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This was my first time to visit Toronto, and I left Winnipeg with some hesitation as to whether or not I would actually enjoy myself. Many of my friends and co-workers had some tough words for the Ontario city, and although I listened - I did keep my opinion neutral until I saw the place for myself. Well, I was pleasantly surprised: Toronto is a great place with much to see and do. The city and it's citizens get a bad rap in Canada, and I would like to make this blog post in response to some of the critics and say, for all Torontonians, that your city is wonderful, and I would definitely visit again.
A few observations:
1. The people are friendly:
Before I went to Toronto, I was bombarded with remarks on how rude, ignorant and self-centered Torontonians could be. I of course, chose to give the city and its citizens the benefit of the doubt, and was happy I did. I found everyone I talked to were very courteous and helpful. I had very little clue where I was going half the time and I never had issue with asking for assistance. Of course I am sure there are a fair share of unfriendly people in Toronto - but from my experiences there, I was very satisfied. So please, don't judge an entire city and it's citizens as 'rude' before you first go there and see for yourself.
2. Toronto is not dirty:
Well no more than any other city of millions. I found the streets to be in order and well maintained as well there were not piles of trash and little strewn about the ground like in some places I've been. The public transit was clean and the subway stations were not filthy. I'm not saying there aren't areas that need attention - but by in large, the city is not a dystopian wasteland like some would describe it.
3. Toronto is safe at night:
Maybe I am dead wrong on this point - but I will say that I was out past midnight on occasion, and never at any time did I feel my life was in danger. I've heard people use such harsh language when referring to the safety of Toronto's streets at night - like some kind of apocalyptic war zone or like a scene from The Running Man. Well, there were no crazies chasing me, or trying to steal my belongings. I was just another person among all the others - enjoying my evening and not thinking about getting killed or mugged.
4. Toronto is an efficient city:
This is very true. I have been to some large cities in the world that were half as efficient as Toronto. From the Airport to Greek-town took approximately 50 minutes using various forms of public transportation which was fast and always on time. I had also rented a car and found the streets were marked clearly, and getting onto the larger thoroughfares like the 401 and QEW was very easy. Mass transit had several buses running the same route and there were always street cars and the really easy to use subway system.
5. There are many things to do:
If you are bored in Toronto - whether as a tourist or resident, you need to seriously get out more. There is absolutely no excuse to sit inside with nothing to do. Rain, snow or shine, there are dozens of opportunities to enjoy oneself - either as an individual or amongst friends. Whether it be museums, cultural events, art galleries, dining, shopping, music, sports, etc., you should be able to find something that fits your mood or budget. So, to the people that continually say "there is nothing to do in Toronto", go stick your head in the sand!
6. You can have fun on a budget:
I am not the type of person to spend piles of money on entertainment or leisure activities - so when I was going to Toronto, I was a bit worried as many people I talked to had said it was far to expensive to actually enjoy yourself. On the contrary, I thought the majority of things were reasonably priced. Even the tourist trap CN Tower wasn't out of this world - although it was the priciest thing I did while there. Museums, art galleries, restaurants, etc can all be found to fit into a specific budget.
At the Golden Dragon Citizen of the Year Award, hosted by the Winnipeg Chinese Cultural & Community Centre. They were honoring three citizens of Manitoba for their work in promoting culture, education, economics, and trade within the city, province and the whole of Canada. Also, these individuals were recognized for their dedication and support of the local Chinese community. It was an interesting night, with some typically long speeches, some music and food. 
A version of Chinese spring rolls - and were quite delicious - as was the stuffed tomato. I could have eaten 20 of the spring rolls, if I had the chance, haha. 
The main course was pork, mashed sweet potato and red pepper/bok choy. Quite good, and the meat was cooked very well. And only two pieces of asperagus - I wish was more! 
There were two desserts - one was a Almond Mousse Cheesecake and then there were the fortune cookies dipped in chocolate ~
My one fortune read "You will soon gain something you have always desired", haha....I think it is a good fortune and I shall keep those words in mind. 
This was the gift at the table for each guest. Maybe better for weddings though, haha. Well, I can use that for tea at work so I am happy about it. And of course, the little gold box of chocolates was a nice little thing to take home :)
Cheers.
Rhonda Byrne writes an interesting and informative perspective on such favorite topics as success, wealth, relationships and the power of positive thinking. Take this book for what it is. I would not suggest following it word for word; rather adapt some of "The Secret" into you own life. Much of the items reviewed in it's 198 pages can be dealt easily with common sense and a good attitude, however, the book is very positive and motivational; most readers should walk away satisfied.
Do not believe that by reading "The Secret", you will become wealthy or find true love; that is not the purpose here. I found the real objective of this book was to enlighten the reader and offer some different perspectives; by using positive thinking, good judgment and knowing ones own limits. With these qualities. anything can be accomplished. 3/5
It is no secret that Star Trek (in all it's incarnations) has always been one of my favorite television and film series'. I'm not a die hard super fan, that knows the precise details of each character and episode, rather an avid viewer who smiles each time Kirk makes some witty comment or when Picard faces off with Q. The series - originating with 'Star Trek' back in 1966, has done wonders for the science fiction genre and has paved the way for a lot of what we see today. Gene Roddenberry was indeed far ahead of his time when he crafted the original series and should be counted as one of the great visionaries of our time. 12 films and 5 television series' (+1 animated) has shown that Star Trek has weight in the entertainment world as well as popular culture; and will be around for a lot more years to come. Cheers.
