 Men's Performance Fleece Logo Pullovers, I caved. Normally $25, they were too good a deal to pass up. I bought two for myself then went back and grabbed another one for my dad.

My Toronto - Eaton Centre

This photo was taken last year at the Eaton Centre. Obviously it was shot around Christmastime. The tree in the picture is decorated with Swarovski Crystals. They've been doing it for the past few years.

The Eaton Centre is a large shopping mall in the heart of downtown Toronto. Built in two stages in the late 1970's, it's located on Yonge Street, stretching one city block from Queen Street in the south to Dundas Street in the north.

There are 230 different stores and restaurants located on it's four levels. As well there are offices and parking on other levels.

The glassed-domed galleria was modeled after Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, by the centre's architect, Ed Zeidler. Suspended from the galleria is a model of a flock of Canadian geese designed by artist Michael Snow.

Christmastime in Toronto

I had a chance to walk through the Eaton Centre after church on Sunday. Just to kill a bit of time you know. It's only a few more days until Christmas. Of course the mall was packed with last minute shoppers trying to finish off their gift lists. That can't be fun at all.

If I can, I normally try to avoid the crowds. If I'm not shopping (which I wasn't) it's not so bad. It's weird, it doesn't much feel like Christmas to me. All the decorations are up and everywhere you look. But, there's just something missing. Perhaps it's the image I have in my mind of picture perfect winter scene. In it there's an idyllic, country home half buried in snow with a yellowy, candle-lit glow coming from the windows and smoke drifting from the fireplace chimney. That reminds me of Christmas.

There's nary a snowflake to be seen here in Toronto. It's strange I know. After all aren't we "the Great White North"? Especially now, when half the eastern seaboard from Tennessee to the southern New England states (according to CNN) was just slammed by a major snowstorm. Who's "the Great White North" now?

To tell you the truth, I don't miss the snow. Call me a Grinch. I guess I'd just rather not deal with it. Maybe I'll get more in the mood once Christmas dinner with my folks comes around. We'll be having our family dinner next Saturday. Maybe some turkey in my belly will do the trick, who knows?

On an unrelated note - Brittany Murphy passed away this past Sunday from cardiac arrest at age 32. She was an actress who starred in movies I've never seen, save a bit part in Sin City, if I remember correctly. Boy, it's sad... 32 is far too young to die. Rest in Peace my dear.