Almost Packed!

When I booked my trip to Vietnam a couple of months ago it felt so far away, and now its upon me with little time to really digest it, yes I'm leaving tomorrow.  J   Where did the time go?  All this time I'd pushed it to the back of my mind thinking that it was so far off and not wanting to get too excited about it too early – if you know what I mean.

It’s been a whirlwind of a week with me.  I was on a business trip Monday and Tuesday; as I was scouting a hotel for our customer conference in 2016 and it just so happened to fall this week.  Then on top of that I had a host of other activities with Zach and Sami that has seen my week pass in the blink of an eye.  It’s just been one of those weeks – what can I say except that I still have to pack! 

The Broadmoor is a very special place! 

My week started with me getting on a plane and flying to Denver early Monday morning (4 hours) so I could visit The Broadmoor Hotel and Resort in Colorado Springs. And what a hotel it is – wow! 

Spencer Penrose built the “lodge” in 1918; basing his design on the best of the grand European hotels of the era and combining that with the magnificent railroad hotels that dotted the country at that time he created a timeless masterpiece. Even today the Broadmoor has a distinctly European flavor and flair, with Italian frescos lining many of its rooms and studios, juxtaposed with a myriad of fine American fine art and the grandeur that you'd expect of a hotel of its lineage. 

As you know I've traveled extensively throughout the world and the Broadmoor was one of the best hotel I have ever stayed in.  Earlier today I was trying to pin down why it was so special?  Was it the combination of the lush gardens and mountain vistas that bombard your senses as you take in the natural surroundings, or was it the rich and beautifully appointed rooms, perhaps the friendliness and familial feeling of its staff or maybe it was the exquisite food…  One thing’s for certain it’s a place I will not forget easily and hope to get back to again - very soon!  J

During my visit I also squeezed in a visit to the US OlympicTeam training center, which is also located in Colorado Springs.  The facilities are as you'd expect nothing short of amazing, but the big advantage to training here is that the athletes are at altitude, in fact just over 6,000 feet above sea level which provides an added advantage to their cardio vascular conditioning.  Although Michael Phelps and other members of the US Swim team weren't in residence this past week there were about 150 athletes training across the variety of disciplines, and as you'd imagine it was amazing to observe them and their coaches working out.

US Olympic Training Facility 

Fascinating experience! 

The remainder of my week was just getting into gear upon my return home late Tuesday night as Zach returned from his first month of camp earlier that day so I got a chance to spend a little time with him before I dropped him back to his camp bus on Thursday morning.  Fortunately his visit home coincided beautifully with an exhibition soccer match at BMO Field between Toronto FC (MLS) vs. Tottenham Hotspur (English Premier League) on Wednesday night.

Of course Tottenham Hotspur just so happens to be Sami’s favorite English football club (wow, what are the chances?) clearly she was thrilled to see her team play in the flesh so she was adorned in her blue and white to show her support for “her” team, whereas we other three (Zach, Julia – Sami’s friend from school/soccer and me) were all in our red and white and cheering for Toronto. J   Nothing better than a little friendly rivalry!

Although it was considered a “friendly” match both teams seemed to be playing with a certain amount of energy and gusto if you know what I mean.  It was obvious that Tottenham were in a class above Toronto and were ahead 2-0 after only 15 minutes with two beautiful goals from Erik Lamela, the recent signing from Argentina.  He is clearly destined to be one of the Tottenham’s, if not one of the top players this season in the English Premier League so it was no wonder he scored so easily.

I was a little worried it was going to be a complete whitewash, but to Toronto’s credit they fought back and by early in the second half tied it up 2-2.  However, this is where it became obvious that the Tottenham players pride was on the line especially considering they play in one of the best leagues in the world.  And with less than five minutes to play, they began assaulting the Toronto net with shot after shot and scored a beautiful goal to go ahead and eventually win in a closely fought 3-2 victory.  You could almost see a sigh of relief wash over the Tottenham players at full time – tragedy averted!

Sami (Tottenham Hotspur supporter), Julia and Zach in our Toronto FC colors!

Then last night Sami and Julia played in their U13 Cup match against Pickering.  Mooredale started strongly scoring twice in the first half to be 2-0 at the break, however, as the game wore on Sami and her team mates couldn't keep up the torrid pace and with no substitutes (yes, its summer time so the team is struggling to get enough players mid season) they began to tire and slowly but surely Pickering evened it at 2-2, before Mooredale went ahead 3-2.  However, with less than ten minutes to play Pickering scored a beautiful goal on a corner kick to make it 3-3...  Sami’s team now had every girl-playing defense and fought off attack after attack, with some very close misses from the Pickering team. 

However the drama wasn't quite over yet!  Oh no, because it was a cup game they had to have a winner so it went to a penalty shootout. Sami was third of five to step to the line for what was a win or lose moment, after the Pickering goalie stopped one and we had put another over the crossbar we were looking at losing it right here if Sami didn’t score.  No pressure huh?

