flashman181

Or maybe it did and was just too much. The scalene triangle is flat baby like a straight line from Brisvegas to an Australian capital city. Hint Hint. Yes another USA trip cancelled but unlike Fred Trump, sadly, I pulled out early. With all this changing of mind lately I could become a DEI hire soon 🙂 Ouch

So the reasons are multifuctorial .

The USA is a shit show and likely to stay that way for forseeable future with the Orange Clown in charge and doing what he promised. Well duh. Suffer in your shorts Yanks. Ye reap, ye sow. The exchange rate is very poor and a likely trade war wont help little old Aussietown. USA was already getting more expensive every year . Buffoon Bob has warned of some “economic pain” to come but it will be worth it . Because he will get very rich of course.

Love Las Vegas and Santa Monica and if could teleport there for a couple of weeks every year certainly would but transport dont work that way yet. You listening Elon? Pull your finger out son. ( Do love the Swastica moniker for Teslas now ). The fires have certainly ravaged the LA area in general and that wont recover soon and imagine some of the highlights had ticked off around Malibu for example are simply gone. Rebuilding will also impact costs etc. October was never ideal time as do love me some chill but that was driven mostly by trying to maintain Qantas status. Not sure of the need for that but seemed a good excuse at the time.

Qantas is not as reliable as many would think as I do monitor these things. For example QF11 (my option for Sydney-LAX) simply cancelled twice in 3 days. There is always a flow on effect with all airlines. If the A 380 from Joburg to Sydney is a few hrs late and is then used for QF 11 it takes days to catch up for example. The necessary flights (for status) to USA and back required Premium Economy minimum at a cost of around $4000 on sale. Can do two trips to Melbourne and back in Business class for about half that money and earn more status and laugh at cattle class loading late. And dont land at LAX 🙂 If flight to Melbourne is cancelled you catch the next one an hour later. Dont work that way with international of course. Even in BC , 14 hrs is still 14 hrs. I checked. As you get older you look for less stress in life.

Speaking of which this month represents a significant change with switching over to Well Aged Pension hopefully but not sure how much will get each fortnight now despite best efforts to spend my savings over last 10 years. One does need to keep an eye on finances because despite some clear signs I could have another 10 years to get through. Man my arm will be sore by then . Why, you ask? Well if not going to Vegas have to do my own tattoos now each year. Here is one I prepared earlier

One thing have slowly learned is never say never so who knows what the future holds travel wise . It will be nice not to wake up every morning and first thing is check exchange rate and Super balance and then any emails from Qantas about flight delays 🙂 Ok, first 3 things! In the meantime will flit down (ie a short flight) to Melbourne for a week in June as they also have cafes and pubs and cool weather apparently . And no excessive tips or poor exchange rate. Maybe another trip to Sydney in September, time will tell. I will miss USA certainly but things change and that place certainly has. Have been very lucky to see what I have seen over the years and eventually it had to end. It may not have yet but it will one day. In the meantime while can still produce a good stream after 2L of water

Of the Scalene Variety. More to come

So, another wonderful Xmas spent with family in quite pleasant weather. Down to Flashman Inc Sunny Coast for a couple days of R&R before RJER festivus. Even squeezed in an early morning beach stroll. I see more in coming years. Then down to our AIRBnB at Burbank for 3 nights with wonderful hosts ADJG (do any of these people have full names he wondered? I will ask CLP…..). I should note that the lack of mints at night turn down on pillow could affect final rating. First up though a game of golf at Keperra with 2 of the 17 people on the rungs above me on Claude’s Will ladder. I suggested a rung a hole but no takers sadly . Pity, would have been looking good about now. Next day off to Naldham House in city for a thank you lunch to our hosts. Sadly JG of ADJG fame was not well which just left Larry, Moe and Curly. Your call.

Then back for a relaxing evening with some prawns and beers. Ok ya got me, a bottle of Red too. First up though was a Xmas Eve mass wisely held outdoors in case I combusted spontaneously on entering a church I assume. Clever move to cat proof the Xmas Tree. Hope I get the present I asked for

Putting that disappointment aside it was time to head over to RJER camped out at Camp Hill spookily enough. I was on Munchkin Lifeguard duty while there was work to be done upstairs. The gang all arrived and frivolity ensued. The centrepiece was a glazed Ham . I imagine there will be leftovers. A lovely gathering once again and then a quiet night back at Burbank. Next morning we headed off to see Anne and John at Strathpine before a short trip – in heavy traffic – to Beechmere to see Jas and Family. And another Xmas lunch. A wonderful few days with family and alcohol.

