December 1: Babbling at Babel

Here I am, 3 months into my Year of the Right Brain and 24 days before Christmas. There is certainly a nip in the air. I am in the minority as someone who is appreciating this dip on the thermometer.

I head to the Four Seasons Centre, Toronto’s new opera venue, to catch a free concert at the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, but the doors are locked. No latecomers are seated, the sign announces. I can respect that! Instead, I wander over to watch skaters gliding in Nathan Phillips Square. I’ll have to dust off my skates. I paused in front of the Christmas themed windows at the Bay. This department store dusted off its image this past year, emerging with a fresh hip image. I just hope that the new American CEO will remember its heritage as the 340 year old Hudson’s Bay Company.

Sushi is a good counterpoint to all the rich Latin food consumed. I use this opportunity to try out Ematei, a nondescript spot nearby. The food surpasses my expectations--perfectly baked melt-in-your-mouth Japanese eggplant with a sweet miso paste, tart plum puree adds a twist to handrolls. I am already planning a return with my dining group.

I am fashionably late for my second round of babbling. TorontoBabel--what a brilliant name for a group that brings together people to speak in tongues! I start off in English as my Arabic is rusty (i.e. nonexistent past the 4 words I know). I move on to Spanish, then French.