White Out

It was a fun night.

For those of you who missed it, Montréal had its annual Nuit Blanche, just before our Spring break and at the end of another long week of teaching and work that really drained me.

I must admit that I was tempted to take this week off with all of the responsibilities and activities in front of me. I have entered two separate contests with both the CBC and The Writers' Union of Canada (all non-fiction work, my specialty). I prepared tests for my students at the college. I prepared new classes for my online students and one particular class in the offices of one the wealthiest companies in the city (being sent to the wrong address was a nice touch). And I paid off a set of bills and have almost climbed that particular mountain of debt for the first time in a long time.

Needless to say, I needed the Nuit Blanche.

Now, the secret to enjoying the NB is to get your rest in early on. I have many years of experience with this and can say that a one-hour nap will help...as will whatever energy drink you can grab (I drink locally; Guru is the best). Dress comfortably, and dress warmly. Yeah, it is the start of the Spring Break, but it is a Canadian Spring Break (the title should be approached ironically with several grains of salt for the sidewalk). You will need to be insulated.

I discovered that there was less to do this year than in previous celebrations. Certain galleries and museums were closed for repairs (i.e. no money for new shows), and most of the events were centred in the downtown core. I ended up at one of my favourite spots: the Belgo Building on Rue Ste. Catherine. The building once housed the offices of the Canadian Building and Shipping offices; later, it was one of the first department stores in Montréal. Now, it houses art spaces and studios. Some old friends of mine have a dance studio there and the plan was to see if I could run into them.

No dice.

Strangely enough, most of the building - including my friends' stop - was shut down. The few places that were open housed art that was either too minimal or derivative to enjoy (you could see the disappointment in the faces of the people who knew little about this once lively gem of a stop).

So, what did work?

There was a DJ and a skating rink in the Quartier des Spectacles. I always enjoy walking downtown and finding myself near Place des Arts. On this particular night, the music, food, lights and friendly faces made up for my early disappointments.

And there was one more thing...

The National Film Board of Canada building was open!

Now this is a treat. Every year, I try to find the time to go in, enjoy the short films - documentaries, animation, award-winning shorts - that they share with the public.

This year, there was an added bonus. I discovered that there was a contest in the main lobby over local Montréal celebrities displayed in a short animation film called 'Le jeune fille au beret rouge' (The Girl in the Red Beret). I noted the depictions of Maurice 'Rocket' Richard, Oscar Peterson, and, of course, Leonard Cohen! That got me the gift below:

And I won this!

Okay, it wasn't a win, but it was an Academy Award. I appreciated the fact that they let us handle the actual awards won by the Board over the years (mine was the 1988 win that commemorated their fifty years in the business). It was one day before the ceremony. And they really are heavy suckers ('Anora', much respect).

So, that was my night. I stuck it out after passing through a building to grab one of the all-night metro rides. I saw a live show on the walk there. Everyone was dancing and laughing and trying their best to keep their energy up. Of course, when I hear salsa after midnight, I enjoy myself...and I take photos (for research purposes, you see).

And if you do get the chance, please find out more about the international events connected to this special night!

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You can find more poems, stories, and articles by Kendall Defoe on my Vocal profile. I complain, argue, provoke and create...just like everybody else.

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