Back home to Kureelpa then and then I headed back to Maryhole Boxing Day because some of us have to work ya know. Well for 2 more months which brings us to the important stuff.

My New Years resolution is to wipe out all previous Travel Proclaimations. Yes baby, he’s going back! Devoted fans/Premium Subscribers may recall the Feb 2025 Trip planned to New York was thrown out like a ridiculous Snicko cockup 🙂 Despite youthful appearance turn 67 (need new tattoo!) in Feb 2025 and apart from other factors seemed smarter to wait until after that when I become a Pensioner. No financial savings mind you but certainly less hassle travelling OS. It was time to consider an SMS but not of the usual variety but rather Save My Status. Now, only a lowly Qantas Silver but the sweet spot there is Ruby OW status with AA which has some benefits including not having to stand on short flights. The task was to accumulate 190 status and 2 flights before Oct 31, 2025 as have 2 flights and 60 status banked. Oct is not a bad month but not ideal especially when looking at somewhere new like Phoenix. Basically 40 degrees C early October. Las Vegas was a lock of course as need that other tattoo and no one does them in Australia honest. With Vegas – being a quasi expert now – dates can be tricky especially in 7 night blocks at my go to MGM Signature. The only full week at reasonable price was Oct 20 – 27 . Now fill in the blanks. Non Vegas fans probably dont realise that you can stay 7 nights in Vegas in a great room for same price as 4 nights any other US City – or 3 in Phoenix! Luckily I could catch up with my HPFA (Honorary Personal Financial Advisor ) in Brisbane and told him my cunning plan. Spend $20,OOO ( on a credit card) on US holiday to get an extra $91.74 pf in pension next year and only take 8 yrs and 14 days to recoup the outlay. He couldnt see a flaw in plan…….over beers and prawns. Should add he has retired and maybe with good reason:)

So, 3 nights max after Vegas to fly home not ideal. Where is pleasant all of October in USA. Mar-a-Lago? Shocking reviews on Reddit and have to wear a red hat all day. How about old faithful – Santa Monica and even same VRBO? Lock it in Eddie. Now a few more days before Vegas . Hmm, lets get the protractor and ruler out and get that triangle going. Last trip spent a few hours in Long Beach and loved it so why not. Easy to get to from SM and can even fly direct to Vegas from their airport rather than back to the nightmare of LAX. Both “cities” are an easy 1 hr train trip to LA for any day trips if needed like Universal Studios. Also a day trip to Catalina from LB and finally hop on board Queen Mary – the boat not the monarch. Golden you ask? Well its California baby.

The other sign was return of Dreamliner – and thus Premium Economy – 3 days a week Brisvegas to LAX so dont have to go via Sydney. Only downside – as with all Qantas flights to US now – is you leave at night and arrive late afternoon / early evening. I know sleepers like it. I dont . Much prefer leave around lunchtime, hook in, arrive early LAX and have a whole day to play. Get the calculator out . 90 +90 = 180 status. Damn , 10 short. Think Think. Ok fly first leg via Sydney after short flight, get 110 status for that leg and also arrive in LAX at 230 pm not 530 pm. As SM is first call easy Uber from LAX late afternoon removing any stress about flight delays. Now just wait for some sale fares and maybe AUD improve exchange rate and will book it all. Always been good with numbers

Now, only 2 questions remain. What tattoo do I get and what will I do for NYE?

One down…..

