A couple of nights in Toronto gave me a fresh perspective on the world. People were nice, kind, and understanding.
Toronto looks prosperous, lots of new high rise buildings, lots of independent clothing stores. Tim Horton's on every other block, and a few Starbucks, but not many. Lots of good food.
Watching television without pharmaceuticals advertising is a very pleasant experience. And without competition from the drug pushers, even a few local businesses are able to afford television advertising.
Toronto seems to truly embrace the vibrant diversity of the people who live and visit there. Being a truly bilingual country, seems to bring a tolerance of differing languages that I don't see at home. In my morning of wandering around I heard French, German, Swedish, Spanish, Arabic, and Mandarin.
There is a pride of Canadian grown, and Canadian made on display across the city. A model for how it can be done. And yes, I went into an LCBO store (liqueur control board of Ontario) and there was not a single product made in the USA on display. I do hope this brings a renaissance of distilling in Canada. I would like to see more high quality offerings grown and made in a country that grows millions of acres of grain.
It was nice to meet up with old friends, and make new ones (I was there for an American Bar Association meeting.)
How did it leave my mood? It was great to see a city and a country that is doing well in global chaos. One person said, "well Canada has had her share of politicians we were embarrassed by." People were nice, and Toronto blooming is a world city.
It was great to get away for a couple of nights. It does a body and mind a lot of good to see the world from a different, fresh perspective.
I couldn't agree more on trips and a fresh perspective. Especially when they are OUT of the country.
ReplyDeleteWhen is your next escape?
DeleteNext week!
DeleteSounds like Toronto left you refreshed—there’s something uplifting about a city that thrives amid global chaos. And yes, every country’s had its cringe-worthy politicians… glad the people made up for it! 🌆🍁
ReplyDeleteIt was a great trip.
DeleteAn amazing city AND in Canada. Who could ask for more?
ReplyDeleteA little more moderate climate and I would want to live there (Housing is frightfully expensive.)
DeleteWhile I am more a Vancouver person, Toronto is just a great city. It is large, wonderful and very cosmopolitan. Tim Hortons is terrific as is England's Greggs. I wish we had similar to either here. It is the same about not allowing pharma advertising, but we don't have buy our liquor from a government owned and controlled liquor outlet. I wasn't impressed until I found a nearby LCBO liquor shop under the Gardiner Expressway.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed your short time away. Did you notice a queue at Canada's southern border?
I flew. I used the pre-clearance app to enter Canada, and it took maybe two minutes to scan my passport, and answer two questions, what brings you to Canada, and are you meeting friends here? Returning to the US took even less time, the machine took my photo, and the border officer asked me if I had anything to declare (No)
DeleteWhy no city is perfect, Toronto does sounds like it strives toward that goal.
ReplyDeleteSidenote: I loathe Starbucks and one thing I love about our town is the city council will not allow chain business, Starbucks, etc, to open within the core city limits. It keeps the charm of the town.
Toronto appeared cleaner and more prosperous this time, than it was the last time I was there. I was surprised by the amount of street front retail, something that has disappeared in many cities.
DeleteBob, New Hope was the same way. They would not let any big chains in. The only exception was Starbucks, but only because they agreed to the huge tax the bourgh put on them, not to mention a clause stating they had to give back to the community in various ways. They actually have done so. But I have never been a customer of theirs. Find the coffee to strong.
DeleteGlad you enjoyed your time in the Land of Canucks!
ReplyDeleteIt was wonderful, and the people were so nice.
DeleteWhat a positive experience! Your words make me want to visit sometime soon.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice, I wish I had more time there, and had planned my exploration before I arrived.
DeleteWas the American Bar Association meeting held in an American bar?
ReplyDeleteA Canadian one, it was a joint meeting with the Canadian Bar Association.
DeleteThis post makes me want to visit Canada some time. I've heard Quebec is interesting, too. Have you been there?
ReplyDeleteI spoke a medical conference in Montreal 3-4 years ago. It was delightful. I would like to go to Ottawa, and Alberta I think it is to meet Debra at She Who Seeks.
DeleteI visited Toronto for a radio and television convention way back in 1966. I loved the city and Canadians are so "nice".
ReplyDelete