We miss Toronto and our old neighbourhood, so about once a month we drive the 3 hours and get urban. This time, though, was a really packed and productive 24 hours:
10:00 am: Started to look at basic 2007 Dodge vans at north Toronto online dealers. Dani's Auto
first one to open, had very clean low-km Caravans, friendly Russian guy, hard-to-beat
prices. Went to another dealer nearby but knew we couldn't beat Dani's (Alex,
actually). Stalled 10 minutes in car to save face before going back. Pouring rain.
10:30 am: Bargaining done, everybody happy, only question is "What colour is it? In different
light it has tones of blue/green/gray. Chrysler calls it "Magnesium Pearl". Pick it up
tomorrow after final prep and registration.
11:15 am: We've been up since 4:30. Early lunch at The Goof, landmark favourite Chinese
diner in our old neighbourhood, The Beach. Pat giddy about her new ride, fortune
cookie says "Much harmony in life if let the boy drive it too".
12:15pm Check-in to the Americana Motel on old strip east of Toronto. Better accom than 95%
of people on earth have. No complaints, and after many stays they recognize us. Nap,
shower, watch all the channels we don't have up north. Love that Speed!
4:30pm Streetcar downtown, stroll up Yonge to Dundas Square. Glitz, music and splashpads.
Hotdog cart snack, tourists and locals enjoying the return of sunlight. Notice racks of
Bixi Bikes, the international rent-a-bike success. $5 an hour, just swipe your card!
6:30pm Settle into seats for Billy Elliott, the smash-hit musical about a boy who finds his
passion in ballet. Music OK, staging very clever, talent of all the kids in the cast
absolutely amazing. Force myself NOT to take pictures.
11:15pm Crash in Room 12. Didn't even have bedtime tea.
8:00am Nostalgic stroll on the boardwalk and Queen Street. Notice new businesses, condos,
dogs and nannies. Some things never change. Catch up on news with Jan and Jim,
longtime friends and owners across the street.
9:00am Stop in at our favourite Thrift Shop. Pat gets tops and capris, I get light fixture. Hmm.
10:00am Back to Dani's for final payment and ownership of Magnesium Pearl. Two keys!!
Leave Toronto driving different cars. Arrive Kemble at same driveway. Now that's a 24!
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