Canada Archives - Splinter's Paradise

Day 202: The last day in North America

July 15, 2014

Today was going to be a chill day. My flight was leaving JFK International Airport later tonight. I woke up around 8:30 am, and the bus was at a standstill—traffic jam everywhere. It was insane, cars as far as the eye could see. In the distance, I could make out Manhattan, but it was still miles away. We were stuck in the bus lane queue, but then the driver decided to take an alternate route. He came over the speakers, telling us that at least now, we were moving. We got to the Port Authority Bus Terminal around…

by Maarten

Canada

Day 201: The last observation deck, the CN Tower

July 14, 2014

The CN Tower was calling, so today was all about snapping some epic shots of Toronto from above. I rolled out of bed at the luxurious hour of 10:30 am—plenty of time before the 12 noon checkout. A quick breakfast, some dorm-packing gymnastics, and one last shower later, I was ready to conquer the day! Bags stored, checked out right on time—smooth start to the day. I spent the afternoon typing reports in the hostel’s main area, feeling productive and smug about my foolproof evening plan: the bus left at 9:30 pm, so I’d head out by 7:30 pm to…

by Maarten

Canada

Day 200: A wet day at the Niagara Falls

July 13, 2014

Checked off a bucket list item: Niagara Falls, and wow, they’re even more spectacular in person! Woke up around 7 am, sneaked out of my bunk like a ninja, and got ready. Brushed my teeth, grabbed my bag, and headed downstairs for breakfast. And let me tell you, the hostel breakfast at the Planet Traveler Hostel? Hands down the best I’ve ever had. They had 15 types of cereals (yep, you read that right) and 10 different bagels, plus milk and all the usual spreads. I went for bagels with peanut butter and packed some extras for the road. At…

by Maarten

Canada

Day 199: The arrival in Toronto

July 12, 2014

Today, I was set to arrive in Toronto, Canada. Last night at the Montreal bus terminal, I met Sofia, a Swedish expat currently living in Toronto. She was on her way back from a four-day trip, just like me. We ended up talking a lot during the night. She shared stories about her recent family visit to Iran and what life was like there—it was fascinating to hear about her experiences. Sofia filled me in on Toronto’s public transport system and even shared some insights about the hostel I’d booked. She mentioned hearing good things about it, which was reassuring…

by Maarten

Leave a comment

Canada

Day 198: The Biosphere and Mont-Royal

July 11, 2014

After yesterday’s failed attempt to visit the Biosphere, today I was determined to find the architectural building I had been looking for! I woke up around 10 a.m., enjoyed a lovely breakfast, and relaxed. We had to wait for the healthcare person before we could head out. Around 11:30 a.m., we left for Tim Hortons to get some wifi, as the connection at Gopal’s parents’ house had stopped working the day before due to an issue with the telephone line. Gopal, being the problem solver he is, had already called the company to schedule a fix. Today, Gopal had to…

by Maarten

Leave a comment

Canada

Day 197: The Biodome and the Botanical Gardens

July 10, 2014

There was a mix-up, so today I ended up visiting the Biodome, followed by the Botanical Gardens of Montreal—an absolute must-see in Montreal! I woke up around 9 am to begin the day, took a shower, and headed downstairs. As usual, Gopal (someone I befriended back in Malaysia) was already up. He made me some toast, which I slathered with peanut butter. I poured myself a glass of milk and drank it eagerly, as it had been ages since I last had some. Today, Gopal had to go to work since he had been away for two days. His job…

by Maarten

Leave a comment

Canada

Day 196: Football and The Chair Warriors

July 9, 2014

The plan for the day included attending Gopal’s (who I befriended in Malaysia) performance with his band, the Chair Warriors, where he played drums. Waking up around 9 a.m., I started the day with a refreshing shower before heading downstairs. Gopal greeted me with a breakfast he had prepared—eggs on toast. Grateful for his hospitality, I thanked him warmly. We left the house around 10 a.m., and I was filled with excitement for the Dutch match later in the day. I had high hopes for a win, though, as it turned out, they didn’t deliver—but more on that later. We…

by Maarten

Leave a comment

Canada

Day 195: A mix of Paris, London and America: Montreal

July 8, 2014

Today, I was set to arrive in Montreal, Canada, where I would stay with my friend Gopal. Around 5 am, we completed customs at the Canadian border. The customs officer didn’t ask to see any return tickets but instead posed a series of questions. She inquired about my reasons for visiting, whether I had friends here, if I was carrying money, how much, and if I had brought any souvenirs. After a brief chat, she seemed satisfied, and I was allowed to proceed without any issues. Back on the bus with everyone else, we continued the journey. I couldn’t help…

by Maarten

Leave a comment