Once again, I've found my upcoming schedule inexplicably hectic all of a sudden. I'd argue it's less "overcommitment" and rather "forgetfulness towards prior commitments", though it would equate it the same turnout when viewed plainly on one's calendar.
Amongst my roster of virtual interactions, a particular user reached out to extend an invitation to a media launch event coinciding with one of my in-office days. Nearly five years have passed since our last in-person meeting, with the last excursion taking place on the border of Markham and Scarborough.
stackt's Holiday Hills Market hadn't conjured much tremendous interest (nor positive feedback, for that matter) from my surrounding circle. Though I figured the destination was close enough for a brief detour; I'd be waiting aimlessly anyway.
After transferring between the 503 and 504 streetcars along King, I eventually arrived at the entrance near sundown. It was mostly empty at this time, for the City was transitioning between rush hour commutes and post-work activities.
In under nine minutes, I arrived at The Well.
At its Front Street entrance was a small, rectangular rink, likely a recent addition for Holiday at The Well. The compact space appeared crude compared to the comprehensive interlock tiling, bordered by a thin frame of 2 by 4s which doubly served as railing. While walking by, I observed staff laying down foamy inserts for navigation on bladed footwear. The temporary rink was very much a work in progress.
Alas, my role was merely to serve as accompaniment - in other words, photo support and facilitator, where the need arose.
While the crab cakes were too garlicy for my preference and the sushi bites excessively vinegary and topped with chili slices, the Beef Tartare chips was quite delectable. Having not consumed anything past 4 PM, I was famished. Little did I know that my exploration partner hadn't intended on eating supper together after the event.
The thin circles were quickly recognized, causing virtual elements to surface immediately action after scanning. Various species would pop out on the screen, followed by prompts to click around it for fun facts and trivia.
It transitioned into an unfinished tunnel with an enclosed transition corridor into the next room. Given that the exhibit had opened prior to the room's completion, we were informed that any patrons who had purchased tickets before its intactness would be emailed a complimentary ticket for a follow-up visit to supplement the experience.
Generally speaking, the event was a venture more enjoyable than I had envisioned, despite my partner-in-crime's consistently turbulent manner throughout. Arcadia Earth was a multi-sensory, interactive experience that bridged the realms of art and education. The rooms had been constructed to appeal to a wide array of visitors of varying different ages and technological familiarity: physical, textured elements for tactile stimulation, incense jars for olfactory incitment, audio recordings and Augmented Reality for additional tidbits of trivia, along with a plethora of mediums, colours, and light sequences to maximize both amusement and academic factors.
Furthermore, the exhibits had succeeded in being obvious enough to be comprehensible to the general public while retaining a sense of complexity for those more attuned/appreciative of their underlying intentions.
The transit hub was shockingly busy for 9 PM on a Thursday evening. By this point, nearly all food court vendors had ceased operations for the evening, or sold out entirely of savoury food items.
McDonald's assumed my last resort. An overpriced Grilled Chicken McWrap rang in at just under $10 after tax - an appalling result of inflation, since combo-less wraps used to be $6.99.