Chicago 2018 – Day Ten (Hello Toronto)

A Tale of Two Falls

Another glorious day of adventures awaited us as we basked in the majestic beauty of the American and Canadian falls at Niagara. But today, dear readers, our compass pointed towards the vibrant city of Toronto, leaving us with an exhilarating mix of excitement and anticipation.

The Road to Toronto

With a sprightly spirit, we embarked on a 90-minute drive that would whisk us away to the heart of Toronto. Alas, a few unintentional detours had the passengers teetering on the edge of their seats, culminating in a left turn into oncoming traffic that could’ve inspired a Hollywood car chase. But fear not, dear friends, a quick readjustment brought us back to the safe haven of the correct side of the road.

Toronto’s Calling

Upon our arrival, we finally found a coveted parking spot not too far from the iconic CN Tower. Now, it was time to delve into the sprawling tapestry of Toronto’s urban landscape. Well, not before replenishing our energy with a hearty breakfast/lunch, which, disappointingly, did not meet our gastronomic expectations.

As we strolled through the streets of Toronto, a city that bore an uncanny resemblance to the charm of Chicago, it was quite evident that this Sunday morning had brought the city to life. The streets bustled with the energy of urban explorers, yet, amid the vibrancy, there was a stark reminder of reality. We couldn’t help but notice the presence of homeless individuals, some peacefully asleep, while others tried to make ends meet through street-side begging.

Retail Therapy in the T-dot

One could argue that Toronto’s streets held secrets, but the city also boasted treasures of the consumer kind. Michele, with a knack for retail therapy, quickly sniffed out a shopping mall, leading Elle, Julie, and me like lambs to the slaughter. Before we knew it, we were within the hallowed halls of the Apple store, ready to embrace the future. However, it wouldn’t be a trip to the Apple store without a touch of drama.

We found ourselves ensnared in a labyrinthine queue, a seemingly endless journey toward acquiring the new Apple watch and iPhone. It was a test of patience, one that felt like a marathon of waiting. Finally, as we approached the finishing line, the assistant posed a crucial question. “Who’s your data carrier?” they inquired. The answer proved to be a twist in the tale. Our allegiance lay with a UK-based company, which meant the new Apple watch would only dance to its own tune in Canada, the US, or Puerto Rico. Should we wish for it to tango in the UK, we’d have to make a separate purchase. So, it was only the iPhone that found its way into Michele’s possession.

Toronto’s Waterfront and a Dashed Plan

A little more exploration led us to Toronto’s waterfront, a serene oasis amidst the urban hustle and bustle. However, our hopes of a picturesque waterfront rendezvous were dashed as we discovered that all parking here required cold, hard cash – something we regrettably did not have in our pockets. With an air of disappointment, we decided to bid adieu to the waterfront and retreat back to Niagara.

The Culinary Highlight of the Day

In the evening, our senses were treated to the finest meal of our Niagara journey. Julie indulged in a scrumptious feast of roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and a medley of vegetables. Michele and Elle opted for the delectable mushroom linguini, while I savored a delightful pork chop accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes. To wash it all down, I sipped on a barking squirrel beer, while Julie enjoyed a refreshing Fanta.

A Night of Reflection

As we returned to our hotel, bags neatly packed for the impending journey back to Chicago, the night was alive with activities. Michele was engrossed in exploring the capabilities of her new iPhone, while Elle and Julie huddled together, diligently working on Elle’s assignment. And here I am, dear readers, typing away, capturing the essence of our day, all while witnessing the Patriots facing off against the Lions on the screen.