Portuguese mural

As promised, here's a closer look at the Portuguese Parkette that I showed briefly last week. There was a wonderful blue and white tile mural showing some of the historical moments of the Portuguese arrival in Canada. I upped the contrast on the top shot so the picture is more clear.

And here's a look at the mural in perspective. It's just near a bust of Portugues poet, Louis de Camoes. I'm not sure what he has to do with Portuguese-Canadians, but I guess all the greats of literature deserve a bust here and there! For more murals, take a look at Monday Mural.

From my garden...

I never had very good luck with zinnias, but this year I've hit the jackpot! A plethora of "volunteer" flowers have bloomed in my beds. I probably have the birds to thank for that. 

Happy Friday everyone! Hope you have some nice plans for the weekend. Mine is going to include un peu de francais.

Gardens of Casa Loma

The fantastic gardens at Casa Loma could really have a whole week dedicated to them alone! I still haven't visited the inside of Casa Loma, but if it's anything like outside it must be worth a look. Until I get there, enjoy these beauties from their garden.

Portugese parkette

This little "parkette" found off College Street in Toronto is dedicated to the Portugese Pioneers who helped build Canada. It was very nicely manicured with lots of colorful plants and flowers. There was even a (very small) wall of fame! I'll show you more another time, for now you can see more signs at Signs, Signs.

Pink peony

I found this beauty in the garden of one of the many golf courses I've visited this year. This magnificent blossom is a double bloom peony, if I'm not mistaken. I love that shade of pink and the fresh rain drops don't hurt either. If you enjoy flowers, check back tomorrow. I'm doing a floral series this week.

Groovy lady

I'm going on a floral kick this week. What better way to start it off than with a mural of a cool chic who likes to wear flowers in her hair? Hope you agree and that you'll be back to see more flowers. For more murals, take a look at Monday Murals.

Always take the time...

To stop and smell the roses!

I don't think I've ever regretting taking a few moments to smell (and photograph) a beautiful rose. Hope your weekend has been a good one. It finally cooled down a bit here in Toronto and I got a few rounds of relaxing golf in. A very nice way to spend the weekend. Now if there just wasn't that pesky work to get in the way of the next one!

The Ark of the Torah

This is the Ark of the Torah where the Torah scrolls are kept. There is a little curtain that can be pulled back to expose the scrolls or to take them out for reading. This little tour of the Kiever Shul concludes my Doors Open Toronto tour. I hope you have enjoyed it!

Blue skies over the temple

A look at the outside of the Kiever Shul, luckily it was a bright sunny day! This synagogue was opened in 1914 by Ukranian Jews. It has gone through some ups and downs in the days since, but the congregation seems to be growing these days even though they don't have a permanent Rabbi. 

Hope everyone has some great plans for the weekend. I am just hoping to keep cool! If you'd like to see more skies, take a look at Skywatch.

Holy reading

The last place I visited during Doors Open Toronto was the Kiever Shul. It was a lovely little temple tucked away in the Kensington Market area of Toronto. If only I could read Hebew!

Last stop

It's on to the final stop of my Doors Open tour. Come back tomorrow and I'll show you more! For more signs, take a look at Signs, Signs.

Soldiers Tower

I've got some more stained glass for you! This beautiful window is found inside the Soldiers Tower on the University of Toronto campus. It was also open during the recent Doors Open event.

And here are details from some of the other beautiful windows in the tower. They honor soldiers and as you can see, there are even some dedicated to women!

Perfect symmetry

There is a wonderful courtyard area at Hart House where you can dine al fresco and enjoy the sites like this work by Sorel Etrog. The perfect symmetry of this scene appealed to me, hope you enjoy it too!

On air

I believe I did mention the university radio station also broadcasts out of Hart House. Here's a look at one of the broadcast booths. It must be fun to work here as a disc jockey or host.

Hart House pool

My main reason for taking the Hart House tour was to see the art deco pool. However, I have to admit that I was severely disappointed. I have been to a few art deco pools in Europe and they were much more impressive (tilework, architectural details, etc), but I suppose I shouldn't compare the old world to the new! The skylights do make this a nice place for a swim, if you have the right membership card.

It's also unfortunate that the gallery area seems to double as a storage space so I couldn't get a shot without some lousy junk in it. But I guess that's how it goes - there are always some disappointments in life.