Skating on real ice

It was a splendidly cold day with a top of -10c. The sun was shining (somewhat feebly in the south) and the cars were gleefully spinning their tyres on the icy road verges try to get out of their parking locations. Finally getting to use the thermals we'd lugged half way around the world for 3 weeks of this weather (not one day) we headed off for a day of frolicking snow play. Catching the underground trains was straightforward... and noisy. They run on rubber tires the same as the ones in Paris so whilst it seems efficient it really could do with some noise reduction technology. One point up for home. Their ticketing system is easy to use, cheap and clever (paper RFID cards). OK OK... so home sucks in comparison.

Anyway, after research showing that all the real winter fun starts in January here we alighted at the Spaceship known as the Olympic stadium on the promise of sledding, sliding and skating. Eventually we found a fun park for toddlers. Thinking there was more (or something better) we walked around some, saw some protestors getting ready for something, looked at the entrance to the botantical gardens and eventually capitulated and went back to the toddlers play pen. After all we are Aussies. This is an Olympic stadium. This is where we stand tall, and proud, and we win. Except in Montreal - as history shows.

Anyway we were here to have fun - regardless of skill level of the participants (so was the squad in '76 apparently) so we sat on the rubber tubes and slid down the entirely safe slope - giggling all the way. We then donned our skates and then gracefully slid around the rink for an hour or so. Well the younger generation did. The older ones struggled. Ghosts of '76 being channelled perhaps. Ice skating is a skill. Makes one appreciate how well the hockey players are loaded with ability. Trying to teach old muscles new tricks takes more than an hour of struggling to be successful. Give us week at least (was the justification). As it transpires this was the perfect place for us. Uncrowded, relaxed and friendly.

We had a great time and so back through the noisy tunnels of the underground to relax and discover the weather tomorrow will deal us a timetable blow. Here comes a true "event". All hands to devices to look at alternatives but nothing stood out as a viable option. As so deciding to let fate take is course we walked back down to the old town (past the Notre Dame angels)for diner at the brewery. Turns out that they are pretty uncouth with most items of any quality (salmon salads, sav blanc etc.) being unavailable. Not letting this trouble us too much we feasted on available grub and taxied back to the abode.

Securing alternate accommodation for tomorrow was not awkward. Hopefully insurance will cover it it. Of course one can never make up for an entire day in the big Apple being lost. Still the storm could be interesting....