Let's go for a Drive!
I'm starting to miss the tropical breeze of Asia. It's been a month since I've moved to Canada. The cold weather is something I've never thought I'll experience except for summit climbs in the mountains or maybe a few days trip in cold countries. But to stay longer than a month was really unexpected. Canada has never been on my list, as usual, I always end up on places I don't expect to be. I hope I've made the right decision this time around. I'm still contemplating what made me want to move from a tropical country to one of the coldest places on earth. From Palm trees to Pine trees. From 32 degrees to negative degrees.
A whole new world. A drastic change from what I'm used to. However, I've noticed how Coffee with a half cup of Hot Chocolate kept me sane all this time. It has been my companion, my friend, and a comfort blanket. It's hard to stay positive when you don't know what the heck you're doing, and being away from family and friends makes it even harder. I haven't really got the time to explore the Niagara Region. I've seen the famous Niagara falls during the day and at night this winter season. Other than that I've simply had my coffee with a half cup of hot chocolate with 10 songs of replay on a regular basis. Despite the changes, I believe that in every situation I need to look at the bright side so I've listed a few things I love about Canada. Let's go!
A whole new world. A drastic change from what I'm used to. However, I've noticed how Coffee with a half cup of Hot Chocolate kept me sane all this time. It has been my companion, my friend, and a comfort blanket. It's hard to stay positive when you don't know what the heck you're doing, and being away from family and friends makes it even harder. I haven't really got the time to explore the Niagara Region. I've seen the famous Niagara falls during the day and at night this winter season. Other than that I've simply had my coffee with a half cup of hot chocolate with 10 songs of replay on a regular basis. Despite the changes, I believe that in every situation I need to look at the bright side so I've listed a few things I love about Canada. Let's go!
1.Coffee with a half cup of Hot Chocolate
I've noticed how Canadians love their coffee. They have their own Starbucks here and that's Tim Hortons. I love having the hot chocolate drink with fruit explosion muffin, the best match for a rainy day, even more for the winter season.
I've noticed how Canadians love their coffee. They have their own Starbucks here and that's Tim Hortons. I love having the hot chocolate drink with fruit explosion muffin, the best match for a rainy day, even more for the winter season.
2.Endless Pine Trees
I haven't done any hiking yet but I love walking around pine trees. Tall and silent. These trees see first whatever is up there, a clear view of the horizon, and all the groundworks.
I haven't done any hiking yet but I love walking around pine trees. Tall and silent. These trees see first whatever is up there, a clear view of the horizon, and all the groundworks.
3.Heavy Snow
I'm not really a fan of snow but it's a beautiful season in its own way. I love how it looks so lovely when it covers all the houses, the trees, and the roads with its powdered form. I grew up just watching snow on TV or seeing it in books, having to see it every day now reminds me of my childhood fantasies.
4.Courteous People
Canadians have this automated response of asking people how they are, even constant repetitions of saying please and thank you. I like it. It makes me smile whenever I take the bus, order food, and making my exit.
5.Natural Environment
I've seen Niagara Falls, the international border of Canada, and the United States. Majestically Beautiful. You've got to see it to believe its grandiosity.
The sceneries here are splendid. Perfect at every angle. I can't wait to get my hiking shoes on and experience the summit climbs.
6.Chicken Wings
Canadians love for chicken wings is unmistakable. Every Wednesday we go to this specific restaurant in Niagara Falls that serves 2 CAD for 10 chicken wings. Normally the price is around 10 CAD except every third day of the week. I always have two orders: 10 honey garlic chicken wings and 10 barbecue chicken wings or cajun flavor. I'm not a fan of their spicy flavor because of the sour taste that comes along with it.
7.Wine
There's a lot of winery on Niagara on the Lake area. Hectares of vineyards fill the open space. I told myself that I'll try to limit my coffee and hot choco intake instead I'll have a sip of wine at night. It actually promotes sleep and is good for the heart. Maybe I'll do this next month.
8.Bus wait times
Most people would say this should not be on my list, I do too. However, I'm starting to appreciate the patience I get out of it. I just have to stop comparing the transportation service here to Singapore. Working in Singapore has taught me the art of always be in a hurry. Even thou I tried to keep my pace at ease there, needless to say, everyone will get tied up to its fast pace environment. People will drag you to the train station, like a leaf streaming on a riverbank. Act like a salmon fish and you'll only get pain and frustration. Here in Canada, I'm being taught the value of staying still and keeping it cool, literally cool.
9.Walking
I love walking in my neighborhood. Even back home in the Philippines, I had endless walks in the mall, school, and during festivals. In Singapore, It's normal to be walking around 10 minutes to 30 minutes getting to your place despite google map two-minute walk display. It's quite the same here in Canada. There are specific bus stops too and if you live 3 more blocks away then all you've got to do is walk home. Due to my limited amount of patience, I get to do a lot of walking here especially when I'm downtown and my bus arrives in 30 minute time. I might just walk home instead of waiting for it.
10.Dollarama
Cheapest store in Canada. Everything is here from food to clothing accessories, stationaries, household items, and even laundry stuff. I like buying stuff here as its guilt-free cheap.
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Itinerary Reminders:
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Itinerary Reminders:
1. Flight Details
Make sure to write down your booking reference number, be at the airport two hours before your flight, and allocate time for your travel to the airport.
2. Accommodation Details
Write down your hotel/motel/resort/BnB booking number. Contact your place to inform them around when you'll be arriving — it really does help. Also, ask if your accommodation has any discounted activities. You'd be surprised!
3a. Transportation
List possible times your bus/train/boat arrives and leaves so you don't miss an activity. Always give yourself an extra 30-45 minutes in case you get lost, get stuck in traffic, or are looking for parking. Better early than late. Of utmost importance: check for the last trip and fares! So you still have time and money to get back.
3b. Car Rentals
Take note of your pick-up address and time allotted. Our last car rental told us to bring the car back by a certain time with a certain amount of gas. Allot money for fuel and parking.
4. Budgeting
Set aside a minimum and maximum spending amount for meals, transportation, entrance fees, activities, souvenirs, and emergencies. 3 meals a day + snacks add up quickly, so keep track! As well as tips for restaurants and activities.
5. Activities
Call to confirm your booking(s) a day or so beforehand. Set alarms and/or calendar reminders for things you plan to do (i.e- bungee-jumping, river-rafting, or even city/food tours).
Do you want more adventure?
If you still have one more day to spare why not go around and Explore the vibrant city of Toronto, Canada.
Where am I going next?
My next adventure is to Los Angeles, California and I have here a survival guide on how to go around the city.
Where am I going next?
My next adventure is to Los Angeles, California and I have here a survival guide on how to go around the city.
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