She looked at me forlornly as she strode toward the waiting referee, I called from the sideline for her to “just breathe sweetheart”, but cool as a cucumber and without a flicker of acknowledgement she adjusted the ball on the spot and stepped back.  I’m not sure about you but I held my breath as the referee blew his whistle, and she began her five-step run up.  For that split second the world stood still as she made great contact and banged it home into the bottom left corner of the net…the team yelled their support and a huge smile and sigh of relief washed over her as she jogged back to the center circle – that’s my girl!

However, someone had to lose and although they played their hearts out her team eventually lost 7-6 in sudden death.

Finally it's the end the week and I drove Sami up to camp early this morning (a day late as she wanted to play in the cup game last night), we left at 7:00 am for the 3.5 hour drive up to Algonquin Provincial Park and our eventual destination - Camp Arowhon.

Sami and I at Camp Arowhon where she'll spend the next month enjoying all of the natural
wonders of Algonquin Provincial Park with her cabin mates...

As we arrived her camp mates, literally pulled her from the car, all hugging and talking over one another as they embraced collectively.  I was fortunate enough to get a quick photo of her and I before she was once again enveloped. It made my heart swell to see her so happy and popular with her friends.

Okay, now I have to pack!  

Your next blog will be from Vietnam J

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Here are some photos from The Broadmoor that I took earlier this week - enjoy!

 

Dawn over looking the Broadmoor

The sky is such an amazing color at dawn - Colorado Springs

Contrast and texture captured my eye immediately - The Broadmoor

Morning dew on a bench by the lake - The Broadmoor

Antique light fixtures on the grounds - The Broadmoor

Did you notice the moth in flight? J - The Broadmoor

Ornate and European jardins at The Broadmoor

Morning colors at the fountain - The Broadmoor

Lilypads and water grasses - The Broadmoor

The European fountain at the entrance to The Broadmoor

 One of my favorites - dew on the flowers at dawn - The Broadmoor

Exquisite flowers in the early morning light - The Broadmoor

Bear with Salmon sculpture - The Broadmoor

Even the antique light fixtures are ornate and provide the ambience
of a bygone era

Early morning mountain reflection - The Broadmoor

Mother of pearl tile in the pool, absolutely stunning 
in the early morning light  - The Broadmoor

First light at the Championship golf course (all 54 holes) - The Broadmoor

Crystal chandeliers - The Broadmoor

Distinctly early 20th century feel to the lobby

Fresh flower arrangements and crystal chandeliers provide such a contrast 

Notice the fresco on the ceiling along with the magnificent chandelier

Wonderful American sculptures - The Broadmoor

A truly spectacular painting of a Grizzly bear - The Broadmoor

Age of Enlightenment

As I listened to Sami this week I realized that teenagers really only see or care about things that are less than a meter from their physical beings.  I suppose it’s a right of passage for all teenagers to forget that the world exists beyond this small and albeit important radius, and that anyone who, even for a moment has the audacity to be in this space had better have a darn good reason...unless its another girlfriend.

My role of permanent taxi driver notwithstanding, it seems like they just assume that parents will pretty much do what they desire, when they want and how they want.  Surprisingly, it seems a well known fact that parents don't actually have the right to ask them to do anything that they didn't actually think of, let alone take part in a specific request.  Heaven forbid!

Not that I consciously tried to upset her but to say that she was very annoyed with me last weekend was a bit of an understatement, now for those that know me I can be a little…how shall I put this…task oriented.  

Our neighborhood was built in 1920, but with this comes large established trees and shady streets to walk

It all began innocently enough, the weather had been so-so all weekend and rained most of Sunday morning, but as soon as the sun started to peek through the clouds around lunchtime I suggested, okay strongly suggested that we go for a walk along the Danforth and pick up a few supplies and check out a home-ware store I wanted to look in.

Initially my request she had been completely ignored me (step one – pretends like she didn’t hear) while continuing to watch Netflix on the television.  I upped the ante when I told her that it wasn't really a question but a request that she join me on the walk.  I explained that we had been inside all day to this point and that it would be nice to get outside, get some air and take a walk.  I even tried the old “lets stop by the bookstore and see if there’s a book you want to read” trick, but clearly as an old hand at this game she ignored me out of hand.

Her next response when I pressed her was to give me the sad face (step two – are you for real?), not that she actually moved off the couch or anything tangible.  Although by now I knew that she was getting a little more aggravated and frustrated with my continued requests.

I persisted as I put on my sandals and opened the front door, by now it had escalated to the big sighs and slumped shoulders (step three – give me a break, can’t you see I'm tired?).  Two can you play it your game Missy I thought, and I could see her resolve starting to wane…ever so slightly.

