Toronto Visit!
November 17th, 2022
Overall: Toronto felt open and clean, free of litter and graffiti typical in larger cities. It had a European more than American feel to us. Though we stayed in the heart of its bustling downtown, the pace was comfortable, and we felt safe with the little ones. Foodie Highs: Tim Horton's coffee hit the spot during the crisp mornings (it was also half the price of a Starbucks!). We took advantage of Toronto's ethnic diversity, enjoying tasty gyros at Shawarma 360, a savory bowl of oxtail pho at Ginger near downtown, and a perfectly crispy tofu bowl at The Rec Room. Favorite Sight: Niagara Falls tour with Maid of the Mist on Day 1 – the sheets of rain falling almost over us was a testament to the power of nature and His creation. I don't think words can describe the sheer force of the falls. It was a grander experience than we could have imagined.
Lessons Learned:#1. For long-term travel (all of 6 days in this case!), one hotel room for the four of us is tight... very tight! By Day 4, our room was a hot mess despite my best efforts. Not to mention I'm a morning person, Drew's a night person, and the kids are light sleepers – you get the picture! On our flight home from Canada, I changed all our accommodations for our upcoming overseas trip to 2+ bedroom Airbnbs. #2. Always travel with a backup check/credit card - just in case you get separated from your spouse and your bank's travel alert system is malfunctioning!
Other notables: The 18th annual International Street Medicine Symposium – our primary reason for traveling to Toronto. It was great to see a group of medical and social services professionals from around the world gather together to discuss and learn how we can better serve our unsheltered patients and clients. One of the conference's main themes was the emphasis on being more humble and empathetic in working with others... genuinely Christlike, as I saw it. Day 2: The Toronto Zoo was tranquil and lovely. The grounds were as enjoyable as the wildlife. That day trip was also the first time we could experience the benefits of world schooling. In addition to exploring and learning without crowds, Abby completed her core curriculum during lunch and rest breaks. Day 3: Ripley's Aquarium – engaging, colorful, interactive – for the whole family. Day 4: We had a private event at the Art Gallery of Ontario. After the social, we went to the basement to use the restrooms and made small talk with one of the workers there. She was from the Caribbean originally and was such a sweet lady. She invited Abby to visit her someday and even promised McDonald's and snow! Afterward, Abby told me if I wanted to live by her when she was grown, I would have to move to Canada! Day 5: Casa Loma – Stepping into this castle felt like we were back in Europe and not in a building that was barely more than 100 years old. The vision of Sir Henry Pellat, Casa Loma, which began construction in 1911, took 300 men, three years, and 3.5 million then-dollars to complete. In addition to grand entertaining spaces, quarters, and gardens, the castle featured lookout towers designed to shoot and defend against arrows from invaders, hidden passageways, and ovens large enough to cook an ox. After we explored the interior together, Abby and I walked into the gardens to see a gorgeous wedding set-up on one side and a little too-scary Halloween trail getting ready on the other. Meanwhile, Drew and Lincoln explored tunnels that led to a modern-day wax museum and historic stable. Lincoln left with a giant sword (from the gift shop) – win! After our castle visit, Abby and I enjoyed a mother-daughter date at her first musical– Singing in the Rain. My favorite memory: when the lead actor was flirting with the lead actress, he put his arm around her, and Abby, in a not-so-quiet voice, said, "Come on!" with a classic eye roll! We ended our wonderful week by exploring the CN Tower with friends – great views and company.
Lessons Learned:#1. For long-term travel (all of 6 days in this case!), one hotel room for the four of us is tight... very tight! By Day 4, our room was a hot mess despite my best efforts. Not to mention I'm a morning person, Drew's a night person, and the kids are light sleepers – you get the picture! On our flight home from Canada, I changed all our accommodations for our upcoming overseas trip to 2+ bedroom Airbnbs. #2. Always travel with a backup check/credit card - just in case you get separated from your spouse and your bank's travel alert system is malfunctioning!
Other notables: The 18th annual International Street Medicine Symposium – our primary reason for traveling to Toronto. It was great to see a group of medical and social services professionals from around the world gather together to discuss and learn how we can better serve our unsheltered patients and clients. One of the conference's main themes was the emphasis on being more humble and empathetic in working with others... genuinely Christlike, as I saw it. Day 2: The Toronto Zoo was tranquil and lovely. The grounds were as enjoyable as the wildlife. That day trip was also the first time we could experience the benefits of world schooling. In addition to exploring and learning without crowds, Abby completed her core curriculum during lunch and rest breaks. Day 3: Ripley's Aquarium – engaging, colorful, interactive – for the whole family. Day 4: We had a private event at the Art Gallery of Ontario. After the social, we went to the basement to use the restrooms and made small talk with one of the workers there. She was from the Caribbean originally and was such a sweet lady. She invited Abby to visit her someday and even promised McDonald's and snow! Afterward, Abby told me if I wanted to live by her when she was grown, I would have to move to Canada! Day 5: Casa Loma – Stepping into this castle felt like we were back in Europe and not in a building that was barely more than 100 years old. The vision of Sir Henry Pellat, Casa Loma, which began construction in 1911, took 300 men, three years, and 3.5 million then-dollars to complete. In addition to grand entertaining spaces, quarters, and gardens, the castle featured lookout towers designed to shoot and defend against arrows from invaders, hidden passageways, and ovens large enough to cook an ox. After we explored the interior together, Abby and I walked into the gardens to see a gorgeous wedding set-up on one side and a little too-scary Halloween trail getting ready on the other. Meanwhile, Drew and Lincoln explored tunnels that led to a modern-day wax museum and historic stable. Lincoln left with a giant sword (from the gift shop) – win! After our castle visit, Abby and I enjoyed a mother-daughter date at her first musical– Singing in the Rain. My favorite memory: when the lead actor was flirting with the lead actress, he put his arm around her, and Abby, in a not-so-quiet voice, said, "Come on!" with a classic eye roll! We ended our wonderful week by exploring the CN Tower with friends – great views and company.