Friday 23 Jan - Toronto

Woke up way earlier than I expected as I got to bed soooo late. Just lazed around for ages then headed down to the restaurant for breakfast. Buffet breakfast and there is a lady who makes your eggs to order – omelette and stuff – most excellent. There was also a waffle making machine, where you make your own waffles, and that was beautiful! I am so doing that again.

Then I headed out to shop. I started at about 11 am, serious for a warm jacket for warm ole Timmons. I find it really odd that a lot of shops don't open til late - 10/11am. I went to the Eaton Centre, now that is one serious shopping centre! There are 4 levels of shops. I bought this really nice jacket from RW and co for $30 marked down from $160. It’s not long enough, or probably warm enough, but who can resist such a bargain! Shopped at Lush, love it, and pretty much did not do so well finding a long black jacket. Oh well there is always tomorrow afternoon. I did get to the biggest bookstore in the world – seriously that is what it is called. Not sure that it really is, but it is great!

I ended up at the hotel, had a beautiful relaxing bath, soaking my sore, aching feet. Oh my gosh! Had a couple of hours to get organised before I had to go to the first part of the Welcoming Exchange Teachers conference.

I walked to the apartment building where the welcome night was. It was just 2 blocks away, and despite the sore feet, I survived. Still wary about the people on the street, but there were heaps of normal people out and about!

At the welcome I met a few people, I didn't get to as many as I thought I would. I met a lovely couple- Keryn and Steve- who are in Toronto. I was really impressed with them and found it very easy to chat to them. Organised to get a lift part way to the school and inservice with them. I walked home from the meeting, again wary, but bought a hot tea from Starbucks to throw at anyone that looked dangerous!! I got to drink it all instead. Not that bad out there!

That's about the wrap up though!