Western Canada had far exceeded our expectations, despite the insinuation that I nearly ended my husband's life on a snowmobile! So as we headed out East we were excited what it had to hold.
Landing in Toronto airport was a different experience in itself. There was a heavy snow storm in full pelt when we landed which meant that we hadn't realised that we'd even come out of the clouds, everything was white! Thankfully despite the storm we were picked up by friends of the Williamson family, Jim and Valerie, and had a fantastic time with them and loved being back in a home.
Downtown Toronto is a different place in the winter, the lake was still mainly frozen and the fresh dusting of snow made everything glow. We wandered along the harbour front and watched people skate seamlessly on the ice rink, and therefore decided that it was probably best we didn't try. It became a city of firsts as we headed to the Art Gallery with Jim and Val. There were quite a few random exhibits on display which showed our ignorance about art, as we were not quite sure exactly what we should be seeing! But it was good fun. We have realised that for Canadians and North Americans eating out is common place and they have such an array of options. We'd loved Sushi so much in Vancouver that we had a Sushi buffet! Yummy! Later that evening we crowded into the air Canada centre and watched a NBA basketball game. Sport events are big occasions in North America as well, the bar for the entertainment was set with indoor fireworks to start off the events!
Whilst in the east we headed to Niagara falls for the day. Due to the velocity and power with which the water is flowing, the American and Horseshoe falls themselves were not frozen, but huge chunks of ice were floating in the river and adjacent cliffs. It was stunning! We had the opportunity to meet up with a couple, whom we'd travelled with in Madventure. We stayed with them for a night and had a fantastic time reminiscing. The next day we headed to the slopes!
We wanted to learn how to snowboard. This proved to be yet another activity which people make look incredibly easy, its not! Having both your feet clamped to a slippy board, which is generally (unless you've gone way wrong) pointing down hill. It was like learning to walk again, the easiest way to stop yourself is to sit down! It does mean that your bum becomes somewhat cold! With regular hot chocolates, encouragement from Jim and Val as they elegantly skiied passed us and determination on our behalf we spent the majority of the day up and down the slope. And we're still rubbish! Oh well, we'll just to have another winter holiday to practice!
Before we left Canada we were able to meet up with another cousin from the Williamson side. Alex has truly met more people than some other family members now. We had such an encouraging and great time with Lynda and Ed and it was lovely to hear the NI accent in real life for a change. We finished off our stay with a St.Paddy's cake Jim and Val had been given (crazy Canadians!). We left Toronto by Greyhound bus, in honour of the first section of the trip, the last leg possible we did overland. Off to New York then!
Landing in Toronto airport was a different experience in itself. There was a heavy snow storm in full pelt when we landed which meant that we hadn't realised that we'd even come out of the clouds, everything was white! Thankfully despite the storm we were picked up by friends of the Williamson family, Jim and Valerie, and had a fantastic time with them and loved being back in a home.
Downtown Toronto is a different place in the winter, the lake was still mainly frozen and the fresh dusting of snow made everything glow. We wandered along the harbour front and watched people skate seamlessly on the ice rink, and therefore decided that it was probably best we didn't try. It became a city of firsts as we headed to the Art Gallery with Jim and Val. There were quite a few random exhibits on display which showed our ignorance about art, as we were not quite sure exactly what we should be seeing! But it was good fun. We have realised that for Canadians and North Americans eating out is common place and they have such an array of options. We'd loved Sushi so much in Vancouver that we had a Sushi buffet! Yummy! Later that evening we crowded into the air Canada centre and watched a NBA basketball game. Sport events are big occasions in North America as well, the bar for the entertainment was set with indoor fireworks to start off the events!
Whilst in the east we headed to Niagara falls for the day. Due to the velocity and power with which the water is flowing, the American and Horseshoe falls themselves were not frozen, but huge chunks of ice were floating in the river and adjacent cliffs. It was stunning! We had the opportunity to meet up with a couple, whom we'd travelled with in Madventure. We stayed with them for a night and had a fantastic time reminiscing. The next day we headed to the slopes!
We wanted to learn how to snowboard. This proved to be yet another activity which people make look incredibly easy, its not! Having both your feet clamped to a slippy board, which is generally (unless you've gone way wrong) pointing down hill. It was like learning to walk again, the easiest way to stop yourself is to sit down! It does mean that your bum becomes somewhat cold! With regular hot chocolates, encouragement from Jim and Val as they elegantly skiied passed us and determination on our behalf we spent the majority of the day up and down the slope. And we're still rubbish! Oh well, we'll just to have another winter holiday to practice!
Before we left Canada we were able to meet up with another cousin from the Williamson side. Alex has truly met more people than some other family members now. We had such an encouraging and great time with Lynda and Ed and it was lovely to hear the NI accent in real life for a change. We finished off our stay with a St.Paddy's cake Jim and Val had been given (crazy Canadians!). We left Toronto by Greyhound bus, in honour of the first section of the trip, the last leg possible we did overland. Off to New York then!
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