My little corner of Queen and University

This time, I’d like to show you around my neighbourhood. In this post, I’d like to highlight the corner of Queen Street West and University Avenue.

A few years ago, our offices moved from the financial district of Toronto to a more interesting and vibrant neighbourhood. This corner is definitely a lot more, shall we say, “exciting” because of our neighbour to the north of us. The U.S. Embassy gets a lot of visitors/protesters and right across the embassy are the court houses. Queen Street West in general is a bit more lively with MuchMusic building and the club district just a few blocks down. These photos were taken over different seasons, with the exception of winter. Too depressing to go out unless I’m hitting the slopes! Besides, slush is just yucky, snow is much prettier.

The Canada Life Building

The Canada Life Building, built between 1929 and 1931, is one of the oldest buildings in Toronto and it’s a real treat for me to work here. I know, some of you are thinking – that is not old. But, it’s old according to Toronto standards. You know what’s really cool about this building? The weather beacon at the top. There are two components to the beacon: (i) the top light (steady green = clear; steady red = cloudy; flashing red = rain; and flashing white = snow); and (ii) the white lights right under the beacon (if the lights are running up = temperature will be rising; if the lights are running down = expect drop in temperature, and if it is steady, well, obviously steady temperature). The information is updated by Environment Canada. Pretty neat, eh? Now you know.

View from across the street at the court house.

Close up view of the entrance.

View from the back.

View from Osgoode Hall.

In case you’re wondering what it looks like from the interior, I managed to take one photo but it came out a little blurry but here it is…

My view of the front doors while I was waiting for the elevators. I know it was taken in the winter because the carpets are still on the floor. You can’t see the mosaic pattern.

Flower arrangement at the front of the building.

Flower arrangement at the back of the building by Simcoe Street.

Campbell House

Campbell House is located at the south end of the Canada Life Campus. We actually had our Christmas party here one year. It is an example of Georgian structure from 1822. It’s the last remaining house from the old city of York.  It was originally located farther east on Adelaide Street, and was moved to its present location in 1972. The house has been designated as a Heritage Site.  The Campbell House was the residence of Sir William Campbell (1758-1834), who was appointed the Chief Justice for the Province of Upper Canada (now Ontario) in 1825.

Osgoode Hall

Osgoode Hall was constructed between 1829 and 1832 and named after William Osgoode, the first chief justice of Ontario. Today, it houses the Law Society of Upper Canada and the courts. What I love most about Osgoode Hall are the grounds. My friend had her wedding photos taken here.

View looking east. That’s the clock tower from Old City Hall.

Four Seasons Centre – Canadian Opera Company

The Four Seasons Centre is relatively new – completed in 2006. It is “a theatre built specifically for opera and balletperformances with the finest level of acoustics” according to the site. I haven’t had the pleasure of attending one of the performances but plan to go sometime soon.

And on the southwest corner of University Avenue and Queen Street West is an office building.

There is an island that runs in the middle of University Avenue.

The South African War Memorial.

View looking north on University Avenue with the Canada Life Building on the Left and the South African War Memorial on the right.

The Adam Beck Memorial. View looking south of University Avenue. See the tall building to the right of flag pole? That is the new Shangri-La Tower (still under construction).

Shangri-La Tower Toronto

Piazza San Marco, Venice

On this post, we’re going back to Venice. So, we’ve gone on a gondola ride and visited Piazza San Marco at night. Now we’ll visit the piazza during the day. The truth, we loved it best at night – after the crowds have died down and all you hear are the musicians playing at Caffè Florian and Grancaffè Quadri as couples spontaneously start dancing in the middle of the piazza. That is my memory of Venice.

Basilica di San Marco

The most famous landmark at Piazza San Marco is of course, the Basilica. It is unfortunate that you can’t take photos inside. The interior is filled with dazzling intricate golden mosaics. I found a couple of links that has some pretty awesome photos of the interior from Sacred Destinations (click on the gallery of photos) and World Digital Library (click on “open” at the bottom of the photo on the top left of the page).

When we visited in September of 2011, a portion of the front facade was under construction. I didn’t know much about the Basilica only that it is an example of Byzantine architecture with a floor plan in the shape of the Greek cross. Glad we had a guide to give us some information so we could appreciate what we were looking at. Can you believe that St. Mark’s Basilica used to be the Doge’s chapel? Yup, until it became the cathedral of Venice in 1807. We also learned that the Basilica was decorated from looted treasures brought back to Venice. We’ll see some of those treasures below.

View from Piazzetta di San Marco

Here’s a photo of some of the detail of the arches that adorn the top of the Basilica.

