Summer Break: Toronto

As summer draws to a close in most of the world, I’m sharing the final story in my 3-part travel series, it features Toronto and an early summer week in June.

I walk out of customs at Toronto Pearson International at 1 a.m., lugging a tote bag and a carry-on, looking out to the sea of bodies waiting to receive their loved ones or perfect strangers. I don’t expect one of those waiting bodies to be my best friend, Mofi. I’m so surprised to see her that I hop -both feet bouncing up and down- excitedly towards her and wrap her in a hug. 

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I visited Toronto for the first time in the Spring of 2010 to see my family and take a month-long summer vacation from college. 

Since then, I’ve returned frequently to stay for a few days or pass through Toronto on my way to another city in Canada. I visit often to see Mofi, whom I’ve been friends with since I was 12. 

Because we have lived in separate countries for most of our friendship, visiting each other’s home city is routine; however, the privilege to do so is anything but. 

While I travel a lot for curiosity’s sake, travel is also functional in my relationships: it shrinks the gap in timezone and distance and brings me closer to the people I love the most. 

As I continue to have a growing family of loved ones scattered across the world, I hope that travel remains a piece of the thread that pulls us together. 

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Here’s a photo gallery of some of my favorite moments in Toronto with Mofi:

Good to Know

• I flew nonstop from San Francisco to Toronto, an almost 6-hour flight. I tracked flight prices and booked my ticket through Google Flights. 

• Ferries leave from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to one of 3 Toronto Islands. We visited Hanlan’s Point, which has a lush sprawling park, a clothing-optional beach, and views of the Toronto Skyline. 

• I really enjoyed eating from: El Rey, Mild Afro Lounge, Golden Patty (the goat patty is wonderful), Skylight Rooftop Bar at the W Hotel, and LaMoon Thai Cafe (their flaky empanada-style puffs are a 10/10).

I’m thankful for the gift of travel and the opportunity to see my loved ones wherever they are. May I never lose sight of how much of a blessing this is.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the “Summer Break” series. If this is the first story you’re reading, I’d love for you to check out Summer Break Miami & Disney World here & here. 

As always, 

Thank you for reading!

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Same Footprints, Different Sands