And so it all ends . As far as 36 hrs of travel and sitting around goes it was ok but has raised some questions about future trips specifically the planned ( and somewhat paid for ) last hurrah in New York next February. Not sensible making rash decisions today but really over travel and mostly the morons you deal with and the expense. Canada was very expensive in the end . It was a good choice to visit and some wonderful memories as it was a new country to see and experience. The flight home on Qantas was quite ordinary really with poor service in general but of course still good food and reliable flights etc. Never experienced such infrequent interaction with flight attendants in a “ premium” cabin. Qantas was great as always in getting us on an earlier flight then booked so back in Brisbane by 9 am. Will elaborate at a later date on future travel plans if any but for now……

Best Flight

QF 75 on way over. Left late as can happen but all efforts made to make up time and top level service on board. Air Canada was fine for an economy service and then West Jet a rung further down. All what you pay for but it does enforce the extras you get use to with Qantas. Sydney lounges really piss all over Brisbane counterparts. Qantas remains a reliable product

Best Accomodation

Surprisingly would go with Le Square Phillips in Montreal which surprised . Very comfortable layout , perfectly acceptable free breakfast and good location. One King in Toronto disappointed for the price – classic small hotel room. Castel in QC certainly had its attractions not the least being superb breakfast but those stairs were killers . Vancouver suited purposes fine, good location.

Best Meal

St Lawrence was certainly the best meal we had and a memorable experience. Of course comes at a price. Very impressed with Fairmont Royal York in Toronto for eating and drinking and The Keg Steakhouse was a pleasant surprise for a “franchise” chain.

Best Tourist Attraction

Well you cant go past Niagara Falls of course but have to say Montmorency Falls were impressive as were early morning strolls near the Chateau da FrontnBack. We were lucky that weather was great when needed including first scoot around Stanley Park

Most Canadian Thing

The workers dont know when the business starts! At least 6 times in different cities asked someone during the day at counter or cleaning table “What time do you Open in morning” and they had to go and ask! And also maybe the general indifference of bar staff and getting acquainted with the concept of service. And they work for tips!

Best Poutine

The last one. Basically chips and gravy and some chunks of cheese. Fills the stomach and then the bowel.

Best Breakfast

Castel da FrogYank. Simply the perfect breakfast – apart from coffee of course. It helped move the Poutine along if ya get my drift

Best Public Transport

All good really but we used most in Vancouver so Compass wins – bus, metro, ferries etc. The surprising aspect really was lack of transport apps except for Toronto – the rest were cards purchased and loaded. The PATH in Toronto is a brilliant system for connecting trains and streetcars but the streetcars themselves seemed a bit unreliable. Of course cant beat fun on a scooter. VIA trains business class were great

Best Observation Deck

CN Tower wins but having a drink in the Vancouver Revolving one was rather special. All helped by glorious days and in QC it was free for old farts day

Best Coffee

Good coffee culture in Canada with > 90% serving Cortado. Quality varies of course and size does matter but in this case smaller the better:) Would say the best were in Vancouver as was able to get up early and have a stroll at sunrise. Worst was Second Cup in Montreal who thought he knew how to make a cortado. Big mistake

Worst Coffee

Some brown swill a passing Moose had pissed in from Old Historic Town. We bought, we sat, we threw out all in under 2 mins. A new record

Of course could include the Starbucks coffee I had when desperate in Montreal but really when one is in a mentally deranged state it shouldnt count

Best Beer

No bad beers of course and often a time and place thing but remember a beer at Jacapo in Montreal that went down like a Broncos Defensive(relative term) Backline. A lot of walking on a warm day made it sweet and small. Apparently

Best Cocktail

Had a lot of great cocktails including the spectacular Sacred Beast but also from same Library Bar in Toronto would have to go with Voodoo Child. The back story, the service, the taste ……..its just The Vibe man. One “interesting” aspect of Library Bar was amount of ice in your drink!

Worst Cocktail

Much like the Second Cup Barista the hostie on QF 76 thought she could make a Bloody Mary. Newsflash – ah nope you cant. I know there was pepper, tabasco, one cherry tomato and maybe alcohol in it but it tasted like cough medicine only harder to swallow. A bit like a Trump speech

Best Zombie Apocalypse

A clear winner. Vancouver. Early in holiday so could still outrun them. In Toronto would have been toast

Biggest Surprise

A dead heat maybe. Slash performing live in Montreal and also finding out Bill Hunter isnt dead but has been living in Toronto!

Biggest Shim Sham

The extra taxes on meals in restaurants ! Seriously. The meals are not cheap and then you add on taxes and tips and a $170 meal is $230 before you know it. Canada is an expensive place. Only slight saving grace is a good exchange rate with AUD.

