3 Reasons to be happy you live in Toronto
1. Beaches!
There are so many things that are awesome about late spring in Toronto, not the least of which is the fact that you can go to the beach and get a respectable tan on May 2. Ontario people might take that for granted, but in Alberta if it's "18 and sunny" it's in all likelihood only 15 and partly cloudy with a brisk wind and/or curtains of insects. And lakes? Ha. You'd be surprised what passes for a lake in Alberta.
HtO Park in Toronto was designed jointly by Janet Rosenberg + Associates, Claude Cormier, and Hariri Pontarini Architects and completed in 2007. There's still loads of construction going on along Queen's Quay but my new boss (yes!) assures me that it will be fantastic once complete. I'm glad to hear it, because both Kirsten and I had to dodge construction closures and what these parks along the waterfront really need is a long connecting path.
While there was a somewhat cool wind blowing from the east across Lake Ontario, overall it was a perfect beach day, made complete with lazy conversation, unhealthy foods and not enough sunscreen.
Our very own pointy tower that serves no immediately obvious purpose!
Contemplating the edge-walkers on the CN Tower
This dog was awesome. First he dug a giant hole in the sand....
Then he laid down belly up and flopped around while everyone took pictures.
2. Street Meat
I just want to point out how logical and awesome it is to have hot-dog stands dotting busy street corners. It's 5 pm, who has time to consult google and find an affordable meal downtown? Problem solved for $3.50. You can see my gourmet pallet leans towards the complementary flavours of olives, pickles, and bacon bits. You will only suffer slightly for your poor life choices, and not even until like 8 hours later.
Danes: you will note that buns come free with hot dogs in this country, and they're also large enough to contain the entire wiener. Try not to faint with disbelief or shock.
Not to say that each movie isn't worth $16.50...
Sitting under a nearly-blooming tree for the free outdoor screening of Brothers Hypnotic at the U of T Quad.
3. Hot Docs
So through a lucky connection at Hot Docs Jed got us 2 courtesy passes which allow us to see any films we want for free.
Hot Docs is a documentary film festival that goes on for 10 days here in Toronto, with many international and local films having their Canadian premieres.
If you have a chance you should go see a film between now and Sunday! I can recommend Elena, Which Way is the Front Line From Here? and God Loves Uganda. Tickets are free for students and seniors for showings before 5 pm, which is pretty awesome.
winter is here.