Okay… I’m just going to briefly reflect on a couple of things, probably more so due to luck than planning, that worked out nicely this trip. I guess if you can leave a couple of lines for others that might help on a visit or stay on the road it makes this type of blog worthwhile. Maybe I can do a Letterman “top 5” here for our Toronto excursion!
5. Ever hear these quips from friends on the move… “Line ups were crazy!”, “It was stinking hot today” or, best of all, “Good Lord, that cost an arm and a leg”. If you’ve mouthed these words, as at one point we all have, you may be travelling (at least for pleasure) at the wrong time. Our November excursion was off-peak… When tourism related services are hungry for patrons. I’m telling you it was smooth sailing! Solid deals on flights and accommodation, comfortable temps both inside and outside, and great, walk-up access to attractions and services. Ta-da!
4. November in Toronto sound chilly to you? Well, by luck or design, we spent the entire three days on the move enjoying clean, clear conditions that we found perfect. Put on close to 30,000 steps on Saturday alone! Lord knows that we have absolutely no control over Mother Nature, but by no means should we assume that it will be sub-zero either. Only time I was chilled was the Rememberance Day Service… And that is supposed to be cold anyway! We sported comfortable footwear and light jackets… And if we took a few million Torontonians and the skyscrapers out of the mix, we could have called it a fall hike!
3. Things have never been better for the “shy” and/or “independent” tourist. Those that are not quite sure what to ask, or to whom questions should be directed, have never been so well supported as today’s traveller. Leveraging technology is the key! Hours of operation, costs, directions, reservations, ya da – ya da… The list goes on and on in regards to the proliferation of online content you can access with simply the phone in your hand. Wondering where the closest breakfast, shortest transit route, best price might be had? Google it! Make that phone/iPad do the work!
2. Engage, engage, engage! I watch Janie do this and she’s excellent at it! Although I put on a brave face, I’m very much an introvert at heart. Our lasting memories are the great conversation with the lady from Costa Rica that set us up with bus tokens, the fans in seats on either side of us that made us feel so welcome at the Leafs game, or the respectful quiet of a thousand people surrounding a cenotaph. It’s the interactions with others that burst the bubble and expose us to real experiences with others.
1. Drum roll please… How did redeeming points work out? In a few words… Without a hitch. Flights were absolutely as advertised (even getting the leg room around emergency door seats) and accommodations with a super early check in. Not sure if I saved money though… As resultant discounts in travel/accommodations were just used for more money on attractions! Regardless… We had a great weekend set up with cashing in rewards. Pretty lucky!