Week 58: Canadian National Exhibition 2013

Last Saturday I spent the entire day at our annual Canadian National Exhibition (CNE).  We're talking 10 hours!  I love and look forward to the CNE every year because it's so many things in one large area. You have shows with various entertainers, presentations of assorted interests, warehouse shopping, rides, food galore, games, an assortment of exhibits, competitions, and more.  It's so large and offers so much that in the 10 hours I was there I didn't even see half of it.  What a great way to spend a Saturday for under $20 per adult.

I made it a priority to see the four main shows offered this year beginning with The Flying Wallendas.  I wasn't overly impressed with this show because I've seen similar shows in the past.  Plus, after watching Nik Wallenda walk over Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon pretty much ruins it for the rest of the family.

One of the new additions this year is the President's Choice Financial Zip Line.  The tower is 126 feet high and the fee is $30.  I didn't try it because I've zip lined before in the Dominican Republic and that was good for this lifetime. You can check out the video in the link below to see what it would be like.

http://www.680news.com/2013/08/21/video-cne-zip-line-new-zip-line-gives-birds-eye-view-of-cne-grounds/

I've seen and been on many different rides but I was taken aback with this one, Mach3.  It only holds about 8 people per ride, 4 per side, and basically spins you around and around in the air.  I thought it looked quite neat but I wasn't prepared for rides that day.

Mach3

This game looked new to me as well.  The object is to climb the wall to the top to win a prize.  I only saw one kid play and he actually won!  

Climb to Win

At the Arts, Crafts, & Hobbies Pavilion I saw two very interesting exhibits.  First, was Bridesmaids Uncovered.  It was an amusing display of various bridesmaids' dresses from different time periods and countries around the world.  I've been a bridesmaid several times so I could totally relate.  Perhaps it's a little payback?

The second exhibit was called TOY-RONTO KINGDOM.  It's an amazing recreation of some of Toronto's famous landmarks using origami!

After visiting the Pavilion I watched another show entitled Mike D'Urzo, Mind Control.  He's essentially a magician, and not a good one.  Actually, his illusions weren't the problem but rather his showmanship.  I found him to be lame, lame, lame.  Although, I will give him credit for catching a paintball with his teeth that an audience member shot at him.  Still lame, though.

Mike D'Urzo, Mind Control

Every year the CNE has two sculpting competitions of interest, the Butter Sculpting Competition and the Sand Sculpting Competition.  Both always seem to be quite creative and captivating.

Butter Sculpting Competition

Sand Sculpting Competition

In the Farm Building you can enjoy a day in the life of Old MacDonald.

Alpacas in the Farm Building

The third show I watched was The Incredible Boris - Hypnotist.  Do you believe that people can really be hypnotized?  I think it's possible but highly unlikely that it would work on me.  I'd be too focused on the person sitting beside me who smells like moth balls or the wind that's blowing my hair out of place.  Anyway, apparently he hypnotized a bunch of people from the audience and convinced them they were all kinds of silliness to make us laugh, at their expense of course.  The finale was a real kicker when he played around with a couple who got engaged on stage.  

The Incredible Boris - Hypnotist

My fourth and final show of the day named Tic Toc: Acrobatic Show, was located in the RICOH Coliseum.  It was like a mini Cirque du Soleil.  There were parts that were quite mesmerizing and enthralling, but some that had me daydreaming about what to eat for dinner.

Tic Toc: Acrobatic Show

To end the day, I checked out two exhibits that I somewhat enjoyed.  In "History of the Future" they had a Chevrolet Volt (fully electric car) on display with only its frame and batteries.  Apparently they have a wait list if you're interested in ordering one.  They're only $45, 000.

History of the Future

Vroom!  Vroom!  That's what you'd hear if you had one of these babies - a Corvette Stingray.  On my way towards the exit I just had to stop and stare at this 450 horse power machine of speed.  Maybe this will be my mid-life crisis gift to myself.  Ah, something to look forward to.