And now we come to the big news . The Snow will not go on. Well it might but not with me. NYC 25 is Dead Zed. Not a rash decision but a timely one. If I wait until a months time and start looking at photos etc then would be yearning for more travel and forget the negative things. Its human nature and I am bordering on Human at times. I was not completely sold for some time – when had not even renewed ESTA 4 months out knew the heart not completely in it. The saddest part maybe is probably signals end to solo travel trips OS which have enjoyed now for 10 years. Eventually it comes to an end whether now of Feb 2025 or whenever. Simply too many morons in the world and without the possible exception of Veteran Golfers they are the most ignorant people on this flat earth 🙂 . Its like a MAGA rally on loop. Airports, Train Stations, Tours, Attractions….. Now my growing intolerance also plays a part of course and a lot of this wouldnt bother many. It bothers me a lot. Ask CLP 🙂 Speaking of whom I know she struggles when I am out of the country and cant see me weekly so there is that. Ouch….that hurt.

If a new city and not NYC may have been different. I love NYC but have seen it a lot. Was chasing one last snowy winter but no guarantee. Luckily my “friends” at airports etc tell me there is no such thing as Climate Change. And its all bloody expensive. Something grates about paying overs for everything and then getting poor service with it. Now in the realm of first world problems anything under Business Class is a struggle on long flights now and even that is no guarantee of fun and frivolity for 14 hrs. PE is not the same product it was 5 years and yet more expensive now. Cant afford BC fares upfront and on popular routes chances of upgrade slim.

And so not all doom and gloom. All things come to an end. Except crap reality TV it seems. There will still be holidays in Australia and maybe even NZ but that will be as far as I go methinks. One thing probably accepted towards end of Canada trip is it is great to afford some luxury in life like paying $80 for two blocks of ice with food colouring added so see maybe some short trips in Australia with a dash of luxury included. After all will be a pensioner in a few months . With age comes increasing medical issues and costs. The joints are mostly repaired for now so we move onto the crowning glory – dental work! Imagine if had to tip them on top of the exorbitant fees.

Oddly one of the joys of OS travel is doing the daily blogs

I also like writing these posts……….

Come on, what did you really expect as a sign off after all these years 🤓

Rough nights sleep as expected but we did wake up in plenty of time for our Uber ride to airport at 6 am. Didn’t realise we would have Verstappen driving us ! Not what I call a pleasant ride with speed and random lane changes but he did help with luggage 😏

Check in was smooth enough as not very busy yet . We grabbed a breakkie burger at first place after security but bit of a rookie mistake as better options near our gate . Now we wait for the WJ version of boarding and in flight service in cattle class booked with Qantas points . 🤷🏻‍♂️One strange thing at gate is only about 10% of chairs are for sitting and relaxing. The other 90% are comfortable stools with charging ports .

Boarding was quite civilised with just the usual number of morons . In zone 4 we were mid herd and found overhead space easily enough . Economy is a bit cramped here for a 5 hr flight but you get what you pay for . Its crowed but have my two presentation faces ready

Don’t bother me

Is that the drink cart ?

You pay for any extras of course and all tap and go at 30,000 feet over Canuckistan. What could go wrong😏 . We got a drink and a snack and some cheese pack to tide us over. We sit in aisle seats on these flights so pot luck who we sit next too but CLP lucked out with Bill Hunter 🤓 And yes he smelt like he had been dead a few years ago

Arrived on time of course . Bag retrieval a bit slow but who is in a rush. Walked towards international terminal knowing Qantas didn’t open for 4.5 hrs. We stopped short and fell for the old domestic terminal crap food court shim sham. Asked Ryan and he said we needed to go further down into the ACTUAL INTERNATIONAL Terminal and better options there. True , may have also seen a bar. Will investigate shortly. Of course all the good stuff is post security …..in 4 hrs.

Not much of a bar – pre security afterall – but had some Stanley Park beers so why not. Got some pesky Canuck Coinage to liberate myself from anyway. Y , you may well ask

Beer makes ya clever. If I set watch back to Toronto time only 30 mins til bag drop 🤗

It was a long afternoon certainly but thought we would line up a bit early and glad we did as Qantas let us in just after 4 pm. Easy through security then try and get into a tight lounge. Turns out being a Qantas Club member paid off as even had lounge access printed on my boarding pass and they had sign up many “ lounge passes” not accepted today . It’s a small lounge but comfortable if not private . Plenty to eat and drink so time to hook in. Also asked Ryan about the shower scene and he said I put you on the list ….and your wife ? Sure , as long as not together 🤓 Some fresh clothes and a shower really brightened up the day

So basically time to sign off from Canuckistan methinks . There will be some Flashies later but it’s been a great trip. Don’t expect any surprises with Qantas Premium Economy. It will be a long but comfortable trip. We allowed several hours in Sydney before flight home but past experience tells us they will gladly put you on an earlier flight

Later dudes.

