Look, I’m back! (And so is the internet!)
One week in and I am beginning to feel like I might be able to live in Toronto. My new found confidence did not come without a few stumbles and lessons along the way.
Things you should know about Toronto (if you are a poor peasant from Halifax, like myself)
1. Student passes for the TTC are not, in fact, for you. They are for high school students. At a cost of $104 for a monthly pass, the “student” pass is also not refundable. However, you needn’t fear! No one in Toronto will look you in the eye let alone look at your bus pass. Whew. Dodged that bullet.
2. Do not hold the doors open for anyone on the subway. You will be yelled at by an electronic female voice telling you that you are interfering with the TTC schedule, a most heinous crime. You can hold other doors for people, but they probably won’t do that for you.
3. When you are visiting The Room (housing the most wonderful designer labels) at The Bay on Yonge and Queen, and are asked by a salesman how you are feeling, do not reply “Overwhelmed.” He will look down his nose at you, and snap “By what?” When you reply “All of the gorgeous shoes!” he will scoff, turn on his heel, and walk away from you. Don’t despair, but rather smile that you have been fortunate enough to have a Pretty Woman moment. Aren’t you lucky!
But aside from all that hilarity, I am actually having a very good time just exploring. I spent six hours one day just walking about Toronto. My body is very grateful: this is the most exercise I’ve had in years, and I am convinced my calf muscles are becoming more defined. I have been very good shopping wise, splurging only on this amazing blazer from White Crow on Queen West.
This picture does not do justice to how vibrant this jacket really is. I am like a walking tangerine and I love it. I have also managed to find the most delicious cappuccino in Toronto, at Cafe Crepe. You really can’t fail with a name like that. Also my apartment does not have a coffee maker. Ergo, I am allowed to spend extra to feed my caffeine addiction. This is clearly logical.
Week one of interning has been pretty slow. My only task thus far has been to pitch 10 stories for the Plaid website. I met with Plaid’s editor-in-chief, Odessa Paloma Parker (what a name!) on Friday for drinks and to talk more about what I’ll be doing while in Toronto.
Turns out, I will be doing a lot. Pitching 10 stories a week, possibly taking over Plaid’s Tumblr, helping out with the Spring/Summer 2012 launch party, helping with a possible gallery show, working with Plaid’s marketing director to amp up the magazine’s presence, collaborating with the arts and cultures editor, and writing my own stuff as well. Best. News. Ever.
I also am finally back on a real Internet connection. The story is long but involves lost credit cards and unpaid bills and using an unsecured network called Shit Hawk (I kid you not). But it is back now, which means I will be blogging more.
Get excited.
