After spending almost Eight weeks in Toronto, it is time to jot down my experiences in this lovely North American Land called Canada. We came in beginning of May and as we left in the beginning of July, it was very pleasant days and enjoyable nights with comfortable temperatures. Ideal for moving around the country side.
We visited, Blue Mountain Resort near Toronto, Niagara Falls, Ottawa and I alone visited Peterborough to meet my old school friend a classmate, whom I met after 58 years ! It was a memorable reunion after almost six decades !
Ottawa was a great experience. Beautiful city, friendly people and all the Old World majesty and culture of the British. Changing of Guard at the old Parliament House resembled the Change of Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London. The same red coat uniforms with the characteristic long black woolen caps or hats on the heads of highly disciplined young guards.
The University , the Libraries and Museums were just out of this world. Majestic , monumental old buildings and a really relaxed way of Life. A paradise to live and work. The Lake, the boating facilities, the well kept walking paths amidst unending greenery. The whole city sits on one grand green carpet.
Mississauga was another suburb I visited to meet an old friend of mine, that reflected the pleasant profile of Toronto.
And a city sight seeing drive with one Mr. Geoff Cape, CEO of a NGO called Evergreen was the most memorable event after my son's Graduation Ceremony at the Toronto University. Mr. Cape was an exceedingly pleasant gentleman full of zest for friendship and courtesy personified towards his fellow beings.
The North York City Library was my favorite haunt on many an afternoon. Great Library, with such quiet ambience most suited for a relaxed reading experience. Every Friday they would screen a good movie, followed by hot Tea / Coffee and snacks. A pleasant and rewarding two hours in the afternoon to see some memorable movies and interact with the film buffs after the show.
And can I forget the event " Shakespeare in High Park " ! A great open air performance by Students of Theatre enacting in immaculate style the Shakespeare Greats, Comedy of Errors and Julius Ceaser.
What a performance the young students delivered ! Out of this world.
Canada and Toronto will always be on my list for a once more visit, God Willing.
Toronto is the place I would love to spend the rest of my life if only it is possible. Lovely climate in Summer, may be a tough time in Winter but it would be worth enduring to wait for the pleasant summer months that will follow the bitterest of winters.