Last real day of “holiday” today even though the packing starts . The 36 hrs from hell tour starts at 6 am tomorrow with Uber to airport for first flight to Vancouver, sit around 9 hrs and hopefully catch Qantas flight home 🤞

Relaxing day then with one last Poutine the likely highlight. Yes folks that is how exciting plans are for today. Mind you we have done and seen a lot in last 3 weeks. Time then for last early morning coffee run on a cool dark morning . A tad breezy too, looks a nice day for sock drawer rearranging

Glorious morning first up and we entered the bowels of Toronto AKA The Path. Rather impressive and very useful in lousy weather I imagine . We got a coffee but shall return. Too nice above ground to hang around with GUU. (Great Underground Unwashed ) Off to market we went . Impressive array of fresh food but if not buying lose a bit of interest by Aisle 27

We have checked in with West Jet for flight tomorrow at 9 am. Dealing with that process confirms we are on a budget airline . Back home then after some last minute souvenir shopping. Refocus and then catch a couple of slow moving streetcars out to Poutine Paradise. Apparently.

Wouldn’t say the TTC is most efficient public transport system have used. When you desire a Streetcar none turn up and then 3 in a row . The old Streetcar Shim Sham and I fell for it .We finally caught first of two out to Nom Nom Nom the top rated Poutine place in Toronto as voted by one Toronto Blog. More of a Street Food Van with no wheels – you know , fixed. It was tasty enough but maybe Poutined out by now. And then it started to rain

Then waited 15 mins for a promised streetcar which never appeared so we walked home . We walked back to Toronto Sign and then entered Path which eventually brings us up right in our hotel lobby . It’s a great system . A bit of quirk along the way

Guess clothes won’t pack themselves so that may be first afternoon job. Ready to go home now methinks but will head out later for a drink and dinner.

And we did. Just as about to leave we really get the hang of PATH- what a brilliant system to connect so many areas below street level. You just come back up when needed or as with One King West and Fairmont you come up in middle of place you want. First night here CLP did some research and found out that Reign in Fairmont Royal York opened at 630 for coffee. As turns out it doesn’t – only for breakfast – but what a find . We have been every day whether for breakfast or drinks. Today we started with cocktails at Library Bar and as I prefer sat at the bar and bartender was great . He explained about the Voodoo Child cocktail and it was great especially with the Sasquatch pepper thingy that turned your tongue a tingling first. Much like my women don’t care how they look if hot and smoky. This cocktail was ✅✅

We made a booking at Reign for dinner so went for a bit of a walk around CN Tower via Path. Some more things of interest bordering on quirk worthy

Then back to Reign for another superb dinner. Yes you pay for it but the service was excellent and the food delicious. The ambience was first class as well and to round it off they had a Cab Franc. Only sad note for CLP was when our server referred to us as Mr and Mrs Ferguson and she realised she had let a golden opportunity at Niagara Falls pass yesterday 🤓 Ouch, that baguette hurts

And so the high life ends for a while but it’s been a blast . It’s the 36 hrs from Hell tour kicking off tomorrow but this is part of the deal when you travel OS. All we ask for now is flights to be relatively in time and actually take off

Farewell Canuckistan 🏒🥞🇨🇦🍁🦌🐿️

Big day today with bucket list item of visiting Niagara Falls. Weather was being kind but would the GU be ? Bus pick up was a 15 min walk away so planned to have coffee nearby and of course be early. Bus duly arrive 15 mins early and a crowd milling. All boarded well but of course missing one pair at leaving time of 08:15. 5 mins later they did arrive – a couple of Japanese girls who did apologise – and off we went . Good tour guide and we left outskirts of Toronto

First stop after about an hour was Old Historic Town. Quaint little town and we parked 5 mins out and had to walk back with strict instructions of 1 hour only. On the good news front we always left on time rest of day – good group. Glorious day at present

Then we headed to Niagara Falls with a few quick stops long way with no getting off bus .

