Rush

December 14 Rush. When did you get your best rush of the year?

I'm thinking back and realizing that this has, for the most part, been a really relaxed year. The good thing about that is I haven't had any real lows, but I haven't had many high highs, either.

Okay, after thinking about this for a few minutes, I am going to go with: stepping off the plane, by myself, in Montreal. I've traveled alone before, and I highly recommend it, because the fear adds to the excitement and the relief of realizing that you are fine, and you are capable of navigating new terrain. I was only by myself for about an hour, between getting off the plane and arriving by shuttle at the bus station where I was met by Kat's lovely friend Lauren. I spent that hour (and the next few days) surrounded by newness, and I absolutely love that feeling (that rush) of knowing that I am seeing or doing something for the first time.

When it comes down to it, I look back at my life and so many of those rushes I can remember are associated with travel. All of my senses are engaged with the new places I go - I feel myself expanding with tastes and smells and sights and sounds and feelings. So a thought for 2010 (and the rest of 2009): seek out more of these experiences, even at home. Try new dishes at new restaurants, seek out new neighbourhoods, try new things. Try to bring that complete sensory awareness to my everyday life. Feel more rushes.

Happy Thanksgiving

So Montreal has been fantastic so far. Today we had a Thanksgiving feast at Kat's; it was superb.

My favourite thing this Thanksgiving: Brussel Sprouts. I've been constantly devouring this recipe from Orangette. I double the recipe, and there are never any left. Highly recommended.

Things about Montreal so far:

The electric outlets are upside down.

I freeze when I should be putting my kindergarten through grade 7 French Immersion education to use. I feel slightly better about this when Sally (who is still taking french and particularly enthusiastic about her love for the language) is also hesitant when interacting with the cashier at the drug store: "Avez-vous une carte optimum?" Sally brandishes her optimum card, smiling silently. "Alors, c'est $12.47." Sally holds up her debit card. "Voulez-vous un sac?" Sally: "Non, merci." By this point the interaction was so adorable that I had to walk away. I go through long diatribes in my head (who's to say whether my grammar or vocabulary is correct - yesterday I decided that sac was the word for bed), but as soon as I am expected to open my mouth, English comes pouring out of it. Or I am almost mute.

I haven't fallen asleep listening to the sounds of a city underneath me in ages. I like it.

The feeling of all of the parts of the city I've been in is: eclectic. I love contrasts like the ones I see here.

Being in a place with a Chinatown is really nice and comforting.

Places I want to be right now and why (kind of)

Scandinavia. I don't know which country. Maybe Sweden? Because I miss being blonde.

Miami. Hot. Food.

New Orleans. Food.

Paris. Because I miss the feeling. It is like being free and dedicated to pleasure and connection.

Wish I were here

A few years ago I took a trip to Los Angeles with my favourite girl, and we had a splendid time. I want to go back. This week I am craving amazing burritos, red sunglasses, and, most of all, The Getty Center. In the so-called "City of Angels", this really is how I imagine heaven, if it exists:
It's so peaceful and full of light and art. I was genuinely in awe. It is probably my favourite place on earth, so far. If you're in LA, go. It's free. Go.

An off-shoot of heaven will hopefully be exactly like Universal Studios. Minus the lines.

I also had my picture taken with Betelgeuse. Unfortunately I look worse than he does, so I won't share it.

Seattle recommendations

So I'm going to Seattle for a couple of days in August with my mum and my "Auntie June" (my mum's friend who I love), and I need some recommendations. We'll only be there for a Sunday and a Monday... what should we do? Where should we stay? Where should we eat? If you've been, or live there, or have any recommendations at all, let me know. Top picks! What would you do if you only had two days in Seattle?