Friday, October 30th
Well, the bags and boxes are all packed, so it looks like I’m about to end my time here in the city of Toronto. I have to admit…I really enjoyed my month or so here in the city. I’ve had the chance to interact with a few thousand students here, and I’ve had a lot of fun with it.
So what did I learn during my time as a temporary Torontonian? This is a bustling, crazy, 24-hour city, alive with culture and energy, jolting from Film Fest to Fashion Week with alarming efficiency. Living downtown was an educational experience, particularly since I’ve never lived in a city before. From my apartment in the Soho, I had a view of both the Skydome – I refuse to call it the Rogers Centre – and the CBC, places where great Canadian memories have been made and reported on. The city managed to enrage me with its traffic, charm me with its food and culture, and – of course – make me sad to be a Leafs fan. But it’s not until my final day in Toronto that I really came to see what the city was about.
On my final day in Toronto, I called my family doctor and asked him if I should get the H1N1 vaccine. A severe asthmatic as a child, I was a little worried about the flu, particularly since I’m in airports and high schools for the rest of the fall. He recommended that I visit a clinic, so Friday, I joined the huddled masses in front of Metro Hall in downtown Toronto, waiting for the vaccine. Like everyone else, I joined the line, checked my e-mail occasionally, marvelled at the media coverage, and – it being Toronto – rejoiced when someone brought me a latte. In line, the hardened, tired faces I’d become used to on the sidewalks and in traffic seemed to vanish. In their places stood fragile human beings; parents, children, the old and infirm. Everyone tired and a little bit fearful, but prepared to be patient. The people I met in line were personable and helpful. We talked about the news, family, careers, and whether this H1N1 thing had been blown out of proportion. I made friends, traded laughs, and lamented the weather. It was the most Canadian of experiences, mimicking the conversations occurring in Tim Hortons across the country. Of course – it still being Toronto -we exchanged Facebook/LinkedIn coordinates prior to leaving each other’s company.
I think if push came to shove, I could live in Toronto. It’s a huge city, and comes packaged with tons of issues and opportunities. But deep down in places we outsiders don’t often get to see, Toronto is still capable of small-town charm, and a friendliness I never associated with Canada’s largest city. It is with mixed emotions that I find myself leaving, and I look forward to next time.
So, on the university side, what have I learned at the end of 60 days?
Next up…Regina, Winnipeg, and a 3-week adventure in BC. Stay tuned…