Hello again!
Since my last post I have lots of new things to talk about, some of which includes how I celebrated my 21st birthday at the end of February…
My family always make my birthday into a pretty big deal so to carry on the tradition, they flew over and we went skiing, drove into the U.S to visit Niagara falls and then all the way to Ottawa where in total we drove 3000km in the 10 days. Overall, I would say we did quite well.
As for the skiing, we went to the Blue Mountains in Collingwood, roughly a two hour drive from Toronto and as mentioned in my previous blog it has been a pretty mild winter this year so we got off pretty lightly up in the ‘mountains’. I say ‘mountains’ because after experiencing the alps, these really didn’t compare, the slopes were much more like hills.
As for Niagara falls, I learnt that it’s a much better option to visit the Canadian side where the views are far better. It was pretty dead, cold, windy and none of the boats or helicopter rides run in the winter months so I figured it would probably be much nicer but busier to visit in the summer months.
Ottawa is a strange one. I figured that since it is the capital, much like London, it would be the most built up and exciting city to visit. I was wrong, it turns out Toronto is. Through driving around Canada when my parents visited I discovered that Toronto is really a one of a kind city in Canada. As soon as you drive out of the area, houses become few and far between until you hit another town/city and it highlighted for me how densely populated Canada really is as a country.
Another highlight for me has been my visit to the quiet and quaint Toronto Island. It was fascinating to visit somewhere so close to the big city, that was such a contrast. There was a beach, the houses and scenery were so beautiful and the streets empty. It is definitely a good place to go in order to relax and reflect as it is only a 10 minute ferry ride across from Downtown Toronto with a beautiful view of the skyline.
During the time since my last post, it has been pretty full on with the assignments due for my classes out here as well as a long essay due for uni back home. I am trying my best to not get too caught up in my work load and to remember that I only have four weeks before I return back to England. It is really important to me that I try and explore the city as much as I can. I am starting to realise more and more how it is a one in a lifetime experience. I regret nothing about the giant leap out of my comfort zone I made when coming here in January and it was the best decision I have ever made. I have not only learnt so much about myself but also made one or two friends that will stay with me for a very long time.
The next few weeks are going to be pretty full on so I imagine my last post will be when I am back in England!
Over and out.
Charlotte Marchant