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Hi there everyone
Sorry it's been a while since I last updated you all, but as you can imagine, it's been rather hectic, so here's a quick snapshot of the last week. First part is my last week in Toronto and the second is about my adventures in NY.
So ok, Tuesday - did not go to CN Tower. Did go window shopping in the Eaton Centre and managed to purchase .... nada!!! check me out;) Also did a lovely walk along the harbourfront - I say lovely and mean "absolutely freezing"- I have to add. Very pretty none-the-less;)Spent the evening hanging out at the local jazz bar - (Yes, I am tres cool) C'est fantastique!!! AT - eat your heart out!!! had to give tips and all - so exciting! Got in with the cool crowd that night -hehehe;)
Wednesday - got a sweet deal to go to Niagra Falls for the day. Twas "interesting" to say the least. Let's just say I'm not planning on going back anytime soon as the weather was awful, and I've now come to realise there is only so much of falling water - that's exciting - a spate of 3 hours;-( Ah well! All was made well by the really cool bus driver who wore a bright orange jacket, wellingtons, fed us apples and entertained us with Chilli Peppers, the Fratellis and his harmonica. I will never forget such a backdrop to the Niagra whirlpool - teehee!!! Oh and just to top it - Tour was called the Magic Bus Tour. Need I say more guys???? hehe
Thursday, I have to say was fairly non-eventful. Admittedly I did go to the Hockey Hall of Fame - and realised I know and actually care very little for these stars ($13 spent well - I think not) Got to change my camera - which broke the day before Niagra - hence no pics despite various warnings this would not happen because I bought it in Quebec (apparently, those who speak Quebecois are to Canadians as Canadians are to Americans - weird) personally I thought they were very nice;) Was also able to funk out at a free gig that that night though which was cool as they gave away free beer - (freee juice for me;) and random musical instruments - including harmonicas, tamborines and recorders ( mine). Twas 5 mins from the hostel which seems to be pretty much the name of the game up here-Result!!! as we finished early that night, also managed to squeeze in a night at the irish pub and made sure 500 miles was played by the live band (CLASSIC!!)
Friday - following the non-life-changing touristy few days (well - bar the recorder;), I headed up to the Casa Loma Castle just north of downtown Toronto. Almost got lost getting there, but winging is the name of the game. The castle was simply beautiful atop one of the few hills in Toronto and magestic to say the least despite it's fairly youthful age of only just under 200 years. I did an audio tour that told you all about the history and the owners which was just up my street - GEEK!!!!! (I know, I can't help it) but all those history boffs will understand. (unfortunately my photos didn't come out for some bizarre reason but if you do wish to go, please see: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/TorontoON/activity/CasaLomaCastleAdmission.cfm?CFID=1998140&CFTOKEN=83eec7a43e3d7c29-94FD6CB1-9D77-10CE-B2172FB6590C42AD) for a few preview pictures.
As my final night in Toronto, there were great plans of frivolity and fun - more free beer at another gig but as the guys playing were more well known we lucked out. we ended up being boring and going to the local pub which as nice cos then I got to hang out more with my peeps. Let's just say, I got a crew!!!;) The night was topped with an insane craving I had for eggs (no gags please - it's normal - honest) and ended up trapsing the streets at 2am in the morning on a friday night in Toronto - alone!!! hehehe (I do love living life on the edge). I did mange to procure a fantastic scrambled egg panini from the local bakery for only $3can filled to the rafters with whatever I wanted - indeed I'd met the girls who worked there at the jazz night and they were gracious enough to acede to my request without question actually;) (Only me, I know V)
Now comes the real fun and games - NY.
Sat morn - headed to the airport for my trip to NY. I have to say having met such nice people in Toronto, I wasn't actually looking forward to New York;( Twas a shame as I've always wanted to go. Nonetheless, I boldly went forward and soon realised that getting into USA was going to be trickier than I first imagined. Let's just say, I became a little familiar with what the prisoners go through at Guantanamo bay -AHHH!!!! Yes, yes, I did get pulled over by Customs because my picture was too dark and I didn't know where I was staying. (Who's laughing now V?) oh yes, it's my birthday!!! an experience of a lifetime I have to say. Ahh, but all does not end there. my flight got switched to this tiny 30passenger plane cos my flight got delayed by 2 hours which I couldn't afford as I was supposed to be meeting my cousin and had no way of contacting her - great planning GT - and to top it - I got lost in New York!!!! (yes, I can actually say those words.
Courtesy of my wonderful communicado skills with my family, my cousin and I ended up at 2 different places with very limited ways of contacting each other. Let's just say after 2 hours of waiting, sitting, phone calls to England - I love you Mum - and some friendly New Yorkers, I finally managed to hail my first cab amd make my way to 40th on 8th Avenue - dine on 42nd street and lose my sleeping bag!!!
The beginning of the end you say - no - what doesn't kill you makes you stronger!!!!
And thus, I toured both up and downtown Manhatten on the big red bus!!!! snapping happy and freezing my face off. I spotted NYPD cars, officers, traffic cops and NJ arrests. Walked 30 blocks up 5th Avenue. Endured a lush hotdog in Central park, alighted in Grand Central Station in rush hour and swannied round Bloomingdales so out of place I even had an worker tell me "Oh, I know you're not from New York"
Oh and I also managed to weedle my way to catch the "Chinese bus" to Philadelphia all by myself - well, with the help of a random guy who worked in the MacDonalds in Chinatown. Felt quite like Alice in Wonderland chasing the white rabbit - sorry Mum.
Let's just say there are a lot of prayers going up for this little chica - much appreciated!!! Please don't stop!!!!
Love to you all and please don't stop emailing me. I love to hear from you all. Will try to email you back as soon as I can. Off to my Uncles now in Philly!!! - Oooh in Philly!! (I can't believe I can say that).
Liviving la vida Gracie xx
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