Chevrolet displays the Corvette Stingray

Week 57: Toronto Premium Outlets (Canada's First Premium Outlet Mall)

Anyone who knows me well knows how much I love to shop.  In fact, I shop almost every weekend.  Toronto is a great place for shopping because you can choose a different mall each weekend without repeat for months.  Our newest mall just opened the beginning of this month and it's a first of its kind in Canada:  Toronto Premium Outlets.  The Financial Post states that, "Simon’s Premium Outlets portfolio features 79 Premium Outlet Centres including 64 in the United States, one in Puerto Rico, nine in Japan, two in South Korea, one in Malaysia and one in Mexico. Premium Outlet Centres in the United States are located primarily in or near major metropolitan markets such as New York, Los Angeles, Boston and Chicago and visitor markets such as Orlando and Palm Springs. Leading properties include Woodbury Common Premium Outlets (near New York City), Orlando Premium Outlets (Florida), Desert Hills Premium Outlets (Palm Springs, California) and Las Vegas Premium Outlets (Nevada)." (http://www.financialpost.com/markets/news/Toronto+Premium+Outlets+Grand+Opening+Unprecedented+Success/8739208/story.html)

First of all, this mall is NOT in Toronto.  It's official address is Halton Hills, Ontario which is about 45 km west of downtown.  There is no public transit accessibility; your choices are car or train.  You know it's really far out in the boonies when you see cows and horses and your nose is filled with the ripe aroma of manure.  Anyway, it was a good thing that I arrived late in the day because this place was very busy, and I could tell that it had been much worse earlier in the day because of signs that had been set aside stating "Parking Lot Full".  If you've been to a Premium Outlet mall in the U.S. then this mall would look similar to you, as it did to me.  There are 85 outlet stores to choose from so I suggest you go to their official website to get the list.  The popular stores still had line-ups to get in at 7pm!  I don't care how much you love a leather handbag or runners.  That's crazy.  The mall is so new that some stores weren't even open yet like Mexx and Burberry.  The food court is a bit better than some I've seen in the U.S. because they offer some culturally diverse choices other than grease and more grease.  However, there's only one place to get a coffee and it resembles a gas station quick-stop.  If you want your Tim's you better get it before you park the car.  There's actually a Tim Horton's at the corner of Steeles and Trafalgar.

As for the shopping, I definitely think it's worth a visit to see for yourself.  Just make sure you pack your patience and get there early.  These types of malls are not the places to just leisurely walk around or meet a friend for a coffee.  It's all business here.  There aren't many places to sit and eat or relax, and all doors to stores are outside like a strip mall.  I bought a pair of jeans and saved $20, but that was nothing compared to many people I saw with both hands filled with bags.  I figure it will only get busier as school approaches and then Christmas shopping will come soon thereafter.  The owners of this mall will be laughing all the way past the cows and horses to the bank.  Do you have what it takes to shop here???

The line-up to get into Coach at 7pm!

Food court

Week 56: Food Adventures in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan!

Over the long weekend I traveled to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to visit friends.  In addition to a pool party, bouncy castle kiddie park, shopping, and lots of play time with my new 4-year old buddy, I had an opportunity to try some of the local cuisine.  First, was "Browns Socialhouse".  From what I could find on their website, Browns Socialhouse is a restaurant/bar with locations in Saskatchewan and British Columbia; none in Ontario as of yet.  The interior reminded me of a "Spoon & Fork" or "The Keg".  I normally don't eat pizza, but I thought I'd take advantage of their daily special, $9 pizzas, because they had an interesting selection to choose from.  I'm all about the different so I chose the most unique pizza called the Biltmore.  It included pesto, feta, shrimp, sun-dried tomato, and a jalapeno white sauce.  Doesn't it sound quite novel for pizza?  Look below for the photos.

Biltmore Pizza

It was rich and tasty, but not something I'd consider to be an appropriate meal for one.  I think it would be perfect as an appetizer for two or more to share.