The photo below is detail of the rooftop of the main entrance showing St. Mark and angels crowning the central arch. Under the statue of St. Mark’s is the symbol of Venice – St. Mark’s Lion (with an open book). The significance of the open book? Not sure. I did a quick search and there are only speculations as to its meaning. St. Mark’s Lion has also been depicted with a closed book or a sword under its paw.

On the balcony, are the famous four horses of St. Mark’s (replicas, of course). Short history of the four horses – they are life-sized bronze sculptures looted from Constantinople during the crusades in the early 13^th century. Napoleon then took them to France in 1797 and eventually brought back to Venice in 1815. About 20 years ago, the original horses were brought inside for protection. There you have it – thank you Wikipedia.

Mosaic of the Last Judgement above.

Mosaic located at the front of the basilica showing the body of St. Mark’s being taken from Alexandria (actually more like “stolen”) by Venetian merchants and hidden under slices of pork to smuggle it past the Muslim guards.

There were so many people in the piazza that it was difficult to take photos, especially on the south side of the Basilica closest to the Doge’s Palace. Anyway, I managed to take the photos below of one of the free-standing columns and the sculpture called the “Tetrachs”.

The Tetrachs, a sculptured group in porphyry (4th century Egyptian) is thought to represent Diocletian, Maximilian, Valerian and Constantine. Collectively they were the Tetrachs, appointed by Diocletian to help rule the Roman Empire. (Eyewitness Travel)

If you’ve read my previous posts, then you know I love 360 views and I found one right infront of the Basilica here! It’s really the closest to taking you there myself

If you stand infront of the Basilica, the structure to your left were the offices of the highest officials of Venice. On this side, you will find Grancaffè Quadri. The bottom portion  of these buildings are shops. There is an alley about halfway down (if you walk away from the Basilica) that leads to one of the the gondola stations should you wish to go on a ride.

Piazza San Marco, Venice

Our next stop is that tower to the right on the photo below.

Clock Tower

The Torre dell’Orologio, has been serving Venice since its inauguration in 1499 and is the official timekeeper of Venice. The tower dates back to the early renaissance, late 15th century. You can actually go up the tower but you must book your tour in advance.

If you look at the photo below, see where the bell is? There are two bronze figures that come out and strike the bell at each hour. Can you see the hammer striking the bell? Right under the terrace is St. Mark’s Lion, the symbol of Venice, with an open book.

Right under St. Mark’s Lion is a statue of the Virgin Mary and Child. On either side are blue panels that show the time. The panel on the left with the Roman numerals show the hour and the number to the right of the statue show the minute (it changes every 5 minutes). You see that semi-circular gallery in front of the statute? Twice a year, at Epiphany and Ascension Day, the three Magis emerge through one of those blue panels as they pass in front of the statue, around the  gallery and exit through the other blue panel.

Below the panel of the Virgin Mary and Child statue is the clock. As you can see from the photo below, the hours are shown in Roman numerals with an inner circle showing the signs of the zodiac. The hour pointer is in the image of the sun. The inner circle of zodiac symbols also rotate so that it shows the zodiac position in relation to the sun. There are two circular shapes in the middle where the blue panels are decorated in blue and gold stars – those two circular shapes represent the earth (in the middle) and the moon which also revolves to show its phases. What a clock! I personally just need to know the time or I guess in this case, the approximate time as it only changes every 5 minutes.

There is an archway right underneath the clock tower that opens to the main shopping streets of Venice that lead to the Rialto Bridge (just follow the signs). Once you go through those arches, you may feel like you’re in a maze and wonder how you’ll ever find your way out – just follow the signs and you won’t get lost.

Museo Correr

Right across from the Basilica on the opposite side of the piazza is the Museo Correr or The Museum of the City and Civilization of Venice. When we were there, it was covered by a huge advertisement. Garish, isn’t it? The Venetians don’t like it (according to our guide) but that’s how the repairs get paid for.

I would love to visit Venice again after all the repairs are done. Here’s a little taste of what the facade might look like. Love the detail on the window arches!

If you’re standing in front of Museo Correr, to your left are more former offices of the officials of Venice. Today, it houses the Museo Archeologico and state library. I didn’t seem to take any photos of this side except for those of Caffè Florian, one of the oldest cafes in Europe dating back to the early 18th century.

By the way, if you’re wondering what happened to all the pigeons that Piazza San Marco is famous for – they were still around but not many. Venice has tried to rid of what they’ve been referred to as “rats with wings”. They were also destroying the buildings, so you’ll see little metal wires sticking from ledges to prevent them from hanging around.

