Toronto was much larger than I had imagined, boasting the longest road in the world (Yonge Street), the tallest free standing structure (CN Tower), and probably experiences the most number of seasons in a day. Two days prior to my arrival, the city had experienced temperatures reaching a scorching 35 degrees Celsius. So it came as a big surprise when I arrived in summer clothing only to be warmly welcomed by flakes of snow falling from the sky. Apparently air temperature fluctuates between +45 & -45 degrees during the year and I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.
Weather, work, and women, I was promptly advised that these are the three "W's" that one cannot trust when living in this city (LOL). Fortunately I had no work and managed to escape the weather by losing myself in a variety of underground passages and routes littered with novelty shops, malls, and food courts which virtually connect the northern and southern city districts. A walk along the city’s streets during the day and you might think a city of this size was under populated, but it’s these hidden enclaves that vibrate with life and the drumming sound of hundreds of people shuffling their feet.
After having walked among the trees in peaceful Portland and tranquil Vancouver, Niagra Falls was a completely different experience. From a distance a small mist can be seen hovering on the horizon, setting the scene for what is about to come. Once there, you are witness to thousands of litres of water rushing down a cliff face with such force that it erupts into a loud roar the sound of which is almost deafening. The power of pure nature and almost as good as it gets.
The people are fanatical when it comes to Ice Hockey, perhaps this was made even more-so because of the heated match-up between Toronto and arch-enemies the New York Islanders. Toronto managed to take the series in the end and was arguably the better team. They also taught the New Yorkers a lesson or two about sportsmanship.
In addition to all of this excitement my hosts attended a wedding ceremony at a Persian Restaurant and I was fortunate enough to be invited. It was a wonderful night filled with laughter and music, and I had some interesting conversations and enjoyed sharing travel stories.
Toronto is a multicultural city and, if not for the weather, could be easily mistaken for home. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and urge you not to miss this beautiful city.
(See the <A HREF="http://www.virtualtourist.
com/m/.211130/article/1627/3/?s=e"> Gallery</A> on the right for several more pictures)
Toronto
email me
add as friend
Comments for sczabeti about Toronto