“But daddy I don't want to go for a walk” she implored (step four – the whining now begins), now we were getting somewhere, an actual verbal response no less.

Too bad I said, as I held out her Sperry’s…”you're a mean father” (step five – outright hostility).   Yes I am, I retorted as she got up from the couch and snatched the shoes from out of my hand.

As we walked she completely ignored my endeavors to engage her in any form of conversation, its amazing how many one word answers or monosyllabic responses a teenager actually has in their repertoire…trust me at 13 she is highly skilled in this arena!

We strolled for about 20 minutes or so until we reached the home-ware store that I wanted to take a look at and as we entered the store she quickly moved off to immerse herself in the goodies that adorned the displays.  After finding what I was looking for and buying it I looked around the store to find her absorbed with an outdoor puzzle.  She showed me the cool design and giggled, and I could see that the veil of annoyance was finally starting to lift.

Sami's Salted Caramel-Chocolate Dump Cake - absolutely delicious!

As we exited the store she asked if there was a Starbucks on the way home, of course there was I replied.  We dropped into the next one I saw and once she had gotten her iced Frappuccino she was back to her normal self.

“Perhaps I could bake when I get home” she said smiling.   That sounds great I said what do you have in mind? I asked.   Well there’s a Salted Caramel-Chocolate Dump Cake I want to try.  Yum I thought to myself!  I had finally gotten my normal, rational Sami back.   Thank goodness as I’m not sure how much more of the attitude I could have taken.  J

As we continued walking she told me the story of her trip to the Beyoncé concert at the Air Canada Center (ACC) earlier in the week.  She had gone with her girlfriend Kate (yes, it was her first concert!) and I was super excited for her.  I asked her how it was and she said with some trepidation “it was okay”.   Okay I repeated, really?   How come?   Well daddy they serve beer at the ACC and there were some women behind us and they had too much to drink and one of them threw up on us half way through the show.   Sami was not impressed, not one little bit.  Poor kid, and her first concert too!

Isn't it amazing how teens think and act, it seems universal, irrespective of what country they're from, what upbringing they've had or social class they belong.  It truly is fascinating but I'm not completely sure who is being enlightened with the ways of the world...hhhmmm is it Sami or is it me???

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Photos this week come from my recent visit to Ottawa - enjoy!

Ball of wool sculpture with requisite miniature sheep...very cute!

I love the contrasting colors of the sign, the sky and the bridge

They sure go all out in Ottawa's Little Italy, I mean a million signs to tell everyone where they are 

Gotta love lilies - so beautiful at this time of the summer

The fire escape is reminiscent of NY's SoHo neighborhood

The old City Baths - in the heart of Little Italy....where else?

Sensational natural colors, shapes and designs

My favorite - a fast food vendor in the heart of Little Italy (Ottawa)

Tourist Dilemma

Summer is a time for shorts, t-shirts and lazy, relaxing days.  Or in my case a time for a fresh perspective, surprisingly this comes in the form of me turning into a tourist in my own city.  Talk about a change of pace, now as you know I love a good explore – why not my own city?

I rarely take the time to relax and look at Toronto for what it is – an amazing cosmopolitan city with a lot going for it.  Incredibly clean, safe, well maintained and with a vibrant and busy downtown core…  Now layer on top some fantastic museums, cool neighborhoods and v’wallah (I may have just made that word up…albeit it is a word, just the my spelling is clearly phonetic vs. what’s its supposed to be, so please bear with me) J

Early morning Kensington Market, Toronto

As I was saying, Toronto is one of the top cities on the planet to live, yet I rarely think about it as a destination, or even fully appreciate it for what it is and what a great place it is to live. I, for one take my home city for granted - there you have it, the bold faced truth!

However, this summer I’ve decided that whenever I don’t have Zach and Sami and have planned on “staying in” for the weekend I make it a priority to get on my bike and go explore a place I haven't been or spent much time. 

Now on face value its a great way to spend a beautiful summers day, riding around the city and taking lots of photos, window shopping or just plain people watching (okay, possibly my personal favorite thing to do). 

Nestled a few streets north of Spadina and Dundas; Kensington market is truly a local gem. I made my recent visit just after dawn a few Saturdays ago, the sunlit streets completely void of all life except for the odd shopkeeper hosing down their sidewalk.  As I slowly rode past I got a smile and a watery splash on my wheels for good measure, I suppose they aren't used to seeing too many visitors at this time of day so its to be expected.