P.S. Just a helpful tip passed on to us by our guide: The streets of Venice are very narrow. We even saw some walkways with very low ceilings (check out the photo below). To keep the flow of foot traffic going, please walk on the right and preferably keep walking! The worst thing to do is for a big group of people to stand in the streets gawking at the store fronts. If you want to window shop, may I suggest to do it at night when there aren’t as many people around? The shop windows are lit and I have to admit, it was fun wandering through those darkened streets at night. Happy exploring!

Las Vegas Day Trip

If you want to venture on a day trip from Las Vegas but don’t want to go as far as the Grand Canyon, then the following attractions might be of interest to you. We did this day trip when we were there in September of 2006.

1.  Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam is only 35 miles or 56 kilometres from Las Vegas. Frankly, there’s not much to see aside from the dam, however, it is quite a site to see! What a beast of a structure! Its enormous size is mind boggling.  The photos below simply don’t do it justice. You can actually take a tour down to the depths of this beast.

Hoover Dam is named in honour of Herbert Clark Hoover, the 31st President of the United States (I got that info from a plaque that we found on the site). It was constructed between 1931 to 1935 in the Art Deco style. The dam controls the mighty Colorado River and lies between Arizona and Nevada (you can see the state line running through the middle).

Height: 726.4 ft (221.4 m) | Length: 1,244 ft (379 m) | Base Width: 660 ft (200 m)
(Courtesy of Wikipedia)

Penstock Towers on the Arizona side.

Penstock Towers on the Nevada side.

This is a view upstream from Hoover Dam. Can you see where the water has receded?

2.  Lake Mead

The creation of Hoover Dam resulted in the largest man-made lake in North America – Lake Mead, extending “112 miles (180 km) behind the dam, holding approximately 26,134,000 acre feet of water. Lake Mead was named after Elwood Mead (1858–1936), who was the commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation from 1924 to 1936 during the planning and construction of the Boulder Canyon Project that created the dam and lake.” (The stuff in quotes straight from Wikipedia.) I suppose all you really need to know is that there is a recreational area just 25 miles outside of Las Vegas. We didn’t stay here long because we wanted to get to our next destination.

3.  Valley of Fire State Park

This was the highlight of our day and I didn’t know until today that Valley of Fire is the oldest state park in Nevada, dedicated in 1935. Valley of Fire is 50 miles (80 kilometres) northeast of Las Vegas. It’s name is appropriate as the park is covered in red sandstone formations. You will even find petroglyphs in the park most likely drawn by Ancient Pueblo Peoples (aka Anasazi).

“Three cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.) soon after the Valley of Fire became a state park in 1935. They are constructed of native sandstone and were used for many years to shelter campers and travelers visiting the park.”

Griffith Observatory

I’m back. It’s been a month since my last post. Unfortunately, school has been taking up all of my free time since then. The exam is next week so I hope to be able to write more in the coming months. Gotta love summer vacation, albeit a self-imposed one. I think I deserve the break after working so hard these past few months. It was difficult trying to get back into school mode and even more challenging doing it with a full time job. I had not planned on going back to school, this is one of those “must do for work”. Anyway, this post is not meant to be about me going back to school. So, let’s get to it…

I’ve been to California a few times now. It makes it easy to travel there having family in both Los Angeles and San Francisco areas. In July 2008, we were in southern California and decided to visit the Griffith Observatory. I’m a fan of the 1955 movie Rebel Without a Cause starring James Dean and Natalie Wood. Many films have been shot at this location but Rebel Without A Cause is the only movie that left an impression on me.

Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California is located on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in L.A.’s Griffith Park. Amazing views all around from the Observatory, including downtown Los Angeles and that famous Hollywood sign. If you are so inclined, you can even go hiking.

Short background on the Griffith Observatory (courtesy of Wikipedia)… Colonel Griffith donated the land surrounding the observatory on December 16, 1896 with a proviso in his will that the donated funds be used to build an observatory, exhibit hall and planetarium. It took approximately two years to construct the observatory. The doors opened to the public on May 14, 1935.

A close-up view of front facade leading to the front doors.

Astronomers Monument in front of north door.
Can you read the captions at the base of each statue? Newton is the one on the left.

As this is after all an observatory, you’ll find an array of space related displays, including one of Foucault’s Pendulum below. This is actually the first exhibit you will find when you enter the building. Foucault’s Pendulum was designed to illustrate the rotation of the Earth. I won’t go into an explanation about Foucault’s Pendulum here but if you want more information, click here! This is a great place to explore not just for kids but for adults as well. The official site is http://www.griffithobs.org/ for more information should you plan a visit.

