Not just another city

Tired of dealing with the worrisome pupillage application, I headed down to Parkway for a stroll and to borrow some books. The humid weather has a somniferous effect and it is of little surprise that my afternoons are usually unproductive. Window shopping around Parkway Parade, I was disappointed to see that nothing has changed (except shop assistants tagging on the new GST prices). It suddenly occurred to me that we like to think that our absence will affect our social environment but no, the world moves on without you.

I had a sudden yearning for Toronto's dollar shops, the cool and dry weather and choc glazed Timbits (doughnut balls). I realise that many Singaporeans view Canada as playing second fiddle to the US and they deem Toronto to be another small quiet Canadian town. Admittedly, I was more excited with the thought of visiting NYC than Toronto but I grew fond of Toronto in a way I didn't with NYC. While NYC is like the rich vanilla frosted cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery (which I unfortunately did not visit), Toronto is akin to the comforting doughnuts from Tim Hortons (with the 3hr queue at Donut Factory, you wonder why there aren't more doughnut shops in Singapore). I love the energy of NYC but Toronto is more liveable and hospitable.

To dispel further misconceptions of Toronto, here are some facts:

1. Toronto is Canada's financial and economic centre
2. Toronto is the largest city in Canada
   
3. Toronto is the 5th largest city in N. America
4. Toronto is the third largest movie and television production centre after LA and NY
5. Toronto's art scene is second only to Broadway (NYC) and West End (London)
6. Toronto has the largest transit system in N. America after NYC
7. Toronto has the largest underground PATH network (a labyrinth of shops, eateries)
   
8. Toronto International Film Festival is second only to Cannes
   
9. Toronto is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world;
10. and there is no pressure for you to assimilate, you can retain your cultural identity
11. Torontonians enjoy generous social welfare benefits (that explains the painfully high taxes of 14%)
12. Torontonians are genuinely friendly and welcoming to newcomers
13. Toronto is safe (its nickname was and still is "Toronto the Good")
14. Toronto has one of the most comprehensive recycling system in N. America
15. Toronto is hailed as the greatest place to cycle in N. America (Cui was telling me how she cycles though heavy snow)
16. Toronto's Pride Parade is one of the biggest celebrations of gay culture in the world (and we saw lots of naked people)
17. Last but not least, the CN Tower, standing at 553m is the world's tallest free-standing structure