To say that my recent trip to Toronto was "good" would be an understatement. The blend of cultures, shades of skin, and variety of languages spoken created an almost magical elixir of diversity. I thought to myself, "This is exactly what I needed to keep my fire lit!" I needed to get outside of my norm, my Mid-West bubble, and be reminded that life exists outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan; life is happening in other forms and taking other shapes. Home is always comforting but variety adds a good spice that makes the appreciation of home greater.
I shopped in Chinatown, passed by a french cafe with the most delectable pastries (thumbs up to the pecan tart!), happened upon the NXNE festival featuring Digable Planets and The Pharcyde, and enjoyed sushi on Dundas Avenue. What was even better was that I experienced this with 6 of the most adventurous young people from the mentoring program at the community center I work at. This trip was a reward for them maintaining a 3.0 GPA. The reward was not only for them but me as well who, along with them, experienced so many new and unexpected things.
Take a look...
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| View from the ferry on the way to Toronto Islands |
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| Just arriving in Chinatown |
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| Mural on Dundas Ave |
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| Sculpture in front of museum |
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| Ahhhh the people of Toronto! |
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| This sushi served by the most enthusiastic waitress on the planet...she was a doll! |
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| Now that's desert! |
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| Performance artists near the NXNE mainstage |
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| Breakfast of Champions |
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| Sculpture on the way to the ferry... |
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| View from the ferry, on the way to the islands |
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| I guess we were safe with all those life preservers huh!? |
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| This beautiful scene was something out of a movie |
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| Just a tip for any Parks and Rec department...a little encouragement isn't so bad:) |
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| Strolling through the gardens on the Toronto Islands |
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| Four-person bike ride anyone? It was all good until our chain popped...that's what we get for trying to race! |
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| Of course I had to have a contemplative moment in there...so typical of me... |
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| Nothing like a bit of street art to brighten my walk |
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