Travelpod Party
Trip Start
Feb 21, 2007
1
28
47
Trip End
Ongoing
Ottawa,
Ontario,
Canada
Monday, September 17, 2007
The gallery was excellent. The last time I was in Ottawa with Leah was when she ran her first marathon years back and we visited the photography gallery but not the major gallery. Wow! It was really great. There was an exhibit on Zidane which was this wild perspective of him playing in a match. It was recorded by some 18 cameras or so and then edited and put all together into a creative and fascinating account on two absolutely massive screens in a dark room with seating. The perspective lent to a soccer players stance in a game. You could even hear his rough breathing and see the sweat on his neck.
The other exhibit that stood out, the most actually, was this giant storage closet filled with the the weirdest and wildest things! Made by BGL which is a group of artists. On the top shelves, way, way up were tons of wrapped presents
Barrett
. Let's see, there was giant moose laying on its side with a missing antler and tons of odds and ends. A taxidermy dog, a faux wall that you could push and go into for a peek at some moving, contemporary art, just basically all this stuff that looked like junk, but upon closer examination it was all thoughtfully put together. At first I thought it was just a gallery storage closet! It was really weird yet very cool in a way. It really brought about the question : What Is Art? There was a neat interactive exhibit called The Column. It was basically flats of metal put together in a column that anyone could twist and move, making their own modern sculpture. Very cool. We stayed there playing around for awhile. We didn't know at first but we actually entertained a group of people on the second level looking over the balcony! They liked our work :)
Our structure was cool. Hey, when do you get a chance to have your own work in the National Gallery of Canada??? Even if it only last until the next person makes their own creation! At this point we were really cursing ourselves for not having a camera! We also wondered what our creation said about us. We both agreed that it meant we both sought more structure in our lives! "Our" column was very organized in a fairly minimalist yet very cool design.
Of course the Group of Seven paintings were favorites. It was awesome to see them since we're heading up to Georgian Bay for four days next weekend
Boomergirl
. Leah and I are both art lovers and got really inspired while viewing the collection. Tons of ideas were hashed out for future creations. We're really good for each other that way. We headed out for beers and bit of lunch across the street to get in some more time b4 Leah headed to work. I got to savor a few pints of Bass Ale, one of my faves. Mmmm! I hadn't had any since London.
That night we headed out the door to meet up with the Travelpod crew in their Ottawa office. Nice office! First we met Lucky and Clayton. It was great to meet Luc! Wow, how a brilliant idea turned into such a terrific site. He should be so proud of himself. It goes to show that you should always fly with your dreams. He was awesome too b/c he was gracious enough to let me bring Leah along and she isn't a member! YET! Leah, if you're reading this..... :)
Then I went on to find Carmella. I honestly thought she was taller! I had to get Lucky to point her out! We shared a nice hug. It was really cool to finally meet her! She's a sweetheart. A really cool woman. I just wish I would have had some more time to chat with her but another time I'm sure.
Gerry and Sharon of Thymeoff were there too which was awesome! They're such an inspiration, those two. Oh, and Barret! It was really great to meet him. Boomergirl, ah, terrible with names! I think her name is Tania? Details are hazy at this point!
There were a bunch of other great folks that enjoyed the evening all together
Carm
. We got a sneak peek into some Top Secret TP stuff too, so you guys better be prepared for some really cool enhancements coming your way! I'm obliged to keep MUM on it all!Armed with some yummy vino we made our way around. David and Lise, aka Burtonx2 , were there too. I have just started reading David's blog so it was a pleasure to meet him and chat. Lovely Lise is, well very lovely!
We talked travel, as you might already have guessed! It's pretty exciting to have all that auspicious energy all in one room. All these travelers who have a passion for the world and people...it was a really enlightening experience. We chatted about here and there, writing, new experiences, different destinations, photographs et al.
Carm and I got a chance to catch up and talk and that was excellent. There is something about her...she's quite special. The evening went on and after a few hours most people left. A few of us stuck around for more. 'If only we had more time' was on my mind.
Carm left as she had to head home the next day. Leah and I dragged Clayton out for drinks afterwards. We hit a bar for more aperitifs, a juke box and more good times. Clayton's a fun guy. I think Leah and I terrorized him a bit as we can be a real handful! The night ended at around 4:30am with me the first to conk out. I had to leave early the next day which didn't end up being early at all!
I'm so glad I made the trip. I had such a great time these past few days and it made me want for more. I wish I had more time to spend in Ottawa. It's such a wicked city with so much to do. It makes me wonder why I live in such a small city?!
So, thanks everyone for making my trip my so memorable and fun! If ever there's another party, I'm there!
Comments
It was a pleasure
To have met you and been able to chat in person. You are a real gem :) Thank you so much for making the trip. You bet there will be another party!