Next, was my second attempt at trying Ethiopian food; the first time I tried it was over a decade ago in Winnipeg, Manitoba and I was not overly impressed.  However, I figured that this time might very well be different because my palate has drastically matured since then.  The restaurant I went to was called "Saba's African Cuisine".  My dinner companions shared the Vegetarian Combination whereas I had the Meat Combination which includes both meat and vegetables.  The thing to know about Ethiopian food is that it basically comes on a big piece of flat edible bread with several piles of various vegetables and/or meat that is meant to be scooped up with the bread and eaten.  So, no need for cutlery.  The food is tasty and spicy. My favourite was the chicken drumstick.  But, I got very full quite fast and my digestive system was not overly pleased with me the following day.  I think I'll listen to my body and take another break from the Ethiopian food for another few years or so.  I guess I have an adolescent palate after all.

Vegetarian Combination

Meat Combination

Week 55: Back to Buffalo!

I enjoyed Buffalo, New York so much the last time I went there that I just had to book a night's stay once again during this summer.  Since I enjoy to mix some old goodies with some new experiences, I had planned on shopping at my favourite places (Fashion Outlets Mall, Walmart, Target, JCPenney) and then going into downtown Buffalo because I missed it completely during my previous trips.  Also, I wanted to try the Olive Garden restaurant; we don't have any here.

This time I went from Sunday to Monday instead of Saturday to Sunday and it was a total breeze with no traffic hassles on the highway or at the borders, both ways.  The hotel was about $40 cheaper too.  The malls open a bit later on Sunday, 11am, but I easily killed time at the nearby Walmart.  I spent $150 and bought a number of items like 2 pairs of pants, sunglasses, toiletries, dental Waterpik, etc.  It was a pretty good value.

For dinner on Sunday I got to try the Olive Garden Italian Restaurant.  I ordered the Seafood Brodetto from their "Lighter Fare" menu.  It includes scallops, shrimp, and tilapia with spinach and mushrooms in a marinara broth - no pasta or rice.  You do, however, get to choose between soup or salad with your meal and garlic bread sticks.  I tried both the soup and salad, but the salad was the real winner.  My Seafood Brodetto was alright; I'll try something different if I return.  I had an opportunity to sample the Steak Gorgonzola-Alfredo and it was very rich and tasty.  Perhaps you'd be ill if you ate an entire order of it though.  I certainly couldn't eat all that, digest it, and feel good about myself afterwards.

Steak Gorgonzola-Alfredo

Seafood Brodetto

The next morning I thought I'd try the American version of a Tim Horton's breakfast at Dunkin' Donuts.  I ordered your typical breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese and sausage on an English muffin with a medium coffee.  Now I can say with certainty that America might run on Dunkin' but this Canadian DOES NOT.  The coffee was weak and watered down, and the sandwich was average at best.  I will never doubt Tim's again.

The drive into downtown Buffalo was a bit "interesting".  I drove through an area that can best be described as sketchy with dilapidated houses and closed up shops covered in boards and spray paint.  Once actually in the downtown area it was cleaned up and more welcoming, but small and fairly boring.  I didn't even stop the car to get out and look around.  A brief drive around a few blocks was all it took and then I was off for home.

All in all, I really enjoyed my time in Buffalo.  It's rural, pretty, friendly, stress-free, offers some interesting stores/restaurants that we lack, and is only 2 hours away.  Would I live there?  NEVER!

Week 54: New Brunswick Travels & Tales

I make it a priority to go home to New Brunswick to visit my loved ones twice a year, every winter and summer.  In the winter I fly and in the summer I drive.  The flight is a quick 1.5 - 2 hours one way, whereas the drive is 16 hours including short stops for gas, etc.  I've made this driving trip more than 15 times and I think I have it perfected.  I prefer to start the long and very boring drive from Ontario in the evening, after rush hour, and go straight through the night.  This way I avoid driving in the dark in New Brunswick which is very scary with all the moose, deer, and complete wooded darkness.  There's a shortcut through New Brunswick to get to my hometown, called the Plaster Rock Highway, which is about 1.5 hours of driving through the thick forest with absolutely NOTHING or NO ONE, not even cell towers!  It's not unheard of or even uncommon for someone to see or hit a moose on this stretch of highway.  In the day it's not that bad.  But, at night it's an entirely different story.  Thankfully, I've been pretty lucky the times I've played "chicken" with the moose at night on the Plaster Rock Highway.  Although, a few years ago I had a very close call.  As I was driving I spotted two moose on the side of the highway across the road.  Seconds later another moose came out of the woods and started to charge towards my vehicle.  Moose, by the way, are crazy.  Anyway, for some unknown reason the moose changed its mind at the last second and took off across the road and into the woods.  The other two moose crossed and followed.  I've also seen a few deer along that road, and although they can do a great deal of damage to your car, they are nothing compared to a certifiably insane moose.  Since I've been taking the Plaster Rock highway during the day I've only spotted a few tiny critters like rabbits and chipmunks.  I'll take Alvin and his brothers over Bullwinkle any day.

