Hello friends,
The meaning behind the blog for now is to simply post a monthly update on what I’m doing personally and professionally. It’s a chance for friends that I don’t get to see very often to still know what I’m up to.
Growing up, September used to be one of my favourite months of the year. Even though it meant summer was over and the year was that much closer to ending, it was always a new beginning. A new school year, a new sports season, and something new about life to look forward to. There’s that perfect balance of anxiousness and excitement about starting something new that I love. Even in my adult life, come September, I always have this feeling of wanting change. Some may think of it as an impulse, but I just see it as an opportunity for new experiences. So, what have I been up to this September? As some of you may know, I graduated from the University of Guelph in the spring and have decided to head back to school at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) to study journalism. Going back to school as an older student has felt a bit unusual at times, but the opportunity to study something that I’m passionate about has been amazing overall.
Being back “in” Toronto has had its ups and downs as well. Toronto is a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, nostalgia, a dream. On most intersections during lunch hour downtown, I might be close enough to the entire population of a small town. When the light is red, you hear a dozen conversations, taxis honking, streetcars grunting. Advertisements everywhere. On some sad corner, you might not be able to see hardly any sky at all. It’s just another city though, that’s it. It’s clean, safe, mostly organized and there’s nothing in your face about it compared to other world class cities.
Maybe it’s my routine, maybe I’ve just become boring, or maybe I’ve just been in the wrong spots, but for a place that claims it has so much culture, it’s felt pretty bland these days. Toronto’s lackluster culture may be a product of a society that prizes stability, and safety, over everything else. There’s obviously nothing wrong with these principles on their own, but when you make being “safe” in your everyday interactions, in what you say, and how you express yourself artistically, more important than growth, and keeping it real, you end up with a city that has the cultural appeal of a piece of toast, and that is a crime. It reminds me of part of a poem that Hemingway wrote for the Star about Canadians,
“They go home at night. Their cigarettes don’t smell bad. Their hats fit. They really believe they won the war. They don’t believe in Literature. They think Art has been exaggerated. But they are wonderful on skates. A few of them are very rich. But when they are rich they buy more horses than motorcars,”
To be fair, Hemingway wrote the poem in the 20s when Toronto was a young city and Torontonians were more conservative, but most of the sentiment remains. The city is not glamorous or historic, it’s just nice. And that’s ok with Canadians.
With that all being said, I’m still trying to fall in love with Toronto and its culture again. I’m going to as many events, museums, art installations, and as much as I can, enjoying what the nightlife has to offer. Speaking of, I attended TIFF and that was definitely a highlight of the month. I managed to snag a few tickets to The Menu and The Whale, which were both excellent films. I was a bit skeptical going into The Whale with all the hype around Fraser, but his performance definitely stood up to it. However, there’s definitely some solid criticism of the film’s portrayal of a morbidly obese man, but I wouldn’t flat out call it fatphobic. It could even be said that it’s somewhat the opposite. The film explores eating disorders in a purposeful way, it’s not just for shock value.
In Toronto, we also had a JTTB meetup at Momofuku, basic spot I know, but it holds up. I remember the first time I went there with my dad as a kid and had their duck bao buns, which happens to be the only time I’ve ever seen them on their menu. I guess it just wasn’t meant to be as they’ve recently announced their closure next month. Momofuku was always reliable, well-priced, lively, and had some great food. You will be missed. RIP.
Another one of my spots recently closed as well, Union Market in Arkell. It was really the only spot some of my friends and I could claim to be a regular at. It had the charm of a small-town general store with a nice bistro attached that was perfect for any occasion, and it was right next to some great biking and hiking trails. It was perfect. Trying to find another gem like that is going to be difficult. In light of this, we went back to Elora and found somewhat of a replacement, but it doesn’t have the same charm. Elora while being a small town, is just too touristy, and the nature aspect of the location has some amazing views, but the hikes just aren’t that great. I’m sure in the winter it’ll be better though, fewer people, and we can go ice climbing.
In terms of music, I’ve been all over the place for a while now, but here are some songs that have been in heavy rotation:
Chinese Restaurant – Yung Lean
Dangerous Woman – Weiland
You Have Got to Be Kidding Me – fanclubwallet
Get out of My Head – Sofia Bolt
Calling It – Automatic
Let’s Ride – Bladee
Flawless – Yeat (feat. Uzi)
Dangerous Game – Marcus Mumford (feat. Clairo)
REPRISE – The Lumineers
Skinny Love – Bon Iver
This next month, I’m not entirely sure what’s going to happen, but I’m excited for all my friends that are about to embark on a new adventure. I have friends that are moving to new cities, new provinces, and even new countries. I know some people hate change, but for me, those are the seasons of growth. What a time to be alive!
Your friend,
Miguel
Miguel Mabalay 