Nuit Blanche 2009
First a recap:
First year this happened, I randomly ended up booking a “date” with Chaddy, whom I know because he was the drummer for Strap-on Tools. He worked/works for the city and had known about a lot of the installations. I drove, and he tour-guided me around. It was awesome because I was with someone who knew where to go and what to see.
Second year this event happened, I took Colin, my boyfriend at the time. It sucked because he really didn’t apperciate this type of event. He ended up being irritating and I was frustrated with his constant complaining about everything from his feet hurting (and needing to rest far too often) to his life and how it wasn’t going where he wanted it to go, how he was going to break up with me and move to England (but had no plan on how to do that) or how he was jealous of everyone who was successful in life, me included, because he was so far unsuccessful in many aspects of life.
Third year this event happened, I refused to take Colin even though we were still dating, and decided to go with a group of friends from BME. I called up a few close friends, who were going to follow a different group of people. We started at Queen West at some bar, walked all the way to Yonge street (not seeing anything) then up Yonge Street (not seeing anything) while everyone ignored my request to go to the information station (that we walked right past.) Then continued West on Bloor Street (still not seeing anything) and I finally got frustrated and demanded to break away from the group and go into U of T campus… at which point I learned everyone who had been walking was only walking back to their car and giving up on the event. It got better once I broke away and saw some stuff here & there, making my way back to the car but all that wasted time and wasted energy walking in circles for no reason made me pissed off and vowed to only go by myself the next year, or with one or two people, but who would allow me to lead the group in order to actually catch some stuff.
This was the fourth year of the event. And it ruled. I started way later because I was trying to get my two friends in Burlington to come with, in the end they were too tired. Basically started my night at 1am at Lens Factory watching Señor Kasio play a 40 minute set while lots of passers by stopped, listened, enjoyed, and danced on the side-walk.
From there I decided to start east and work west. Street-car to Yonge street, checked out Dundas (but no guide book… wanted to wing it since it was a late start) checked out some stuff at the Eaton Centre, then to Queen street.
Down at City Hall to hang out for a bit, then some 3am strawberry-mango smoothie. Overpacked street car ride to Trinity Bellwoods for the install there as well as a fire-spinner.
Down to King street and across towards Liberty Village… on the way ended up walking with a group of slightly intoxicated but very friendly guys… one of which randomly invited me for some cheese as we all walked. Sort of broke away after some very fun conversation, and ended up at what was the “hobo utopia” location. Listened to some live piano playing, watched some poker, smelled meat coked over open fire and got to sample a piece as well, while conversing with other “participants” of the installation about how “meat and fire *IS* art! It’s art in it’s purest form!” Sadly didn’t realize there was a lot more within Liberty Village… but saw some strange bikes and finally grabbed a blue-line back to my car and back home.
Yes, this year ruled. The temperature was perfect by the time I started, it was not raining, clear skies, lots of friendly people.
Next year I expect to be equally awesome. After all these experiences, I’ve determined if blindly attacking this event, I have to lead, not follow. And I need to be around people I 100% enjoy being around, because the company is what matters.
Pictures are going to be posted kind of shot-gun style… in a few hours.