Then onto big enchilada. An hour at the top of the falls before our boat ride . Simply stunning views and up nice and close. Crowded but could always get a view

Then it was onto the boat to get soaked . Ponchos provided but they would be useless in the mist. Amazing views and a sense of the power of the falls. Tried taking some photos up close but was soaked by now

Then we had an hour free to look around the tourist town – a bit of a mini Vegas. We had a brew and then a wander

Everyone back on bus on time for trip home. Traffic pretty bad but still home by 430 pm so really a perfect tour. We decided to go out a bit later for a steak dinner and really The Keg franchise chain steak house was superb

And so a simply wonderful day has me too stuffed to do much of a blog today and so many photos to sort through. I will try and upload a couple of videos but did drink at dinner …..

Another rough nights sleep for a few reasons had me wandering the streets aimlessly at 630 am. Even the squirrels were still asleep. I felt like an explorer discovering new worlds. And wouldn’t you know it – don’t trust Google – I found a coffee shop that actually opens at 6 am and serves Cortado. Columbus Cafe . Spooky

Had discovered the Canadian Walk of Fame yesterday in King St but had more time now to explore . Ryan Reynolds is Canadian ? Who knew

A quick breakfast at Daily Ritual then had us heading out to the Distillery District via Hockey Hall of Fame on a mostly sunny day . Too early to go inside but plenty to see around the place

The hall is next to Brookfield Place which is an impressive erection and had the Photo Expo of 2024 on display

Then it was time to venture onto Distillery District although still a little early because I heard it would be hopping by midday. Does seem a bit rude to try and keep us Seniors out. Luckily we can pass for 49 🤓

The shops were eclectic but had one thing in common – boring yuppie crap. We settled in for a coffee while waiting for the hopping to commence. Anytime now

Apart from the boring shops there were plenty of drinking establishments with pogo sticks ready. Luckily Oktoberfest was still a thang here.

We sidled up to the brew pub and settled in for a brew German style. I get confused by ounces as much as the next idiot but think mine was 132 something 🤔 Had I fallen for the old too many ounces shim sham ?

A few trips to loo and was half way through when started to take effect .The bar had a cooling effect on head 👍🏻

Must be time for some food then and had noticed a Tapas bar near the stage where a live act were playing very good music although more for your over 50 crowd mind you 😏 Madrina was Michelin recommended – as opposed to starred but still excellent- and we ordered a diverse array. And some sangrias

Luckily CLP finally agreed to have one of them . Beautiful way to spend a Sunday afternoon in the sun with live music. No hopping detected.

The predicted bad weather had held off for now although quite breezy. Time then to head home for a quiet afternoon then with big day tomorrow . Will duck out for a light dinner later but no more drinkies for this LBD. With age comes …..something. Arthritis I think

For now just a little lie down. Damn our room seems bigger than I remember 🤔

Standard nights sleep in a big hotel in a big city in a small room. Sunrise isn’t until around 715 am so going to be hard to fill in those early hours especially in this area. Will wander down around 630 am and see what is about . At least weather seems to have cleared to a nice day

Felt perfectly safe walking around at 630 am and only saw one homeless varmit .

It’s a lovely stretch from rail station to CN Tower especially at that time of day . Also nice to see hotel lobby empty 😏

Thought would head back towards Toronto sign now the weather had cleared and not even a lost soul around at that time of day

Back home without a coffee but we had a great place for breakfast lined up near CN tower so booked us some tickets for opening time of 0930.

