Vacationing on my own Friday Night Fun!

After what can be considered a hellish kind of a year I had the opportunity to have a vacation. My daughter was with my ex girlfriend in Newfoundland, and I, in the first time in my adult life, was free to do what ever I wished. It was an odd feeling. I was with my ex husband since I was 16 and the only vacation we had gone on was our honeymoon to PEI where we drove to the east coast and back in 5 days. Most of the time he spent driving or drinking. It wasn't a whole lot of fun. My ex girlfriend and I had gone on vacation together, but we were always responsible for my child. So I hadn't had the opportunity to do much of anything by myself. This was a real first in my adult life.

Originally I had organized a karate camping seminar which went by the wayside. I had decided that I was going camping regardless of what happened and I would have people there who wanted to be there. Camping was my only solid plan, that and going to visit my friends in Hastings.

I felt like I did the first day that she was in school when she left on her vacation. I was alone, but this time I had no other arms to comfort me. I decided to go visit a buddy of mine in Toronto.  

It felt like a real vacation. Her condo by the Toronto harbour had a picturesque view and we toured around a few parts of the city. We chatted like school girls, it's amazing how time can transport you through the decades.
 

The view from her condo was stunning and we walked along the waterfront for hours. We then took an uber cab to the village to see the sites there. After a harrowing drive we had dinner and wandered aimlessly chatting. 

We decided to walk back to her condo. After all it was only 3.5 kilometres and the best thing to do in Toronto is walk! Along the way we passed some interesting sites and then decided to go out to the harbour front again. The harbour front was hosting an Iranian festival and we got to listen to all kinds of music and I learned about a new instrument called a “Ney” It's very similar to a simple fipple flute in it's design, but it's played between the gum and the lips. I had never seen such an instrument before. My dear friend was incredibly patient with me as I stopped and stared for a long time, a

mazed that such sounds could come out of such an awkward mouth piece. We then travelled to the art gallery and saw artwork from the Iranian population that reminded them of “home”. I was beautiful to behold. I had started to relax and was thoroughly enjoying my time with Stacy! We wandered to the steam whistle brewery and saw the neat trains and wandered up to the CN tower which always is kind of amazing. It always seems to make me dizzy when I'm standing on the foot to stare up and try and find the top of it!

There was so much to do and see I was almost overwhelmed, but I was deliriously happy. Stacy had promised me a vacation and she treated me like a queen. The air mattress in the living room was exceedingly comfy. Once the patio doors were closed the sounds of Toronto faded away and a went to sleep.

In the morning I woke up to a brilliant sunrise over Lake Ontario. I helped myself to a coffee and went out on her patio and watched the boats come and go. I was amazed how busy it was for 6:30 am, the streets were empty which was another amazing site!

I hoped I hadn't made to much noise rattling the cupboards and my friend slumbered peacefully until about 7:30 am. She then took me out for breakfast (I was starting to feel like a pampered princess at this point and was loving it!)

We walked along the harbour front again checking out the sites. I was amazed how much had changed in the few hours between sleeping and waking. My only regret is that we didn't ride a street car. I'm unsure if I've ever been on one. I think I have, but it's one of those experiences that I'd like to repeat to make sure!

I had an amazing time with my friend Stacy, and am ever grateful for a first amazing day of my vacation!