{"id":3869,"date":"2011-10-20T01:36:00","date_gmt":"2011-10-20T01:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mywalkabout.net\/2011\/10\/20\/up-down-endless-streets-in-the-gta"},"modified":"2020-04-24T02:58:12","modified_gmt":"2020-04-24T09:58:12","slug":"up-down-endless-streets-in-the-gta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mywalkabout.net\/?p=3869","title":{"rendered":"up & down endless streets in the GTA"},"content":{"rendered":"

Man, unlike any other thing organic or inorganic in the universe, grows beyond his work, walks up the stairs of his concepts, emerges ahead of his accomplishments.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n

John Steinbeck<\/b>, The Grapes of Wrath (1939)<\/i><\/p>\n

*****<\/i><\/div>\n
An unknown force compelled me to go, and I’m still unsure as to why. Perhaps to see the most beautiful sunset as the plane was descending, or perhaps I’ve got a screw loose and have no boundaries.\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
No matter to reason, the GTA ( Greater Toronto Area)\u00a0 <\/span>spoke to me in a lover’s whisper to feel her out, explore her depths and charms.<\/div>\n
So I did.<\/div>\n
<\/a><\/div>\n
I stay on Bloor street, across from the University and the ROM<\/a>. A perfect location to start my wandering of the city in the morning. After a long day in the air, I’m ready for food and drink.<\/div>\n
Little India, Chinatown, Little Italy, Oh Canada!….<\/i>the choices are endless and overwhelming. I let the bottle of wine pick my food, and settle on a nice Canadian Red, complemented by Atlantic smoked salmon on toast and Indian Butter Chicken.<\/div>\n
I sleep well.<\/div>\n
<\/a><\/div>\n
\u00a0I awake to the alarm, but not mine, the hotel fire alarm. Panicked, I revert to primary school education and feel the door for heat, smell for smoke. The announcement comes over the speakers to evacuate the building using the stairs. I quickly dress and flee to the street with other haggard confused guests.<\/div>\n
Only a kitchen fire, all is safe now. Please return to your rooms……<\/i><\/div>\n
I surmise that no more coffee is needed, and start my day.<\/div>\n
No map in hand, no GPS on the phone, I use intuition and luck to find my way. I go to Philosopher’s Walk at the University, marveling at the buildings and architecture.<\/div>\n
I see, for the first time, black squirrels throughout the city, parks, buildings, vacant lots. I am reminded of the Pied Piper of Hamelin and the rats.<\/div>\n
<\/a><\/div>\n
\u00a0Continuing the journey, I enjoy green organic tea in a local coffee shop, and read for a time. I’m in no rush. I see Lake Ontario, the waves are ice cold as winter seems to try and drown out the remnants of Fall. Children playing, students chatting, people shopping. A peaceful weekend.<\/div>\n
Hunger strikes, and I find a little house that serves Ethiopian food. The authenticity is palpable, the food divine.<\/div>\n
I finish eating, and walk more. Aimlessly and content.<\/div>\n
The night comes, and with it my main reason for the trip, the Iron and Wine<\/a> show down by the pier.<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
lead singer for Iron & Wine<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\u00a0I see a Persian drum for the first time, played by an\u00a0Iranian beauty. I tell myself I love her, knowing that I’ll never see her again.<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The show rekindles me, ignites my own uniqueness, and confirms the notion that one should be true to them self, their ideals, and not compromise to appease the masses.<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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