Reign in the booteeful Fairmont Royal York across from Rail Station looks a keeper as also great bars in hotel . Ryan served us

That filled one void in my life so then we headed over to the tower area also near the Blue Jays stadium

Duly got in just before 0930 and only a few people around so great . We opted for both viewing levels although not real confident of second higher one 👀. Simply stunning views of water on a glorious day and the 360 views were amazing

The next level up actually had no real benefit except for maybe feeling a slight wind sway 😳 . Then we headed down a floor below original level for some fun shots

We were then honoured with automatic Canadian Citizenship which was a nice gesture

By the time we got out just after 10 am there were at least 100 clowns lined up to go in. Ya snooze ya lose. On such a booteeful day we were keen to get out on water and look back on city but couldn’t quite get charter we wanted . So on we walked through some gardens . As usual these treats on holidays thrill me no end

Time then for some history stuff. A cannon here a fancy uniform there . That sort of stuff . I present Fort York. Where is another bench 🥱

It was certainly approaching drinking time but in a sketchy part of town so kept walking and turned down a rather dodgy alley full of Graffiti. Hey we had found…..Graffiti Alley

So, somehow I had fallen for the old garden fort alley shim sham and missed my drinking slot . The GFASS and I didn’t see it coming 🤦🏻‍♂️ Home then for a quick lunch before heading out again for some more highlights. Don’t want to get my hopes up but there is the possibility of a shoe museum. Lordy Lordy and I thought Niagara Falls would be the highlight of Toronto. If it isn’t as fascinating as it sounds I will just sit in the corner and pout

Time to try the Metro on the rather interesting underground Path system. Seems to work well and before you knew it we were in Museum Park looking for a bench. The ROM was known for some quirky architecture but at first we missed it until we turned corner . Also in same block was the University and then on other side of park Parliament House.

ROM was the entree but just down the street was the main course .

Lordy Lordy I am a seasoned traveller and been bored by some of the best museums in the world but would have to rank them now as

1. Bata Foot Fest
2. Daylight
3. Louvre
4. Smithsonian

Some quiet interesting displays including some new golf shoes for Scottie Scheffler inside and was good value being free

Then it was definitely time for a drink. At our breakfast this morning noticed a rather fancy bar at the Fairmont called The Library so tried our chances and got in. Crowded but got a seat and had a couple of cocktails

While drinking ours noted a very interesting drink being prepared two tables down with a fire created above the glass. Asked Ryan the waiter and he said it was a Sacred Beast which spookily is my X handle. He had me at bourbon so ordered one. He kinda stuffed up the whole presentation by lighting drink on tray but drink itself was great

One thing did notice about the drinks here was how much ice they used – saves on actual alcohol I guess

We took a slow amble home and continued on down towards the Flatiron building again . Some more things of interest along the way. Ended up having very nice fish and chips for dinner

Once again a very solid first full day in town. With Toronto the two main things of interest were CN Tower and Niagara Falls. Could not have asked for better day today for the tower. Only problem now is what do I do in the morning 🤔

Easy checkout and walk to station . It’s a bigger station than Quebec City and much better business lounge but same poor food available. Saw one lost soul who looked like she needed a friend. I asked the staff if they could find her one . Always thoughtful.

Longer trip today but should be ok if same train model as last time. Of course drink cart won’t be around in first 10 mins but not a bad thing after a rather full couple of days in Montreal 😏. Today’s moron award goes to the clown who arrived at boarding time with over size suitcases. He then stood in the lounge doorway – clue being the automatic doors were constantly open – while he transferred 3 kg from one bag to another. If boarding had not been 10 mins late he would have blocked access anyway. Of course thing that always pisses me off is people do zero research before taking the train ride and ask the most basic questions. Then after showing boarding pass at least 3 times to get onto train they then ask you to check your pass and that you are on correct train. CMS. At this stage seems less issue with luggage as less people on this longer trip although may get on at stops. Am in carriage 1 this time which means wheelchair accessible and we get the big toilet 👍🏻 Could swing a Moose in there . Now where is that drink cart🤔

A few more stops in a quiet car and then Carrie and the Girls got on and took up the 4 seats in front. And then the drink cart comes out and they can’t decide 🤦🏻‍♂️ Anyhoo still usual good trip and the lost soul is a drinker . Yay

We have requested and paid for a better room in Toronto so should be very comfortable . Will,be interesting to see how Toronto pans out. Plenty to see of course but first two days are the weekend and then full day trip to Niagara Falls on Monday before last full day on Tuesday . Hotel in good location but once more coffee shops don’t open before 7 am or even 8 am on weekend 😢 First world problems sure but the early morning coffee run was great in Vancouver and QC. Will still get out early and explore .

