But, what I am learning and hearing is fascinating. Keep moving forward. I've not been particularly thrilled with my singing the last day or two... but who is from hour to hour? That is what will keep me working harder.
Tony Awards are tomorrow! I instructed my students in Ballarat via Twitter to watch and learn. It will be discussed.
Speaking of Ballarat, I booked my hostel last night for the first few nights I am in Australia. I leave in nine days. I am so busy here that I do not think about the move much but it cannot go to the back burner... as time is running out.
Gerald is coming to hear me sing Bach on Monday! And concert season for this programme is upon us already! Tomorrow is the motet, Monday is the aria and Wednesday is the Charpentier. Bing bang boom.
Wednesday was a morning of opera workshop and a day off. A day trip to the Toronto Islands on the ferry left me with bug bites and sunshine. Well worth it. The view of Lake Ontario is breathtaking. I joined some of the other singers for a great meal at the Mill Street Brew Pub in the historic Distillery District in Toronto. Cobblestone streets, art and odd sculptures. And a Sake bar. Oh! And definitely NOT a mustard store.
From the Distillery's website:
A dream comes true
Nearly 10 years ago a small group of visionary developers had a dream for Toronto. They looked at a derelict collection of Victorian Industrial buildings that had been pronounced a national historic site and imagined transforming it. Not into another "historic district" or "pioneer village" but into something exciting and unique. Something the city would be proud of. They wanted to create a place that would excite and inspire the senses. Where people could experience new ideas, new foods, new designs and new ways of living and working.
"Our vision was to combine the romance and relaxing atmosphere of European walking and patio districts with the hip, cool dynamic of an area like New York City's SoHo or Chelsea, where creative minds get together and you feel as if anything could happen."
Their dream was to provide a place where creativity would flourish and passion would be aroused. Where artists, artisans, entrepreneurs and businesspeople could rub shoulders and inspire each other. So they began plans to restore the 47 buildings known as the Gooderham & Worts Distillery.
They harnessed the talent of hundred's of tradesmen and craftsmen, skilled in working with 19th century timber, planks, stone and brick. They went to great lengths in the restoration process to repurpose original materials and brilliantly blend them with today's modern materials and green technologies.
The result is nothing short of perfection. As the Toronto Star says: "To enter The Distillery is to step back into an era of horse-drawn carts, windmills and sailing ships". One can only marvel at the authentic exterior restoration that was achieved. But it is when you step inside the buildings that you truly realize the magnitued of what was accomplished.
What you will find is a dramatic fusion of old and new. An inspired blend of Victorian Industrial architecture and stunning 21st century design and creativity. The result is an internationally acclaimed village of one-of-a-kind stores, shops, galleries, studios, restaurants, cafes, theatres and more.
The Distillery Historic District opened in 2003 and today it is widely regarded as Canada's premier arts, culture and entertainment destination. A place brimming with creativity and creative people. A place that can inspire dreams. And a place that can help them come true.
Delicious IPA and while I did not eat (not particularly hungry from a great continental breakfast) I did taste gourmet Poutine for the first time! Extraordinary flavour, though I was warned that it was indeed gourmet and not really traditional...which I guess is slightly less than gourmet.
...but scallions and Ontario cheese curd make for a tasty pair!
Mill Street Pub647 977 6234
http://www.millstreetbrewpub.ca
Highly recommended. Great variety on the menu! Delicious sounding soups too! Excellent location.
Why not more beers though? Quantity over quality I suppose!
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