Wandering to: Toronto
What had me wandering to Toronto?
The First Ever 'North American Cruise Job Fair'! (April 2019)
The Ocean ships and big river cruise companies of Europe have been so illusive to me over these last few years. So when I saw that they were finally coming to scout out the talent on my own continent, I couldn't resist- I printed a fresh stack of resumes, packed my front seat full of road trip snacks, and buckled in for a long drive.
Sleeping Place: a 6 Bunkbed, all girls dorm at Planet Traveler Hostel
Daily Bread: This visit was after I'd long resigned from my Winter jobs-- thinking I'd already be on my way to China-- but Visa delays had me languishing for several weeks without income. With it's dying breath, my credit card bought my tank full of gas and my hostel stay. So my meals, mercifully, were courtesy of the Ritual App! I was so glad to gobble up all the "new user" promotions that were so trendy this past year, giving away $5 here, $10 there, and plenty of point rewards to be found if you looked hard enough. Döner Kebab's from Otto's, Pad Thai from Urban Thai, down the street, and of course, nourishing bananas, peanut butter and toast from the hostel breakfast bar. I ate like the most disreputable Queen.
Co-Laborers at Work:
At the job fair, hundreds of dreamers tapped their feet and smoothed their hair in long serpentine lines, waiting for their chance to shine before the recruiters. It was a disorderly scene, but the players were fascinating and beautiful to behold. Artists, singers, musicians, magicians... all hoping to join one of these floating circuses. On the one hand, we could have been overwhelmed by the masses of "competition", but on the other, it was so crystal clear by the bold fashion, colorful dyed hair, and securely confident postures that none of us could ever take the place of one of the others.
This group was a showcase of unique ability, and stubborn passion. We refused to fit a mold, and we insisted on being seen for who we were. Something in us knew that the world would be blessed by the weirdness we had to share. In the lines, we offered each other tips and encouragements, and shared our stories.
Travel Complications:
The Chinese consulate in DC was still holding my passport. I had to make my attempts to cross both borders, in and out of the US with a several-years-expired one! You can imagine the suspicious line of questioning about that at border control! I think in the end, my arrogance of being so sure I could get away with this was the tipping factor that I was a real, born & bred American girl.
Extravagant Hospitality Received: Two stories--
1. The owner of Urban Thai showed me great favor: He gave me a second dish of Pad Thai at no cost. That generous portion became my next day's cold breakfast and lunch as I drove the 8 hours back through the Northeast.
2. Actually, this story comes from a different visit, several months before the cruise job fair-- but it has to be told! I had a 6-hour layover on the way to a very special wedding in India- and the groom, being a great champion of friendships and social hours, had noticed that my layover coincided with that of another wedding guest. He got us in touch, and we made plans to meet at Kensington Brewing Co. After catching the train downtown from the airport, I had sprinted across a busy street to meet my Uber at a convenient place. But somehow, in my haste, I managed to throw the car door open such that the corner of the door scraped violently against my eyebrow. The skin split open instantly, and I clamored into the car, eyes closed in blinding plain, and blood casually dripping down my face. Alarmed, the driver asked if I wanted to be re-routed to a hospital. But with layover time constraints, I knew what the answer had to be. "The bar. Take me to the bar!"
And so it was, that I arrived to meet my new friend, clutching antibacterial wipes to my face with my right hand, and offering a jovial handshake with the left. As I shimmied into my seat at the bar, beginning to make explanations for my disheveled state- a bartender sprung to action. "Ummm, do you need that wound treated?"
Above and beyond the call.
I laughed, instantly refreshed by this kind-hearted young woman. "My gosh, I would absolutely love that."
She laughed too. "I went to medical school. I live for stuff like this."
(Does it get more Excellent and Cheap than that?!)
Gently, she cleaned my wound and bandaged the gash across my forehead. And when that work was done, she attended to the even more important business of pouring local brews into our cups, and sharing the hour with us. I left her bar, fully restored.
Local Color: My favorite scenes from the streets
1.One man was standing at a crosswalk, waiting for the light to change. But not only waiting. He also was imitating the sounds of the nearby birds, enthusiastically cooing, "Coqueeeeee, Coqueeeeee!"
Why not.
2. As I was walking at my normal long-legged pace, I registered the sounds of pounding footsteps and panting breaths. Soon, a lanky young man was beside me.
"You're a fast walker!!" He exclaimed, triumphant, for finally catching pace with me. He struggled for his next words.
"I've never had to.... I've never been.... I've been trying so hard to pass you!
I smiled appreciatively at his sweet young face. "You might have to work a little harder!"
I let him get ahead of me, and he sauntered on, tossing the basketball that he carried above the street signs, and catching it as it came down on the other side.
3. A Conversation with an Uber driver:
Me: "We just walked by this woman with an enormous snake wrapped around her neck.... Is that like a normal day in Toronto?"
Uber driver [Takes a moment to carefully consider]: ........"Yes."
Toronto’s Lovers & Ex-Lovers (a little Settlement History)
Toronto has been a place of life and visiting for 8,000 years. Before history was written, it was a hunting place. Soon, the Iroquois had made themselves completely at home- establishing 200 villages! They were eventually joined by multiple other tribes, including the Seneca, Mississauga and Huron peoples. The French arrived next, followed by the British, and today people from literally hundreds of nations call Toronto their home. The city boasts the claim of being the most multicultural in the world, with 250 ethnicities represented and 170 languages spoken. It's motto is "Diversity Our Strength"
What's in a Name?
The city was named "Fort York" by the British in 1791, but since 1834, has been known as Toronto, A Huron word, which means "Meeting Place". How perfect.
A Neighborly Place:
Toronto also has an unofficial nickname, the "City of Neighborhoods".
Building on it's awesome reputations for being welcoming, Every May since 2015, the city has organized a huge party just for the purpose of warmly welcoming newcomers to the city. It's a whole day of music and arts and togetherness to say as a community, 'You Belong Here."
Can you imagine anything lovelier? Golly. May this tradition be one that's cherished for infinite years.
Well, in my few days, and few hours visit, I certainly felt welcomed and taken care of! Thanks for the hospitality, Toronto. I'll always have this eyebrow scar to remember you by. <3
*History Info gathered from:
https://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/TorontoON/articles/FromSettlementtoMegacityABriefHistoryofTorontoOntario.cfm
https://torontoglobal.ca/TG-Blog/March-2019/How-multicultural-is-Toronto-Let-us-count-the-way
https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/moving-to-toronto/toronto-newcomer-day/