There was an article in the Toronto Star a few weeks ago, encouraging readers to email them with what they love about Toronto. It was a good exercise for me, since I do love the city so much but for the past few years since I’ve moved back from Ottawa, I’ve been complaining a lot! At the same time, I do observe every beautiful thing, and especially all the new things that I didn’t experience the first time I lived here. Here is what came to mind:
I love walking along the Harbourfront among the seagulls and those enjoying a perfect summer day, watching the Kajama ship sail by, and the sunshine glittering on the bright blue waters of Lake Ontario.
I love how the city skyline view is awe-inspiring no matter how many times you see it and from every angle of the city – from atop the hill at Riverdale park, among the bunnies at Corktown Commons, from the busy Strachan overpass on the way to Liberty Village, or on the ferry on the way to Centre Island, the wind whipping through your hair as you clamour to get a spot against a rail.
I recently lived in a condo in Liberty Village which was a hot spot for those from countries around the world, with work permits coming to work in Toronto for the very first time. Witnessing their energy, love of the vibrant city life, and seeing them experience festivals and sites for the first time, made me shake off my jaded self and enjoy all the things I originally loved about the city. Hot chocolate at the Christmas market in the Distillery District, the cherry blossoms at High Park, and how easy it is to strike up a conversation with the person sitting next to you at a cafe.
I love that in a city that has a population of 3 million, as you wander the streets you still run into people you know. I love that there are local celebrities everywhere (“Wow I’m sitting beside Margaret Atwood!” and that time when Kristin Kreuk was in my mythology class). And writers are like rockstars. I love the thoughtful intelligent people having conversations about inequities and injustices and finding ways to promote inclusivity. I love stumbling into a random event, finding live music on a rooftop, flamenco and tap dancers at a bar on Queen West, enjoying a comedy show where you wonder why the comedian doesn’t already have their own Netflix special.
I love how there is a subculture for every interest – trivia, comedy, karaoke, spoken word poetry, storytelling, dance. I love how everyone has a story about how they know Drake.
She's Come Undone 