Most people who visit New Brunswick probably try their fair share of seafood.  I'm not a big seafood fan, but I enjoy a good lobster roll.  There's something I've been wanting to try at home for a couple of years now, and it's not offered in Ontario.  Both McDonald's and Subway offer lobster sandwiches on their menus.  I thought it was pretty neat and definitely worth a taste test.  The first one I sampled was the McDonald's McLobster:

Cost:  $7

It was fairly tasty with an appropriate amount of lobster meat.  I enjoyed it and recommended it to others.

The second was the Subway lobster sandwich.  This one totally rocked my taste buds.  What's always great about Subway is that you can customize your sandwich with many different toppings and sauces. My delicious sammie included:  6" honey oat bread toasted with cheddar cheese, extra lettuce, green pepper, onions, olives, hot peppers, jalapenos, lobster (of course), chipotle mayo, and a bit of salt and pepper.  It was really something.  If you're ever in New Brunswick in the summer and want to try a fast food lobster sandwich - go to Subway.  Cost:  $8.

Future thoughts:  Maybe I should go out and buy a live lobster and cook it up in a pot and try to eat it.  I've never cooked a lobster or eaten a whole one either.  In fact, I talk to the lobsters in the tanks at the grocery stores.  What a blog post that would be, eh?

Week 53: FORD FEST (Celebrating Toronto's Famous/Infamous Mayor)

Last week I received the most interesting telephone message.  It was an invitation to Mayor Rob Ford's annual Ford Fest being held this year in Scarborough at Thompson Memorial Park.  You don't have to be a Torontonian to know who Rob Ford is.  He's been all over the international news for various scandals, the most recent being for alleged crack use.  I just HAD to take the Ford family up on their kind offer to see what this Ford Fest would involve.  With Ford, you never know.  I have no idea how to, if even possible, attach an audio file to this blog so I created a Photo Booth video so that you could listen to the Ford Fest invite I received.

So, I arrived at 8pm and was surprised at the large number of people.  I guess that was pretty dumb of me since they were offering free food, drinks, and entertainment.

There were line-ups all over the place and no one really seemed to know what they were in line for.  I signed some clipboard, probably not the best decision, and received a Rob Ford business card.  I thought that maybe I'd receive a gift like a Rob Ford bobblehead or something; no such luck.

After some further detective work I found a little tent where the big man himself was taking photos with people.  By the way, that was what one of the big line-ups was for.  I betcha those who were expecting a hamburger and hot dog were really disappointed after reaching the front of that line.  I would have LOVED a picture with our great mayor but I was not getting in any lines for anyone.  However, something wonderful and magical did happen. As Mr. Mayor took a brief break from photos he decided to shake hands with those surrounding the tent.  THAT'S WHERE I WAS!  I was one of the last to be blessed with his moist palm, but it did in fact happen.

As for the entertainment -  Well, there was a singer named Jenny James who actually sang a song dedicated to Rob Ford.
The lyrics went something like this:

"Mayor Ford - last cowboy.
Mayor Ford - Toronto's defender.
He stood tall amidst accusations.
Mayor Ford, the one you'll remember."

And no, I'm not making this up.  Don't worry if you missed it.  I'm sure it'll be on the Juno list for next year.  Oh, what a night!