The grey granite of Dundas Square, usually dotted with stark metal tables and the odd street vendor, is hardly visible today. The square is overflowing with people. Many are obvious out-of-towner's, pausing to take pictures of the Eaton Centre, dawdling four people wide on the side walk or stating, "I can't believe everyone here waits for the light to turn before they cross," as I overhear one such tourist while waiting at the busy Yonge and Dundas intersection.
I find myself thinking, don't they know this is Toronto? Dundas Square is a Times Square wanna-be (as much as I love it), the Eaton Centre is now an eyesore, people here are in a hurry and cabbies will speed up if you cross against a light.
I admit, I have difficulty with this Flaneur part. I am one of those get-where-I'm-going and stare-at-my-feet-as-I-walk kind of people.
But I digress.
Maybe it's the beautiful summer-like weather that's brought the tourists here, or maybe it's the weekend long Best Buy Grand Opening. The weekend featured musical acts such as John Mayer and Beyonce, who wowed a reported 18,000 people for free. Well, almost. Best Buy's trademark price tag has painted the peaceful square. It's the backdrop of the stage, it's on the speakers and sound systems, it's on the small tents that have been erected on top of the Dundas Fountains. Even children with Best Buy flags pass me by on the side walk.
I choose to observe from afar. I don't like crowds. Or over-the-top commercialism.
I find myself thinking, don't they know this is Toronto? Dundas Square is a Times Square wanna-be (as much as I love it), the Eaton Centre is now an eyesore, people here are in a hurry and cabbies will speed up if you cross against a light.
I admit, I have difficulty with this Flaneur part. I am one of those get-where-I'm-going and stare-at-my-feet-as-I-walk kind of people.
But I digress.
Maybe it's the beautiful summer-like weather that's brought the tourists here, or maybe it's the weekend long Best Buy Grand Opening. The weekend featured musical acts such as John Mayer and Beyonce, who wowed a reported 18,000 people for free. Well, almost. Best Buy's trademark price tag has painted the peaceful square. It's the backdrop of the stage, it's on the speakers and sound systems, it's on the small tents that have been erected on top of the Dundas Fountains. Even children with Best Buy flags pass me by on the side walk.
I choose to observe from afar. I don't like crowds. Or over-the-top commercialism.
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