Toronto

      As the one year mark of my move approaches, I thought I'd share a few of my favourite things (so far) about the city that I now call home.


      Now those who don't know me very well may just think that I moved here because I'm such a huge Blue Jays fan. That obviously made my choice easier, however, it wasn't the sole reason I chose Toronto. What was attractive initially was the opportunities I saw for myself after graduation. I've always been drawn to the big city and even though I hail from a prairie province, I've never been "small town."


      One of the things I find unique about this city is how welcoming it is, yet unsociable at the same time. And I don't mean that in a negative sense. I've never been made to feel uncomfortable here or not at home. I come from a place where I'm used to striking up a conversation with a stranger because that's just who I am, and having that person not be weirded out and actually engage in chat. That doesn't happen here. At least not as often and it was a different experience, but not an unacceptable one. More like, "okay that's how they do it here." The city is so welcoming, it has taken in many refugees and asylum seekers (political opinions aside) and has exhausted its resources and asked the federal government for more assistance. With many of those refugees having stayed in the building I'm living in this summer. I think it is a fantastic thing that these people and families are choosing this great city to start building a better quality of life. It truly is a very inclusive and culturally diverse place.


      I didn't get out and experience the city the way I wanted during the school year, I was too focused on not falling flat on my face that I hardly got out. But I've tried to make the most of my summer and that includes discovering Kensington Market. Tara and I were looking to get out and do something one day, and while it was supposed to rain that day, we went anyways just to check it out. She got to experience her first ever ride on a streetcar and we both got to experience an energetic neighbourhood like never before. What struck me as the most unique, was while there were chain restaurants and such just outside the market, there was nothing like that inside the market. A lot of small locally owned stores, cafes, organic grocery stores, pubs and much more. Not a single Starbucks, Timmies, McDonald's, etc., which made it feel much homier. The streets are open for pedestrians, closing only for the odd vehicle traffic and music from buskers and open-doored shops echoes throughout the market. It is a very peaceful part of the city.


      One thing that was on my non-existent bucket list of things to experience, and it may seem odd to some, was my own view of the city skyline from the harbour. I knew there were boat tours and such but I never looked into it. My lovely lady found a Groupon deal and booked a ride after a baseball game. While the boat didn't travel far, it still made its way up the harbour and allowed for some pretty spectacular views and pictures of the skyline, both before sunset and after it got dark. Capping off what was a pretty great first summer here and it isn't over yet. There is never a shortage of things to experience in this wonderful city and I'm glad that I can call it home and have it feel the same way.