Foucault Pendulum in the center of W. M. Keck Foundation Central Rotunda.

A view through the arches of the Hollywood sign in the background.

That's me waving

To close, I will leave you with this image of downtown Los Angeles as seen from the Observatory.

Gondola Ride

When in Venice, one must go for a gondola ride, right? That’s exactly what we did. Of course, it was the “tourist thing” to do but heck, I had to experience it. The gondolas are now mainly used by tourists. Venetians use water buses (vaporetto) or water taxis.

At first, I was a little apprehensive. I’ve heard many stories about Venice’s canals and how they can be pungent. I have a very sensitive nose and it didn’t bother me one bit. Yes, there certainly was a distinctive smell, but not unpleasant. Gondolas are narrow and wobbly! The last thing I wanted to happen was to fall into the canal. That would have been most embarrassing!

If you have heard that a gondola is asymmetrical, then you have heard correctly. The left side of the gondola is longer than the right side to compensate for it turning to the left. They are built in a very specific manner, using 280 pieces of different types of wood which include fir, oak, cherry, walnut, larch, elm and limetree.

This station is located near Piazza San Marco.

Check out this ornately decorated gondola.

There are approximately 400 licensed gondoliers in Venice. The limited number of licenses is dictated by the town council. This profession used to be handed down from father to son. Today, there is a rigorous program to train aspiring gondoliers which include classes and exams on Venetian history and at least one foreign language. Of course, the trainees must learn to master the unique rowing action and the network of canals. In August 2010, Giorgia Boscolo became the first female gondolier.

Gondolier

Here are some photos from our gondola ride.

Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal

Example of Venetian Gothic Architecture

A little help to see what's coming around the corner.

Shopping, anyone?

I don't think you can enter restaurants from the canal.

Love these balconies!

Did you know about Venipedia? It’s a wiki based site dedicated to Venice! Here’s a list of references if you wish to read more on the history of the gondola:

• From Venipedia: http://venipedia.org/index.php?title=Gondola
• From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gondola
• From Avventure Bellissime: http://www.tours-italy.com/venice-about-gondola.htm

The Versatile Blogger Award

When I received Harold’s message that he had nominated me for this award, I initially thought there was a mistake. He couldn’t have been talking about me. I’m such a newb!

I am flattered and shocked to be nominated. My sincere thanks Harold! I am truly touched. This is very encouraging.

Harold’s blog is “Snapshots by Harold”, make sure you check it out because his photos are both thoughtful and beautiful. I especially love those he has been posting lately of his trip to the Philippines.

In addition to Harold’s blog, here’s a list of bloggers who inspire me and would like to nominate for the Versatile Blogger Award:

1. A Traveller’s Tale
2. Art-Profiles.com
3. Back Road Journal
4. Bagni di Lucca and Beyond
5. Going Dutch
6. Little Earthquake Travelogues
7. Nicole
8. Photobotos.com
9. Rachael Herman
10. The Lonely Walkers Blog
11. Tokyobling’s Blog
12. Travel Photography by Dmitrii Levine
13. Tricia A. Mitchell
14. When Kath’s Travelling
15. Zelmare

This is the part I share seven things about myself:

1. I’m not on Facebook.
2. I’m addicted to Twitter.
3. I’m obsessed with travel, art, architecture, photography.
4. I hate shoe shopping because it’s hard to find shoes that fit my really small feet.
5. I work in commercial real estate.
6. I have a background in Environmental Science and Graphic Design.
7. If I won the lottery, I would travel of course, but I would also go back to school and take fine arts.

Venice at Night

Venice at night is simply magical. But I should have remembered to bring the tripod! So, I didn’t get many shots. But here are some photos from that beautiful night.

The first photo was taken on a boat on the Grand Canal – definitely worthy of what I’ve started calling a “Hail Mary Shot” Too bad the one of the Rialto Bridge didn’t turn out so well.

What I like to call a "Hail Mary Shot" taken from the boat on the Grand Canal!

I became fascinated with street lamps in Italy.

Piazza San Marco at night. Napoleon called Piazza San Marco as “the world’s most beautiful drawing room”. Gosh, my photo doesn’t do it justice.

Piazza San Marco at night.

There are two cafes on two sides of Piazza San Marco – Caffè Florian and Grancaffè Quadri. You can see Grancaffè Quadri in the photo above where the awning juts out. Both cafes had string quartets playing. They are far enough from each other that the noise from one didn’t carry over to the other. The photo below is of Caffè Florian, known as the oldest cafe in Italy, opened its doors in 1720. Best part were watching couples spontaneously dance in the piazza.

Caffè Florian at night.