Usual excellent lunch and plenty to drink if so inclined. As sitting in an incline chair it seemed only fair to obey the rules 🤷🏻‍♂️

Very slow entry to station in end took about 15 mins and then we seemed to stop,short and had to go down 3 steep steps to get to platform and a thronging mass from two trains trying to go down one elevator. Out on the street and eventually made it to One King West . First impressions , not a great area. Second impression, not a great room for an upgrade . Hate to see original room with 150 less square feet .

From the brochure

One of the standout features of this room is the stunning corner location, which offers incredible views of the city and lake.

Ah nope . Just tall buildings. Its on 31 st floor and has a washer dryer etc so minor issues but once again it’s little things you miss

We did get 10 vouchers for free drip coffee and pastry daily at cafe on site. Paid for coffee – and a Cortado – and enjoyed pastry

Went out for a walk to meet the homeless as on most corners . And fucking street construction everywhere again 😡 Drizzly weather but still saw some great sights. Will look again tomorrow when weather supposed to clear .

Finally then time for a beer. Place really too noisy for us and picked up some pizza and headed home .

Think it will take some planning to get most out of Toronto. At present it looks a bit run down , crowded and messy downtown. Not sure what early morning walks will bring apart from imminent danger to personal safety 😏

Weather has cleared so out early for Trifecta of Horror. As not going back to Second Cup and only 630 am left with Tim Hortons, Starbucks and Maccas 😢 . At least didn’t get Tim Horton delivered at 630 am and leave outside door for 30 mins.

Went to Hortons first and asked for Latte. “ Hey Gloria why isn’t Latte available “? Machine is broken. Cappuccino? Same machine. Bye. Decision time and chose poorly methinks. Went with Starbucks and basically smallest size is a litre of milk and 3 coffee beans . Threw out after 2 sips and walked home.

Today then was Mad Montreal Mural March up in the Le Plateau Mont Royal neighbourhood. A few streets of note so will break up murals as there are a lot 😏🥞🏒

First up St Laurent Blvd which is a very long street which kinda connects our area with the Mont Royal area. A couple of street walkers but I kept head down.

We then detoured down Duluth and a bit rougher area but a pedestrian promenade made it easy walk . We turned into Rachel Street and found excellent coffee. It was the cats meow 🐈‍⬛

A few more turns here and there following our mud map. Am sure we missed some but saw plenty of great ones

Final step then was Square Saint-Louis to see some fancy houses

A great walking trip – 30 mins each way – but it was now approaching 10:30 am and I only have one mantra in life

A long walk then in opposite direction had us gasping for a frothy one but had to wait until 1130 for anything to open. Once again asked a clown cleaning tables at one place “ When do you open” He went and asked and came back with “11 or 1130 “. It’s 11:10 now Fucknuckle can we assume it’s 1130 😏 CMS. We settled on and settled in at Les 3 Brasseurs. Thought I had fallen for the old Froggie small beer shim sham but it was only a taster.

Being Oct 3 it seems we missed Oktoberfest by a week 🤦🏻‍♂️ Or did we….

Time then for Poutine Montreal Style which really is no different . We guessed Montreal Poutine may be worth a try and it was great on terrace with great bar and bartender Ryan.

We then had a quick crepe for a sugar hit and poor service at La Craperie nearby

We have dinner booked at downstairs restaurant on site for 6 pm and it was now approaching 2 pm so thought we may head home as almost had wobbly boot on and maybe a quick drink around 530 nearby before dinner. We had heard there was a great roof top bar at Place D’Armes on way home so thought well couldn’t hurt. Ah, it opens at 3 pm. One thing we have found this holiday is although service in bars and restaurants can be ordinary hotel staff have been great and this one directed us to Nelligans behind Notre Dame. Great views, lousy service

Ok better go home now and will skip the pre dinner drink as full as a state school hat rack. Another great morning in Montreal. Again though we found sit down at 1130 because my midday it is packed .

Did some packing and then headed down to Le Carre restaurant for dinner. Very nice meal but once again it’s little aspects you notice like no cutlery change – 1 knife and fork for bread and butter , shared Arancini and then lamb steaks 🤷🏻‍♂️ Of course expensive again

Quick breakfast tomorrow before heading to train station . It’s a 5:30 hr trip but from last experience won’t be a chore at all. Then it’s a final 5 nights in Toronto . I fear early morning coffee is a long distant memory until I return to Maryhole 😢