Collecting experiences
Plenty of concerts to see during summer holidays
Taliaq, nitaptuk! August in Membertou is one of the busiest times in our cozy community.
The Cape Breton Bike Festival was recently hosted, and a specially-designed Pride flag was raised to celebrate our LGBTQ2+ family.
If you haven’t yet seen Membertou’s Pride flag, check it out at the Membertou Heritage Park. The unique flags were made in 2017, as Membertou is the main sponsor of Cape Breton Pride Week.
Some of you were probably expecting to hear from me last weekend and I apologize for any delays. Last week, I was away on vacation and actually still struggling for a topic to write about.
While on vacation, a topic hit me. It didn’t hit me like a brick wall, but more like a cold splash of water.
In recent years, I have noticed a pattern that has developed when I am away from home for a week or more. It’s commonly referred to as travel insomnia.
Usually, a vacation is meant for us to relax and get away from the daily stresses of work and family life. For me, it’s all that – if I am actually able to sleep at night.
This summer, I returned to two of my favourite cities – Montreal and Toronto. Sleep issues began the night before my 6 a.m. flight on August 6. If I’m lucky, I can catch some shut-eye on a flight, but no chance this year.
To add to my sleeplessness, the heatwave that we experienced in Unama’ki was waiting for me in Montreal. Upon arrival, the temperature was already in the 40s.
The evening’s thundershower was not only a visual spectacle, but a well-needed treat. If only temporary, it zapped some of the smothering humidity. It was also my first time witnessing chain lightning, as Montreal’s bright skies lit up even brighter in the cooling rain.
My Montreal objectives were simple: catch the Smashing Pumpkins’ reunion tour, and to finally experience the most talented and beautiful performer on planet earth – Shakira.
If you know me, you are aware of my love for Columbia’s greatest export. I basically accomplished one of my life goals last week.
And for the record – her hips do not lie. They may dazzle, compose, or even entrap one – but they certainly do not weave lies.
Shakira is so small, but very mighty. Her energy has no limitations, as she ignited the Bell Centre for two straight hours. The night before, Billy Corgan and the Pumpkins played for nearly three-and-a-half hours, including covers of Space Odyssey and Stairway to Heaven.
Part two: Toronto. Another one of my favourite cities to visit, and possibly a future home. Toronto included another first and one of the most eventful. It included my very first Blue Jays game.
I was seated behind a married couple, occasionally sharing laughs and banter as the home team finished its season series with the Boston Red Sox.
Up 8-5 and with two outs, my new buddy Ped and his wife left to race the crowd. I then mentioned that it was my first time attending a MLB game. They couldn’t believe it!
You know we had to get a photo together, and a new friendship was formed. Also, seated behind me was a mother and young daughter.
They were contest winners who received upgraded seats and bags of Jays merchandise. Before I left, mama asked me to take their photo as they were also on vacation. Esmerelda and daughter Lauren were visiting from Holland and were also first-time Blue Jays game attendees!
The next night I met another fabulous couple at Rod Stewart and Cyndi Lauper’s concert stop. Though we didn’t exchange names, we shared many laughs and cheers.
They even introduced me to their friends, who had a Cape Breton connection; being from Mein a Dieu and New Waterford.
I am now home and catching up on any sleep that was missed. Though I’m still very tired, I am firstly thankful for these opportunities, and the chance to make new friends during my travels. Collecting experiences is my most enjoyable hobby.
Nmultes, nitaptuk!
Adam is a lifelong Membertou resident and the community’s very own Kji Paparazzi. When not covering and supporting local events, he enjoys travel and making new friendships along the way. Most recently, Adam experienced Shakira in all her glory and he accomplished another bucket-list item. Send email at any time to adamegould@gmail.com