Is That Andy?

Yesterday was an interesting day in Toronto. I’m pretty sure we spent most of it driving around, not knowing where to go or what to do, with no real agenda. I did get the change to experience some true Canadian culture, though, and that is what I am supposed to do, I guess.

Canadians are very long-winded. Twice yesterday, my American persona found itself stuck in a conversation that I wanted to get out of. At the bike shop in ‘The Annex¹‘, the teller² asked if I was looking for anything. I was caught off guard, so I just asked about BMX bikes and other various things that I felt comfortable talking about. Then, as the conversation dragged on, he started asking me questions about my camera. “Is that digital?” “I’d like to have a digital canon rebel.” I guess I’m just not used to teller³ asking ME about things. Maybe it’s the thing to do in Canada.

At one point yesterday, I wondered into the Ontario Visitors information center, which ended up being a very profitable stop. However, the nicely dressed Canadian man inside drug our conversation out as well. After walking around, looking at a wall that had what was a seeming endless amount of travel brochures, he asked us a few starter questions (”are you new to toronto,” “do you need a map,” etc. ) then proceeded to tell us all the places to go to take great pictures, because I had my d80 strapped to my back.

I guess I’m not sure if Canadians are friendly, in unending awe of digital cameras, or just plain awkward.

Sometime after breakfast at IKEA, the visitors center, the bike shop, and hours upon hours of driving with no specific destination, we ended up at a club. There was a jazz band playing and they were alright. There were about a dozen people in the band area, and most seemed mid-twenties. It’s crazy to see a group of people my age interested in jazz, instead of being interested in bumping-and-grinding at their local night-spot. I guess I’m just not adjusted to Canadian culture.

Last night we stayed in a hostel north of the city. 44$ CAD (37$ USD) bought us two beds and a hot shower. I think we went to bed at like 11, because for some reason we were both exhausted.

Check the flickr for pictures from our trip. I’ll try to take more pictures today.

¹ The Annex, is an area north of town described as “an affluent neighborhood with well-educated residents and it borders the University of Toronto. It has traditionally been home to many of the university’s faculty, as well as housing the university’s student body.”
^{2, 3} I think my use of the word ‘teller’ here makes the story seem a bit more Canadian.