Author's note: In August 1986, just before the start of a new academic year in Rochester, NY, I took a driving trip through Eastern Canada from Toronto to Nova Scotia. I wrote an account of it shortly after returning to the US. I have combined that with the slides that I scanned in to make this blog.
At Buffalo, NY, it took some time to locate the bridge near Niagara Falls. I could have crossed at Peace Bridge, but I wanted to cross near the falls, just to say that I did. Immigration was less fuss than I feared. The Canadian official asked a couple of routine questions, then stamped my passport. I made sure I crossed with a full tank of petrol. Canada petrol prices averaged close to twice the US prices during this trip. The first thing I noticed about Ontario is how much neater everything looked. It's thickly settled, of course. On a map of Ontario, the roads form a thick grid. The 100 km/h speed limit is more natural than United State's 55 miles/h.
I had no idea where the youth hostel was. Look for a tourist information centre first, I decided. I found it in downtown Toronto but first I had to park my car. Got the address and phone now. Yes, we have two places left. Ok, I'll be there in 10 minutes. By the time I reached the YH, the vacancies were gone. They gave me the address of Neill-Wycik hotel. But first to park my car at a cheaper lot. The girl at the YH said to park at the Ryerson college car park and it cost me only $6 for 3 days. The hotel is actually a dorm turned into summer tourist rooms. It is more expensive but I don't have much choice.
It had been a hot day so I showered. Afterwards resting I remembered noticing Cats playing at the Elgin. Hey, it's 7:42, I can make it. Rushed down to the theatre. Yes we have seats left. I didn't regret the snap decision, it was really a spectacular performance. They pulled out all stops, lighting effects, the works. It's so infectious that the audience clapped along to Mr. Mistoffelees.
Yonge Street was in full swing as I walked back. Punks and other gaudily dressed people, and less savoury types. Toronto has the feel of Sydney, Melbourne, London and New York combined. Sydney because of the mellow harbour city feel, Melbourne for the cosmopolitan spirit, London for the showiness and New York for the seaminess.
At Buffalo, NY, it took some time to locate the bridge near Niagara Falls. I could have crossed at Peace Bridge, but I wanted to cross near the falls, just to say that I did. Immigration was less fuss than I feared. The Canadian official asked a couple of routine questions, then stamped my passport. I made sure I crossed with a full tank of petrol. Canada petrol prices averaged close to twice the US prices during this trip. The first thing I noticed about Ontario is how much neater everything looked. It's thickly settled, of course. On a map of Ontario, the roads form a thick grid. The 100 km/h speed limit is more natural than United State's 55 miles/h.
Yonge Street was in full swing as I walked back. Punks and other gaudily dressed people, and less savoury types. Toronto has the feel of Sydney, Melbourne, London and New York combined. Sydney because of the mellow harbour city feel, Melbourne for the cosmopolitan spirit, London for the showiness and New York for the seaminess.
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