It was the start of another busy day in one of Toronto’s oldest neighborhoods, originally a predominantly Jewish area of town now a veritable melting pot of humanity stuffed into just a few square city blocks, its one of Toronto’s most eclectic and vibrant communities where, depending on the shop and the time of the day a good “haggle” is not out of the question.  Until recently I hadn't realized that in 2006 it had been named a National Historic site of Canada.   Go figure?  Only in Canada right…J

Nothing says Leslieville like Queen Street East - eclectic doesn't even go
 close to capturing the essence of this neighborhood

Another of my favorite neighborhoods is Leslieville.  Fortunately for me this one is located on my doorstep and less than a kilometer from my house in the east end.  It officially runs diagonally south along Gerrard all the way down to Eastern Avenue from Coxwell and follows the Canadian National railway line.  Although, when I think of Leslieville my mind turns primarily to Queen Street between Coxwell and Broadview, but hey what do I know I've only lived in the 'hood for 18 months and a mere newcomer in the grand scheme of things.

Strangely, depending on whom you ask it’s either an “up and coming” neighborhood or completely middle class. J   I’m going to go with “up and coming”, cos' depending on which street you’re on it can be extreme, even on the same street!

Clearly it’s been through significant gentrification over the past decade; with close proximity to downtown it’s a great place to live but you have to like to live close to others.  This is not a neighborhood festooned with big rebuilds, nope this is an area crammed with 18 – 22 foot lots and old fashioned bungalows and semi’s jammed together like a leafy jigsaw puzzle.  Not unlike what you may have found in most cities during the 1920’s and 30’s I'm thinking. 

The narrow shady streets were in full bloom on my recent bike ride, with a truly different feel to the grittiness of Kensington markets, yet with a unique character all its own.  I think my favorite part of Leslieville are the tons of little quirky stores, selling all manner of thing from second hand record stores (yes, a huge resurgence), to dollar stores, to chic and funky restaurants (Ruby Watchco, Le Papillon on the Park and my personal favorite - Lil' Baci).  The other big thing I've noticed is the glut of cupcake stores; albeit yummy I'm completely at a loss as to how they keep in business given the fierce local competition and the close proximity to each other in this market.

I have to share a funny story with you, although I do feel bad telling this story. Clearly I really have no legitimate right to be giving directions to anyone given my tenure in the area, however being the helpful lad that I am I couldn't say no.

As I was riding home along Queen street after checking out Leslieville, I was about to cycle over the Don River bridge and was stopped by two tourists on bikes who asked me (in their best English) where the bike path entrance was to the Don Valley cycle path. 

The Queen Street bridge over the Don River...

To ensure full disclosure and paint the full picture, I was about 100 meters from the bridge heading east when the stopped me.  So in my best tour guide voice said that there was no entrance to my knowledge at Queen Street and that they had to turn around and head down King Street to Sumach then follow it to Cherry Street where they would see it and then be able to pick it up...which was a good 3 - 4 kilometers from where we were.

They looked quizzically at me, shrugged their shoulders, thanked me and turned around and headed off toward King street.  As I rode away I was congratulating myself on the good deed I'd just done when less than 50 meters on I was almost knocked over by a cyclist coming up the stairs next to the bridge from the bike path on the Don River...   

At this point I turned and desperately looked in the direction the two trusting tourists but they had disappeared down King street by this time and I felt a complete "tool" and now most unhelpful!

Fortunately for me I've only managed to get to these two amazing neighborhoods so far, and I'm sure the Toronto Tourist Authority is pleased that I haven't set foot in any other areas of town just yet...perhaps they may pay me to keep away?   Hhhmmm - perhaps a new career in this. J 

Here’s to exploring right in our own backyards and giving "good" advice!

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Enjoy the selection of photos from my recent urban expeditions

Kensington Market

My personal favorite mural in Kensington Market - Coral Seafood Company

Some stores weren't quite ready for business at this hour...

Hhhmmm - not sure what this means as it was painted on a light post

A lot of time went into this amazing mural in Kensington Market

Such a cool photo - especially love the red gloves

The scene of the notorious sidewalk spray incident 

Organic fishmonger anyone???

All the stores are jumbled together - or as I'd say "higgledy piggledy"

Early morning preparation

Says it all really

An absolute classic parked outside their house in Kensington Market

As you can see Kensington market adjoins Chinatown

Leslieville

Eastern Avenue still has some gentrification to undergo to catch up to the rest of Leslieville.

Yep, they still have them...

Typical Leslieville housing - this on Carlaw at Queen

Ivy on Eastern Avenue - technically I wasn't in their yard...

View over the Eastern Avenue Bridge looking toward the downtown core and Toronto's
preparation for the Pan American Games next summer

CN Tower reflection in a shop window - oh yes, I forgot but summer has actually
been officially renamed "Construction" in the city of Toronto

Not sure when exactly they were the "Best Schnitzel's in town!", but what the hey...

One of the many tattoo parlours on Queen Street East

TW's reflection while taking photos at a traffic light...a ride by not a drive by!

Queen East streetcar over the Don River bridge

People watching at its best on Queen street

Gerrard street tunnel under the railway line