by Lan Daval
Toronto, Ontario, Canada—One can feel the strong, gusty chilling wind, an indication that fall is here – with icy fingers. Winter is about to come and we’re now excited about the snowfals. Locals say that summer here is actually dry, warm and sunny while the bulk of rainshowers and thunderstorms come during winter, autumn and spring.
Toronto is a city where modern architural structures are displayed amazingly in commercial districts. From where we live on Queen Street East, one can see the imposing CN Tower, the city’s famous landmark that rises above modern glass-inspired buildings and colonial homes. A large city that is contemporary cosmoplitan, vibrant and prosperous by standards.
Queen Street East is a well-used, long-stretch street and here you will find outdoor and corner cafes, bookstores, boutiques, gift shops, antique shops, restaurants, groceries and other business outlets set amid colonial buildings and tree-lined thoroughfares. It’s also near shopping centers, Chinese and Filipino stores, recreation and sports centers, churches and public parks. Being a visitor here actually isn’t complicated. Basically, you just have to do what regular Torontonians do.
Touring, of course, is a matter of experience. Fall is the perfect season for a road trip. Going to Niagara Falls is a two-hour drive from downtown Toronto. Niagara Falls is one of Ontario’s top tourist attractions. It’s a breathtaking and viewing experience of spectacular natural wonders. The main scene features a priceless view of the towering falls releasing millions of gallons of water every minute. The scenery is remarkably amazing. It’s terribly awesome! Hotels, casinos, restaurants, fast food joints, theme parks, amusement and entertaiment venues, factory outlets and signature shops are the other attractions here.
Halfway on our trip along a traffic-free 12-lane expressway, we dropped by at an apple farm and vine land. Here you can see the vast plantations of four varieties of apples, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries and huge hydrophonic gardens. Our designated driver Al, a Bicolano who worked here as a sales agent and dabbles as tourist guide, took us to Procumburie estate, one of the oldest apple farms and vineyards in the area established in 1769.
Next thing we do is to start picking apples. Entrance fee is $2 CDN for both adult and children alike. A medium size plastic bag to put the apples in costs $10. The bonus – “eat all you can” during picking time and while inside the apple farm. We then proceeded with our trip and dropped by Fort George, a historic militray camp established in the late 1700’s, for about half an hour. Then we stopped for lunch at one of the town’s quaint roadside parks situated near a lake. It’s rather amusing seeing those hiking trails and biking lanes in the area. On our trip back home I could only say to myself, what an experience – a memorable and unforgettable one.
Then came the Day of Thanks. Canadians celebrate it on the second Monday of October (this year it’s Oct.11). Thanksgiving Day is Canada’s fall harvest festival. The essence of the festivity goes beyond roasted turkey and pumpkin pie. It is about giving thanks during the celebration. The locals celebrate the real meaning of this holiday not only on this day, but all year round and nurture gratitude in their daily lives.
At home together with some Pinoy friends, we also feasted on roasted turkey, cranberry cake, apples, grapes, strawberries, blackberries, juices and colas. It’s sort of family bonding that reminds me of home back in the Philippines. Despite all the “troubles” big or small, political or otherwise, we still really miss our country. There’s truly no place like home. We’ve still not decided whether or not to stay a little bit longer here.
In my subsequent articles, probably I will share my experience about how local elections are conducted here, how their system works – social and political and, of course, meeting some new Filipino friends, notably Dabawenyos. ‘Till next time!
