Blogs from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, North America - page 95

Well, I'm back on Canadian soil...for the next few days. I arrived last Saturday and met my mom's flight only a few hours after mine landed. In typical female fashion, we both burst into tears the moment we saw each other. Although it's only been four months, it's the longest we've been apart, so we both were extremely happy to see each other. The next few days were filled with catching up, shopping, and, of course, indulging in a bit of Canadiana. The highlight: Tim Hortons. The lowlight: the weather. Although I was relieved to get out of the 45 degree heat, I did not plan on Toronto's little cold snap. It was 5 degrees when I first got here--quite a shock to the system. I expected a bit better at the end of May! On ... read more

Alright. So this is the first one. I will most likely not post many blogs until my actual trip is announced. Some things are still in the works. So, it's shhhh. Inspired by another traveller story I heard on CBC radio not too long ago, I give you this and ask you reply in the comment section. 1 - What inspires you right now? My plans and goals for the future, the firmness to the plans and the uncertaintly of the future. I am inspired to continue on my path of transformation, change and growth. And everything earth bound, elements, inspire. Mother Nature rocks. 2 - Do you have any regrets. If so, what are they? No regrets. I believe regrets are for people who cannot accept the consequences of their actions. What is done is ... read more

arrived safe and sound in toronto. staying with kirstins family for the 5 days we are here - should be some fun times. dead tired after the flight and have orientation tomorrow..thats all for now. ... read more

On the 2 hour bus from St Thomas to Toronto I marveled at the number of flags flapping along the way. At first sporadic appearances were made but as we drew nearer to Toronto they multiplied in number and size, the mighty maple leaf waving hello at me, in case I forgot for a moment where I was. About 30 minutes outside the city I started keeping count, reaching 37 flags in 15minutes. By then this game was getting a little boring so I struck up a conversation with Jim. Upon my probing, Jim replied this nationalistic zeal comes from a need to forge an identity, being so close in proximity and culture to the US. As Jim puts it, Canada is like the little sister of the most well known, popular, bitchy girl in school. ... read more

On the journey to Toronto we learnt more about Andrew an Australian traveller who was going to be staying in England for a year or so whilst interspersing trips to Europe. He was currently visiting friends in New York and Toronto for a few weeks and, as what was becoming somewhat of a habit, we discussed travelling, the world and our mutual bewilderment and all things American. Upon arrival in Toronto we all checked into a HI hostel and shared a bottle of Cointreau. The hostel, part of a chain across the US called HI or Hostel International, was very expensive and they had affectively slept us in a converted corridor. Also, as appears to be the policy of HI, they seem to attract strange & crazy people, young cheap-ass familys and the elderly. Ben and ... read more