What is your most memorable experience away?
August 3, 2009 was my last day leaving London (UK- not Ontario for all of those Canadian readers), I remember taking the cab ride through the city to Heathrow. It was very quiet and still the city was not awake. This was my private time to say good bye to all these streets had to offer me over the past 2 years.
I had being living “away” and I had the time of my life (to risk sounding like the line of a catchy tune from the movie Dirty Dancing). I met new friends-reconnected with old friends, learnt how to spend time alone (for such a big city with so many people there were a few lonely days), I traveled and professionally developed (I was there on a work placement). I also bonded with my cousin (she was there completing her masters for 1 year – big up to the red wine nights!!).
It came to that moment when I realized that it was time for me to come home, get back to my family and all that Toronto had to offer me. After all Toronto is my home – my roots and it is in my soul. I needed to go back to that place where it was common to call people “dude” rather than “geezer or chap”, say “good morning – how are you” instead of “Hiya- ya alright” and say EH! After almost everything.
People often ask me what I miss about my time in Jolly O’London:
“Do you miss the food?” I say “Nope – there is a good Bri’tish store around the corner”
“Do you miss the shopping” I say “Sort of, I do kinda miss the shoes and the stores, but we have Top Shop and shopping in Toronto is solid”
“Then what do you miss” I proceed by saying, “I miss the experiences” … the vast variety of things to do at any day of the week or hour of the day.
My most (ok one of my most – I just have so many) is going to Ronnie Scott’s with my crew (and if you are reading this you know exactly who you are! Names omitted to protect the innocent). The music, the vibe, the ambiance. I loved loved loved every minute of it. Soul Family, Blues, Funk! Live music. I can’t even describe – I have a huge smile as I write these words. Go – check it out – see Soul Family. Please!
What is your most memorable experience away?
About the Author
Lisa I don't travel to escape I travel to self discover. To see different parts of the world to build my personal tool kit. I enjoy the path less travelled to truly learn about the traditions and nuances of my fellow citizens of this great world. Born and raised in Toronto of Trinidadian descent I never forget my roots and as much as I love leaving on that jet plane I always find satisfaction in coming home to my great city to share the tales of my great adventures with my friends and family.
