Encounters with Werner Herzog

So, those who know me know I love the films of Werner Herzog (crazy German bastard he is). Couple of weeks back I bought his latest doc "Encounters At The End of The World" on DVD. It's a film about the Antarctic and the dreamers who live there. I've been saving it for the right moment to watch it. As I've learned, Herzog's films are something to be savoured and contemplated. You don't just throw one on for kicks. It must be placed in the DVD player delicately and meditated upon like a fine wine or Japanese Zen koan.
So, I watched it tonight. The moment seemed right but for no tangible reason other than I was ready.
In one word: extraordinary. In many words: breathtaking, mindblowing, an alternate reality. Its hard to sum up. The people living there include a scientist more comfortable living with the penguins he studies than other humans, a philosopher who drives heavy machinery, a linguist on a continent with no human language, a machinist who is a descendent from Incan royalty. I watched a deranged penguin walk away from his colony, away from the ocean, inward to the center of the continent, 5000 miles on the path to certain death. I saw undesea creatures that are alien to our experience. Scientists laying down and placing their ear to the ice to listen to it move and the call of the seals transmitted through it. There were volcanic vents through the ice that created cathedrals of frozen water.
Rent or buy this movie. Buy a great bottle of wine or roll a nice joint. Dim the lights. And watch this movie. I am in awe ... thank you, Werner. I still believe in the magic of film.

p.s.-and he dedicated it to Roger Ebert the film critic and one of his biggest fans...(the scientists listening at the ice segment was definitely for him)

Georges Island

So today I went to Georges Island. gi is a small island in halifax harbour normally clsoed to the publice. Parks Canada opened it up for 2 days this year and are working towards opening it on a regular basis. Here's a picture of it from the air (not taken by me):

(that's Halifax to the left)
Here it is on the ferry ride:

The fort constructed on the island was one of the defensive fortifications of the city built by Price Edward. THe little fort was called Fort Charlotte after his mother. Incidentally, Edward's daughter would be known as Queen Victoria.
The entire island is basically one big fortification with old gun turrets pointing out to the mouth of the harbour ready to blow any shop to smithereens. THe island served as the last line of defense into the inner harbour.



Of course there is a lighthouse, now automated. THe last lightkeeper and his family left in '75 I believe.

If there is one thing Nova Scotians love its their "historic reenactors". This guy posed for us (he's hiding his very non-1800s hot dog behind his back):

And then we went down into the tunnels. These were underground storerooms for amunition and black powder (and piss off; I like my sepia tone...I think it really works with the dark and dankness of the tunnels...as well making me look all artsy ^ creative & shit).





Coming out of the tunnels you walk into a moat which separates the main fort from the outer defensive structure that housed 4 BIG 10 inch rifled muzzle loaders. These faced out to sea and could fire 400 pound shells up to 3 miles. Yeh, that's a big deal.




Here's a view of those turrets from the sea looking back to the island:

Those cannons were part of the lower battery. The upper battery consisted of a another bank of cannons above ground. This bank had a wider view of the harbour and could hit ships as they passed the island.


You also got a great view of McNab's Island from here. MI is a larger island (400 hectares) that sits further out towards the ocean. It was also fortified. Its more difficult to get to but I plan to this summer.

Halifax from the island:




ANd you can't have a blogpost about Nova Scotia without including a picture of sailing boats:

Or a fishing boat:

More reenactors (I love these fuckers):


The guy with the hacksaw was describing the process of amputation during wartime, while the cute little child was playing at his feet and I was eating a hotdog. Awesome:

Another of McNab's Island:

The red building is a horrible dank little stone building for the married officiers. Really, I can't imagine living in that cramped place; it must have been to remind them of marriage:

The white building is the lighthouse keeper's residence:

Annnd one last panorama of Halifax from GI:

Annnd two last views of the island on the way back:


And me:

God, what a fucking tourist I am....

Patio Season

Patio Season has officially begun. Yesterday and today have been fantastic out and this past week the bars in town have started getting their sidewalk patios ready. Leave it to Halifax to take bar patios to another level. This isn't just a couple of small tables crowding the sidewalk in front of the bars. This is complete military takeover of the sidewalks. Most places build, really build with carpenters and the sort, sidewalks extensions that move out into the street so they can maximize the size of their patios. It transforms pedestrian and car traffic on the streets where there are a lot of bars. I'll throw some photos up when I get a chance.

in addition....

Where I come from is fuckin brilliantly beautiful....I forgot how stunning this part of the country is. When I was younger I never appreciated it, but now when I look around I am astounded by the natural beauty of it all. Did you see those pictures in my previous post? Yeh, them's just everday pics, baby. No effort involved. Damn, I'm glad to live here.

p.s.-ok, maybe I am a decent photographer too...

Nova Scotia in the air

Work's been busy so there....

That said, my half-brother came for a visit couple weeks back. We never grew up together and I've only met him a few times. Our father is quite ill so I think that was part of the reason he decided to come now as opposed to later.

It was a good visit. He's a pretty cool dude. He's from B.C. and is definitely a west-coaster. Bit of a hippy, big hockey fan, and travelled a LOT when he was younger. I think he got that from Dad for sure. We're bothe BIG movie and music fans too. It's kinda neat to talk with him and realize that we like the same bands. There isn't anybody else in my family that I can talk to about that sort thing. Here's him in front of the Hockey Heritage museum in Windsor:



We spent a few days with the folks and went over to the Bay of FUndy. Much like myself, he needs the ocean near him.





On the cliff in the background is a cottage that my aunt had when I was younger. I spent many summer days up there and in the area, either at cousins who lived there or at campgrounds.



And another one of John:



And of course this is the Annapolis Valley with my hometown of Bridgetown:

the zip that makes the soul zaz

If things feel shitty (and/or are...) great music always makes me feel glad to be alive. Especially great live music. Damn, I love the Carleton. Newest band I saw there tonight is Telfer: http://www.myspace.com/telfermusic

Repeat Sighting

Just saw Sam Losco again. This time having a smoke in front of the Oasis, a divey bar. Somehow that seems more appropriate....